Our latest project...

Our garden...now granted in this picture it looks like we're growing a bunch of weeds huh?  I can promise you there are plenty of yummy vegetables that will be sprouting soon.  It's been a continual work in progress, and the entire family has worked hard.  Megan got her first lesson in gardening 101 by her Papaw.  Who knew she would go on to plant about 80% of all the seeds?  Of course when it came to weeding, she was nowhere to be found :)  It's definitely been alot of hard work, but it shall pay off in the end.  Now if anyone out there can teach this city girl how to do some canning, it would be much appreciated!!!!

What this country life has taught me :)

So it's been close to a year since we relocated to our new home in Tennessee.  During that time I have learned many things about surviving this new country life of mine.  Such as....cows really can run fast, chickens multiply rapidly (52 chicks at last count), everyone is super friendly, people love to visit, and my favorite is that people love to share stories of days gone by.

Now in all my years of living I've never lived anywhere that people were so friendly, even if they don't know you.  Here I can drive down the road, or be sitting on the porch at my father-in-laws, and every single person that goes by, waves.  This kind of friendliness is contagious, so if you see me you best be waving!

I visit with my father-in-law just about everyday, even if it's just a brief few minutes to talk.  Sometimes we just talk about the weather, the farm, school, anything really.  I just know that he enjoys the visits, and he's been wonderful to us.  The bus drops Megan off at his house each afternoon.  And you can bet he's got candy or other goodies stocked up in the house for her.  It makes me happy to see how they've bonded over this last year, and for her to have some stability in her life.  Because for the first 12 years of her life, she would live somewhere for a few years, then move.  I know it was tough for the girls to switch schools, and make new friends.  But I know they also got experiences that many children don't get in life.  So it's been nice for all of us to settle down in one spot.

Some weekends we head to Sunday lunch with his Aunt's family.  A house full of Rick's cousins sharing a meal and great conversation.  The meal includes all kinds of wonderful home cooking, and the stories are priceless.  It's nice to know that family is still so very important, and they've welcomed us with open arms. 

The stories that I've heard about Rick's childhood make me smile.  One thing that is very obvious is the love.  He tells me stories of being with his Mamaw each day while his Dad worked, spending weekends with his Aunt Carolyn, and playing with his cousins.  The weeks during the summer that he and his dad would spend on the houseboat.  Being able to run and play in the woods or the creek, but knowing that he had to stay close enough to the house to hear his Mamaw call for him.  Him and his cousin Bev asking Mamaw to cook them a opossum, only to learn it wasn't very good.  The stories are endless, but you can tell what a wonderful childhood he had, and how much he loved each of them. 

I'm sad to have not been able to have met the woman who had such a profound influence on the man he's become today.  But I have heard many stories, and I feel the love whenever anyone speaks of her. 

We also have some wonderful friends as well, it's always nice to spend time with them.  No matter whether it's doing something outdoors, sharing a great meal, or an intense game of Rook!  It's always a guaranteed great time, with lots of laughs.

So I think it's safe to say I'm adjusting well, there are still a few minor hiccups.  The gravel road to the cabin drives me insane!!!!!  Every time I drive, it's like a game trying to dodge the potholes and divots caused by the rain.  And when you tell folks that you will need 4 wheel drive to get out, they kinda give you that worried look.  That first drive down is a doozy :)  And need I mention those slithery, slimy reptiles that are now out and about.  Despise them....so if you're able to get down here don't mind the smell of moth balls that surround the house.  I'm told it's an excellent snake repellent!

Until next time friends & family!

The end of the first semester....

So as the end of my first semester at UT comes to an end, I thought I would share some lessons learned.
Some positive, and some that will make you just shake your head in amazement.  It's been a wonderful experience to say the least, and I'm grateful for this chance to go back to school.

Let's start with the comical aspects of college life, at least funny to me.  The fashion statements of the semester....the knee high rubber boots.  I must say they're really cute, but seriously with short-shorts?  Not a good look if you ask me...sometimes I wonder if these kids have friends.  A good friend would always tell you when you look ridiculous right?  Heck, I have a 13 year old daughter who won't let me leave the house without giving me clothing advice, she's my little fashionista!  See the boots below!!!!  Cute, they come in all different colors and designs.

More comedy, but some frustration as well were the numerous emails received begging for notes.  Now I must admit some of the reasons were funny, some people made up excuses, but my favorite was the brutal honesty..."I partied late last night, and totally overslept".  But it does get old after a few weeks, especially when you start seeing the same names over and over...go to class people!

I have also learned that students today aren't much different from when I was in school long ago.  They're still loud, don't care if they talk and disrupt class, and kicking the feet up on the chairs in front of them.  At times
I've had to bite my tongue, and not let the former me come out.  Never would I have tolerated such blatant disrespect in the military, but I have to remind myself...that was the former you! 

Sometimes classes aren't at all what you expect!  Or shall I say sometimes the professor's surprise you with guest speakers.  One last week left me livid, never in my life have I been so infuriated at school.  If you have
someone come in to speak to your class, should it not be somewhat relevant to the class subject?  This man was arrogant, offensive, and had no business talking to students the way he did.  Then later that afternoon our professor sends out an email, stating that he really didn't cover what she had hoped, but wasn't it really engaging???  So I used that opportunity to tell her exactly what I thought about her guest speaker. 

Never sell yourself short...I was terrified about taking Calculus!  But with hard work, some tutoring, and help from my recitation leader I've made it through!  My last test I scored a 93%, never would I have thought it possible to score that well in math.

And one lesson learned today, don't wait until the last minute to finish papers!  Some things never change I guess, it was the same in high school for me.  I have no problem writing, as long as it's something that interests me.  But this paper has been painful, but it's finally done!

I've been lucky this semester to have enjoyed my classes, and the professors.  I've met some great people, had the opportunity to blog for the university, and just enjoy this new phase in my life.  I'm looking forward to my 3 week break, then the start of summer semester!

My Easter "Peeps"

Yesterday Megan and I went out to the barn to feed the chickens.  As I had mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, the hens had layed eggs and nested.  Well we feed our chickens and then nosily checked in on one of our hens to see if she was on the nest.  She was of course on the nest, watching us and giving us the evil eye!  Out of the corner of her eye Megan saw another hen with a bunch of baby chicks.  So we proceeded to investigate, but momma hen was quick on her toes and very protective.  So they headed outside, and we followed.  I quickly got on the phone with Rick to tell him the good news.  He warned us that if we got too close the momma hen would kick our butts.  Isn't it funny how that maternal instinct kicks in...don't mess with the babies!  I took a quick count, it was a little more difficult than you would expect.  Every time I tried to count they would move around, throwing me off once again!  Not to mention I had to take off my shoes to help count, kidding....LOL.  My final count was 16.

So today we headed to the feed store to get some scratch, something the little chicks could eat.  Rick & I headed out to the barn to feed them and take some pictures.  Momma hen was sitting on the ground, all fluffed out and when she stood all those little chicks came crawling out.  It was a funny sight to see...we feed them and peaked inside on our other hen.  She is nesting in an old medal wash bucket nailed to the wall of the barn.  So I carefully climb up and take a peek...and low and behold she has some baby chicks as well.
I couldn't get a count, since she's still nesting.  But I thought "Wow, I got a bunch of baby chicks a few days before Easter."  Is that not the coolest thing ever?

Learning to let go...

As you've probably noticed my blogs as of late have been very emotional.  I promise this will be the last for awhile, and we'll get back to the country living!  But I find my blog to be very therapeutic for me, a place where I can write things that just won't come out of my mouth the same as they are in my head.  I read a tip from Biggest Loser Jillian Michaels last week, I'm a huge fan of hers.  She said that we have to learn to let things go...but continuing to let things fester, hold grudges, be angry, it just drains us emotionally.  Let go of the negativity in your life, and you will become unstoppable!  That exact same thought was reinforced last week as well when I received a much needed phone call.  I was given the same message, why do you continue banging your head into a wall?  At some point you have to realize that some people will never change to become who you want them to be.  I can't express how much that call meant to me, I love you!

So I wonder does letting go mean removing people from your life?  Does it mean forgiving those who have hurt you and starting fresh?  Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, at times it can be hard, and too often it's not given.  What if it's a relationship that has caused continued hurt over the years?  It is possible that people don't know all the hurt they cause?  What if you forgive and start anew only to be hurt again?  When does it come to a point where you can no longer be a part of my life? 

I can no longer be the one who tries to fix every one's problems.  I will certainly continue to give advice if asked, but please be prepared for my honest opinion.  We control our own destiny, we can't fault others for our failures.  The good things in life must be worked towards and earned, so the best offer I can give is to learn to help yourself. 

Relationships are a two way street!  No big secret there huh?  But if you don't have a relationship with someone, perhaps it's because you aren't making the effort.  And by making the effort I mean pick-up the phone, invite them over for dinner, go visit them in their home, heck take a vacation with them.  Because if you don't make the effort they will continue to slip away from you.  There are some relationships that I'm envious of, simply because it's one I've never experienced in my life.  Perhaps not having these relationships has made me better, and made the relationships I do have stronger.   

I feel like I'm in a really good place in life now.  I'm finishing up my first semester at UT, I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters, and some lifelong friends.  I've made my way back to church, and it's had a postive impact on my entire family's life.  So I'm no longer going to let the negativity get me down, so if you want to be in my life see above!

Memories of Dad

So over the past week, I've had numerous moments when I wished I could just pick-up the phone and call Dad.  Whenever life got hectic, I could always depend on Dad for advice.  Now granted it might not have always been what I wanted to hear, but he always took the time to really listen.  There are so many good stories I wish to share with him, going back to school for my nursing degree, his granddaughters doing wonderfully in school.  The oldest finishing her first year of college, working toward her dream of becoming a marine biologist, the youngest getting straight A's in school and invited to join the Beta Club.  They've grown into beautiful young ladies, and make this mom so proud.  He would be proud of all his children & grandchildren!

Or there are the stories that make you sad, but dad could always make the hurt go away by simply saying "I love you and will always be here for you."  But I recall my dad telling me many times, sometimes you have to let people figure things out for themselves, you can't fix everything for everybody.  You can't change a person, or the way they act or don't act in some instances.  But strangely since losing my Dad I seem to find myself doing just that...trying to step in and fill a void.  Trying to take care of everyone, and be there no matter what, I think it's just my personality to give a damn so to speak. 

He was such a wonderful man who taught me so many things.  He taught me responsibility at a young age, and boy did I hate doing chores.  But we had a huge calender, and each of us had chores for the week.  And we didn't get an allowance, our payment was food, clothing & housing.  He taught me how to manage my money, helped me set-up my first savings account and buy my first car.  I was taught that hard work pays off in the end, that nothing is handed to you.  He was the driving force in me joining the Air Force, and making it a career.  He taught me kindness, humility, and how to be an all around good person.  I couldn't have asked for a better role model.  Most of all I couldn't have asked for a better father.

I love you and miss you each and every day Dad!  I know you're smiling down on the family and enjoying your time with Alan Michael.  Until we are together again, your loving daughter.

Mushroom Hunting...another first!

Today was a good day!  I had my first opportunity to go mushroom hunting with my hubby and father-in-law.  I've heard of people doing this, but never considered it an option for me.  You see I'm not a big woods type of person, and I'm terrified of slithery, slimy animals.  But they assured me that it was still on the cold side for those horrible creatures, so I figured why not?!  His Dad took us out far into the woods and set us free.  Since this was my first trip his dad took me under his wing, and showed me the ropes.  He was finding mushrooms within the first 5 minutes and WOW are they hard to spot.  The next step, he found them and told me the general area to look, to see if I could find them myself.  It was like playing a version of "Where's Waldo", but soon I was getting good at the game.  I learned all the good spots to hunt and had some quality time with the hubby and father-in-law, what a wonderful afternoon.  Our final count for the day was 85 mushrooms, and before you ask "NO, I don't eat them!" 

Then we headed over to the barn to feed my chickens.  About a month ago we got 2 more roosters, in hopes of having some baby chicks.  Well my hens have been laying eggs like crazy, and today I saw this....she's actually sitting on her nest!  I might get some baby chicks after all :)