In All Things

I may not know everything you are going through right now and that’s okay.  I can however share how I am.  We tend to seek out a fix during times of struggle to ease the chaos and fear.  So my God given message will now be shared.

“Every second, minute and moment…one step at a time.  Remember God, Trust God…He is in control and so able!”

Taking one second, minute and moment at a time I have had to remember this previous statement.  In the little and big things…everything.  There have been many changes that have I, and those around me, have endured and are still walking through.  “Whee! What a roller coaster!”  Don’t worry…I will not bore you with ins and outs, details left for a later time, instead I will just try and bring a smile to your day.

I’m sitting here today simply sipping my fancy healthy smoothie. “Yikes, I am making my own smoothies!”  Life is completely different from when I last posted.  I am working a real job and I am attempting to find a new balance to my existence.  The very thought of getting up and ready for work and then coming home to different dynamics has been a heart changing experience.  I have become accustomed to pulling the proverbial rabbit out of a hat that I can’t find.  It is reassuring to know that life is not orderly but filled with layers of inconsistency.  Life is not to be set in stone otherwise we are living in a sad venue of complacency.  It is filled with possibilities and change that need to be faced with discernment.  Face every day as a new and exciting journey…and look for things, “big or small”, that surprise you and put that smile in your day.  In doing this you will always put a contagious smile in the hearts of those around you.

How to succeed in this type of lifestyle

#1 Find that reason to smile, laugh…find joy!

#2 Realize that I am not in control!

#3  Prayers are heard!

#4  Singing really silences chaos!

So the concept to bring a smile to your day is this.

#4 Singing while doing anything…”In your head is fine too”…while vacuuming in true Mrs. Doubtfire style.  Think about it.  You know the scene.  Just google it…smiling yet?  I am just thinking of the scene.  The serene place where we are freely doing something with fierceness with no fear of anything or anyone seeing us.

I am looking forward to writing again.  I have missed this and you!  Please feel free to send your smiles…in pictures or events.  Let’s share with each other!  Who knows I could share your smile with someone who needs something positive in a world of negative.

“Pray big and worry small”

Peach State

 

Peach State says: What Happened To Relaxing?

The on-the-go-non-stop-week finally ended Sunday evening with the Christmas music…OR at least what I thought!

What Happened To Relaxing?

The irritating chore bug bit me yesterday…
It was one of those days where my ADHD was in full swing as I started gathering the overwhelming amount of wire coat-hangers from the closet…
I could hang up clothes…
This could be washed…
Start the laundry…
I should get the plastic dry-cleaners bags and take them to the garbage can before the garbage is picked up…
I should run these bathroom rugs down and wash them…
I can clean the bathroom floor…
Why don’t I clean the bathroom counter and put things away…
Wow, I should put my short clothes in the bottom rack….

Well you get the idea! It was not pretty, especially when you consider the other normal chores throughout the rest of the house. I found myself sitting down about 4 PM and realizing the items not completed on my To-Do list! You know what that means…I have more To-Do today! “I am so thrilled…NOT!” Oh! Remember when I said there would be one more practice for Christmas Eve music…make that three! And that is not counting the different groups…Ladies Quartet, Ladies Trio ( which is the Ladies Quartet minus one who will with family Christmas Eve), Mixed Quartet and the Mixed Ensemble. Fortunately the Ladies Quartet is singing Sunday morning and the others will be Christmas Eve! That means at 5:15, or there abouts, the musical performance portion of my holiday season will be over and I will be free to…COOK! But that is another post!!!!

This is the last week of school and my 20 year old is helping my parents for the next week. So with a quiet and empty house I shall begin my day! “Who am I kidding?” I have already folded the clothes from the dryer and put the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher and started it. I need to wrap 10 more presents for my hubby’s office staff and then get ready to head out for one of those practices at 10:00 am. Who knows…maybe I could-just-possibly-if-I-time-it-right manage to relax before the youngest gets home!

Where can I find a vacuum like that? To quote several friends…

“SQUIRREL!!!”

Looks like my ADHD is alive and functioning today as well….”Lucky Me!”

“May your cup runneth over with joy, love and laughter oh, and really fabulous coffee!”

Peach State

Peach State says: Limitation’s Painful Reminders!

I have to admit I don’t kiss my oh-so-highly-independent-easily-embarrassed-by-parental-PDA’s 20 year old in public and have not since 4th or 5th grade. But I do enjoy the occasional poke or pat in front of his friends! It is highly recommended as a competitive sport among parents.

With this in mind…Last night was the Upwards Basketball Awards Night and both of my youngest were involved. My 20 year old was a coach/referee and the 13 year old a player. Here are just a few examples of…

Limitation’s Painful Reminders!

[20 year old]
The shaking head,
The rolling eyes,
The “I can’t believe you just did that” look,
“Please stop!”
“And my not-so-favorite…” The imitation of an older person using a walker!

[13 year old]
Blank stare,
Cold stare,
Unexplained deafness… Well, pretty much the way he usually acts in public!

Sadly the Painful Reminders from my 20 year old came before the program even started. Let me paint a picture for you.

We were one of the first to arrive, as usual, and entered the building as loud-arena-motivating-sporting-event music filled our ears. My dear friend was up in the sound booth testing out different songs for the evenings proceedings. Unfortunately, according to my 20 year old, I can not “Move It, Move it” anymore due to my age and lack of coolness! “Do you see what is happening?” So being the mom that I am…I simply removed myself to a location filled with those who are in my age group and who enjoy “Moving It, Moving It!” (Insert parental chuckle!) Close your eyes for a moment and think about the “Tacky Parent Dance!” Are you laughing yet? “We were!” Once I was with this exclusive group my inner “Dancing Queen” emerged. Well not really but I do love a good beat you can move to! Who doesn’t? My 20 year old just walked out the main doors shaking his head as his gave me that look…”Please Stop! I can’t believe you just did that!”

The next set of events prompted the rolling of eyes and shaking of head….My two dear friends, in the sound booth, have two small girls and….Yep! I picked them up and carried them around and played with them a little too much! Not only did the “old-timer using a walker” routine surface during this time but when I got home and realized the beginning pain associated with lifting and bending with the 2 very young-diaper-wearing-potty-training-sticky-Dorito-coated-fingered girls. “I understand that due to certain physical issues I have I am limited and often am faced with the oh so Painful Reminders!

All in all a good time was had. Games and highlights…drawing if tickets for prizes…and recognition! I don’t want to leave out my youngest and his smirks…I let him roam with the guys and hang. Several times our eyes connected and what a frown I got. “What?…I didn’t do anything!” I guess I was in his business! I am such an awful mom to be interested in what my youngest child is doing when he is not in close proximity in a crowd. If he was a girl I probably would have gotten the “Talk to the hand” attitude. I just had to chuckle inside at my totally-irritating-always-thinking-he’s-right-irresponsible 13 year old! “Has he got a few lessons to learn!”

So this morning, as I type away in my short window of time, I feel a stiffness in my shoulders and neck area not to mention the darn left hip. I carried “Precious Princess” down the stairs before the butt-crack-of-dawn this morning due to her waiting for me at the bedroom door as my alarm sounded this morning. I am in dire need of a lovely Calgon-take-me-away pill but alas, I have places to go and people to see. “Maybe later….hehe!” It is time to wrestle the herd from their beds…our first appointment is at 10 and breakfast is served.

“May your cup runneth over with joy, love and laughter oh, and really fabulous coffee!”

Peach State

Peach State says: Country Countdown

I love plot twists…I love being ahead of the rest of the family in figuring out the next twist before it happens. My poor hubby, as wonderful as he is, just isn’t wired the same way. [Cut and Dry!] My hubby has recently tried being more flexible with his time off…allowing us to experience new things together. (Get your mind out of the gutter…before I have to shake my finger in your face!)

Example…day trips, flea markets, wine tasting…you get the idea.

So anyway, I got an email about an event in middle Tennessee. “I have to work!” He said…”Go if you want to go, just go with a friend.” He smirked and I smirked…each one sure the other would fail. The short story is I am going Saturday with a friend.

Let the Country Countdown begin!

We are leaving early Saturday morning and will be back EARLY Sunday morning. When I told my hubby he seemed surprised and then tried tripping me up with another hurdle. “What about the boys?” With a Grinch-like-devious-grin creeping across my face I said…”Already taken care of!”

Soooo…You challenge me and I will do my best to meet and surpass the finish line! Especially if it means traveling to Tennessee for some FREE Country music!

I can’t wait!!!!

“May your cup runneth over with joy, love and laughter oh, and really fabulous coffee!”

Peach State

Peach State says: It Must Be Saturday!

The alarm sounded…sharply crushing any pleasant dreams I may have been dreaming. The overcast sky has not given way to the gentle sunbeams, instead the rain threatening clouds teasingly whisper “Want to go back to sleep?” Yep…

“It Must Be A Saturday!”

I must confess that I felt a bit of track this morning! No usual rush to drink down my Heavenly Brew before hitting the showers. VBS successfully ended yesterday and with it the week-long-smile-glued-on-my-face-way-too-early-no-pajamas-allowed-shoes-must-worn-at-all-times-lack-of-hot-coffee-when-needed-event finally came to a close.

“Hold on…sipping my latte’!”

All in all it was a wonderful week…my class (with only a couple of minor interruptions) was great!
The Motherly Teacher/Administrator did surface on Friday. There were some teen-helpers who saw their duties as not part of their daily schedule. Rolling of the eyes and smart mouthing other peer-volunteers as well as adults had finally reached exploding pressure cooker intensity. The lead staff mentioned concerns and wishes these teens would go home…NOW! I stepped in to smooth things over and long story short….one of the mothers came to me and was not very happy with me. I simply shared that her wonderful-can-do-nothing-wrong-son ( NO I DID NOT REFER TO HER SON THIS WAY…)had disrespected several leadership personnel and a peer volunteer in front of small children and non-church members. One of the main VBS Leaders thanked, me after this confrontation…conversation, for handling it so nicely…sweetly…quietly. UNFORTUNATELY…I guess the mother was not convinced or settled about the matter and rushed off complaining, to anyone who would listen, and even managed to confide in our pastor. “So much for my working in any capacity with the youth/children at our church. I guess I will not be be connected with VBS next year either.”

MY HUBBY WILL LIKE THAT!. Of course now that this stuff may hit the proverbial fan my hubby will have added incentive not to further consider becoming active in his attendance.

” I keep forgetting that my sons are the only non-angels away from home” (insert chuckle). “Of course they are not always angels here at home either…”

Funny thing is…by the time all my kiddies (16 active and wonderful upcoming 6-7 graders) left I had been hugged by parents telling me how much their kids loved having me as their teacher this year.

“Great…I Am So Confused!” Am I a wonderful teacher or a spawn of satan that has no business being around kids?

Only my hairdresser knows…no that’s not it…
Let’s find out…1-2-3…3…that’s not it either…
“oh yea…” The jury is still out! ”

I guess I will find out tomorrow. Until then I will continue to finish my wonderful latte’ as I enjoy the peaceful silence. (For the next 30 minutes) I will traveling down to meet my parents for lunch with two of my four sons in about an hour and a half and then back home for…”great!”…some cleaning. I need to play catch up after being gone from my usual routines for two weeks.

Speaking of coffee…(HEHE!) Look what I found and brought home with me from Charleston:

“NOPE!”

Several of my friends are either returning from vacation or leaving for vacation. The ins and outs of schedules and routines put on hold for a week here and there has begun. Thank goodness for Facebook. It will keep me connected while they are gone!

What are your plans for the next couple of months? May I suggest that you avoid talking to any teenagers? Lol…sorry, it just slipped out! Whatever your plans I only ask one thing…send pics and…

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Facebook Funnies…Giggle Giggle

What a way to start off the morning…I know what you are saying…
“Great now that song is stuck in my head!”
Don’t worry! I have just the cure!

Welcome to Facebook Funnies…Giggle Giggle!

How about a little “Iron Maiden”?

Not quite what you were thinking of…okay,

Simon and Garfunkel perhaps…

I always loved this song…but after seeing this it really speaks to me!

Scary thing is I have been singing along since I was old enough to walk beside my mom…music was always a part of my life!

Animal Parade:

End of the school year…yeah right! Sounds like the type of book my sons would read except the title would be “Dad said…”!

It is hard enough with one spoiled rotten Princess but multiple cats…

Oops…they forgot to spell!

Speaking of back-up…

They are sooo busted!

My youngest favorite line!

How about some Coffee?

LOL! Sorry I just had to post this one!

This weeks Blog Worthy Award Winners:

They must Samuel’s kids!

Yummy Bacon!

I hope you have a great day and this it not the day for…

Have a great one!

Peach State

Peach State says: Slowing Down For The Weekend…NOT!

I am Slowing Down For The Weekend…NOT!

I have a busy weekend including:

Time with friends
Scentsy party
Trio practice…and
Regular household Chores

No use listing the “Regular Household Chores”…we all have them! I really would rather ignore them and hope they just go the other way! “Well at least this weekend.” The Ladies Trio has the special Sunday morning…the fun part is the fact that we only got the song Wednesday night and went over it one time together. Here’s hoping we can arrange a time to meet tomorrow!

Wow! The Multitasking Monster has taken over my body. I had literally left the table and started a new task I preparation for the Scentsy Party tomorrow. I guess this is a signal to close and take care of what needs to be done.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend….and to those of you I will see this weekend; I can’t wait to see you! It is time for more coffee!

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Easy Breezy Facebook Funnies

Having been outside with Precious Princess for a little while this morning I experienced this hair-blowing-in-your-face-as-I-dodged-the-empty-pollen-husks flying in the stiff breeze. Welcome to this version of Easy Breezy Facebook Funnies!

Shall we start with a few Words to Live by:

Hopefully Dr. House is on duty!

Aww!

Coffee to keep functioning…exercise to keep moving…Reality is coffee keeps me moving and as long as I don’t exercise I will not make a mess and I won’t be in pain!

Don’t worry…I would not thrown an apple in your direction!

Yoda…The man is he!

A short explanation of the next one…A friend of mine, who sings tenor and sits right behind me in choir, sent this to me. I sing alto…surely he wasn’t referring to me!

Sorry…did I mention I am a huge “Dr. Who” fan?

On that note…Bring in the animals:

(“Didn’t you just love the way that just flowed…or tied together?”)

Turn a bouts fair play!

These flying monkeys don’t look mean!

Now that’s the kind of scale I would love to sing!

Wow…no words!

See…we are not the only ones having hard days!

I just want to say how much I love this simple word…it really …..Squirrel!

The joys of coffee and napping!

Hubby is up early on his day off…I am making a coffee run upstairs. BRB!

This is why I drink coffee all day…Yep!

“Darn…I forgot to close the laundry room door!”

The next two are inside jokes with my little group…can you guess why?

(Drum roll….) Blog Worthy Award Winner #1:

“But the commercials say Charmin is better!”

Another inside joke circulating through my Facebook updates has been a reflection of a statement made by our Pastor several Sundays ago…”I read your Facebook updates!” Here is a few Funnies just for him!

I posted these two…but then I have been tagged in several conversations and updates…example…
(drum roll…) Blog Worthy Award Winner #2:

All I have to say is “Peas in a Pod!” Lol!

Gotta have a “Grumpy Cat”!

My dog know when I have been unfaithful… And she also recognizes the scent of my parents dogs…Scary!

Because I can….Here is Blog Worthy Award #3:
This next one reminds me of a certain Praise Team at my church…yes I am on it…

And…

Now who could this feline enticement be meant for?

Share the humor and smile!

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Just Because it is Thursday

Instead of talking…why don’t you find something constructive to do!
Wise words from mom this bright-yellow-hazed-morning. I had the cleaning bug attack this morning. I think the nasty little bugs did this Just Because It Is Thursday! Zac Brown Band is playing in the background as I move to the rhythm around the kitchen. The good thing is that I have to leave in a few… Timing is everything!
So, for the short time this morning I have been the pure definition of “Mother”.

I am soooo good!

Just wanted to drop in and say hello…and good morning!

Back to my coffee refill and the next cleaning activity.

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Pick Me Mentality!

First of the month…first day of the week…
“Me…I’m not busy!…”

APRIL FOOLS!

I am sitting here at my kitchen table looking out over my backyard. The rain soaked ground looks a little greener and the yellow haze is gone…for the moment. The bare leave-less branches are beginning to show signs of new life as the fresh green splashes resemble a paint brush dipped into paint. Puffed blossoms of white and pink fill the flowering trees as the signs of Spring complete this picturesque scene. Me…well I will enjoy what I can because my lists are yelling at me. Can you hear them or are you busy tuning your own list out?

Pick Me Mentality!

Each list craving to be completed…begging to be number one. It is so bad that I have started a Master List in my head this morning. “Scary…I know!” ADHD ALERT!
I had placed a piece of paper and a pen next to my latte’ containing cup before deciding to write my blog. I need to go grocery shopping, pick up medicine, drop of medicine for my son at school, drop off dry cleaning and pick up dry cleaning, PT, Chiropractor…( Wait! The last two are not today but Tuesday and Thursday.) I need to re-schedule the one Thursday to accommodate my previously made plans.

(squealing air-brakes from the racing garbage trucks break through interrupting my train of thought)

These far-from-unusual items/duties are nothing compared to the list I am working around. I have penciled in time with a dear friend for lunch this week…time in the music library at church (boy is that needed!)…shopping for some pants to fit a 12 year old who has once again grown out of his jeans and shorts just bought at Christmas. My entire schedule pivots on one certain phone call…

“This the _______ from the surgeon’s office. We have scheduled your surgery for _______.”

We should know something today or tomorrow. The surgeon, my son was sent to, is off this week…soooo…my son asked if one of the other surgeons in the same practice would be able to proceed in a rapid/timely manner. If not we will have to wait till next week to find out a date. “Great…that is Spring Break!” The good news is the fact that we would not have to worry about my youngest’s schedule at school.

Can you hear them? The lists have begun jumping around in true “Donkey” fashion. “Pick me…Pick me!” I have got to work on my menu for the month and from that list make a grocery list…taking into consideration an easy meal for the day of surgery.

Crock-pot meal!

Just thought of another list…things I need to buy not available at the grocery store. Why could I not have a list containing:
Spa day.
Shopping trip with friends.
Trip to the beach.
Maids coming.
Hire a decorator?

I should count myself lucky…I did get my nails done last week and I will be having a maids day ( everyday…I am the maid) and I will be spending quality time with friends even though it won’t be a spoil-me-rotten day of shopping. Time to zap my coffee…Ah! Now that’s better! The constant calling from the jumping-bean lists has been slowed by the flowing warmth from my oversized cup.
Precious Princess is snoring at my feet, content lay curled up in a furry ball.

Call the groomer!

The sun is trying to peek through the overcast morning sky. The dancing shimmers from the wet leaves brighten up the yard. Wow! My ADHD is working overtime this morning. My mind must look like a corporate mail room. Each list is zooming back and forth in to vacuum tubes. As I sit here clicking away each list is growing. Phone calls have been answered adding to the tasks on hand. Fortunately this last call was something my hubby will have to take care of…I had to call and leave a message Friday about changing our landscaping and the possibility of needing approval. The sad thing is we are just making the existing flower beds smaller and leveling out and putting in more grass. You would think we were considering taking down the trees and cementing the front yard. “HeHe!”

This has been fun…just relaxing with you as I tried to organize my thoughts. But I know it is time to face the music and attack the composing of the lists. Have a great day!

Oh…

Peach State