Stop the presses.....Change of Plans!

So, today, I should be packing, arranging, cleaning, sorting, STRESSING.
Blake was SUPPOSED to start his new job in Atlanta, GA on Monday.
I went on a house-hunting trip last week to find a house, and with much frustration, had little success! Things were not falling into place. The house we wanted was for Sale or Rent. It had been on the market as a FOR SALE house for months, and FOR RENT for a little over a week. Our realtor was contacting the other realtor to get our application, and to get details. I LOVED that house. It was huge, beautiful, and would have fit our perfectly!
After seeing everyhouse in the area in our price range, I was finally content and Jonathon and I headed back to Alabama.
The realtor called us and told us that morning, the other Realtor had received an offer to buy. They would entertain that first, then consider the Lease applicants. They should know something in a day or two. Great. We were going to wait and see if the offer took, but in the mean time line up our second choice home.

Well, none of that matters, as Blake is not going to Atlanta. He got a job in Montgomery! Not ony a job, but a great job, with more money, and FREE benefits!!!!!! It is amazing what has happened at the last minute.

Our Bishop had been trying to help find Blake a job since we moved here, off and on. He has a lot of contacts, and evidently a really good reputation among his peers.

Nothing was coming. We kept hearing....his resume looks great, we'd love to have him, but dont have a spot.....We were told mutliple times he needed to "dumb down" his resume, as he had the resume of a CIO or CTO, and the were usually hired from withing. Great, but we need a paycheck folks!

So, while I was in Atlanta, a series of email went back and forth between Blake and our bishop. Blake pretty much told the Bishop thanks for all the help, we've run out of town. He also told him that I was in ATL househunting, and that we were more than likely moving in a little over a week, as unless there was Divine Intervention, we had to go where the job was.

Well, here I sit, a week later. There was in fact Divine Intervention. The Bishop emailed Blakes resume to a friend at a firm he used to work at. (Which, by the way, is the same firm that Blake interviewed with in May and had the job which the AF never funded!) The VP said the resume looked great, and he'd put it in a file, but taht he didnt have anything. That was Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon, Blake got an email from him, the VP, that they wanted to interview him Friday (last Friday). So he interviewed, and they told him they'd make a decision and notify on Tuesday.

Tuesday comes and we here nothing. Oh, the nerves, the twisting stomach! I know many of our friends and lots of the ward were praying for and with us! Guess we arent TOO unlikable....
Tuesday afternoon, Blake emails the VP the usual thanks for the opportunity to interview, blah blah blah......He gets a reply that is somewhat jumbled, but basically sounded like he got the job!

An hour later, it is confirmed, we have the job in Montgomery!!!!!!The only thing we needed then was Air Force approval.....(agh! not this again!) and for Blake to accept the offer! So we were still unsure it was 100%!
Wednesday he goes in to meet with the VP again, and see the offer in print. They offered him more money than Atlanta, and they pay for 100% of our medical, dental, vision insurance!

We truly feel blessed and that our prayers have been answered! We didnt mind moving, but staying here is what we really wanted!

So, that is the news! He got a great job here in Montgomery, doing what he wants to do! Yeah!!!! Oh, and he starts tomorrow!!!!!

Was he the Brown kid or the White kid?

Our ward has experienced a massive influx of people this summer.This is a natural occurrence since we are so close to the military base. Every year there is a big move in and move out. There are lots of families that are here for only a year to attend a school at Maxwell. We also have gotten several others that are here for 2-4 years. Two Sundays ago they welcomed about 5 families.
The primary is absolutely busting at the seams! In Relief Society, we are having to pull in extra chairs. Today, from the pulpit, the had to ask everyone make room as there were people in the foyer with no place to sit, and we already had the overflow opened! It is great!
After church on the way home, Jonathon was telling me he had been talking to one of the new boys, Abe. We moved here about a year ago, and this had been a harder move for Jonathon. He said he wanted to make sure the boy felt welcomed. I was so proud of him for this.
I was curious which family he belonged to, as I had seen him with one of the families, but couldn't remember. So I asked, "Was he the the Brown kid or the White kid?"
Jonathon and Kayleigh both looked at each other, then looked at me. Their faces both in a bit of shock. And as innocently and matter-of-factly as possible, kayleigh said, " Mom, there were no new brown children. They were all white children." Then, as if she was bothered, added," And why are you asking, you never ask if they are brown or white."

I am giggling at this point, facing the road so they can't see me laughing. I reply, "I wasn't asking that, I was just trying to figure out what family they belong to....the White's or the Brown's."

Jonathon and Kayleigh both laugh, realizing the mistake.

"Oh," Kayleigh said. "I thought you were asking if they were white or brown, and wondered why you cared."

Blake and I both found it funny. The thought hadn't even occurred to me about color, I was just trying to figure out which family had kids the same ages as ours to try to arrange play dates.

Though, in our ward, we now have the Black family, White family, and Brown family. So, if you are the Grey's, or any other color family, we're waiting for you to move on in.

Dancing Queen....yep, That's me!!!!!!!

Yesterday, I was leaning over the sink in my bathroom, peering at my face in the mirror. Blake was sitting at his computer which is just outside our bathroom door. I was standing toward the end of the counter, just so I could lean as close as humanly possible to the mirror. I was examining what 32 years, 5 kids and one husband have done to my skin. Not a pretty sight!

Blake, calmly says....."Honey, don't move ...

now that right there is enough to put me on alert. The only time you tell someone NOT to move is if there is some thing bad in the vicinity.

He continues..."there's a spider.....

That's all I heard, and I start jumping from one foot to the other. He is yelling... "ON YOU!"

I am freaking out, dancing between the tub and the sink, jumping from one foot to the other looking for this spider. I HATE spiders. They make my skin crawl. The thought of one on me is nearly too much to bear. I am jumping. Panicking, really.

Blake is yelling louder, "Stop moving,.....stop...be still so I can see where it went....."

To which I think I reply....."AAGGHHHH....OOOHHHH..GET IT OFF"

He yells....."STOP dancing and let me look."

I take a deep breath, and stop, thinking surely my Irish dance has just flung any spider that was traveling the Ginger-highway off the map.

I stop dancing. Get still, and am carefully looking at my legs, at the floor, on the tub....everywhere.

Blake says..."There it is...be real still, its on your pants...towards the bottom." "it looks white"

I look down, careful not to move, at the bottom of my capri yoga pants. Then I annoyingly reply to Blake...."Would the spider you are talking about happen to look like the Danskin symbol on my pants?????"

he tries not to laugh, then cant help it. There was no spider, just the lovely logo. He is dying laughing. I am feeling stupid.

He says, "Boy, I haven't seen you dance like that in years." He is laughing so hard he is in tears.

" I wish I had a video camera. You should have seen yourself......That would have been great to put on youtube."

I fall into his lap, laughing at myself, almost out of breath from the vigorous spider dance I had just performed.

Just as the laughter subsides, and I am about to go on about my business, red-faced, but spider-free; He tries to make it better and says, "hey baby, where'd you get those moves anyway??"

Just wait.....maybe next year you'll see me take my spider dance and try out for So You Think You Can Dance? Or, maybe I'll just make sure we have the bug guy come, i think that would be the best thing for my pride, and the good of humanity everywhere.

Hello???? Is this thing on????

Guess so! I totally forgot I had a blog.

Ok, that isn't true. The truth is life has been absolutely crazy the past two weeks. When isn't it though?


So the big news.......we are moving to Atlanta!


When you may ask? Oh, that would be....IN A WEEK!

Have you started packing? Um, that would be a big fat NO!


So, what have I been doing? We went to my parents in Mobile for 4 days. That was fun and relaxing. Blake, my dad, Jon and Kay went golfing. They had fun, but it was HOT HOT HOT!



The past two days, I have spent putting 1000 miles on my van! Driving the street of Canton, Cumming, ALpharetta, and every other little town in the 20 mile corridor of my husbands job.

Poor Jonathon went with me and kept me company as we argued with the GPS about roads and turns that weren't there!



So, we still have NO home to move to! I have a short list of 4 houses, but nothing definite! Of course, the one I really want received an offer (to buy) and they are going to consider that first! So we have a second choice lined up. In fact, it is right across the street from one of my sisters friends.



A little funny... prior to the trip, I had been spending time researching neighborhoods, school districts, and real estate listings. We are only going to be renting since we would like to keep our home here in Alabama for the time and are trying to rent it out. I had found a home online that was practically our dream home (just missing a maid). I showed the kids the pictures, and had talked about it some. It was going to be a good deal, as the owners were very eager to get it rented, and had come off their rent price several hundred dollars, making it very affordable for us. I looked at Craigslist daily, hourly nearly, and had several options on there that I was interested in looking at.

The morning Jonathon and I were leaving, Andrew said, "Mom, I hope we get the big one"
I smiled and agreed. I see Bryce kind of tug on his arm, and said, No, we don't want that one. Andrew asked him why not, and Bryce told him, "cuz we'd have to keep ALL of it clean". Andrew said, so? Bryce told him, think of how long it takes us to clean now, it'll be bad. Very bad.

Guess the kids are tired of cleaning. Wonder how they are going to feel about packing next week?Wish us luck, I am finding we have a lot of junk!

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes!!!!

Summer is always a busy time! Add into that job hunting and frenzy becomes a better adjective. Our summer has been a big ole' mess of lazied frenzy. We have been able to spend a lot of time together as a family and to play with our friends. We have also had to balance job interviews, lots of flights, rental cars, and dad popping in and out.
It seems as the summer is starting to wind down, so is the frenzy of the hunt! Nothing is official, but we have 2 options before us now (none of which include our current location! Anyone want to buy a nice, beautiful home in a great school district??????)http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerleighmade/HousePictures

We should know better in a few days what kind of time line we are looking at, and if we will end up in Louisville, KY or Atlanta, Ga????????? My old neighbor from Missouri just moved to Atlanta and is hoping we end up there! My brother, who lives not far from Atlanta, is hoping so too! We have a soft spot in our family for Atlanta, as we were married there a little over 13 years ago!

I am looking forward to this chapter of our life being over. I know the next one will have its own set of struggles, but at least it will come with a paycheck!

I have to admit, this is one trial I have been happy to endure! We have been blessed to have such a wonderful year. It has been amazing that Blake and I have gotten along so well through this. I was afraid with him being home ALL THE TIME, one of us would end up wounded, in jail, or divorced (just kidding), but it truly has been a fun experience (minus the unemployed part). I think Sam is just not going to know what to do when his Dad is gone back to work!

I think I am going to sit and enjoy the relative quite once we move and are settled! I will have Blake back to work, and the 4 older children all in school! That leaves just me and Sam home, all alone, to reak havoc on the innocent world around us!

I sure hope Atlanta or Louisville can handle us!

Speech Clarity and Butt Paste

Of my five children, so far, four have had some kind of speech issue. Mild issues, but issues that have needed correction/intervention.
If drew asks you for a FORK and it sounds vulgar, you'll have to excuse him. And the fact that you could make out anything is a huge improvement anyway.
Kayleigh used to crack us up with the way she said Yellow. She wanted a Yellow power ranger, and would ask her grandpa (my dad) to get her a yeyoo power wanger.
Jonathon mixed a few letters, as did Bryce.
Bryce has had the hardest time learning to say X BOX 360. It literally comes out....and i quote....OX BOX FREE IXTY. We were driving back from Mobile once, and Blake and I spent about 30 minutes trying to get him to say xbox 360. He could say x box, and three sixty, but put them together and EVERYTIME it came out OX BOX FREE IXTY. He has finally gotten it out correctly, but must think as he speaks.
Sam, it seems, so far has VERY clear speech. In fact, I think he speaks more clearly than Andrew. (Blake didnt seem to appreciate me pointing that out) He also has a very verbose vocabulary. He says things and we wonder where he is learning it! When people look back at their little ones first words, the common ones are mamma, dadda, ball. He mastered all of those really quickly. I am sure being the youngest of five total jabber boxes does a lot to promote good speech and vocabulary. And anyone who knows me KNOWS that I do not lack in the speaking department. I swear, I could talk a weed from a yard. I am sure there are many people who see my name on caller ID and screen the call if they don't have an hour to talk! (you all know it is true!)
I can remember as a child, I liked to accompany my grandmother to craft fairs (she sold ceramics) or to family reunions. I did this several times, then noticed, the offers for me to tag along did not come, but rather, my little (and at the time much quieter) little sister, Jessica, would be invited. Evidently, I just talked TOO dang much and asked TOO many dang questions! And to my grandmother, I apologize, I now have a 10 year old "mini-me" and I totally sympathize with the talking and asking questions thing! (Though I love talking with my daughter, so I usually put up with the 10,000 questions!)
My point in all that, is that being overly talkative is not an uncommon thing in our family, and a trait Sam has seemed to inherit.
Looking back in all the years of parenting, I can think of the cute first words my children share. Their first meaningful phrases. How sweet, how innocent. Things like "more please" or "i want juice".
Sam's first meaningful phrase, seriously: I need BUTT PASTE.
You see, Sam has very sensitive skin. Any time we travel, he will end up with a "butt rash". On one of these particular occasions, I believe it was a trip to see Jess in Arkansas, she suggested Boudreaux Butt Paste. It has been a life saver, a miracle worker. Sam apparently agrees. After the first use of butt paste, he realized it made it better. So now, anytime he needs a diaper change, he will tell us, he needs butt paste! He'll even bring us a diaper, wipes, and the jar of Butt Paste (we buy it in the big canister now!); lay down and say "you give me butt paste".
So, while my other kids have given me fond memories of "i want juice", "i want daddy," and the like, Sam will go down in the books asking for butt paste!

What is it with my children and animals????

I guess maybe we need to get a pet soon.

Kayleigh and I were out yesterday, I had just picked her up from playing at a friends. It is HOT, so we decide to swing through Sonic for happy hour. While there, the conversation turns to "tiger". Kayleigh begins to lament, tearfully even, how much she misses Tiger.
Who is tiger you may ask? Tiger, and his sibling Cookie, were two stray puppies who showed up at our doorstep a while back. They were rather cute, if you could overlook the mange. We put them in our back yard and fed them to protect them from a boy in the neighborhood. He was riding up and down the road, swinging a metal chain, staring at them like they had killed his mother. We felt certain, that left to the friendly kid on the bike, they'd be dead in a matter of minutes. He sort of reminded me of the kid Sid from toy story. Anyway, we had wanted to take them to the Humane Society, but they were closing (this was a Friday) and didn't take animals in on Monday. So, we'd have to have them either hang with us for the weekend, or set them free and hope the neighborhood animal torturer didn't find them. Even before we put them in the back yard, they had taken to our yard. Sleeping under our truck one night, and drinking water from puddles on our driveway.
We found a home for Cookie, but we took Tiger to the Humane Society on Tuesday. Ever since then, the kids, especially Kayleigh; have had moments of mourning for their beloved "Tiger". I even nearly lost a tear as we pulled out of the driveway of the shelter and Kayleigh had her nosed pressed to the window waving goodbye to this dirty, stray, dog. I am sure Tiger is now living it up in someone else's home, and hasn't given it another thought. He and Cookie were both so sweet and really lovely puppies. We checked the Humane Society website and he wasn't listed, so i have reassured the kids that he was adopted.
That has done nothing to lessen the guilt trip. While at sonic I was asked why we couldn't keep tiger, can we call and ask who adopted him so we can go visit him, do i think he remembers us, and on and on and on. We have finally told the kids that once we get situated, we'll consider getting a puppy.
Now, since one of the jobs Blake is considering is in Kentucky, Kayleigh has abandoned the notion of getting a puppy and now has her heart set on getting a horse. Ya know, everyone in Kentucky has horses, right?????????

And ya know what is bad about it, her father isn't discouraging it! He had a horse as a child and loved his horse. Where do you draw the line? I love animals and grew up with pets. It is rewarding, and loving, but also a commitment and expense. I think it is a good way to learn the cycle of life and all that, but seriously, I thought I was nearly done with my poop cleaning days! WHY would I want to start picking up after a dog or horse!!!!!!!???? I am thinking we should maybe cave and get a goldfish? Perhaps, then they'll see pets are boring, and only swim in circles? I am thinking that won't work, and that if it is between he dog and the horse, we better figure out what kind of dog we want.

Official Diagnosis: FMD ....Foot in Mout Disease

I have a birth defect. I was born without a filter at my mouth. I am aware of this and try to tame it. I seem to be lacking that thing that makes normal people refrain from saying really stupid or inappropriate things.
This past sunday, I had a FEAST of Foot in Mouth. I mean, I think I nearly got to my knee. It was that bad!
This past month (june) was my month to conduct in our womens organization at church (Relief Society). Along with the task of teaching the first Sunday and conducting, we as a presidency decided, whoever was conducting would also "get" to go to the extra meetings (ward council, welfare, missionary correlation). After my performance on Sunday, we might just be rethinking that!
A little background....our ward mission leader is married to the Relief Society Secretary( we'll call her Betsy). They are former military. Nice family, five kids. She is very industrious.
Yours truly had the following conversation. We were discussing a inactive member who is coming back to activity and her husband (who is taking missionary discussions), and the ward mission leaders preference on her visiting teachers.
Below : WML is mission leader. DG is DUMB GINGER!!!!
WML: We really need to make sure Sister..........gets visiting teachers who will go.
DG: She isnt on our roll yet, so until we get her records we can't officially give her a visiting teacher.
WML: We are working on getting her records. She can't have VT till then?
DG: Not officially, though we are meeting on wednesday and will discuss her and find some.
WML: She really needs someone who will come, but not a "molly Mormon", not somone who would look down or make her feel imperfect.
DG: Ok.

Here we discuss a few names and why they would or wouldnt work.Other people are also inputting, but that isnt important.
Then, WML again states: We really need someone who doesnt have it all put together, not a molly mormon, but still someone who will go.
DG: Ok. I'll make note.
WML: How about Betsy (his wife, whose name has been changed to protect the innocent...), I think she would be good.

WITHOUT EVEN THINKING OR BATTING AN EYE!!! I OPEN MY MOUTH AND SAY:
I thought you didnt want a "Molly".

As soon as I finished speaking, I realized I was choking on my size 9 walmart wedge sandals. Cheap shoes DO NOT TASTE GOOD!

The room was trying to keep their composure. But the elders get to laughing, the assistant Ward Mission Leader is laughing, and I believe the poor pregnant sister sitting next to me was trying to act like it wasnt funny so she wouldnt have to go to the bathroom.

I did what only an expert foot eater would do, and made myself look and sound like a BIGGER idiot (if possible) !

WML has a blank look on his face. Either 1. he had never considered his wife a Molly type, or 2. He wasnt sure to be offended or proud! or 3. He didnt realize people saw his wife as a Molly.

I stumble all over myself saying stupid things such as...>Oh, well your wife is Molly in the good way, not in the condescending way. Finally, my brain kicks in and sends the SHUT UP NOW impulse to my mouth. The elders are still chuckling.
After the meeting is over, I go to WML and explain that I wasnt trying to be insulting, but that to a sister who is struggling and just trying to get back on the right path, she COULD be intimidated by Betsy and her admirable skills. I dont think he bought it. But evidently his wife thought it was funny.

I had to go home and warn the Relief Society Pres. what I had done, so if they were offended and I got in trouble, she'd have a heads up. She laughed, rather heartedly!

We just happened to have the Elders over for dinner that evening. I came home, forgetting all about my rather unfortunate contribution to the meeting. I hadn't thought to mention it to Blake. The Elders made sure to clue him in! They thought it was hilarious!

Gee.....thanks! Glad I could be an idiot and amuse you in the process!
Seriously though, the words flew out before the better part of my brain could say: THINK IT;DON'T SAY IT!

Good news is, I saw Betsy today and she brought it up, and seemed to think it was funny. She told me she sure hopes she is Molly and that is a worthy goal. I say....you go for it!