Ramblings...

Hey y'all.  Just a note to say that I'm still here but am knee-deep in life!

Here are a few things that are going on right now....

• Charles graduated from high school and we had a few family members over for lunch afterwards.
• David Graham and his crew have begun work on the exterior of our house....finally!
• We spent most of a week at the beach for the SCFA convention.
• The clothes dryer quit working as soon as we got home from the beach with 5 peoples' dirty clothes.
• The girls played in a softball tournament in Hartsville last weekend.
• Mary Jo slid into 3rd and scraped her whole leg and sprained her ankle.
• Work continues on the house.....from early in the morning until late in the afternoons.
• Chuck and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary.
• The compressor is about messed up on my car.
• Chuck had to have $1000 worth of work done on his truck.
• Chuck and I have been shopping for new/used cars for our family.
• I've been busy trying to get Carolina Cyclone paperwork and sponsorships in order for Lawren and Mary Jo.
• The Cyclones are playing this weekend in Rock Hill.
• Chuck bought me a new (used) car today and is going to pick up his new (used) car tomorrow.
• The fix-it man has not shown up yet, so the dryer still does not work.  I've been carting basketfuls of wet clothes to Beulah's to dry.
• Lawren and MJ leave for San Francisco/Berkeley next Wednesday and have done absolutely nothing to get ready.

Well, I really didn't mean to unload all of that so suddenly.  Hopefully when I find time to  sit to think about it all in the next few days, I will blog about each with a happier heart and more patient spirit.

I'm Back...and Ramblng....

I'm back, even though I've not been anywhere.  I don't really know why I have not been blogging....just haven't been in the mood.  I'm not saying that I've been in a bad mood or anything.  I have been sick with bronchitus and sinusitus for a few weeks, but other than that, I'm happy with everything going on!


My job at MCHS is super fabulous!  I have three classes where I teach Family and Consumer Science and then I accompany a group of students to the weight room for a period.  After that class, I have a 50 minute lunch period and then two planning periods, and then I accompany a group to Horticulture class.  I get to be at school with our three children and Chuck (even though I don't get to see him  too much during the day), and now we're all on the same school schedule.  I pass the kids in the hallway every now and then, but we don't hang out....that makes them happy!  Anyway, school is GREAT!


Lawren and MJ have started softball season at school, and Charles is playing golf on the school team.  Their afternoons are consumed with practices and games/matches.  Chuck is teaching basic firefighting two nights a week, and all of that keeps the family busy.  I am working with a student who is out of school for a health problem, but other than that, I just work on chauffering the girls (who, by the way, both have their restricted liscenses!!) and working on regular, everyday chores like laundry, cooking, etc.


Pippi is growing.  She's as mean as a rattlesnake, and we can hardly wait for her sharp little puppy fangs to fall out!  Seriously though, she is a little vicious, but at other times sweet as pie and cute as a button, all white and fluffy with her long, shiny black ears!


I've been to the doctor twice in the past two weeks for this congestion mess.  After my first visit, I took a round of antibiotics and steroids, and narcotic cough syrurp.  When I was not recovering, I went back to the doctor and she gave me a different antibiotic.  I can see a little improvement but am no where near well.  I am anxiously anticipating feeling better soon!!


Chandler is now a grandmama to a beautiful baby girl, Isabella Nell.  Pictures prove that baby Isabella is a tiny miracle and a blessing to our family.  Chandler came back to NC/SC after the baby's birth and we got to visit again with her.  I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to reconnect with my sister after all of these years. 


While Chan was visiting, she talked to L and MJ about them visiting her this summer.  They are flying to SF on June 22 and will return home on July 13.....lucky girls will be spending 3 weeks in California.  They will have the time of their lives and will enjoy an experience that they'll never forget!  I'm so happy that they are being afforded this opportunity!


We met with Chuck's brother and sister last night at Fatz in Cheraw to celebrate Beulah's 76th birthday.  We had a nice supper together.  Chuck is so lucky to have his immediate family and so many aunts, uncles, and cousins all living right here in the area.    Happy birthday Beaulah.  I wish you many more!


Gas prices have soared to over $3 a gallon!  It is really ridiculous how much it costs to fill up the car.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that prices will drop before too long.


Well, this rambling post is hopefully the first of many consecutive posts to come.  I'm going to try to keep up and blog daily like I was before fading away in February.....

Ramblings....October 5, 2010

Good Tuesday evening....hope everyone has had a terrific day!

I've had a busy day.  I had to get up early and take the children to MCHS since Chuck had a meeting in Columbia.  I thought that I'd be up for the day, but I was mistaken :)  When I got home, I "accidentally" put my nightshirt back on and got back in bed.  I woke up at 11:00 and began my tasks.

I drove over to Darlington to the Verizon store today....had to show my pay stub so that I could get my 20% discount....sure can use that!  After my visit at the phone store, I rode over to Dick's Sporting Goods....L and MJ wanted pink socks to wear at their VB match since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I got beautiful, bright pink socks, and then met the girls in the back parking lot to give them the socks...and cheeseburgers.  The team had to travel to Hartsville for both the JV and varsity to play.  BTW, both teams lost....

MJ and Lawren.... I <3 them!

I'm still painting pumpkins.  I worked on four with silly faces this evening.  I've got to paint another USC pumpkin and another pumpkin with sunflowers. 

I did not have good news when I weighed this morning.  I still weighed the same as I did last Tuesday....no loss, but no gain either.

Tomorrow I am planning to go to Cheraw to make a Wal-Mart run and take a mum to Old St. David's.  Maybe I'll have the presence of mind to take a few bags of out-grown clothing to the Thrift Shop too.

Well, that's what's been on my mind for today.  All in all, it's been a good day and I'm looking forward to the next two days....the last two before I have to go back to school....yep, fall intercession is coming to an end!

<3

Jo

Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010

What a beautiful day here in SC!  The weather could not possibly be any nicer!  It was a little cool early this morning but it warmed up to a perfect 75 degrees....absolutely terrific!

Our day started early.  We all got up and went to eat breakfast with Beulah, Viv, and Jincey.  After breakfast, the kids and I went to CUMC to work at their Harvest Festival and Car Wash.  They are raising money for the youth to go on several trips early in 2011.  They had pumpkins, mums, Indian corn, gourds, and squash for sale. 

I spent the day painting pumpkins....many pumpkins!   People were placing orders and buying the ones I had finished as fast as I could turn them out.  The girls helped out a lot, and so did Jessica F.  She painted some really beautiful ones with sunflowers.  I really enjoyed working with her today and getting to know her better.  She's a really sweet young girl.

About the middle of the afternoon, the kids asked if they could go "mud bogging" with Sam and McKayla.  They'd worked so hard at the church that I decided to let them go for a little while.  Hopefully they will be safe and will come home all in one piece....oh yea, and have fun too!

I guess Chuck and I will run out and grab a bite later on.  He's busy at MCHS using his computer to do his monthly BFD paperwork.  I hope he'll be on home soon.

Well, that's today's recap thus far.  If anything exciting happens, I'll update later....

<3
Jo

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010

Good Thursday afternoon....hope it's been a good one so far!

I got to sleep in again this morning.  Dozed until around 11:00 and then got up.  I've checked out Facebook, my blog, and my 101 list.  Finally jumped into the shower and got dressed.  Had to hurry because I'm waiting on the FedEx man to bring L and MJ's new phones. 

Charles is being very impatient because he's ready for me to come pick him up from school and go shopping in Florence.  He wants to go buy some Carhartt pants and some new boots.  I'll admit, he needs both, but he just needs to wait until I get there.  School is important, and he cannot miss too many days in any class.

L and MJ have been texting asking about getting black t-shirts to spray paint for the pep rally tomorrow.   They and a group of friends want to paint a different letter on each shirt to spell out something....I've not been given that info. yet..  Anyway, I'm hoping that they won't rush the project and will wait to do it as a group for homecoming week, which is next week.

Class of 2013....

MCHS plays Dillon tomorrow night at home, and we'll have Post Game on Main afterwards.  Tomorrow will be a long day....but that's OK, as long as it's for the kids.  They are worth my every minute of every day!

Well, probably more to come later, but for now...still waiting for the FedEx man.....

<3

Jo

Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010

"O Lord, You are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter.  We are all the work of your hand."  Isaiah 64:1

Today was music and education ministry Sunday. Everyone who participates in musical programs and who teach Sunday school were recognized.  Millie gave all of us teachers and assistants a tote bag with the potter's hands pictured, and referred to Ben's sermon from last week.  All in all, it was another wonderful worship service at FUMC this morning.

Charles played golf in the Marlboro Country Club member/guest tournament with Luke.  When he came home today, he told us that he and Luke came in second place!  I'm really proud of him!

Chuck is finally home after a super busy weekend of teaching in Florence.  He is worn out and trying to catch a power nap before supper.  He is such a hard worker and I appreciate him so much.

L, MJ, and the Moody girls are out in the neighborhood being social.  I'm sure that L and MJ have make-up work to do before going to school tomorrow.  Missing two days of school is unusual for them, but they'll easily catch up with their classmates.

Not much else happening here at the Black household.....maybe more later~~

Jo

Ramblings - Sept. 3, 2010

TGIF!  Also, TG for the long, Labor Day weekend!

I slept in a little this morning....like until 7:15 a.m.  Mickey called to say that her dog, Tommy, was out of the back pen and she saw the animal control officer riding by slowly.  She had also seen Spanky out too...she was able to catch Tommy, but she didn't see Spanky. :(  When we got home from school, Ricky was outside of our fence and Mike is missing.  They have started digging again!  :(  I sure hope the city didn't come by and pick them up....I cannot check until Monday.... :(

Charles told us a couple of days ago that a friend was coming over to stay the night and that they were going hunting early Sat. morning.  His plans changed when his friend said that he had something to do with his grand-daddy, so now Charles is planning to spend the night at the fire station.  I guess he'll stay up late, get up early, and be ill as a snake tomorrow due to lack of sleep!  Oh joy!

Lawren and MJ have gone with Chelsey and Destiny to the Marlboro - Scotland game.  I sure hope that there will be no trouble in Laurinburg....there is a huge rivalry between the two teams! 

The girls tie-dyed some Piggly Wiggly t-shirts for Deanna and her family.  They are going to a family party tomorrow around lunchtime, and Deanna's mom, Misty, wanted everyone to dress alike.  I guess I'll get up early tomorrow morning to wash the shirts so they'll be ready to wear.  (I'm planning on posting a blog about tie-dying within the next few days...)

I don't know what Chuck and I will do this evening.  He was excited because he had found an original episode of Hawaii 5-0 on the television.  Hopefully there's not a marathon on this weekend....if so, his weekend will be consumed...

Well, again, TGIF....and Happy Labor Day!!!

Ramblings - 08-31-2010

The last day of August....three-fourths of 2010 is gone!  Time really flies!

We had our third benchmark testing at school today.  I read the test aloud in all four ELA classes as an accommodation for my students.  From the scores of the tests that I saw, the students mostly bombed.  I'm not sure how effective it is to lose a day of instruction every tenth day....and, like our principal has said numerous times....what did we learn from the benchmark date collected last school year??  Nothing....

Had more vb drama today.  Lawren was benched during practice.  MJ was told to run 13 laps.  Coach W. told L and MJ that she didn't need them on the team.  They were put out of the gym, and when Chuck took them back so that they could finish practice, they were rejected.  I am hoping to meet with Coach Boyd, Mr. Bowen, Coach W., and other interested parties tomorrow.  Hopefully we can work things out....I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

As a fam, we went to Pizza Hut for supper....Tuesday night buffet.  After we ate, Charles and I ran to Laurinburg to Wal-Mart.  He needed golf balls, a fan for his room, and shotgun shells.....deer season opens tomorrow!  It's a federal, legal holiday for some in the South, you know.... :)

Guess that's all for for now.  I'm really tired tonight and think I'll go ahead and turn in....good night!

Jo