Skiing in Arkansas

Hi, all! Doesn't Dad look cool driving a ski boat??? We had a great trip to Arkansas. It was also Grandma Bennett's 88th birthday on Saturday, so there was a serendipity there.

We learned that as old as Granddaddy's water skis are, they are probably the best one's any of the skiiers have used, which we found out because the rental ones weren't very useful. We had a great time anyway. Emily had a great time on a ski tube, which worked great once you got on it...it was huge!





Dad obviously liked the ski tube, too, once he was able to get on. It kept flipping and rolling while you tried to get on...Emily offered to get in and help, but again, we're talking little light Emily.




I'd say a good time was had by all, and I barely was nervous at all. For some reason, I was in the mood for a boat on the lake...Dad is so happy on a lake. It was a nice ski boat, which Dad says is the cheapest way to own a boat. Clouds started rolling in soon, and we had to abandon ship (or at least return it) when the lightening started approaching. We moved our picnic from a rock in the lake to a picnic table on shore, and had a fun rest of the weekend. Will post pics of Grandma's birthday later.

Anjelah Johnson: Nail Salon

Girl Time

Grandma and Grandpa were visiting a couple of weeks ago, and Grandma decided we girls needed to do something together, and she thought it should be a pedicure. Now, only Daniel will be able to understand my reluctance...I am a bit of a germophobe. I also had attended an Environmental Health conference in February in which we saw some slides of tatoo parlors, tanning parlors, and, I think, nail spas. Needless to say, these were worst case scenarios, and purposely warning of inspection things to watch for, so having the courage to DO overcome my knowledge and do such a deed took great love for Grandma, indeed.

In fact, when we left home to find a nail spa, I had effectively passed off my place to Emily, having inside knowledge that she actually WANTED a pedicure. When we got there, unfortunately, Em had found a place with plausible pricing, so I went ahead and took the plunge.

As the three of us sat in very nice chairs being soaked and filed and clipped by three very nice young Vietnamese girls, the owner occasionally wandered over.

Owner: "Don't you want a manicure too?"

Me: (seems that she targeted me as either the verbal spokesperson, or the best target, I'm not sure which) "No, thanks."

(5 minutes later)

Owner: "Are you sure you don't want a manicure, too? Only 8 dollas more!"

Me: "No, I don't think so, but thanks."

(5 minutes later)

Owner: "You really should get a manicure to go with your pedicure."

Me: (Actually having a pleasant time by now, having endured the nailfile without completely comign out of my chair, and thinking I should spring for some of the fun, since Mom was paying for the pedicure) "Only 8 dollars more, you say?"

Owner: "Yes, only 8 dollas more!"

Me: (looking at Mom and Emily, who probably would have caved after the first inquiry if I hadn't said no.....) "Okay, I'll pay for the manicure, since Mom paid for the pedicure."

I'll post a video Emily found on You-Tube

Daniel (a son who loves me and calls himself my favorite son, who also posted a hello to me...) wrote me a greeting that reminded me of how all this "You're my favorite, but don't tell the others" got started.

Erma Bombeck was my hero. She was a mother a good bit ahead of me, and had forged the territory of motherhood with bravery and humor. She didn't pretend that every moment of mothering was a perfect moment, and brought a fresh honesty to the honored task of mothering. She made me feel like I wasn't alone. She made me feel like it was okay to be weary, and that it didn't mean I didn't love my husband and children when I had thoughts of running away from home. When she died, I cried with the personal loss. She was a lifeline of perspective for me!

Sometimes her columns was less humorous, and more serious. One of my favorites was the story of a mother who had passed on, and had left a letter for each of her children. Each letter began, "You were always my favorite..." and ended with "but don't tell the others I love you best." I began saying that to my children, privately. I thought it was such a sweet sentiment. I knew they knew I said it to them all, but I hope they all knew I always meant it!

Each of my children and in-love's bring something special to my life. Each has gifts that make our family function well. Each makes my heart light up with joy. Dad and I rejoice so much over our children.

I love you best, but don't tell the others!

Hi. My name is Carol, and I'm starting a blog to keep up with my kids and family, and have some fun. Also, to see if I can do it. Monday - Friday, I work as an Attendance Secretary at a Junior High, which will lend itself to some fun stories. We are watching Night at the Museum. It's a great movie, and fun to sit with Emily and Daryl and watch it. Remind me to stay out of a museum at night!