Courtesy of Stephanie:
I AM…loving Charleston.
I WANT…the weight to start coming off.
I HAVE…two pretty special kids.
I KEEP…almost all cards and letters that are hand-written.
I WISH I COULD…see my grandma.
I HATE...the gap between my back two molars!!
I FEAR...my kids around water.
I HEAR...a lot of talking during the day.
I DON’T THINK...people understand me.
I REGRET…not finishing college.
I LOVE…my family, Army family, and friends.
I AM NOT…sure I'll have many Charleston friends.
I DANCE…best with Jasen.
I SING…as much as I can.
I NEVER…want to live without TiVO again!
I RARELY…eat beef.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH…anything about LTC Gadson and we have a lot on TiVO!
I AM NOT ALWAYS…as strong as I look. (ditto)
I HATE THAT…I let others decide what I should or should not do or be.
I’M CONFUSED ABOUT...Jasen's dad.
I NEED…Jasen.
I SHOULD…find a passion besides my family.
After reading these to Jasen, he said he thought it was good compilation of where I am in life. I think that's probably true.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Family Movie Night
We had our inaugural Graham Family Movie Night and it went pretty well. The kids really enjoyed "Swiss Family Robinson." At first, I was afraid I had picked the wrong movie. Grace asked "Are they going to die?" at least 10 times in the first ten minutes of the movie. Once the fear subsided and the tree house was complete, she really liked it.
I didn't realize, as Davis has been acting out "The Lion King" that it would extend to all movies. At different times during the movie last night, he pretended to be a tiger, fought off a dangerous snake in the water, rode an ostrich in the Mayday celebration, and fought off pirates from a hilltop. It was pretty hilarious.
We made our pizzas and ate them in the living room. It was a really fun time. We're going to figure out another movie to watch and have another movie night soon.
This morning, Jasen is inspecting cadets. He had to be there at 8, but didn't anticipate being there for long. I hope he hurries home because we are preparing for our next visitors, the Heidgerkens. The 'Gerks are some of our oldest Army friends. Sean and Jasen went to OCS together, then us wives joined them for OBC at Fort Sill in late fall 1998. I can admit today that I wasn't sure I really liked Chris very much. She gave me heck about being young (at the time, she was over 30 and I was 22) and I was very sensitive about it. Now the tables have turned, since Chris is over 40 and I am not!! What goes around....
After we left Sill, Sean and Chris headed to Fairbanks, Alaska, while Jasen went to Korea and I went to Dallas. My dear friend, Chris, wrote me letters all the time and sent me cards while Jasen was gone. I cannot tell you what that meant to me. That was a very hard time in my life. I was a newlywed without my husband, living in a new, big town (which I grew to LOVE!) alone, my uncle was dying, my grandmother died, and my mom had more cancer removed. Sucky times. But Chris was always there, be it either an email or a note in the snail mail. I'll never be able to say what it meant to me.
We were all back together at Sill when our guys went to the Captain's Career Course. The 'Gerks had Ellin by then, and we had Grace. Chris kept Grace for me while I went back to part-time work to help my old boss out. When the Farm asked me to come back, I told Jasen I would only do it if Chris agreed to keep Grace. Chris did and it ended up helping her decide to give Ellin a sister, Natalie!
Flash forward three years or so, both families had experienced our first deployment. Although we thought we'd be in Germany for a lot longer, the Army sent us to Fort Riley and the 'Gerks were there to welcome us. It's always nice to have friends at the next place!
And now, the 'Gerks are at Fort Bragg, just a few hours up the road. We're all one deployment and move older, probably not much wiser, but certainly more tired! And anxious to be together again. I'm with Chris: I don't want to do anything this weekend, but sit around, drink beer, and just be together. Just like old times!
I didn't realize, as Davis has been acting out "The Lion King" that it would extend to all movies. At different times during the movie last night, he pretended to be a tiger, fought off a dangerous snake in the water, rode an ostrich in the Mayday celebration, and fought off pirates from a hilltop. It was pretty hilarious.
We made our pizzas and ate them in the living room. It was a really fun time. We're going to figure out another movie to watch and have another movie night soon.
This morning, Jasen is inspecting cadets. He had to be there at 8, but didn't anticipate being there for long. I hope he hurries home because we are preparing for our next visitors, the Heidgerkens. The 'Gerks are some of our oldest Army friends. Sean and Jasen went to OCS together, then us wives joined them for OBC at Fort Sill in late fall 1998. I can admit today that I wasn't sure I really liked Chris very much. She gave me heck about being young (at the time, she was over 30 and I was 22) and I was very sensitive about it. Now the tables have turned, since Chris is over 40 and I am not!! What goes around....
After we left Sill, Sean and Chris headed to Fairbanks, Alaska, while Jasen went to Korea and I went to Dallas. My dear friend, Chris, wrote me letters all the time and sent me cards while Jasen was gone. I cannot tell you what that meant to me. That was a very hard time in my life. I was a newlywed without my husband, living in a new, big town (which I grew to LOVE!) alone, my uncle was dying, my grandmother died, and my mom had more cancer removed. Sucky times. But Chris was always there, be it either an email or a note in the snail mail. I'll never be able to say what it meant to me.
We were all back together at Sill when our guys went to the Captain's Career Course. The 'Gerks had Ellin by then, and we had Grace. Chris kept Grace for me while I went back to part-time work to help my old boss out. When the Farm asked me to come back, I told Jasen I would only do it if Chris agreed to keep Grace. Chris did and it ended up helping her decide to give Ellin a sister, Natalie!
Flash forward three years or so, both families had experienced our first deployment. Although we thought we'd be in Germany for a lot longer, the Army sent us to Fort Riley and the 'Gerks were there to welcome us. It's always nice to have friends at the next place!
And now, the 'Gerks are at Fort Bragg, just a few hours up the road. We're all one deployment and move older, probably not much wiser, but certainly more tired! And anxious to be together again. I'm with Chris: I don't want to do anything this weekend, but sit around, drink beer, and just be together. Just like old times!
Friday, August 29, 2008
AAAAHHH Hyenas!!
If you had been at our house today between lunch and nap time, this is what you would have heard. Davis and Grace have been playing a lot of "Lion King" and fighting the hyenas. As I finished my lunch, Davis, who had been going it alone against those nasty animals, asked for my help. How could I refuse? So spent the next twenty minutes, being either Sarabi or Nala, fighting off the hyenas. What fun!
What really cracks me up about the whole deal is what represents the hyenas. Davis uses the plastic bags from the newspaper and bats them around like they are hyenas. Strange, but true!
This evening, we are going to have the first ever Graham Family Movie Night. I got "Swiss Family Robinson" from the library (saved $3 on a rental fee!) and we are going to eat frozen pizzas in the middle of the living room. Fun times!
What really cracks me up about the whole deal is what represents the hyenas. Davis uses the plastic bags from the newspaper and bats them around like they are hyenas. Strange, but true!
This evening, we are going to have the first ever Graham Family Movie Night. I got "Swiss Family Robinson" from the library (saved $3 on a rental fee!) and we are going to eat frozen pizzas in the middle of the living room. Fun times!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Great kids
Every now and then, you get confirmation that your kids are truly great. Oh, I know I'm not supposed to openly admit that and I promise I don't tell them that, but sometimes you have to face the facts! Of course, as I prepare to brag about Grace and Davis, I have to remember how yesterday morning started....
Sadly, it isn't rare to have some kind of clothes/shoes/socks drama with Grace before school. I've been very diligent since she began school, to give her two options the night before, so she has picked her clothes and they are ready for the next morning. Yesterday, when she put on the skirt she got for her birthday, she realized it was probably too short. That began our drama. She came downstairs in a fit, crying and freaking out, because she couldn't wear what I had picked out. I reminded her she actually picked it and, if it was not going to work out, she could pick whatever shorts and t-shirt out of her drawer to wear.
I could go on and on with this story and another one from after school, but I won't. I am supposed to be focusing on the positive! So that's what I am going to do.
We had a parent's meeting yesterday at Davis' school. Kids weren't supposed to come, so I was in a pickle regarding Davis. I don't have a reliable babysitter during the day; all the ones I know are afternoon/evening/weekend sitters. So I called the school and they said he could go into the nursery with the kids of the school workers. I dropped him off at the nursery house and went off to the meeting. Side note: I am very pleased with Davis' school. Love the director, love the teachers, etc.
When I returned to pick Davis up, I was the first parent to arrive. There was one little boy, about Davis' age, screaming in the corner. The older lady from the church who was keeping the kids, told me that Davis was the best kid during the time he was there. Oh yes, I swelled with pride. The lady even asked to give Davis a kiss, which he gave her happily.
Then, last night, our pastor's daughter, Deanna, came to watch the kids so we could go to dinner alone. Jasen made the dinner arrangements. We went to Poogan's Porch, downtown, which was fabulous. I had a grilled pork chop that was at least two inches thick. It was delicious! Anyway, when I was taking Deanna home, I asked her how the kids were. She said they were the best behaved kids she has ever babysat! Oh yes, pride swell #2.
Jasen and I have to remind ourselves, whenever the kids flip out at home about something, that we'd rather them make their bad choices at home and be good for others. I guess yesterday just proved that they are doing that.
Today, my husband officially becomes a college educator. :) I can't believe it!!
Sadly, it isn't rare to have some kind of clothes/shoes/socks drama with Grace before school. I've been very diligent since she began school, to give her two options the night before, so she has picked her clothes and they are ready for the next morning. Yesterday, when she put on the skirt she got for her birthday, she realized it was probably too short. That began our drama. She came downstairs in a fit, crying and freaking out, because she couldn't wear what I had picked out. I reminded her she actually picked it and, if it was not going to work out, she could pick whatever shorts and t-shirt out of her drawer to wear.
I could go on and on with this story and another one from after school, but I won't. I am supposed to be focusing on the positive! So that's what I am going to do.
We had a parent's meeting yesterday at Davis' school. Kids weren't supposed to come, so I was in a pickle regarding Davis. I don't have a reliable babysitter during the day; all the ones I know are afternoon/evening/weekend sitters. So I called the school and they said he could go into the nursery with the kids of the school workers. I dropped him off at the nursery house and went off to the meeting. Side note: I am very pleased with Davis' school. Love the director, love the teachers, etc.
When I returned to pick Davis up, I was the first parent to arrive. There was one little boy, about Davis' age, screaming in the corner. The older lady from the church who was keeping the kids, told me that Davis was the best kid during the time he was there. Oh yes, I swelled with pride. The lady even asked to give Davis a kiss, which he gave her happily.
Then, last night, our pastor's daughter, Deanna, came to watch the kids so we could go to dinner alone. Jasen made the dinner arrangements. We went to Poogan's Porch, downtown, which was fabulous. I had a grilled pork chop that was at least two inches thick. It was delicious! Anyway, when I was taking Deanna home, I asked her how the kids were. She said they were the best behaved kids she has ever babysat! Oh yes, pride swell #2.
Jasen and I have to remind ourselves, whenever the kids flip out at home about something, that we'd rather them make their bad choices at home and be good for others. I guess yesterday just proved that they are doing that.
Today, my husband officially becomes a college educator. :) I can't believe it!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Old Friends, New Place
Last night, we were able to reconnect with some old friends of ours in this new place. Johnny and Barbara Chapman were members at Western Hills church of Christ in Lawton, OK, when we were there. They were good friends of ours, Johnny and Jasen went gun shopping, etc. They were the ones that got us hooked up with the Ambassador group (the senior citizens we kept out of trouble!) when the Chapmans left OK to come back to SC. They live only 20 minutes from us and, after six weeks of living in Charleston, we finally had dinner together. It was so nice to see them and for them to meet the kids. They left Lawton/Ft. Sill before I was pregnant with Grace, so we had quite a bit of catching up to do. They are the kind of people who will be our family here. God has blessed us with them, for sure!
This past week has been a week of catching up with old friends of ours. We saw the Pundts, I talked on the phone to Katie Kazor, Amber, and Jennifer. I've about decided that I have enough close friends to keep up with already and maybe God is calling me to sustain the friendships I already have. Some have been horribly neglected over the last few years and I am bound and determined not to do that again. Nevermind that I have three sisters I have to keep up with and it's quite enough.
Jasen begins school this week. I am so excited for him!! I want to go sit in on one of his classes. Oh to be a fly on the wall!
Davis will meet his teacher this week. He'll be going to a two-day a week preschool for three hours at a time. I am hoping his teacher will make him want to go to the potty. ha! Oh, and Davis can't presently say some of his "s" sounds. So spoon is "foon." And tonight, he wanted to get down and go look at the "fiders" which took me a minute!
Grace is looking forward to her second week of school. I am so glad we have a girl that loves school!
This past week has been a week of catching up with old friends of ours. We saw the Pundts, I talked on the phone to Katie Kazor, Amber, and Jennifer. I've about decided that I have enough close friends to keep up with already and maybe God is calling me to sustain the friendships I already have. Some have been horribly neglected over the last few years and I am bound and determined not to do that again. Nevermind that I have three sisters I have to keep up with and it's quite enough.
Jasen begins school this week. I am so excited for him!! I want to go sit in on one of his classes. Oh to be a fly on the wall!
Davis will meet his teacher this week. He'll be going to a two-day a week preschool for three hours at a time. I am hoping his teacher will make him want to go to the potty. ha! Oh, and Davis can't presently say some of his "s" sounds. So spoon is "foon." And tonight, he wanted to get down and go look at the "fiders" which took me a minute!
Grace is looking forward to her second week of school. I am so glad we have a girl that loves school!
Friday, August 22, 2008
A Good Week's End
The first week of school is finished for Grace. This morning, as I dropped her off for school, my mommy claws nearly came out. She was looking for someone to sit with in the lunchroom and found, Skyler, from her class. She said good morning to Skyler. That little twit completely ignored Grace and started talking with another girl sitting next to her in hushed tones. Oh, it made me so mad I was ready to clock that little girl. I made sure Grace was okay and left. How can a 1st grader already know to be mean? I could say some other, ugly things about this little girl, but I won't. I will say she's on my poop list.
Grace did have a good week. She really loves Mrs. Branch and she made a 100 on her very first reading vocabulary "test." Next week, she has her first spelling words to learn. I can't believe we'll have to be quizzing her on spelling! She had Tae Kwon Do last night and is still enjoying it.
Jasen's birthday was yesterday. He said he had a good day. We didn't do a whole lot, just went to get some barbecue and had cupcakes at home. I am so glad God gave me such a good man for a husband!
Davis is his same old crazy self. That boy is so entertaining. It's so fun to watch him when he doesn't know you are.
Grace did have a good week. She really loves Mrs. Branch and she made a 100 on her very first reading vocabulary "test." Next week, she has her first spelling words to learn. I can't believe we'll have to be quizzing her on spelling! She had Tae Kwon Do last night and is still enjoying it.
Jasen's birthday was yesterday. He said he had a good day. We didn't do a whole lot, just went to get some barbecue and had cupcakes at home. I am so glad God gave me such a good man for a husband!
Davis is his same old crazy self. That boy is so entertaining. It's so fun to watch him when he doesn't know you are.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Promised Pictures
Again, here are more pictures for your enjoyment!
Good luck getting a good picture of four children at the same time:
All but one of the kids on someone's shoulders at the Charleston Tea Plantation. After this picture was taken, I took Davis on my shoulders and Grace got on Jasen's. Oh, that's Larry and his dad, Al.
Ari was Grace's first girlfriend. They have a special bond and their mommies will keep it that way!
While the girls were having pretty pictures made, Davis and Ethan were doing what boys do: digging in the dirt!
Here is Grace on her first day of 1st grade!
Good luck getting a good picture of four children at the same time:
All but one of the kids on someone's shoulders at the Charleston Tea Plantation. After this picture was taken, I took Davis on my shoulders and Grace got on Jasen's. Oh, that's Larry and his dad, Al.
Ari was Grace's first girlfriend. They have a special bond and their mommies will keep it that way!
While the girls were having pretty pictures made, Davis and Ethan were doing what boys do: digging in the dirt!
Here is Grace on her first day of 1st grade!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
DHES
We just returned from dropping Grace off for her first day at Drayton Hall Elementary School. She looked precious, so big and confident. We met her teacher, Mrs. Branch, yesterday and I was so pleased. She was very nice, but not overly so. She reminded me of Melissa Pope, plus 15 or so years. Just very sweet.
This morning, we were a little late delivering Grace. She needed to be there by 8, so we left here a couple of minutes after 7:30. Um, on the first day of school, that was not enough time. UGH!! I hated for her to be late, but it was okay. Now I know to look for an alternate route or be prepared to leave at 7:15, which could be a problem, since Grace got up at 7 today. But we weren't rushed.
This morning, we were a little late delivering Grace. She needed to be there by 8, so we left here a couple of minutes after 7:30. Um, on the first day of school, that was not enough time. UGH!! I hated for her to be late, but it was okay. Now I know to look for an alternate route or be prepared to leave at 7:15, which could be a problem, since Grace got up at 7 today. But we weren't rushed.
Monday, August 18, 2008
The End is Near!
So, tomorrow is Grace's first day of school! Last Thursday, we went up to see who her teacher is going to be. She will have Mrs. Branch. Today, we'll go meet Mrs. Branch and take a look around her school. It's so exciting, but I will admit to some anxiety. I never had that "new kid" experience and I am trying to fight the concern I have about Grace being worried about that. But I know we have and are giving her a good foundation with which to deal with it. And I know that God is in control.
As most people are, I am left wondering what happened to our summer. We had a good one, but had very little downtime. Between the busy activities at the beginning of the summer, with the house-hunting and the events at the end of our time at Fort Riley, to the move in the middle of the summer, then the house setting up and a new place to live, we had very little time to relax. Now, we have the hurriedness of school starting. Where did it go??
We had visitors again this weekend. Our friends, the Pundts, came down with Larry's parents to go to a wedding at the chapel at The Citadel. They arrived on Saturday afternoon, dropped Ari and Ethan off at our house, then went to the wedding. Our kids and their kids played so well together. The girls got along really well and the boys did great, too. Yesterday, we got up and went to the Charleston Tea Plantation. We only stayed there about an hour, then went and had another fabulous meal at The Fat Hen. It was so good!
More pictures coming soon!!
As most people are, I am left wondering what happened to our summer. We had a good one, but had very little downtime. Between the busy activities at the beginning of the summer, with the house-hunting and the events at the end of our time at Fort Riley, to the move in the middle of the summer, then the house setting up and a new place to live, we had very little time to relax. Now, we have the hurriedness of school starting. Where did it go??
We had visitors again this weekend. Our friends, the Pundts, came down with Larry's parents to go to a wedding at the chapel at The Citadel. They arrived on Saturday afternoon, dropped Ari and Ethan off at our house, then went to the wedding. Our kids and their kids played so well together. The girls got along really well and the boys did great, too. Yesterday, we got up and went to the Charleston Tea Plantation. We only stayed there about an hour, then went and had another fabulous meal at The Fat Hen. It was so good!
More pictures coming soon!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Prayers for Bieganski
I need to ask for prayers for a soldier and his family. SFC Bieganski, one of the soldiers in Jasen's last company at Fort Riley, committed suicide. He had been having marital troubles while in Iraq, his wife was cheating on him. He was one that was on a "watch" list after deployment because they were concerned about his mental state.
Jasen is pretty down about this. Although he knows he did his best for Bieganski, there's still that feeling that he was one of Jasen's soldiers. And that care and concern for Bieganski doesn't go away just because Jasen is out of command.
Thanks for your prayers.
Jasen is pretty down about this. Although he knows he did his best for Bieganski, there's still that feeling that he was one of Jasen's soldiers. And that care and concern for Bieganski doesn't go away just because Jasen is out of command.
Thanks for your prayers.
Latest Pictures
Here are some of the pictures I've promised to you...
Here are the kids at the RiverDogs game. Grace wanted to pose like this:
How do you get a football-lovin', macho man to enjoy a soccer game? Give him beer, of course!
Here we are in the stables before our horse carriage tour began. It was over 90 degrees and we were in a barn, waiting to start the tour, with about 10 other horses. Grace's face says it all: p-u!
This is on the boat out to Fort Sumter. Davis couldn't see anything over the rail so he found this port hole to look out. It was so funny to see him laying on the floor to look out at the water.
Grace on her daddy's shoulders on the way out to Fort Sumter
Here are the kids at the RiverDogs game. Grace wanted to pose like this:
How do you get a football-lovin', macho man to enjoy a soccer game? Give him beer, of course!
Here we are in the stables before our horse carriage tour began. It was over 90 degrees and we were in a barn, waiting to start the tour, with about 10 other horses. Grace's face says it all: p-u!
This is on the boat out to Fort Sumter. Davis couldn't see anything over the rail so he found this port hole to look out. It was so funny to see him laying on the floor to look out at the water.
Grace on her daddy's shoulders on the way out to Fort Sumter
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Alone Again
Grandmama left this morning. We had a great time with her. It's always nice, when you know almost no one in a new town, to welcome someone you know! The kids will really miss her. I know tomorrow morning, Davis will ask for "Gwama" and I'll be sad.
Picking up where I left off, we went to Fort Sumter on Saturday. You take a boat out to the island, which was the first place the Union was fired on to begin the Civil War. It was awesome to go see the old cannons, especially with my very own cannoneer/artilleryman, Jasen. One of the park rangers told us the history and it was quite entertaining. The boat trip was fun. The kids really liked that part.
As we were getting off, a man stopped to offer to take our picture and you won't believe it, he LIVES in Stephenville!! Yes, the same town my mom lives in, the same town I grew up in, the same town Jasen went to college in! It was too funny and we spent some time talking to Woody Gill!
After the boat tour, we went to Battery Park, a park full of cannons on the waterfront. It's a gorgeous place, with huge oak trees and great houses behind it. Grace climbed on every cannon, with Davis trailing behind. The funniest thing happened there, too. Grace had shimmied up some pole thing attached to a cannon and there was a ledge for Davis to stand on. I got the camera out and took the first picture. Grace wasn't looking so I had to take another. Just as I snapped the picture, Davis lifted up his outside leg and grabbed his crotch. It was too funny and so random. Boys!!
We came home that night and ate some spicy island shrimp which was delish. Then we hit the hay. Sunday morning, we went to church. It was loud, again, but somehow, I seem to be getting better about it. I know it was too loud for Mom, but our pastor, Paul, was right on target, again. All about how we let our prejudices/opinions/etc. decide who we will tell about God. Great message.
Then we headed downtown to eat brunch at High Cotton restaurant. It was great. I mean, really, really, really good. It's a little fancier and I was afraid #1 the kids would be awful and #2 we'd get dirty looks for thinking we could bring kids in the first place. Neither happened. Woohoo! The kids had their moments, but all in all, it was a great experience. The food was divine, too. I would tell you what we had but there is something weird about writing out what everyone ate. Of course, I am a foodie, so it doesn't seem weird to me, but I am afraid all of you would think it odd!
Sunday afternoon, Mom and I had a girl's date, while the kids napped and Jasen mowed the lawn. We did a little shopping and went to see "Mamma Mia." Oh my. SAVE YOUR MONEY! It could be the worst movie I've ever seen. Or we thought so. Mom knows a lady from her church who loves it, but I thought it was awful! I love Colin Firth and used to have a little crush on Pierce Brosnan. It almost ruined Colin Firth for me (thank goodness I have A&E's "Pride and Prejudice" to redeem him!) and I will never look at Pierce without thinking of his awful yelling/screaming.
Monday morning, Mom and I went to do a combo workout with Justin. Yea. Not fun. But it's good for us, right? Then we loaded up and took the kids to Kiawah Island to the beach. It was by far my favorite beach. It was beautiful, hidden and not very busy. We'll be going back there for sure. Davis flirted with the water more, too.
That night, we went to Andolini's Pizza for some slices. They were great, of course. Which leaves us with today. Again, we were sad to see Grandmama go, but now, we're wading through laundry and housecleaning. More company, the Pundts come this weekend!
Picking up where I left off, we went to Fort Sumter on Saturday. You take a boat out to the island, which was the first place the Union was fired on to begin the Civil War. It was awesome to go see the old cannons, especially with my very own cannoneer/artilleryman, Jasen. One of the park rangers told us the history and it was quite entertaining. The boat trip was fun. The kids really liked that part.
As we were getting off, a man stopped to offer to take our picture and you won't believe it, he LIVES in Stephenville!! Yes, the same town my mom lives in, the same town I grew up in, the same town Jasen went to college in! It was too funny and we spent some time talking to Woody Gill!
After the boat tour, we went to Battery Park, a park full of cannons on the waterfront. It's a gorgeous place, with huge oak trees and great houses behind it. Grace climbed on every cannon, with Davis trailing behind. The funniest thing happened there, too. Grace had shimmied up some pole thing attached to a cannon and there was a ledge for Davis to stand on. I got the camera out and took the first picture. Grace wasn't looking so I had to take another. Just as I snapped the picture, Davis lifted up his outside leg and grabbed his crotch. It was too funny and so random. Boys!!
We came home that night and ate some spicy island shrimp which was delish. Then we hit the hay. Sunday morning, we went to church. It was loud, again, but somehow, I seem to be getting better about it. I know it was too loud for Mom, but our pastor, Paul, was right on target, again. All about how we let our prejudices/opinions/etc. decide who we will tell about God. Great message.
Then we headed downtown to eat brunch at High Cotton restaurant. It was great. I mean, really, really, really good. It's a little fancier and I was afraid #1 the kids would be awful and #2 we'd get dirty looks for thinking we could bring kids in the first place. Neither happened. Woohoo! The kids had their moments, but all in all, it was a great experience. The food was divine, too. I would tell you what we had but there is something weird about writing out what everyone ate. Of course, I am a foodie, so it doesn't seem weird to me, but I am afraid all of you would think it odd!
Sunday afternoon, Mom and I had a girl's date, while the kids napped and Jasen mowed the lawn. We did a little shopping and went to see "Mamma Mia." Oh my. SAVE YOUR MONEY! It could be the worst movie I've ever seen. Or we thought so. Mom knows a lady from her church who loves it, but I thought it was awful! I love Colin Firth and used to have a little crush on Pierce Brosnan. It almost ruined Colin Firth for me (thank goodness I have A&E's "Pride and Prejudice" to redeem him!) and I will never look at Pierce without thinking of his awful yelling/screaming.
Monday morning, Mom and I went to do a combo workout with Justin. Yea. Not fun. But it's good for us, right? Then we loaded up and took the kids to Kiawah Island to the beach. It was by far my favorite beach. It was beautiful, hidden and not very busy. We'll be going back there for sure. Davis flirted with the water more, too.
That night, we went to Andolini's Pizza for some slices. They were great, of course. Which leaves us with today. Again, we were sad to see Grandmama go, but now, we're wading through laundry and housecleaning. More company, the Pundts come this weekend!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Grandmama Visit
Grandmama, aka my mom, Jana, came into town on Thursday and we've been having a great time with her. She arrived about 11 that morning, so we immediately headed downtown, picked up Jasen, then to eat, of course! We dined at Saffron Cafe/Bakery which was great!! Mom and Jasen had she-crab soup, which none of us had eaten before. It was delish, full of creamy goodness, which means we only need to eat it once in a blue moon! After that, we returned to The Citadel, where we looked around campus a little. FYI, ALL Citadel students have to live on-campus, although not all of them have to go into the military after school. Who knew?? We also met Jasen's boss' boss, COL Townes and Jasen introduced my mom before me! Big no-no!
After that, Mom, the kids and I came home. Once Jasen got home, we cooked dinner (fresh tuna, salmon, and salad -- yum!) and just sat around visiting.
Friday, we had a full day. Mom, the kids and I went to the gym, where Justin helped me "show-off" (ouch!) for Mom. not fun. Then, she let Justin talk her into joining us for a workout on Monday. What was she thinking?? So tomorrow, instead of skipping the gym to go straight to the beach, we are going to the gym first. Should be fun...not!
After working out and coming home to wait for Jasen, we headed back downtown, where we enjoyed a horse carriage tour. Now, I don't have to do that particular one again, but it was informative and really neat. The kids were great on the ride and we had a good guide. Davis fell asleep on the way so he slept part of the ride on Jasen's lap. Grace said she didn't listen to our guide, she just looked at the pretty houses. We picked out some houses we want to tour, too.
That night, Mom took the kids to McDonald's. Jasen and I had our first date since moving to Chuck-town. We went to a delightful Italian restaurant, Il Cortile Del Re. It was really good and it was so nice to have a quiet dinner. It was also a little weird, not having the kids with us. We were tired pretty early, so we had dinner, grabbed some Italian gelato and headed home. It was so nice to get away and we decided we didn't want to wait so long to do it again!
Saturday, we got up and headed to The Glass Onion for brunch. It was DELISH! And such a groovy, neat place. Whoever can guess where the name came from, you get a big kudos! Anyway, we had a great time, then went back downtown to board a boat and head to Fort Sumter. I will leave you with that little teaser for another time! I don't want to be on here too long! I'll post pictures soon!
After that, Mom, the kids and I came home. Once Jasen got home, we cooked dinner (fresh tuna, salmon, and salad -- yum!) and just sat around visiting.
Friday, we had a full day. Mom, the kids and I went to the gym, where Justin helped me "show-off" (ouch!) for Mom. not fun. Then, she let Justin talk her into joining us for a workout on Monday. What was she thinking?? So tomorrow, instead of skipping the gym to go straight to the beach, we are going to the gym first. Should be fun...not!
After working out and coming home to wait for Jasen, we headed back downtown, where we enjoyed a horse carriage tour. Now, I don't have to do that particular one again, but it was informative and really neat. The kids were great on the ride and we had a good guide. Davis fell asleep on the way so he slept part of the ride on Jasen's lap. Grace said she didn't listen to our guide, she just looked at the pretty houses. We picked out some houses we want to tour, too.
That night, Mom took the kids to McDonald's. Jasen and I had our first date since moving to Chuck-town. We went to a delightful Italian restaurant, Il Cortile Del Re. It was really good and it was so nice to have a quiet dinner. It was also a little weird, not having the kids with us. We were tired pretty early, so we had dinner, grabbed some Italian gelato and headed home. It was so nice to get away and we decided we didn't want to wait so long to do it again!
Saturday, we got up and headed to The Glass Onion for brunch. It was DELISH! And such a groovy, neat place. Whoever can guess where the name came from, you get a big kudos! Anyway, we had a great time, then went back downtown to board a boat and head to Fort Sumter. I will leave you with that little teaser for another time! I don't want to be on here too long! I'll post pictures soon!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Church Search Over
Our Charleston church search appears to be over now. We've decided to go with church #1, an interdenominational (no, I don't know the difference between that and a nondenominational) called CrossTowne Christian Church. It's the first church we tried and the closest to our house. Now, I say we decided to go there, but I really left the decision up to Jasen. I figured I would be or get comfortable wherever the Truth is taught. On Sunday, during the pastor's sermon at CrossTowne, Jasen looked at me with tears in his eyes and said "God's telling me this is it." Who could argue with that?
Not saying I would argue with that, but I am not as convinced, or should I say, convicted, about CrossTowne as Jasen. Now, I agree with what they teach (one triumvirate God, Jesus is the only way, Bible is infallible, etc.) and am very excited about their various offerings, including Awana for kids. There is one thing I will have to get comfortable with, though, and that's the praise and worship. It's just so, LOUD. I am definitely more contemporary-minded in my worship style, but CrossTowne is just so, loud. No other way to put it. But I am trusting God that He is speaking to Jasen and leading us here. And in order to be submissive and trusting of my husband, I am going with his leadership. Hey, there's a first time for everything!
Not saying I would argue with that, but I am not as convinced, or should I say, convicted, about CrossTowne as Jasen. Now, I agree with what they teach (one triumvirate God, Jesus is the only way, Bible is infallible, etc.) and am very excited about their various offerings, including Awana for kids. There is one thing I will have to get comfortable with, though, and that's the praise and worship. It's just so, LOUD. I am definitely more contemporary-minded in my worship style, but CrossTowne is just so, loud. No other way to put it. But I am trusting God that He is speaking to Jasen and leading us here. And in order to be submissive and trusting of my husband, I am going with his leadership. Hey, there's a first time for everything!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Sports and Shopping
All sexes would have been happy in the Graham house this weekend! There were sports and shopping involved. Friday night, we braved what looked like some nasty clouds and went to a Charleston River Dogs game. The River Dogs are the minor league team here and are a branch of the Yankees. We overlooked that fact and went to enjoy the time. Well, I don't know how much we enjoyed it. Baseball is a little slow for our kids and they don't understand it. But we made the best of it.
Saturday, Grace and I got up and went to do our back-to-school shopping. It was a tax-free weekend here in SC so we HAD to go!! Since both kids will be going to school, they needed quite a few things, especially Grace. That girl has shot up at least three inches since she last wore pants.
Tonight, we went to a Charleston Battery game. They are the local US soccer team. They are the number two team in their league and were playing the league leaders, Vancouver. What a blast we had!!! Charleston won, too. The kids were better entertained with the action and Jasen was a little more relaxed, so that was good, too!
Saturday, Grace and I got up and went to do our back-to-school shopping. It was a tax-free weekend here in SC so we HAD to go!! Since both kids will be going to school, they needed quite a few things, especially Grace. That girl has shot up at least three inches since she last wore pants.
Tonight, we went to a Charleston Battery game. They are the local US soccer team. They are the number two team in their league and were playing the league leaders, Vancouver. What a blast we had!!! Charleston won, too. The kids were better entertained with the action and Jasen was a little more relaxed, so that was good, too!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Expensive Rent Payment
A little background on this story: some of you know that in our house, we are different than most of our friends/family. One specific ways is our spending habits. Jasen is the frugal one, I am the spender. Since we moved to SC, Jasen took over the bill-paying with much happiness on my part. It was just too much while he was gone, having all the responsibilities, so I was more than happy to give that one up.
The other day, I asked Jasen if he wanted me to get an envelope ready for him to mail our rent check. He thought for a moment, then said, "No, let's save the stamp and hand-deliver it." Knowing I would be the one to deliver it and thinking a 43 cent stamp wasn't much, I reminded him that it was at least 10 miles to the property manager's office in North Charleston. He still wanted me to take it instead of mailing it so I just shut my mouth and told him to remind me.
So this morning, after a KILLER workout with my trainer (truly, he was trying to hurt me today), the kids and I headed up to North Charleston. I was just visiting with Jasen on the phone about said workout when I could tell something happened to my tire. It started a thudding sound and then the warning light came on. Uh-oh, not good. I pulled over to look and sure enough, it was going flat. By the time I got to Pep Boys about a block up, the thing was hissing, flatter than a pancake and I saw a huge piece of metal in it. No saving that one.
A new tire, a three inch long piece of metal, and 133 dollars later, we were finally back on our way to pay our rent. A 43 cent stamp will be used next month. Funny how when you make up your mind not to nag, God will make your point for you!! haha!
The other day, I asked Jasen if he wanted me to get an envelope ready for him to mail our rent check. He thought for a moment, then said, "No, let's save the stamp and hand-deliver it." Knowing I would be the one to deliver it and thinking a 43 cent stamp wasn't much, I reminded him that it was at least 10 miles to the property manager's office in North Charleston. He still wanted me to take it instead of mailing it so I just shut my mouth and told him to remind me.
So this morning, after a KILLER workout with my trainer (truly, he was trying to hurt me today), the kids and I headed up to North Charleston. I was just visiting with Jasen on the phone about said workout when I could tell something happened to my tire. It started a thudding sound and then the warning light came on. Uh-oh, not good. I pulled over to look and sure enough, it was going flat. By the time I got to Pep Boys about a block up, the thing was hissing, flatter than a pancake and I saw a huge piece of metal in it. No saving that one.
A new tire, a three inch long piece of metal, and 133 dollars later, we were finally back on our way to pay our rent. A 43 cent stamp will be used next month. Funny how when you make up your mind not to nag, God will make your point for you!! haha!
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