For Kate

Yes, it's apparently time for tantrums, Kate.

3rd Annual Balloon Release

This year we hiked to the top of Sawnee Mountain, the mountain that we watch the sunrise over from our front porch. We released balloons from the Indians Seats, exposed boulders that may have served some ceremonial purpose for Native American inhabitants dating as far back as c. 500 B.C.E.

I'm here

It's been a crazy last couple of weeks, including some MAJOR tooth pain and a root canal that I have to go back to get finished in 3 weeks. I apparently injured my bottom left front tooth at some point in time. The tooth was so infected that the endodontist couldn't finish filling the tooth and I have to go back in 3 weeks to have the root canal finished. I lived off of Lortab from Monday night to Friday night. Finally, on Saturday I began to feel better.

I spent the first part of this week catching up and the last 3 days with not much sleep. Austin's having a rough time with Sissy bringing home Kindergarten colds.

I have pictures of Emma's balloon release that we did last Sunday since I was too sick to do it on her angelversary. I'll work on getting them posted soon.

Cell phones

I know I've been quiet these last few days. We've had a lot of home projects going and both kids have been battling a cold for a few weeks now.

I would like to take a quick second to say that I'm still working on fulfilling my pledge.

1 - Today, I mailed off 3 cell phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Go to their site, print off a free shipping label, and stick it in the mail. It's that easy. Cell Phones for Soldiers sell the phones to a recycling facility and with the proceeds purchase phone cards for soldiers. There are even directions on how to erase your personal data from the phones.

2 - I listed an old electric typewriter that is still in great condition on freecycle. I've had 2 people interested, but no one has picked up yet. The first to respond says she still wants it, but that her mom had a stroke and she can't come get it right now. I'm going to hold on to it a bit longer. I still can't believe someone wanted a typewriter. Said Hannah, "Mom, it's kind of like a computer keyboard." hee! hee!

Tennis

Yesterday I had my FIRST EVER tennis match. About 6 weeks ago, I started taking some basic fundamentals lessons and signed up for the doubles tennis team. I was assured that my inexperience wouldn't matter. There are 5 lines that play each week, Line 1 being the best players and 5 the worst. I was, quite obviously, placed on Line 5 but paired with a woman that knew how to play.

On Friday, Austin and I ventured out to the local sporting goods store to buy me a cute little tennis outfit for my first match. You know, the least I could do was look like I knew what I was doing. I soooo needed that cute little tennis outfit.

The black skirts were $50 each, but the torquoise and red ones were only $24.99. I settled on torquoise, but when flipping through to find my size, one was marked $12.97. I snatched it up and tried it on. It was a bit long, but such is life when you're vertically challenged.

Fast forward to yesterday.....prior to ripping the tags off, I modelled my cute new tennis outfit for Hannah and Jason. They approved. As I pulled the tags, YIKES.....my cute new TENNIS outfit is actually a GOLF outfit. :wink: Yep, GOLF, but it's CUTE!

After a minor breakdown, I head out the door with my $30 racket, jug of frozen water and a can of balls dressed in my cute new GOLF outfit.

Our match started at 2:30pm and it's g-d knows how hot on the courts....sweltering hot. My jug of frozen water was already melted and the match had not even started.

Half way through the first set, I started to feel pretty bad and then the chill bumps came. Yep, it was hotter than blue blazes and I had chill bumps. I think I need a break, nausea hits and I sat down.....oh so embarrassed. Ice was brought to me to stuff down my shirt. The opposing team (the home team) brought me gartoraid and we moved to the shade. Upon standing, I was light headed. Ugh...not good, NEVER had this happen.....ummmm....VERY embarrassed now. Drink, I can't drink.....

But I did! And, after drinking 2 gatoraids and the rest of my water, I recovered and finished playing. All and all, it was a good day.....minus the near heat exhaustion. I served, had some good shots, and overall had a good time. And....learned to DRINK before going to the courts.