iMessage to spy on your kids :)

Tonight I was trying to get myself organized when iMessage popped up on my laptop.  You see, with four kids all having smart phones, I feel it is important to monitor their texting and such.  In the past I have randomly checked their phones and I have to admit I've been disappointed at times.  I know I cannot see everything they are doing but this is a great way to spy on your kids.  They know I check regularly so I'm not sure why it continues to be a great way of "busting" them.  It isn't a big deal but when I noticed it was past bedtime and one of them was texting, I decided to send my own text and ask what they were doing.  The child answered "nothing."  I gave several chances to clarify and finally received a flat out LIE.  How disappointing.  My response was this... "So, you know when you lie to your mom, she takes a screen shot of your text messages and posts them to Facebook."  This finally got an honest response...sort of.  My children forget that I have super powers and ways to find out things. 

Today it rained just as I was leaving class.  Although I had an umbrella, my backpack got soaked as did my cell phone.  It appeared to be working until I realized I couldn't hear.  After playing around with it and using the hair dryer to dry it out, it still wouldn't work!  So, I did my "research" and google suggested to gently insert a q-tip in the headphone jack.  I didn't think this would work because I wasn't able to hear from the speaker at the top which was not located near the headphone jack.  I did it anyway...and it WORKED!  When I called home to tell Jack that I had fixed it, he of course understood exactly why it worked.  Something about a short or contact or some other weird intelligent concept I care to know nothing about.  Anyway...if this happens to any of you...give it a try!  It may just work!

I can't wait to go home tomorrow!  I miss my family.  I am so excited to go to physical therapy again and then hopefully get cleared from my doctor to go back to work!  I still feel great!  I think I'm getting stronger everyday and praise the Lord I feel more and more like myself!  

I have decided to add a countdown to graduation on the blog to give myself a reminder to breathe and take one day at a time. 

Matthew 6:34The Message (MSG)

34 “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Long distance parenting at it's finest...

Today was a MUCH better day!  My plate is definitely going to be full these next 12 months!  I took the shuttle to the School of Nursing this morning...a much more enjoyable journey ;).  I met two ladies on the shuttle who were leaving our hotel to go visit the VA Hospital at Vanderbilt.  We talked about the weather and how awful the humidity is.  One lady said that this humidity is nothing compared to Oklahoma...WHAT?  Seriously?  No way!  I explained how difficult my trek was yesterday in the heat and humidity and laughed (but only a little).  Before the ride ended, I learned they are both here alone, living in a hotel, while their husbands are patients in the VA Hospital.  One had been here for weeks and her husband almost died waiting on a liver transplant.  Miraculously, he got one!  The other is preparing for a bone marrow transplant on Friday.  I can't imagine what kind of stress and worry they are feeling.  I again, felt horribly embarrassed to even mention my "bump in the road" experiences from the day before.  Perspective :/.  Praying for both of them and their husbands tonight.

My new ride!

Tonight I was able to do something really cool!  I have to say I am loving technology!  10 years ago there would have been no way for me to do this.  First, I Face-timed my kids.

I love being able to see them and of course check their rooms to make sure they are clean ;).  Ivy was sad I wasn't there to help her pick out an outfit for picture day tomorrow.  I told her to pick one out and send me a pic.  Good thing she did because it REALLY needed ironing lol!

I felt sad when Jadon asked me to tell him a bedtime story tonight when I realized...I CAN!  So I quickly googled one of my favorites from when they were little "The Poky Little Puppy."  He fell asleep while I was reading and I got to watch my baby (ok maybe he is 10 but he's still MY baby) fall asleep.  Talk about precious.  Again, I AM BLESSED!  Savoring every moment I can...

Psalm 127:3-5The Message (MSG)

3-5 

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift,

  the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?

Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows

    are the children of a vigorous youth.

Oh, how blessed are you parents,

    with your quivers full of children!

Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;

    you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.

Plans are great intentions that are sometimes certain to fall apart...

I have been off the helicopter for weeks now and finally have started physical therapy and feel GREAT!  I am so excited that I may be returning to work soon and regain my "normal" back.  I was so afraid that my injury would keep me from attending Vanderbilt.  Orientation was set for today.  I had made very detailed and fool-proof plans.  I suppose that is why it all started to fell apart about...oh 10pm last night!

I was thrilled to know that I could fly to Nashville out of Athens with a small airline called Seaport Airlines.  For $109 I could have round trip tickets and not have to drive 4 hours each way to Nashville for my block sessions over the next 12 months.  I booked the tickets, arranged and paid for shuttle transportation from the airport, reserved hotel reservations that are within walking distance from the school and had everything planned just perfect.  I was so excited!  I had packed and just gotten into bed last night when my cell phone rang and showed a TN number.  I answered to have Seaport Airlines notify me my flight had been canceled!  Ugh!  Knowing I had to be on campus at 8am, I decided to go ahead and drive to Nashville so that I could avoid morning traffic and get some sleep before my big day.  I drove the 4 hours and it was uneventful except for the extreme fatigue I fought the entire way.  I didn't sleep though, so my $200 hotel room felt like a waste of money!  I awoke and took a shuttle to the school, checked in and my journey of becoming a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner began!

After tossing and turning all night I was very excited to get my morning coffee in.  For those of you who know me well, I do very few things prior to having my Starbucks.  I did not even venture to find a Starbucks because I knew Vanderbilt was catering breakfast and would have coffee.  I poured myself a cup and sat down with some ladies to have breakfast.  I wanted to run and hide because I couldn't articulate the first intelligible sentence.  How embarrassing!  I couldn't remember my program name, my hotel that I had stayed...I honestly felt like I was having a stroke.  COFFEE!  It was because I didn't have my Starbucks!  I decided to remain quiet and try to blend in or disappear.  For most of the day I kept to myself just wanting the day to end!

After a very long tiring day, I decided to park my car in a parking garage that was free (to avoid paying the $15/day parking fee at the hotel).  I had crammed all of my things in a backpack and a small rolling suitcase.  I called for the shuttle but the driver informed me that I was "just across the street" from the hotel I was to check in to, and he would be at least 30 minutes.  I didn't mind walking...besides I was supposed to get some walking in as part of my physical therapy home regime.  I started my journey with Siri leading the way only to realize that my cell phone battery was about dead...as in 3% about dead.  I decided I could certainly remember the directions since it was "just across the street."  Not to my surprise, my cell phone died just as I realized my hotel was about a mile away.  As I was walking my rolling suitcase handle broke.  I was constantly having to stop and reattach the handles.  Wiping the sweat from my face in the 97 degree, 100% humidity, I felt certain I was on candid camera.  Trying to keep the handle from falling apart on my journey, I decided to push the suitcase instead of pull it.  I looked ridiculous as it wobbled out of control running over my toes (in my new shoes) while I was trying to cross at a major intersection.  Did I mention I was also toting a backpack?  My jacket was tied to the rolling suitcase and of course at the most perfect time, the sleeves had to get caught up in the wheels.  I mean, why would this NOT happen to me at this point?

So I arrive to the hotel and I know I looked like the most frazzled freaked out person around.  The girl at the desk kindly checked me in.  I described my last 24 hours before I realized she probably truly had no real interest in hearing about it (she asked me how I was!!!  Who am I not to tell her the truth!???).  I carted my broken suitcase, blistered toes, dirty sleeved jacket, sweaty self up to my room.  I took a shower and went downstairs to enjoy a rather lovely "free" meal.  I returned to my room to call the family and see about their day.  While on the phone with Ivy I heard a knock at the door.  The sweet girl at the front desk who checked me in brought me a gift bag!  Her name is Marybeth.  She brought me some sweet treats and a note to lift my spirits and give encouragement.  Wow!  Now that is what I call excellent customer service!

I immediately felt embarrassed and ashamed for sharing and blurting out my version of a terrible day.  I know I didn't have the worst day in the world...there are certainly worse things that could have happened today.  I am blessed.  I know this.  I am simply exhausted and in need of sleep.  I am thankful for this opportunity.

I am only sharing because it is a memory that I hope to laugh at one day...(I said one day...not today).  My first day at Vanderbilt...  One I will never forget!  Nothing like being humbled and receiving confirmation that my life is and will continue to be adventurous even as much as I try to keep it simple, organized and sane!

So tonight, as I am fading fast, I am reminded that it's a good thing that I am NOT in control.  What a mess I would make of everything.  HE has overcome the world! ~John 16:33

John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Life in the Moody house

So I remembered this blog I started and failed miserably trying to keep up with 4 years ago.  I thought I would give it another try.  I mean, why not?  My life is about to become completely turned upside down.

So to update everyone, Jackson is 17, Avery 16,  Ivy 11 and Jadon just turned 10.  Wait, is that right? Maybe Ivy is 12.  No...no...her birthday is in November and she is 11 still.  Honestly...I can't keep up. Jackson is a senior, Avery a junior, Ivy 6th and Jadon 5th.  Now that I know is correct.

Jack works at Archer High School as a School Resource Officer.  That is where the kids go.  We love the Archer cluster.  I hate that Ivy is so far away but it is what it is.  We are blessed.

I work as a transport nurse both on flight and ground at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  I just dropped to part-time so I can attend Grad school at Vanderbilt.  I start tomorrow!  YIKES!  I am hoping to graduate in August 2015 and will be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Jackson wants to be a doctor.  Lord.  Help.  Us.  All.  (Kidding...he will be a great doctor!)
Avery loves acting and has JUST (as in yesterday) signed up to take voice lessons from a dear friend who is absolutely AMAZING!  I am beyond excited as she has avoided singing like the plague due to my, ahem, strict OCD vocal nature.  Ivy has been playing softball and Jadon is starting baseball with Hebron, our church.  Love that they offer this for the kids!  A Christian atmosphere makes all the difference sometimes.

So let me tell you about my weekend.  Jadon just turned 10 on August 9th.  He has been begging for a birthday party.  Years ago I was allll about the parties.  I would give every child a party and have tons of people over.  It was exhausting but so much fun.  Well things have changed.  I no longer enjoy the planning and making everything just perfect for their big day.  I cringe when they ask to have friends over...much less host a party.  Do you want to know why?  Because I have lost the battle of maintaining a spotless home.  I LOVE a clean organized home...but....I give up.  It is constantly a mess.  The kids vomit their stuff in every single room and let me just be honest...Jack and I aren't any better. I have a messy bedroom.  I hate it.  I have my crap stacked up.  I have no time to organize the way I prefer to and I need a live-in maid to follow us all around.  Despite my OCD and desire to have perfection and my home to be show quality at all times...I just can't do it.  So...needless to say, the party would require a clean home so I would not suffer the embarrassment of living in a dump.  Jack insisted the yard needed to be cut (it didn't) and spent 6 or more hours outside, presumably avoiding being inside with me.  You see I was on a mission to have everyone fulfill their role in cleaning this house.  Each child was responsible for getting it done.  I cleaned my room and bathroom, they did everything else...well...sorta.  I of course had to go behind them and give more orders or do it myself to get the desired results.

By time Jack came inside I was a raving lunatic.  I already had two kids in tears.  My head was spinning around and smoke was coming out of my ears.  Why does no one have this deep longing to have a clean home like I do???  Why is this a constant ongoing issue???  The boys were dropped off and we were taking them to jump at Skyzone for an hour.  The entire drive they were making farting noises and talked nonstop.  They were louder than any 6 girls I have ever been around!  I had never been inside Skyzone so this was a new experience.  I would have preferred a nice quiet lounge to rest in while they jumped but I wanted to "share" in their experience.  I practiced deep breathing and smiled a lot to make sure no one saw I was about to jump out of my skin.  On the way back to the house, they watched a movie so it was more bearable.  When we arrived, our family was waiting on us.  We were going to have a party and let the kids swim.  Jadon opened his gifts.  Then...the drama began.

Did you know that boys create drama just like girls?  I hate it.  I just don't understand why everyone can't just play and get along!  Jadon was of course in rare form and he was showing out.  This did not help the situation.  He had to apologize to a couple of the boys and was not very sincere.  I thought I was going to end the party and send everyone home.  I was so mad, I told him he was going to have to return the gifts because he wasn't a very good friend.  Maybe it was just me because I have recently become insane...but I was ready to cry.  The boys left and I went immediately upstairs and crashed...and ...I am so proud to say that I did not cry.  I simply did not have the energy.

So today, I awoke with a raging headache and my "what happens when you get stressed out" lupus malar rash.  I stayed home from church and prepared for my week ahead.  I am leaving tomorrow for Nashville to attend orientation.  I'm excited...and I'm terrified at the same time.  I am hoping this time will be good for me to get away from my family...don't take that the wrong way...I love them...I just need a break.  I know I will miss them terribly though.  I am praying they are protected and they are good for Jack and Granny.  Maybe when I get back home I will not be as insane ;)

All this to say, I love my family.  I hope I come back renewed and ready to be a less-than-insane Mom.  Right now, Jadon and Ivy are sitting on the stairs for calling each other names.  They continue to argue.  They may still be sitting there when I leave in the morning because they are contributing to my insanity.

On the road to recovery...

Today and yesterday I spent the day in bed due to a horrible virus of some sort.  Yuck!  Fever and vomiting are my two least favorite illnesses.  If I have to be sick...those two are on the bottom of my list!  I am still a little woozy but that could be due to the long lasting effects of the Phenergan I took last night.  I don't do well with strong medication...it tends to knock me on my behind a little harder than most people. 

Jackson had his first baseball game of the fall season tonight.  They won!  Yeah!  Jadon and Ivy are practicing twice a week for cheerleading and they are both doing very well.  Avery just started ballet and jazz this week and is LOVING it!  She also wants to start theater...we will see if we can swing that financially first.  She has been the least active child in the family as far as extra curricular activities.

We are so excited that we found our "green camera."  It had been missing since June and we thought for sure it was a goner!  Jack found it in his truck box!  I'm so glad. 

Well signing off for now...not feeling too great.  Got a tummy ache and think my fever is going up. :(  Sleep well all!

Ivy Bug... sick today.

Ivy has been sick all day.  I came home from work early to take care of her.  She's had fever, vomiting and diarrhea.  Temp right now is 103.  She just fell asleep.  Poor baby!

Only the Moody's!!!...

Many people have said "Only the Moody's!" when I tell of some of the experiences we've had.  Maybe this stuff does happen to other people and they just don't say anything but ask some of our closest friends and that is what you will hear..."only a Moody can say that!"

Jack and the kids set the tents up in the backyard last night.  Before dark we decided to go out to dinner and get me a Starbucks (most of you know I'm addicted to Starbucks coffee).  I had a headache and it seemed a reasonable enough reason to get coffee (as opposed to taking Tylenol :) he he).  We ate dinner and were headed home when Jack spotted a truck driving reckless ahead of us.  The truck was driving aggressively and following another car turning onto one of our neighborhood streets.  The guy eventually ran off the road and flipped on it's side on a street right near our house!  Of course we stopped to help, called 9-1-1 and waited for PD and FD to arrive.  While waiting he was throwing his case of beer in the woods and looking for gum to try and hide the smell of alcohol which he wreaked of!  Fortunately nobody was hurt badly.  The guy driving went to jail, just a kid.  He had a young lady passenger...she was scratched up a little but was o.k.  

Our kids got to watch him be handcuffed and  put in the back of the police car.  We talked to them about what happened and talked to them about making bad choices.  I remember making many bad choices as a teenager.  Fortunately none of them landed me in jail or caused physical harm to someone else.  My prayer is that they remember this experience, while it's not the worse thing that could have happened, as one to remember when they are old enough to make the same choices.  His mug shot was available within hours of his arrest.  How embarrassing for everyone to be able to see your mistakes posted on the internet.  One day all of us will be accountable for our own actions won't we?  I'm wondering if I should post my own picture right next to his and list out all of my sin...  Hmmm...makes you think doesn't it?  What a night!

After that my mind was reeling...and the Starbucks probably didn't help.  I had to get up at 445am today and go to work.  I think I fell asleep around 1am!

Only the Moody's!

This is his Mug Shot and arrest file:
His name was omitted by me...

Admitted: 2010-09-05 22:17:00

Charges:
DUI
OPEN CONTAINER LAW
FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY
AGGRESSIVE DRIVING
PURCHASE OR POSS OF ALCOHOL BY MINOR
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE