The Grapevine Opry

Click here to read all about our weekend at The Grapevine Opry.

Blogging....

I need to blog.  I'm so far behind on blogging.  It feels a little like that scrapbooking phase I went through.  I did really great for awhile and then got busy.  Now I feel so far behind I don't know where to start.

I have lots of wonderful things to report about our summer.  It's been the best summer I can remember!  I got to accompany Hannah on a school trip to NYC.  Our family traveled to Nashville to watch my girls sing.  They officially became "The Herrold Sisters".  They were invited to sing at The Grapevine Opry.  They had their first gig and it was GREAT!  We went to Florida.  I started a new job in April and love it.  See....lots to blog about!!

So why is it I really want to talk about TomKat's divorce??  I'm fascinated!  I'd even settle for a post about The Today Show and the co-anchor debacle.  Or why bachelorette Emily Maynard let Shawn go home.  He was perfect for her!

I need a life.  But, I'm guessing you do too because you are bound to have an opinion on at least one of these items!!  I don't usually get lots of comments, but come on, people, talk to me today!!!

Peter Pan

This precious little thing stayed home from school sick today.  Actually, she was sick yesterday and I'm a ruler follower.  You must be fever free for 24 hours to go to school.  So today, she got to go to work with me.  On the way inside I had my arm around her back and told her I really didn't want her to grow anymore.  I told her this was the perfect age and she can stop growing now.

She looked up at me, and in a choked up voice said, "Sometimes I don't want to grow anymore either.  I could stay this way forever....like Peter Pan."  Aaahhh, way to melt a Mama's heart!  That's a moment I'll cherish forever!

Women & The Work Family Dilemna

I read a book in a college sociology class by this same title. I never expected to be thinking about it 20 years later.

As a stay at home Mom of about 12 years, I have struggled with feelings of self worth. Is what I'm doing making a difference? Will anyone want to hire me again if I have a 20 year gap on my resume? What if something happens to my husband's job and I am called on to help support the family-could I do it? Does anyone think I am valuable? I don't get a paycheck. I don't get promotions. I don't even have annual reviews with a chance to hear some positive feedback.

Over the course of the years, I have heard comments on both sides of the work/stay at home debate. But, recently, some comments I saw on a Facebook post really got to me and so here I find myself. The comments were basically making fun of moms that stay at home: all they do is workout and never really even get dressed in real clothes; they are at the school ALL the time; all they talk about are their kids, etc.; they snub working moms.

Sigh...I can't speak for all stay at home moms, but I can speak for myself. Is it possible you aren't being snubbed, but maybe the mom in her workout clothes feels inferior standing next to you in your business suit? Maybe she is worried you think she is worthless and does nothing all day. Is it possible, without the stay at home mom involved in PTA and school that our schools wouldn't be as great as they are today? Is it possible that the stay at home mom, in fact, sees her job as a full-time mom as that- a job? And she talks about her kids out of a love and a passion for them, the same way you talk about your job? Is it possible that it takes BOTH kinds of moms to make the world go 'round?

I think this work family dilemma is one that will continue for years. I wish that women could learn to have a mutual respect for each other and choices they have made. Why are women our worst critics? In some cases, there is no choice to be made- the mom MUST work. I am happy that my 3 daughters see working women in their business suits at class parties. They are learning that women can have a career and still be attentive to their children. But, I am also happy that I have had the opportunity to spend these years at home with my kids full time.

Ok, let the comments begin. I would really love to hear your thoughts on this one. Keep it respectful, please.

Redbud Valley

Last year we took the kids on a hike to Turkey Mountain. They absolutely loved it. We intended to fit in more hiking outings, but it just got so hot last summer and time got away from us.

Yesterday we took the kids to Redbud Valley. Redbud Valley is located just outside of Tulsa, in Catoosa, and is a hidden gem. The hiking was fun, but what was more fun were the surprise caves we happened upon.

Going on these little outings with my family is great quality time. EG's love language is definitely quality time and she was in her happy place the second we got in the car. She is also an outdoorsy girl, so the hiking is a bonus. Abby also seemed to love it. No TV. No phones. No distractions. Just good ol' fashioned family fun! Hannah is on her mission trip and missed it, so we will have to bring her back!

Mission Trip

I could not be more proud of my girl, Hannah. She has chosen to spend her spring break on a mission trip to Knoxville, TN. At this writing, she didn't have best friends going on the trip, but was still brave enough to sign up anyway. I have a feeling she will come home with some best friends, though.

Saturday morning I loaded her in one of two church vans headed for Tennessee. I have to tell you what an unnerving feeling this is. I don't have a problem with her being away from home. She has been going to summer camp since 1st grade. This is the first time I have put her in a vehicle and sent her across the country. At camp, I take her, get her bunk all set up and know exactly where she is. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time in prayer on Saturday!

Luckily, the kids were allowed to have their phones and electronics for the car ride. I heard from Hannah Sunday morning. Due to traffic and construction they did not arrive in Nashville, their first destination, until after midnight only to find out the hotel had given away their rooms. They finally settled into another hotel across town at 1:45 a.m. I'm equally thankful that I was not the adult driving that van as I am grateful that they arrived safely.

Today is the first day on the job site. I'm told they are working on houses: light repairs, painting, yard work, etc. I can't wait to hear all about this trip from Hannah's perspective. These types of mission trips weren't made available to me when i was growing up.

Hannah told me this wasn't a "real mission trip" because they were only working on houses and not walking around telling people about Jesus. I didn't argue this point with her, but I am excited for her to connect the dots this week. Those kids and workers are the face of Jesus this week giving their time and resources to help others. And, I suspect, some Jesus conversations will take place.

Ouch!!

Today I proved I'm not the budding tennis star I like to think I am. While chasing down a ball, my feet got all tangled and I fell. Hard. I have bruised knees, scraped hands, and a really swollen ankle. Sympathy comments welcome.


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The Wizard of Oz

This year Abby was selected to be a munchkin in Union High School's performance of The Wizard of Oz. I have to admit, I had NO idea how much work went into one of these shows. Had I known, we might not have auditioned. However, sometimes ignorance is bliss. She was selected with her good friend, Allie, so that helped her as well as me with the carpooling.

She had the best time and hardly ever complained about the long practices that towards the end, went way past her bedtime. She is already talking about wanting to try out next year.

Bullet Blogging

It has been so long since I have blogged that I wasn't sure how I could ever possible get caught up. Until I read a friend's blog and she did bullet blogging! Sounds good to me!

• Today is Ellie Grace's 9th birthday! I keep telling her not to grow and she keeps disobeying me! How is this possible that my baby is 9??!!
• Abby is a munchkin in Union High School's Wizard of Oz. It has been keeping us more than busy, but the debut performance is tomorrow night. I'm so proud of her!
• Hannah has not only adjusted to Cascia Hall, she is thriving and loving it. So glad we made the decision to move her.
• Daniel has been a traveling fool with his job, but is enjoying his work.
• All three girls are taking guitar. Ellie Grace got drums for Christmas.
• It's not very quiet at my house.
• Santa brought Abby a Westie puppy for Christmas. I feel like I have a newborn again. It's exhausting.
• Ellie Grace is playing basketball. It's so fun to watch this shy little girl come to life when she holds the ball. It's crazy how aggressive she can be. She loves it.
• I ran the Disney World Half Marathon in January, benefiting The Scott Carter Foundation.

I think these are most of the main highlights in my life lately. Hopefully I can get back to regular blogging. That is...if anyone is still reading.