put that thing away

by teresa

Maya's grandparents threw her an Ocean Breeze birthday yesterday.
It was a beautiful day and we all went and celebrated her. Some went swimming and others (me) just chilled under the big umbrellas and enjoyed the show.
I'm not referring to the high dive show....which was pretty good. I'm talking about the show of size (double digit) folks squeezing into size (single digit) bathing suits. And then taking that tightly twisted combo and shooting it down a water slide at 50 mpr.
funny stuff.

We are going back again this week (thanks Eric) and this time I am going in.

“The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” Lucille Ball

by teresa

We celebrated Grandaddy Dyer's birthday a few days early so our out of town family could come down over the weekend to join us. They took him to dinner (Imperial Palace) and then back to mom's for cake and ice cream. Mom's chocolate cake was so good I dreamed about it that night and woke hungry for a slice.

Thursday's at the beach

by teresa

We had a total chill out day.

Swam in the pool all day and then headed to the beach (Sandbridge) for dinner (picnic) and a relaxing evening.

It was not hot at all. Actually, it was pretty chilly.

Mom stayed under her blanket and read the whole time to get out of the cold breeze.

The kids made sand castles, boogie boarded, tossed the football and swam. The adults sat....and watched. Now that's my kind of fun.

We did have a tiny bit of drama when Ben got sucked by a riptide and couldn't get out.

We could see him struggling and when we saw tears and panic on his face we all jumped from our chairs. Chris, who hadn't dressed for a swim, had to jump in and pull him free.

Unfortunately he had his Ipod in his pocket.

He didn't seem at all upset when he realized this and is now eager to go Ipod shopping tomorrow. "I might as well get the upgraded one", he said.

I bet he and Ben planned that little rescue scene just so Chris would have an excuse to get a better music player.

Michael Jackson

by teresa

I bet you guys are surprised I haven't blogged about this subject before now.
Everyone has their opinions.
I don't care to hear them.
When I think of him...I am twelve again.
I had an old tape recorder and a blank tape. I would have that thing paused until The Girl Is Mine or Billie Jean would come on the radio. I would leap for the record button. Eager to capture the song. I would play it over and over, singing and dancing until the sound was warbled and distorted. Don't even get me started on Thriller. The guy could DANCE! Oh my Lord if you could have been a fly on the wall of my bedroom back then. Trying to mimic the moves from the video to no avail. My friend Stacie and I would laugh until we peed our pants. The first posters I hung in my bedroom were of him (much to my father's disapproval). I actually got on restriction for stapling them to the walls and furniture in rebellion after my dad had pulled them from where I had them taped.
It didn't matter how his looks changed since then or the ugly rumors told about him....the music was good.
It was positive.
It made me feel good....smile.
My children could listen without me having to grab for the radio dial to keep them from hearing something profane or inappropriate.

Chris and I have had fun the past week, introducing the kids to the old songs. Filling up our ipods with "the oldies but goodies". Watching all the videos on tv (the stuff is on 24/7). Ben has some of the moves down pretty good. We have created some fond memories reminiscing our youth and peeking at Ben and his friends trying to do the dance moves I practiced so many years ago.

I am not ashamed to admit that I am sad.
Mostly in a selfish way, that I won't get to hear any new songs or see a new performance.
But, also for his family.
You can't help but tear up watching them in clips from the memorial service today.

For those of you from another generation...do you have someone who "takes you back"? Reminds you of good times past. A favorite performer...or song? Share it with me.

Happy 4th of July

by teresa

We had a blast at the family reunion cookout last night out in Franklin.
Volleyball, kickball, waterslide, golfcart racing, cornhole (a redneck version of bocce ball) and the best fireworks I have seen in years.
Still tired.
Post pictures later.

running on empty

by teresa

Nick just called from the road.
The church van is about halfway home and he was wondering if I could fix him something and bring it in the car when I pick him up. "Mom, I'm staaaarved!"
Good grief.

the prodigal son returns

by teresa

Nick comes home today after two weeks at church camp.
We have received a few texts from him and one call.
The call was regarding our 4th of July plans. I guess he was trying to secure a day where a grilled burger and some fun was on the agenda.
I am looking forward to his return...but not the laundry that he will bring for me. The smell of camp laundry is something special...isn't it? The union of B.O., skid marks and mud creates and interesting bouquet that only a mother can stomach.
Ben has spent the night out a few times too...so Chris and I have been childless many nights. *bow-chica-waw- waw * That also meant Chris and I had our own rooms for a couple of nights. Heaven. He likes the radio on all night and I like the tv on (muted w/closed caption) till the wee hours. oh the joys of marriage.

who needs a shower in the summer?

by teresa

Not us....we have a pool.