So Far, So Good...maybe

    We are 2 weeks into 2021 and the world is still on fire.  There was a coup at the US Capitol, COVID is still rampant, and threatening another lockdown, they're trying to impeach the current President days before the new President-elect is to be inaugurated, and so much more that I try very hard not to focus on.  Meanwhile, in my house, I've made changes to my diets and habits, started bullet journaling, and started a small daily devotional with my oldest daughter.  Also, I'm attempting to change our family's financial habits as well, which is easier said than done.  

    These times are crazy, and while I didn't necessarily make resolutions for 2021, I did set goals and objectives for the year.   Here are the highlights, in no particular order:

    1.  Have a minimum of $2,000 in savings

    2.  Tithe 5% of our income each week.

    3.  Read the Bible daily and focus my prayer life.  The Bible I use for this is here

    4.  Get back on the Keto lifestyle

    5.  Exercise 5-6 days a week, changing regimens every 6 weeks or so.

    6.  Be genuinely kind.  To everyone.  Always.  Whether I like them or not.

    7.  Journal daily. 

    8.  Pay off my SUV, 2 personal loans, and 2 credit cards before autumn of this year.

    9.  Take responsibility for my debts by getting my student loan back in repayment status.

    10.  Learn to ride my Harley, making the transition from "Professional Passenger" to licensed                         motorcycle rider complete.

This blogging thing is very, very new to me.  I am not sponsored by anyone, and I don't receive commission if I make any recommendations on products and such.  I'm still trying to decide which direction to take my blog baby in, so bear with me while I figure all that out.  I promise I will post rants, as promised in my name, hopefully more often than not. 

As you try to navigate 2021 for yourself and your family, remember that you are not alone, and that you are fabulous!  

Praying God's blessings in your lives,

~Kate

2020: Total Garbage or Silver Lining?

 SO MANY THINGS!!!! ALLLLLLLLL THE THINGS!!!!  Good GRIEF! Where to begin...

2020 was most definitely a year to remember, though none of us really want to remember all of it.  2020 brought us the entire spectrum of events and emotions, and a sense of apprehension for 2021.  Wild fires, SARS COV-19 (COVID, The Rona, whatever nickname you wanna give it...), death, life, one of the most emotionally charged elections in history, need I go on?  

For me, I'm choosing to focus on the positives.  Our children are growing and learning to handle emotions, feelings, and how to adapt and overcome instead of crumbling.  In February, we were finally able to move into a house on our own after having to live with my parents for 2 years while we tried to recover from some financial instability.  I got the opportunity to learn new skills within my job with the USPS.  Subsequently, I learned how to keep the joy during what was possibly the most difficult political and holiday season we've faced as an organization.  My husband is thriving at work, and leading by example.  COVID has brought lots of changes and heartache, but it gave us time to slow down and spend quality time with our children.  It made us focus on what's important.  We reprioritized our lives, and most of all, it showed us how dispensable we really are in a society who wants us to believe we are chained careers and jobs that will in reality dismiss us as soon as we are no longer useful.  

We also got one more Thanksgiving and Christmas with my precious grandmother.  I am so grateful for my family and how close we are.  I couldn't imagine life without them in it.  

2020 introduced me to new books, podcasts, music, and let me reminisce with old favorites as well.  Most importantly, I became reacquainted with the Bible and my prayer life.  I've tried very hard to shift my focus to God and His plan for my life.  I've become eager to see what He does in my life.  

What did you discover in 2020?  How did it leave you?  Are you grateful? Are you bitter?  Are you ready to yell, "JUMANJI!" at midnight and never speak of this year again in hopes that 2021 will fix everything?  For me, I choose to look forward and wonder how I can use the next opportunity for God's glory.  

Happy New Year!  Here's to family, faith, and a new beginning.  

School Daze in a Corona Haze

We are nearing the end of week 2 in our county of this very odd school year, and yes, I had to check my calendar to make sure because I was CONVINCED we were at least about to finish week 4. 🥴

Some things I've learned thus far:

0500 comes early. Like REALLY early. I am not a morning person. Never have been, but when the 8 year old's bus comes at a little after 6, there's not much choice. Especially when you're not sure how much time said 8 year old is going to waste. Somedays he's dressed and ready to go, others we're playing in the bedroom floor in pajamas 45 minutes after waking up. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Never mind that the 13 year old girl, who's still figuring out teenage hygiene takes almost 2.5 hours to shower and dress each morning. (Thank goodness no one else needs their bathroom once the 8 year old leaves.) 

Next, Mama needs coffee. Or Diet Dr. Pepper. Whichever. Sometimes both. And vitamins. Daily. I'm up 3.5 hours before I have to clock in at work, and due to the nature of my job, business attire and makeup are not requirements. I've prepared for this most of my life. Shorts or jeans and a t-shirt are my uniform and I'm dressed by 5:30. That gives me almost 2 full hours to have a devotional time, prep dinner, run the dishwasher, run the vacuum, do a load of laundry, workout, and eat so I'm not blowing my paycheck in the Jack's drive-thru every morning. By the time I get to work, I'm ready to work. This particular aspect is one I like. My day goes so much better if I can do this. So, I've started getting up at 5 am 7 days a week. Partly because my willpower is weak as water and if I allow myself one day to sleep in, I'll break a habit like it's a piece of blown glass. 

Thirdly, I'm ready for sleep at 8:30pm. As soon as the kids go to bed, so do I. As a result, we don't typically go out in the evenings and the kids know that they have 3-4 hours of uninterrupted homework time, except dinner, before bed. Whatever isn't finished by bedtime, doesn't get done. (A lesson in time management that is proving a difficult one for the 13 year old, but she's getting there.) 

Lastly, I. Am. Tired. My job is physically demanding, and I have a side business as well. My husband works nights, but does handle dinner on days he's off and tries to help out around the house. Every mama out there, whether you stay home full time or work outside the home knows IT'S A LOT! 

Through all of this I've gained a more positive outlook, I've set goals and am working to reach them, and I am more put together for our days. Things aren't always perfect. Teenage sass rears its head sometimes and some days things are just off, but we make the best of it and try again tomorrow. 

"Have a good day and if you can't, don't you dare go messing with anyone else's." -Tabitha Brown

Love y'all! 

Camp Griggs Rides Again!

Good morning Glories and hallelujah to ya! Camp Griggs is in it's 4th season this year, with our kids being 24, 16, 13, 12, and 7!!!!  I can't believe they're already that old and I can't believe that Robert and I have been married for 4 years already!  Today, we embark on one of our favorite family past times...visiting Six Flags Over Georgia!  I know, some of you may snub your nose at the thought, but we. LOVE. IT.

I grew up visiting this park and I even worked there for a while when I was in college, so for me it's a lifetime of memories and I'm so happy I get to make new ones with my family.  So, I will check back in this evening or tomorrow, depending on what time we return this evening and share with you some of the things we did today!

Back to School! Or...Empty Nest?

Today marked the beginning of my youngest child's scholastic career. We as mothers, we've all been there. We meticulously lay out their first day of school outfit, pack their lunch and make sure their backpack is ready to go.  If you're a part of my generation, you've spent weeks perusing Pinterest looking for everything from cute back to school gifts to how to draw fancy letters on a chalkboard showing what year of school your baby is starting and healthy breakfasts and lunches that help them hold their focus and make the most out of their education; all while trying not to absolutely lose it and burst into tears right from the ringing of the alarm clock. 

At our house, it's no different. I finished his last minute orientation paperwork while Daddy took his breakfast order for the next morning. We ate dinner early (a feat for us as we are a night shift household,) showered and got to bed early.  We got up early, ate a good breakfast, and actually made it out the door on time.  (Anybody that knows us, knows how amazing that is, especially on the first day of anything).  We sang along with the radio while we waited our turn to pull up to the school, and went over last minute reminders about behavior, manners and what the consequences would be if any trouble popped up.  All was good. I can do this. I can totally do this.  I was fine...until they opened the door and he unbuckled his seatbelt to get out.  

Oh. No. Here it comes. 

I barely registered the "Bye, Mama! I'll see you later!" followed by the bouncy steps into the school. Breathe Mama. Don't yet.

I held it together until the teacher shut the door, I couldn't cry in front of a total stranger after all, and the floodgates opened. I cried all the way home and then most of the morning afterward. My husband couldn't help but laugh when I collapsed on his chest and sobbed, "But he's my BABY!!"

He said, "No, he's not, honey. No, he's not."

Hold the phone. What? What'd you just say to me? Did you really just tell a Mama who dropped her last baby off at school for the very first time that "he's not her baby anymore?"

That. That was my first reaction. I swallowed that rather large lump of sass that was welling up and getting ready to explode all over my seemingly uncaring and inconsiderate husband.  Then I took a step back and I thought about what he had said. He wasn't being ugly or derogatory. He wanted me to see that our boy is growing up just like the rest of our kids.

So I thought about that for most of the day, trying to figure out why I was so upset. I realized I wasn't crying because my baby started school. I was happy and sad all at one time. Happy that he made it to this point and then sad that we won't have another fall where we can just take off on an adventure or a spring where berry picking on a Wednesday is a possibility without worrying about missing school. Sad that I'm done with the joys and firsts that come with babies and toddlers.  As far as children I birthed are concerned, anyway. And of course, sad at the realization that time is marching me right along with him. I mean, as much as we joke and say, "Oh I stopped having birthdays once I turned 29," we cannot ignore the fact that we are getting older as our children are getting older.  

I didn't set out to be that weepy, emotional Mama that doesn't want to let her precious baby out of the car without a million instructions to the teacher and "just one more" hug.  I contemplated standing outside the window all day, but I reigned that crazy right on back in and put it back on the shelf. I went on home and just sat in my driveway for a while, trying to pull myself together. What was happening? Why was I crying? We're supposed to rejoice when all the kids are old enough to go to school, right? "Oh, the time you'll have! You'll be able to get so much more done!"  Yeah....this Mama cried and took a nap. Tomorrow I'll start being Super Mom.  For today, I'll get my bearings on this new-found freedom that's only for 8 hours a day and be me. 

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for our family, and I am happy for that. So keep growing, Little Man. I so look forward to all of the adventures school is going to bring you. 

Not My Mama...

You never know where it will hit. You don't know who it will affect. We go through life never expecting for someone so strong to be selected to go through the "C" word. Yet, here we sit. Surgery day for Mama. The woman who raised me and whom I've spent a majority of my life mere miles away from. 

A few weeks ago, Mama was diagnosed with breast cancer. MY Mama was diagnosed with breast cancer. The human road map, the Invincible Woman...SARGE...of all people...got diagnosed with breast cancer. 

When she told us, I was devastated. This is my Mama! She's healthy, she's strong, she's...STUBBORN! The last few weeks have been a blur of doctors appointments, scans, tests and phone calls.  

It was caught early during a routine mammogram. She has two different types of cancer, one in each breast. The genetic test is negative, so unless her lymph nodes are involved, no chemo will be needed. So, we sit while she's in surgery and wait. 

The good thing is, she is Mama. She is Sarge. She's not going to take this lying down. Even though hearing her talk about it is kin to telling someone she's taking the car in to get the brakes checked. She is a strong woman. Her faith is strong. Her will is strong. She will do what is required to beat this, and I love her.

We all love her. She never asks for anything for herself. She is constantly aware of the needs of others. Please keep this strong-willed Mama of mine in your prayers. 

Happy Christmas to All...and to All a Good Night!

Today marks our first Christmas as a married couple and a family. 4 out of 5 kids are here for almost two weeks and they've hardly been able to contain their excitement over today. The three year old fretted for two days over Santa's method of entry into our house, (we don't have a chimney), the eight and twelve year old speculated about their gifts, the nine year old arrived this morning, and my husband and I worried about how little was piled under the tree. Starting out in a new situation is always hard, even when you're grown. I was a single mom living with her parents because of some not-so-wise decisions and financially flying by the seat of my pants. My husband was recovering from a bad relationship. Needless to say, things have been pretty tight this year, but we're getting settled and we didn't let it ruin our holiday spirit. However, we got a little down because we got a little bit caught up in the material side of things and whether or not the kids were getting enough. The reality of it is, our kiddos have plenty. They have two households a piece that love them and care for them without the expected bickering and condescension that spans products of divorce. They know we talk and stand together on decisions and whatever else is in their best interest.

So, this year, at our house, we started the tradition of "one thing you want, one thing you need, one thing to wear and one thing to read." Each child received four gifts each, and they received a group gift to be enjoyed together. There wasn't piles of expensive presents. There wasn't mounds of wrapping paper. Everything was opened in 20 minutes. In that moment, in the midst of them tearing into their gifts and the "oh, cool!" I learned something from my children today. realized that it doesn't take gobs of money to make Christmas. It doesn't take the latest and greatest things to make them happy, and therefore we don't need to place so much focus on it. This Christmas for us wouldn't qualify as most people's definition of a "good" Christmas. However, for me, I wouldn't have it any other way. Through all of this, they are Bing taught how to be content with what you have, and how to spend your life being able to see past the end of your nose. 

Merry Christmas, everybody!