Icebreaker

Here is a little activity to get to know the people who reads this blog. We did this at a recent regional meeting we had and it was kind of funny to see the answers...

We are going to come up with our "movie star name." To do this you need to put your first pet's name as your first name and the street you grew up on for your last name. Mine for example is.... "Dukie Washburn."

So it is your turn...What is your movie star name?

A Working Mom's Pity Party

I feel that I am a very fortunate person. I have a great family, a nice house, wonderful friends and even a fantastic job. Though every now and again, I begin to feel tugged between work and home.

I know a lot of stay at home mom's couldn't even think about being a working mom, but I have to admit, I am a better mother because of it. For me (I'm not talking for anyone else - just strictly me,) when I work, I don't take the time I have with my children for granted. Normally, it's packed pretty good with activities, i.e. last night's "Family Game Night."

And my job, I am so lucky. I love what I do. I get to combine my passion of helping others with writing, communicating and meeting people. If I am going to be away from my children, working where I do is the place, but lately it has been hard... Here is why..

Tyler starts 1st grade August 9th, where did the time go?

Joshua will be one in 2 1/2 months. Again, where did the time go?

Tyler is having severe anxiety...Go see the counselor next week.

Joshua is having severe separation anxiety.

How about the daycare trauma (3 boys ganged up on Ty,) the new infant room daycare teachers, new school orientation, back pack shopping, new clothes shopping, hair cuts, doctors.....and the list goes on and on.

Some days, I just don't know which way to go first. Both are important responsibilities. Though, I do have to admit my supervisor does always reiterate...FAMILY FIRST (and actually means it.) I guess I will just take tings as they come, one day at a time.

Family Game Night

We had family game night (minus Joshy, who was asleeep) tonight. We played Junior Monopoly and Tyler kicked our butts - without us letting him. It was great!!!

Watch out Grandpa C and Uncle Marty. We have another "Monopoly Head" in the family.

What a wonderful night!!!!!!!!!!!

Service With A Smile (or not)

I have to share with you all what happened to me yesterday. It was horrible.

I went to an upscale store in our area (one that I had never been to,) frantically, as to find something appropriate to wear to the meetings I originally had scheduled for today. As I walk in the store, I begin looking around for something that would suit my needs.

A saleswoman approached me and this is the conversation we had....

Saleswoman: "May I help you?"

Me: "No thank you, I am just looking."

Saleswoman: "Are you looking for a gift for someone?"

Me: "No ma'am. For myself."

Saleswoman: "I am sorry, but we don't service your size."

Ok, ok. I am not a twig anymore, actually, far from it, but still....you don't service my size?!?!?!?!? And I didn't even want my "size" serviced... Just needed a new outfit. And by the way, what kind of store only sells sizes 0-3 anyway, especially when the average size in the USA is 14?

What kind of customer service is that?

Needless to say, I went to my ol' friend JC Penney, where they, apparently, service my size.

Parental Advice

Has anyone out there had to deal with severe anxiety in their child? If so, I need some advice.

North Carolina Ink

Recently, Shawn has been more and more determined that he wants a tatoo. We watch "Miami Ink" weekly to give him ideas on what he can do.

I am all for the tatoo. Heck, I have three, so who am I to say no. I am actually kind of jealous, because I would love another one, but, there's no where else (that I am going to put one anyway) that can be hidden somewhat, so I still look somewhat professional.

He has decided to have it put on his calf (sexy I think,) and he wants to somehow incorporate his Christian faith and the boys.

If anyone has any ideas, or is an artist, please send ideas our way.

All The Way to Buffalo

Friday night, was Relay For Life night again. As you already know, I really do love Relay. I love the cause, the event, the people, the food, that activities and the community involvement. I especially love the fact that I get to see a variety of them through the year, meaning no one relay is exactly alike. Well, Friday was a little bit different from the norm, as I had a representative from our National Home Office accompany me as he was trying to shoot some footage.

You know, being in a car with someone you do not know for 2 hours one way, can be a little nerveracking... You don't know whether you'll have anything to talk about, if your personalities will get along or if you will want to push that other person out the door. Fortunately, for me, we got along great, enjoying the company of one another as we drove deeper and deeper into as what he referred to as the "sticks." We truly went over the river and through the woods, up the mountain top....

The best sight for the both of us and we laughed about it the rest of the way, was the buffalo farm. Not just one buffalo, but about 40 buffalos grazing out it the middle of the field, on the side of the road. Not something someone from Charlotte or my guest from Atlanta was used to seeing. From there on out, we new we would be introduced to a variety of new things, from this Mountain town Relay. We were and it was AWESOME!!!

Does anyone know why all of my profile stuff is at the bottom of the page?

You Win Some, You Lose Some

I have to share what happened this morning. It was actually quite funny if you ask me.

I am not the breakfast cook in our house. That, and grilling, is all Shawn. This morning though, I decided to surprise everyone and make a big breakfast before we visited a new church.

I made scrambled eggs, with cheese, sausage, toast and coffee (for Shawn and I). The wonderful aroma woke everyone in the house up, and they all kind of gathered at the table. Everything was done at the same time and it looked great! It smelled great!!! Taste great? Not so much.

Apparently, we have had the sausage in the freezer just long enough for it to get freezer burnt. The jelly on the toast was reduced sugar, so not so tasty. We ended up having for breakfast...scrambled eggs...

Oh well, it was the thought that counts!

A Testament of Love

I know I am still talking about vacation, but when we went to NY we went to the St. Lawrence River, bordering Canada and NY. It is home to the Thousand Islands and it is beautiful.

One of the highlights of the Thousand Islands is Heart Island, home of Boldt Castle.

Boldt Castle is a true testament of love. In 1900 George C. Boldt, proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City wanted to build a castle as a display of his love for his wife, Louise.

Beginning in 1900, Boldt's family shared four glorious summers on the island in the Alster Tower while 300 workers designed and built the six story, 120 room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a draw bridge, and a dove cote.

In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegraphed the island and commanded the workers to immediately "stop all construction." Louise had died suddenly. A broken hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without her. George Boldt never did again return to the island.

From then on, the castle and various stone structures were left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. When the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, for the sum of $1.00 (yes, one dollar) it became a tourist attraction with all revenue helping to refurbish the castle.

Since 1977, several million dollars have been applied to rehabilitating, restoring and improving the Heart Island structures. Here are some pictures of this amazing show of love...

Vacation Pics

We recently went to Upstate, NY... Here are some awesome pics.



Joshy

Tyler









Yancey Family

The Best Picture in the World

We recently went to Upstate NY and visited my 87 year old (though he'll tell you 78) gramps. It was so good to see him.

I took this awesome picture of Tyler and my Grandpa at Tyler's 6th birthday party.

I think it is so cool to see generations come together.

Writers Block

I don't know what is exactly wrong with me lately. I used to LOVE to blog. Now, when I get time to do it, I just sit here and ask myself, "duh, what is interesting that I can write about?" Guess what? I don't answer.

Hopefully soon, this writer's block of mine will disappear.

I do need to ask some of you that read for some advice.

Shawn and I are desperate to find a new church. We have only been to church since all of the drama happened at our last one and we are kind of scared. What if we pick the wrong one again? How do we go about finding one? Which denomination do we go to?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We are starting to feel a little lost and the longer we stay out, the harder it seems to get the gumption up to go.

I'm BAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, I had finally having people reading my blog every day and then I fall of the face of the earth.

Well, I am back and ready to start blogging, but want to make sure there will be people reading.

Is there anybody out there??????????????