Hi Kristi,
Sorry you had so much trouble posting. Sometimes that happens with me. When it disappears once, I don't take a chance. I post again, but save it in "notepad", just in case it disappears again. So I can keep trying by copying & pasting, until it goes through. I just figured you were busy with the kids....they come first! I know you'll get to me when you can.

It sounds like you live in a beautiful place! We're just a wide spot in the road, called "Belgreen". No post office, so it's a Russellville route. We have 3 churches, a gas/convenience store, a florist, & a school....that's well-known for basketball. It's a beautiful community. We do have neighbor's on each side. (Not too close) They are very nice, & none of us bother each other, but, get along very well. When I'm not too lazy, I'll take some pics, so you can get an idea. Our house is the land-mark of the community. It's known as the Clyde Petree Place. Clyde Petree owned most of Belgreen when he was living. Very well liked & respected. It's a nice old home place with a barn & pond, & pasture. Also, a large garden spot that DH has been dying to get into the last two summers. Hopefully, next summer the house will be finished.

Well....son couldn't understand why his daughter was "down" about the 5 dollar bill she found under her pillow. I was gone when she woke up that morning. I had to explain to him. I just called her out to the porch where we were & ask her why she was sad. She said she was hoping to get more than one dollar! I knew that was it....but, wanted son to hear it. He explained to her why there was a 5 on it. Then, I gave her 5 ones in it's place. She was jumping up & down.....soooo happy! My son said he supposed the "toothfairy" has a few things to learn. Lot of money...but, he said it was her first tooth. I have a feeling she'll expect that much next time. The "goodfairy" may have more to learn.

Don't worry about me with the treatments. It would be nice if things were different, but, at least I do have something that works for me. I could be a whole lot worse off. I try to look at my cup as half full! Those prayers are appreciated though. They help more than the treatments.

Glad DD enjoyed Bible camp....& all those chicks!

Gotta go. Hope you have a great weekend, also.
Your friend,
Charlotte

Hello, I guess $ 5 a tooth wouldn't be so bad with only a couple cjildren, but she will definitely expect that much the next time as well!! It's funny how money appears to children. How a nickel is better than a dime, because it's bigger lol My DH built a chicken coop yesterday. He and the children are out painting it now. All four kids have a different color! One's painting grass and sky, one's doing red, white, and blue, while the other 2 are just kind of swishing colors all around!! I asked DH why he wanted to have the coop look like that when we're just getting the house to look so nice lol Whatever, they've all had a hand in building it. As long as they're happy and proud, right?!?! I blew it with my mom this morn. I had not had time to see her all wk. On Fri night she called and laid the guilt on pretty thick. I offered for me and the kids to come visit Sat. (yesterday). Of course she didn't care for us to come then, because her sister would be there, couldn't we come on Sunday instead. This morn she went to church with my DB so I called after and invited her to brkfst. She'd allready eaten. My next question, would you like to come up anyway and just visit for awhile? Well, since she called on Fri things have shanged and her friend is now staying with her, because my mom's friend had surgery to remove a spur from the top of her foot. It's easier for her to get around my mom's home than her upstairs apartment. Long story short now she doesn't "need" us to come around, because she doesn't know what they're going to do. Maybe if she's bored later she'll call and come up then. Rather than talk nice I just said, fine, good, ok bye! and hung up. I wish I could benicer, but she made me feel just awful when she called on Fri and for what, because I put my children first? It's been this way my whole life. My mom only wants to spend time with me if there's absoluetly no one else to be with. I gotta help with the coop, sorry to leave you on a grumpy note! lol

Friends, Kristi

I can just see that chicken coop! It will be a memory-maker! Be sure to take a picture of it for your family album. Especially with all the kids beside it.

That's the plan I have for our walk-in closet. (if it ever gets done) All the grands are going to paint whatever they want to. It'll be the "grand room"! Just enjoy the chickens, coop, & kids. Don't worry about the pain job. Visitors will love it.

I had a feeling things didn't go well with your mom. I'm so sorry. You did the right thing. You put your children first...as you should have. She should have been doing the same all these years. It's good she has a friend.
Don't worry about venting. I told you...this is the place! I just hope she gets a little wiser before something happens, as it did to my mom. Too late, now.

We're having beautiful weather now. I love it! Got a long day at work, though, so can't stay. I hope you enjoy your Monday.
Your friend,
Charlotte

Hi Charlotte, Thanks for always listening. Sometimes I feel so silly for letting her get to me. Sometimes it rolls off and then other times it sends me into a dithering blabbering spin. Today's been a good day, all though very busy. DD had volley ball practice starting at 8am. I ran back home got DS and dropped him off at baseball at 9am. Then took 2 youngest to the library once there I got them on the internet and then left for a 3 mile walk on the trail. By then it was just about time to get DS from ball, but DD was off to softball!! Took DS to library so he could use the computer took 2 youngest to the park. At 11am we picked up DD from soft ball and took her to the library as well. This is when me and DD #2 and DS #2 went to visit my mom. Stayed an hr (not so bad) went back to the library and picked up DD#1 and DS #1. Came home had lunch and now I'm talking to you PHEW!!! It's beautiful here today as well, but they say some bad weather is heading our way. High winds and hail. Maybe we'll got lucky though. We have so far. We've had record inches of rain this yr, but only the one storm scare. I can live with that. I have a load of housework to do after being gone all morn and we're to have another ballgame at 5:30 tonight. Maybe a few high winds wouldn't be so bad about that time lol. My workmen are putting in the new porch spindles and railings right now. We had those old wrought iron things. They were all bent and icky. This'll be so much nicer. Well, I've talked enough about me to last you the day I'm sure. Hope yours has been good as well.

Friends, Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Well, it's 4 am, & haven't been to sleep yet. I hate nights like this. I either had a flare up from RA, or an allergic reaction to Methotrexate & Remicade. Sometimes, they both react the same. I layed down for about 30 minutes, & that's all I could stand. I was broke out in a rash & itching, & my eyes were burning really bad. I got up & washed my eyes with a cold washcloth, & that helped. The itching is getting better. I could take a Benadryl, or Zertec, but they would make me sleep, & it's too close to time to get up...6:30 am...& I wouldn't be able to wake up to get DH & son off to work. So...you get the pleasure of my company.

Goodness, girl. How do you know if you're going or coming??? I would forget, at least, which child went where! If you don't lose weight, no one will!

I bet your new porch spindles are beautiful! I know you're excited. I would be. We've almost ran out of money, so the house may come to a standstill, until we get some kind of settlement. Of course, we still have some material left, but, not a lot.

I suppose you notice....my post isn't loaded with graphics. I'm having problems with my pc. I'm running a virus scan on it , now. These things can be so aggravating.

Well, I'm going to go see how it's doing. I may try to lay down for a little while. Hope you have a good Tuesday. Hey....how about slowing down a little??

Your friend,
Charlotte

Dearest Charlotte, That's awful that you are broke out in the itchies. I vote that you should set DH and DS's alarms on really LOUD and let them get up on their own. You should have taken the meds that would've helped YOU, but then when you get down to it I'm not much of a care giver lol This morning's rat race was pretty much like yesterday's. Tomorrow DD still has to be at VB by 8am, while DS and other DD need to be in another town at the same time for a ball tournament. DH's going to have to be on duty somewhere. Thankfully, he can take a short time here and there most days to run for them. Thurs brings a tournament for DS and his other team and Fri DD has a softball tourney. Thankfully, that's the end of their seasons except for a fun day in Aug. I am hoping some day soon I'll have some time for me or even me and hubby. I know exercise is important, but for 2 months that's pretty much the only time I've been able to carve out for myself. I picked up the movie "Calendar Girls" from the library. I'm thinking that and a nice glass of wine around 9pm!!
Hope you're feeling much better, Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Well, I got up at 2 am this morning. At least, I slept a couple of hrs last night. I'm a little better...but, really been dragging. DH said he knew I was up all night....but, thought I just couldn't sleep...that happens a lot. He wouldn't LET me get up & cook. (Isn't that sweet? ) He cooked his own breakfast, & son bought his on the way to work. Sometimes, these men of mine surprise me!

I'm so glad you have the energy for all that running around. Hope it stays with you. I also hope your little ones remember all this you're doing for them, when they're grown. I'm sure they will. Sounds to me like you need to be elected "Mom of the Year"! I agree you need some alone time with DH. ( Are things better with him, now? I hope so.) Every couple needs that. I'm anxious for the week of August 9th to get here. We're going to DD's (about a 5 hr drive) for DH to lay her kitchen tile. Then, we're off to Gulf Shores to the beach for a few days. DD & SIL offered their motor home to us, there. They keep it there all summer. I'm planning to hide DH's pager, & cell phone. I'll take my cell phone, & check the messages each night. We haven't been on a vacation, or anywhere together, since the housefire. Needing it badly. DD just about insisted on it. She's been trying to get us to go for 2 or 3 yrs now. I asked her if she's remodeling her kitchen, just to have an excuse to get us down there.

Well....now, you're making me want to see that movie! I hadn't watched much tv at all, until son moved in with us. He loves to watch movies...especially with mom & dad. Only thing, he & DH are hard of hearing....tv's too loud!!

My aunt, who has cancer is in a bad shape, now. She will probably pass away any day. Also, had a lady to die a couple of weeks ago, that I've known several years. A very sweet person. Then, yesterday, another lady died that I've known since I was a teenager. She was VERY handicapped. Never had a chance to marry. Always had a cheerful attitude. She loved my singing. I've been asked to sing at her funeral tomorrow. Pray for me, that I'll not only feel better, but, will sing ok.

Going to get off of here, my friend. Rest when you can!!!

Hi Charlotte, I haven't read your post. I'm actually at the library in between ball games. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and will post more tomorrow.
Take care my friend

Kristi

Hi Kristi...
It's ok. I know you are very busy. Just post when you can. There are times, when I can't post as soon as I'd like to. I hope all is going well with you.

My Aunt passed away. Her funeral is today. My sister & I got very upset that we couldn't go to the funeral. We kept trying to make arrangements to go, but, just couldn't work it out. She wasn't feeling well...& I've been sick all week. I've kept going, but, by forcing myself...to the point of exhaustion from trying. I knew I wasn't able to drive over 6 hrs to the funeral & back. Plus, the viewing, & funeral. It doesn't take the guilt & grief away, though.

I'm a little better this morning. I DID finally get a good night's sleep. That helped a lot. Not going to push myself, so maybe I'll recover.

I hope you have a great weekend.
Your friend,
Charlotte

Hi Lady, Where to begin? First my condolences on the loss of your friend. My prayers are with you and your aunt as well.......It sounds like your DD is helping you have a wonderful vacation. In some ways I can't waite for my children to be old enough to do nice things for me, but then I like them young as well.....I hope this finds you feeling better as well......taking the day off may be just what you need.........thank you for being understanding of my neglect. End of the season has been rough on all of us. Tomorrow the camp councellors who will be leading our VBS arrive, so it's another week of ahhhhhhh here we go. DD #1 also needs to be in a town 30 miles away each day for 4 hrs. I still don't know how we are going to work it. She is taking 2 classes on a college campus. It's called "College for Kids" and is only offered to the 5th - 8th grade students who excell. She didn't take classes liek I felt she should take, but who am I right?!? She took fun things where of course I wanted her to take computer or math related classes. Oh well. I'm feeling good about VBS this yr though so that's a relief. I started co-ordinating it for 3 churches back in 98. None of the pastors in the past have been involved at all and you know how difficult it is to get volunteers. I go to such a snooty church, but I don't leave, because I firmly believe God put me there for the children. 3 yrs ago I didn't think I'd be able to spen my days there as I had in the past and put the word out to the ladies of my church that I really needed to have good help there, because I would not be there. Well, my wonderful DH reworked his wk at the last minute so I could be there. Two of the women from my church actually accused me of either lying about not being able to be there to get them to volunteer or otherwise I'm so controlling that I didn't trust them to do it without me. Duh!!! Have they never heard "many hands make light work"? Anyway, the Methodist church this yr has a new pastor who really wants to be involved. Helping with openings and everything. Plus, they also have a Sun School co-ordinator (which they haven't had in the past) who plans to spend her days there as well. What a relief!!! Other people who actually want to help and are not being coerced or guilted into it. I guess I am different. I actually want to be where my children are helping and being involved. ANyway, enough of that. I'm happy and that's what matters, right lol

Hope your weekend goes better than your wk

Kristi

Sorry about the loss of your aubt as well. I know you wanted to go to her services, but I'm sure that she and her family know how much you care.
Thoughtfully, Kristi

Good morning, Kristi...This is Sunday & I'm feeling some better. I think a lot of my problem was stress. With the death of friend & Aunt. Frustration of wanting to go to Georgia for the funeral, etc. After an RA flare up, I have to rest....getting stressed only makes it worse, & hard to recover. It's a pretty day, & church will make me feel better.

Yes, I can see you doing the work at church. You know, most of the time...one or two are willing to do the work, & others are willing to LET them. They usually have something to say, if they don't like the way things are done, though. Sad. You're a go-getter. Those kids were lucky to have you to get the VBS started, & going.

Another busy week? Is there someone that lives close to the college that your daughter might spend the week with? Or maybe, if someone else you know is going, the two of you could take turns. Just a couple of thoughts.

How's your house going? I imagine it's looking good. DH has been working a lot the last couple of weeks, so ours is just sitting right now.

Well, DH has just reminded me that I need to get dressed. Guess I can't go to church in my pj's.

Have a great day/week. Post when you have the time.
Charlotte

Hi Charlotte, Yes, it will be another busy week, but DH has come through once again and plans to tote children back and forth. If he has time he'll run DD to college while I take the others to VBS or vice versa. However his schedule will allow. I had a truly wonderful morn. The councellors did a skit and got the entire congregation involved singing a wonderful upbeat song. I met with them at the Methodist church down the street from us ( our VBS is ecumenical ) along with the new pastor at that church. I almost cried during the meeting. The pastor and the new Sun school co-ordinator there are so on board with helping. I'm so much more relaxed than in yrs past. Besides lady, I can do anything for 4 days !!!! lol Aug will inevitably bring boredom, so I may as well enjoy it while I can. Bored children are hard to live with lol I'm planning on visits to different libraries that inccorporate lunch out etc and some driving time to fill up Aug. Hopefully maybe a couple days away as well. Glad to hear you're feeling somewhat better my friend.

Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Just a quick post to say hi. Hope your week is going well. I'm going to take care of some business today, so going to pick up a granddaughter to make it a "day out" with her.

I'm glad you've got good help with the VBS now. I pray all goes well.

Have a good week...& you & DH drive carefully with all that traveling you're both having to do.

Talk to you later, friend.
Charlotte

Oh, did you 2 get your nails done again? If so I'm very jealous! I know that's not the Christian way, but I soooooo want to be pampered. Even if it's by a total stranger lol It's not as funny as I like to make it . I'm one who has a really hard time showing vulnerability or needing anything. I'm getting alot better though. I hope you had a great day with her no matter what you ended up doing. VBS is going great. The children are really enjoying it. I wish I would've set shorter hrs though. We're running from 9am - 3pm and even quiting at 2 would've been better. We start to lose the younger children about that time. They want to wander etc....but the councellors are doing a terrific job of keeping them interested. Maybe it's me that wants to wander at 2 lol. Thanks for the driving concern. I pray every time we take off. Have a great week my friend.

Kristi