A couple of years ago, Amanda joined the club of those with migraines. Definitely not a club she or anyone for that matter wants to join. But, all we can do is our best to manage Mr. Migraine. (I too suffer from these). This morning Larry went to get Amanda up for church and she gave her "usual line"**I don't feel good. (perhaps grossly lacking in the sleep category!?) But after I told her she needed to just get up and get moving, she almost started crying and said my head really hurts bad. She told me it felt like she hit her head. So what's this mom to do? I had her go get her meds (she is in a clinical drug trial for her migraines) and diary and we filled it out, gave her the med, and dutifully put her right back to bed. I told Larry that I didn't think we would make it to the 8 o'clock church service, but would try to get there for the 2nd and 3rd service. Mr. Migraine has a difference in opinion (ugh). I had to call and say I was not going to be there at all because my girl is still hurting bad and feels like someone is hitting her head with a hammer. So, she is in bed still sleeping; hopefully sleeping off Mr. Migraine! Also, I think it is kind of cute that Albert, our little puppy, seems to "sense" when someone is not feeling well. He has been lying at the foot of our bed and almost protecting/caring for Amanda while she is sleeping. He has not gotten off that bed once this morning! Cute, but I sure hope I don't find a yellow puddle somewhere :)
Ok, I know kids grow up real fast, and these days it seems they are growing up way faster than we ever did. Where is the desire in these kids for the innocence of childhood? Being a kid really is a great thing. Trust me, if I could go back and relive some of my childhood/teen years, I would in a heartbeat. I would change a lot of things, but I think I would look upon those years a little different, especially as an adult now with eyes of wisdom.
Amanda is growing up right before my eyes, and it hit me that 4 years is all I have left to train her up in the way she should go into her adult years. I know parenting is an ongoing job, but really, 4 years and she will be an adult? Ok, maybe not "officially" an adult age wise, but finished with high school and starting college. Can someone please put the video of life on rewind right now please?
Beginning this journey of high school with her has been exciting and yet still has it's fair share of frustrations. Everything is so new to me when it comes to having a child in "a school" but this is a journey I wouldn't want to miss. But, can someone please advice on what to do with a child that is so "airheaded"...can't find things, says she will do something and a few minutes later she can't remember what she was going to do, etc etc...Fun times, eh? Gotta love my sweet girl :) (and I really really really do!)
Another "milestone" is coming upon us. Her school's Christmas/Sadie Hawkins dance is coming up in early December and the buzz around the school is who is gonna ask who to the dance. Mind you, there are only 37 freshman at her school...and that is the ENTIRE freshman class! So I guess you have to ask early to "secure" your hopes at getting a date. The boy who asked Amanda to homecoming actually told her she could ask him to this aforementioned dance, and originally she was going to do it, but from the encouragement of 5, yes F I V E, different girls at school she is going to ask another young man. I will not put any other info on here about him or how she is going to do it in case her friends, etc are reading this :) but (if) when he says yes, you better believe this momma is gonna let this next milestone go down in written blog history!!
I have started a "D-group" with my 6th Grade girls at church. We meet once a week and go through a devotional that is really awesome. So last night, I asked one of the girls to read a passage in Philippians. All the other girls found the book and were ready, except this one girl. The conversation went a little something like this....
Emily: Philippians is how close to the 'Palms'? Me: The Palms? What do you mean? (I was just kinda looking at her) Emily: How close is Philippians to the Palms? Me: Are you referring to the Psalms? Emily: Yea, that's it. It just looks like Palms. Me: Um Emily, keep turning the pages...to find Philippians you are in the wrong testament!
These girls in my group really crack me up with some of the things they say. My life is definitely blessed by each and every one of these young ladies.
Oh I am sure there are many ways to a man's heart...home-cooked meal; control of the remote especially during sporting events; and the list could go on. For me, it took 4 1/2 years of marriage thus far to realize the key to my man's heart. Now, don't get me wrong..obviously I won his heart in 2005, but as the marriage develops and grows, I learn a little more each day on how to win that organ beating within his chest, pumping blood to and fro (did ya know the heart looks nothing like the ones we draw for Valentine's day?!) Anyway, I have tried to become a domesticated housewife; you know the one that cooks, cleans, does laundry, and plays taxi? Well, I have the playing taxi down pat, my car alarm button is about worn out [again] and needing replaced because of the ongoing relationship I have with it. And the laundry? well, I do my fair share, but I have a husband who wants to do the laundry; and the cleaning, well, let's just say I struggle in that category, but I'm learning (even if it is slowly). Oh, and cooking. Well, I definitely am learning how to make home-cooked meals, and I must say I think I am getting better at it (especially for the girl who didn't cook growing up; I was the one who baked) each time I make a meal. Then tonight is a different story. Leftovers were on the menu for tonight. Nothing wrong with that, but for Larry, he had a traumatic event. Sitting down with his roast and a side of rice, he was ready to eat...but then he got his favorite topping to put on his rice and the happy expression was gone, replaced by a sad frowny face. Like I said, I am learning, but I will never make the mistake of not having his favorite topping on hand at all times :)....
**disclaimer ~ he wasn't really upset. in fact his expression made me laugh :)
High school for Amanda is in full swing now and this week and weekend has been one that memories are made of. This past week was spirit week and homecoming week at Amanda's school...and she was just overly excited all week. I am going to try and recap this week including the all important homecoming dance that Amanda is in attendance at right now.
The week was filled with spirit week activities and allowed the students to break the mold somewhat and wear things other than uniform. For "A Person in History" day, Amanda dressed up as Laura Ingalls Wilder (thank you Melton girls for loaning her the costume). Before we even left the house, she kept saying I am SO hot! And, on the way to school as she was talking to my dad on the phone, I told her to tell grandpa I was taking her to her "one-room" schoolhouse. And here's what she said, "Grandpa, mom is taking me to my one-room schoolhouse...in her car!" Oh my goodness! Too cute for words. When I was ready to drop her off, she said again how hot she was. I mentioned to her how she always said she wanted to live with Laura Ingalls Wilder did, and I told her this is what they wore all the time. And off she skipped to her class! Okaymaybe she didn't exactly skip, but off she went. Below is my sweet girl as Laura
Spirit Day #3 - Historical
Figure
The rest of the week, Amanda wore her spirit week/homecoming t-shirt, until Friday. Friday was red, white, and blue day (school colors and they are the patriots). So, like any mom would do (right?) I got the supplies to create the attire for the day and stayed up way past my bedtime to get it just right, all for the sake of one day at school and for the love I have for my girl.
RED, WHITE, and BLUE--Go Patriots!!!
Amanda went to the homecoming game last night (October 1) and as her track record would display, she always has to ask someone if her team won the game (hello? you are at a football game..pay attention). So, when she let me know she was ready to be picked up, Larry and I asked if her the team won and she said YES! Well, yay! I kind of laughed and said, "well, did you have to ask someone this time if you won?" What do you think her answer was?? None other than Y E P!! When she was describing the fun she had with her friends she also said something rather cute. She said, ....you know, all the football players don't play at the same time?" Ya think!? Cute nonetheless.
Today was a fun day for Amanda and me. She went to her play rehearsal at school and right after that, it was time for some mommy daughter time. I took her to get her hair fixed up for the homecoming dance tonight. Two hours later...we were on our way, but the transformation of my girl went a little something like this:
Step 1: Wash and pain-stakingly blow-dry all her hair (it's not an easy thing to do; I've done it in the past)
Step 2: Separate and blow dry, comb, and repeat.
Step 3: Start the styling process
Step 4: Transformation into an absolute beauty (brought tears to this momma's eyes)
After Amanda's hair was finished, it was off to the mall to get some shoes, a handbag to carry, and some jewelry...
...and one more stop before heading home...pick up the surprise from Larry and Mom....
The time had finally come to get ready for the big night!!! Of course, more pictures were taken after I helped get her all ready for the evening....
Then it was off to my parent's house. She did not want to go to the dance without showing her grandpa and memaw her all dressed up. And, several of her cousins were there with whom she insisted on having her picture with (she loves all her cousins tremendously!!).
After stopping to show off the dress, we headed to Chili's for dinner..
*A priceless picture! Earlier at the mall, Amanda had said to me that she was really glad that Larry got to share this special moment with her. ( she really does love him!)
...then the time had come to head to the school....
*I would say a few nerves sort of got in the way of her getting out of the car. I finally told her she had to go (took her 20 minutes). Oh how I love this young lady!
Dear Sweet Amanda:
You amaze me young lady. You are growing up so fast right before you mom's eyes. Where did that little girl with pigtails and frilly dresses go? How about the toddler learning to walk? And, the infant who eventually said mama for the first time? God has given me the most precious gift here on this earth - you! It is such a true blessing to be called your mom. I am forever thankful to God for knowing that I would do my very best to raise you - His Princess! It is true what they say, parenting is by far the hardest job ever, but my little lady, I absolutely would not trade it for the world. I very much enjoyed the moments spent today preparing you for this first of many memorable moments to come. Your radiance shown so brightly tonight as you smiled for the camera. You are a young lady in the making, continuing to be formed and fashioned by God's hand, and I am in awe of you and the wonders in you He allows me to be a part of. My sweet Amanda, I pray your evening was all that you dreamed it would be - filled with fun and laughter, good times with friends. Even though your date was upset when he found out he could not go, the best "fill-in" date was indeed with you...God! He held your hand as you walked into the dance area. He wrapped His arms around you as you took those first dance steps. He helped guard your heart - His dwelling place. And all the while you were at the dance, your mom prayed for you and thought of you. As God held your heart tonight, so did He hold mine simultaneously. My Amanda, thank you for being my girl. You're beautiful! Oh yes, and one more thing...my heartstrings were tugged, tears brimmed, and a smile filled my face when I got the text message, right after I dropped you off, from you simply saying, "I Love You."
Amanda went to the homecoming game last night (October 1) and as her track record would display, she always has to ask someone if her team won the game (hello? you are at a football game..pay attention). So, when she let me know she was ready to be picked up, Larry and I asked if her the team won and she said YES! Well, yay! I kind of laughed and said, "well, did you have to ask someone this time if you won?" What do you think her answer was?? None other than Y E P!! When she was describing the fun she had with her friends she also said something rather cute. She said, ....you know, all the football players don't play at the same time?" Ya think!? Cute nonetheless.
