Retail Therapy

Today, my wonderful husband, David, treated me to some time off.  I treated myself to some retail therapy, shopping and buying.  For some of you who know me, this comes as a shock.  I am not much of a shopper, more of a wanderer, really not a buyer.  I am too frugal for that. I can't stand to spend money. (I'll get to that in another post)  But, every once and a while, like every good woman, I can enjoy a good day of shopping and buying. :)  Why is that?  Why does a woman feel so good after a good purchase? 

Today, I wandered a local arts and crafts festival.  One vendor had these homemade soup making kits.  All the spices, etc ready to go and all you have to do is add meat/beans/cheese.  It smelled delicious.  As I wandered over, she offered me a taste.  Oh. My. Word.  Unbelievably good.  Yes, I bought some and can't wait to make them!!  I also ended up buying some candles that I have had my eye on for about 4 years (see, how hard it is for me to spend).  I ate lunch (moderately priced quiche) at the bookstore (a heavenly escape for me) then I hit the mall. Alone. Sigh.  Hmm, I tried on clothes at Dillards (I had a credit there) and spent it on ladies apparel.  I bought some wallflower refills from Bath and Body.  Apple. :)  I found a new store for teens, an off shoot of American Eagle and found a cute dress for Sara Beth for $12. :)  Found a shirt for Katie for a happy (on sale with extra 40% off - under $4).  Target was next, looked at anti-aging creams without impatient children around.  Oh, and I bought a new spatula.  Our old one molded down the handle.  The new one is all one piece.  Of course it was more expensive than the two piece ones, and it killed me but I felt it was an investment.  For $5 it ought to last forever. 

So that was my day.  I came home feeling refreshed and ready to go.  That lasted till bedtime.  I think I need another day off tomorrow too.  Just to be sure.  I mean it is a busy week.  Hunting season started.  My son will be 11.  I have to do a birthday.  You know, I spent some money today.  I enjoyed it.  But now the guilt has started.  I need tomorrow to return everything. :)  (just kidding.  That is just every other time I shop)

Thankful Thoughts for Thursday (well,I am trying anyway)

I am needing to put a positive spin to my thoughts today, so in order to help me, I will start each one with thankfulness. :)  Here it goes-

*I am thankful for good doctors, despite having to wait for two hours to see him.

*I am thankful that I own more than three shirts.  That is the number of shirts I have managed to stain in the last 24 hours.

*I am thankful that evening comes each day and that I have a bed upon which to lay my head.

*I am thankful that I have learned to manage on my own during the last 72 hours without my mother or husband around.  (That sounds like I am a weanie, but I really needed some childcare help.  Said child just stayed home alone.  Don't worry, it wasn't Katie.)

*I am thankful for the hint of fall in the air, despite sweating to death the last two days.

*I am thankful that 5 of my friends are getting to take their kids to Disney World this fall.  Truly, I am so excited for them!  I just wish I fit into a carry-on.

*I am thankful that, as I was filling my laundry detergent dispenser thingy, that some of it spilled over the side and all over my hand.  Otherwise, I don't think it all would have fit.

*I am thankful for my new computer, even though I haven't had time to figure anything new on it yet, nor look for my pictures.

*I am thankful for my sweet children, who are arguing.  If I didn't have them, then things would be too quiet.

*I am thankful for kids old enough to stay home alone so David and I can have a date this weekend.

*I am truly, truly thankful!!  Despite my sarcasm, life is good and I am blessed beyond measure!!

Maroon!!......White!!!

If you know the Pritchards well enough, you know that we are die hard Mississippi State fans.  I mean, after all, if it weren't for Mississippi Stae, then you wouldn't have the Pritchards at all.  (Yeah, I know that God could have worked through all of that to get us together regardless, but I think He chose a grand spot for it).

We were blessed to be able to get our hands on some tickets for the football season opener against Memphis. The kids haven't been to a home game yet, so what a great chance.   Playing against Memphis made it even more fun.  Upon arrival we drove around a bit, showing them some spots from our lives there, including driving by the Baptist Student Union, where we met.  (There's where it all started, kids!)  We then parked for the day and did a walking tour of some fun spots. 
Of course, everything has changed so much!  There is even a Chick-Fil-A on campus, right across from the Starbucks.  How I could have blown some money there back in my day.  (Which makes me wonder how will we ever pay for college for our kids??) 

During our walking tour around campus, David and I were amazed at the change in pre-game activities.  Back in the day, before a game we would gather at someone's house or apartment or just go out to eat, then go straight to the game.  Umm, not now.  Everywhere we looked were tents.  Tents with lots of ymmy food, cowbells, and large flat screen tv's hooked to satellite dishes.  What????  Are you serious???  But as we thought about it, why not hang out in the tents, participate in festitivies, then watch the game from the comfort of your favorite chair with great homemade food.  Not such a bad idea after all.  I like this idea.  :)  It got us all excited about when our kiddos go there.  (well, you never know, but I think we have at least one firm commitment).

The game itself was a blast!  Jumbo tron, air conditioned area for bathrooms and eating, Dreamland bar-b-q nachos.  Just divine.  The kids had a blast with all of it, especially ringing their new cowbells.  David thought it only fitting that they each have their own.  Jake got maroon, while Sara Beth and Katie got pink, although Katie's is pint sized. So cute.  These wonderfully loud noisemakers were purchased at the on campus Barnes and Noble (again, what???) right by the stadium, where there must have been around 50,000 of the 56,000 game attendees in line.

The Bulldogs smeared the Tigers (of course).  I saw the best t-shirt.  At the top it said "Memphis Bar-b-q Bulldog style" and the picture was Bully holdling a (small) Tiger on a skewer over a grill.  Loved it!!   We came home late, completely covered with nacho cheese sauce, face paintings of pawprints, and kids who are Maroon and White forever!



I just lost a year off of my life

Today was a crazy day.  Left the house at 8:30, school, Bible Study, Chick-Fil-A, library, school, dentist (for 2 hrs with three kids), returned at 4:30.   I am not used to days like this.  I am getting older and days like this make me feel really older.  But that isn't what got me.

David managed to make it home earlier tonight than lately.  (This is his busy season, so he many times works until dark)  Because he made it home early, we were able to grab some family time and played Clue.  Mrs. White, in the conservatory, with the lead pipe.  And David won.  He always wins.  But that isn't what got me.

After our game, while the kids were getting ready for bed, I was cleaning up the kitchen and getting the garbage together.  I happened to glance in the dining room, right where it meets the kitchen.  There on the floor is a black lizard.  I thought, "Oh, those kids are at it again.  Trying to scare me with that lizard.  Usually it's bugs.  Oh.  Wait.  We don't own a black striped plastic lizard.  THERE'S A LIZARD IN THE DINING ROOM!!!"   It looked like this. But that isn't what got me.

Of course, everyone comes running, asking "Can we keep it?  Can we keep it?".  David starts trying to figure out how to get it out. It is obviously not right, because it isn't moving  much at all.  David takes a large bowl and places it over the lizard.  He then slides a folder under the bowl, to lift it up.  The folder is giving a little so there is a gap.  I reach over and place my hand under it so it is flush with the bowl.  By the way it is a clear bowl so we can see that the lizard has some life left in him.  He is flinging himself (or herself.  I didn't get close enough to check gender) all over that bowl.  So, not only can we see him, but hear the thuds as well.   Nice.

As I reached my hand under, David moved slightly so it would be easier for us.  In the process, a slight gap appeared.  Little fella decided to take his chance at freedom.  On me.  I promise you, he nose-dived right into my legs.  Well, that led to my legs jumping my wholeself onto the counter.   THAT is what got me.

The lizard thudded to the floor.  I guess he must just be claustrophobic b/c the only time we saw him move was while he was in the bowl.  Jake and David finally managed to get him out the door (while laughing at me the whole time).  Once set free, the lizard just sat there (stunned by the crazy woman leaping through the air emitting high pitched noises).  David nudged him and he was off.  Slowly.

David came in and delcared that this incident just took a year off of my life.  I think they should be happy that they ended the day with a laugh.

Go Bluefins!!!

Back in the summer of 2005, the Pritchards were introduced to the sport of competitive swimming.  That summer we joined the Y and became a Bluff City Bluefin family.  It was a great experience for Sara Beth and Jake, who were 7 and 5 at the time.  Katie, at 18 months, was a tad too young.  :)   Since joining we have had 5 great summers swimming with this team.  We did 4 yrs, took a break, then completed our 5th year this summer.  Oh, and yes, Katie joined in the fun as well.  

What I love about summer swimming is that it keeps the kids active in the summer, keeps us cool, and is just a whole lot of fun.  Our typical week looks like this.  When morning practices begin, we are out the door at 7:30.  Yep, that's right.  Even in the summer.  Katie practices from 8-9.  Sara Beth and Jake either lay around and try to wake up or they take some time and swim for fun.   At 9, they switch.  Usually at the time Katie has some playmates and they take off to swim and play together.  At 10, the same children who earlier said they were so tired and didn't want to swim today, come up and ask if we can stay.  (Maybe I exaggerate a bit, but you get the idea).  Most days, before dragging out the door at 7:30, we will have managed to grab some snacks, we can have the flexibility to stay and play for a while.  On those days, sometimes we wouldn't get home till 12.  Okay, so that is Monday - Wednesday.  Thursdays are meet days, so if we went to practice that morning, we usually headed home as soon as it was over.  Thursday afternoons were spent getting ready: each child gets dressed, gets a back of things to do and snacks, then line up so I can write their events on their arms and names on their backs.  Yes, I know.  In sharpie no less.   Then we head out the door at about 4:30.  Meets start at 6, end at 10.  We come home, drop in the bed, and sleep in on Fridays. :)

We have found that it is a great activity and one everybody does together so it makes for a great family event.  We are considering year round swimming but haven't made that dive yet.  (pun intended)

Here are some highlights of our year.

Katie, freestyle

Sara Beth, backstroke.
Gotta love the grin!

Katie, again, in a relay

Jake, at City Meet

What a haul!! 

I cannot forget to add that the Bluefins were city champs again!!!  Way to go Bluefins!!

Technology

Oh, the joys of technology.  Well, I guess so...maybe...gotta think on that one a bit.  Honestly, and some of may actually gasp out loud, I find that technology is more of a burden to me than it is a help.  Maybe it is my age that makes it a burden.  My kids seem to catch on quickly enough.  So, I don't know what it is, but I do know it makes my life more complicated.  How can the be, you ask?  Let me explain.

Instead of sitting down and writing a note, I type an email.  Since I can type faster than I can write, I write more.  Then the computer decides it doesn't like my email.  It shuts down, crashes, whatever and my email is lost.  So is my time.  The mailman will always be there.   Computers can be ornary.

Our computer crashed several weeks ago and we got our new one yesterday.  So instead of doing fun things like cleaning my shower or doing laundry, I get to figure out where all my pictures went and how to download programs we thought were on it and are not.  See, I have better things to be doing.

I like the feel of a good book in my hand.  I do not like holding metal while I read.  Therefore I do not want a Kindle.  What would you do if that thing crashed right at the last chapter?  Or if it decided to not turn the page right as the killer was being identified ...on the next page.  No, I'll keep my paper thank you.

What about encyclopedias and afternoons at the library doing research in reference books that can't be checked out?  There is great value in that don't ya' think.  It seems way too easy for my kids to do research and look up words in the ipod dictionary app. 

And then there's facebook and blogs.  They just pull you in to no avail.  It seems like we can't even think about life before we had instant access to each other's lives.  Don't get me wrong, I love those things (many times too much).  But it has to be managed.  Thought about.  Decided upon whether if now is a good time to quickly check up on things.  Complicated.

Cell Phones: the ever present connection to everything.   Can't say that this is a good thing.  What about just being, sitting, enjoying a glass of sweet tea on the porch.  Of course, the phone is a choice and can be turned off.  But then, it is waiting when you turn it back on.  Voicemails, emails, texts.  Now, I am not bashing cell phones.  I see the advantage in them.  That's why we have them (so I can safely run away from home and still be able to handle issues that come up).   :)

Do you see the complicated-ness of all of this?  Maybe you do, maybe you don't.  But secretly in my mind, I hope for that long awaited solar flare to hit and fry all of this stuff and we will be back to square one.  Isn't that awful?  Just in case, I have made sure my kids know how to look up words in the dictionary (still working on the encyclopedia thing), know how to exercise without the wii, and now how to hand wash dishes just in case those dishwasher push buttons break.   For me, I am old enough to remember life before all of this stuff.   It was nice. :)

So, now our new computer is almost functional.  So now I can blog again.  To avoid my favorite activities of housecleaning and grading papers. 

Tidbits of our Week

A few things about my week. Random, yes, but hopefully interesting.

*At Veritas you can most certainly differentiate between new homeschoolers and young ones versus us veterans.  There were lots of cameras, esp among those parents of young students. 

Parents of young students - "Oh, my sweet, sweet child is starting school.  He is such a big boy.  Let us make a moment with the whole family.  Say, Cheese". 

Me -"THANK YOU, JESUS, for Veritas!  You are honestly saving my life.  Bye kids, go on now, shoo.  Is there anyway that they can stay later?  Come another day?." 

See the difference.

*Parents at Veritas cannot walk or drive through a parking lot safely.  Maybe they are so distracted by their emotions.   I would back my car up, stop, back up an inch, stop, repeat.    If you are wondering if that was you, it wasn't.  No one I knew was one of these who almost walked into the end of my van.  I have since found a better parking space.  Oh, but wait.  Carpool line starts next week.

*I attended a wedding yesterday.  On a Wednesday, you might ask.  Well, absolutely.  It was the wedding of Rascal (Katie's stuffed puppy) to Go-Go (her stuffed lamb which baa's).   A monkey officiated.  Rascal, the groom, had a wedding ring of a hair band.  Go-Go's ring, of course, was of much better quality.  A silly band.  Shaped like a birthday cake.  Guests included a myriad of stuffed animals and a couple of humans.  Oh, and it was an exclusive affair.  We had to have tickets.  Not just any 'ole tear off tickets.  These tickets had to be scanned.  By the princess cash register.  See, it was a societal affair.  I hate you missed it.

*I love Lands End.  Really love Lands End.  They allowed me to return the kids monogrammed backpacks, which had been used.  No problems whatsoever.  That is amazing! Absolutely amazing!  This is why I am frequenting them more often.  Best return policy ever. 

*Impact (our church's jr high) started back up last night.  Gotta love a bunch of jr highers.  Squealing, hugging, dodging boys playing rough games, a madhouse to the rotel and browies, stepping on smooshed chips and smeared rotel on the floor, learning about why we live the life we live for Christ.

*Jake needs to able to hunt.  Every day during the school year.  Armed with the fact that he would be able go dove hunting that afternoon, ONLY if he got all his school work done, Jake finished in record time.  What a joy that was to all of us!

*Jake can shoot a gun.  Very well for a boy his age.  On his 6th shot, he brought down his first dove.  Yippee!  He is putting meat on our table!  And loving every minute of it!

*Sara Beth has come alive with school.  She loves it!  She has met some great friends and really seems to be thriving.  What a great answer to prayer!

*Life is busy, but also Life is Good!  God has blessed us with a great couple of weeks and answered so many prayers!  What peace there is in that.