Brooks & Company Dance

Tonight we had the opportunity to mix a little business and pleasure at a fundraising event for the always fabulous Brooks & Company Dance Company. Hubby took photos and we mingled a bit and even participated in the Silent Auction (I scored some theater tix on that one!).

It was a lively and happy group and a gorgeous venue (The Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta). All in all a good chance to do our little part to support the arts.

The Lions Rule!!!

I am proud of our football team! Those boys sure play with lots of heart.

Last night we played the Lakeside Cougars and won 30-27! It went right down to the wire and was very exciting as the minutes ticked off of the clock!

Congratulations boys!!!

Whirlwind weeks

Since the Florida trip, we have been running around like crazy people. First we came back and had to get ready to go back to work. By Tuesday, DS11 was throwing up and DS12 had problems with the other end of his body. Then I did. We missed 3 days of school and I ended up getting tested for H1N1, but tested negative, thank goodness.

But, I was so dehydrated by the time they tried to draw blood for the test, my veins were collapsing and I had to be stuck 3 times. I was a mess by the end of it.

In the meantime, just as we were recovered, DS12 became DS13 and I had to pull my house together for a party. He has never asked for a party with kids coming over before and I wasn't about to tell him no. But, recovering from being sick and getting it all pulled together was a chore and a half!

But, the party went well and we have all stayed healthy since and I am so grateful for that part.

Life is messy, but good!

Sea World and Shamu, too!

Today, we took the boys to Sea World and we had all been looking very forward to it.  Excitement was definitely running high.

Unfortunately, it rained all morning.  By the time we left the park, we were like wet rats.  Well, wet, salty, rats at any rate.  Shamu and her friends made sure that we never got a chance to be dry again!  That was a bit much for DS12, my aspie.  He refused to go to anything that involved a possibility of getting wet for the remainder of the day.  We left a bit before hubby and DS11, who were wanting to get in some thrill rides.

They tell me that the Atlantis ride was a big hit, but they can't describe too much of it because they took their glasses off and put them in a fanny pack so that they wouldn't get damaged or lost.  However, the Sea Hag was apparently very scary sounding.

I was very impressed with DS12's stamina today.  He generally has a very hard time with anything that is very physical, but, despite a few rough spots, he did very well for over 5 1/2 hours.  I figured that he would be good for about 3 or so.   DS11, as always, is a trooper that can go for miles and miles if critters are involved.  

Feeding the dolphins was a huge hit and the dolphin nursery was really cool.  Apparently, puffins are insane!  All in all, a great day.

9/11/2001 Always Remembered

Each year we take a moment to respectfully remember those lost in the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001.  Each year, we remember, but have we truly wrapped our heads around how this has forever changed how we Americans will look at the world around us?

We try to make sure that our children know what happened and how courageous were those who died in the attacks or who died trying to save others.  Fire fighters, police officers, military personnel, both active and off-duty, and just plain civilians who never thought of themselves, but selflessly ran toward danger instead of away from it.  They are yet another reason to be proud to be an American.  Could these heroes have been any more Christ-like in their actions that day?

What about those daring souls who crashed the airliner they were riding on rather than have the White House targeted by these monsters?  

What about the families of all those who suffer as a result of these gut-less attacks on civilians and (largely) civilian targets?  These continue to feel the pain of their injuries and losses.

We must NEVER forget to honor them.

My "baby" brother!

Okay, well he is not a baby anymore, but we are still so very proud of him!  Today, he graduated from the Performance Automotive program at Universal Technical Institute in Orlando, Florida.

They had a nice ceremony for the families and graduates and then he took us around the school and introduced us to his teachers, friends, etc.  It is a gorgeous facility, very organized and clean.  I knew that the school's graduates have an excellent reputation in the automotive world, but, I must say that after seeing the grounds and facility and the professionalism of the teachers (who were holding classes as we were going through), that I am very impressed with UTI Orlando.

Now, he can return home and begin looking for a job.  Not fun, but a necessary quest!

Orlando bound!

This weekend, we are trekking to Orlando to see my brother graduate from his vocational college. He has tests that he will be taking right up to the morning of the ceremony, so his status can change from graduating senior to almost graduating senior at the drop of a hat.

He is working hard at his classes, but he is not a great test taker, so he is nervous. There is a lot riding on the next few days. We keep praying for him.

I am so proud that he has picked a direction for his life and gone after his goal. So many young adults just flounder and live at home without a direction. Unfortunately, getting a job in this economy is not going to be easy, but he already made contact with a couple of dealerships in the Atlanta area that might need someone, so that is positive.

If you know anyone who needs a good mechanic in middle or north Georgia, please drop me a line!

Another frugal day

Okay, it's standard fare by now, but I gave the boys haircuts today. That's $10 per kid that we get to keep, so I am glad about that.

Hubby was (finally) able to fix the a/c on my truck. It has been mighty warm this summer without it and we have been pretty miserable in 98% humidity, but we didn't succumb to spending money that we don't have to put it in the shop.

After lots of piddling around with it and diagnostic nosing around, he determined that a $50 part would do the job and that he could put it in himself. I am glad about the cost of the part, because he initially thought it would take a $250 assembly and he didn't know if he could do it himself.

So, patience and perseverence paid off. I am almost sorry that I whined about it from time to time.

Congrats Lions!

Well, our boys did it. We won against Twiggs County. Of course, racism seems to rear its ugly head whenever we head too far away from home. It's amazing how many people seem to have a problem with the fact that we accept students and athletes with many different colors of skin.

Apparently that is offensive. Personally, I'd rather be where everyone is loved and accepted than try to pervert Christianity with racism.

But that is just me.

Game Tonight in Twiggs County

Go Lions! Tonight, our Varsity football team will compete against a Christian school in Twiggs County. My prayers are with all of the athletes and families. We always ask for safe travels, good sportsmanship, and Christian attitudes.

Play hard, guys!!!

Fundraising

It's that time of year again.  Fundraising.  It's not fun, but it is very necessary.

So, since I am not above begging - ahem - we are selling cases of 20 oz Coca Cola products for $20 per case of 24 bottles.  This includes Minute Maid drinks, Dasani Water, Power Aid, etc.  If anyone in the middle Georgia area is interested, let me know and we will work something out.

Also, we are selling discounted magazine subscriptions that can be used to purchase a new subscription OR even to renew an existing subscription.  So, if you would like to purchase any magazines, let me know.  It doesn't matter where you live because they will be delivered direct to your door via USPS mail.

We are a small private school that needs your help.

Go Lions!

Okay, this is very late, but I have been having computer problems at home and wanted to get to post this, so I had to post it at work.

Our football team won last Friday night!!!  Yipee!  This is only our second year with a team, so this feels great!  The kids all played well and showed such heart.

It's a fun way to spend a Friday night!