Today was the final day of school for this year at Pilgrim Christian. I have to say I'm pretty excited for summer to be here. Although it will be super busy, a change of routine is always welcome! Monday evening Kaitlynn and I attended the Women of Worth Mother Daughter Banquet in our school Commons. It was an excellent time, with one of my former co-workers, Tina Thomas (mother of five kids in five years - one set of twins) speaking, and one of my former GBS schoolmates, Regina Thomas, doing some incredible things with her violin. It was a night of many laughs, and made me know that I AM NOT ALONE in this crazy thing called "motherhood"! Tuesday night was our annual PCS Awards Program. The theme was "God Is Faithful Through The Seasons" and our banquet area was decorated to represent the four seasons. I'll have pics of the boys with their trophies as soon as the film is developed. Of course, Wednesday was Prayer Meeting at church, and now on Thursday Kaitlynn and I are enjoying some quiet time around the house. We enjoyed sitting out in the yard swing for awhile while Greg and the boys were at his softball game. Tomorrow night is Evan's kindergarten graduation (sniff, sniff) and we are excited about his achievement.
As a side note, the hotel we had at Liberty sported a half-dollar sized spot of blood on the top part of the bedspread. Looked like maybe someone had a nosebleed or something. Mom had me to call down to the desk and ask for fresh linens, which the lady promptly brought up. Mom and Dad made the bed, and we thought no more about it. When dad went to check out the next morning, the first shift lady at the front desk said, "Due to the trouble you had last night, we are discounting your room to $75." Dad's response, "Hallelujah!" I dare say we got the cheapest room in Lynchburg that night, and it was a comfy one at that!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
What???? A $166 Super 8?
Tonight I am blogging from the beautiful campus of Liberty University. I am so excited to be here (even though we will have logged 1,000 miles in about 48 hours)! We arrived this afternoon just in time to attend Dr. Jerry Falwell's viewing in the stately DeMoss Center. It was the most spectacular thing I have ever seen, and had to be similar to viewing a deceased U.S. President. The police presence was heavy, of course, and the beauty and formality was unmatched. As we filed past his body, I was in awe of the moment. We stayed around to watch as the casket was escorted from the building down many steps and into the hearse. Following a wonderful dinner at Ruby Tuesday's, Mom, Dad, Greg and I went to the Baccalaureate in the new Thomas Road Baptist Church sanctuary. Incredible. Dr. Jerry Vines presented one of the most fantastic messages I have ever heard. We watched as a group of soldiers were commissioned, and their music was second to none. There was much emotion due to Dr. Falwell's death, but the service was a great blend of memory and blessing. We had planned to head over to Roanoke to find a hotel, but thought we would take our chances of someone cancelling out around the college. We were fortunate, I guess, and ended up taking the last room at Super 8 right across from the college. I'd say we were gouged at $166 for one night, but since we have to be in our seats for graduation by 8:45 a.m., location is everything. So, for the 2nd night in a row, Greg and I are sharing a room with Mom and Dad...hmmm. I have tons of pics for all interested, which I will try to post soon. Posting pics has been difficult for me lately, not sure why, but I know they are really what ya'll want! So long for now!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
I'm Still Here...
For all of you avid bloggers, please bear with me through the last 10 days of the school year. I have been so swamped that I haven't had time to do the things I enjoy! I started to write the other day, but became so overwhelmed, that I saved the draft and it is still sitting there...I am 31 now. Maybe that's what happened! Anyway, I did get to enjoy a concert tonight with my hubby, sister, and brother-in-law. Mike and Kelly Bowling were in town with the Crabb Family on the farewell tour. Jeff Snyder sings with Mike and Kelly now, and previously travelled in a GBS quartet with my brother, Eric. We enjoyed visiting with Jeff and hearing their group for the first time. Since it is now 12:21 a.m. and I must get 3 kids up and at 'em to be at school in the morning, I must sign off. I promise pics of our week soon. We are headed for Lynchburg, VA for Liberty's graduation on Thursday evening, so I'll try to post before I leave.
A Sad Day for LU...and America
News Release to Liberty Students and Alumni
Office of Alumni Affairs
Falwell, Founder of Liberty University , Dies
Date: May 15, 2007
Contact: Dr. Ronald S. Godwin, 434-582-7600
LYNCHBURG , Va. — The Rev. Jerry Falwell, Founder and Chancellor of Liberty University and Founder and Pastor of the historic Thomas Road Baptist Church , died today. He was 73.
Rev. Falwell was found unconscious in his office around 11:30 a.m., by members of his staff and received immediate resuscitation efforts there, again in the ambulance and at Lynchburg General Hospital .
He was officially pronounced dead at 12:40 p.m.
Rev. Falwell’s family, including his wife Macel and sons Jerry Falwell, Jr. and Jonathan Falwell, were with him at the hospital at the time of his death.
Ministry officials called a special 2:00 p.m. meeting in the Thomas Road Baptist Church auditorium and on less than an hours notice over 6,000 faculty, staff, students and church members attended the announcement of the passing of their Pastor and Chancellor.
Rev. Falwell established the Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1956 where he pastored for over 50 years. He founded Liberty University in 1971 and oversaw its rise to prominence as the largest evangelical University in America . .
Office of Alumni Affairs
Falwell, Founder of Liberty University , Dies
Date: May 15, 2007
Contact: Dr. Ronald S. Godwin, 434-582-7600
LYNCHBURG , Va. — The Rev. Jerry Falwell, Founder and Chancellor of Liberty University and Founder and Pastor of the historic Thomas Road Baptist Church , died today. He was 73.
Rev. Falwell was found unconscious in his office around 11:30 a.m., by members of his staff and received immediate resuscitation efforts there, again in the ambulance and at Lynchburg General Hospital .
He was officially pronounced dead at 12:40 p.m.
Rev. Falwell’s family, including his wife Macel and sons Jerry Falwell, Jr. and Jonathan Falwell, were with him at the hospital at the time of his death.
Ministry officials called a special 2:00 p.m. meeting in the Thomas Road Baptist Church auditorium and on less than an hours notice over 6,000 faculty, staff, students and church members attended the announcement of the passing of their Pastor and Chancellor.
Rev. Falwell established the Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1956 where he pastored for over 50 years. He founded Liberty University in 1971 and oversaw its rise to prominence as the largest evangelical University in America . .
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Busy, Busy Times! (this post is a week old)
Although I've enjoyed catching up on everyone else's blogs, I haven't had time to post! Last Friday my family had a birthday party for me at my parents home. We celebrated a couple of days early due to mom and dad leaving with the kids for the Jr./Sr. trip to Missouri on Saturday. During the party, my family presented me with gifts including one biggie:
My dear husband, knowing my need of a laptop for educational survival during summer travels, wanted to give me a much needed gift. Our parents chipped in with him, and I am now happily blogging from the comfort of my bed! I also took my first exam for HSER 509 while lounging on pillows last night. Pregnancy may not be all that bad after all! Anyway, since last Saturday we have been staying with my grandmother again. It has been a busy, busy week. Monday was my 31st birthday which, by the way, didn't bother me a bit. 30 was horrible, but now that I know there is life beyond 30, things are good! Since staying with grandma, I decided to take off teaching for the week. On Monday, I met my sister and four of her students at The Meeting Place (a cozy little eatery/coffee shop) for a birthday lunch. Kaitlynn thoroughly enjoyed my White Chocolate Caramel Frapp, and we had a great time. At my advice, we went to McDonald's for my birthday supper so the kids could entertain themselves on all the cool games they have. After a visit to the park, we were all done in and ready for bed. Tuesday found me at the Dr's office for an 8 hour shift. It was interesting and fun. Wednesday and Thursday were what I'll call "preggo" days. Just didn't feel so well. On Friday I was flying around trying to get things done at my parents house, and fell down their flight of stairs. Greg heard the "boom" and came flying to my rescue. Due to my typical clutziness, he wasn't surprised, just sympathetic! Now it is Saturday evening, the Mother's Day gifts are all purchased, lasagnas will soon be ready for baking, and we are awaiting mom and dad's arrival so that we can go home and prepare for Sunday...A very happy Mother's Day to all my blog mom buddies!
My dear husband, knowing my need of a laptop for educational survival during summer travels, wanted to give me a much needed gift. Our parents chipped in with him, and I am now happily blogging from the comfort of my bed! I also took my first exam for HSER 509 while lounging on pillows last night. Pregnancy may not be all that bad after all! Anyway, since last Saturday we have been staying with my grandmother again. It has been a busy, busy week. Monday was my 31st birthday which, by the way, didn't bother me a bit. 30 was horrible, but now that I know there is life beyond 30, things are good! Since staying with grandma, I decided to take off teaching for the week. On Monday, I met my sister and four of her students at The Meeting Place (a cozy little eatery/coffee shop) for a birthday lunch. Kaitlynn thoroughly enjoyed my White Chocolate Caramel Frapp, and we had a great time. At my advice, we went to McDonald's for my birthday supper so the kids could entertain themselves on all the cool games they have. After a visit to the park, we were all done in and ready for bed. Tuesday found me at the Dr's office for an 8 hour shift. It was interesting and fun. Wednesday and Thursday were what I'll call "preggo" days. Just didn't feel so well. On Friday I was flying around trying to get things done at my parents house, and fell down their flight of stairs. Greg heard the "boom" and came flying to my rescue. Due to my typical clutziness, he wasn't surprised, just sympathetic! Now it is Saturday evening, the Mother's Day gifts are all purchased, lasagnas will soon be ready for baking, and we are awaiting mom and dad's arrival so that we can go home and prepare for Sunday...A very happy Mother's Day to all my blog mom buddies!
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Tree Plantin' Time!
Daddy does the hard work...look closely for what I call "Burley Pattern Baldness" :)(I hope he doesn't retaliate for that one!)
Ryan squeezes the life out of Kaitlynn
Kaitlynn uses her "heavy equipment" to haul the excess dirt! Evan found it more profitable to take a baking soda bath (to ease the itching of the Pox) than to help with the trees; therefore, he is absent in the photos.I suppose it is a national thing for first graders to get trees in celebration of Arbor Day, but this year we were thrilled to get two nice-sized trees that will have beautiful, pink, flowering buds. I think they are Dogwood, but I can't say for sure. The kids enjoyed helping plant them, but it remains to be seen whether we will live here long enough to see them mature!
**DISCLAIMER** FEMALE ORIENTED POST ~ MALES USE DISCRETION! :)
As some of you may know, I went to Nurse Aide Training in February of 2006. My motivation did not stem from a desire to work as a nurse's aide, but I took the class at half price because of my employment at the vocational school where the class is held. It was beneficial to me for the following reasons: 1) future interest in nursing school (NA training is a prerequisite to clinicals) 2) possible summer income (I am a school teacher, you know) 3) personal enrichment (???)
Anyway, last summer I worked as an STNA for several shifts in a local nursing home (3rd shift so one of us would be with the kids all the time) and can't say that I liked it, but it was decent money since I was PRN and didn't need benefits. I also learned a lot. There is another facility (independent living/assisted living/skilled care) in town, and it is top notch quality (fancier than anything I will ever live in, I'm sure). The only way I could get in there on a PRN basis was to become employed by a health care agency out of a larger city about an hour from here. I worked one shift there in January, and hadn't been able to fit it into my schedule since. After becoming pregnant, I knew my tolerance for that kind of work would be nonexistent so I told them I would only work assisted living (less mess, less lifting, etc.). They called the other day and asked if I would do three shifts in a doctor's office, and I said yes without really knowing what I would be doing. I've always been curious about working that type of job, and wanted to give it a try. The pay was pretty good, as well. I approached the office nervously, not knowing what I was getting into, but found a small-town office with one doctor and a secretary. I was the only "nurse". Yes, I was supposed to fill the shoes of the LPN they had just hired, who was in training during these shifts. After a chatting with the secretary for an hour (before the doc or any patients even arrived), checking out the patient rooms and supplies, and eating a small breakfast brought in by drug reps (they're the best, albeit very annoying!) I began my duties. It wasn't anything I couldn't handle, just taking the patients back to the room, obtaining all their pertinent info and vitals, and making everything ready for the doc. I thought that was what it would be when I went back today...until we had a patient waiting for a PAP. In my ob/gyn office, the nurse lays out the supplies for the PAP and necessary labwork, then leaves the room. Not so at this little family practice, so I found! Having never done this before, I was so worried about laying out all the appropriate tools, filling out lab papers correctly, and getting all the correct insurance information, that I forgot to lay out the gown and tell the patient to disrobe. I went out of the room, and the doctor entered, ready to examine this fully clothed woman. You can imagine how dumb I felt when doc came out of the room with a grin on her face and said, "She needs to undress. Can you get her a gown?" I guess that was just one small part of the exam I totally forgot about! Fortunately this wasn't a busy practice with a demanding doctor, or I probably wouldn't have gotten that reminder with a smile! Then...to my surprise, I had to stay in the room and assist her with the specimens. I admit, there is nothing glamorous about stirring "fluids" into a solution for the lab, and I was feeling slightly more than awkward at having to witness this particular event, but all went well from that point forward. Anyway, I am looking forward to doing another shift next Tuesday, and hopefully I'll get some similar calls this summer. As a side note, this was the same doc that Greg refers to as "Dr. Pinch-My-Booty" because she did his first prostate exam a couple of years ago. Greg's nickname rhymes with her last name, so my kids laughed hysterically when they found out who I was working with this week. Well, I had better get busy. This is the first week of my new class, it is already Wednesday, I have two kids with Chicken Pox and one with a cold, and I have not opened the first textbook. My poor bladder is about to endure it's 3rd 32oz. glass of iced tea, so I'm sure I will be doing sprints to the bathroom after every 2 pages of reading. Being pregnant is a little different each time. This time I am kind of like a child: When I'm hungry, I want food NOW! When I'm tired, I want sleep NOW! When I have to go, I have to go NOW! And poor Dave Ramsey, he's been on the shelf for the last two months. Who has the energy to plan menus and shop? I really want to be "debt free", but it's looking pretty hopeless at the moment!
Anyway, last summer I worked as an STNA for several shifts in a local nursing home (3rd shift so one of us would be with the kids all the time) and can't say that I liked it, but it was decent money since I was PRN and didn't need benefits. I also learned a lot. There is another facility (independent living/assisted living/skilled care) in town, and it is top notch quality (fancier than anything I will ever live in, I'm sure). The only way I could get in there on a PRN basis was to become employed by a health care agency out of a larger city about an hour from here. I worked one shift there in January, and hadn't been able to fit it into my schedule since. After becoming pregnant, I knew my tolerance for that kind of work would be nonexistent so I told them I would only work assisted living (less mess, less lifting, etc.). They called the other day and asked if I would do three shifts in a doctor's office, and I said yes without really knowing what I would be doing. I've always been curious about working that type of job, and wanted to give it a try. The pay was pretty good, as well. I approached the office nervously, not knowing what I was getting into, but found a small-town office with one doctor and a secretary. I was the only "nurse". Yes, I was supposed to fill the shoes of the LPN they had just hired, who was in training during these shifts. After a chatting with the secretary for an hour (before the doc or any patients even arrived), checking out the patient rooms and supplies, and eating a small breakfast brought in by drug reps (they're the best, albeit very annoying!) I began my duties. It wasn't anything I couldn't handle, just taking the patients back to the room, obtaining all their pertinent info and vitals, and making everything ready for the doc. I thought that was what it would be when I went back today...until we had a patient waiting for a PAP. In my ob/gyn office, the nurse lays out the supplies for the PAP and necessary labwork, then leaves the room. Not so at this little family practice, so I found! Having never done this before, I was so worried about laying out all the appropriate tools, filling out lab papers correctly, and getting all the correct insurance information, that I forgot to lay out the gown and tell the patient to disrobe. I went out of the room, and the doctor entered, ready to examine this fully clothed woman. You can imagine how dumb I felt when doc came out of the room with a grin on her face and said, "She needs to undress. Can you get her a gown?" I guess that was just one small part of the exam I totally forgot about! Fortunately this wasn't a busy practice with a demanding doctor, or I probably wouldn't have gotten that reminder with a smile! Then...to my surprise, I had to stay in the room and assist her with the specimens. I admit, there is nothing glamorous about stirring "fluids" into a solution for the lab, and I was feeling slightly more than awkward at having to witness this particular event, but all went well from that point forward. Anyway, I am looking forward to doing another shift next Tuesday, and hopefully I'll get some similar calls this summer. As a side note, this was the same doc that Greg refers to as "Dr. Pinch-My-Booty" because she did his first prostate exam a couple of years ago. Greg's nickname rhymes with her last name, so my kids laughed hysterically when they found out who I was working with this week. Well, I had better get busy. This is the first week of my new class, it is already Wednesday, I have two kids with Chicken Pox and one with a cold, and I have not opened the first textbook. My poor bladder is about to endure it's 3rd 32oz. glass of iced tea, so I'm sure I will be doing sprints to the bathroom after every 2 pages of reading. Being pregnant is a little different each time. This time I am kind of like a child: When I'm hungry, I want food NOW! When I'm tired, I want sleep NOW! When I have to go, I have to go NOW! And poor Dave Ramsey, he's been on the shelf for the last two months. Who has the energy to plan menus and shop? I really want to be "debt free", but it's looking pretty hopeless at the moment!
Our Weekend
Dr. and Mrs. Joe C. Brown (he is Dean of Academic Affairs at OCU)
Uncle Joe (R) and Dr. Mark Smith (L) preparing to present diplomas
A treasure from my little phonetically-trained kindergartner, Evan
A popular pose for Kaitlynn during revival. Why can't she do this at our church?
Evan enjoying his "airplane bath"
Yes, I guess I was playing with my phone in church...Here's Bro. Mark Cravens giving another excellent message.
Kaitlynn joins some of the S.S. kids in singing at Harrisburg
Beautiful stained glass in the sanctuary
More beautiful stained glassNo, I didn't fall off of the face of the planet after announcing my pregnancy, it just seems like it. Busyness has overtaken me, and when it comes to bathing my children or blogging, bathing seems to take priority. Not to mention the fact that I now seem to fall into bed before anyone else in the house, making my moments of peace and quiet virtually nonexistent! As previously mentioned (why do I always sound as though I'm writing a term paper?!), Greg and I were privileged to be a part of the spring revival at the Harrisburg PHC last Thursday through Sunday. We had to drive over and back on Thursday due to work schedules, so we left the kids with Mom and Dad. We headed back over on Friday afternoon to spend the weekend. Services went very well, and the people of that church are fantastic. They have a gorgeous 120-year-old facility that is loaded with stained glass, killer oak woodwork, and a digital baby grand piano (much fun for me!). My parents came over on Friday night for service since we were all staying in a hotel in Circleville that night to attend my Aunt Carol Brown's college graduation at Ohio Christian University the following morning. Graduation went really well, and I am very proud of my aunt who helped to put all three of her children through college (two accountants and a nurse), and her husband through, I believe, 3 degrees (one undergrad., at least one grad., and a doctoral program), and then went back to get her B.A. I won't mention her age, but her oldest child is in his 40's! I think it took great courage and ambition for her to achieve this milestone, and I'm happy for her. It is rumored that she may go on to nursing school?! All I can say is - go for it, girl! Saturday night it was back to the church for another service, then back to the hotel for an all-too-short night's sleep. I forgot to mention that Ryan broke out with chicken pox just as we were getting ready to begin Saturday's service. Fortunately, my parents were on their way through and hadn't left the Columbus area yet. They swung by to pick him up, and took him on home. On Sunday morning, Evan wanted to take a bath in the jacuzzi. We let him and wanted Kaitlynn to get in, but she was scared of the noise. Later that afternoon, we were entertained in a home where the family had just installed a jacuzzi in their master bath. Kaitlynn walked in and said, "It's an airplane bath!" Looking puzzled and remembering her fear that morning I said, "Yes, it is very loud isn't it, Kaitlynn." Evan replied, "Yeah, it has jets!" Feeling that my 3-year-old had just caused me a blond moment, I cracked up. You never know what little minds associate, and it is just too funny! The afternoon was enjoyable, complete with fried chicken, all the trimmings, and a visit with Mark Cravens (no, Greg did not preach, Mark did!) and the Welsh family, who kept us laughing all afternoon. Evan ended up breaking out mildly that day, so fortunately we were able to head home that night after the service. I have more news from the week to post, so stay tuned...
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