Friday, January 18, 2013

On The Road Again

OMG......major opportunity!  I'm so stoked, I can hardly see straight!

Vicki from vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com is hosting a blog party. I’ve joined her with literally hundreds of other bloggers interested in growing our blogs.

Remember when I said in my first blog, I started this because I liked to find the humor in everyday things…..from family life to my many adventures? I wanted to share my love of story telling and my dream was that one day, you would get up in the morning and wonder what LaLa was talking about that day.  Well…that may happen sooner than later.  I put my hopes out there in the blog-iVerse and lo and behold, I’ve been warned. Vicki said, get ready. You are going to grow! No sooner did I get that comment, I checked my blogs stats and I had a new follower and I’ve had more than 550 page views, all in the course of a couple of months. What?!?

This, my friends, is what I’ve been waiting for.   Welcome to my blog! I’m southern born and bred; sweet tea runs through my veins.  I love my family and I love adventures. Heck, I’ve been known to cause a few. I hope you enjoy my stories and please, come back anytime. I’ll leave the lights on for ya.

(Please read ahead to today’s blog where I’m “On the Road Again”)

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Oh first, in case you were wondering……
  1. I haven’t run in over a week. This IT Band thing is frustrating. Going to try again this afternoon. Will keep you posted.
  2. I’ve made 9 trips to the next town over from ours to take the grandkids to and from school.
  3. Conversations with Sawyer and Lidia? Too many to count and loving every one of them.
  4. This week’s theme song… “On the Road Again” (I’ll explain later).

This picture was taken Monday morning on the way home from dropping the grandkids off at school.

When my girls were little, it was my conviction to be a stay-at-home mom. And, I was very fortunate to be able to do that. Back in the 90’s, when my girls were in elementary and middle school, they attended a private school in the next town over from ours. So, my days mainly consisted of driving them back and forth. For four years, I was in my car so much so that, Willie Nelson and I became one. His song, “On the Road Again”, was my theme song. But as tiring as running up and down the road became, I enjoyed every minute. The girls and I talked about everything imaginable from homework, to grades, friends, cheerleading and the birds and the bees….to name a few.

Now, fast forward some 18 years later and Willie and I are “On the Road Again”.  Only temporarily this time, though. The Hubs and I have had our grandkids all week, while my daughter has been out of town for work. And have mercy, I’m exhausted y’all! But listen, I wouldn’t take a million dollars for this time with them. So, I thought you might like to hear about a few of our highlights.

Disclaimer: My husband, Cliff, is a bonafide Paul Bunyan who thinks children should be raised in the woods (aka The Camp) instead of indoors watching TV. For the most part, I do too. There are those unexpected creature sightings that make the hair on the back of my neck stand up, though. Not to mention, Cliff gets a big kick out of “the shock and awe factor” that causes said hairs to stand at attention.


Sunday – Cliff and grandkids were chased by a rabid opossum. (Still can’t confirm that this is true)

Monday – Today was calm. The grandkids played with Bear Grylls, who they have nicknamed Camp Dog. Bless it….they wore him out. See picture below.


Bear is so dark that he looks like a big black hole laying there on the camp floor.
Tuesday – Camp creature sighting – Salamander. Cliff told the grandkids, who loves to catch lizards, to steer clear of this one. As told to me by my 8-year-old granddaughter, “Papi said not to touch salamanders because they’ll bite the “C” word out of you.” ……OK, need to talk to Cliff about the language.

Wednesday – Topic on the way to school…..Bullies.  Apparently, Lidia has been bullied by a girl in her class. The girl tries to push on Lidia, when she refuses to do the things the girl demands. For instance, said girl wanted Lidia to tear down some dance stuff other little girls were playing with. Lidia wouldn’t do it so the girl pushed her.

I explained to Lidia that usually kids bully because there is something troubling going on in their life or that they don’t feel good about themself. They will choose someone to take it out on that they don’t think will fight back.

Lidia definitely fits this bill. She is the sweetest, kindest little thing you’ll ever meet. BUT, we had some changing to do.

I told Lidia that the best way to deal with a bully was to meet them head on. Don’t back away from the girl, but get in her face and tell her in your own words that you’re not afraid of her and that if she didn’t stop that you would go straight to the teacher for help. Well, Lidia went to school that day with a renewed sense of confidence and when I picked her up that afternoon, she told me that she, in fact, stood up to the girl. The girl had pushed Lidia in the lunch line, telling her to hurry up and move. So Lidia said, “NO, YOU MOVE”! The little girl said, “Geez!” and then walked away.

Victory! And a visit to the school for a 'come to Jesus meeting', averted. The awesome part….they became friends. You never know, this is probably what the little girl needed all along.

Thursday– OK, what’s the world coming to? Mid January and you can’t even play in the woods without seeing a snake or getting ticks on you. All three…Cliff, Lidia and Sawyer had ticks on them. I freaked! I commenced to vacuuming everything they had touched prior to being hand-dunked in the tub a few times. Have mercy, if they get Lyme Disease while their mama is away….well, she would just never forgive me.  Oh wait, they cooked chicken on a stick. See picture below. Well, actually, it was already cooked. But you know you have to heat stuff over a fire….like Bear Grylls does. You have to know these things, if you’re going to survive in the woods. They made me proud.

A leg and a thigh. Ha!

Topic as I was tucking Sawyer in bed….Marriage. On a previous post of “Conversations with Sawyer”, someone wondered what Sawyer’s take on marriage would be. Why they wanted to know this…..I have no clue. But anyway, I decided just for the heck of it, I would ask him. Six-year-old Sawyer’s view of marriage….

“Well, I don’t really know what getting married means. But, I don’t think I want to because you have to get a job and I don’t want to get a job. I want to be a kid”.

Well, there you have it.

Friday – Topic of the morning…..Bear Grylls, of course. Here’s how the conversation went:

Sawyer:  LaLa, I wish Bear Grylls could come visit our camp. I think he would like it.

Me:  I think so, too.

Sawyer:  And, I would tell him that I ate an ant. It was a fire ant. It got on me and I ate it. It tasted like rotten cheese.

Me:  {Speechless}

Sawyer:  LaLa, can you text Bear Grylls. I really want to tell him and I can’t wait any longer.

Me:  Ummm, Sawyer, I don’t think I have Bear Grylls number.

I love this kid. He cracks me up constantly.

And Bear Grylls, if you happen to read this blog….you have a huge fan in Sawyer. He really wants to meet you. I understand that you are very busy with your TV show and all. But maybe, all it would take is sending me your cell number and we can text, instead.

Middle-aged motherhood revisited comes to an end today. I’m kinda sad. But let me tell y’all……..I’m exhausted. It might take me til next week to get rested up. For now, Willie Nelson, The Road and I will part ways. 

I hope you come back for regular visits. I’ve got a feeling there’s an adventure coming soon.

Until then,

Laurie

115 comments:

  1. Laurie,You do have a gift for story telling,I just found your blog and I read every word and enjoyed it very much.I would like to get together sometime soon....:) Janeice...

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    1. Thank you so much Janeice.....I'm having a ball with this. Yes, let's do get together soon.

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  2. I just found your blog via Grow Your Blog (so fun, right?) And I just wanted to say your grandkids make me laugh! Sounds like you all had a great week together :) xxx

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    1. Hi Rachel. Thanks for stopping by. Yes, my grandkids are so much fun. I'll be by your blog in a few minutes. Thanks again for visiting mine.

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  3. Just stopping by Grow Your Blog - whenever I heard that song I am going to think of you!! Hope you have a good weekend.

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    1. Thanks Kimberly for stopping by. Yep, I have that song stuck in my head right now and I'm even hearing Willie's quivering voice singing it. I'll stop by your blog in a few. Have a great day.

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  4. Popping in from GroBlo, love hearing a Sawyer, he sounds such a sweetheart. If he is ever bored on a rainy day,get him to look up a chap called Ray Mears. I think it would be right up his street!
    x x x

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    1. Thanks Fishcake. I've actually never heard of Ray Mears, but will certainly look him up. Thanks for the heads up and thanks for stopping by. I'll be over to your place soon.

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  5. Hi Laurie, So nice to meet you and find your blog through Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party. Loved your post and now a new follower too.
    I also am a participant and invite you to stop by as well. Loved how the bully thing turned out for your grand. I told my son this many years ago too. It works every time. So enjoyed my visit.
    Blessings to you.
    Celestina Marie
    Celestina Marie Design

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    1. Hi Celestina Marie, Thank you for stopping by and thank you for following my blog. I am having so much fun with it. Yes, I am grateful the bully thing was resolved. I wish more kids knew how to stop the bullies in their tracks. I will stop by your blog in just a few minutes. Can't wait to meet you.

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  6. Hi Laurie,

    Loved your story...and the entire post!

    I'm a new Follower now and off to visit others in the Blog Party - please stop by for a visit, won't you?

    Jan ♥

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    1. Hi Jan. I'll be over in just a few. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the wonderful comment on my post.

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  7. *giggle* what lovely grand kids you have! :) I love the camping, it's still one of my favourite exploits and my kids (when I have them) will certainly be taken out for all kinds of adventures!

    Thanks for sharing such lovely stories!

    Rache xx
    Popping by from Mystic Spirit for the GYOB party!

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    1. Well thank you for popping in. We do have a great deal of fun with the grandkids. Good luck on your adventures! I'll be by your place in just a few minutes. Thanks again!

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  8. Hi Laurie,
    I'm so glad you're on the Grow you blog list. You have beautiful grandkids. Mine are just babies, 2.5 and 6 months, but I'm looking forward to the day I can muck about with them.
    I know there's a lot of blogs to hop to, but I hope have a chance to stop by. :)

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    1. Veronica, you do have so much to look forward too. Mucking around with the grandkids...priceless. I will be hopping over to pay you visit in just a few minutes. Thanks again for stopping by to say hi.

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  9. Well, hello there.

    I am from the Grow Your Blog event. You lucky person. You were first on the list so you will get a whole bunch of visitors.

    I promised myself I would visit everyone and I also promised myself that I wouldn't join all 400 participants. But here I am on the very first one and I have joined you as a follower. I love your story, I love your kids stuff, I love how you write.

    I wrote about some "kids" too, in my first post. They speak a different language and they walk on more than 2 legs, but they are as cute as can be and they speak to my heart! Hope to see you there.

    I look forward to coming back.

    Elaine
    RetireKnitter@gmail.com
    http://mynext20yearsofliving.blogspot.com

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    1. Well hello Elaine. Thank you for your kind words...I do love writing this blog and what better material than family, right? Glad you stopped by and I'll be by your place in just a few. I also intend to read every blog here at GYBE. I'll have to remind myself to take a potty break. Thanks for following me!

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  10. I'm a southern girl too! Nice to meet you :-)

    Tiffany
    www.pinkfaithtoday.blogspot.com

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    1. Nice to meet you Tiffany. Thanks for stopping by. I'll come over for a visit in just a few minutes. The South Lives! LOL!

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  11. Hi Laurie-

    Reading your post brought back fond memories of when my nieces and nephews were that young!

    Mary
    http://thecrafthoarder.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hey Mary, Glad to have helped with the memory thing. I'll stop by your place for a visit in just a few. Thanks for visiting.

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  12. I enjoyed reading about your camping adventures. I don't have any grandkids..just grandcats, it's somehow not the same, so I did love reading the gems of conversations with the kids. We live in the deep woods - not so bad, except for those dang ticks. Nice to meet you.

    Laura
    http://lauraohdesigns.blogspot.com

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    1. Hey LauraO, I have one grandkitty. She's a mess. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Yeah, ticks and snakes! I hate the snakes. But living in the country is awesome. Nice to meet you. I'll stop by for my visit in a few.

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  13. Hey stopping by from the Hop...I'm a new follower, hope you can swing by and follow me back!

    www.highheeledmama.com

    Happy Saturday!

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    1. Hey Noel...thanks for stopping by. Yes, I'll be over soon!!!! Can't wait to meet you! Have a great weekend.

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  14. I'm on the hop from Vicki's party! Nice to meet you!

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    1. Same here Sharon. I'll come by for a visit soon. Thank you for stopping by.

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  15. You have a lovely family life and your pictures are gorgious. My husband is a little bit of a Paul Bunyan (sp?) also. I hope you enjoy the blog hop as much as I can tell you enjoy your family.

    Hugs
    Caroline

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    1. Oh Caroline, I love your name. In hindsight, my youngest dauhter wishes she could have been named Caroline, as her middle name. Thank you for the kind words. And don't worry, you spelled Bunyan correctly. I had to look it up. LOL! Yes, loving the blog hop. Can't wait to stop by your place.

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  16. Visiting from 2 Bags Full and I enjoyed reading about your grands - they are the light if our lives, aren't they?

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    1. Yes, they are. Love them to pieces! Thanks for your visit. I'll come by your place for a visit soon.

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  17. Well honey chile, I wasn't born and bred but have lived in the South long enough I might as well have been...and sweet tea (sweettea - all one word for you non-Southerners) runs in my veins too. I love your style of writing and am looking forward to coming back here often. Thanks to Vicki for introducing us!

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    1. Well Lordy B, I'm so glad you stopped by. Aren't you just the sweetest thang. I look forward to your visits and I'll be by your place in a little while. Hope you have great weekend and oh my, yes, thank you Vicki for the introduction.

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  18. I'm your newest (at the moment) follower. I mean, I love another southern-accented girl's blog, and such interesting tales, but who could resist your Sawyer, Sawyer-isms! How fun is that! Honey, I laughed out loud! Serious!

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    1. Well Law, I'm so glad you liked it. Yeah, that Sawyer is one funny child. I'm seriously think of doing a 'Conversations with Sawyer' post regularly. I wonder if he has a clue as to how funny he is? Thank you so much for stopping by. And glad to have helped with a little laughter this morning. I'll stop by your place for a visit shortly.

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  19. Laurie, I do believe we are sisters torn apart by aliens with the aid of a skunk ape! I can So Relate to your adventures...even the ant. :)
    Glad Vicki organized today's hop!

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    1. Left you a message on your blog. Joined up! Yay!

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  20. How fun for you, to be number one on the hop list! Great, fun writing! And I love the foggy tree photo!
    Sweet Blessings, Chris
    http://redwoodmountainmusings.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. I'll pay you a visit soon.

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  21. I grew up in the woods behind my house, loved it!! Best memories ever! We once made my mother turn near purple when we brought home a deer leg, no deer, just the leg we found ;-)

    Stoping by from the blog party.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. I'll hop on over to your blog soon. Can't wait to hear more about the deer leg.

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  22. good morning from Hamer, SC! I loved reading your post-raised my three boys in the woods and the creek outside, know very well who Bear Grylls is! Reading this was a fun way to start my day!

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    1. We are going to be great friends, I can tell! Thanks for your kind words. I'll have to look at the map to see where Hamer is. I don't think I've heard of it. I'll see you soon.

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  23. Good Morning and Welcome to the party, I enjoyed reading your blog with a chuckle. I definitely will be visiting you and reading the adventures. Grandchildren keep us young and you never know what they will say. I read your previous post and thought what grandma does for our little ones. Hugs and Prayers from a New Missouri Friend.

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    1. Shirley, you are a sweetheart! I do indeed love my grandkids and the way they keep me young. I followed your blog. Your needle work is beautiful. I look forward to following you more closely. Prayers for you my dear new Missouri friend!

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  24. Love your blog. Very funny. I don't have any grandkids yet but they probably aren't that far off. Love that you have them outside so much. They will look back and have such fabulous memories.

    Lori

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    1. Left you a comment on your blog. Thanks for following!!!!

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  25. Loved the bully story -- you gave your granddaughter the best advice, she took it and found a sense of confidence in her victory. That the 2 girls are now "friends"? Yes, you're right. That's probably what that child needed...acceptance. Warms my heart!

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    1. Thank you Sherry. I stopped by your blog, but couldn't find the follow me button. I'll go back again for a second look.

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  26. Your story made me laugh. Your grandchildren sound so sweet.

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    1. Thank you. I'm headed over to your blog now. See you soon.

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  27. Hello Laurie, Very cute and funny post. Enjoy your blog...You will meet so many wonderful people. From your newest follower, Linda

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    1. Thanks Linda. I'm really excited about all the people I'm going to meet. I am so happy to meet you and am now a new follower of yours.

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  28. Good luck with growing your blog! Enjoy the party.

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  29. I love that your grandchildren are playing and learning about nature instead of glued to a television - we don't own one.

    I wish I could literally drop by for some sweet tea.

    I'm the Art and Sand at the party so drop on by.

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    1. Hi there and thank you. I just left your blog. Loved it. I'm a new fan. Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by. I'll fix you a big ole glass of sweet tea.

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  30. Hi Laurie,

    Cute stories! Hope you have fun with the grow your blog party!!! Linda

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  31. Like a band of gypsies, we go down the highway! Newest follower, via the Grow Your Blog Party...glad I happened along here! Hope Lidia has no more bully problems, and that Bear Grylls learns about the ant eating incident SOMEhow!!! Happy Saturday, Laurie...Tanya

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    1. Oh thank you so much Tanya. I am so glad you stopped by. I'm headed over to your place now. See you in a few...Laurie

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  32. Hello Laurie, I enjoyed reading your post. You have an easy writing style to read, which is great for a blog! I could just see the kids at the camp! They must have had a great time! What a memory for them.
    I love the picture of the tree! Beautiful!
    Hugs,
    Terri
    one of your newest followers : )
    artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you so much Terri! I have material to work with. HaHa!! Thank you also for following me. I'm heading your way now. Have a great weekend!

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  33. Hi Laurie, I loved reading your post and it sounds like you are one busy Grandma, great on the camping!
    Hugs and Happy Blog Party Hopping!
    Marilou

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    1. Thank you Marilou. I'm heading to your place for a visit now. Happy Blog Party Hopping to you too!

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  34. Stopping by from the Blog Party! I love that you "leave the light on". My mom says that!

    I agree with getting kids outside -- we are military and have been in a small apartment but we are now (thank goodness!) in a home. We are trying to re-acclimate our children to head outside more!

    Have a great day! Happy to follow you!
    :-)
    Traci

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    1. You are so sweet! Thank you! Thanks for following me. I'll be by your place soon for a visit!

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  35. Hi Laurie!
    I too have a busy life full of grand kids and will be back soon for a visit! I love hanging out with these little guys and listen again about the world with a fresh outlook! Xoxo E

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    1. Oh please come by anytime. Gosh, I know what you mean. The g-kids fill me with so much joy! I'm heading over to your place now. Thanks for following!!!

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  36. Oh Laurie, You sound like so much fun and a wonderful grandmother. We did a lot of outdoorsy stuff with our kids and they continue to enjoy it as adults. Although I have a strong sense of the ridiculous I fairly quiet and reserved. I think I am going to find your blog fascinating. And I'm with Sawyer, his job right now is to be a kid.

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    1. Amen Susan! Kids need to be kids as long as possible. Thank you for stopping by and I look forward to your return. I'm heading over to your place now. See you in a few.

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  37. Hi Laurie, It's nice meeting you and I enjoyed your bloggy. I have blogged for almost 7 years but lost my son two years ago and my blogging came to a halt. I have very recently come back and am making an effort to get back into the wonderful world of blogging. XOXMollye

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    1. Hi Mollye, thank you for the kind words. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you also for stoppy by. I'm going to head on over to your place now. Have a great day!

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  38. Hi Laurie, I've enjoyed reading your blog post, and seeing the pictures! Sadly, my blog isn't as interesting in the least, but I'm still in the learning phase of things.

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    1. Hi Wilma, thank you for stopping by. I'm still learning how all this works too. I've only been at it for a couple of months. I'm going to head over to your place now. Thanks again, especially for the kind words.

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  39. Nicwe ot meet you La La!! I am a La LA as well, at lest I was when I was very young and my infnant brother could not pronounce Elizabeth!! Since then other little ones who have struggled with my name, have been asked to use La La and It ahs stuck with many who are now adults!! Such fun!!
    I love the way you are with your grandkids. Wish my own kids had grandparents like you!! Sadly we live far from them and they are not inclined as they are in their 80's!
    I would love to have you visit my blog-http://elizabethcreates.blogspot.com mostly about my art life and my garden but I do ahve ltos of fun with it!! Best of luck with your blog and Happy New year!!

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  40. I thought I left a comment but don't see it so will try again. I love the idea of this blog party! I love your blog. Aren't grandchildren the best thing since fried chicken? I can't imagine our world without them. Oh I hear you how worn out they can make you but what a ride! Would love to share stories and laughs. Stop on by for a visit.

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    1. Hi Catiean, just stopped by your place for a visit and became a new follower. Thank you for your kind words. Look forward to getting to know you.

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  41. Wow, I love your blog! You are very entertaining in the way you write! Not to mention, the places you get it from are awesome! Gotta love those Grandkids - I have 4 3/4 of them! Chele

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm off to visit your blog. Looking forward to getting to know you. And yes, grandkids are the greatest!

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  42. Grandkids are the best. I love your stories. Will be back soon. This blog party is fun!

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  43. Laurie . so nice to meet you . i would love to live in the woods . stop by and say hi . Becs

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  44. ...as they say... outa the mouths of babe.. how funny of how he percieves
    marriage and what he doesnt want to do LOL LOL thanks for letting me visit.. mitz_zee@yahoodotcom

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  45. love your tales... very nicely arranged blog. wouldn't you know, my motherboard went out today - so, on a small old accer. but working! will be back. kareninkenai@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you! I'm so sorry your computer went caput (sp?). Plese come back by, when you're up and running. Have a great day!

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  46. It's real fun to read your stories. By the way I know what you mean...here we call it taxi-Mama, and I adore having my grandchildren with me. But afterwards I need a sofa! So nice to find your blog.
    Magdalena from Germany

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    1. Thank you Magdalena, I mean taxi-Mama. Thanks for stoppy by. I'm headed over to your blog now. Have a great day!

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  47. Ok, missy.... you got me! Just signed up as your latest follower! You remind me of myself when I first started. Loved writing down my stories and sharing them with others. Followers came a bit at a time I was tickled as all get out! I am so curious as to where you live in the south as we plan on laying claim to that region ourselves... Charleston, to be exact! Anyway, I am part of the blogging party and would love to have you drop on by mine when you get a chance. See you soon!

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    1. Hi Kadee and thank you for the sweet comments. I know what you mean, I get so excited when I see that I have a new follower. I'm heading over to your site now. Thanks for dropping by and thanks for becoming a follower! Have a great day!

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  48. Thanks for visiting Evalina...I left a comment on your blog. Have a great day!

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  49. I'm originally from Mississippi -- so grew up on sweat tea, and grew up in TX and LA as my dad was in the oil business -- we moved every three years. Now I'm in Kuwait -- 18 years -- longest I've lived anywhere. My 14 year old doesn't like unusual critters or bugs so he would be freaking out with the camping adventures. Have a great day! Tammy

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  50. I'm with your 14 year old. Snakes are the worst! Thanks for stopping by Tammy. I'll come over to your place for a visit in just a few minutes. Have a great day!

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  51. Fab post, Laura.
    I'm coming back for more and have just become your newest follower!

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    1. Thanks Maggie....I'll leave the lights on for ya! I'm heading over to your place now. Have a great day!

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  52. I'm loving this blog party. It's so fun to meet new blogger friends. Thanks for visiting and following
    fitandhealthybabyboomers. I'm following you now too.
    Sharon

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    1. Thank you Sharon....I look forward to getting to know you better.

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  53. Hi - thanks for offering your advice to a fellow blogger on my blog today. Do you know you have no reply comment on your comments so I am sorry this is the only way I could reply. Hope your having a good Sunday.

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    1. No, Kimberly, I din't. I'm so new at this, I'm not sure what to do to fix it. I will check it out though. Thank you for letting me know.

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  54. Lovely to meet you during this party and to find Bear Grylls fans well - we have 2 scouts in this house so hear plenty about him, and my daughter loves his tv show, although she would never dream of doing those things herself.
    Carolyn
    http://messmuddleandfun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/grow-your-blog-party.html

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  55. It was nice meeting you. So much fun on that camping trip, your grandkids are adorable. I'm glad things worked out for your granddaughter at school.

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  56. I am visiting from the GYOB party...

    Loved reading about your week with your grandchildren...grandchildren really are the best! Great advice you gave Lidia and now she has a new friend thanks to you! :)

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  57. I'm nominating you for a Liebster Award!!! Check out my post with the details and let me know if you have any questions! It's all about new bloggers getting to know each other and motivating each other! http://thecrafthoarder.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-first-award.html

    Mary http://thecrafthoarder.blogspot.com/

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    1. Mary, thank you so much for thinking of me in this award. But, I'm not one for games or chain letter type things. I like to reserve my blog just for what's going on in my life. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness, but maybe you can pass this on to someone else that would realy like to do it. I wouldn't want anyone else to miss out on the fun. Again, thank you! However, if there is any one particular thing that you are curious about, I would be glad to answer any questions. Have a great evening.

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  58. Hi, Laurie...great to meet you through the blog party! You and I blog for similar reasons!! You are one busy gal!! Living life to the fullest!!

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  59. Hello, Laurie, Dear! I missed being added to Vicky's Grow Your Blog Party, (didn't find out about it until I saw it mentioned in Beverly's Pink Saturday blog hop), but I am still going through the list and adding some wonderful new blogs! I hope you'll come visit me, as well! I'm your newest follower!
    Hugs,
    Anne

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    1. I certainly will come over for a visit. I'll be there soon. And thanks for joining me!

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  60. Hi there Laurie,
    I'm coming to party at your place thanks to Vickie. It's fantastic to meet so many new bloggy people out there and I really enjoyed reading all about your fun times.
    I'm having a 'giveaway' so if you can manage to pop over to my place and leave a comment then I can enter you into the draw ~ that's if you want to enter of course! lol
    Thanks for sharing your story ;D

    Neesie ♥

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Neesie. I'll be by your place in just a few minutes. Happy Monday!

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  61. OMG girlfriend! I got to the part about the fire ant and almost fell off my chair laughing! Kids, gotta love um! I am your newest follower and am really looking forward to frequent visits... well, I have a few more blogs left to visit so for now...
    Hugs,
    Beth P

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    1. I know Beth, I did too! LOL!!! Thanks for following me. I'm heading over to your site now. Happy Monday!

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  62. It was fun to read about your adventures with your grandchildren!

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  63. How lucky to be the very first blog on Vicki's GYB list! I enjoyed the story about your nephew's birth, and your grandkids. I'm gonna follow along!

    ~ Sherrie (Bird Lady)

    http://www.birdladyblog.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Sherrie for following with me. Hasn't it been great getting to know everyone. Slowly, but surely, I'm visiting everyone's blog. I'll be over soon to pay you a visit. Have a great evening.

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  64. Your sweet blog must of grown leaps and bounds.Happy's weekend

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