8th Grade Memories

Last night I went with Jacob to his Open House at school. He is attending the same school that I went to in 8th grade (they start construction on a new school in spring 09'). It was actually called the Elementary School when I was in 8th grade (1981) with grades 3rd-8th, now it is the Middle School with grades 6th-8th. As we went through the different halls to go visit with Jacob's teachers, I told him which grade used to be in each hall and showed him which classrooms I had been in. My highlight of the night was reminiscing with Jacob's History Teacher who was my 8th grade Math teacher and also my Basketball Coach. It was great to see her and talk about old times and our basketball team memories. She said she knows it's time to retire when she starts cycling through families. She's not that old though, she was quite young when she taught me--probably just out of college. (I regret not taking pictures of all 3 of us and of the school) It was also good to see the principal, assistant principal and the many teachers that were my good friends from high school. I also ran into parents that I went to school with too--it was like a high school reunion for me! Jacob told Morgan when we got home that it took forever to go through the halls because everybody knew Mom and we had to stop and chat--of course they say the same thing about us going to the Piggly Wiggly too. (for those of you that aren't from the South--it's our grocery store) My children just thinks it's neat that everyone knows each other--since they've grown up in much larger areas where it wasn't that way. These are some of the things I will always treasure about growing up in a small town and am glad that my children are getting a chance to experience it also.

P.S. Jacob really likes all his teachers and he's gotten off to a great start this school year!

Stuff.....Neverending Stuff!

Stuff.....lots and lots of stuff.......too much stuff......What the heck is "stuff" anyway? I took a break from all of my "stuff" and google'd it--this is what came up:

• cram into a cavity (til the "stuff" is overflowing!)
• miscellaneous unspecified objects (who knows what this "stuff" is?)
• informal term for personal possessions ("stuff" that nobody claims)
• a neutral term for resource ("stuff" that has been saved for years but never used)
• a group or scattering of miscellaneous objects (the "stuff" on my kids' bedroom floors)
• thrust, press or force ("stuff" it til it won't "stuff" no more!)

These definitions (along with my comments) thoroughly describe the "stuff" that has emerged from the "black holes" in my house this week---otherwise known as closets! Cleaning out "stuff" is NO FUN! If I ever get done, "stuff" is banned from the Echols home til further notice!

Laurels Reunion--August 2008

Dinner with Rebecca W. at Auburn City BBQ

(L to R: Cristie, Cindi, Rebecca M., Rebecca W., Melissa, Sarah, Cherie)

Our ? gold rings (look closely) from the vending machine--we got bracelets last year.

Last night most of the girls that were Laurels when I was Young Women President (at church) and Cristie who was their Adviser then later 1st Counselor, all got together for dinner and bowling before they all left off for college again in different directions. We started out the night at Auburn City BBQ. Rebecca W. was working and couldn't go with us, so we surprised her by showing up to eat dinner. Afterwards, we went outside to the Caboose for some silly pictures, then on to a fun night of bowling. We had an awesome time just being together, laughing, being silly and remembering our time together in YW. We missed Ashlee and Sis. Mortensen--hopefully ya'll can make it next year. Rebecca M. says we're gonna do this every year til she's 70--but we've determined I would be in my 90's by then and they'd have to roll me out to the lane to bowl....(lolol)....so I think we settled that we would just try to get together every year as long as we can! I love you girls! Have fun at college! I also posted the rest of the pics on my Facebook page, so if you have Facebook --check it out or click on this link. http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005807&l=a5eef&id=1054368001

Our 2007 Spring Break Bowling Night

"The One You Feed"--A Cherokee Legend

Sharing a story I read today--worthy of contemplation.

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Not the Twilight Saga--just yet...

I'm finally getting on the Stephenie Meyer bandwagon, but not the Twilight Saga just yet. I am now reading "The Host". (thanks Shannon for letting me borrow it!) It sounds like a storyline that I will be interested in--I know if it was a movie, I'd definitely want to see it. I've heard from some they've had a hard time getting into this book but once they got past a few chapters they liked it. If you've read it, I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts on it. Thanks!
P.S. To all my awesome friends out there (and to my daughter Morgan and my niece Peyton) who just love the Twilight Saga series, I think I'll give in and give the first book a try soon! :)

Cumberland Island, GA

The Bishopric from Cochran Ward took the YM on a camping trip to Cumberland Island back in May and we just got a copy of the pictures.

Waiting for the Ferry to go over to the Island

Wild Horses that run free on the Island

Beautiful Trees on the Island

Cumberland Island Beach

Camping in the Trees

(my brother Randy drinking the green water-bottle)

Listening to Bishop Thompson (far left), Randy (on log on the left),

Ross (on log 3rd from left), Jacob (on log 4th from left)

I was in awe when I saw the pictures, I had forgotten how picturesque the GA Coast is. Jacob had an amazing time and looks forward to going again.

A "Night with a Bite"

My sister Lisa took her daughter Peyton and Morgan to the "Breaking Dawn" midnight release party at Borders tonight. They are all "Twilight" fans. I have yet to read them even though they and others have raved about how good they are! Lisa emailed me pictures from her cell phone and will email me more once they get their books:

Peyton (in costume-Alice) and Morgan (Bella)

They are anxiously awaiting midnight to get their pre-ordered books--Lisa will send more pics then. She said there's like 300 people there to buy books, they were #35 and #36 to get their books.

They had a blast! Now they will stay up all night reading--good idea Lisa to give them the bonus room--they have their own private Reading Refuge. Happy Reading Girls! Have Fun!

Morgan--No More Crutches!

Several friends have asked me about Morgan, so I thought I'd post an update. As of this week, she no longer has to use her crutches. She can bend her knee to 120 degrees (right where the Dr. wanted her by 2 months) and can walk without a limp. She has a new knee brace that is much smaller and more comfortable--at least as comfortable as a brace can be!--she says none of them are comfortable. She will still go to Physical Therapy for another month 2 times a week and is still limited on certain physical activities. But all in all, she is doing great! She has worked very hard at her exercises to ensure a good recovery. Thanks everyone for your concern!