my cup runneth over...

Monday, Natalie and her girls, Mackenzie and Reagan, came for a visit. Just a quick girls trip to hang and relax a few summer days away. We really didn't do anything, but watch the rain. The wonderful, wonderful rain. Oh. and let the kids play. Then, yesterday Brandi stopped by after visiting her Grandparents in town. She brought her sister, Bethany, and kids, Audrey and Harrison along too. The big group of us just chatted the afternoon away talking about nothing in particular, but everything that mattered. The kids literally bounded through the house in their excitement to see eachother. Brandi couldn't stay long, and Natalie headed back to Houston today, so my house seems pretty empty right now. But, yesterday I wallowed in the blessings that surrounded me. Thank you girls for a great visit!

and then there were three...

Yesterday, I spent the day with one of my oldest friends as she became a mom. An experience that unexpectedly touched me, and added another layer of friendship between us. A friendship already so rich in history, we could be family.

When I heard the news she was in labor, I hesitated before making the drive into Dallas. I knew we'd talked about me being there with her, and for her Mom, but at the same time I didn't want my presence to be an intrusion. I sat for a minute and reflected on the days Madison, Tanner and Grady were born. They were the highlights of our lives, and we loved sharing our miracles with our family and friends. In my mind, there was a backdrop of love and support for us each day, and Sona was a part of that for me. I wanted to try to pay that back.

When I arrived in Dallas around 11am, she was in active labor, at 5 cm, and her water had broken. She had been in labor and coping since 11 the night before. Her Doula was coaching her through natural childbirth, and there was evidence of the Zen environment around the room. After giving the appropriate hugs and kisses, I set about making jobs for myself, making sure Kevin was fed, and Laura was managing. I stepped out to give Sona privacy and solitude during those intense moments, keeping the path between her room and the waiting room warm. Patti was actually able to stop by, and we laughed in Kevin's delirium. A good day to have a baby.

Around 2 in the afternoon, we got the news that Sona hadn't progressed passed 5 cm, despite the increasing pitocin drip. The mood turned, and I was hit with another reality in motherhood: I will never stop worrying. I will never be able to see my own child in pain. I will forever hate to see my child disappointed or heartbroken. Even when they are grown, productive members of society living their own destinies, my heart will break for them. I gave Laura my shoulder, and tried to swallow that information. Information I knew in my head, but until that moment, had not fully understood in my heart. I tried to offer some of my own wisdom, and passed along a little of Shelly's wisdom too, ending my little pep talk with "No matter how the baby gets here, we still win at the carnival. We still get a baby." I think that helped. Thank you Shelly. Still a good day to have a baby.

We dried our eyes, and headed back to give Sona our support. What she wanted was rest, and that found its way through the epidural. Her Doula talked her through the decision, and we moved on with a new birth plan. We watched some amazing contractions on her monitor for the next few hours, told stories, and guessed how Baby would make his or her arrival. The mood had shifted a little, and even though we were still anxious for Baby to come, we enjoyed those moments of relaxation coupled in anticipation. At 5:30pm, we knew a c-section was coming. So, to prepare, we applied mascara and lip gloss. Kidding. Sort of. Laura, Kevin, and the Doula slipped on some scrubs and waited with Sona. I collected Sona's things, and slipped out to my warmed seat in the waiting room. I was so excited for them.

I reflected on each of my sections, each time a baby grew inside me, and how each baby was so perfect. So different, but still so perfect. To say that pregnancy, birth, and motherhood is life-changing doesn't really even begin to scratch the surface. Emotions somehow grow from pastel to living color in your heart as you begin to experience the world through your child's life. As I sat in that waiting room, my mind was a photo album of those moments, and they spilled over into Sona's future moments. I couldn't wait for her journey to begin.

Laura found me after the surgery and overwhelmingly bubbled that she had a granddaughter. Andrea Julianna, with a head of black curls. She led me to recovery so that I could meet my Goddaughter. She was perfect. And beautiful. Sona and Kevin were glowing, dizzy with happiness. My eyes blurred as I pieced together every part of her little baby burrito-always a favorite.

The rest of the night, we mostly just stared at Little Andrea, and fell in love with her. Sona moved to her new room, and I found food for Kevin again. Never let a boy get hungry. :) In my head, I thanked them for sharing this day with me. I'd never been on the other side of the hospital bed, and seeing the process unfold, being part of that process gave me a connection I hadn't realized I missed. I said my goodnights, and as I left, I watched this new little family settle in, already in a routine of nursing and pooping, and smiled from the inside out. A great day to have a baby.

T'were the Nights of Reunion

The children were nestled at home...all snug in their beds.

While visions of winnings danced in our heads. I in my sundress, and Todd in his Coldplay shirt, had just settled down for the long night ahead.

When up in the cabin there arose such a clatter, our heads snapped around to see what was the matter. Away to the Sangria I flew like a flash, poured in some ice, and dared make a splash.

When what to my wondering eye should appear, but a pokeno card and 5 red circles to make the win clear.

With a lovely young lady, so lively and fun, I knew in a moment "It's Reunion" was on. She laughed and recited and called them by name: Ace of Spades, 2 of hearts, 5 of clubs, and so on with the game.

And then in a twinkling, the gift cards were gone, but there was yet time for more laughter and fun.

We gathered our girls, grabbed a Red Cup or Two, and off down the path we set out for Reunion Anew. We visited a cabin, a few, and filled our cups with Cream Puffs and tried not to spew.

We laughed and giggled as the night went along, snapping pictures and braiding hair-both short and long.

The memories were rich; the traditions ran deep. For hours and hours the same scene played the pitch. Afterall, it had for years made these moments to keep.

But that night came to a close on its own, and we readied ourselves for the rest of the week, with hours of sleep on loan.

In the wee morning hours, we stumbled back home, content in our night but ready for more. We walked to our cabins, to our friends gave a wink, and I heard somewhat mention, as he poured another drink,

"It's Reunion: an excuse all week!"

**I know it's dorky, work with me here. I think I've had 12 hours of sleep in the last 4 or so days. Reunion came to an end last night. As usual, a blast for everyone involved. The kids have great memories to last them a few years, and add to for years to come.**

Reunion: The Meltdown

Last night, we had our official first meltdowns of the week. Meltdowns of all kinds. First, there was the general breakdown in communication between the husband folk in general. Reunion is one of those places you definitely need a plan, and a meeting place. Cell phones have helped that chaos factor immensely, but still, a plan is crucial. The worst of the breakdowns involved our inability to buy bracelets to ride the AWESOME rides. We made it down to the midway a few minutes after bracelet curfew, but try to explain that to a 3 year old and a couple of 5ish year olds. Ugh. Thankfully, we satisfied them with a few rides via ticket purchases, and $7 light sabors. We won't be visiting the midway again until 2010. Yay us. And finally, there were the general exhaustion meltdowns. Staying up until the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT can wear on a little body after a few nights. Wanting to visit "water balloon land" but needing "to go to a cozy bed" caused a little inner turmoil in the little people. So, we packed up and headed home around 1 o'clock this morning. The kids are taking tonight off, and will be recharging at Grandmom's house watching movies and going to bed EARLY. The rest of us, however, will be going full throttle at the annual Game Night Extravaganza. Reunion. It's a good thing it only comes once a year.

now I might be gay for Coldplay

As many of you know, Todd has a mancrush on Coldplay. Last night, we scratched an item off his bucket list, and saw them live in concert. All of you reading this, put this experience on your personal bucket list immediately. It. was. amazing. They sounded amazing; their musical talent was incredible; their stage presence was humbling. It was almost a spiritual event. Truly.

The night started off a little shaky, when Todd sat in his seat only to find that it was broken. Broken completely off the hinges:

So, our friend, Chris, took it upon himself to tattle this hardship to the powers that be explaining that Todd was insane about Coldplay, and the broken seat was ruining his experience. Ruining his life even. Would you believe that they reseated us? Moved us even closer? We were basically front row after that. Better than front row if you ask me. We could see Chris Martin's individual beads of sweat. It was fantastic.
We owe our Chris big time. :) And even after all this spectacularness, when our other friends Natalie and John walked by, Chris scored them a seat with us. Needless to say, we were all giddy with our upgrade.

Then, the concert began. I was literally jumping up and down in my excitement. Ya, I love a good concert, but to be there with Todd, who is literally Gay for Coldplay, just bowled me over. I wanted him to soak up every second, and there were a thousand wonderful seconds to soak up. They released balloons during "Yellow," and when they popped tons of little confetti filled the air. One wandered our direction. Todd popped it. See? The stars were definitely in alignment for us last night.

They moved the stages. TWICE. Once, to be closer to the middle of the crowd, and another to be out on the lawn. They ran RIGHT IN FRONT OF US to get that second stage. In my exuberance, I screwed up the camera, but I have a great picture in my mind. A picture of Todd inches away from giving Chris Martin a high five.

He did a little blues number about being in the Lone Star State; his drummer sang a solo, and then they sang "Billie Jean." It was surreal. It really was. As the concert progressed, I fell more and more in love with this little band.

I didn't want the concert to end, but after 3 hours of enchanting us with his piano, Chris Martin gave everyone there a free CD, or "record" as he called it, and serenaded us one more time. Todd doesn't show his excitement outwardly very often, but I think I caught a few "woos" coming from his direction throughout the night. I definitely heard him singing along, and could see him drinking in these amazing moments. Viva la Vida. I can't say it any better than that.

Reunion 2009-Night 1

Bracelet Night: $45

Snow Cones: $2

Dance Party under the Pavilion: $0
Hangin' with your best bud at Reunion: Priceless.

**ya, it's a little corny and sappy, but you should have seen the fun the boys were having last night. They stopped down for the Cha-Cha; we taught them the YMCA, and to be up in the middle of the night?? Well, it doesn't get any better than that. Madison was practically flying between rides and camps celebrating her transition to "checking in." I have a feeling that by the end of the week, she just might have worked up to that.**

Am I Crazy?

Wow. I didn't realize that by going "private" I would upset so many people! Am I being a little psycho-over-protective?

we go private tomorrow...

So, from what I understand, all I have to do is click "open to people I invite," and we are closed off from the outside world. I started typing in email addresses, got distracted, and deleted them mid-typing. So, I'll repeat the little adventure tomorrow. I hate when technology gets the better of me.

If you don't get an email invite from me, it's not because I'm being rude, it's because Yahoo's contacts are not very user-friendly, or the computer won. Just email me, facebook me, and I'll figure out how to invite you back into my crazy world.

Todd's much relieved for this little change in my blogging adventure...

Edit:
That was a BEATING!

I'm thinking I might...

take this blog private.

When I started this thing, it was a way for me to scrapbook our little adventures, and to share those with the family and friends who we don't get to see as often as we'd like. I didn't think much about the "outside world" looking in. I thought it was fun when I started getting some comments to my posts, and it made me smile when someone thought one of my random thoughts or ramblings was interesting. There are tons of blogs out there, and everyone writes stories, posts pictures, and talks about their everyday. But, I guess when you think about it, there are also some crazies out there that might take advantage say, of knowing that we are here in San Antonio and our house is at home all alone. I guess some of those crazies might take advantage of that, and go all Goldilocks with our stuff. There are also some different kind of crazies out there too, the ones that might stop by to see how cute my kids are. I also hadn't thought of this side-effect until Bgirl decided to quit the blogging business, hereby disappointing said Pedophile.

My first twinge of concern came when I read about this mom's family picture being stolen from her blog and pasted on a billboard in the Czech Republic. I thought, hmmm...that can't be good, and it creeped me out for a few days. But, I thought, I'm not one of those fancy mommy bloggers that tons and tons of people flock to. I'm just your average mom with your average kids in your average town. I really don't even get that many hits. But still, stranger things have happened. Still, I'm sending my information out there for all the world to see.

With all the information with Facebook, Twitter, email, texting, actual PHONE CONVERSATION, and this blogging stuff, I guess it can be a little much too much. One of Todd's sessions today was about technology, specifically Facebook and blogging. The speaker's wife had a blog, to which the speaker cautioned her constantly about sharing too much. That, in addition to my own seeds of doubt, are what sparked a lunchtime conversation with Todd, and kind of sealed the deal about having too much out there.

So, I'm not giving up the blogging business; it's just too fun, and too much of a release for me. But, as soon as I figure it out, I am going to make this particular blog strictly VIP "by approval only." From what I understand, you can just shoot me an email, and I can approve you. I'll approve probably anyone who asks, so long as I know you, and know you aren't THAT crazy.

And I'd say MOST of my friends or people I know fall into that category anyway. :)

me time

That's the Alamo. Right outside my window. I feel so fancy! I'm tagging along to one of Todd's work conferences, and to top it off, we ditched the kids with his mom. I have 3 whole days to MYSELF! Literally all. to. myself. Todd is in classes or meetings or whatever, and I plan on wandering around this super cool hotel reading, bumming around the pool, or window shopping. I'm somewhat broken, and have zero ability to sleep in, so I'm up with the sun. But, somehow, not having to make breakfast, do laundry, or listen to Diego battle Darth Vader makes it ok. I do hope the little hoodlums are behaving themselves, but I'm going to try to push that thought out of my mind, and enjoy this little oasis of time.

Update:

We got home yesterday from a lovely 3 days of being the boss of ourselves, complete with margaritas on the riverwalk, and a trip to one of our favorite piano bars. Man, are we cool when we don't have to be all responsible parents and productive members of society. :)

the radio in my head has been tuned to this song...

and it's just so good I thought I'd share it. That's all I'm saying...

Meet Ringtail

Apparently our new barn kitten, only we don't have a barn-shown here giving Marley the evil hiss. She's been around for the past week, and has migrated from the Fort to the Garage. If we aren't careful, we are going to end up on the 6 o'clock news as "that family from DE-catur with all those PETS."

Mommy?

"Can we go to Sonic? Because they are open from midnight til later."

-Tanner

Back to the Basics

We've got your basic Craft Time going on right now including crayons, stickers, Popsicle sticks and glue. If only it held Grady's attention for more than 10 minutes, then I just might be able to get all this laundry put away.

a moment...

Where have I been? What have I been doing? Why haven't I posted?

My children are taking over my life. If not their actual person, but their laundry, messes, and STUFF.

I was looking forward to a relaxing summer, a summer of lounging at the pool, playing at the lake, and reading throughout the afternoons. Of course, me being me, I planned a few field trips here and there. Oh. and a camp or two-just in the mornings. Well, and then I threw in a few playdates once or twice. I want their friends to come over and like being here, right? And let's not forget those summer projects and to do lists. Scrapbooking, gardening, cleaning out closets, and hanging out with friends. Definite must-do items on our summer list o' fun. Plus, just a couple traveling weekends to spend quality time with Todd, and quality time with the family. And, Reunion's just right around the corner. We can't miss out on that! The in between time is filled with annoying laundry and house cleanliness issues...but wait, what in between time?

And so goes the crazy of my mind. I actually sit down with the calendar every spring and plan summer "free time." How sad is that? If I don't, we actually might go the entire summer without a few weekends at the lake, and that just won't do in the Land of Scroggins. I know it's my own doing-all this crazy busy-ness, and I really need to seek help for my inability to sit still for longer than an afternoon. I will do it though, just give me a good book. Come to think of it, that might be why Todd always picks up a novel or two for me at the store. Clever Guy. I also might be racking up evidence to convince Todd to build a pool "someday." Just think how much gas and time I would save if we had a water extravaganza right out the back door. Maybe I'm the Clever One.

Anyway, for now, I'm literally basking in my one hour break. We just returned from a quick dip at a friend's pool. I ditched Madison there; Grady fell asleep on the way home; and Tanner's in the land of cozy watching Star Wars. It's quiet and still for just a moment. (deep cleansing breaths)

Before we pack up...head out to girl scout camp...check in on some friends...water the yard...walk the dog...pack for the lake...

...

Ya, I'm that cool...

I responded to a friend's facebook question about first cars...and ended up in the paper. That's just how Decatur gets you sometimes. :)

Danielle Scroggins - Decatur High School, 1993"I had a Daihatsu Rocky. They don't even make them anymore! It was cute, though, before I wrecked it. A better story is that I learned to drive on my dad's column-shift-no-power-steering truck. On a hill - of course. It died 97 times before I finally figured out the clutch to gas ratio."

Read more stories here at the Messenger...

4th Fun

A day at the pool, an evening by the lake, and a sky full of fireworks. Pretty awesome Holiday.

Mommy, I feel like Wilbur

"when his stomach is empty and his mind is full."

-Madison, 1 hour after bedtime

Part-Time Teaching?

I've had tons of questions on how a part-time teaching job works. Believe it or not, they are out there-just far and few between. When I student taught, there were 2 sets of teacher that job-shared, meaning one taught the morning classes, and the other taught the afternoon classes. I've also heard of teaching one semester and job sharing with someone for the second semester. At our very own elementary school, the PE teachers job share by alternating weeks. So, in my opinion, if you luck into a situation where the need is small, or the principal is flexible, teaching can also fall into the category of "flex-time."

To be honest, I can't believe I actually found one.

My part-time gig will involve teaching 3 classes of 7th science everyday. The hours are liquid right now, but it looks like I will be on duty from 10ish to 2ish. I will also be driving about 40 minutes each way, but the half-time status will make the commute manageable. But, I'm kinda looking forward to being in the big city more regularly and having the opportunity to break back into my couponing routine at Kroger for groceries, or stopping by Target for a fancy box of wine.

I will still get a conference period, so all my planning and grading will hopefully be taken care of at school-that is, if my time-management skills are still up to par. AND, even at half-time it counts as a full year toward teacher retirement. Double-bonus. :)

A New Chapter

Growing up a Marine Corps Brat, I remember my childhood in reference to the 2-3 year time periods spent at each military base. The pattern of splitting my life into chapters was established, and I began to compartmentalize each stage of growing up with the place we lived. While most people remember actual years, teachers or popular songs, I remember houses, schools, and states. I survived being the new girl 12, 000 times, and somewhere along the way acquired a baby sister. I fell in love with dolphins, and embraced my inner flower child as the makings of my own skin. In the background, my dad's guitar was always playing Mamas Don't let your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys.


My first major life change was when dad retired, and we moved to Decatur-as civilians. No more military base, no more military brats, and no more dinners at the O'Club. Those 4 years were the longest I'd lived anywhere, and they happened to coincide with High School. I became a Decatur Eagle, and danced along with the other Eagle Dolls at halftime. I played the flute in the band, and somehow was elected President of the Business Professionals of America. I've never been quite sure how that happened, and laughed along with my friends when it did. Those friends were the backbone of my experience then, and it was remarkable to me to think I would know and see these people for many years to come. Sophomore World History prompted me to make my own religion to 5th Dimension's, Aquarius, but Pomp and Circumstance was the soundtrack I followed as I set my sites on A&M.


Aggieland was my home for the next 5 years. To this day, College Station feels more like home than any other city. Not only was it the first place I lived on my own, but it was there I made so many life decisions. Decisions like job direction, internships...oh. and husband. Big Stuff. I embraced my Texan Roots and love for outdoor living with Robert Earl Concerts and the beginning of many, many camping trips. I went out on my own to D.C. and began to grow a backbone and feel that my skin was indeed my own. Soon, Pomp and Circumstance was again the soundtrack to push me on to the next chapter, but in my head I was hearing The Road Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends.


We graduated, packed a U-haul, moved out of the trailer in College Station and into a duplex in Coppell. I began my teaching career in 7th grade science, and for the next 5 years, I focused on making a difference in the lives of those kids. Being a teacher was who I became, and not just what I did. My pattern of being the new girl emerged twice as I changed schools, but both times I was more confident to show my Inner Flower Child Texan Aggie to the friends that would become like an extended family to me. We became homeowners and parents during these years, and as we prepared for the next move, I was singing along to The Wheels on the Bus.

Keller was home for my Stay-at-Home years. I have spent the last six years going on playdates, organizing kid-centered field trips, manufacturing little tyke crafts, masterplanning naptimes and our family schedule. I have thrown myself into the business of being a mom, and have had a love-hate relationship with that experience. Looking back on these years, tears form around my eyes because of the tender memories I have rocking my babies to sleep, watching them learn to walk, and marveling at seeing them turn into little people. Those memories are peppered with potty training frustration, sharing lessons gone wrong, and never-ending time-outs. They are tender and bittersweet memories. It was perhaps the biggest gift I have received in my entire life, and my heart swells with a gratitude I don't think I could ever really express. As we moved to Decatur, I could feel our family dynamic changing especially as our Ipods rivaled over Todd Snider's I Can't Complain, Hannah Montana's Best of Both Worlds, and the soundtrack to Cars.

Now I feel it's time for a new chapter. Yesterday, I accepted a part-time 7th grade Science position. It will be a small commute, but it seemed like God really gave me the answer I'd been searching for. The fact that the offer came on Todd's Birthday was an omen I just couldn't ingore. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I wonder how our little family will maneuver the change, and how I will be accepted back in the real world of teaching. I'm excited to be the boss of my own classroom again, and to immerse myself into making a difference. Through all the chapters I've experienced to this point, that has been my ultimate goal. I know it sounds cliche and silly, but that inner Flower Child drives me to show the world I care. Things have truly come full circle as I hear 5th Dimension singing Aquarius, and I know in my gut it really is the dawning of a new age.

34!

I met Todd when he was 13 years old. He befriended me as the new girl in Decatur, and has stuck by my side since that moment. We have survived high school, college, jobs, houses, and children. We have grown up together, and are just now settling into our little routine as adults back in our hometown community. Today is Todd's 34th Birthday, and it's amazing to me to think that I have known him for 21 of those birthdays. We are celebrating this weekend at the Lake-perhaps Todd's most favorite place in the world, and probably listening to Coldplay-perhaps Todd's most favorite band in the world. Sometimes I look at him and still see that 13 year old that cheated off me for spelling tests, which makes me laugh and of course, roll my eyes. We've had a lifetime of laughing and eye rolling, but those memories make him my bestest friend in the whole world-Happy Birthday Toddman...have a beer, my treat :)