Bailey has been accepted to the University of Florida - to become part of the Gator Nation for Spring Semester 2012. Way to go, Sweetheart. We are so proud of you! I'm a Gator Mom...Yay!
Lance and Danette
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
For All My Moms Out There....
I can’t even remember the day or night. I’ve tried a hundred times and simply cannot recall. When was the very last time I carried Bailey and Darby in my arms? Most likely, Darby was about nine and, Bailey was more like eleven because she was so small. It was probably carrying their little bodies in from the car heavy with sleep after a long, long day. Maybe it was moving them from the couch to their beds because they had fallen asleep during a movie we were watching. At the time, it was possibly that insignificant – just an every day mundane task. As I lugged them up the stairs with my back straining, I’m sure I was thinking that I would not be able to, “… physically do this for much longer.” But was that indeed the last time? I wish I could remember for certain. I wish I would have known that was the last time. I would have held them on the side of their beds for just a little longer, rocking them and kissing their cheeks and foreheads.
We remember where we were when the horror of 911 unfolded. With such clarity we can bring to mind where we were and what we were doing the moment we learned a loved one died, or was in an accident or called to say, “I have cancer.” It seems those moments shock us back to present – really where we should be living all the time. A moment like the last time you lifted your children in your arms to carry them should top the life list as a mother; but, I can’t remember. This year Bailey is a senior and will soon be going to college. How could that have happened? She was just two years old, smelling like Johnson & Johnson baby lotion, sitting on my hip with that creamy complexion and her rosy fat cheeks - pulling my face to look at hers as if she held a national secret. “I duge (love) you, Mama”, was her wonderful secret. Thankfully, she still tells me so. Seems like my, now 13 year old, Little Man was just 18 months old looking at me as if I were the love of his life, snuggling into me wanting me to kiss him on his fat cheeks – kiss after kiss after kiss – that infectious belly laugh shaking his entire body as he giggled, “Do it again.” Thankfully, he still wants me to kiss him.
So, I am plagued yet again by one of my worst faults - not living presently. I am so terribly guilty of this. A better work horse, planner, “detail” person and organizational thinker you will never find. I can multitask better than most and can make a twenty-four hour day seemingly stretch to 26. I can do the work of three people in my office. I am fast. I am efficient and accurate. Everything has to be perfect. I am a customer service guru both outside and inside my home. I used to think these were fine attributes… they signified accomplishment and production. But as I have conceivably lived half my life, I have become conscious that these are not attributes, they are trappings. They have put me on auto-pilot for most of my life; for, if I am “planning” am I appreciating the “now” moment? …Sadly no. If I am so engrossed in detail after detail am I seeing the “now” moment? …Once again, no. And while I have been constantly striving for perfection I have now come to realize that I am committing the highest form of self abuse that exists.
The second half of my life will be living more in the "NOW". It will be a real challenge for forty-three years of training has been ingrained. But if I can consciously sort of “come back” when I feel myself mechanically going through those very “productive” motions; and, truly just be from time to time, I think that will really be something.
As I write this, it’s very late at night. I just left Darby’s room where I stole about ten kisses from his cheeks and forehead as he slept, tears rolling down my own face. What I would give to be able to recall the last time I mundanely carried my child to bed. I made the awful mistake of thinking a mundane task was just that... mundane. Conversely, they are jewels. Those are the moments that matter. We are here for just minutes and our kids grow to adults in seconds. Pause. Live in the now. God surrounds us with awe every day.
I duge you, Bailey and Darby, M♥m
We remember where we were when the horror of 911 unfolded. With such clarity we can bring to mind where we were and what we were doing the moment we learned a loved one died, or was in an accident or called to say, “I have cancer.” It seems those moments shock us back to present – really where we should be living all the time. A moment like the last time you lifted your children in your arms to carry them should top the life list as a mother; but, I can’t remember. This year Bailey is a senior and will soon be going to college. How could that have happened? She was just two years old, smelling like Johnson & Johnson baby lotion, sitting on my hip with that creamy complexion and her rosy fat cheeks - pulling my face to look at hers as if she held a national secret. “I duge (love) you, Mama”, was her wonderful secret. Thankfully, she still tells me so. Seems like my, now 13 year old, Little Man was just 18 months old looking at me as if I were the love of his life, snuggling into me wanting me to kiss him on his fat cheeks – kiss after kiss after kiss – that infectious belly laugh shaking his entire body as he giggled, “Do it again.” Thankfully, he still wants me to kiss him.
So, I am plagued yet again by one of my worst faults - not living presently. I am so terribly guilty of this. A better work horse, planner, “detail” person and organizational thinker you will never find. I can multitask better than most and can make a twenty-four hour day seemingly stretch to 26. I can do the work of three people in my office. I am fast. I am efficient and accurate. Everything has to be perfect. I am a customer service guru both outside and inside my home. I used to think these were fine attributes… they signified accomplishment and production. But as I have conceivably lived half my life, I have become conscious that these are not attributes, they are trappings. They have put me on auto-pilot for most of my life; for, if I am “planning” am I appreciating the “now” moment? …Sadly no. If I am so engrossed in detail after detail am I seeing the “now” moment? …Once again, no. And while I have been constantly striving for perfection I have now come to realize that I am committing the highest form of self abuse that exists.
The second half of my life will be living more in the "NOW". It will be a real challenge for forty-three years of training has been ingrained. But if I can consciously sort of “come back” when I feel myself mechanically going through those very “productive” motions; and, truly just be from time to time, I think that will really be something.
As I write this, it’s very late at night. I just left Darby’s room where I stole about ten kisses from his cheeks and forehead as he slept, tears rolling down my own face. What I would give to be able to recall the last time I mundanely carried my child to bed. I made the awful mistake of thinking a mundane task was just that... mundane. Conversely, they are jewels. Those are the moments that matter. We are here for just minutes and our kids grow to adults in seconds. Pause. Live in the now. God surrounds us with awe every day.
I duge you, Bailey and Darby, M♥m
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
THE GREAT FLOOD 2010
A daring Hendersonville water rescue at Saundersville Road across from Darby's old middle school, Knox Doss (now Station Camp Middle). The shear force of the water was unimaginable.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Good News for Darby!
Darby has been invited to join the JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY at Robert E. Ellis Middle School! Way to go, Darbus Maximus!!!!!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
2nd Nine Weeks is GREAT!
Darby delivered 4 A's and 3 B's this nine weeks! We are so proud and he worked hard! He is currently sporting a 3.72 GPA overall. We celebrated with Smoothie King and a steak dinner last night out! Way to go, Baby!!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Hits Keep Coming....
Darby had a tremendous 9 weeks.... he delivered 5 A's and 2 B's on his report card! ....So I have to make good on my promise of a new air soft gun! We are so proud of him! Yuuuuuh boy!
Boone Braves Victorious!
The Boone Braves stomped University in a 37-7 defeat last Thursday night! It was a decisive Homecoming win! The rain stopped just before kick off so we were able to enjoy a little reprieve from the central Florida heat! GO BRAVES!
Boone Homecoming Dance 2009
Bailey had her JUNIOR Homecoming this past Friday night and she looked beautiful. Her dress was a real stand out because of its color, simplicity and skirt length. All the dresses seemed to be SUPER Mini this year - Yikes! She cracked me up when she said, "I feel just like Barbie - only in better shoes!" I got to get Bailey and Megan ready this year - which was a privilege and a treat! Such good girls!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Bailey Starts School on Monday, August 24th
Bailey is a JUNIOR! How is that even possible? She started driving by herself this summer which freaked me out enough.... but she will graduate in 2011 - right around the corner. Her goal is attend University of Florida as her Dad and I did, but it remains super tough to get into - lots of competition. She is in several AP classes as well as the magnet program for law AND cheering on varsity! I don't know how she juggles it all but she does it beautifully. I cannot be more proud of her and all she has accomplished. Go Bailey!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Darby is Back to School - 7th Grade
Darby LOVES his new school, Ellis Middle... in particular, chorus.... there are 36 kids in class and only 5 boys! (snicker). He is taking AP English and Math as well. He says he enjoys getting off the bus at my house and knowing that I am there waiting for him. Sometimes I sit on the porch with the dogs and wait for him, and he will just smile so big when he sees me. I love seeing my kids happy!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Go Darby, Go!
All A's and B's on his report card this last nine weeks. Darby scored in the top 5 in his class for English so he will be taking advanced English next year. Yuuuuuh! He is OFFICIALLY a 7th grader.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Meet Banks
He comes home Saturday on his 8 week birthday! He comes from the MTGRR (Middle TN Golden Retriever Rescue)...his mother was shot in East Nashville and in running from being shot was hit by a car.... She was taken to University of Auburn to save her life and she delivered a complete litter and ALL the puppies survived and are doing so well and ALL have been adopted. Mom was adopted 2 weeks ago! She was only a year old and pregnant! Puppies are full blooded Goldens!
He is named Banks after our favorite beer in Barbados.... what a sweetheart!
He is named Banks after our favorite beer in Barbados.... what a sweetheart!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
God Reveals Himself
Some times we pray for answers - answers that we are not ready to hear. We must remember that God's timing is PERFECT and his revelations are made exactly when we need them - even when they are terribly painful or amazingly joyous. We need to search for the gift in the knowledge He gives and then we need to pray for the strength, responsibility and dignity to handle what HE reveals to us. There is great blessing in this though it may not feel like it at the time. He knows best and He remains in control. He has great plans for us.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Another Possible Baby
Keeping our options open. Tomorrow we are being interviewed by MTGRR (Middle TN Golden Retriever Rescue) about possibly adopting a golden puppy.... we just want to make sure we are making a difference to a dog who otherwise might not have a chance at a good home....Like our beloved Feather. Aren't they sweet?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Newest Baby
We have access to a new litter of Rough Collie puppies (like Lassie). They are such gentle and loving dogs and they love children. They were just born this past Sunday and Lance and I are going tomorrow to see them and meet the Mom and Dad. The mother, Ginny, has no aggression to anyone being around her puppies and is very socialized. The trainer will keep him or her until he or she is 8 weeks old. I cannot wait to bring our new little pup home and for Feather to be a Mama. I am attaching a picture of a collie puppy so you can get an idea of how adorable they are. I am so excited about this breed and the fact that we have a nice big fenced in yard for lots of free exercise... We will keep everyone updated!
Red Belt Graduation
Darby graduated to his advanced red belt this past Saturday! I was very proud of him. He tested last week on his latest weapon, the bastone (basically a stick). He's stuck with this sport for two years now and he's one step closer to a black belt! Way to go, Darb!
Friday, January 9, 2009
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