Wolf-igure It Out (Plan B)

 

This week we had planned a beautiful beach trip with family but thanks to 

The Sechrist Family Luck 

and 

Hurricane Ophelia 

our trip was cancelled. 
We were so sad.

It isn't easy to prepare a trip away during the school year...

-dog boarding

-guinea pig coverage

-sub plans

-make up work

-weekend pre packing

the list goes ONNNN

We were so disappointed.  

Especially Carlee.

When I broke the news, she was teary but I told her when one door closes, God usually opens another!! 

Darren and I tried our best to look up places to go but we didn't have a lot of luck.

A coworker suggested Great Wolf Lodge, a place I had never been. 

I took a little peek (the prices are usually outrageous) and saw that GWL was holding a good deal for fall season.

At this point Darren and Connor were out.  They didn't really want to travel anyway and had no interest in a water park. 

BUT I didn't make those sub plans for nothin' honey.....

Wolf-igure It Out with Plan B- 

Girls' Weekend!

Last minute, we thought Cousin T may really enjoy the trip, so we were even more stoked when she joined.

Great Wolf Lodge offers a lot of things for an additional charge (of course).  

I let the girls know from the start-

breakfast and lunch in the room (bring food folks) with a nice dinner out.  There would be no extras ie.  like Magic Quest, gems, bowling.

The girls were awesome about it.  

They seem pretty entertained by the surroundings and water park. 

They didn't ask for much.

The staff was also amazing to help us with everything. 

As soon as we arrived they gave us little wolf ears! 

Everything was decorated in wooded and lodge areas.

I do love a good theme.

Everyone made themselves at home in the room.

It was a like a mini apartment.

The water park was fun. 

 The girls spent Thursday evening, Friday, and Saturday morning at the park.  They had a variety of slides, pools, and (thanks to our timing) the crowds were down.

(Don't go on a weekend because it was picking up to crazy level by the time we left.)

We even tried the outdoor pool but the incoming fall weather made it too cool.

At the last minute I packed these two little "water proof" cases I purchased months ago.  

I think they were like 11.00 on Amazon.

Money well spent!  

Although I was apprehensive about the quality of the product (begging them not to dip them in the water)

 the girls toted them all over the park and down the slides.  

They took a ton of video and pictures.  

Thank GOD the phones stayed safe.

*******

On Friday morning we waited in line to be first at the pool. 

We nabbed three front seat lounge chairs,

 where I stayed the rest of the day.

The girls went down all the slides and pools and I finished an entire book!!

And even though I loved the relaxation, my heart just pinched when I saw a little boy around 3 or 4 that looked like Connor.

Man, do I miss the little excited boy who loved water parks.

The girls debated and debated about riding the big 'Howlin' Tornado'!!

Will they or won't they?? 

#research

As for me- NO THANKS!! 

I hate waterslides! 

I have a story that goes all the way back to the 'Double Barrel' when Darren and I were dating. 

They did it!  

They rode the 'Howlin' Tornado over and over again.

I watched them go up 8 flights of steps, over and over just to ride this one.

Sleeping was not a problem for these ladies.

At one point they BEGGED me to ride a slide with them.

I told them No WAY!  Nooo WAY!!!

but they finally persisted and this was the result....

*

*

*

*

*

*

Yep.  

I gave them two rides and 

I. was. done.

They filmed the whole thing (laughing away) which I told them better NOT show up on the tickety tock or the chat snap or whatever they use these days.

Friday evening we were going to go out for dinner but we decided to make reservations at the Lodge Wood Fire Grill.  We were water logged and I didn't want to move the car because I had a good spot.

The girls got all dressed up.  

Full hair, makeup, and outfits.

We were so hungry, we made quick work of the buffet.

Yummo.

We looked so good, we decided to go shopping at the gift shop.

Connor gave Carlee some money (best brother ever), so she purchased a GWL- Build a Bear with slippers.

T. found a beautiful necklace.

We returned to the room with lots of girl talk, and ended the weekend trip by window shopping the nearby huge mall. 

We had a "howling" good time at Great Wolf Lodge

God is good to work out Plan B! 

  

💗

VIDEO HERE 

(Minus my crazy self going down the slide.)

Birthday Rating of- MA, 18+

Happy Birthday to this 18 year old feller!!!

🎂

💗

Gosh have the years flown by!!

Sometimes I miss the "little" in little boy.

What a blessing to have a son like Connor. 

God Following

Smart

Friendly 

Compassionate

Hilarious

Outgoing 

Athletic

All Boy

Perfectly Imperfect

We decided to make Connor's birthday super special with 18 Gifts for 18 Years!! 

I hope my kids always know that I am so thankful for each year of their life.

Chocolate chip cookies in lieu of cake. 

#1- 

We love The Office.  This air fresher has the cheap smell of cologne that will knock your socks off.  
It is hilarious.  Total Michael Scott cologne. 

#2:  

Only a true FAN would support this team for 18 years!

#Bengals

#3:

Now that your an 18 year old...

make sure you keep your breath minty fresh for kissing all the ladiessss

...with consent of course

....AND check those IDs!    

(attach gum and breath mints 😆)

#4:

At 18 here come the job interviews, bills, deadlines, and leadership roles-

NO SWEAT for you.  

(favorite deodorant)

#5:

golfing pen set

#6: 

I know you are a movie buff but now that you are 18 you can LEGALLY watch “R” rated movies without an adult. Enjoy all the movies!  

this kid LOVES movies (including the old stuff)

#7:   Sometimes as an adult you have to pull all nighters (studying of course).  This will help!    

#8:  At 18 a good life lesson is that FOOD is Fuel- 

"Think outside the bun," 

hola, Live mas."   

(Taco Bell Gift Card)

#9:

#10:  Coffee is a must.  Cheapest lattes in town!  

(McD’s Gift Card)

#11:  Now that you are 18 you can VOTE!  

It’s your American Duty!     

#12

#13:  

TAT "I Love My Mom"

#14: When you want to act like a professional- name brand on point.  

                                                             

#15:  Now that you are 18 you can buy lottery tickets! 

A tip – don’t waste your money but if the power ball gets big then it is always fun to play. 

Won 2.00!! 

                       

#16:  Now that you are 18 you can be summoned to serve on Jury Duty.  

#17

#18:  Now that you are 18 you are an “adult” but don’t forget to have fun and dance like nobody is watching!! 

Here is a set of Helping Hands! 

phone holder

Love YOU and Happy Birthday

 

Weekend Wanderings

 Weekend Wanderings

Aunt Judy 

I have to start my musings from the weekends by honoring my late Aunt Judy who passed this weekend. 

Once I was moved to North Carolina as a child I didn't get to really see a lot of my family into adulthood but Judy always let me know she was proud of me whenever we spoke.  I have such fond memories of Aunt Judy because I spent a lot of time with her as a youngster.  This woman had a lot of rare qualities and skills that are sadly not observed often in today's world.  I always thought I inherited a lot of my teaching skills between my aunts.   Where Aunt Robin had the loving-creative and sensitive approach, Aunt Judy brought the loving- structured and no nonsense approach.  Children were NOT going to get out of line with Aunt Judy.   She is the only woman I know that had glass figurines all over the house and rarely had a small child touch or break one.  

Things I remember about Aunt Judy:

-She ran an impeccable household.  

Her home was always spotless.  I remember her kitchen had magnetic cabinets that once held rows and rows of magnets from all over (not a spec of dust on one).  When she moved, she gifted me a bag of them because I was always fascinated and would ask her for "just one" on my visits.  Running a perfect house may not seem like much of an accomplishment but coming from someone who just sweated through two shirts just to straighten my house with a family of four, it's a huge accomplishment with a family of seven.

-She was a foster care mother to tons of children (I wish I knew the exact number). 

Judy was in the field for so long that she was once featured in the newspaper for her accomplishments in fostering.  I always remember different children in the spare bedroom at her home.  If there was ever a child that needed a home, I know Judy would open the doors until her last day.

-She was a devoted wife and mother.  

Judy was married from a young woman until the day Uncle Thomas passed.  They raised five children.  Their legacy continues to 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren!!  There were always ups and downs but Judy never turned her back on her children.  She loved each one and was very proud of all.

-She could cook.

When her kids were growing up, she did not rely on the McDonalds crap.  She laid down real food and real meals for everyone.  She was whole foods before whole foods was cool.

-She never had one hair out of place.  

 She would once roll and sleep in (some pretty severe) curlers and always looked beauty shop ready.  She kept her figure trim her whole life.  (See next point to see how.) 

-She loved coffee.  

Judy drank coffee all day.  I'm pretty sure her blood system contained more black coffee than plasma.

-She was pretty darn funny.  

Judy had a great sense of humor with a big throaty laugh.  Her kids are some of the funniest people you will meet.  I think if you can pass joy down to each generation then mission accomplished.

Aunt Judy is a rare one and I know she will be missed until we all meet again at the pearly, white gates.

Rest in Peace Aunt Judy💗

Growing Kids

I was never a mom who thought the kids were "growing too fast" when they were little because of all the next exciting milestones.  The second the kids finished elementary I was overcome with the speed of growth. 

Happy Birthday Daddy O



For the first year, Carlee and Connor will be in youth group together. 
They've both found an awesome couple who (or whom?) leads (or lead?) youth (it's been a long day).
Yesterday they had a pretty good time with the Back to School water games.

I love watching my kids grow socially and with God.

(Best of all, her brother can drive her now!)

Senior

Look at this handsome young man!?!  

Don't tell him to "enjoy" every minute please, because he can't wait to get out of high school.   I don't know why because he is loved by many but you know this age.   

I'm looking forward to Connor growing in his own confidence and skills.  

All I have to say is 'watch out world' because God is in planning mode. 

I'm so happy he is continuing with Upward Ministry football and the high school league continues this year.  

I'm more than thankful to this ministry that has offered a way for Connor to further stay connected spiritually. 

Middle School Rules

Carlee started middle school (with me)!

I was so blessed to have Connor start middle school with me.  I'm pretty excited to start with Carlee. 

I desperately want this to be a place where Carlee finds her interests and begins to really feels comfortable in her own skin.   

So far she is liking math, ELA, and Cooking & Design (aka. Home EC). 

Carlee LOVES fashion, 

so if she learns to sew in Home EC we may get to see some Carlee originals! 

Back to School 

I'm back and going into year 21 as a teacher.  I now rank in the mature teacher stage where I can stop a kid with a stare and I wear sneakers with slacks because my plantar fasciitis hurts.  

For so many reasons I won't delve into the fact that I started this year in a FUNK.
Thanks to this lady↓ for encouraging and taking my insane/ bossy directions at every turn.

She did everything from reviewing change after change in schedule, setting up an empty room, and designing lessons for start of the year.  Thanks to her help, 

we began serving kids on DAY ONE and I don't know many service providers that can say the same.

We teach the best students at our school! 

"MEG" is the very best, the kids love her,  and she made my frown turn upside down. 

(BTW I also did some retail therapy to make myself feel better and now I have this cow tote that makes me happy too.)

New Generation

Carlee and I enjoyed a baby shower this weekend (for a little boy)! 

I made my favorite- diaper baby.  

Yes, I plan to do it for every baby shower now.

The journey is just starting for this new and nervous mom and I already know the secret-   

none of us knew what to do but somehow the wisdom develops with each passing minute, 

minutes that turn into long back breaking days, 

and days that turn into heartbreaking short years.

My "Baby" 

Life is like a rose, peeping through the hardships of life to to bloom with color. 

-unknown-