HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!”
Today is not just another day and if you were still here we would be on the phone. I can hear you now as I run through the conversation in my head. It’s like you never left. I’ll just tell you how things are going…

Daddy…you would be so proud of grandson #5! He did real well in track this season and made it to Regionals! He broke another personal record the other night and as he was speeding toward the finish line his head tilted back ever so slightly …a smile crossed my face and I remembered “Chariots of Fire”.

Daddy…you should see this little weed! Your #1 great-grandson is so special and smart. The other night he was watching grandad drink out of his Yeti cup….the cup went up and back onto the table. He wanted that cup! Then he realized there was one sitting next to him…

He immediately fell in love with the coolness of the metal sides and the smooth lid.  “Of course I had to wash the lid before I could finish my drink!”  Oh the squeaks and squeals he made as he knawed that cup.  You would have loved it!

Daddy…I thought of you today and thought I should call you…but then I remembered you weren’t there.  You know how we are doing and laughing along with us.  There are no more tears and pain for you and I am glad.  We will be alright and we are taking care of mama too!

I love you…and miss you…“HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!”

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

 

Peach State

 

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Peach State says: Coaching the Game of Life

Whistle around my neck…Extra coffee ready…Players all ready for the game…
“What play will I call first?”

Today is one of those days that life throws in just to keep you guessing. No use planning your schedule because it could change at the drop of the hat. Seriously!
Okay so my mind is moving way to fast for me today…Coffee Break!…I sat down to relax after my hubby and youngest left this morning and could only run scenarios ,of my day, in my mind. I felt like I was Coaching the Game of Life!

You go to work…run the ball
You go to school…flank right
Okay, your working too…flank left
That one is gone till sometime in the fourth quarter…in the locker room
Oldest son…defend that ball

I watch the play unfold and the quarterback runs the ball…
As long as we don’t fumble we will be fine. I have two cakes to bake…a three-layer and a two-layer
and realized this morning I am 2 eggs short. A store run is added to the day’s errands thanks to the magic of dry erase markers and dry erase board. “Tragedy averted!”
I am drawing from my previous experiences to plan my day. I may have to skip taking my youngest to TKD in order to pick up my 19 year old in the fourth quarter. He is across the state in the final stages of recruitment. Last time he was there for a test he arrived back about 5:45-6:15….that will not do tonight.

Mom has to be at a quartet practice about 6 pm with an extra Easter Practice at 6:30!

Come on guys…don’t fumble! We need to move the ball…we are almost there! I sure hope I don’t go down in history as the worst coach to ever play the game.

Flag on the play! PERSONAL FOUL!
“Mom…there are three packages upstairs that need to be sealed up and then taken to UPS!”

“Time out!” Back to the dry erase board….leave earlier and combine the UPS store and grocery store together before heading to the doctor’s office. Wiping the sweat from my brow I remind myself to smile…oh and breathe! No time to give up now guys…push through everything thrown at us.

My head is swimming and I need to focus. Next on the list is getting ready to leave. Timing is crucial so I can get back and bake the cakes and still have time for the to cool and decorate before fixing dinner. Oh crud!. Dinner! Sorry to cut this short…I am headed back to the dry erase board. Wish me luck!…I know I am strongest on days like this… Say it with me! I can do this!

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Are You Ready For Some Football?

What a season this has been…and the fact that our two favorite teams play each other tomorrow is…well..a dream!. The Atlanta Falcons host the Seattle Seahawks! “Wish we had tickets but, that was not in the cards.” With two playoff games today and two tomorrow our house is in NFL Football Heaven. Are You Ready For Some Football?

There will be no silent cheering, as my hubby sleeps.
There will be no headphone in our iPads or iPhones listening to the game, as my hubby watches what he wants to watch.
There will be no need to ask “Siri” for score updates…
And the biggie….no texting between my son and I talking about the game.

This has been a season that will live forever as The Year Dad Watched Football! “I think my sons are placing bets for next season…Will dad be this into the NFL and other games next year?”

Well I have a lot to do before settling in for the proverbial cheering-raising-our-voices-coaching-from-the-livingroom-spitting-out-plays-and-yelling-about-the-choice of players on the field. NFL Heaven Pre-game hoopla begins at 3:30 today. I hope your team wins unless you are playing my team. “Oh sorry! Did I say that out loud?”

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: New Years On My Mind

If only that were a true statement! I enjoy my coffee, as you well know, and have the Heavenly Brew in my handy-dandy-oversized-cup most of my waking day. “I know…the statement refers to my personal world…family, home, children.” (uh huh!)
Posters and pictures like this have really circulated on my Facebook this past week as we prepare for the New Year. Habits, traditions, hopes and dreams…are being brought up and suggested…it is time to take a moment and reflect…Yes! New Years On My Mind!

This year will be different…Right?

Soo…All I have to do is not be a mess and I won’t be exhausted!
Well that would make for some interesting blogs.
I have plenty of areas that need my attention…“Quit agreeing with me!” Priorities need to be shuffled and that may mean letting somethings go. “Don’t panic…it won’t be my music or friends!” A different order to life, including the children and what they are responsible for, may come into play. I can tell you now…they will not like the changes.

This will take some thought and a little idea gathering. Goody! I love idea gathering…it means time with my dear friends. “Do I have any takers?” Great minds do tend to think alike…hehe…but they also come up with some of the best solutions to life’s little problems.

Speaking of those problems…it is time for me to head out the door and and begin my trek of duties. All is done inside…laundry, dishwasher, counter tops, even dinner has been started. I hope this does not take to long!

Please send your suggestions in for how to approach this New Year! Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Tree of Thanksgiving!

Decided to try something different this year!

With everything going crazy with work schedules the common-everyday-routines-and-take-it-for-granted mentality I wanted to cause my family to think. Think about what is important in our lives and the things we should remember to be thankful for. This year I added this simple decoration….Tree of Thanksgiving!

I am hoping to cause enough of a stir, with this simple twig, and get my family to think for a moment.
And during that short-split-second-pause will plant a seed of thankfulness…of course I also expect some laughter and “What is a tree branch doing in my house?”

It is easy…
Find a branch…that was easy after all the wind we have had.

Cut out some colorful leaves…

Write different reasons to be thankful and attach to the branch.
Place in a weighted vase or container.

Display.

I am hoping the family will add their own reasons to be thankful but you have to remember I have 3 grown boys who will not think it is cool and a twelve year old that will sneak a tree limb into his room and try to decorate it for himself. But a mother can dream! I may have to take this to the next level next time but for now this will do. What do you think?
Have you done something like this before? Let me know!

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: This Thing I Do!

The ability to string words together in an ordered manner is a talent I have long held near and dear. I have maneuvered my way out of many sticky situations, with cleverness, as I parade various adjectives and adverbs ornately amongst the facts. Many of my teachers and college professors would side-bar my writing with favorable comments.

“The ideas shared on this topic were creatively unique!”,
“The familiarity you shared with the main character gave this paper a quality unseen in previous students!”
and my favorite…”Did you read the book at all?”

😉 I was literally handed my paper as the professor in my 500 level English Lit class asked me this question. I simply smiled and asked if I could see my grade first. He turned the paper over to reveal an “A”. The professor asked again if I had read the book…and I promptly responded yes…”Most of it!” He immediately inquired about my methods. Maybe it was my love for reading or the understanding of subject matter. Maybe it was my ability to tell a story. Whatever the case…I love doing This Thing I Do!

I have found that by seeking a positive and often humorous approach in my writing I enjoy a vast range of topics. My friends and I have some of the best title concepts which lead my brain to quickly explore subject matter connected with each of the Blog Worthy titles.
I had the opportunity to write my blog last night with a little help from a dear friend, often referred to in my blogs as Mutual Cat Loving Friend, while I was at basketball practice with my youngest. We squealed and squawked with the creation of the post. Of course it may have been the fact that we had both had very hard days and really needed to release the emotions quickly rising and ready to explode with the strength of a volcanic eruption.

Whether therapeutic or just a plain-old-love to write…my blog is satisfying. “I sadly watch my stats but not like I use to.” I have also found that this is another way to connect with my friends. We laugh and discuss daily topics often losing ourselves in conversation with people around us staring strangely at us. We stop and explain…”Peach State writes a blog and we are talking about something she recently wrote.” “You should check it out!” The funny thing is most people have no clue what a blog is much less how to google for one.

“Does that mean I am higher on the geekdom scale than most?”

The therapeutic writing style I use gives me the chance to share my failures and successes with my family and friends. BUT…if someone else can read what I write and use it to better their pain or situation I am all for it. I only hope the information gleaned, while not valuable to most, assist someone who may have reached the Proverbial End-of-the-Rope. After all isn’t that what writers typically want?

Speaking of end-of-the-rope…my coffee is not working well this morning in keeping my eyelids open. Well it could be the pain medication…hehe! I better stop before I fail to make sense.

What would be your reason for writing? Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: What Makes A Mom!

Each one different,
Unique in design.
Each from heaven sent,
With me in mind.

New abilities grow,
Strength I never had.
All together will show,
Love through the good and bad.

Wreaking havoc and wrecking balls,
Discipline balanced in consistency.
Obnoxious and loud, the showing of claws,
Don’t make me call my flying monkeys!

Ears to hear each tiny sound,
Whispers filled with whining desires.
Laughter and tears are sure to abound,
There is nothing wrong with last years attire!

Eyes to see the signals they give,
Through the ups and downs and mistakes.
Teaching how to stand tall and live,
The rolling eyes when I hand them a rake!

I stand firm at the ready,
With my shield and my sword.
Till my load they help carry,
I’ll defend those I adore.

With a song in my heart,
Homemade cookies not flan,
These are a few marks,
Of What Makes A Mom!

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Soap Box Thoughts

With flustered heart and shaky hands I debate the intent of certain Facebook updates. I cannot find the conservative root in the thought on the page as I read the status again. Is this person, considered a close relationship, attacking people like me with these photos and words or does this person see this post in a different light? I don’t know! “It made me want to scream and press the de-friend button.”

I have found myself perusing my page daily and not liking some of the ideals and lifestyle updates.

“Am I getting to be of the mindset that today’s crazy youth have no clue what truth is in the world?”

I know that differences are needed…Lord knows I am different! (insert laughter here!) But, my concern is the subject matter on my page should reflect my general beliefs and certain things just don’t belong there. I try to be tolerant of the grey areas and overlook the post as I scroll to the next update. I remind myself that those close to me only see my posts and comments on their status’ and find relief. I consider posting the opposite concepts and ideologies to throw a wrench in their page….but, I am not that type of person. You know, as well as I do, that our friends typically share the same general lifestyle beliefs.

Politics comes to mind…I am conservative as are those close to me! I will post about voting…but will not flood the page with who I am voting for. I will urge my Facebook Friends to remember to vote. They have the right to decide for themselves…BUT…please don’t shove your anti-conservative mindset down my throat with your status updates. “Did I say that out loud?”
Maybe I should just relax and drink the rest of my coffee and enjoy my wonderful breakfast of peanut butter crackers.

“Please let me state, for the record, that I am not as square as it may sound! I love my country and I have strong core beliefs. I enjoy laughing and have a unique and sometimes weird sense of humor…alright…sometimes may need to be constantly. Thus, I have friends who are the same way…but our core values and beliefs are the same. I do not aggressively seek out controversy and conflict.

One moment while I wipe the itty-bitty beads of perspiration from my poor brow….phew! I feel so much better! So what should I do? Should I let it go or pick up the proverbial glove of challenge? I could always go with the Sports Rule: 3 Strikes you’re out!. What do you think? Please let me know and have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: A Little Bit of Everything

There is nothing quite like the company of good friends to take you from the routine-run-of-the-mill-day-to-day activities and transport you to a place of uncontrolled silliness. “Well not uncontrolled… We were practicing our special music and polishing the harmonic blends…” This mixture of a fast-paced-giggle-fest and singing thrills me to the core. “I am at home!” The only thing that could have made it any better would have been the presence of coffee in my hand…but alas…time constraints prohibited the preparation of my Heavenly Brew! There were many different topics which had ties to family, children, life, music, church….well the list goes on. Last night was a renewal of sorts and a loving warmth spread to A Little Bit of Everything important to me.

Please do not think I want to be the center of attention. I was merely the social butterfly fluttering about the different personalities. My friends at church seem to fit neatly in the different areas of my life. Many overlap and we use these connections to build each other up when life interrupts.

Topics covered last night:
Diet
Children
TKD
Family
Sickness
Outreach to the Seniors
Music
Movies
Coffee
Lunch
Death of a pet yesterday
Stupid things our kids do
Funny things our kids do
Moving
House repairs and painting
Did I say music…
Weather

Well there was more…but maybe you get the idea. The special thing about my friends is that we wear so many hats and have the ability to relate and help each other in every facet of our intricate existence. “Okay, those of you that may see yourself, in any way, just relax…and remember the laughter shared and the pats on the back…and let it ease the struggles you may come across today.” Oh…except for the one who went to whack me in the head with a microphone! You know who you are…LOL!

My weight loss accountability friend came in last night and grilled me over my caloric intake. Mmm…grilled! “Sorry I grabbed an apple…my stomach is beginning to growl.” I was able to say I have lost weight…over a pound a day. “As of this morning I have lost four pounds since starting this diet on Monday.”

One of my BFFs (the one married to my BFF minister of music) was home with sickies. I so missed her but what can I say…”BTDT”

I have told you before about the Peas in a Pod group of friends …well most were present and accounted for last night. There are many topics of conversation weaving in and out, when this group is together, and just about every topic on the above list was discussed. This is the group that has given me the nickname “Trouble” which is not a very fitting name…if I do say so myself. I have never done anything to merit this personality stamp…except for that one time and they don’t know about that. Hehe! The shoulders of comfort and strength, we share in this group, are held up and supported by the love and joy as our friendship grows. Even when we do not share our deepest pain…we know and understand and are there for each other.

I need coffee…especially when talking about this group!

A friendly spunky spirit came back to choir last night. She works with the Children’s Ministry and we worked together during Vacation Bible School. We have many common life factors starting with my home town. Her mom worked with my husband…her family went to church where my brother was Minister of Music…all in my hometown and now we have connected. She always shares her warmth in her smile and even her frown. “Her frown is not on her face long…she is just tooo….spunky and it is contagious. We talk about her love of photography and her traveling hubby, who is back in town, and her recent bout with sick children. She wants to get together and do lunch…as long as salads are served I will be fine. Mmmm!…salads.

Don’t laugh…I am really trying to be good and watch what I eat. Everything is listed and counted on that My Fitness Pal app and I need to maintain the levels. Those unseen calories add up so quickly.

The creaking floors are sounding above my head as the rest of the family begin to start their day. Work lies ahead of them along with a tune-up for the 22 year old’s truck and on-the-job-training for the 19 year old. TKD for the youngest later this afternoon and …

Crap!

Tonight for dinner we will have something….good! At least my hubby works until 8 and will get home about 9 tonight. I have a few hours to plan dinner. I do need to do a little cleaning so maybe I will do that before leaving for lunch. You know the dusting and vacuuming and laundry…giggle, giggle…my last load is in the washer already. I have been busy this morning while writing this.

Well the entire family is up and the day is in full swing. I have multi-tasked too much this morning and I need to close. I cannot write with my youngest in the room. I will move on to another activity…maybe the dusting…and try to fit everything in today. I hope you can find time to do A Little Bit of Everything in you day. Take a moment to think about those special people in your life and the areas they touch…then smile and continue knowing they probably thought about you too! Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Time To Put the Feet Up!

I am finally home from a day long trip to my home town. My niece graduated from High School today and for the first time in many years I drove beyond my parents house. It was fun to see all the changes and even more…what had stayed familiar and unchanged. Looking down the list of graduates was like looking at an old church roll.

After walking across my old college campus, where the high school graduation was held, I finally found all of my siblings and their spouses. We endured an hour of introductions and special music and finally started the handling out of the diplomas. BUT WAIT! Instructions were given 3 times on how to clap…when to clap…no noise makers!

“Please contain you clapping and cheering for your graduate until the entire row is complete.”
The third graduate stepped over to receive her diploma as cheers and horns sounded!
I am glad my parents decided to leave after my niece walked across the stage.

We gathered to have lunch together and celebrate the day…then we all went our own ways and headed home. I picked up a couple of things for dinner and a movie!

Who wants to cook? Not me!
And the movie called Joyful Noise that no one in my family wants to see…except for me!
So I will close…with comfy clothes now on…and my Almond Joy Mocha beside my chair…the movie is starting. Enjoy your evening!

Peach State