Spring Break

Here I sit at the table overlooking the ocean at Pavilion Watch at the Edge of America...I just love Folly Beach; the river side is my favorite. The tacky old houses, the variety of locals, tourists, renters, owners, all of it. So we are spending a glorious month here. It is relaxing and the kids love walking Center Street looking in the shops and the view from the top floor of the Holiday Inn. All day long the french doors stay open over the porch and some nights when it is not to cold, I leave the french doors open in our bedroom and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Today around 5pm we will walk to the Crab Shack and order appetizers and sodas and have our "happy hour" Tonight I will hopefully remember to get the camera from Bruce's car so I can take some pictures. The condo is small, 1300 square feet or so which is perfect for spending time together as a family. Yesterday Michael and I walked to the tiny library and checked out books on sea creatures. The library has a cozy garden with tropical plants and a waterfall and even a bridge. Today we walked to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, lit a candle and walked in the prayer garden there. Right now we are all going to sit in the jacuzzi and relax. Ahhhh....

Folly Beach/Spring Break

I never cook ??!!

So Adele and our kids are sitting at Starbucks, outside of course because it is gorgeous, and Matthew says "mom, you NEVER cook anymore!" So, sipping our sinful smoothies with whipped cream and a zillion calories, I think, humm what about the pork loin and potatoes last week, and the pork chops I grilled with fresh rosemary with brown rice? Does that count? OK I admit, I don't cook EVERY night anymore b/c I work full time, but I do cook and we have leftovers when I don't cook.
Of course after that remark, here I am tonight while Bruce and Matt are out running, I am cooking fresh collard greens and have a chicken roasting in the oven. I am using some of my herbs from my window herb garden and feeling quite like the GOOD MOM!

Did I say that I am very happy that my "shy Matthew" is now outgoing, outspoken and full of spunk and confidence.? I am actually very glad for his commnent. He is a very normal tween.

Is it March already??

Where did FEBRUARY go?? Oh yes, 3 children took turns being sick,high fevers and GI viruses prevailed in the Root household...so lots of TLC, chicken soup and time off of work. BUT now Spring is right around the corner. Michael commented on the irises pushing up through the ground and was kind enough to cut them and put them in a vase for me. Now the house smells like Spring!

So, me and hubby got tired of being home, so we took the kids and rented a cabin at Edisto State Park for the weekend.And we loved it all freshly renovated and just waiting for a family like ours to enjoy it. We took Josie, although Michael reminded me over and over of the NO PETS ALLOWED rule ( you see, I am not a rule follower, Bruce is )

Morgan called her Jose all weekend, the illegal immigrant. We had sooo much fun hiking, boating and roasting marshmellows. Michael somehow managed to burn his lip with the stick his vigilant parents were letting him play in the campfire with; not good. Matthew is now off crutches and did some short trails with us. Now we are all well, happy and filled with good memories to start the week with.

HOW did I get soo lucky to live in this great place with family and friends to share it with?!

VALENTINES WEEKEND

Matthew was SICK.....

Morgan was on a Youth Group Ski Trip in WV....

Bruce & Michael were 'hangin out in downtown Chas....

Yes, being married is fabulous... esp after 15+ years. You come to accept that sometimes

Valentines Day is not THAT romantic...kids get sick, life happens....

So while Morgan was skiing in WV with her BFF's, poor Matt was burning up with fever

laying on the couch, in the bed, on the chair, anywhere to try to get comfortable.

I sent bruce & michael off to enjoy our wonderful city. bruce is like that, he loves to take one of the kids and go sightseeing in our own town. i love that about him...hummm so really my Valentines gift is having a family, a husband who spends time with me and with each child.

having time to take care of a sick child and texting my teen back and forth while she

is on a youth group trip. Its playing monopoly and reading for hours to a sick child....

One more thing, I love simplicity.

Sick day...

Ok, i will be completely honest, I AM SOOO GLAD TO BE HOME TODAY!!!

i DO love my job, but in my heart, i am a "stay home mom". With that being said, yes I am sorry Matthew is sick, but I am happily home being a nurse to my own child. He is almost 12, so I rarely get the chance to dote on him. Morgan and Matthew will only put up with doting when they are not feeling well. So i am doing the TOTAL mom thing. Yes... vicks vapor rub, chicken soup, pillow and blanket on the couch. Unfortunately, he had a school dance tonight and can't go. Unfortunately, my wonder hubby sent flowers to me at work today and I AM NOT THERE!! The secretary called me and I insisted she read the card to me. Relunctantly, feeling like she was violating my privacy, she did it anyway. I told her I am from a big family and require little privacy Thanks Bruce, can't wait to see my flowers.

Michael turns 9 !!!

On February 10th at 5pm our youngest, Michael came into the world. Such a quiet, calm little baby. Of course, being the 3rd, I had no worries and JUST ENJOYED the baby enormously. Like puppies, they grow up too fast and now here he is 9 years old and me and Bruce are wondering where the time went.....

So, we ordered his favorite food, Arby's beef and cheddar and had a small cake, family party. In true Michael style, he raved about the ordeal. "I love all this attention" he said. And being the youngest with a teen sister, he wanted an Ipod for his gift. Matthew was more than happy to assist in choosing the style and color. Morgan graciously down loaded "hip" songs for him. Having a big sister & brother is sooo great!!! As soon as Matthew gets well ( yes he is sick ) Michael will choose a friend to take to Pirate Cove for the day. They will be treated to gocarts, laser tag, yummy food like Coke and pizza. They will be thoroughly entertained and worn out... He is in the process of choosing that friend, what a hard choice.... Of course his class was treated to doughnuts on his birthday, so I reminded him that we really DID include everyone.

Tonight as I tuck in my 9 year old, read him a story by his favorite author, Roahl Dahl, snuggled next to him, I will feel like the luckiest mom ever. I will thank God for my children and the blessing of a few more years of "tucking in" complete with stories & prayers recited out loud...