Yes, yes it has been awhile since I blogged. My bad. I just kind of go through stretches where I don't have much to say.

Well it is summer in full swing. We have been to Kentucky for a family reunion. My grandfather's (my Mom's Dad) siblings children and grandchildren. My Grandfather was 1 of 14 - the last sibling just recently having gone to be with Jesus. There were 92 Morrows at the reunion!~

I have a lot of second cousins who play musical instruments. They brought them along and played at the reunion, which was cool. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, and they played in the breakfast room at night, and in the conference room. We were kind of like the Darlings from Andy Griffith only not as seedy.

After the reunion we ventured to Cave City KY and spent the night at the Wigwam Village Motel. We have passed this place since I was a little girl, and I always wanted to take the girls there. So, this time we did. It was pretty cool.

And info about Wigwam Village:

http://www.wigwamvillage.com/

Then, off to Louisville and my Mom's house. We went to the Louisville Science Center, and my sister and I did our annual shopping and lunch outing. It was a lot of fun.

Back home to NC, and then John had to head to Boston for a business trip. The girls and I went to VBS at church.  Our theme was the Incredible Race. Being in the midst of NASCAR country it was a very appropriate theme.

Katie and I just got back from Mother Daughter GA camp at Mundo Vista. This was the last year we can go as mother daughter. Katie will go on her own next year. I have a year off and then 3 years with Amanda. Mundo Vista is the hottest place on the face of the earth. But, I did start walking in February and was able to walk the hills without almost passing out this year!

The outdoor chapel at Mundo:

The trek to the pool:

Learning to sign to "Holy is the Lord"

Me and my girlie:

Camp was truly a blessing for me this year. The theme was Live Out Loud, something I need to strive harder to do.

Well, I have somehow contracted a nasty case of asthmatic bronchitis. I started feeling yucky last Weds. on the way home from the Y. Thought it was allergies. Then I thought it was a cold. I had a doctor's appointment Monday for a med follow-up. She determined I have bronchitis. I got a nebulizer treatment in the office, antibiotic and an inhaler. Katie thinks my having an inhaler is cool.

The subsequent coughing and wheezing has made it hard for me to sleep. Thus, this morning my patience is thin. I have a real pet peeve about people who pass over the double yellow in front of the entrance to out neighborhood.

Our neighborhood borders a state highway, a connector between 2 interstates. We have a double yellow in front of the turn in to our neighborhood, but people regularly pass me when I am turning in. It really, really tees me off - not to mention it is ILLEGAL!

So since I am already testy this morning I thought I would list my pet peeves:

~ people who drive in the rain and fog with no lights or their parking lights on. HELLO?! They are PARKING lights!

~people who zip up a right turn lane to get in front of traffic going straight. Where is the cop when this happens?

~people who are impatient. We have inherited a lot of northerners here in NC. They regularly honk, and gesture at those of us who actually obey the traffic laws.

~resealable cereal bags. Great idea in theory. Why don't they make it resealable all the way across the top of the bag. That way, when my kids tear the bag open all the way across I can still seal it!

~Why are there no comfortable bras? Or comfortable ones that are also affordable?

~Why are milk and gas so expensive?

Okay, I am going to stop now.

I can tell Spring Break is nearing an end because my girls are fighting like cats and dogs and my last nerve is about to snap! I love my girls. Really. I do. I love having them home. Really. But this picking, and fighting just drives me nuts!

We have gone to the Y three mornings this week, to the indoor water park one day, to a movie one day, to McDonald's a couple of times. I was going to teach Katie to sew this week, but once again have let that slide. I am hoping I get around to teaching her before she is in college.

It would help if I could actually get to my sewing machine without having to step over tons of junk. We have been moving rooms around for about a year now. The girls can't decide which rooms they want. They can't decide if they want their own rooms or to sleep in the same room.

 The guest room (aka Grandma's room) is filled with stuff that is awaiting the decision before being placed. Just thinking about all the stuff that need to be moved makes me tired enough for a nap.

Will I ever get my house back? I keep thinking that maybe, next year when both of them are in "big" school and gone most of the day. But, I fear this is just wishful thinking on my part.

How do people keep their houses tidy? Honestly, I purge junk all the time, and it is still a mess! We go WAY beyond the lived in look here. Of course, we do have places to sit, and can generally walk without having to follow a set path between piles of junk.

But, a little order would be nice. I keep trying to get DH to take the girls and go visit his Mom in NJ and give me a week alone to tackle the mess. I could work at my own pace, get rid of toys without some deeming that one their "favorite". I could actually clean the carpets. Once I can finally see them that is.

I sincerely hope I am not the only one out there who needs intervention....

I was watching Fox News this morning, and one of the news stories was about a 28 year old mom who died from water intoxication after trying to win a contest held by a local radio station -    ABC News - Woman in Water Drinking Contest Dies . The gist of the contest was the person who could drink the most water without having to bail to the bathroom would win a Wii.

I suppose I might enter some kind of contest to win something nice for my kids, but I am not sure I would enter a water drinking contest (or a billboard sitting contest or anything extroverted like that.)

And, I am sure that this Mom, or the radio station people had no idea you could actually die from water toxicity. At least I HOPE the radio station people would never hold a contest that could actually kill someone! And, I hope that this mom, or any mom for that matter, wouldn't knowingly risk her life for a game system for her kids.

But Moms do have an innate "Mother Bear" instinct to protect their kids. I have no doubt that if my kids were in danger, I would act to save them without thinking about my own safety first. But would I knowingly go to my death to save the life of someone I did not know and love?

Probably not - even though the Bible tells us to.  1 John 3:16 tells us, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers". Uh-oh. That's a tall order isn't it? My kids, my husband, my Mom or sister - maybe even my best friend. But someone I don't even know?

How blessed we are that our Savior KNEW his ultimate fate, and still took the walk to the cross. Oh, He asked God to "take this cup" from Him. But still, He obeyed. What if Jesus had only laid down His life for those of us who had earned His love? Well, He never would have had to make that sacrifice would He?

But, He gave His life freely, without conditions except that we confess our sins and accept Him as out Savior. Romans 10:9  "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

This week before Easter, let's reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for our eternal salvation. He gave up His life for something much more important that a toy. He gave up His life so that we can live eternally with Him. And more importantly, He arose from that grave 3 days later - that is truly love to the extreme.

Today marks the first day of Spring Break for my girls. It turned out to be a nice day outside. It rained and thundered yesterday, so I am glad to see the sky.

Everyone but DH slept in this morning. We got up, had breakfast, got dressed and headed to the YMCA so Mommy could workout. It was both girls' first time in "The Ark" - the Child Watch Center at our Y.

I was afraid Katie would be really, really bored since she is 9. But, as soon as we got there, one of the workers was taking the older kids out to play and snagged her to go with them.

This made Amanda a bit sad, because I think she thought she and Katie were going to be together. But, she went on in the room with the other kids, clutching her bear Blueberry in one arm.

I headed on down to start my workout. After I got done with the treadmill, I went to log my time in. As I turned around, I saw one of the other preschool Mommies on one of the weight machines.

We talked a bit, and she was so excited to know Amanda was in the Ark. Her son, Jason was there as well - and Jason and Amanda ADORE one another.

I finished my workout, and went to get the girls. Katie had made a picture, and they both got to play outside. We stopped by the front desk to get a schedule for open swim this afternoon.

They have chores to do before I will relent and head back there for swimming. Actually, I am awaiting a response from my husband as to whether or not we can go to see Meet The Robinsons this afternoon. We can swim any day, and Katie has been wanting to see this movie.

So, my evil plan for this week is to require my slave labor to do their chores before anything remotely fun happens. Life is tough when you are home with Mommy all the time!

This morning was one of those mornings every Mom cherishes. Everyone got up without a fight. Katie got dressed without major coaxing and threatening. We actually sat at the kitchen table and had breakfast, instead of wolfing things down in the car on the way to school.

I made bacon, toast and fruit for breakfast for the girls and I. John was already off to work by this time. The girls gathered their bears - Creamy and Blueberry - and their American Girl dolls and sat at the table.

After making breakfast for the bears and the dolls in the play kitchen that resides in our real kitchen, Amanda blessed our food by singing "God Our Father". Then we sat and ate together.

I would love to have this joy every morning, but I suppose it was had it each day, it would be ordinary. These kinds of mornings are the ones that will carry me through when one or both of the girls are being rotten and trying my already thin patience.

And, they are the ones I will cherish and remember when I am an old woman wearing purple. I am reminded of Mary, and how she "collected" memories. They saw her through a time more horrendous than most Moms have to face.

Luke 2:15-19 tell us: " 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. " (emphasis mine)

Oh moms, seek each day to fill that treasure box in your heart and mind with the precious moments of your children. One day they may carry you through a valley.

Nothing is worse than being a SAHM and being sick. This week has proven this is true. I contracted a lovely stomach virus which no one else in my house seems to have had. Doesn't matter that I have had a fever of 103, everyone still needs my help.

I know that is part of the deal with getting to be at home. Kids still need to get to school, they have to be fed, someone has to meet them at the bus stop. But, once everyone is in the house you would think a little peace and quiet would be in order.

My neighbor came to my rescue by letting the girls come over and play with her kids until DH got home. I wrapped myself in blankets and got on the couch, but didn't really sleep because I could still hear the kids outside playing. My Mommy monitor couldn't truly turn off.

I finally got a little rest when DH and the girlies went to church on Wednesday night. While they were gone I printed off a do not disturb sign for the bedroom door, donned my pjs and buried my shivering self under the covers. When they troops got home, no one bothered me.

But, the next morning required the same carrying kids to school, feeding them, etc. There are days when I think being a WOHM and having kids in daycare might be the way to go. Then, when I am sick, DH could still take the kids to Daycare and I would have the day to myself.

Then I remember that those sick days are few and far between, thank God, and being at home for my husband and kids is worth it all.

Well, I suppose it had to happen sooner or later. I went to Kohl's yesterday and  Wednesdays are Senior Citizen discount days. I went to the check out with my purchases, and the girl asked me "Do you get a discount?".

At first I didn't know what she meant because the scratch off card discount ended the day before. Then I realized, she wanted to know if I was a Senior! Ack! Okay, I am 49 1/2, but I always thought I looked younger! I can generally win a prize at the fair booths where they guess your age.

She gave me the discount. Now, it was nice to get another 15% off my sale items. But, it sure wounded my pride!

I remember when we used to go to the public pool in Louisville. Admission was less if you were under 12. At 12, I looked much older - if you catch my drift. I always had to prove I was only 11. My Daddy could never really remember how old I was. The card to the pool we joined said I was 12 until I turned 16 and got my driver's license.

And how well I remember when it was a hassle to get carded when I went to a bar and I was in my late 20's or early 30's. Then, there came the time in my mid 30's where I WISHED they would card me at a bar.

But, getting carded for a Senior Citizen discount just hit me blindside. It is bad enough that right after my 49th birthday AARP decided to start sending me cards and membership info. I figure that they want you to have a year to get used to the idea.

I guess I am entering new phase of getting carded. In a couple of years I expect I will be asked to show my driver's license to prove I am eligible for the Senior Discount. And, then, sadly, there will come they day when they won't even ask anymore.

Wonder if they card you to get into heaven?

Tomorrow is my annual pilgrimage to Pigeon Forge, TN. I make this trek each year to meet up with my best friend from High School, Rachel. We started this about 7 years ago, and we haven't missed a year yet.

Rachel and I met in 9th grade. We have seen each other get married, one get divorced, then married a second time. We have seen each of us have 2 girls apiece, hers teenagers, and mine children.

Rachel is one of those rare friends who you can immediately feel comfortable with, even though we haven't spoken since last year's trip. It's like we haven't been apart, even though we lead very separate and different lives.

Rachel is a very practical, logical woman. She is a working Mom, and a deacon in her church. I am fairly flighty, creative. I am a SAHM and you couldn't pay me enough to be a deacon!

We started this trip by attending a Women's Weekend Getaway Women's Weekend Getaways , sponsored by Phil Waldrep ministries. It was nice, and we enjoyed the speakers and the music. We did this for two years, then we decided to strike out on our own.

While we loved the Christian environment, we wanted to spend more time with one another, catching up, rather than in a convention hall singing camp songs with women we didn't know.

So, we started booking our own room, and meeting for 3 days of shopping, eating and talking. One time, we booked and extra day and did a "spa day" with massages and facials.

This year we are taking an extra day, but no spa. Just more relaxing. Our motel has an indoor pool. Hopefully, this year there won't be a teen convention staying at the same motel. Last year 145 rooms of the motel were booked to teens! They were quiet, but we just chucked even thinking about trying to get into the pool!

So, it's off to pack for me!

Found this at 160 Acre Woods and thought it was fun. Lots left to do before I die - although there will be no bungee jumping!

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins 03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa.
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39.

40. Visited all 50 states (well all lower 49 states)
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk.
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe.
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business  

68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured an ancient site
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played Dungeons & Dragons for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest

79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo

81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded Music

87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently well enough to have a decent conversation
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised (raising) children (child)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad

135. Selected one important author you missed in school and went back and read their works

136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life
151. Finished a marathon