Look Forward, Looking Back, and Saying Goodbye

I am almost 48 years old and I am realizing that I am now at the age where my friends and I are beginning to face really big adult things.

First, our kids are growing up and getting ready to move out - Parker is a senior and he only has four more months of high school, a summer of work and play, then he will move to Troy to begin the next part of his life - one of without me seeing him everyday. Am I ready? Is he ready? Have we done all we can as parents to help him become the young man God wants him to be? Some of these things are up to him - I know without a shadow of doubt he KNOWS and has BEEN TAUGHT right from wrong, good from bad. Time will tell. I just keep on doing what I do as a Mom and praying hard! God already knows how it will all turn out, but I sure wish He'd let me in on a few things!! Time and patience . . .

Second, our parents are getting older and all that that entails. We, the children, are beginning to realize they are not ageless. We are actually becoming our parents, in some instances. Sometimes, I will do something and the mannerism catches me off guard, because I feel like I have just morphed into Mama . . . that's not a bad thing, just a weird feeling! One part of our parents getting older is sickness and dying and death. I lost one parent at a very early age so I have a little head start on some of my friends. One of my friends has been watching her dad battle cancer. He lost his battle last night, and so now, one of the first of my closest adult friends is grieving the loss of her sweet daddy. I have wonderful childhood memories of visiting her parents' homes - her parents were both divorced and remarried, so I had TWO homes-away-from home! Her collective groups of parents were like second parents to me - good times!

Next time you look in the mirror, don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of your parents looking back.

Thanksgiving and Anniversaries and Laundry

Today is Thursday, November 25. Now, to most of the US, today is Thanksgiving Day. It is for me too, but today is also my and Randy's 21st anniversary. Twenty one years ago, we began a journey of a lifetime. I was remembering our wedding day earlier, and the first thing I did as Mrs. Randy Adams was WASH A LOAD OF CLOTHES. Thanks to our friend, Will Jester, Randy ended up with a five pound sack of flour down his pants. So, we drove to our sweet little house in the mill village, and I washed clothes. So it's only fitting that today, I washed a load (several) of clothes. The loads have gotten bigger over the years - we've added two good boys to the mix, and they can create a lot of laundry.

Today, most of us share things we are thankful for as we gather around the table to share a meal with our friends and families. So, here's my list - - - Randy, the boys, our families, our friends - -- these are just the tip of the iceberg.

Today as you enjoy the holiday, be thankful!

November - Time's are a changin' - LITERALLY!

Today is time for change and change for time.

Change for Time - We 'fall back' today and get an extra hour to our day. I've never really gotten that 'Groundhog Day' effect, living the same hour over and over, but in the Spring time, when we 'spring forward', I feel like I lose more than one hour . . . That will just have to remain one of the mysteries of the universe I suppose.

Time for Change - Our dear friend and neighbor, Randall, is going to Iraq for a year, for 'work'. That sounds like he's just going to Dothan or Atlanta for work, but he is going to be half way around the world, something like eight time zones away. I can't remember if that's tomorrow or yesterday LOL and with the time change, heck, it could be next week! Pray for Randall as he is away from all things familiar - family, home, work, and friends. There is one constant that Randall will have - GOD is travelling with him, is already there, will be there his entire time in Iraq, and will come back home with him. Pray for Randall's family - hopefully it will be a 'FAST YEAR' for everyone.

Another time for change is looming on our horizon - Parker is almost halfway through his Senior year. We have begun the college application process - he has been accepted by one, and waiting on answers from two others. Pray for Parker and us as we start to transition. We have 'raised' a good son - he is smart, hard-working, thoughtful, and fun. I hope I wasn't too busy being a parent to miss anything . . . but I suppose that's what we were supposed to be doing. And I know that probably isn't grammatically correct, so don't send me any messages about a double anything . . .

Ok, as for the 'Party of Four', we are good. Cotton season is in full swing, so I am working extra-hard. Randy and the boys, mainly Paxton, are enjoying Auburn football, in person. Parker and I enjoy watching the games on TV together. We DVR them so we can watch our Tigers over and over. Auburn is having a great year! We are proud to be Auburn Tigers !!

Enjoy this cooler weather and the falling leaves.

July, already??

Happy 4th of July! Well, ok, I know that that was two days ago already, but just thought I'd say it anyway.

Vacations are underway for most everyone. Our family usually goes to Orange Beach, AL for a week of relaxing bliss! Well, because of a little oil problem in the Gulf, we have decided to go to St. Simons on the EAST COAST! I know - it almost sounds like betrayal and blasphemy! I've already had many people tell me that the beach is not as pretty as the Gulf, the sand is different, the water is not clear, the list goes on. However, I am looking at it as another adventure. Until last year, I had never even been on the east side of the state, except Savannah, on my honeymoon. The only reason I ventured east last year was because of basketball - we went to Vidalia - Home of the famous Onion! So, I am excited to see what the other side of the state looks like! I am excited because we are going to be able to visit dear friends in Jacksonville on our way home! I am excited just because!

As excited as I am of the possibilities of our July adventure, I am equally disappointed that those in power seem to be dragging their feet in preserving the beautiful Gulf - an area that brings financial stability through tourism dollars to five of our southern states. I'm not sure what the problem is, but I hope the Gulf will begin its recovery soon. I hope, for my friends that live in the Gulf area, that they will 'hang on'. By the way, we are all set to return to Orange Beach in 2011!

Happy Vacationing!

June 1!! wow! Summer is almost here and we are in the thick of basketball practice, camps, BFS workouts, and looking forward to our beach trip in July.

Parker is officially a senior! I can't believe it. This year seemed so far away when he took his first steps in to Preschool at FBC when he was three. Where has the time gone?? Paxton is 13 - that means he will be leaving our house in 5 years - and they will be 5 short years! I look at both our boys and wonder what they will be like as adults. What will their career path be? Will they get married? Why do I think about these things now?? Because time is moving almost faster than the speed of light, and I have to think about them now or I will not be ready!

Here is another reminder of how time has flown by. We have XM radio in our vehicle. Some of our favorite stations are the 'decade' stations - we scroll through them, playing name that tune or artist. Here's the problem - we get to the 90's station and we have never heard any of that music! Why is that? and then I remember - oh yeah, during the 90's, we were listening to Disney tunes, Kidz Bop, VBS songs, etc. That solves the mystery of where some of my time went!!

So, as we enter the last year of high school for Parker, I don't won't to blink - I might miss something!!

Paradise

Right now, I am at one of my favorite places - the BEACH! The boys are on Spring Break and we have taken a mini vacay - - - Yesterday was a beautiful day! The beach is MY paradise on earth. I can sit on the beach and look into the vastness of the ocean for hours. Nature is a wonderful way to worship our Creator.

Today is Easter and we are celebrating in God's creation. Friday was Good Friday, and ironically was the 34th anniversary of Daddy's death. I was 12. On a Good Friday over 2000 years ago, God was there, giving up His son. On a Friday 34 years ago, God was there and was taking care of four of His children. On the Sunday that followed both of those Fridays, two men were in Paradise with our Creator. One day, I will see one again and meet one face to face for the first time. During these 34 years, I have missed having an earthly Father, but have known that my Heavenly Father was always with me. I might not have always been with Him, but I know God never left me.

Now, I am off to enjoy another day in Paradise.

Mama Bragging . . .

A Great Week!!

Paxton participated in his first fishing tournament - he caught a really big catfish! I can't help it - I am so proud of him! Here is the picture of the big catch!!!



Parker has had a good week too! He is on the school's literary team for spelling and won the region and will participate in state on March 17. He also hit his first home run EVER today! I hope it's the first of many :) Update - SGA Literary Team won first in State, Parker got second in state for spelling!

Ok - I'm through bragging on my boys.

Marching On . . . .

Can you believe it is already March? The time changes this weekend (yay!) and our days will be longer and filled with more activities. Our belief is that as long as there is daylight . . .

Basketball season finished with Round 1 in the State Tournament, and Parker was named to the All-Region Team. We are proud of his recognition! Baseball has now started and the Warriors are off to a good start. Parker is playing left-field this year and Paxton will be playing on a rec-department team, 13-14 year olds. This is OUR time of year!!

Parker also participated on the school literary team - spelling. Much to his surprise he WON at the region level and will compete at State next week! The entire Literary Team did well - we have some really talented and special students at SGA!

Paxton will compete in his first fishing tournament tomorrow! He is FIRED UP about that. An organization called Fishermen for the Hungry is having a special tournament. Teams can be boaters or non-boaters. Fish can be caught anywhere, brought in dead or alive, but must be at weigh-in by 3:00. He is so excited he might not even be able to sleep!! Randy will be fishing with him, and they have been planning for three weeks - buying lures, rigging their reels, and got the crickets and worms today! Good Luck Paxton! I will post pictures of his catches!

In my last blog entry, I mentioned we would be adding a new baby girl to our family - well, she is here. Demi Sophia Alsobrook was born on February 12 and she looks a lot like her big sister, Daley. I can't wait to meet her!! Congratulations to Zach and Lindsey Alsobrook! I had also mentioned a new cousin-in-law. Pearson (Zach's brother) is marrying a very special Lauren this summer! I am feeling really old - I used to keep Zach and Pearson when they were little!!

Life in our small town is good ! Til' next time!!

Alice

February 2010 - Small Towns and Family

Our small little town is very close knit. Everyone knows everyone and if you don't, you know so and so, who is kin to so and so - that's how small towns work. We've lost some good folks from our little town in the past month. We've celebrated weddings and births. We've faced unexpected and tragic loss of a little one. And we do what small towns do - we bring food, we bring hugs, we shed tears, and we carry on. It doesn't mean we forget, we just push ourselves to move forward and we cherish the memories. I came home today to the news of a neighbor losing his last battle with cancer. He has fought and won on at least two prior occasions, but the beast was bigger than he was. We will miss Mr. Davis and his sense of humor, but his spirit lives on through his grandchildren - what a character! We will miss our neighbor and friend. So when I complain about having to drive 4o minutes to get to a Target or a Sonic, I'm not really complaining at all. I live in a small town where I actually know my neighbors, and they know me. I wouldn't have it any other way.

As for my little brood, we are still playing basketball! Paxton's JV SGA Warrior team won their region tournament and have retired for the season. Parker's made it through the region tournament and are headed to state. Now, that sounds impressive, and it is, but there are only five teams in the region and four get to go to State. They went into the tournament the 2nd seed, and finished the 4th. They tend to play hot or cold. Anyway, we are heading to state and hopefully we will have at least one win at the state level. Oh, and Parker was named All-Region along with two of his teammates!

Baseball is right around the corner and Parker will most likely be playing for the school team, and Paxton for the Rec Department. Before baseball gets too out of control, we are looking forward to a few days at the beach for spring break.

Extended family is doing great, too. I have a nephew who is working on his MBA at Auburn, and another who is finishing up his degree at Troy. And yet another one has signed a baseball scholarship with Univ of Ala @ Huntsville. I have a niece who is in Rx school at Auburn. They make us proud!!! We also have a new cousin arriving soon - we will have to find a spot for her in the next 'cousin christmas picture' - and this will be only the 4th girl not counting wives; oh, and we're getting a new cousin in-law, too!

Thanks for reading. Stop by in March - I might actually be able to make it posting two months in a row!!

It's December - Already???

Hi - It's December and I have finished all the requirements for my Master's Degree! I drove to Carrollton on Friday, Dec 5, for my portfolio presentation. I was back on the road by 9:00 and for the first time since I have been travelling back and forth, I got REALLY SLEEPY! But, I made it home and slept the sleep of the dead!!

December brings two family birthdays, and Christmas. Parker will be 17 this year, and I hope he has had a year of learned lessons! Mama's birthday is on the 16th, and I am so grateful that she is in good health and still has lots of spunk!!

The Christmas season brings about many things - some good and some not so good. Friends and family, laughter and presents. Some people won't have those things - some people are facing their first Christmas without a spouse or child. Remember those who are struggling to just make it through, and make it a priority to remember why we celebrate Christmas!

I am a terrible blogger . . .

Ok, well, maybe I am a good mom, wife, and sister, but apparently I am a terrible blogger. It has been May since I wrote an entry - - - an entire summer has come and gone, it is October and it is still HOT. Gin season is here, but we haven't gotten much cotton yet. We will probably be ginning into February HA HA!! Summer brought busy schedules for the boys - basketball practices, workouts with Coach Beau - Bigger Faster Stronger. Me - Booster Club treasurer stuff, school - two classes; Randy - job change, longer commute; family = VACATION with everyone in July!! School for the boys starts earlier and earlier each year, so August we got hopping with a new school year!

The boys are growing up fast - and growing into nice, thoughtful, "mostly" respectful young men. Parker is tall and is coming into his own with basketball - memories of his Daddy will come shining through on the basketball court, I think. Paxton is growing up - and needing less of his Mama as time goes on. Our prayer has always been that the boys will be strong and independent. I want more than anything for that prayer to be answered, and hope that when it comes down to it, I can remember my prayer for them and give them the space they need to make their own mistakes but be on the fringes to help pick up the pieces. My mama did that for me, and I think I turned out OK. It's important to let our children fall - but more important it to let them know we love them unconditionally.

I will finish my Master's degree in December - I can't believe I have been working on this degree for three years! I don't know what I will do with my spare time ! I suppose I will get back to the things I have let Randy do over the past three years - although, he likes doing the laundry (kidding). I can get back to helping with homework, cooking, and giving more attention back to my family.

I hope all of you take time to love your family, find your old friends, and remember what is really important!

May - Where Does the Time Go?

Well, I last updated in January, 2009, and now, 4 months later, another school year is about to end, vacations begin, and I have registered for my last classes at UWG! I will 'graduate' in December 2009. I can't believe it has been three years since I began my Master's work. I couldn't have done it without Randy and the boys helping out at home.

Parker has a job for the summer - scouting cotton. For you city folks, that means he goes out each week and looks at his clients' cotton fields, looking for bugs, disease, etc. and reporting the results back to the farmer so he can apply the approriate fungicides and insecticides to save the cotton. In addition to his job, he will have summer basketball practices and I'm sure plenty of time for fun.

Paxton has basketball camp and summer practices as well, but FISHING is his top priority these days. The boys have even started fishing on the way home from school - yes, at small creeks on the side of the road!! Paxton loves to fish and goes every chance he gets.

Randy has started a new job. He is still in ag retail but now works for Agrilliance. His office is in Camilla and that means a little longer drive each morning (it also means I have to get up earlier HA).

Thanks for reading and have a great summer!!

A New Year

I am a terrible blogger. Unless it is a class requirement, I can't seem to get anything done! I had to create and maintain a blog for my class last semester and I suppose that might be why I haven't had time to update our personal blog.

We are almost finished with basketball season - Parker is a starter on our varsity team and doing quite well. He has hit a little slump, but we have encouraged him to just "keep shooting" - you can't make a shot if you don't try. We are enjoying home games and some travelling - gives the parents a chance to get to visit!

Paxton is playing Jr. Pro, which is for 5th and 6th graders. He is becoming quite good and much more coordinated :)

School for both boys is going well - they are both good students but tend to procrastinate, which makes me crazy!!

I am still in school and will have only three classes remaining after this semester - plus a practicum. Not exactly sure how I will work a practicum in with a full-time job, but I will worry about that when the time comes.

We are leading a hectic, but boring life - which is just the way I like it. Come see us if you are ever in the area.

Hello everyone. August has come and is almost gone. The boys are back in school and my class has started as well. I have four more classes plus a practicum and then I'm DONE. Paxton is enjoying changing classes in the 6th grade and Parker has found out that 10th grade is getting down to serious business!

We haven't done much of anything exciting for the month of August. Randy and the boys and friends have gone to Blue Springs in Marianna on weekends. We have just experienced Tropical Storm Fay and a whole lot of rain! I think we had 10 inches of rain in all!! and our yard is littered with small branches and lots of leaves and debris.

Our schools' first football game is Thursdy, August 28. We are looking forward to football season, both SGA and Auburn. And hopefully, football season will bring some cooler weather!

September is right around the corner and with it brings Randy's birthday - he will be 45 on the 20th! I will also be going on my annual "chick trip" to the beach - can't wait!

Thanks for reading!

Ok - I know, It's July!

Hey everyone! I know - it's July. So I guess I will be a monthly blogger rather than daily or weekly. I'll try to do better.

July is almost over and we are back from our vacation and gearing up for the beginning of school. School starts on August 11, 2008, and we will have a 6th grader and 10th grader this year. Our fall calendar is already filling up with school and church activities. We are hoping to fit in a couple of Auburn football games and a camping trip. We're always open for anything else that comes our way. We'd love to have old friends come for a visit, so let us know if you need to "get out of town".



We ran into the Barron's while on vacation and enjoyed sharing a meal with them at the famous "Lambert's" in Foley. In case you've never been, Lambert's is the "home of the throwed rolls". They literally throw the rolls at you. This is Lou and Dorsey - also picture of John and Mary Turner, but missed getting a photo of JT. Lou and I were roommates in our single years in Opelika.


Hope everyone has a good start to school - whether you are the student or teacher or parent(s) of a student. The beginning of school only now reminds me that Parker will be gone in three short years, and Paxton four after that. Sigh.

It's June!!

Wow - I completely skipped May! May was quite busy with baseball, end of school tests for the boys and me, school activities, etc. We celebrated Mother's Day with both our Moms, celebrated 35 years of the Auburn FBC College Choir, and began June with more baseball.

The boys are at "Cousin Camp" this week. The two college boys aren't at "camp" this week, but everyone else is there.


Parker is playing summer baseball and Paxton is along for the ride and whatever comes along. Parker has also started his "professional" life - he has a JOB. He is scouting cotton a couple of days a week. He will do sort of an apprentice-thing this summer with another scout and then next summer will have his own acres. He is excited about earning some money ! He will be 16 in December and we have already begun to look for "a ride". Scares me to death, but he is becoming a better driver, in spite of the inept teacher in the passsenger seat.


July will bring us a long weekend on the 4th and family beach trip at the end of the month. It will come and go too quickly.


School will start back in August, and in September, I go to the beach with my college girl friends. I have attached a picture from our 2007 trip.

Thanks for reading and let us hear from you.

Howdy!!

Well, I didn't realize it had been so long since I updated our blog. I guess we have been busy. Parker has his last baseball game today, Paxton's season is winding down, and I have finished my class for Spring Semester. The boys get out of school toward the end of May and then summer will officially begin.

Parker has a job this summer and one that we hope will be recurring each summer. He will be scouting - which for you city folk, means he will be looking at crops for disease and bug infestation and reporting his findings to the farmer so he can put the necessary product. He will be working as an apprentice this summer, but will have his own work load next summer. He is looking forward to earning some money of his own!! With that, however, comes having to miss out on some of his social activities for the summer. He will be able to go on our family vacation, but we will have to work around sports camps, church camp, etc.

Paxton is looking forward to hanging out at the pool with his friends, and just doing the things that he likes to do. The days that Parker is not working, he will hang out with Paxton and be his brother's keeper.

That's all for now - but check back soon. One of my friends says my blog is not very exciting, so I will try to find some exciting things to share for my next post.

April 2008 is here! I can't believe it - and I can't believe I have had another birthday. I am now 45 - I hope I've lived half of my life :)

We are enjoying the baseball seasons of our boys. Parker's season is winding down. He has two double headers on the next two Saturdays, then he is done. Paxton has about six more games.

Spring Break was a lot of fun. We all decided to brave Panama City Beach. Parker went down on Saturday with a friend and Randy, Paxton and I followed on Sunday. We tried not to cramp his style too much; I think he had a good time. We enjoyed the beach, the food and spending time with school friends outside of school.

Extended family is well and Mama continues to heal from her broken ankle and hernia repair.

March 20, 2008

Whew! We have finally played baseball. Paxton's team has played two games and I'm sorry to report is 0-2. Parker had his first game today and he played well. He played at 3rd and SS - and had a great hit and made an awesome stop at SS and threw the runner out at first. I wasn't there to see it - I am helping out the rec department, keeping score at the complex, so I had to leave early. I did see the hit right before I left though. Paxton's team is still working out some kinks, but hopefully they will get their game on and win some games.

Randy and I continue to work hard every day and spend as much time with the boys as possible. We love doing things together, but that is becoming more difficult now that we have a teenager in the house; he wants to hang more with his friends than us - but that is what he should do. He has a good group of friends - one in the neighborhood and several good friends at school.

Mama is visiting (she came for the baseball), and Mary and her boys were here this past weekend. Hopefully Sallie and her crew can visit soon. We haven't been "home" since Christmas, but will definitely be going home soon - the Cusseta BBQ is in May so I know we will make it for that!

We have a busy weekend coming up with our Easter cantata Saturday night, and our choir is singing in both services on Sunday morning.

Have a wonderful, restful weekend!

Baseball is Underway

We hope you have all had a good weekend. Paxton opened his baseball season on Saturday. Although his team did not win, he played well. He is playing second base for the "Braves". Parker will finally have his first b-team game this Thursday at home. We are excited for his season to finally begin. If you'd like to see Paxton's schedule, keep checking at http://www.becrd.com/, click on "programs". The 2008 schedules should be posted soon. Paxton is playing in the 11-12 boys baseball. Parker's schedule can be found at http://www.sgawarriors.com/; then click on the baseball schedule.

Mary and her boys came for a visit this weekend - even Hudson, the college student. We were so glad to have them here and hope Sallie and her crew can come soon. Mama is coming on Thursday and it will be good to see her, too. She hasn't been able to come visit since her fall in November, but she is all healed, her ankle is better than ever, so she is ready to hit the road.

Have a good week and I will post again after baseball.

Another week . . .

We have almost completed another busy week. Saturday was a blast at the derby race. Paxton's car came in 4th in each of his heats, but he had a consistent time of 2.17 seconds, which equals 211.7 MPH. They have the technology now to not only time the speed of your car, but convert it to MPH. And believe me, it's hard to take a picture of a car going 211 MPH!!

Parker's baseball double header was cancelled due to rain, so he has yet to actually play a game, but has been practicing everyday this week - batting practing on the days the varsity has games, and full practice on the other days. The varsity team is off to a 2-0 record. Paxton has opening day on Saturday; his team is the "Braves" and they are sponsoroed by my employer, Early County Gin.

Not much else has been going on other than work, school, and extra activities. I have been helping out in Mission Friends on Wednesday nights - and that leaves me exhausted! I'll post a picture of the little angels soon. Let me just say, they are a vocal bunch!

March 7 - Happy Friday!

Hi - it's Friday and we are ready for Parker's opening baseball game tomorrow. Paxton has the State RA Derby Race in Tifton then he and I will head to Dawson to catch Parker's second game. It has rained a good bit here this week, for which we are grateful. All our streams and ponds are filling back up. The time changes this weekend, for which I am NOT grateful. I have begun to love my sleep on the weekend entirely too much.

News from "home" has been sad this week with the murder of an AU student and the death of one our doctor friends. He was a few years older than Sallie and has a sister that was a close friend of hers during high school. Family is well and busy and the two college boys, I assume, are doing ok, too. I don't keep up with them as I should, but am always thinking of them and hope they are safe and happy.

Have a good weekend!

March 1

Happy Saturday! If you are checking out our blog for the first time, "Howdy".

We are enjoying a rare Saturday at home, so Randy had us trimming shrubs - but they really needed it. We all pitched in and got the job done in no time. One of our neighbor friends even came and helped us out! Thanks, Skyler. He is one of Parker and Paxton's buddies - we live in a great neighborhood! Another of our "other brothers", Jay, is here now hanging out with Paxton. It's nice to enjoy the day at home.

Welcome!

Welcome to our Family Blog!

We hope this will become a convenient way to keep up with The A-dams Fam-i-ly. Currently, we are in between basketball and baseball - a nice two week reprieve from busy-ness.

Parker is playing B-team baseball, with the possibility of Varsity - there are four open spots on the team. Paxton will be playing recreation league baseball. Randy will be coaching Paxton's team and I will be roaming back and forth between two baseball fields.

More exciting news later.