Enjoying the "Big Birthday Surprise"
Friday, September 22, 2006
Richy's Big Birthday Surprise
I couldn't let the week get by without a little blurb on Richy's Big Birthday Surprise! The surprise telephone call went a little something like this:
"Hi, Missy....it's Milly (my chosen name for Richy's mom). What are you doing this weekend?"
"Not sure yet.....trying to find a babysitter so that we can go watch the UT/FL game at Tate and Laura's."
"Well, how would you and Richy like to go to the game?"
"Of course, we would love to, but....."
"We have 2 tickets that you can use, and we will come to your house and keep the kids."
Ummm, did I hear that correctly? They are going to drive to our house from Chattanooga (a 3 hour trip) to keep our children and as a bonus, give us their two tickets? Because I took the phone call, for a brief minute.....I felt like it was my birthday! I was just an innocent by-stander who happens to be married to the receiver-o-gift. As a parent of small children, is there any sweeter sound than that of your parents saying...Go, take a little time and get away for a night or two. We'll take care of the kids...?
And so, we were off to Knoxville......caravaning with our favorite Gator fan, Heather and her "neutral" husband, Paul. For some reason, I seemed to soak in the atmosphere of gameday (which I love so dearly) a little deeper with each breath. I don't know why it felt that way - we have been to quite a few UT football games since we had Richmond - only one since we had Knox - but it was at Notre Dame. Whatever the reason, I was simply relishing the opportunity as though it might be my last.
We were invited to a fun tailgate party hosted by the family of one of Heather's co-workers. Sunny made sure that we all of our tailgating needs were met - she was quite the hostess! We enjoyed our time with Heather and Paul, along with seeing many other friends throughout the day. Then it was on to the game........ if you love college football, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Our tickets originated from the hands of Duke Hagood, so we were surrounded by Gators and their chomping hands, but even that didn't dampen our Big Orange spirits!
We all know the outcome of the game was in favor of the Gators, but it was a great game! There was a time in my life that I would not be able to say that after a loss to Florida. But under the circumstances, we were determined that a loss was not going to cast a shadow over Richy's Big Birthday Surprise! A big hearty thank you to Richy's parents for making it possible :)
If only the Big Birthday Surprise would have included 2 more points for UT......even my in-laws aren't that good!
Apparently, neither are the Vols.
"Hi, Missy....it's Milly (my chosen name for Richy's mom). What are you doing this weekend?"
"Not sure yet.....trying to find a babysitter so that we can go watch the UT/FL game at Tate and Laura's."
"Well, how would you and Richy like to go to the game?"
"Of course, we would love to, but....."
"We have 2 tickets that you can use, and we will come to your house and keep the kids."
Ummm, did I hear that correctly? They are going to drive to our house from Chattanooga (a 3 hour trip) to keep our children and as a bonus, give us their two tickets? Because I took the phone call, for a brief minute.....I felt like it was my birthday! I was just an innocent by-stander who happens to be married to the receiver-o-gift. As a parent of small children, is there any sweeter sound than that of your parents saying...Go, take a little time and get away for a night or two. We'll take care of the kids...?
And so, we were off to Knoxville......caravaning with our favorite Gator fan, Heather and her "neutral" husband, Paul. For some reason, I seemed to soak in the atmosphere of gameday (which I love so dearly) a little deeper with each breath. I don't know why it felt that way - we have been to quite a few UT football games since we had Richmond - only one since we had Knox - but it was at Notre Dame. Whatever the reason, I was simply relishing the opportunity as though it might be my last.
We were invited to a fun tailgate party hosted by the family of one of Heather's co-workers. Sunny made sure that we all of our tailgating needs were met - she was quite the hostess! We enjoyed our time with Heather and Paul, along with seeing many other friends throughout the day. Then it was on to the game........ if you love college football, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Our tickets originated from the hands of Duke Hagood, so we were surrounded by Gators and their chomping hands, but even that didn't dampen our Big Orange spirits!
We all know the outcome of the game was in favor of the Gators, but it was a great game! There was a time in my life that I would not be able to say that after a loss to Florida. But under the circumstances, we were determined that a loss was not going to cast a shadow over Richy's Big Birthday Surprise! A big hearty thank you to Richy's parents for making it possible :)
If only the Big Birthday Surprise would have included 2 more points for UT......even my in-laws aren't that good!
Apparently, neither are the Vols.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Happy Birthday, Richy
Happy Birthday, Richy! I know the angels in Heaven must have been dancing in their high heels the day you were born! You are blessing to all who are honored to know you. I am so proud of who you are as a man and consider myself to be the luckiest woman in the world to walk along side of you. I love you!
As a side note......I am so glad that we no longer measure the "Happy" in your "Happy Birthday" based on the outcome of the UT vs. Florida game! :) I had such a fun time losing with you this weekend!!!
As a side note......I am so glad that we no longer measure the "Happy" in your "Happy Birthday" based on the outcome of the UT vs. Florida game! :) I had such a fun time losing with you this weekend!!!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Dinnertime Drama
Every once in a while, I decide that I am going to lay down the law on my children's eating habits. I spend the day psyching myself up for it - making sure I can be strong, stand my ground. "Tonight I am only cooking one healthy meal," I tell myself proudly. "They will eat it, and they will like it!" I feel like Richy and I make mostly healthy choices about eating, why would our children be junk food junkies?? Okay, maybe junk food junkies is a bit strong, but Richmond does love some Cheetos! I try not to keep too many unhealthy foods around the house, but I do let him have Cheetos for lunch with his peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Is this bad? Should I discontinue the Cheetos buying, and work through any withdrawals that may occur? Maybe that's the answer, but sometimes I think, "Can't a boy have a little Cheetos while he's young enough to burn off the calories in a matter of minutes?" When it comes to dinnertime, Richmond's choices are limited - fishsticks, spaghetti, hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey and cheese sandwiches accompanied with mandarin oranges or grapes. What about chicken? What about veggies?? I just want him to eat a little chicken and broccoli. Is this too much to ask? And then.......there's Knox. Basically, its bananas, yogurt, raisins, french fries, chicken nuggets and peanut butter on a bagel. Um.......yeah, that's it. No vegetables (unless you want to count the potato that is a french fry) and only one fruit. Nice diet for a growing boy!
So in an effort to convert my children to the healthy eaters that I want them to be, last night I fixed a nice meal of baked chicken, broccoli, and roasted red potatoes. About half way into the preparation, Richmond begins asking, "What's for dinner?" So, I tell him what we are having. To which he replies, "No, what am I having?" So, I tell him again, and that's when the whining, the bargaining, and the rebelling begins. He assures me that he is suppose to be having spaghetti because that is what he wants. I respond with, "I would like to have seared ahi tuna, steamed asparagus, and a caesar salad, but we are having chicken, broccoli, and potatoes." Nice, mature response, huh? Richmond, sensing that this is a "healthy" thing, begins to think on his feet, "How about I have grapes, oranges, and raisins?" I tell him that he can choose one of those fruits to go with the rest of his meal. "Noooo Mommy, I don't want that stuff!" And the whining continues until the meal is ready. Knox would have been whining too, if he understood what was coming his way.......
I cut up the chicken (which is quite tasty I might add) and put it on a plate for Knox which he promptly throws in the floor while Richmond continues to whine. "See, Knox doesn't like it," he says. Well, duh.....Knox doesn't like anything. You'll be happy to know that I didn't say that one out loud. So in defeat, I make him a peanut butter bagel. Score: Knox 1, Mommy 0. But I am determined to defeat my eldest, even if it kills me. I cut up the chicken and place it on his plate along side a dollop of ranch dressing for dipping, a little stalk of broccoli to start, and one roasted potato. I even begin the meal asking the Lord to help Richmond eat his broccoli and chicken, that his heart may be opened to all that broccoli and chicken have to offer. What was out of seemingly a total sense of obligation because it had been prayed over, Richmond quickly took a bite of ranch-covered chicken. He seemed no worse for wear as he swallowed it. But after the second bite, it was straight to the trash can spitting and gagging.......reminded me of my reaction to tasting my first bite of seafood after I became pregnant. Yuck! How in the world can a bite of chicken make someone spit and gag (unless they are pregnant)?? Oh, the drama....... Needless to say, not another bite of chicken was consumed, and Heaven forbid if the broccoli or potatoes should touch his lips. So after a half of a can of mandarin oranges, his dinner was over. What to do? Will these children ever eat the healthy fare that I long for them to love? Will it be hotdogs and chicken nuggets at their wedding receptions, instead of shrimp and asparagus?? Who knows what tomorrow brings?
But for this night, it was......'Da Boyz 2 - Mommy 0.
Yet, I live to fight another day!!
So in an effort to convert my children to the healthy eaters that I want them to be, last night I fixed a nice meal of baked chicken, broccoli, and roasted red potatoes. About half way into the preparation, Richmond begins asking, "What's for dinner?" So, I tell him what we are having. To which he replies, "No, what am I having?" So, I tell him again, and that's when the whining, the bargaining, and the rebelling begins. He assures me that he is suppose to be having spaghetti because that is what he wants. I respond with, "I would like to have seared ahi tuna, steamed asparagus, and a caesar salad, but we are having chicken, broccoli, and potatoes." Nice, mature response, huh? Richmond, sensing that this is a "healthy" thing, begins to think on his feet, "How about I have grapes, oranges, and raisins?" I tell him that he can choose one of those fruits to go with the rest of his meal. "Noooo Mommy, I don't want that stuff!" And the whining continues until the meal is ready. Knox would have been whining too, if he understood what was coming his way.......
I cut up the chicken (which is quite tasty I might add) and put it on a plate for Knox which he promptly throws in the floor while Richmond continues to whine. "See, Knox doesn't like it," he says. Well, duh.....Knox doesn't like anything. You'll be happy to know that I didn't say that one out loud. So in defeat, I make him a peanut butter bagel. Score: Knox 1, Mommy 0. But I am determined to defeat my eldest, even if it kills me. I cut up the chicken and place it on his plate along side a dollop of ranch dressing for dipping, a little stalk of broccoli to start, and one roasted potato. I even begin the meal asking the Lord to help Richmond eat his broccoli and chicken, that his heart may be opened to all that broccoli and chicken have to offer. What was out of seemingly a total sense of obligation because it had been prayed over, Richmond quickly took a bite of ranch-covered chicken. He seemed no worse for wear as he swallowed it. But after the second bite, it was straight to the trash can spitting and gagging.......reminded me of my reaction to tasting my first bite of seafood after I became pregnant. Yuck! How in the world can a bite of chicken make someone spit and gag (unless they are pregnant)?? Oh, the drama....... Needless to say, not another bite of chicken was consumed, and Heaven forbid if the broccoli or potatoes should touch his lips. So after a half of a can of mandarin oranges, his dinner was over. What to do? Will these children ever eat the healthy fare that I long for them to love? Will it be hotdogs and chicken nuggets at their wedding receptions, instead of shrimp and asparagus?? Who knows what tomorrow brings?
But for this night, it was......'Da Boyz 2 - Mommy 0.
Yet, I live to fight another day!!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
On The Road Again
Friday morning, we packed up the car and moved to Carrollton, Georgia. Well, okay.......we didn't really move to Georgia, but why does it feel like we're moving every time we take a weekend trip? It's possible that I am the world's worst packer. Oh, I've tried to be one of those savvy packers - you know the ones - the "I'm only taking one outfit for each day and one pair of shoes that matches all of those outfits". It doesn't work for me. I must have options. You never know when a good grilled hamburger with lots of Dales Seasoning is going to be served. And if it is.......break out the fat clothes. Nobody wants to be stuffed into their clothing like a vienna sausage because they weren't prepared for the Dale's bloating. So.....there it is, I have a packing problem - now let's move on.
We arrived in Carrollton in time to "move in", eat a bite, and then head to the Trojan home opener against Douglas County. My brother-in-law, Rayvan, is the head coach at Carrollton High School, and when there's family involved - it's never "just a game". I know this all to well, having grown up in the role of a coach's daughter. When there is family involved, it's not just a game - it's life! Not too many people really understand that concept, but I wouldn't trade the experience of being a coach's daughter for anything. What could be more special than getting to actually watch your father touch and influence the lives of so many young people?! Rayvan's children will know this someday, if they don't already. It's not just about the football with Rayvan, it's about shaping lives and that's what makes him a great coach. Well, that......and he wins a lot of games! :) As was the case on Friday night, when the Trojans sent Douglas County home with a crushing 35-14 loss. As a bonus, we got to see Laurel march with the flag corp in the college-sized Carrollton Band. She was fabulous, of course. Taylor and Barrett kept the Trojans in balls and water - a very important job!! They, too, were fabulous. What a great atmosphere for high school football! The place was rimmed out with people decked in black and gold. And it's true what they say, "There's nothing like being a Trojan on Friday night, in Carrollton, Georgia!"
We enjoyed the rest of the weekend with the whole Teague/Roberts/Williams crew (minus Tate who was laboring on Labor Day). It was a wild and wooly time at the Teague compound, with 4 children under 4 ruling the roost. Luckily, for sanity's sake, the adults outnumbered the kids -and it took all of us to keep the peace! Saturday night, we feasted on grilled hamburgers and homemade ice cream. See, good thing I had my fat clothes. Not only did I have a big, fat burger, but I also returned for seconds on the ice cream. The reality of it is, I could have eaten the whole container - I just love it that much! Can you say "gluttony"?? Fortunately, we had "popcorn church" on Sunday morning, so I was able to ask for forgiveness for my homemade ice cream sins (among others). What? You've never heard of popcorn church? Well, here's the breakdown: you can come in your pajamas, sing off-key, eat popcorn, and hear the good Word from someone you love. Taylor, Barrett, and Richmond were the organizers of our 1st Popcorn Church at South Bend. They turned the Teague bonus room into a sanctuary complete with Bibles, music, and a pulpit that doubles as a dining room table. The only thing missing that the 1st Popcorn Church could have used was a nursery! Fortunately, the congregation was tolerant of the indiscretions of our children :) Fun times......
From one sister's house to the next, it was on to Birmingham to visit with Tre, Marcy, and Hardy. When we arrived, the cul-de-sac was all abuzz with the neighborhood kids. It's a kid party everyday in my sister's neighborhood. We migrated into the next door neighbor's backyard upon invitation. Little did we know that we were entering a virtual kid's paradise. This backyard looked like a city park! There were kids swinging on tire swings, jumping on the trampoline, scaling the rock climbing wall, riding on the plethora-0-riding toys, and digging in the rocks with various construction vehicles. It was pure kiddie madness. The owners of this Taj Mahal of backyards, Evan and Amanda, were quite the host and hostess. While I was busy trying to keep up with Knox, Amanda was preparing and serving dinner to every kid on the block, including my kids. Feeding the kids of your neighbor's sister approximately 30 minutes after introductions, now that goes way beyond neighborly. Little place settings with little kiddie cuisine and sippy cups for all. It was the darndest thing I've ever seen! Did I happen to mention that she is the mother of 2 year old twins? And the hospitality didn't end when the kids went to bed.......we came back (with baby monitors in hand) to enjoy more of what they had to offer. We lounged in the hot, humid Alabama evening - no kids, just adults - eating, laughing, and sharing our stories of life. It was a nice end to a holiday weekend.
Thanks to all who hosted us this weekend...........we had a wonderful time! We miss you already.
We arrived in Carrollton in time to "move in", eat a bite, and then head to the Trojan home opener against Douglas County. My brother-in-law, Rayvan, is the head coach at Carrollton High School, and when there's family involved - it's never "just a game". I know this all to well, having grown up in the role of a coach's daughter. When there is family involved, it's not just a game - it's life! Not too many people really understand that concept, but I wouldn't trade the experience of being a coach's daughter for anything. What could be more special than getting to actually watch your father touch and influence the lives of so many young people?! Rayvan's children will know this someday, if they don't already. It's not just about the football with Rayvan, it's about shaping lives and that's what makes him a great coach. Well, that......and he wins a lot of games! :) As was the case on Friday night, when the Trojans sent Douglas County home with a crushing 35-14 loss. As a bonus, we got to see Laurel march with the flag corp in the college-sized Carrollton Band. She was fabulous, of course. Taylor and Barrett kept the Trojans in balls and water - a very important job!! They, too, were fabulous. What a great atmosphere for high school football! The place was rimmed out with people decked in black and gold. And it's true what they say, "There's nothing like being a Trojan on Friday night, in Carrollton, Georgia!"
We enjoyed the rest of the weekend with the whole Teague/Roberts/Williams crew (minus Tate who was laboring on Labor Day). It was a wild and wooly time at the Teague compound, with 4 children under 4 ruling the roost. Luckily, for sanity's sake, the adults outnumbered the kids -and it took all of us to keep the peace! Saturday night, we feasted on grilled hamburgers and homemade ice cream. See, good thing I had my fat clothes. Not only did I have a big, fat burger, but I also returned for seconds on the ice cream. The reality of it is, I could have eaten the whole container - I just love it that much! Can you say "gluttony"?? Fortunately, we had "popcorn church" on Sunday morning, so I was able to ask for forgiveness for my homemade ice cream sins (among others). What? You've never heard of popcorn church? Well, here's the breakdown: you can come in your pajamas, sing off-key, eat popcorn, and hear the good Word from someone you love. Taylor, Barrett, and Richmond were the organizers of our 1st Popcorn Church at South Bend. They turned the Teague bonus room into a sanctuary complete with Bibles, music, and a pulpit that doubles as a dining room table. The only thing missing that the 1st Popcorn Church could have used was a nursery! Fortunately, the congregation was tolerant of the indiscretions of our children :) Fun times......
From one sister's house to the next, it was on to Birmingham to visit with Tre, Marcy, and Hardy. When we arrived, the cul-de-sac was all abuzz with the neighborhood kids. It's a kid party everyday in my sister's neighborhood. We migrated into the next door neighbor's backyard upon invitation. Little did we know that we were entering a virtual kid's paradise. This backyard looked like a city park! There were kids swinging on tire swings, jumping on the trampoline, scaling the rock climbing wall, riding on the plethora-0-riding toys, and digging in the rocks with various construction vehicles. It was pure kiddie madness. The owners of this Taj Mahal of backyards, Evan and Amanda, were quite the host and hostess. While I was busy trying to keep up with Knox, Amanda was preparing and serving dinner to every kid on the block, including my kids. Feeding the kids of your neighbor's sister approximately 30 minutes after introductions, now that goes way beyond neighborly. Little place settings with little kiddie cuisine and sippy cups for all. It was the darndest thing I've ever seen! Did I happen to mention that she is the mother of 2 year old twins? And the hospitality didn't end when the kids went to bed.......we came back (with baby monitors in hand) to enjoy more of what they had to offer. We lounged in the hot, humid Alabama evening - no kids, just adults - eating, laughing, and sharing our stories of life. It was a nice end to a holiday weekend.
Thanks to all who hosted us this weekend...........we had a wonderful time! We miss you already.
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