A Backstage Pass

Last night when I was blogging about the fair, it was late and at that moment I didn't know where my camera was and didn't want to go looking for it. 

This morning I have a picture to share with you. 

But first let me tell you a little about how it came about:

On Monday night of the fair, the Miss Neshoba County Pageant is held.  Just so happens, one of Hannah's good friends won. 

On Friday night of the fair, John Michael Montgomery performed.  Now, I was one of JMM's biggest fans back in the early/mid 90s.  I even had a poster of him on my wall.  My sister remembered my infatuation with him and between Hannah and her mother, they arranged for Miss Neshoba County to take me backstage after the concert to meet JMM. 

Yes, JMM has gotten older but then again so have I.  No, his concert wasn't like I remembered it being in Starkville in the 90s, but still, meeting the man was pretty cool. 

Thanks Sewanna and Hannah for remembering me and setting up this little meet & greet through Jordan.  I'll never forget it!

THE FAIR 2011

How do I explain the Neshoba County Fair to someone who has never been?  Like I heard this week, the fair is so many things to so many people.  To kids it's the midway.  To teenagers, it's young love (the old saying is if a relationship can make it through the fair, its made to last).  To young adults, it's party hard.  To the older generation, it's family, family, family. 

So how do you explain the fair?  You can't really.  Its something you have to experience.  Growing up and going to the fair produced alot of great memories for me.  But as happens, life goes on and taking a week out of your life as an adult to go to the fair isn't as easy anymore.  After graduating college, Brad and I moved out of state, and although I do remember leaving Louisiana late one night and arriving at the fairgrounds around midnight, (hey, right on time!) we didn't do that but once.  Then the kiddos started arriving and the fair just wasn't a priority at that time in my life. 

My desire to go back to the fair actually started last year.  I was in Wal-Mart doing a little shopping and my cousin called me on my cell phone.  I went to the dog food aisle (cuz I can't shop and talk at the same time) and stood there and talked to her.  She was at the fair, and the sounds of the fairgrounds were all around her.  I swear I could almost smell the sawdust through that phone!  It was right then and there I knew I had to get back. 

And I did.  This year I loaded up my two kids, one whom had never been to the fair and the other whom was so young the last time he was there didn't remember anything but the smell of sawdust (whats up with the sawdust memories?)  

Driving down Hwy. 21, I felt like a kid again.  My stomach had butterflies just like it used to in the backseat of my aunt's car.  She was my ride to and from the fairgrounds back then, and I never thought she was driving fast enough!  Didn't she know I was in the backseat about to hyperventilate just thinking about all the fun I was about to have?  Step on it lady! 

Now I was that lady in the driver's seat.  My two kids were started to get excited and nervous and to be honest, I was more nervous about finding a parking spot than anything.  It had started to rain, and I wanted to park somewhere I could get out of when it was time.  Luckily I found a good parking spot.  It was on the grass, almost at the top of the hill, and near the gate we were entering.  So far so good.  We put on our rubber boots and off we went. 

We got to the cabin and picked out our beds.  The kids were thrilled to choose bunk beds although Poptart ended up in the bed with me.  She now says I wouldn't let her sleep on the top bunk but that's not exactly true.  After she climbed up and down the ladder about 25 times, I suggested she just get in the bed with me.  She did and was asleep in no time. 

I can't explain the fair to you any more than Brad can truly explain Alaska's beauty to me.  It's just something you have to see. 

This year was a big, no, HUGE political year at the fair.  Politicians in Mississippi have said you cannot miss the Neshoba County Fair and expect to get elected.  I missed all the political speeches, and that's the one thing I really wish I would've gotten to see, but they started early and on days we weren't there. 

The horse races are another thing to see.  The harness races, then running races, and even a few mule races.  The harness races are my favorite to watch, and I have a few memories of my daddy at the fair watching the horse races.  Here's a video I found on YouTube of a harness race: 



  After the horse races are over, something extraordinary happens.  The chair race.   

Lemme just go on record:  I had no intention, and never even dreamed I would be in the chair race this year.  Until my cousin Matthew came to the cabin in somewhat of a hurry grabbing a couple of chairs for him and his wife.  And again, I knew I had to get back.  Back to that adrenaline rush of the chair race.  I started counting out lawn chairs I could find at the cabin, one for me, one for Gogurt, one for Poptart, one for Wendy, and one for the friend Wendy was bringing.  Five chairs, that's alot for one person.  Matthew offered to help, but he is a pro at the chair race and I didn't want to slow him down with my extra chairs.  Hmmm, would Gogurt help? 

I hurriedly explained the chair race, in the most positive light possible, and he agreed to do it.  We threw on our rubber boots and went to the racetrack. 

My heart was pounding - I couldn't believe I was doing this!  Plus, I was having to worry about Gogurt too.  I didn't want him to be hurt or scared, and as an old college buddy of mine who we ran into told him, "You don't have to outrun the person ahead of you, just all these people behind you."  When that gate opens, you can't back out.  You gotta go.  Right then.  It's craziness, I tell you.  Neal McCoy, who watched the chair race from backstage, called us a bunch of "crazy*** rednecks" in his concert that night.  Of course, he meant that as a compliment, and everyone in the crowd took it as such. But don't take his word for it - watch this video.  Remember, this is not the actual chair race we were in.  In fact, I think this is from last year, but this will give you an idea of what the chair race is.  Matthew's wife did video the chair race we were in Thursday but for some reason when she emailed it to me, it didn't come through.  So for now you will just have to watch this one:




The chair races were probably my favorite part of my fair experience this year.  Its like nothing you will ever do anywhere else. 

The question was posed to me this week if I thought I could stay at the fair for the entire week like I used to.  Honestly, no, I don't think I could.  I might could stay more than the 2 nights we did this year, but I don't think I could hang in there for all 8.  I would want to go home for at least a night or two to get a good night's sleep and a good shower in my own bathroom. 

Speaking of a good night's sleep, one morning I awoke around 7:30 a.m.  which is extremely early for the fair.  The only people up that early are old people or people with young children.  I guess I fall into the latter category, but since my young children were still asleep, I just laid in bed enjoying the fact I had woke up at the fair and didn't have to get out of bed until I was good and ready.  At 7:50 a.m. (I know cuz I looked at my phone) someone, yes, someone much, much younger than me, came to bed.  For the night.  Or should I say for the day.  I couldn't help but grin and think, "only at the fair." 

Overall, my 2011 fair experience was a good one.  Got to see lots of family I don't normally see except at Thanksgiving, Christmas, a wedding, or a funeral.  We ate lots of good food as well.  But most importantly, I felt I was handing down a tradition to my kids, who are already asking to go back next year.  

As I said in an earlier post, the fair is kind of a "farewell-to-summer celebration."  Neshoba County schools start Thursday.  However, my kids have all this week to rest up.  They start school on Monday the 8th. 

Thanks for reading and who knows, one of these days, I just might run into you at the fair.....

The Next Few Weeks

I'm still here - and if any of my readers are, bless you for sticking with me during this "posting drought" of mine.  I don't really have an excuse, but I can say that I just haven't had that much to say.  I'm sure you don't want to read about our day in - day out life experiences when they consist of sleeping, eating, watching TV, sibling rifts, typing, etc.  Exciting stuff. 

We are in VBS this week so that has kept us busy enough.  And Brad leaves Saturday morning bright and early for Alaska.  Please check back in every day next week for updates as I'm assuming my hubby will post from Kotzebue, AK, like he has in the past from Kodiak.  I know he is taking his laptop, but I haven't specifically asked him if he plans on blogging.  But maybe this will suffice as my asking? 

I hate to even say this but school is just around the bend.  However, there's still some fun left to be had - I  have decided to take my kids to the Neshoba County Fair this year.  No, Brad is not going.  Too hot and too crowded and too socially active for him.  That's alright, it's his choice.  I, on the other hand, am soooo looking forward to it - it's been a few years since I've been.  I guess you can call it a reunion of sorts - my cousin Wendy will be there also.  We grew up going to the fair together.  For a week we were inseparable, and made lots and lots of good memories together.  I have a  feeling we will be doing a lot of reminiscing!  Of course, I realize it will not quite be the same.  I'm bringing 2 kids in tow and she will have her 2-year-old son with her.  So other than both being mothers now I'm sure we haven't changed a bit!  But FYI Wendy if you are reading this - you will not, and I repeat, will not get me on the Zipper this year.....

After the fair it will be time to start buying school supplies.  I've noticed Wal-Mart already has them out.  For those over-achiever moms.  Hehe. 

Well that's our next few weeks in a nutshell. 

Hope you guys have had a great summer.  Enjoy what's left!!!

Top Ten Things I Love About Summer

In no particular order: 

My kids sleep late.  This particular summer something has come over my kids and they are sleeping until at least 9 am and sometimes even later than that.  Granted, they are staying up later than they do on school nights, but they've never slept this late on a regular basis, ever. 

I only work one job.  Preschool is out therefore transcribing is my only job (well, the only job I get paid for) during the summer.  Being home all day to type at my leisure cuts my stress level in half, probably more than half. 

The heat.  I know, the kind of heat we've had lately is not enjoyable, but I'm talking about just regular summertime warmth.  I love the fact that we can go outside without layering our clothing, putting on a coat, or wearing shoes. 

The spontaneity.  During the school year, we are in a "routine."  I am not here to tell you routines are bad, I for one, thrive on them.  And by the time school rolls around again I will be yearning for a routine.  But for now, the spontaneity is refreshing.  Yesterday, for example, because there was no good reason not to, we watched a movie (My Dog Skip) and ate popcorn in the very middle of the day.  Other days it might be a spontaneous trip to the library, the fountain to splash around and cool off, or the more rare but oh so enjoyable trip to Baskin Robbins.  (They owe me a strawberry milkshake by the way, the last time I went, they were out of strawberry ice cream, can you believe it?!?)

The company.  When this week is over, we will have had two nights where we had a guest over for dinner.  Remember when we first moved into this house I said my goal was to open up my home and be more hospitable? I'm trying!  Of course, the majority of our company in the summertimes is children, and that's fun too. 

Fruit.  I love to sit on my backporch swing and eat an orange, or a peach, or strawberries in the heat of summer. 

Lemonade.  See above. 

More time to read.  Just finished a book titled "Look Again" by Lisa Scottoline.  I had never read a book like that - it was a mystery I guess you'd say, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Watching Price Is Right with my kids.  Once they do drag their lazy tails out of bed, we enjoy watching Price Is Right together.  It's good wholesome TV, which is lacking these days, and we love trying to guess the answers.  Of course, watching people act like goofballs is an added bonus. 

Water.  The sprinkler, the water hose, the fountain in front of Penney's, the pools in our friend's backyards, and water balloon fights.  Nothin' says summer like playing in the water. 

Enjoy your summer, my friend!

Flyin' High

Saturday we went to a light flyers Fly-In.  There were tiny little planes there, the biggest one I saw could accomodate 4 people.  Kids 8-17 could go up for free in association with the EAA Young Eagles program.  This was a great opportunity, and since Brad has always had a love for flying, he really wanted to go.  For my husband to want to do anything outside during the summer is, well, a miracle.  So I didn't hesitate to load up the family and enjoy the day outside (which, by the way, was hotter than I can even begin to explain).  If you live in Mississippi, and I know most of you do, then I don't have to explain it.  You know......But regardless, we had a great time.  I had never seen anything quite like it.  Not that I'm an avid flyer, I've flown on two trips my entire life, but there's nothing like watching a small plane take off and land in a pasture! 

My kids and hubby wanted to all go up.  I on the other hand did not.  I was told many times that these small planes are just as safe if not safer than the big ones and that the pilots were just as good if not better than commercial pilots.  I don't doubt any of that, but God created gravity for a reason, and my feet just wanted to stay on the ground yesterday.  Anyway, someone had to take pictures.  I don't know why I didn't send the camera up with Brad to take aerial shots.  Neither one of us thought about it....maybe next time!

When we got there, we saw a couple of other men from our church!  The one Poptart is sitting with went up in a glider.  You know, the kind of plane that has to get towed up into the sky and then just glides with no motor or anything?  He says it was peaceful and could be habit-forming....I'll take his word for it!

That's Brad and his pilot waiting for take-off.  Brad even got to play pilot for a few minutes!

There he goes!

Because there were such nice people there and because the lady making the flight lists is a member of the same church as us, she asked the pilot to take Poptart up even though she did not meet the age requirements.  The pilot didn't hesitate, and Brad didn't mind getting to go up again either!

Poptart with her headset on.  I don't think she needed it though.  Brad said she didn't utter a sound the entire flight, which lasted about half-an-hour.  When she got on the ground however, she didn't have a problem letting us know how fun it was and how she wanted to go again. 

Up, up, and away!

Okay, finally Gogurt's turn.  Bless his heart, he had to wait the longest of anyone.  But finally it was his turn and was he ever ready!  That's Mr. John, the pilot, directing his steps to get into the plane. 

Once he was in the plane, still more waiting!  Two more planes were coming in to land. 

Still waiting, but taking in the cockpit.

Finally!  Gogurt is off the ground!

Back on the ground with Pilot John.

I was glad to get all my family members back on the ground.  To tell you I wasn't slightly nervous while they were gone flyin' would be a lie.  But to see the smiles on their faces made it worth it all.  Thanks to the Club for opening up your planes, hangars, etc. to the general public, and a special thanks to the Prices who made this a day my family will never, ever forget!

A Few Summer Activities

Gogurt is finishing up football camp today.  He has really enjoyed it and has learned some of the basics of playing football.  It was held at the local middle school for children 1st through 6th grades.  He told me he was one of the tallest kids there, and definitely the tallest in his age group.  It's good to be tall, but it takes a while to "grow into" your body when you are so tall at such a young age.  But fortunately the only injury he sustained at football camp was a bloody nose.  A football to the nose will do it every time....

Poptart starts gymnastics Saturday.  She will be taking four classes over the month of June.  She is so excited!  I can't wait to see how she does....

This is the first summer I've enrolled my kids in any sort of summer activity.  Usually we just hang out at home and find things to occupy ourselves.  I'm not sure what motivated me to do it differently this summer, but we'll still have plenty of days to be bored creative at home.  (How many times have my kids heard me say, "Only boring people get bored?")  (They despise that saying, by the way!)

I, for one, love summertime.  Preschool's out so I have more time to devote to typing during the day.  It makes for a much less stressful day!  I'm not saying I never get stressed out, but during the summer I only have one job to stress about, not two.  And thankfully the one job I do have during the summer is the one I can do in my pajamas!

Until next time......

Summers Around Here

My children's first choice for a summer activity would be this: a yard full of friends. And this is not all of them, this is just the ones that happened to be home to gather on this particular day. On another day it might be a different group. But nonetheless, a watermelon break on a summer day is pretty good don't you think? And yes, Poptart hangs with all these boys. She can swing a lightsabre with the best of 'em.

All good things must come to an end though, and last week most of the kids around here were gone to dads' houses, grandmother's house, or on vacation. So my kids had to be each other's company. The pool seemed like a good idea, so we filled it up and hopped in. Gogurt likes the water, but Poptart loves the water. She always stays in longer than Gogurt does. They were actually getting along quite well in the pool when this picture was made.

But alas, getting along with each other also comes to an end and they want to do something alone. Or should I say, Momma gets so tired of the arguing, I force them to do something alone.This is what Poptart chose. (I told you she likes water). This bucket is full of water, and she is "washing dishes." And getting soaking wet.

Gogurt chose to build a "fort" and hide from the enemies that are lurking all around us. (I think he looks so cute in a hat, he should wear one more often). His worst enemy, a.k.a Poptart, was busy in her bucket of water so he could play in peace, but then again, do you really want peace when you are playing war?

So this solitude did not last long, not near long enough for me, but we can't get our every wish.

Zoo Trip

We took the kids to the zoo last Saturday....here are some pictures from our little trip.

Brad took this picture of a magnolia. We live in the Magnolia State, but I rarely see one up close and personal. We thought this one was beautiful!

We all love the giraffes. In fact, after reading that giraffes are the quietest animals on earth, I am constantly saying I want our family to be a giraffe family. Quiet. Also, they are just so unique and fascinating to watch. We watched the one in the picture go from a standing position to a sitting position. It was not easy for him to do...it took him a minute or two.

Our zoo is pretty small, but I have to say they are trying to improve it in many ways. Brad had not been in several years, and he was quite surprised at how much it had improved in that time.

Here are our family's favorite animals from our trip:

Gogurt: Penguins

Poptart: Flamingos

Brad: Tigers

Amy: Giraffes