Ponderings In The Field of Grace

It’s Labor Day Weekend, and we’re looking forward to it. The Knight is going to work some more on the upstairs bathroom, and hopefully it will be painted by the end of the weekend. We are planning on just hanging out around the house with no “got to do’s”. We’re just going to focus on “want to do’s”.

We’re enjoying family time. I’m hoping to hang out with the kids, and get some different things done. I can’t wait to get out and cut the grass today. Just me and some quiet time on the lawn mower. And I’ve got a mean game of Blockus waiting for me with the Lil Princess.

We’re also gearing up for our beach vacation for this year (the big one). We’re anxiously watching the Atlantic to see what is happening there. I’m gathering stuff a little at a time to pack up. We’re carrying more down this year than we have in the past so it’s going to take some extra planning.

Can’t wait until we get there!

Sorry I haven’t been around that much. I’ve been trying to get back in gear from our recent trip to the beach.

Here’s a recap of what we did while we were down there. (I copied it from a message board I belong to.)

We decided to celebrate the Professor’s birthday with a trip to MB.  We arrived at 12:20. Our room wasn’t ready yet, but they took our number and told us they would call as soon as it was ready. It was raining a good bit so we decided to just go to Broadway and Coastal Grand to kill some time. The Professor was wanting to get a book from Books-a-million, so we picked that up, and were trying to figure out where we would eat when they called and said our room was ready. Since the hotel called so we opted for Sonic (total was $25 with tip), and to head to the room. Picked up the key around 2:30 and unloaded. Friday (8/22): After getting to the room, we crashed for a while and waited for the weather to improve. I took the three youngest and walked on the beach for a while. The Knight and the Professor stayed behind in the room. When we got back I decided to make my list and go ahead with my Wal-Mart run. It honestly was not bad at all. We picked up a few things to eat, and grabbed some sunglasses for everyone. Total was $46 dollars.

By the time we got back and unloaded everyone was starting to get hungry so we decided to hit Great American Steak and Buffet company (around 79th Ave. N) for dinner. We had a coupon for 10% off. Everyone ate their fill. The food was fine, and the kids enjoyed it. Total came to $61 with tip. Also for those who have never been there before, they offer discounts for kids. The cost is $0.50 for each year, I think until 14 maybe? Adults are 13.99 each.

After dinner we hit Broadway again. The kids wanted to visit Toys & Co. The Professor picked up a Blockus game, while the others got a dinosaur egg, penguin egg, and sheriff’s hat. We walked around and enjoyed the sights, then came back to the room to watch a movie.

Saturday- Aug. 23-

Today started off with eating breakfast in the room. When everyone started getting dressed for the pool I realized I had forgotten to pack The Knight’s bathing suit! So, off to Wal-Mart again. I found him a suit, and picked up a few other things along the way. I also put some money on my Wal-Mart card and filled up the gas tank at the Murphy station, (gas was 3.46/gallon).

After I got back we headed down to the pools. The kids especially enjoyed the lazy river and the hot tub. We spent about an hour or so there, then came back to the room, and hung out for a little bit. Then it was off to the beach. The currents were pretty strong today. They had the red flag out and didn’t want anyone past their waist. I could understand why. The current was pulling the kids and I pretty quickly down the shore. We made sure to stay only about thigh deep. (There were no jellyfish or shark sightings that I know of. )

Once we finished up on the beach, we grabbed a bite to eat in the room, and then went off for mini-golf. We chose Spy Glass this time. We had a coupon for a $1 off per person (total cost was $20). The kids played, we watched, and enjoyed the fun. Sports Guy won this round. The kids really liked some of the effects they had like the cannon shots, etc.

After the game we decided to ride down to Garden City and see the house we are renting Sept. 13-20. By the time we finished we were getting hungry so we thought we would go ahead and eat and beat the rush. We chose Damon’s next to Crown Reef. We had a prime rib sandwich, fish and chips, grilled ceasar salad, and three kids meals. Total was $60 with tip. We all enjoyed it and will probably return.

When dinner was over the kids were ready to get back in the water. We went back to the hotel and got ready so they could head back to the pools. The wind was really up though and the pools were on the cool side. So we opted for a walk on the beach and the kids splashed in the water some more. (The ocean was warmer than the pools!)

Now we’re back in the room, I’ve already got most of the stuff packed to load up in the morning, and the kids are watching “Sky High” again (one of the movies from the owners).

Tomorrow we’re heading out early, and either going to go to Plantation Pancake House in Surfside or Sonic. Then we’ll probably stop by Broadway or Tanger before heading home.

August 24-

We checked out of Forest Dunes around 9:15. Everything went smooth. I just needed to let the desk know about something, and I wanted to pick up my copy of The Sun News (they offer them free to guests). We left and rode down Ocean Blvd one last time, then headed down to Plantation Pancake House. This is a tradition with us, and has been for years. Until this year we have always eaten at the one on S. Kings Hwy in Myrtle, but this year we tried the one in Surfside and found that we liked that location a little better. The dining area is roomier, and a little nicer. We ordered 2 omelets, one plate with eggs, grits, bacon, and toast, and three kids meals with 5 drinks and 1 coffee. Total was $45.47 with tip. The food was good as always.

After leaving there we headed toward Broadway for one last walk around. Sports Guy was hoping to ride the Miss Broadway, but it was still closed, and had been all weekend. We watched the dragon show, and checked out MagiQuest to see if it might be something we wanted to try when we come back next month. Then after a quick stop at the gas station to clean the windows and get some drinks, we were on our way.

So things have been crazy around here lately, but hey when are they not? We’re still struggling with getting everything done. I think we are just all overwhelmed. I’ve fallen behind on some things, and I know I need to catch up as soon as possible. Hopefully I will do that some time in the next week or so.

The kids are in some mood where they seem to think everything I tell them is a suggestion they can do if they feel like it. Yeah, we’re going to be getting over that one real quick. I have to begin to get my head cleared, and really focus on where the breakdown in discipline is happening. I don’t want everything to be a punishment. My ultimate goal is to have them begin controlling themselves. Honestly they are doing much better in a lot of areas, but they still have a lot of room for improvement. (What kids don’t though?)

I think a lot of their issues right now stem from the fact that everyone but them has had a vacation. We all need one really bad! Hopefully this weekend’s trip will help all of us some.

Well, I guess I better get back to work. I’ve got a lot more to finish tonight.

I’m trying to catch up on laundry, and still get school done this week. I’m also trying to do it on an abbreviated schedule. We leave for the beach on Friday. So here’s a look at our week as we get ready.

Today-Dentist appointments

Tuesday-Therapy, Groceries, and Back to School get together.

Wednesday-Bake cake, start packing

Thursday- Cake Class, small family birthday party for The Professor, finish packing

Friday- Last minute details, Leave for the beach.

Mix in the usual housekeeping and school, and it should be an interesting week.

I just had to share this with you. The Professor has been taking speech therapy at a center about 45 minutes from here. Last week his speech therapist let me know that she was leaving the center at the end of the month, and they would not be replacing her. So, as of Aug. 29, the Professor would not have speech therapy. Anyone with a special needs child knows how difficult it is to get speech therapy. Just to give you an idea, we were on this waiting list a year and a half before we were able to be seen. Anyway, our situation is similar to many others, our private insurance does not cover private speech therapy, and for those who say get it from the school, just suffice it to say that was not an option. So last Monday on the way home, I tried not to let the Professor know what a big deal it was that he wouldn’t be able to see Ms. Robin after this month. I prayed like crazy, and just asked God to please show us what He wanted us to do, and provide the therapist He wanted.

The next day, Tuesday, I called a local speech clinic, and the lady was very interested in our situation. She said it just so happened that they were going to be having some openings the beginning of next month. She would call me back in a week to discuss it further. However, he would only be able to get one on one therapy there.

That afternoon I talked with The Professor’s occupational therapist, and told her about the situation, and how happy I was he would possibly not miss any weekly sessions. She told me they had just hired a speech therapist there, and let her talk to a couple of people. When I came back to pick him up, she told me they might be able to get him in at their clinic. I couldn’t believe it!

This past Monday she called me at home and asked if I would be interested in moving his OT appointment to 2pm and having ST at 3pm. I about fell on the floor! I told her, “Of course I would!” She told me all they needed was a prescription from his doctor. So I called right then and left a message. That office called me back yesterday (Tuesday) and told me it had been faxed.

At 1:15 yesterday afternoon they called and asked if there was anyway The Professor could be at the office at 2pm for an evaluation. I jumped on it.

So now he has OT and ST back to back, and he will be getting some group therapy which he desperately needs!

When I called the other clinic to let them know The Professor wouldn’t be back, they couldn’t believe it. They agreed it was nothing short of a miracle.

I don’t know why God continues to surprise this way, but He does!

Sports Guy wanted to make a restaurant for us in our front yard. He’s trying to get everything organized now. Here’s  a look at the menu.

•  Cheese Sandwich….$1.00
• Toast……………………..$0.15
• Ham Sandwich……….$1.00

• Tea…………….$0.10
• Lemonade….$0.25
• Punch…………$0.50

(I think The Shady Tree Shack is looking pretty good for lunch today!)

We had the best time last night. The Knight, kids and I took my Mom and Daddy out for their anniversary. My aunt and uncle did get to come, which was great. We all went to O’Charley’s. Usually if we plan ahead of time something will almost always go wrong. You know things like food isn’t that good, waiter/waitress is bad, kids are in a horrible mood. You get the idea.Well this time none of that happened. (And we did do this pretty spur of the moment.) Everyone’s food was just how they like it. The waitress was very attentive. The kids were in a pretty good mood overall. Mom and Daddy seemed to have a wonderful time.

After dinner we all ran and attended a few errands, and then we met back at Mom and Daddy’s house for cake and ice cream.  I think most of the guys watched the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics, while the girls chatted around the dining room table.

Overall, a very nice night for everyone. I’m so glad we got to do it!

Today is my parents’ anniversary. They’ve been married for 28 years. The Knight and I didn’t really know what to get them, so I made them a cake, and we’re taking them out to eat tonight. It won’t be anything fancy. We’ll have the kids with us, so we all agreed O’Charley’s would be a good place. This way we can all celebrate together. My aunt and uncle may even come. I think it will be a lot of fun. The kids are looking forward to it, and so am I.

(I ‘ll try to take a picture of the cake and post it later.)

It’s hot.

Very hot.

Everything in the garden is withering. We need some rain, desperately. Between  the heat and the humidity we are all just wilting away, and our power bills are going through the roof!

I know why they call this time of year “The Dog Days of Summer”!

The good news is we have gotten some school work done. I just need to catch up some more. Hopefully that will come soon in the next few days. We’ll see.

Beach Trip!

The Knight and I talked it over with The Professor. Since he is too old for a kiddie party we have been trying to offer alternative ways to celebrate his birthday. This year we surprised him by letting him know 1) his dad is off for his birthday 2) he could pick (within reason) where we could go for the weekend to celebrate.

He picked the beach. So Friday I made reservations at a place some of our friends have stayed at before. It has incredibly reasonable rates. We now have a 1 BR oceanview suite for the weekend of The Professor’s birthday!

Everyone is so excited! So far the only thing he has asked to do is play mini-golf at Jungle Lagoon, but I’m sure more will be added soon!