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Saturday, April 30, 2011

The Noise You Hear...

Is the Sound of Freedom!!

We took the boys to the Air Show in Beaufort today. I have ALWAYS loved this event!! Even though the Blue Angels come every other year, I am always amazed by the terrific flying skills they demonstrate. To be a pilot in those jets must be thrilling!!! I can't help but appreciate their talent...and total fearlessness!!

The Air Show also offered the boys an opportunity to get "up close and personal" with other airplanes in the military. You can't help but be amazed and impressed with the size of these flying machines. In fact, Lightning McQueen may finally have some competition...Porter hasn't put his new toy jet down since he got it. Maybe he'll follow Grampa Bud's footsteps and don a flight suit in the future!!



The Blue Angels...lined up and ready to go!


An Osprey


Learned my grandfather flew this type of plan in the war







The Harrior demonstrates it's ability to "hover" like a helicopter!








The Golden Knights....the Army's superior parachute team!








My personal favorite - THE STEALTH! Doesn't it look like something Batman would fly???



And finally...the AMAZING Blue Angels!!!



Monday, April 25, 2011

Things are REALLY Warmin' Up 'Round Here!!

These warmer temps mean MORE backyard fun...I think the boys would definitely agree that they are happy to see Spring is here to stay!!!









Friday, April 22, 2011

The Mother of Boys

Handprints on cupboards
and shoes in the hall.
Toilet seat's up and there's
mud on the wall.

Every sports channel to
them will appeal,
And the front room doubles
as a football field.

The shelves in the kitchen
are continually bare.
There's toys on the couch
and jeans on the chair.

Wrestling and mud and
cars and noise,
I'm sure you can guess I'm
the MOTHER of BOYS!!!

-Patsy Gaut

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Working Mom's Guilt

I think all of us who work outside the home have this feeling on occasion. The Today Show did a segment on this yesterday (http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/42679160#42679160). I liked what these women had to say, and I agree with the one who, when asked if stay-at-home moms are generally happier, answered, "I think both sides often think the grass is always greener." Sometimes I worry that my kids will resent the fact that I work; but deep down I know this will not be the case. When I reflect on my own childhood, I was blessed with a mom who was able to be at home with my sister and I. This was most often due to the fact that my father was a Marine; we moved a lot and he was deployed often, so any attempt that my mother would have had to work full-time would really not have been conducive to this lifestyle. I also remember the year we lived in Rhode Island. Dad took classes at a local college and served, in all actuality, as Mister Mom that year. Mom worked for the Preservation Society (basically in a full-time capacity) and I remember how happy she was...going to work every day and bringing home stories about the latest tourist event. Dad did the laundry, the grocery shopping, took my sister and I "out and about"....I loved that year. My sister and I got a ton of extra time with Dad, but I know Mom loved that year because she got extra time with Mom. That's how I look at working. I consider myself VERY lucky that I have an extremely flexible boss (who also happens to be a husband and father, so he is always willing to work with my schedule). I also have a job I love, which is only enhanced by working with people who have become, over the years, some of my closest friends. We have been through marriages, pregnancies, disease, etc and we have shared more tears and laughs that I can ever begin to explain. My friend Joy says it best, "Working makes me a better mom." I totally agree; going to my job allows me to focus on me but when I am home with my kids, I truly cherish every moment. I do my best to put chores aside and only focus on them. Many times this is easier said then done (the laundry often can't wait for days and days!), but I know this will always be a work in progress. Time management has become my close friend, and I try to get most things done during the kids quiet/nap time in the afternoons. Trust me, I know I will never be given the role of SUPER MOM, but I know my kids think their mom is super!!! And really, isn't that what's important??

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Just 'Cause

It's hard for me to believe how big he is getting!!!! This time next year, I will be registering him for Kindergarten...

An Eggs-cellent Time!

Let's dye some Easter eggs!!!!


















Touch A Truck 2011

Since July of last year, I have been working on Touch a Truck for the Junior League. I was on the committee for last year's event, but was asked to chair it by the president. I knew it was a lot to take on, but I was excited (and honored) to be in charge of such a fun, family friendly event. I must admit, I had the privilege to work with some amazing women; most everyone on my committee was top-notch, and I know this event would not have come together without them. We had 28 vehicles, face-painters, clowns, an obstacle course, and many vendors. Everything was set, but Mother Nature had other plans for us. As many of you know, the weather last weekend was a little, well, UN-perfect. But, we were given a few hours of sunshine, and everyone who did attend had a WONDERFUL time!!


Joy and I with "The Crusher!!"
A Cement-Mixer


Our ICE truck


Zig the Pig!!!

One of the military vehicles



Bowman's favorite truck...the LUNCH truck!


The fire truck












All in all, Touch a Truck 2011 was great! We may not have made any money, but we know we provided a lot of smiles!!

A Blog Hiatus

I have been a horrible blogger. Like, really horrible. But, in my defense, I've actually been really busy. My friend Adair and I chaired one of the 3 fundraisers done by the Junior League here in town...and that was held last weekend, so for the past 2 months, my free time has been making sure that was all coming together. And, I decided to do the extra shift bonus at work...so for 12-weeks, I worked an extra day at the hospital. It was worth it for the time and a half I made for this shift (plus the hefty bonus I received at the end!!) The good news it, all that money went to our Hawaii trip next year. The bad news...it definitely wore me out! I've also taken on redoing (or should I say, finally DOING, all the rooms in my house...pictures to come!) SO, needless to say, getting on the computer has been the last thing on my mind. But, I am back and promise (ok, I will try) to update this more regularly. Thanks to everyone for their patience!!