Road Trip to Atlanta

My friend, Ann, from N.C. called me a couple of months ago and wanted to know if she and her two daughters and daughter in law could come stay with us and go to Atlanta to see the Lady Diana exhibit. I always love to have her visit, so I jumped at the chance.

They arrived late Friday night. We met them at Fatz for dinner and then came home to catch up some. On Saturday, we left out about 10:45 for Atlanta. We had a great time seeing all about Diana. Her wedding gown was gorgeous. After leaving, we toured around downtown, found the governor's mansion, went to IKEA, and then went to eat at a Japanese restaurant.

Pam and Jessica on the road

My two princesses: Margaret and Rebecca

Me and Rebecca

Pam, Margaret, Rebecca, Me, Jessica, Ann

Thanks girls!! I enjoyed your visit. Come back soon.

Ingenuity

We had guests over the weekend. It's funny how we get things done around the house if we know we have company coming. This weekend was particularly important because one of my friends was coming. She is the type that does a COMPLETE house cleaning 2 times a year. She takes a room a day and cleans from top to bottom. Another person that came has a house that looks like it came straight from a magazine. Mind you, we have a nice home and I do keep it straight. However, I DON'T do a yearly top to bottom clean and I have a basic decorating style.

Now to the purpose of this post. We have an open foyer that goes all the way to the second floor. There is a ledge above the door. We don't own a ladder, so the ledge has never been cleaned. I gave Eric the challenge of figuring out a way to clean it. He rose to the occassion. He got his golf ball retriever and duct taped a pledge duster to the end. When he stood in the hallway upstairs, he could reach the ledge with his contraption. Boy was it ever dusty. Here is a picture of the dust he got off of it. Disgusting!!!

Eric stretching over to reach the ledge.

The nasty dust. I think it looks like a dead rat!!

We won't wait 3 years again to dust it. There's no telling what we might get done the next time someone comes to visit. Any takers?

Education in South Carolina

The State of South Carolina is in a MAJOR budget crunch. Over the last 3 years, we have seen the legislators decrease public school funding. With the proposed budget for the upcoming year, we are looking at funding cost per student at the 1995 rate. Wow. That's scary. We are looking at cutting several programs, furloughing teachers/administrators, and positions/teachers in our district.

The citizens of SC need to wake up and learn what the lawmakers are doing. We have a crazy tax system in our state. We need a major overhaul.

One of the things that I am most upset about the district cutting is the c-team sports programs. This would mean that all middle school sports would be cut. Why does this upset me? Well I have a vested interest-Rebecca. I think that middle school children are trying to find themselves and what better way to do that than with extra curricular activities. I think the district is setting the children up for failure. I think we will see an increase in children making poor decisions about after school activities with no sports to practice/play for. I think we will have a decline in grades. They won't have something to work towards. Don't get me wrong. Education is the MOST important thing. They should be making good grades because that is what they are ultimately at school for. Realistically, sports is what makes many of these children take pride in what they do. I think we need to develop the whole child.

The savings for cutting c-team sports- a little over $50,000. In the big scheme of things-that is just a drop in the bucket in relationship to the over all budget. The $50,000 covers the coaching stipends for 6 schools.

My suggestions? I have actually sent them in to our district office. I hope others are voicing their concerns/suggestions so that we can keep our c-team sports.

1. Ask the coaches if they are willing to coach with no stipend. Maybe offer renewal credits for their teaching certificate instead.

2. Furlough the teachers 2 days instead of 1. This would save over $500,000. This would save a few of the programs they want to cut.

3. Do away with B-team sports at the high school level. They already have JV and Varsity sports. B-team is usually for 9th graders. Those children could play for JV and c-team could stay intact.

I don't know what the outcome will be. I am exercising my right to voice my opinion and fight for what I think is in the best interest of the children.

If you are interested in more details you can go to this site and read more about it.

You can also email any suggestions you might have to: suggestions@lexington1.net.

Thanks for letting me vent. I am really concerned for our teenagers.

Egg Hunt

Rebecca got all "dolled" up and wanted me to take picture of her outside. I was happy to oblige. She is turning into quite the model. I'm biased I'm sure, but I think she's beautiful.

We finally talked her daddy into hiding the eggs. It was a quite egg hunt with only Rebecca participating, but she enjoyed it that way

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Easter Bunny

I was able to get Rebecca to sit on the Easter Bunny's lap again this year. She wasn't too happy about it, but she did it for me. I hope she appreciates it one day.

The E.B. came to visit her at Granna's house. The bunny left her a new shirt, bathing suit, pair of shorts, t-shirt, and the New Moon movie. She also got some new make-up. She was excited about her new loot.

Thank you Easter Bunny. Bawk Bawk.

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Egg Dyeing

Rebecca has been dyeing Easter eggs since she was 6 months old. That very first year, we sat her on Granna's table with nothing on but her diaper. She was a talented egg dyer at an early age. We couldn't believe how she gently put them into the water. She has dyed eggs with Granna every year since then. This year was no exception. The two of them had a great time making their creations. This year, however, Rebecca kept trying to tell Granna how to do it. She was even caught in a picture making sure Granna was doing it correctly. Too funny. May the tradition live on...

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Sunshine Award

I was given this award by Kristy. I am suppose to tell you 7 things about myself and then pass this award along to 7 people. Here goes nothing!

1. I am obsessed with my technology. I love anything to do with a computer-especially my MAC.
2. I am the middle child in my family.
3. I love to shop.
4. I make great chocolate chip cookies. Just ask my DAD. : )
5. I have moved 13 times since graduating from college. I REALLY love Lexington.
6. I love Disney World.
7. I have a big heart for others.

I pass this award to:
1. Pamelia
2. Nicole
3. Susan
4. Megan
5. Carrie Ann
6. Jennifer
7. Mary