Milestones
Wednesday, June 24, 2009, by Sherra
I hate math but I’m pretty sure that’s right.
Because I’ve been counting the years one by one of this job I’ve been in for almost 20 years.
Longest streak of gainful employment for me.
Raising human beings does qualify as gainful employment.
It feels kind of weird when you work yourself out of a job.
But that was the original goal 18 years ago.
To teach life skills and send them off on their own.
Those precious tiny babies that turned into pesky teenagers.
I never could have predicted that those darling twins would become Soldiers.
Or that their 18th summer would be spent fulfilling 18 training requirements none of which include what most of their friends are doing like going to the pool, the mall, the movies or the beach.
They’ll have to save all that for next summer.
Instead, the gas chamber exercise and proudly declaring, “I didn’t throw up” is a highlight of their summer.
Completing 3, 5, 8, 10 and 15K foot marches…
An obstacle course, marksmanship and throwing two live grenades are things they will forever remember.
I never could have predicted that I wouldn’t be able to talk to them on their 18th birthday.
Instead, I had to send them each a card.
That was really a mini photo album that I hope makes them smile.
With a letter written in the back telling them how much we miss them and love them.
And how very proud we are of the women they are becoming…
Hug your kids for me today and please send up a little prayer for mine…
P.S. The Grunter and Scary Baby are still at home so technically, I’m still employed but I am looking for a job outside the home that will utilize all my amazing people and management skills. Call me if you have an opening. 
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Categories: Milestones, Teens
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Monday, May 18, 2009, by Sherra
So I found out that at least one of the darling twins who shall remain nameless was telling everyone that there would be a bar at their graduation party.
This is extra funny since I don’t drink.
And do not condone minor drinking.
In spite of that…
We did have two bars at their party last Friday.
Bar #1 ~ A Taco Bar
The crockpots full of meat were shredded chicken, pork and beef. I did not want to use the oven for anything on the day of the party so this worked out well.
If you are interested in the recipes which received rave reviews, just click below:
I also made mexican rice and black beans neither of which I eat but friends said were good. Fresh tortilla chips, salsa, crispy taco shells and shredded cheese from our favorite local Mexican restaurant rounded out the taco bar.
Side note: Thank goodness for great neighbors who loaned us crockpots and great serving dishes to keep costs down.
Bar #2 ~ A Candy Bar
It seemed to be a big hit with all ages.
This kid cracks me up every time I see him.
I was pretty sure we couldn’t go wrong with a candy bar!
Even if the cute little graduation caps melted on the sticks and slid down to the bottom because it was 85 degrees that day. Let’s not talk about our air conditioning problems right now, kay? 
The high school colors are maroon, navy blue and gold.
Did you know it is very hard to find navy or royal blue sugar?
I had found this cool place on the internet near us and we went last Monday - the exact same day that blogging rockstar and cake pop queen Bakerella featured the store. I think we should be friends and I really think I should have emailed her and asked begged her to come and make cake pops or cupcake bites for the party.
Because this is what my feeble attempt looked like.
Which may not look all that bad to you if you’ve never seen Bakerella’s adorable creations. I’m not encouraging you to but if you must you can click over to her site and confirm yet another calling I really didn’t miss.
We had red velvet with cream cheese frosting and lemon with lemon frosting. Everyone was fascinated that you could eat the whole thing - I should have made a tent card that said “Entirely edible” because people tried to peel the bottom like it was cupcake paper but it was actually melted white chocolate.
Or I could have just ordered a cake from Costco. Yeah, I considered that after making three test batches of cake pop blobs.
We called these Triple Chocolate Army Helmets.
Even though we made them in a truffle mold. Yeah, helmets - way more appropriate then truffles on sticks.
We added PhilBillPaul and Scary Baby’s patriotic pretzels and the candy bar served its purpose.
The party was lovely. Really it was.
Now if we can get through the graduation on Thursday…
P.S. Though there was no official *bar*, PhilBillPaul did serve a few Mexican beers to the grownups.
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Categories: Finding the Funny, Food, Friends, Milestones, Moments, Teens
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Friday, May 8, 2009, by Sherra
I like to keep track of the moments in my life that clearly show me that God is in control and he has a sense of humor.
I’ve been keeping a list:
I am humbled daily by this motherhood gig. I am not qualified.
I am overwhelmed.
God is laughing because The Grunter made it too easy last year by requesting nothing and not even participating in the ceremony.
So this year, I have two participating and nothing I do is right.
I have spent the last few days designing their graduation announcement and planning a dual graduation open house/going away party on very little sleep and very little money.
I am tired. I am not in control.
I know this.
But I did actually finish the graduation announcement and matching party invitation.
Thursday evening I spent hours helping Roger Leroy make a slide show for the party that will melt the coldest heart…
And after watching it and listening to the sad music she insisted on putting with the slideshow about ten times, I collapsed in an exhausted heap on the couch and realized this…
I am overwhelmed with pride for the women they are becoming. And the decisions they have made. And the unconditional love I have for them is still here ~ even on the worst days when no one has the grace or good manners to say, “Thanks Mom.”
But I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that there is a quiet place in my head and heart that looks forward to some quiet, calm days that will be a welcome relief from this chaos we’ve been living in the last few months.
Have a fabulous weekend and please send any prayers, well wishes or parenting tips to survive these final senior days!
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Categories: Finding the Funny, Milestones, Teens
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009, by Sherra
Last week as I was calmly frantically getting ready to leave for Chicago the next day, Roger Leroy arrived in my room after school with a white board with a hole cut out.
Roger Leroy: “Here is my locker strip.”
Me: “Huh?”
Roger Leroy: “Remember, locker strips?”
Me: “No”
RL: “Mom…Senior week…you have to decorate this before you leave, then parents go on Sunday to the school and hang them on our lockers.”
Me: “This Sunday? While I’m gone?”
RL: “We can go hang them…they were really cool last year…you have time, right?”
Sure, I have time.
Let me just dig out pictures and print a few at Costco and finish helping you both with your senior scrapbooks and senior speech for Language Arts and it’s Scary Baby’s birthday and I need a haircut and I haven’t packed or written the speech I’m suppose to give…
Somehow though, in the sage words of their lovely brother whose life mantra is “It will out work out” — it did.
I think they didn’t turn out half bad. Not that I have any idea what they were suppose to look like.
I had some pictures left from when I made their cross country albums. Actually the bottom was an 8 x 10 of a page I made with song lyrics in the background.
The song came out last year right around the time when we were headed to Nashville for their fun birthdaymonth. When Trace Adkins starting singing it, I sent them a text that said “Listen to the lyrics.”
She was staring out that window of that SUV
Complaining, saying “I can’t wait to turn 18″
She said” I’ll make my own money, and I’ll make my own rules.”
Mama put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said “I was just like you”
You’re gonna miss this
You’re gonna want this back
You’re gonna wish these days
Hadn’t gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this
They found this hysterical in a way only teenagers can. It has become a standing joke and I play along with them and we all make everyone get quiet whenever the song plays and say, “Shhhhh…Listen to the Lyrics.”
I can handle the joke. But I do hope they listen to the lyrics. In spite of their uncool mother.
That night, PhilBillPaul went in their dark bedroom to check on them.
I made him go back in and snap this picture.
Our almost 18 year-old twins in one twin bed.
Don’t think I don’t know the truth.
It’s a two-way street.
I’m gonna miss this…
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Categories: Finding the Funny, Milestones, Teens
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009, by Sherra
I swear I’ve been living with this potential danger for over 20 years.
Because PhilBillPaul always has at least one shoe untied.
Now, when you see an escalator…
Think of me.
********
On a totally unrelated note…we featured our first MAN on our iLashGirls blog yesterday.
Click over and meet Dave Dutton because learning more about his process for discovering your “Given Talent” is really fascinating and I’ve been through the process myself. My darling firstborn (Everett a.k.a. The Grunter) has also gone through it and here’s what he said:
My experience with Dave was excellent. He helped me to understand the way that I think, and then showed me how I could apply it towards life and a career. Discovering my given talent was a great experience, and I am glad that I did this early on in my college career as it helped me to better see what I want to do in the future. I would recommend doing this to anyone looking to get the most out of life.
Dave is giving away a Simply Irresistible Resume Package which includes everything you need to complete a new, fresh irresistible resume. I want to win it but as always, Leigh Anne tells me I’m not eligible.
Even if you don’t need a resume right now, I bet you know someone who does. It would make a great graduation gift and it doesn’t hurt to make sure you have a current resume yourself!
I’d love for you to meet Dave and learn more about his amazing process. Read the interview at iLashGirls and don’t forget to enter the giveaway for the resume package at the end of the interview!
Also, don’t miss our crazy fun Gifts, Gifts, Gifts Giveaway - this week we have FOUR different gifts so click over to win!! That totally increases the chance that one of my personal friends can win!
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Categories: Finding the Funny, Milestones
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Friday, April 3, 2009, by Sherra
Leaving home again…
This time with the darling twin daughters…
For their last spring break as minor children in my care…
Because this summer in June, my babies will turn 18 away from our home…
And I’m really trying to savor all these last times with them…
Even when we are all very hormonal and grumpy…
Wondering how PhilBillPaul has endured…
Living with 4 females…
For all these years…
Because truly…
It occurred to me tonight that I would have run away a long time ago.
Speaking of running away…
We’re heading to Tampa.
A city I ran away to many years ago…
Fleeing from those freezing cold Midwest winters…
Trying to grow up and learn how to live on my own…
Loving the sunshine, golf and nearby beaches…
Only to discover an Indiana boy
Who taught me that home is wherever
We choose to make it
With people who love us
No matter what.
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Categories: Friends, Milestones, Moments, Teens
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Monday, March 16, 2009, by Sherra
Since the beginning of this year, we have had one, two and sometimes even three extra girls at our house every single weekend.
PhilBillPaul and I were informed that we needed to get used to it. The one-sided conversation went something like this:
You need to get used to it. This is our senior year. We’re doing this every weekend that we can. Until graduation.
Thank you, Roger Leroy.
As you can see, we are in total control here at the Humpfreeze house.
Or not.
It’s one of those pick your battle moments. And PhilBillPaul and I decided that a few extra mouths to feed are far better than not knowing where our sassy-mouthed teenagers are.
“This is a gift,” I gently remind PhilBillPaul. We really do try not to miss the gift.
The gift of knowing that they are just down the hall. In our house. Safe.
Or in my bed.
Wizzy, C-Mac & Roger Leroy plopped right down, interrupting my Tivo time to show me fascinating videos they taped and thought were hilarious. The girls are full of gifts.
This weekend was the first weekend in quite a while that this hasn’t happened. No extra teens. Just our family.
It was a rainy, quiet weekend with our three teens working all weekend.
Next weekend will be even quieter when the girls go off for their first National Guard Drill weekend.
I spent a little time counting during this quiet weekend.
Math has never been my strong suit but I still use that counting skill I learned in elementary school.
We’ve had ten consecutive weekends of extra teenagers.
See how that counting skill has come in handy?
Algebra, not so much. But counting, I find myself doing it a lot lately…
As in–coincidentally there are only ten weekends left before our teenage daughters my tiny twin babies graduate from high school.
My job is to be sure I count down these last times…these last weeks before my girls begin a new season of their lives…these weeks are flying by.
If you have a senior, I know you’re counting too.
How was your weekend?
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Categories: Finding the Funny, Friends, Milestones, Moments, Teens
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009, by Sherra
When you hear someone you know who has a family member who has joined the military, here are some great tips I’ve learned through personal experience:
- If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.
- Keep your personal fears or dislikes to yourself
- No one is pro-war.
The absolute best and most gracious thing you can say to any parent with a son or daughter in the military is this…
“You must be very proud. Please tell {insert name} thank you for me.”
Because we should all be grateful that we still have young people who are willing and able fight to protect our freedom here in the United States of America.
Here are a couple of brand new soldiers with whom you can practice using the line above…
We are incredibly proud of our darling twin daughters’ decision to join the Army National Guard.
There you have it…that’s our BIG news!
Roger Leroy had her swearing in ceremony last Thursday. Wizzy had her swearing in ceremony yesterday.
This was an intense and personal decision for our daughters. I knew I was already facing a new season of parenting as we count down to their senior graduation in May. I know many of you are about to or have already faced the emotional time of sending one or more of your children off to college.
It’s the culmination of the job we’ve been working at for 17 or 18 years and truly, my goal has always been to get them to leave our home and become adults.
Mothers of twins are in the unique position to have double the joy mixed with a little sadness as we encourage them to make their own decisions and plan for their future.
Now, as they face this new road ahead of them, it is also a very bittersweet time for me as a mom.
I promise to give more details soon but for now, please feel free to help us celebrate their BIG decision! Roger Leroy and Wizzy do read the blog so I know they’ll love to read any happy comments!
Life Lesson (LL): Surround yourself with people who support you and your family.
Share a Life Lesson (SALL): Share a difficult time you’ve had that was made better when someone made that extra effort to be kind and loving…
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Categories: Friends, Life Lessons, Milestones, Raves, Teens
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Monday, December 1, 2008, by Sherra
Help me out here.
Repeat after me.
I am blessed not stressed.
I am blessed not stressed.
I am blessed not stressed.
Thanks, I feel better already.
We’ve been home from the mountains for less than 24 hours and the post-vacation stress of arriving home with teenagers who had a little TOO much family time is now in full swing.
I’m not complaining. We did have a lovely time.
With Phil’s mom. (Granny)
And my mom. (Grandma)
BIG DEAL that my mom drove down to Tennessee from Illinois. Because she is very old and feeble. NOT.
The two grandmas together is a HUGE blessing as we have always lived far from our extended family.
Great food and family time is something I don’t take for granted. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
Speaking of not taking family time for granted…
An even bigger blessing than my mom coming to Tennessee (sorry mom)…
My cousin Sally’s son Rob is home from Iraq.
He got home just in time for Thanksgiving with the family.
Side note to Sally: Did you ever think almost twenty years ago that one of your little dinosaur guys would become a soldier? (Photo circa October 1989)
Praying for all the soldiers who are serving our country…
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for their service.
And every family with a soldier and all the sacrifices you all make for our country.
Blessings to every single one of you…
How was your Thanksgiving with family and friends?
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Categories: Finding the Funny, Milestones, Raves, Teens
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Wednesday, November 5, 2008, by Sherra
Just because I wrote about recognizing the significance of “The Last Times”
I didn’t mean to imply that “The Firsts” are any less significant.
Or blog worthy.
It’s all important stuff - this job of raising human beings.
Yesterday My Pumpkin a.k.a. The Grunter had a significant FIRST.
He took a ride with me about a mile and half down the road.
Remember all the stickers the doctor, dentist and teachers gave your kids?
Yesterday he got The Most Important Sticker…
Mama and “Pop” (as he refers to PhilBillPaul) are proud to add another voter to this great country.
And we’re feeling old…
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Categories: Milestones, Raves, Teens
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