Personality Types

A coworker and I were talking and he told me that he had recently studied personality types. He indicated that he studied four types (sanguine, melancholy, choleric and phlegmatic) and he went on to say what he thought his type was as well as the personality type of his wife. He laughed and said that he knew my type...choleric. He elaborated a little on his reasoning and left my office. Later in the day, I decided to read up on this and see what websites had to say about the personality types. I first investigated choleric.....strong willed, decisive, independent, confident, able to motivate the family, and excel during emergencies. I was feeling pretty good about myself and thinking it did sound somewhat like me. BUT then it listed the weaknesses of this personality....impatient, demanding of others, too independent, hesitant to say you are sorry, often give answers too quickly and can be inflexible. The air in my bubble was deflated because none of the weaknesses were too flattering, But each time I read back over these weaknesses, I realized that these words can describe me just as much as the strengths. I went one step further and read up about phlegmatic which is the personality trait of my hubby. Words such as low key, easy going, relaxed, keeps emotions hidden and all purpose, were words used to describe this personality trait. Another trait that popped out at me and caused me to laugh out loud was "not in a hurry". Anyone who knows my significant other knows just how true that is! It stated in my findings that these two personality types are compatible and compliment each other. I do agree.

It helps sometimes to see in black and white what your weaknesses might be and I am working on some of mine. I know that will delight my family :) What is your personality type - check them out and let me know. I think I agree with most of what I read, but definately not all of it.....there I go showing my choleric personality. Have a good evening!

Full Cirle and Empty Nest

I haven't blogged in a while....not because I don't have things to talk about I just haven't taken the time to put my thoughts in writing. Two things that are really striking close to home these days are the terms "full circle" and "empty nest". Let me try and explain...I'll start with empty nest because that is easy - no children at home. I have read some interesting aspects of the term empty nest syndrome. It surprised me that it is considered a syndrome but I guess no two people handle things in the same way. I understand there is a healthy way and a not so healthy way of handling this. I'm trying to go with the healthy way. For the record, I did wait for our last child to get out of the driveway before I immediately started cleaning his room (he he). In total honesty, I didn't do it until the next day. Whew - what a mess but what a relief to get it clean again. However I did have to stop, sit on his bed, and reflect back on the years he spent in that room. See his departure came rather suddenly and I had no time to think about it. I'm sure God realized how emotional it might be and allowed it to happen that way. From my reading, there is one thing they urge parents not to do. They don't want you to wake up, find that last child leaving the house, and you and your spouse are strangers! I'll never forget when our youngest was leaving that day he turned around to me and said "Mom is this going to be like the commerical when the last child leaves home, the parents go to Disneyworld"! I just laughed....we haven't been to Disneyworld but we have certainly taken advantage of good quality time together.


The next term "full circle" might not be as easy to explain but here goes....as a parent, I hope and pray that I have done the things necessary to prepare my children for life. In particular I am seeing the full circle in my "child having a child". I watched this past weekend as Morgan Kate is developing her personality and at times seems "strong willed" and I smile. I vividly remember her mom being that same way at her age and I'm sure if you asked my mom, she would say I was strong willed too. Just one of many examples of how I feel life is coming full circle. I look at full circle like a boomerang....you throw it out and hope it comes back. I feel like I gave it my all when raising my children and it is amazing to watch it "coming back" now in the way my grand child is being raised. I'm sure I'll have many more full circle moments or I certainly hope so.


Two terms, different meanings, but all a part of life and what a great life it is.

What a difference a year makes!

Almost a year ago to the day, we were told that Heather needed to go to bed and stay off her feet followed by being put in the hospital for the duration of her pregnancy. What a scary time we faced and by the grace of God's love and many many answered prayers, Morgan Kate Callahan was born. The day Heather was put to bed was right before her birthday. We attempted to celebrate her birthday, which is August 16, and cheer her up the best we could. She tried to be a trooper and act like she was enjoying the day but her mind was on her unborn child and her well being. At times that seems like light years ago yet so much of that is etched in my memory as if it was yesterday. A lot has transpired in this last year....oh boy what a difference a year makes. However my mind is full of all the memories - the good, the bad, the difficult, the tears of joy and the agony of watching my first grandchild fight for her life. During that fight, Heather was a rock and I am so proud of her. My prayer this year as we celebrate Heather's birthday is that this day will be full of joy and laughter. I can't wait to watch Morgan Kate's expression as we sing to her sweet mommy and I tell her how lucky she is to have her for her mom. And speaking of lucky, I am the one who is honored to call her my daughter. Happy Birthday Heather! You are truly a blessing to our family.

33 and still going strong!

It was the year 1971 and I had just celebrated my 15th birthday - perfect timing to meet someone since they won't have to buy you a birthday gift (he he). I met him in my neighbor's backyard and literally fell in love with him. I remember telling my sister a few week's later - I will marry that guy! I spent the next five years getting to know him and spending as much free time as I could with him. Along with the highs, there were lows, but the lows were what helped me realize just how blessed I was in having Loitton Hardison in my life. I had found one of the most patient men I know, one of the most complimentary men alive, and one of the most giving and devoted men ever born.

On September 19, 1975, he proposed to me and this Friday, July 10, we will celebrate 33 years of marriage. Wow that sounds like a long time but boy has it been alot of fun.

Now for a few fun facts. We got engaged on September 19 and were married on July 10. Four years ago, our daughter, Heather got married on July 9, and was engaged on September 18, 2004. So as you can see, our engagement dates are a day apart as well as our anniverary dates. We also had the same person perform our wedding vows, my uncle. He and his wife celebrate their anniversary on July 11. I can't really recall the number of years they have been married but it has to be close to 60 or more.

I love the history that Loitton and I have established with each other. He jokes alot about how he knows me better than my mom because after all he has had me longer than her! In reality that is true and I love the fact that he knows me so well, loves me so deeply and cares about family so much! I know God had him in mind for me and I sure am grateful! He is the love of my life and my everything. So Loitton, Happy Anniversary, and I look forward to growing older with you.

PS - Happy Anniversary to Heather and Travis and my uncle and his wife. May God continue to bless each of our marriages!

Reflections and a Birthday

I guess between Father's day, the funeral of a good friend's dad, and the fact that it has been twenty years since my daddy died, I have thought about him alot lately. I've also thought about how much he would have loved getting to know Kyle, our youngest. Kyle turns 20 on Friday and at times he and I butt heads and really clash. There actually have been a few times when we have accused each other of not loving each other but if he only knew my heart, he would know just how wrong that thinking is....in fact quite the contrary. My bond with him will always be very special because he got me through one of the toughest times in my life....the death of my daddy.


Kyle was born July 3, 1989. Instantly loved by not only us as his parents, but his sister and big brother as well. I certainly can't leave out how much his grandparents loved him too. My daddy would get upset if I would not stop by each and every day and let him swing Kyle in their outdoor swing. Along came September of that year and we experienced Hurricane Hugo. We had to warm bottles on the outside grill and try and keep a 2 month old happy without electricity! In November of that year, my daddy died very unexpectedly. I was totally devastated and at times completely lost for words. I walked around feeling numb.....however in my darkest hours, I had a new baby boy that was keeping my mind occupied and busy. Between him and his siblings, I was able to face each day with a little more strength than the day before. See God in his infinite wisdom knew that we would need Kyle and he would get me through some tough times. I hardly know where the 20 years have gone ....just doesn't seem that long ago that Kyle was a "baby" and now he is a man. Happy Birthday Kyle and just for the record - I love you!

Father's Day

It is his first....his first Father's Day that is. Since 1997, I believe it was, I have had a "third son" in my life. I barely remember BT time (before Travis). He and Heather started as high school sweethearts. I knew he was special in her eyes and in her heart but as a mother you don't want to get too close to the boyfriends/girlfriends until you know they might become a part of your future. Too hard if you get attached and then they move on. Travis became a part of our future and we love him like our own....we have always gotten along so well and he and Loitton are just as close. Another big plus is he really enjoys Heather's brothers and they spend alot of time together.

On August 24, 2008, he abruptly became a father. A father to a premature baby girl born way too early. I was fortunate to be there when all of this took place and therefore I experienced first hand just how well he can handle pressure, emergency situations, and show his love for Heather. From the moment his daughter was born he has been a hands on dad who believes that parenthood is a partnership and he wants to do as much for Morgan Kate as he can.

It warms my heart to see him love Heather so much, take care of Morgan Kate so tenderly, and I don't dare leave out his attention to Cash and Lola (their dogs). I actually nominated him for "Father of the Month" with our local newspaper. I had been noticing an ad in the newspaper about nominations and it was a toss up between my hubby and my son in law. I opted for my son in law (knowing my hubby would agree). Unfortunately they did not receive my nomination in time for the judging but in my opinion, he is Father of the Month! I say with alot of pride, Travis Callahan, you have been one amazing daddy in the first 9 months of Morgan Kate's life. My prayers continue that God will guide you and walk with you each step of the way as you raise your baby girl. May your life with her and future children (he he) be full of rewards, beautiful moments and lots of love and laughter. I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day.

I'd also like to say Happy Father's Day to my best friend and love of my life, Loitton ,as well as all father's. In closing, I think of the saying "any man can be a father but it takes someone special to be a daddy." Travis, you and Loitton are special daddys and I love you both!

Time is flying by

I looked at my blog tonight and realized it has been a month today since my last post. Not that any one has missed it, but I have. I have always been one that likes putting my thoughts on paper....it helps me sorts through things and see things clearer. I have been reading blogs for quite some time and several I follow religiously. One in particular that I have been following has recently turned out to be a hoax. I literally have cried and prayed over this blog and the folks associated with it. Then I find out it is a bunch of untruths, just post after post of fictious information. I was really disappointed! To make matters worse for me, I recently found out that there are folks who actually get paid for you visiting their blog. The more views, the more money. In this particular, case I probably earned this family more than pocket change. I was so interested and prayerful for this family that I would check on them several times a day, actually more. They were all about the money and leading people into feeling sorry for them! So I guess when I view my blog and realize that I have a whopping 13 followers, you can be assured I will not get rich off of my blog....at least not in the sense of monetary value. I am richly blessed by those of you who come here to check in on me and occasionally leave a comment.

Life is way too busy these days, lots going on....some good, some not so good. Thank goodness for the constant of God's love each and every day.