Passionate Parenting

I have said it many times – parenting is NOT for wimps.  It is the hardest yet most rewarding job on earth.  However, I do sometimes wonder if it would be JUST a little bit easier if my children shared my talents, abilities and passions.  

I LOVE to read.  I want my children to love to read.  They enjoyed me reading to them when they were little.  And truth be told, they enjoy for me to read to them now.  But for them to read for pleasure will probably never happen.  My daughter does not share the passion.  “I don’t get it, Mom!” And for my son, asking him to read for fun is the equivalent of asking him to perform surgery.  It is not going to happen.  He is doing great to read what he needs to read.  So, this aspect of a shared thing with my kids is gone.

I LOVE to organize.  Spencer use to.  Now, he doesn’t.  Shelby does pretty well, but it is on her level and time frame.  My level and time frame are different.  Again, I have to let this go.

I LOVE to clean.  My children do it out of complete necessity and fear of their mother.  They do not clean for the pure enjoyment of cleaning.  They do not get the rush I do from accomplishing chores in a fast amount of time and then sitting back and enjoying a clean environment.  They think I am nuts.  I think they don’t know me very well.

I LOVE to write.  When it comes time for Shelby to write, she is super sweet to me and says in the most precious voice, “Mom, can you please help me?”  Spencer asks why writing is necessary to life.  Ugh.

I LOVE to watch movies.  Hey – so do they!

I LOVE to watch certain shows on TV. They do too!

I LOVE vacations.  They do too!

I LOVE the holidays.  They do too!

I LOVE to hang out with my friends.  Ditto for the kids!

My daughter and I do share creativity and an adventurous spirit.  If we had unlimited funds, she and I would travel all the time.  My son and I use to have more things in common, but he is going through puberty right now …

 

We share a love for people, a love for our family, our faith, our pets and a longing to have lots of fun on this earth.  The silliness talent runs rampant – no getting rid of that!

So when it comes down to it, my kids may not share all of my passions, but they possess the most important ones.  It may make parenting a bit more challenging, but I would not have it any other way. 

PCB 2013

Getting in the spirit for the beach.

The week before we were due to leave, a potential hurricane was heading for the Gulf of Mexico.  My vacation spot is on the Gulf of Mexico.  I did not want the two to share the same space – no way, no how.  But I am not the Almighty and the wind and waves do not obey my wishes.  I did pray and ask for prayers.  By the time our departure date arrived, the storm was small and the threat gone.  Our drive down on Saturday was perfect – except for listening to an intense Georgia game on the radio.  

This was our fifth year going to Panama City Beach, but lots of changes were in the works.  The biggest was that we took two cars.  The longest Shelby had driven before our trip was two hours to Columbus, Georgia.  Guess it was time to break her into road trips.  Her best friend, Abby, was going with us and would be her car companion.  Abby’s tasks were to answer all phones, be in charge of the radio, keep Shelby awake and make sure her hands were on the wheel at all times.  Abby did great and so did Shelby!  She kept up with us in traffic, managed herself well and, (GULP) drove on I-85 downtown, I-20 and I-285.  Whew!  I am very proud of my girl.

Now, you would think this two car thing was stressful – well, just a little.  But the perks were worth it!  More room to take all of our stuff – and our family has stuff.  The teenage girls had a bit more freedom to do a few things on their own and we could come and go more easily not worrying that we stranded someone at the condo.  Yep – I liked the two car deal.

My husband worked very hard to save for this trip and I appreciate it very much!  The biggest thing it afforded was for us to eat dinner out.  You see – this lady really does want a vacation and that includes NOT cooking, doing the laundry, cleaning, etc.  Breakfast and lunch were in the condo with very simple things that did not have to be cooked.  Meals were out at some of our favorite restaurants, usually by the beach enjoying a fabulous sunset.  This alone made me a very happy lady.  The next happy thing for me was reading and reading and reading.  I do it every vacation.  Last year I read six novels over 10 days.  This year I borrowed three novels and had them finished by Thursday morning.  So I went and purchased a few magazines to read on the beach Friday and Saturday.  Next year I will bring more books.

One of the many spectacular sunsets.

The weather was a bit yucky on Sunday evening and early Monday morning.  After that, it was absolute perfection.  We chose Wednesday as the day to go out on the pontoon boat.  That morning it was overcast and, with the wind, was chilly.  We girls were very smart to bring layers – we needed them.  By noon though, it was hot, sunny and perfection.  Shan and Spencer fished all afternoon, the girls tanned and I read.  We watched a pod of dolphins for about 30 minutes and that was the highlight of my day on the bay.  The “low light” was being bothered by a very large fish in the shallows next to Shell Island.  And since this is my blog, I won’t discuss here the after math of that encounter.  Gotta keep what dignity I have left.

Look closely.  This is Shelby, wrapped up in sweats and a towel keeping warm.  We actually took a 15 minute nap while the guys walked around Shell Island.  Soon after this photo was taken, the dolphins came out to play and so did the sun.

As a gift to myself, I splurged and purchased a new beach chair, beach umbrella, and beach bag.  They were the bomb diggity!  I was able to tote all the gear by myself, set up and have my supplies at hand.  See, I am high maintenance on the beach.  I need shade, lots of sunscreen, water, my outdoor reading glasses, book, towels, blah, blah, blah.  However, my spouse does not always accompany me to the sandy shore.  He is off fishing somewhere and that is perfectly wonderful.  But in order for me to enjoy the sand and surf, I had to have a way to go it alone.  This was the first year that happened and it was great for me and the hubby.   Once I got all settled under the umbrella, I was extremely content – until the earth rotated and moved my shade. 

In addition to resting on the beach and bay, we spent time at Pier Park shopping, eating and I FINALLY got to see some fireworks on Friday night.  Woo Hoo!

A special treat this year was having some family in PCB at the same time.  Uncle Toney and Aunt Ginger came on Thursday.  That evening, we all meet up at one of our favorite places for dinner – Boon Docks.  It was such a great time having them there.  Later that evening, Shan, Spencer and I attempted to walk from Edgewater to Pineapple Willy’s on the beach.  Shelby and Abby drove the van to Pineapple Willy’s to meet us there.  When we got to the half way point on our walk, she called to tell us it was closed.  But we still had a great time.  Saw a Blue Heron with a fish in its beak eating a late night snack and enjoyed the moon, stars and waves on our feet.  Next year, I am going to walk the entire way!

Uncle Toney, Aunt Ginger and me at Boon Docks.  Photo credit to my daughter who took this great candid.  Don't you just love Aunt Ginger's smile?!

Well, that was my vacation.  All in all it was fabulous and very, very relaxing.  Can’t wait to go back next year! Below is a little video I took on the pontoon boat.  It was the first embarrassing thing that happened to me that day.  This one I will share because it has dolphins.  I had intended to edit the embarrassing part out, but thought I would leave it in for your enjoyment.  Aren't I nice?

Getting Away from the Ordinary

I have an ordinary life and I love it!  My ‘schedule’ has changed as the kids have grown.  Having a driver in the house has reduced my taxi service job considerably.  But there is an order to my days of laundry, cleaning, cooking, working outside the home and ministry.

So when I received a phone call to take me away from my ordinary, it took my breath away.  Here were the facts that made it so breathtaking to me:

•          I would be leaving in four days
•          I would be gone for five days
•          No other member of my family was coming with me
•           Where I would be staying, there was no kitchen and laundry room – hallelujah!
•          The room of the hotel overlooked water – peaceful
•          I was going somewhere I had never been before and always wanted to go to – St. Simons Island,   Georgia
•          I would be traveling with one of my newest and dearest friends
•          She told me there would be shopping and no cooking
•          She informed me that all my expenses were paid
•          I checked the weather and our destination did not have rain in the forecast

Now at this moment, it had been raining in my part of Georgia for six days.  It continued to rain every day until I left.  I was informed that it rained every day I was gone.  Upon my return it was still raining and has rained every day I have been back.  I am OVER the rain.  But for five days – I escaped it (with a few exceptions while we were on the interstate.)

Now as we know, nothing in life is completely free.  There were some strings to this incredible trip to St. Simons.  But they were strings I could totally live with.  For this trip, at its core, was in honor of Andrew - Tim & Kecia’s son.  He had celebrated his 17^th birthday the week before.  The tradition for his birthday was to get his friends together and go on a trip/get-away.  This year the adventure was the Georgia coast.  Andrew has many friends.  So many, they don’t all fit in Kecia’s car.  Therefore, my van was needed.  Taking four teen boys on vacation without an extra adult could be tricky.  So I was the extra chaperone.  And Kecia has openly and lovingly admitted that she is terrible with directions.  The girl does not lie.  So I was the person who kept us “un-lost”.  I was more than happy to step up to my duties in exchange for what awaited me … the incredible beauty that is St. Simons Island.  

Sunset at Epworth by the Sea

Kecia’s husband booked us a place to stay at Epworth by the Sea.  You can see the complex as you cross the causeway onto the island.  This is a conference center and camp area run by the Methodist church.  Those Methodist really know how to put on a retreat/camp.  I was careful to not mention out loud to anyone walking around who might hear me that I was a Baptist.  However on the last day there, we saw where a big Baptist youth group had showed up for camp.  Too bad I had to miss the fun!

 

 

Mystery sailboat

Our room overlooked the coastal waterway.  Anchored outside was this beautiful sailboat.  It was there during our entire visit.  It piqued our curiosity as to what it was doing there.  I made up a story that some famous writer was on the boat, where they had peace and quiet and were writing the next great novel. 

Lovely Lane Chapel

Kecia had been here before so one night she took me on a tour of the grounds.  There were a few Tabby slave cabins (the entire campus had once been a cotton plantation) a little, doll house sized chapel, a normal sized chapel and the retreat buildings.  Many places to sit, rest and watch the amazing sunset.  We even found some rocking chairs.  We watched a heron that night get his evening meal and were amazed at all the little lizards/geckos running around.  A couple was having their engagement pictures made.  What a nice evening.

  

It did not take long to discover Pier Village.  We landed there the night of our arrival.  A big festival was taking place and people were everywhere.  The sun was setting and it was majestic.  I saw the lighthouse and got a feel for the place.  Lots of restaurants and stores.  Happy, happy, happy!

Outside the 4th of May

Since the trip was for Andrew and he was allowed, within reason, to do what he wanted, the boy's schedule and the momma's schedule did not sync – at all!  When we slept, they were awake.  When we were awake, they slept.  While they were sleeping, we conqured St. Simons with vigor.  Breakfast for three of the mornings was at “The 4^th of May”.  The pumpkin muffins were out of this world delicious.  The other morning, Kecia treated me to brunch at “The King and Prince”.  The best part of this meal was definitely the view - in a grand dining room right on the beach.  More beautifulness!

Two of our meals were at “Barbara Jeans”.  I had a crab cake that was perfection.  They are Kecia’s favorite and I see why.  There was also a dessert called ‘chocolate stuff’.  Sin in a bowl and I prayed over every bite!

I had the best fried shrimp one night at a place called “Iguanas”, next door to the 4^th.  And pizza at a little joint called “CJ’s”  The boys liked it so much they ate there twice.  This was not your normal run-of- the-meal pizza.  

Kecia and I took in the St. Simons Trolley Tour – great value.  Our tour guide, Bunny, really knew her stuff.  I enjoyed learning more about the history of the island, seeing the historic sites and hearing some of the things the history books don’t tell you.  My favorites were the Live Oak Carriage Lane that lead up to the entrance of a former plantation home.  Seeing the places where the Wesley brothers preached and dwelled.  After the tour, we went back and walked through Christ Church and the cemetery.  Kecia was especially happy to finally find the grave of Eugenia Price.  Kecia has now given me my reading material for my next vacation – I will be reading Eugenia Price’s books!

On the trolley

Live Oaks

An unexpected treat for us ladies was getting to ride on the boat with the boys when they went out to jet ski.  This was for insurance purposes but we took advantage of the fun.  Our captain, Jim, was quite a character.  He definitely knew his stuff when it came to boats and water.  He informed us of the long process to become an official boat captain.  He had some witty and not so witty stories to tell.  And I had not been flirted with like that since I was a teenager.  Yep, what a boat ride!  The boys loved every moment being on the jet skis.

We ventured over to Jekyll.  The boys took in the water park, which they conquered in a few short hours.  Kecia and I had our hearts set on the Turtle hospital and a historic trolley tour.  We missed getting to see both on our original day there so we went back.  The turtle hospital was a neat treat and the Island Historic Tour was another one of those behind the scenes, hear about the stuff not in history books deal.  The highlight of the tour was walking through the Roosevelt ‘cottage’.  I think it is so charming how they called their homes cottages.  Makes me wonder how big the houses up north really were.  There were little shops to walk through and Kecia found a gem for her home.  Otherwise, that was all there was to Jekyll. 

Us girls managed to visit every shop in Pier Village.  We did it over a few days.  Had to work around the crazy shop hours - but we did it!  And the boys did as well, just not with us.  

Time was ticking and we realized we had not made it to the actual beach yet.  Believe it or not, the boys did not want to go.  That did not stop us - we packed up and headed that way.  We arrived after six, a time when dogs are allowed on the beach.  This was very fun and entertaining.  The canines were swimming in the waves, fetching tennis balls, walking around, coming up to us to be petted and overall having as much fun as the humans.  I truly enjoyed watching the interaction of man and best friend that evening as we sat, just sat, and enjoyed the sun, sand, wind and waves.  Glorious!

When we left the beach, we continued with our side hobby of finding real estate for Tim to invest in.  Beautiful beach front homes for sale, potential business space for rent … hey, we can dream!

We awoke on Tuesday, packed and checked-out.  We stopped for a late breakfast and last minute shopping at the Pier.  This was the only time the boys ate breakfast with us.  They wanted to stop at the outlet stores on the way home and do some shopping.  Turns out, boys like to shop as much as girls when the mood is just right.  Kecia and I did not mind – we got some practical things for our kitchens.  And then, across the way, a store beckoned us to enter.  Our intent was pure.  We are ONLY going to look and enjoy with our eyes the things we can never own.  So we stepped through the doors into a store called “Coach”.   We were immediately welcomed at the door by a friendly sales lady who handed us the paper of gold – a 50% coupon off any item in the store.  Well that is so nice, but I still cannot afford Coach at half off – WAY out of my budget.  We made our way to the back of the store and the clearance section – 40% off.  Being curious I asked the sales lady, “Does the coupon get me an additional 50% off the 40%?”  Why yes, yes it does!   This was very happy news, but I truly did not need a new purse.  I currently own a Stone Mountain Leather handbag that was not cheap and has held up well through the years.  It serves my needs and I MUST be practical.  However, on the clearance table was something that caught my eye – a beach towel.  Don’t laugh.  I still own the beach towel I received as a graduation present from high school.  I only have one really nice one.  The kids are always fighting over it.  They can have it now, this one is MINE!!  

Original retail price was $98.  Yep, for a towel!  Marked down to $89, 40% off that price, then 50% off that price made the bottom line for this beauty $25 smackeroos.  I can’t wait to take it to the pool!  It is the softest towel I have ever owned.

 

Well what about Kecia?  Bless her heart, she had this old handbag that was wearing out.  What is a girl to do?  She bought herself a new Coach purse!  It is beautiful and they practically paid her to take it out of the store.  Her husband will barely notice a bump on the credit card statement …

The Birthday Boy

On the ride home it finally occurred to me.  I am relaxed, re-fueled and energized.  I did not know I needed a break from my ordinary day until I took a break from my ordinary day.  There is something about not cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and being on the computer for a few days in a row that rejuvenated this momma.  It was a HUGE blessing!

I have many, many things to be thankful for; but for this particular post, I am thankful for the blessing of a sweet friend, her husband and the opportunity to get away from it all for a few days.  Oh and a 17-year-old young man.  After all, it was his birthday!

Tell me your favorite things from your trip to St. Simons.