Here We Go.....

Tomorrow is the day, the begininng of the school year!  Carson will be walking to his second grade class and Mason to his 4K class.  I can hardly wrap my head around it!!  Honestly, I have been dreading it. We have enjoyed every minute of our Summer vacation(already planning several trips in August & September) and it is hard to say good bye to the wonderful relaxation that Summer brings with it.  But, yesterday I realize it is time.....time for more structured days, time for a little distance between my two precious boys, and time for learning some new stuff!

Mason is very excited, almost thrilled to begin 4K.  He like saying that he is going in 4K, I think it makes him feel "big."  Carson is not as thrilled, and I think it is because he is nervous.  He has asked lots of questions and I can see by his expressions that he needs the first day to come and go.  After the first day, all nerves will probably settle and all be be okay....fingers crossed :)

As a teacher, I look forward to a new year.  I will see some new faces and some familiar faces.  I hope and pray that all the children that cross my path will feel as special as they truly are....I hope my every action will be felt as genuinely as I intend it.  I try and remember that not all children have ate breakfast and that some children need a extra hug.  Ultimately, I want to treat these kiddos like they are my own.  I recently visited my elementary school(which happens to be the first school where I taught...WONDERFUL experience) and everyone there made me feel so good, so special!  Before I could get to the door, I heard my name and a huge hug came next.  As I walked through the door, teacher after teacher came to me and hugged me...really hugged me.  Lots of questions about me and my family came next.  A few special friends told me I MUST stop back by their room before leaving.  All of them made me feel loved!  A humbling, warm and fuzzy feeling came over me.  I miss each one of their faces!  So thankful to have worked there and very blessed to have made many more new friends too!!

So tomorrow and each day after, I hope that I can have a part in making everyone feel truly special ;)

HAPPY School Year!!

Surfing the Waves

Another week of fun in the sun has passed, and I am in denial that I have to return to work in the morning.  Mason has tried his best to surf, to "real surf" he says not pretend.  Both boys have enjoyed some new adventures this week.  Carson had a blast riding a tube yesterday...very thankful for patience while a seven year old boy gets comfortable on a tube.  I have more than enjoyed this Summer, I have tried my best to savor each moment.....this weekend was spent with family and friends.  There was no real agenda, a just "go with the flow" kind of a weekend and we all had a wonderful time.

As I stay very busy today, I remind myself that returning to work tomorrow will happen.  I am ready to see my co-workers, just not quite ready to give up the freedom that we experience in the Summertime.  The type of freedom that we can swim, read, fish, bike, and swim some more whenever we feel like it.  Tony tells me that there is a relaxation that comes with Summer that can not be felt at any other time.  I have to agree.  For our little unit, it is the best time of the year!!!

So, as I think about my guys surfing the waves I will think of returning to the school in a "riding the waves" kinda style.  There are new adventures to face each day and let's face it...I am gonna smile and go with it :)





Sweet Little Sayings

For as long as I can remember, Tony & I have used words buddy, little man, or guys when calling our boys.  When loading the car, leaving a restuarant, or just getting their attention in general.  I never realized how much I say "come on buddy, get in the car guys, let's go little man."  But I must say it frequently because I have noticed that the boys are using it with each other, and with family & friends. Numerous times I have heard Carson refer to Mason as "buddy." He uses it in such a sweet way that will melt a heart.  Recently, Carson scraped his leg in a bike accident and I heard Mason say "It will be alright, let me get ya a band aid buddy."  He retrieved the band aid and sat with Carson untill all was better.  They are really so sweet to each other, so kind(not all the time but most of the time).  They love each other in such an unconditional way.

I also say "let's roll" when it is time to get in the car.  So, a few days ago we were headed out to meet friends and before I could say a word Mason said "let's ROCK!" And we all knew what he meant and we giggled and just walked out the door.

A few days ago, all four of us were in the truck hauling the boat to get fuel.  Mason says "let's always have this boat called a SeaFox.  Beacuse if we do, I can get the little barge"(small boat that Tony has used for years).
Carson immediately says "Mason, I am the older son and I will get the barge." I will grow up some and get married and I will get the barge to go fishing in."
Tony says "Married? Why you think you want to get married?"
Carson "DADDY, it is what you do....grow up, fall in love, and get married! It is what you did!"
Tony says "yea buddy, you are right.  I sure did!"

Enjoying my guys and the sweet things they say......

We still get ice cream

A few weeks ago we fished in the Roy Martin Jr. Angler's Tournament.  My guys were very excited & anxious about this day.  Carson is very familiar with the fishing tournaments and he really likes it!!  Mason has come to learn this whole process....try your best to catch a big fish to win a prize. Of course we try our best to remind them that we are here to enjoy the day and have a good time as a family.   Both boys enjoy the fishing, and the competition too!!  So, on this day we are off to catch a big one!!  Some nasty storm clouds are lurking in the distance so we stay close to the shore for a while.  Mason was the first to catch a fish, a catfish and he was a "keeper!"  Yay!  Mason asks every single time he catches a fish "Is this one a keeper?"  (Of course, EVERY fish he catches is a keeper because HE caught it).  Not much longer and we move spots until we are at the West End of Dauphin Island.  The storm clouds have dissappeared, and the sun is shining brightly above us.  We fish for a little longer and then Tony pulls the boat to the beach for a swim.
A good time so far and then we realized we have to head in to the marina.  We pile back in the boat and Tony tells Carson to reel in the line he left out while swimming.  Carson begins to scream & shout that he caught something.  He can hardly reel it in because of the tugging and the fish jumps out of the water several times.  He gets it to the boat, and it is a good size speckle trout.  Carson does not contain his excitement...this is one happy boy!! 
We dock at the weighing station and the boys hop out with their fish in buckets.  Mason insists on carrying his fish in his Buzz Lightyear bucket.  They weigh the fish, and that is when it happened......both of the boys had fish that were only a few tenths from placing on the board.  They get their fish and walk away.  Mason is hanging his head with a puckered lip(no tears), but Carson is doing well.
Mason says "moma, my fish did not make it. He was not big enough. But, I am not gonna cry because it is not right to cry just because you lost."
Me:  "Mason that happens sometimes, but we still had fun.And, yes I am proud of you not crying because you lost."  And before he responds, Carson has to interject
Carson says" Ya win some and ya lose some buddy, but we still get ice cream!"

Nothing else needed to be said...fun, fun day with my unit and we still got ice cream!



Carson and his trout



Mason working hard to reel his fish to the boat



the road less traveled

Willie Mae McGallager is one of the most amazing women that I know!!  She is a mother, grandmother, great-gramdmother, aunt, sister, friend, and so much more to many people.  To me, she is my Nannie.  She is 82 years old and has seen more in her lifetime than I will ever see.  I recently sat down with her and just simply talked...talked about life and this world with live in, talked about her childhood-her daddy, her marriage and raising children.  I treasure this simple conversation, but I know that what she has shared with me I will take with me throughout my lifetime.
Sitting at the kitchen table on an ordinary day, I asked my Nannie about her childhood.  She began by reminding me that her mother had died when she was three and her older sister Ruth took care of her and her siblings.  Her mother had died shortly after having a miscarriage and complications with her liver(something she could survive these days).  But, she discussed their daily lives and how her father would go to work, to a "juke joint" and then home late at night.  He also made moonshine and forced the kids to help disguise it.  She specifically remembers distracting the police so her father would not get caught. She said "you see, he wasn't really a father....I mean he was on paper and we loved him but he really wasn't a daddy." 
She preceded to tell me about one long term girlfriend, Katherine, that her father allowed to move into their house.  Katherine was only nice to my Nannie and her siblings when her father was around the house.  No one wanted to stand up to her(back then that was disrespectful).  But, my Nannie decided to choose the right opportnity to allow her daddy to walk in and catch Katherine with another man.  "She was only kissing that man, but I knew my daddy was going to throw her out!" said my Nannie.  She waited and allowed all the play out just right.  That sounds just awful, but she said she knew it would happen and she thought better sooner than later.
This was just a few examples of the stories that she shared with me.  She also lost her husband at an early age, and stated no other man would love her children and grandchildren like he did.  After our visit, I began to think of life without a mother.  The many hardships that she faced.  And instead of having a pity party or making excuses, she stood tall and made a conscious decision to make a better life for herself.  She will share of her salvation and raising her children in the church.  She will be very quick to tell you that it will be the difference in your life when you keep God in the center and make an effort to attend church regularly.  She will always be in constant prayer for her family and friends....the BEST prayor warrior that I know!  I will always be forever grateful for my Nannie and for the decisions she has made, for her attitude, and simply because she chose the road less traveled.

Raising, praying, & hoping

So, yesterday we headed offshore to do a little snapper fishing.  The weather was perfect for this type of fishing, and we head out in hopes of bringing home some fine fish.  We meet up with some family, and they head out on their boat too.  They have two sweet boys that are older than our boys but go out of their way to make them feel extra special(hard to find mannerly pre-teen boys that are super sweet to little boys).
On the way out, I take in the setting around me.....the bright sun high in the sky reflecting on the water just the right way to make it glisten, the sky so blue with big bellowing clouds, and just enough wind to keep us cool or cool enough.  I have to admit that I was full, feeling blessed to be able to enjoy this wonderful scenery.  I think that I will always have to live close to water!  So with a grateful heart, I say a little prayer and ask for safety around these boats on the water. I also pray for my little guys, and then my mind drifts to our responsibility as their parents.  I sit and contemplate our actions, things we say and do around them...the life we are living before them. Are we raising them and giving them all the necessary skills they will need to be the best they can possibly be??  I know, deep thoughts on a boat.  But, I honestly think to re-check yourself is good sometimes.  It was then that I realized we raise, pray, and hope for the best for our children.  Our purpose is to lead a life pleasing to God, going about our days and doing what glorifies HIM....and that is all that truly matters.  

Oue lines are in the water, fish on!  Some are not large enough and a few just look at us and jump off the line!  But, a good day spent fishing & praying with my unit.  Oh and in matter of minutes the wind comes in and Tony says it is time to go.  Before we can get all the way to the dock, the waters become very rough.  But, in this rough water, I have peace.  I know without a doubt that we will be fine.  There are no words to describe this type of peace.  Even in the stormy weather, I am grateful.

Living on Island Time

For the past few weeks, we have been on Dauphin Island-it is our Summer place.  As far back as I can remember, I have spent time during the Summer on the island.  Many wonderful memories have been made with an extended family and friends.  A few years my family even rented a duplex just so everyone could fit-it is truly one of my fondest memories!! I can remmeber playing with cousins &  friends, staying up late at night giggling and taking my turn on the floor in a sleeping bag. 
So when Tony & I got married we knew that we wanted to keep the tradition going.  First, it was only a week then it went to the month of June and now we move over in May through August.  It just works for us, our unit of four will spend every minute possible on the island.   Of course, we go between home and the island when school is in session and for appointments, errands, etc.  And, we enjoy coming home.  But, we are never home long before I hear "when are we going back to Dauphin Island?"  This week is a "home week" for us and we were here a few hours when Tony looked at me and asked the question "when do we get to go back to the island?"  I laughed and he grinned and then said "really, when??"
A few of my sweet friends will text or email me and ask if I am still alive, and that makes me feel good.  Honestly, we get across the bridge onto the island and it seems like a completely different world.  Our days are spent on the boat, beach, pool, and bicycles.  We travel alot on our bikes and the boys really enjoy it.  Mason is now without training wheels and he is thrilled.  There was no parental help with this(other than Tony taking off the training wheels).  He simply jumped on his Buzz Lightyear bike and never looked back.  Since then he has been on "bicycle restriction" a few times because he has taken off on his bike to visit the neighbors(without telling us)!!
The boys have grown and matured right before my eyes.  Recently on a snapper fishing trip, Tony looked at me across the boat and said "this so works for me, just us-our unit of four simply sharing a day of fishing."  It warmed my heart to know that we have been able to slow down our little world and just be...just be with our family to do whatever we feel like at any moment during the day.  Both boys have wanted to throw a net like their daddy to catch bait(or little minnows that are just fun).  I have now realized that my guys(all 3) can do this for hours, they are so excited over bait fish!!
Although I feel as if this Summer has past so quickly, I have taken many moments to stop and breath in the moments....each one small and large.  In only a few short weeks we will have to return to the real world and I can gurantee none of the Collier Crew will be happy about it.  But, for now we will look forward to the remaining days of Sweet Summer and continue to live on Island Time :)

Carson and his net

Proud fisherman



Fishin' with Paw Paw



Storytime with Carson :)



Mason being very determined to do it like daddy & Carson

Weighing fish at Jr Angler's Tourney

Catchin' his first snapper