My Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows

We Interrupt This Series of Posts..

2009-12-24T11:27:00.002-06:00

to wish each and everyone of you a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It is my prayer that if there is anyone who has not yet received the gift of Christ that you will not wait too late to let Him come in. "Let Every Heart, Prepare Him Room".

Happy Holidays,

Nearing the End..Part 1

2009-12-22T14:12:00.007-06:00

Not the end of the world....but the end of 2009. I can hardly believe it. It's been a year of so many emotions for me, which is probably subconsiously one of the reasons I stopped blogging for a season. It has been hard for me to put into words some of the things I've been through this year. That and the fact I didn't figure any of you would really be too interested in hearing about it.

But one thing I have missed by not blogging the last 6 months is being able to go back and read a recap of my life....which is important to me. I think I was my own biggest bloggy fan. I loved going back and reading past post. Seeing what my life was like on paper...and reliving the good parts in my mind...and the bad.

So, my friends, I am going to take the next week or so and (for myself) try to remember the things that have taken place in our lives in the months passed, and the things that have made an impact on my life. This blog, in it's own way, has taken the place of a book journal for me. Shame on me, for letting it go. Read if you like, or just pass on by, it you'd rather, but at least I can feel like I've done what I set out to do when I joined the blog world.

I checked back to see where I had left off posting "informative" stories of my life, and it appears that the last thing of any essence that I talked about was our trip to the lake. According to my windows photo gallery, it seems the rest of the month of July held a 4th of July celebration with my church family, a visit with my friend, a week sponsoring Little Ann and other little chickadees at church camp, and a rocking chair redo.

Remember this? Believe it or not, I think we have accomplished everything on the list. It looks much better.

With August came our Vacation Bible School with the setting in Rome this year. We had a good time as always.

And, of course, the first day of school. The 6th grade for my Little Ann.

and Freshman year in college for my Big Dan.

It wasn't as bad as I thought because he chose a local University that allowed him to commute instead of moving off into a dormitory. Of course, his first day was much too hectic for him to stop and let me take pictures, so I had to do the next best thing. The first semester is now over, and I strongly suggest anyone that has a "soon to be" college student. Let them start the classes first before buying books. We spent $700 on these books and several of them, he never even used. 1st college lesson learned.

Til next time.......

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

2009-11-18T15:20:00.004-06:00

Hi guys. I guess it's true what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder. I've missed you guys. True, I have been able to keep up with many of you via facebook, which is my favorite time consumer, but sometimes, it's not the same as blogging. I can't seem to fit all my thoughts, feelings and emotions into that tiny little status bar. Nor would the facebook world want to hear about it all. I may get booed offstage. However, I've been tossing the idea around of coming back and joining you. Maybe not as often as before, but maybe I'll chime in a little more often than I have since the summer. Maybe, I still have some readers out there somewhere? Anyone out there?

And maybe I should get myself re-establshed a little before I poll you on this, but time is running out and I am really confused about the right thing to do. Who of you are planning to vaccinate either yourselves or your children against H1N1? The school will be having a mass flu clinic on Dec 1st and 2nd, and I truly have some mixed emotions about the flu shot and especially the H1N1 vaccine. Are you going to do it? Please tell me why or why not. And what if your immune system were a little weakend by a 10 day run with the varicella virus? My Little Ann has been out of school since last Monday with the worst case of Chicken Pox I think I have ever seen. I thought it was never going to end.

Looking forward to seeing how many of you are still out there, and even more anxious to hear your comments on the vaccine! I've missed you!

A Quick Hello

2009-10-10T19:24:00.005-05:00

Wow. Seems like I've been away forever. Hmmm..well, since July. I guess that is practically forever.

I still log in to my blog because I still like to read several of the blogs on my blogroll. I admit, I don't comment much....and I know that doesn't seem fair as when I was blogging frequently, I longed for comments. That was one thing that just made me smile on a cloudy day. A comment. I don't comment much though for a couple of different reasons. One..I am usually lying in my bed when I am reading and it's very difficult to type while lying down...and the other being that while not contributing to the blog world by posting, it's almost like I don't feel worthy of commenting. Like I have to visit in secret. I'm weird...I know.

I have missed you all though. Seems though things are very busy. School and my substituting is back in full swing. Lots of sickness and they are keeping my phone hot. Big Dan seems to be doing well in college. Right now though, I would be hard pressed to find blog topics that don't involve some whining....and we all know those are not what we are interested in. I just wanted to say hi.

It's Fall. I love Fall. Happy Fall Ya'll.
Scrapper Mom

To Blog or Not to Blog...That is the Question

2009-07-19T15:21:00.005-05:00

I just visited my blog. Something I haven't done in quite some time. I noticed I had one post for the entire month of July. It seems I have lost that loving feeling. The one that lasted a year, but is having trouble finding it's way back.

I've become so overtaken with life, and seem to spend way more time on my facebook. And although I have felt overhwelmingly guilty for forsaking my blog friends, it's not been enough. I have considered shutting her down altogether several times, but then again, that seems so final. Not sure I wanna do that either. I'd miss you too much.

Maybe I'll just say goodbye for a season. Can I come back, if I should have a change of heart?

I can be a little indecisive at times.

Sun Fun

2009-07-06T12:20:00.020-05:00

It's been a while since I last posted. The motorcycle drama has thankfully died down (at least for now while he saves his money) thanks to the purchase of a wii fit and a very competitive father / son duo. It is considered an early gift in honor of mine and Pete's anniversary coming up next week. Oh, I will most definitely have to post some photographs of my unbalanced guys doing the hula hoop. It is quite comical.

But for now I must share the latest happenings.

It has been a whirlwind of a week. One that included lots of eating out (which contributed to a little set back on the scales this morning), and lots of fun in the sun.

Last Tuesday we visited some friend of ours that live on one of Arkansas' beautiful lakes. We took the boat out and did a little tubing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Although I love water slides and an occasional dip in the pool, I wasn't raised too much around water. We managed to visit the ocean once when I was a kid, and would swim in hotel pools while on family vacations. My dad and brother would go on overnight fishing trips, but my mother has a fear of water so she and I would always find something more exciting to do instead of roughing it with the dudes at the camp.....

like shopping.

hmmmm.....camping, shopping, camping, shopping. There was never really any contest.

In the early years of our marriage, Pete was hard pressed to get me to do anything boat, lake, river or camping related, but hey, I've mellowed with age. I guess I'll try anything once....(well, maybe not anything).

I like it.

I like it a lot...especially the part when we take the boat out in the calm of the evening and just enjoy the peacefulness and serenity of God's creation.

and fish.

haha...yeah, we threw him back.

And the beauty of the sunset. It takes my breath away.

Another day we did one of my favorite things. We floated a river that is also near the lake. It takes us about 4 hours from point A to point B, but I find it very enjoyable and relaxing.....(minus the sunburn).

Friday of last week, Pete and I went to a water park in the big city. Little Ann was with a birthday group and we were invited to tag along. It is something we usually do every year at least once without any kids. I know...it sounds cruel, but I can't seem to get enough of those water slides, and I can really let my hair down and be a kid when I don't have to stress over my kids. I tend to do that, ya know.

I've been in the sun so much recently. I think I'm going to turn into one big freckle.

So tell me...what have you been up to this summer?

Let's Just Clarify Something...My Fears

2009-06-27T11:04:00.004-05:00

Before all 5 of you who actually read my last post about a motorcycle begin to think that I am fearless, and am okay with the fact that my 18 year old son who has no previous experience on any kind of motorcycle and spent a very limited amount of time on an atv as a child (yes, because of his mother's fears), I must clarify some things for you. The post was actually just poking fun at my teenager and the wonderful theory of ...buy now, pay later.

Oh believe me. I am not fearless by any means.

I fear many things.

Snakes for one. They freak me out. Just looking at them through the glass at the zoo brings on nightmares for weeks.

I fear closed doors at night. What if something happens to one of my kids, or my house catches on fire and I'm the last to know?

I'm afraid that when I die, people won't be able to find good things to say about me.....(I mean if they talk bad about Michael Jackson, what are they going to say about me?) And what if no one comes to my funeral? I guess I shouldn't care. It's not like I'm actually going to be there either.

I am afraid of cruise ships and airplanes. I like my feet to be on solid ground and I've never been on either of these. Don't know if I can ever bring myself to do it. Pete is hoping I'll conquer these particular fears. (I'm working on it)

I don't like shopping after dark. Dark parking lots are spooky and it's not a good feeling. I'm so vulnerable...and clumsy.....and female. A prime target.

I have never let my kids eat hard candy. What if they choke and I can't revive them?

I have always had a fear of things men put together such as rollercoasters and those crazy swings at amusement parks that have you flying over water. What if one just flies right off? The one I happened to be on?

I had a dream one time I drove off a bridge. Since that dream, I have greatly feared not being able to get myself or my kids out of their seatbelts and out of the van. So much that I had Pete purchase a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter to help my insecurities.

So just in case there is any question...I defintely do not want Big Dan to save his money all to spend it on a motorcycle.

Even the very thought of him on something that goes from 0-125 mph in 60 seconds...(or whatever it does)....

terrifies me!

You better believe I'm scared.

Sometimes Kids Are Just Plain Funny

2009-06-26T14:15:00.012-05:00

Like when your youngest comes up to you, hugs you, and proceeds to squishy, squishy the flags that are supposed to resemble triceps all the while saying to you...."Mom, I don't want you lose weight in your arms. I like them squishy. They are soft and like my pillow".

Yeah, well, thanks for that, but if that fat decides to disappear, because I am so dedicated to my diet and my 4 miles a day, then who am I to stand it it's way? I'll buy her something else to squish.

But the funniest thing that stands out to me is this comment made by my oldest a day or two ago. It was the day Pete and I both thought our cell phones were going to explode because Big Dan was calling every minute of every hour and the conversation ended with something kind of like this... "Hey, mom, Bubba said I could take out the easy payment plan if you and daddy would just come down here to the motorcycle shop and co-sign for me".

Say What?

Is it as funny to you as it was to me?

You just have to know Big Dan. He doesn't get excited about too much. Studying, no. Bringing down his laundry, no. Going to work, nope. Taking out the trash, well, nada. Even the dating scene doesn't seem to get him too worked up anymore, but I will tell you this. When he gets something on his mind, that is ALL HE TALKS ABOUT for hours. For days. For weeks even. And that is complete with pictures that he forces you to look at, and videos he whines about until you stop and watch.

Big Dan has his heart set on this.

Somebody save me. I'm trying to ignore it, but it's just not going away.

And you know. I am really glad he has found something to get excited about. I'm really glad he's found a reason to save his money and some motivation to go to work. But to me, it's just plain funny how oblivious he is to the real world.

My rebuttal to him asking for my signature on the dotted line? I said "No honey, I'm happy you are excited about your motorcycle, but we won't be helping you go into debt the summer you get out of high school."

"But Mommm!, Bubba says it is the easy payment plan...only $95 a month for 2 years."

all the while I'm thinking..ok, what after 2 years? what about the insurance? I bet Bubba didn't bother to explain the little word interest to you, did he?

I was thinking seriously about marching myself down to that motorcycle shop and thanking "Bubba" for introducing my naive child to the wonderful world of credit. Or maybe a size 6 1/2 shoe......ohhhhh..nevermind. I just get frustrated at how these business people prey on those that don't know any better especially my kid.

The easy payment plan. I love it. This comes right after Pete and I read Dave Ramsey from cover to cover and began our mission this past January to become debt free come hades or high water.

I know Big Dan's gonna learn some great, valuable lesson from our denying him the easy payment plan. He's gonna save, and be frugal and look so cool on his new bike one day...and it's gonna be paid for.....and he's gonna be proud. And I might even get on back and go for a ride with him.....

or not.

Ignorance is Bliss...The Rest of the Story

2009-06-22T23:06:00.026-05:00

The movie is called "The Pursuit of Happyness". I haven't seen it in a long time, but if I recall correctly, this man and his son are homeless...sleeping in public restrooms and train stations or wherever else they can find for that matter. He's trying to make ends meet someway, somehow until he makes it big as a stock broker (or something to that affect).

I'm wondering if I somehow got lucky enough (sarcastically spoken) to have slept in the same train station as Will Smith.

You think I'm kidding, don't you.

Upon arriving in the city, we walked around places like this:

We got some of this:

and saw lots of these:

We shopped in some stores such as these:

And although the weather was misty and extremely foggy, we took a ferry boat out to an island to see this:

It was such a breathtaking sight even in the fog. After exiting the subway and coming up right into the middle of Central Park, evening was setting in. Pete wanted me to be able to savor the glitz of Times Square after the sun went down, but Little Ann and I weren't for sure our little feetsy's could take us very much further. It was then that we had the joy of riding in one of these:

all so we could see this:

but as bad as my feet and legs ached from the 100 miles we walked that day, I was happy to be back in Times Square because I got to eat here:

We began to walk the streets in one last attempt at souvenir shopping when we realized it was midnight. I had no idea of the time, but I knew I was feeling every bit of our day settling in my bones. We began our journey back to the train station where we would wait to board a train back to Trenton. This train would, once again, change over to get us back to Philadelphia where our poor little lonely van sat. By the time we finally boarded the first one, it was almost 1 am.

About 15 minutes into our trip back, there were signal problems so we sat idle for another solid hour. I tried to sleep, but there were numerous passengers on the train, and one man sitting close by that was not very happy about the delay and made sure everyone knew it.

Around 3 am, we arrived back in Trenton, NJ, where we were supposed to switch. As soon as we got there, we hurriedly located the little tv screen that told us of all the times for the train's arrivals and departures. I could feel the tears well up in my own tired eyes as I was consoling Little Ann. The train we would need to be on to get us back to Philly would not be leaving until 6 am.

Not good.

And so I rolled up the souvenir tee shirts into pillows, made a make shift bed while Little Ann opened an umbrella to block the light from our eyes...

and slept.

in the train station.

while Pete stood guard.

for hours.

And the moral of the story is.....

If you're from the South and you know nothing about trains...or train stations....or anything else about the city you should probably either do your research or stay home.

Because I'll be the first to tell you, when your stuck in a train station in the middle of the night, you're anything but happy.

A Story to Tell

2009-06-19T11:42:00.012-05:00

I got up this morning thinking about what I was doing about this time one week ago. It wasn't exactly what I thought I'd be doing. I know you want to hear all about it, right?

As you know, a group of 3 couples and our kids ventured off to New Jersey to complete a mission project. The whole purpose of the trip was to work for God, but I didn't think God would mind if Pete took me on into New York City for a little play time before we headed back home, would He?

Thursday morning, our group split up...some heading home, others to stop in Tennessee and us to New York. I knew we were chancing it with the weather, but I didn't care. I told Pete even if I had to experience New York in the rain, it would be better than not experiencing it at all. Boy, was I in for a sur-prise.

We were ignorant. And when I say that, I mean Southerners just don't know much about getting around in the North. We drive everywhere we go. We don't have problems finding parking and it's mostly free. What I mean is, it's not a hassle to take my van when I venture out...but our Jersey friends said, it would be wise to leave our vehicle in Philadelphia and take the train into the city. That it would be much less stressful to get around by foot, or subway, or cab. I could handle that. I wasn't getting much exercise anyway. I could use a little walking. I've never ridden on the subway. Something about that sounded kind of city-girlish..unordinary for an Arkansas gal like me. And Little Ann was determined that she would, at some point in the day, whistle and wave for that taxi, just like she'd seen in the movies.

We left our hotel around 9 am, saying our goodbyes to our group and driving in rush hour traffic from New Jersey to Philadelphia. I think what should have taken 30 minutes took us about an hour. Even once we got into Philly, we had no clue where the train station was and drove around another 30 minutes for a place to park. We were suckers, but desperate and so we gave up $20 bucks for a spot that would ensure us the day.

The rain began to fall. It was busy and dreary and I began to question why I wanted so desperately to spend a day so far out of my element, but I did. After mistakenly going down into the subway station thinking that's where we were supposed to be, we were directed 2 blocks down to the train depot. Pete stood in line to purchase round trip tickets to New York only to be asked to hand over $237. He glanced over at me and I gave him this look like "are they nuts?". Get out of that line. We'll do something else.

It was Amtrack. Oops. Once again, wrong line.

By the time we were finally directed to the appropriate line, it was closing in on 11 am. Tickets in this line were for a train that would leave at 11:37 and change over in Trenton, New Jersey, but would get us to the station directly below Madison Square Gardens for only $93 round trip. Sold.

I only wish I would've know it was going to stop every five minutes and take us another 2 hours to get there.

At nearly 2:00, we exited the station and came up out of the ground onto the streets of the city that literally never sleeps.

I was frustrated at the amount of time we had wasted. We were all starving and a little grumpy, but we were in New York. New York people. I was in awe and ready to stomp some ground.

But I think I'll save all that ground stomping, subway riding, cab calling (oh! and believe me it gets better!) for another post. Come back and see me for .....as Paul Harvey says..."the rest of the story".

The Matter at Hand

2009-06-16T22:45:00.010-05:00

Several months ago when the pastor began talk of visiting the mission in New Jersey, I was a bit skeptical. A preacher who had been raised in the North, began pastoring in the South, had developed a burden for the people in his home town and wanted to plant a church there. I had heard good things were happening. I had seen pictures of his building and had heard they were having good attendance. "It seems like they are doing just as good in mission status as we are at a church that has been established for hundreds of years", I thought. What could we possibly be needed for?

Boy, did I ever need this trip.

I learned a number of things.

First...God needs a few good men who are willing to answer His call and be willing to uproot their lives and their family and go to who knows where to plant a true New Testament Church. I am so thankful that God called this Missionary to this place where the truth is so scarce.

Secondly...numbers can be oh, so deceiving. Just because they are attending, does not mean they are strong Christians or grounded in the faith. Majority of the people who are coming to this mission are unchurched people and have never given a relationship with Christ or God's people a second thought. How wonderful that they have decided to join His family, but who else is there to disciple but the missionary and his wife. What a great task at hand.

Third...I saw neighborhood after neighborhood of houses. So many houses with people who need Jesus. So many more than our one Missionary could possibly reach. I was so happy to be a part of a team of door knockers. To get the word out about the church and to take every opportunity that God gave me to tell someone about His love. My primary goal with each door that opened was to make sure they knew how to get to heaven.

and Finally...I learned that sometimes, even if there isn't an abundance of work to be done or buildings to be erected, sometimes it can simply be about encouragement. Encouraging our missionary and his family to keep on keeping on. Letting them know how much we appreciate the work they are doing, the sacrifices they are making and the souls they are reaching. (and cooking him a good ol' Southern style meal doesn't hurt any either!)

My eyes were opened.

What I Have Discovered About New Jersey

2009-06-09T21:36:00.020-05:00

I like it. At least the part we are in.

The town is very nice. A small, clean area with booming business and beautiful homes. How cool to actually have an attic and a basement. The people have been very friendly and most receptive.

We had a busy day today. I think we actually knocked on approximately 350 doors to get word out about the new church recently planted in this area. The guys did some needed maintenance around the building and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to their praise band practice tonight. Dinner at Applebee's was delish and the kids are having a great time. Something about being in a hotel with your bestest friends. Good times.

I am looking forward to what tomorrow brings....

Stopping in to say Hello

2009-06-08T22:51:00.014-05:00

I am so tired at this moment, I wouldn't dare be able to think of eloquent posts that include lots of pictures like this blogger/real life friend of mine. We both happen to be traveling the same route this week, but she has taken far more pictures than me, and spent way more time blogging. Would it be so bad if I just linked to her all week?

Actually, Sunday after morning services, 3 families from our church hit the road for what is my 2nd mission trip ever. Well, actually, Chickadee and her family left a day earlier than us for baby reasons. We arrived at our destination, which is New Jersey tonight, traveling through states I have never been through before (excluding Tennessee...I have actually been there). We stayed the night in Knoxville last night which was about half way and we covered the rest of our ground today which included the entire state of Virginia, on into Maryland, DC, Delaware and finally New Jersey. I have enjoyed every minute of the scenery and sights, wishing I could journey off our interstate route to catch a better glimpse. Hopefully there will be plenty of time for tourist attractions on the way home and after we take care of our business at hand.

I had a little catastrophe today which resulted in having to locate a camera repair shop during our lunch stop. Note to self and to anyone else that might have a brain of my caliber...NEVER try to clean your camera's inside parts. The pieces literally fell out of the camera and into my hand. Luckily, I found an extremely talented camera repair man that fixed my problem quickly and for only $40. Whew. That was a close one.

At least now, I will be able to blog and actually share pictures with you. Not sure when, but I will.

Is it Really June Already?

2009-06-03T11:25:00.011-05:00

I am thinking.....that I'm ready to see my Little Ann who's been at the grandparents for a few days. I miss her.

I am thankful.....that Pete and I continue to be faithful in our commitment we made to get healthy. Some days are a challenge with so many ballgames and reasons to "eat out", but both of us are trying to make good food choices and are still walking 4 miles a day. Hoping it pays off!

From the kitchen.....haha...in lieu of that last comment, there isn't anything going on in that kitchen right now, but I think I am going to cook up some Taco Soup for dinner before church. For my fellow weight watchers..you can have 1 cup for 3 points according to my recipe.

I am wearing.....my walking clothes. a tank and shorts.

I am reading.....nothing you could say would convince me to read my summer away.

I am hoping.....that I can scrapbook soon. I am feeling the urge BIG TIME, but it's one of those things where I get overwhelmed with guilt if I do it when I have other things lingering over my head. Believe me though. I've got the FEVER.

(haha...notice this is the same thing I was hoping the last time I did a daybook, (and the time before...and the time before)...but I STILL wanna scrapbook and STILL haven't had the time!)

I am creating.....I really got nothing here. Sorry folks. I have just never been accused of being too creative.

I am hearing.....mumbling and grunts as I watch Pete put together a baseball gizmo that Big Dan purchased with some of his graduation money. (don't you just love men and their directions!) It is called a "Quick Swing" and enables Big Dan to get in some batting practice without the assistance of me!! Very neat concept.

Around the house.....messes everywhere I look. I have got to get ready and start preparing for our Mission Outreach trip we are taking next week. We are heading out to New Jersey on Sunday afternoon.

One of my favorite things.....right now I am in total love with McDonalds Ice Cream Cones. Since being on this diet (aka health kick)..I have been lucky to find that McDonalds uses reduced fat ice cream on their cones. I can guiltlessly enjoy a nice, yummy, summer treat for only 3 points! Aren't you excited?

A few plans.....wow...where do I begin here? It's clean, clean. Wash, wash, pack, pack, buy some snacks and drinks for our trip, and Sunday we are off! I am so anxious to blog and post lots of pictures of our outreach AND the fun stuff. I never thought I would ever get to go to New York or Washington DC in my lifetime. I am pumped about being used by God AND getting up close and personal with Lady Liberty!!

A a couple of picture thoughts for the day.....

The gardenia's around my porch are just blooming away. I love them. They smell wonderful.

Hoping everyone has a great rest of the week!

When Your Efforts Feel Kinda..Well...Worthless

2009-05-29T11:53:00.007-05:00

First let me just start out by saying that those that know me knows it takes great effort for me to get out of bed in the morning. I am known for loving my sleep. I've never been much of a napper (aside from Sunday afternoon's), but I have and will probably always be a night owl. Staying up late every night can only mean sleeping in every morning. Yes, I do have to get up early to get the kids off to school, but once they are out and the house is quiet...my bed calls to me.

And I just can't resist.

Sleeping in though, most definitely has it's side effects for sure. By the time I get going, it seems my day is almost over. My energy levels are low, and I find myself needing a break between tasks. And I don't want you to mistake me here. I DON'T leave things undone and I DO make sure the mommy mobile gets where it needs to be. I'm just saying, I have to make myself trudge through the day and I don't want it to be that way.

Pete and I both have had a desire lately. One that seems stronger than my desire for sleep. It is to get healthy, gain energy and lose weight. I am short and petite and it seems that every pound I gain goes right straight to the behind. The older we get, the easier the weight is to gain, but the harder it is to lose so Pete and I decided it was time to jump on the bandwagon, eat better...(and here's the biggie)...exercise.

It has done great things for my energy levels. I have been getting up earlier, we have been walking 4 miles each morning and I must say I can get so much more accomplished the rest of the day, but the scales? They just don't seem to be moving.

Somebody explain to me why I can completely alter my diet (weight watchers), drink 64 ounces of WATER a day, walk 4 miles a day, and not lose weight. I mean, c'mon. If I'm going to live out of my element here, I want results, people. Is that too much to ask?

I'm thinking my scales are broken. Yeah, that's what it is. My scales are broken.

Oh woe is me. What am I doing wrong? I feel better, so I guess it hasn't all been for naught!

Last But NOT Least - Proud Moments Part IV

2009-05-25T23:14:00.014-05:00

Wow. This post was originally planned for Friday, but as you can see, it didn't happen. My Friday was filled with an end of the year awards assembly for Little Ann, the first day of my weekend yard sale with friends, and a high school graduation in the big city for another graduate on Pete's side of our family. It was a late night. Saturday was more of the same, and Sunday...well, Sunday brought rain and who can resist a nap on a rainy Sunday? And today, I know it's Memorial Day. I pay my tribute to our soldiers...past and present.

And so now, here is my post.

Even though I'm a little behind schedule, I don't want to make light of this proud moment by any means. It is probably one of the proudest moments I have ever experienced aside from the day my Big Dan was born. It's been a little over a week since this special day, but the memory is still so fresh and lingers in my mind as I attempt to adjust to the fact that my little boy is not so little anymore.

He graduated.

My heart was just overflowing with all kinds of emotions the moment he put on this attire. I can't even explain it. I wanted to cry, but I held back tears. Mainly because I had so many people already at my house and it was hectic trying to snap photographs and get there early enough to get good seats. I couldn't grasp the moment then like I had done the night before. I sat for hours watching a slide show of my favorite photographs from days gone by. I watched it a hundred times, and I admit...I sat there feeling sorry for myself for some time, but I needed it. I was able to get most of my emotion under control before the actual ceremony.

What can I say? I love this boy so much. And I am so proud of him for what he is and more importantly what he is to become.

We had a wonderful celebration with family and friends at our home afterwards. It was a night I will always remember. I am so proud.

Proud Moments - Part III

2009-05-21T13:31:00.017-05:00

I have to admit, sometimes I felt like I was boring you to death with my baseball posts and pictures, but I have some friends and family that actually may've been interested in keeping up with Big Dan and our team's progress. And then, of course, there are others of you that I know have kids in competitive sports that can totally understand how these things can consume your life for a season. And there is no feeling in the world like the feeling you get watching your child excel.

If you kept up with my blog, you will know that our school is a small school. A 2A classification. It is the school I graduated from and although it is growing, we will always remain close knit and be oh so proud of our achievements. Our baseball coach actually graduated a year ahead of me, coached one year at the college level, and then came back home to his roots to take our little school to do great things where baseball is concerned. He is one of the best coaches in our state...and everybody knows it.

Not only is our team full of talented players (that sometimes works to a disadvantage when you have so many that can play so well)....(at least for Big Dan). That kind of meant less playing time when he had to share the spot for 1st base, and his competition was also a Senior and had a better batting average. Oh Well. Anyway, not only are they good athletes, but they have good attitudes. Our coach has led us to the State level for the past 3 years in a row taking home the title last year.

We made it to the Championship game this year as well....and I must say, I was proud.

Proud to be a citizen of our community. Proud to have a student at this school. Proud to have a talented athlete on this winning team. What an exciting day.

The game was crazy. We made a few errors, had a few bad calls, had a 30 minute rain delay, and ultimately lost the game by one point.

But Big Dan played. And he played hard.

And he cheered hard...for the last batter who would feel the pressure. Big Dan is on 3rd and one run would tie the game. Not to mention it was the last out. What a nail biting moment.

But it was a line drive to shortstop.

So the game would be over. I'll never forget those long faces and tears that ran down the black marked cheeks of those tough baseball guys. They wanted it so bad.

Runners up or not. They played their hearts out and I was so happy that Big Dan could be a part of something so memorable.

And Proud.

Proud: (adjective) Feeling or showing pride. Having self-esteem. Very pleased.

Photo taken on Kris' home town visit. Little Rock, Arkansas

And have I mentioned how proud I am to be from the great state of Arkansas today?

Proud Moments - Part II

2009-05-20T14:11:00.009-05:00

Anytime anything makes your kids smile, it's bound to make you smile too. I've been smiling alot lately, because it seems....well, my kids have been happy.

And so, that makes me happy...not to mention proud.

I told you here about a book report Little Ann was working on. She had to be dressed in character, it all had to be memorized, and had a minimum time limit. She had to audition because the book report would be presented at the 5th grade's annual Accelerated Reading "History" pageant which included the entire elementary and a slew of parents.

So..don't mind me if I brag just a little. She made it through the audition phase with top score ensuring her a place in the spotlight. She was ecstatic! Lucky for me, her book was "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder and she already had a costume that would work perfectly.

And so the time came.

And it was a flawless performance. She was technical, cute and witty. I was grinning from ear to ear.

And guess what?

She won. Along with Johhny Appleseed in the Male category.

I don't even think it was the bribe she brought the judges. She was just really that good. And I'm not partial. Just proud.

My Week of Proud Moments

2009-05-19T12:49:00.008-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in almost a full 7 days. Shame on me. I was told by a reader recently that he (yes, I have a few male readers) get's tired of going to my page to find the same post as I'm sure others of you do as well. Oops! Maybe since summer is right around the corner, I will have more time to dedicate to the blog world again.

I have big plans for this summer. I hope to get lots of scrapbooking done, watch a little more baseball (American Legion), go on a mission trip and a couple of family outings, and of course attempt to be a more faithful blogger.

For the rest of this week, (if I can figure out how to get some video on here), I plan to share a few of my recent proud moments with you. It has been a crazy, emotional few weeks and I've got lots of things to tell you about.

Proud Moment number 1 - is yea for me...I just noticed that I have been blogging almost a year and I am posting number 207. Wow.. who would have thought I would have so much to say. haha.. (no need to comment on that, Pete)

I will be back with more proud moments (and I promise that was the only one regarding me!)

Oh yeah!! How could I forget? How about those Bachelors last night on "The Bachelorette"? I'm excited to get to blog about some reality tv again!!

Outside my Back Door - Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-13T14:13:00.003-05:00

Look Who I Happened Upon

2009-05-11T22:45:00.015-05:00

Do you recognize this fella? If you watch American Idol, then you know it is Conway, Arkansas native...Kris Allen. He was home this past weekend for the hometown rally and I just so happened upon him. It's quite the coincidence and I think I'll tell you about it.

Friday was a crazy day. We started out with the funeral for Pete's mamaw and then Pete and I parted ways so I could come back home and finish packing for the weekend and run Little Ann to the school to take a test. Once we met back up, we traveled on into the big city for the burial and then actually drove on further North to meet my mother in law. She had volunteered to take Little Ann with her for the Mother's Day weekend at the lake. The get together that we would miss in order to root the baseball boys on at the State Championship game held at the University of Arkansas. WHEW!!! yeah..all that and the day was only half over.

Anyway, I am an Idol fan. I've missed a lot of shows because of games, but I always try to see the performances online. I knew this was Kris' weekend to be home and as Pete and I traveled towards Fayetteville, it hit me we would be traveling through his hometown, Conway. I called the radio station to find out his schedule. Turned on the radio a few minutes later to hear my conversation with the dj on air. Gotta love that! Me and all my hick glory. Just a few more miles away and we would be arriving just as the parade would be starting.

I pleaded with Pete to let me get in on the action. He gave in although he thought I was nuts. The crowd was horrific and it was very humid and muggy. Not to mention the fact that they noted there was close to 20,000 people there.

It was so totally worth it.

After the parade, he put on a little mini concert. One things for sure...he's just as cute and sounds even better in person.

Since Pete just so happened to not have a train to catch, he let me crush a little and then we headed out to complete our mission at hand. We were traveling up the night before since the game started at 10 am on Saturday morning and we live 4 hours away.

Yes...I think Pete's wheels were turning. A hotel room, a king sized bed, no children.

...and I fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow.

Oh Happy Day!

2009-05-10T23:22:00.005-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to me! It's pretty, isn't it? I've been wanting a Vera Bradley purse for awhile now, but wouldn't come off the money, so I was pretty excited today when I opened this.

I had a great day today. My kids mean the world to me and I feel so blessed just to have been given the privilege to be their mother. I look back and wish I could do so many things differently over the past years of their lives. I know I haven't always made all the right decisions in regards to parenting and I know that Big Dan would for sure tell you I was the strictest parent on the face of the earth, but I've tried. Oh how I've tried to be a good mother.

I spent some time with my own mother this evening. I went to church with her and we had some good quality time together tonight. I am so thankful I still have her and that she is my bestest friend in the world. Pete's mamaw that passed away last week had lost a daughter many years ago. Little Ann heard the story for the first time just the other day of how she fell off her bike, hit her head and died just a few days later. She was only 9 years old. Although Pete's dad and uncles buried their mother just 2 days before Mother's Day this year...what a wonderful reunion in Heaven for a mother and her daughter!

I've got lots of things to blog about this week. It's been a whirlwind, but lots of exciting things to post and pictures to share in between all the house cleaning and preparations for Graduation Friday night. Oh dear. Graduation is Friday night! Unbelievable.

Have a wonderful week and I hope you had a great Mother's Day!

Rain, Rain, Go Away...Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T11:21:00.002-05:00

Singing Praise

2009-05-04T23:05:00.004-05:00

Pete's mamaw passed this evening. I thank you for your prayers. God answered them and now she is singing praises to our Heavenly Father.

And continue to remember us all for the remainder of this week. It's gonna be a doozey. Tomorrow is Big Dan's last day of school. (sigh)

We also have one more game to get out of the way which determines if we will play in the State Championship in Fayetteville on Saturday. (doing the happy dance)

But it's going to be difficult saying our goodbyes to a precious little lady this week. Truly it's a blessing though for at this moment I know she feels no more pain.

Prayer Warriors...We Need You!

2009-05-03T20:41:00.006-05:00

I lost both set of my grandparents early in age. My mom's parents passed away when I was 8 and 16, but I managed to keep my dad's around for a little longer. My paternal grandmother died from lymphoma 2 weeks before Big Dan was born. It was an extremely hard time and my grandfather died from complications from a surgical procedure just 8 months later. I was 20. I miss them, but I know I will see them again one day. All 4 of them.

But Pete....he's been so blessed to have both of his grandmothers around for such a long time. Although he lost his maternal grandmother 2 years ago, it's been hard to keep the other one down. She is 88 and has hung with the best of them....until now. She fell off a ladder back around Christmas and has since been in and out of the hospital having 2 back surgeries giving her no relief. It seems that the pain is too much for her to bear, yet the medication makes her too ill for an appetite. She has just given up. Hospice is taking over tomorrow. My prayer is that God will either use His Almighty power to heal her, or He will scoop her up in His loving arms and bring her home. Her 70 pound body is absolutely pitiful and I can't stand to see and hear of any more suffering.

Please remember her when you pray.

Bummer

2009-05-02T17:51:00.013-05:00

If I were on top of things, I would've known that today called for 90% chance of rain and storms. Then I would've been able to prepare myself physically and mentally for a state tournament game that might be a little wet or not happen at all. Fortunately I have a husband that is pretty keen on things like that. He's always prepared for everything....nothing gets by him. Unfortunately, he was on a trip and I didn't get the memo.

I took my Little Ann to a play date and headed towards town where the game would be played. As I meandered out, I noticed the day did seem a little dreary. As I headed toward town, the sprinkles began to fall. The closer I got, the harder it came down. Just as I was inside the city limits, my mother called to tell me there were tornado warnings for the county that I lived in and also the one I was in. Great..

Then I heard them....something that we have never been fortunate enough to have in our little po dunk town.....tornado sirens. I've never heard them before and I panicked. As I pulled into the parking lot of the field I saw people, heads covered, running to their vehicles, but I needed Big Dan. I needed him with me, but I couldn't find him. No answer on the cell. I called the girlfriend. No answer. I called again and again. No answer. It was chaos in the street and I kept driving around looking and looking...no kids. Pete was still on a train, but told me I should find shelter under the nearest bank awning. I I just wanted to get home.

Finally I heard from Big Dan. He and the girlfriend were laughing at the distressed look on my face as I frantically searched through faces to find them...when all along they were right beside me. Big Dan says they were standing right near my van. I never saw them, but I did realize I was going the wrong way down the street so I sped off to turn around and get out of the way of oncoming traffic. I guess that's when they gave up on me letting them in and headed on to get in the girlfriends vehicle. What can I say. Storms cause me to lose my mind.

I drove like a crazy lady all the way home with my husband, my mother and my friend who had Little Ann (all taking cover in their bathtub) keeping me updated on weather conditions. I got home to a dark, empty house that remained that way for two hours.

I admit it...I am a big chicken. I hate storms....especially the ones that generate tornadoes. I am so relieved the worst is over, the power is back on, Pete is on his way home with supper, and Little Ann is safe and sound with mama.. I guess Big Dan will be home at curfew, but at least I know he's safe.

It's been an exciting day (if you can call it that), but I'm totally bummed out we didn't get to play ball today. We won last night in the first round of the state playoffs so we've got 2 more rounds to go before the championship game this weekend. Hope we get to make it up soon! Rain, rain....Go away!

Houston, We have a Problem!

2009-04-30T23:32:00.004-05:00

Here's ya a nice story. Today I was looking frantically through my closet for something to wear to a program Little Ann was participating in at school. I haven't had time to really get my summer things out yet, but decided I'd quickly sort through the pile and pick out a pair of capri's from last year.

Whoa.....nelly. Um...can you say T.I.G.H.T???

This can only mean one thing. No more oreo mcflurries...or bigger clothes.

Or...maybe "The 30 Day Shred"?

Or...bigger clothes.

Or...lypo.

Or...bigger clothes.

I guess I could buy a membership to the gym....or lay off the chocolate milk.

Or...just buy bigger clothes.

I refuse!
Oh Dear.

Deep Thoughts and a Tradgedy

2009-04-29T22:40:00.005-05:00

I'm coming up on my 200th post. Wow. That's amazing that I have kept going this long. I keep thinking about what I could do that would be really cool and exciting, but I got nothing.

nada.

zilch.

My brain has been in this funky state for awhile. I keep trying to think of fun things to blog about, but in all honesty, I feel like you guys are getting tired of baseball and right now that seems to be all we are doing. We ended the season as Conference Champs, District Champs, Regional Champs and will be playing in the State Tournament this weekend. You know I'll have pictures coming soon!!

I guess I could talk about the fact that my baby birdie is getting ready to leave the nest. Yep..we are in our official last week of high school and it is sort of bittersweet. I am sad because I want him to be little again. I long to stop the clock. I don't want him to leave. Sometimes I feel like I won't survive when my children are gone. That they are my everything and without them I will just be bobbling along through the rest of my life without a purpose. Motherhood is a wonderful thing...yes it is..even if I have to shake the occassional desire to "run away from home".

The tears flowed last Friday as I sat at the school during a period with no students. I looked out the window at a sidewalk that Big Dan has walked a many a mile on. I visualized him coming into my room (my kids always do this when I sub), asking for money or lunch from the store because the cafeteria was serving something not so desirable. I could see him jumping on the backs of his friends, or yelling across the way at the principal making a spectacle of himself as he so often does. He's a friendly guy. A loud, silly, loving life teenager. And as hard as it may be, I know this chapter in his life....one of many...has to come to an end.

And that's not all a bad thing.

I think about how much of a burden off me it will be to not have that homework to fret over. Wondering if he really got it done because it never seemed to make it home. Or that paper, project or scrapbook that loomed over us until the night before it was due. It will be nice to not feel the need to check the locker for lost jackets and missing jeans each time I substitue. To not cringe each time my phone rings and the caller id tells me it is the high school or wonder what kind of show he put on this time whenever all the teacher wants to do is say hello. Nope, no more parent-teacher conferences that cause me an anxiety attack the entire week before and no more wondering what kind of bill I'm going to get during the summer for lost text books, or locks that somehow never made it through the year in one piece or even turned in at all.

oh, who am I kidding. I'm gonna miss it all. The good and the bad.

Time goes by so fast. I know in just a few short years, I will be processing these same thoughts with Little Ann. Cherish each moment with your children, because the days are gone before you know it.

And I've said this before, none of us have the assurance of tomorrow. Just yesterday a lady in our little community pulled right out in front of a log truck on our highway. It was awful. She passed away, and her grandson, who is a 2nd grader at our little school, is at Children's hospital in critical condition. It has been a sad day and my heart is breaking for this family. He is such an adorable little boy. I am asking for your prayers for him and his family. He and his older brother are near the ages of my nephew's. They are friends and play baseball together. It is hard for little children to understand why things like this happen sometimes.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

FYI

2009-04-23T15:09:00.010-05:00

Just a little "For Your Information"...

First of all, you know I gotta brag just a little bit. We're still playing ball..although we are just before finishing up the season. Last night we took home the title of Conference and District Champs!! Yea Us!

Can you find Big Dan? This is not the greatest picture. I was dealing with lots of fidgety, ready to get this over with, teenage boys....the darkness....and a glaring field light. But at least I have the picture. We advance to Regionals this weekend.

*********************************************

And for the 2nd bit of information.

I've been getting several comments and emails regarding my mom's etsy shop and I just wanted to let you know what is going on with that. She had several items listed for about 6 months and she and I both felt really good about it. But would you believe she never got one single sale? I felt so bad for her. Anyway, when her listing times ran out, she didn't list anything else, and I took her link down.

Guys, I know you're just going on my word, but her stuff is good. Really good...and not just because I have a teensy weensy reason to be partial. It is. So, for those of you who have expressed interest, please feel free to email me again and I can send you pictures of her work. And if any of you who have blogger friends that get lots of hits who may be interested in doing some advertising or "talking her up"...well, that would be so appreciated too. I'd really like to see Etsy work for her.

If you are just tuning in to my blog, and don't know what I'm talking about...she sews, monograms and appliques. She makes classy children's outfits from birth - size 6 (or so). She incorporates monogram or applique designs and personalization into her outfits. She also does precious baby bags, burp pads, blankets and lots of other stuff.

Hey..we'll take any advice you have for getting the word out. My parent's are retired and mom is just trying to make a living doing what she loves.

Some Mid Week "Things"...

2009-04-22T08:17:00.011-05:00

There's been lots going on in the house of Scrapper Mom recently. Lots of things requiring my computer scrap savvy brain...such as it is. Starting over the weekend, this is what I'm talking about:

- One book report over "The Long Winter". Ready for Little Ann to audition for her part in the Accelerated Reading pageant on the 30th. We're talking 3-4 minutes that had to be memorized. Not even notecards....and complete with costume. CHECK.

She did this on Monday and I must brag. She was the only one in the class that made a perfect score and was first pick for the pageant!!

- Next up for Little Ann was the power point she had to put together for yesterday's 4-H presentation. Community Service is a good thing. CHECK.

- I've been scrap happy for the past few days because Big Dan's last 5 spreads for his Senior Scrapbook are due tomorrow. This time he had to design a cover and back for the binder. The essay was on his best childhood memory which of course would be the 500 years he's played baseball. We..correction..I spent hours sorting through old baseball pics for the accompanying collage. CHECK.

- District Tournament started this past week. All pushed back a day because of rain. I drove 5 hours yesterday (round trip) for the game which we won. We play again tonight for the Championship. And I suppose I'll be driving to watch again.

- Pete's job did change a little. Not too detrimental at the moment. As a railroader, there is so much strange lingo that it took me years to learn to comprehend. All I can say right now is he got "bumped" off the "extra board" and is now working a "regular job" which gives him pretty standard off days instead of a few hours off between trips. There. Did you get all that? I said all that to say that he has been a little stir crazy with the warm weather and off days. So much that he and Little Ann began "PROJECT TREE HOUSE". I think it's supposed to resemble "American Girl..Kit's". The first day they worked on it brought a little tumble backwards into the mud in which he thought he broke his ankle. Now Little Ann is stressed that her clumsy daddy is going to really hurt himself during this endeavor and she wants him to stop. Aw...now that's sweet. How is it that some of us get so much clumsier with age? (Love ya honey).

- The Seniors have 10 more days of school. I have hung in there. No tears yet (well, recent ones), but I know they're a comin'!! As soon as this tournament is over we are going to have to squeeze graduation invitations in somewhere between Regional and State...and I'm trying to plan the "after party".

No doubt it's been and will be a wild ride around here for a little while. Say a little prayer for us....(and my dad who is having a skin cancer removed today and sent off for biopsy).

Happy Hump Day, my friends!

La La Land

2009-04-20T12:51:00.008-05:00

That's where I feel like I've been (and still am) for the past 48 hours. Maybe I'm writing to get a little sympathy...or not. But as boring as it may be, I'm going to share anyway.

I started having headaches at a very young age, but I don't think anybody really knew what a "migraine" was back then. As I got older into my teen years, I had them worse and worse and still battle (although medication choices are much better now). I had been to several doctors and a neurologist to try to get to the root, but no one could ever find it and just sent me home with more prescriptions.

Into college, I went through a series of allergy tests that revealed that I was allergic to practically everything and I went on food journal diets and shots to try to alleviate the headaches. Nothing seemed to change and I hate needles, so I eventually got off the shots.

Then my dentist discovered I had Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ). Found out that it is very common and I had all the symptoms. My dentist made me a splint to wear at night to align my bite and it did seem to alleviate some of the stress on my jaw. Although the headaches still remain today (oh, do they ever), the TMJ has thankfully been in remission for the past 15 years or so of my life.

BUT...it seems it's back in full force. I have noticed clicking and pain on the right side of my face and even a soreness in my teeth for the last several months. The weird thing about it now is, it is affecting my neck.

My neck aches.

Terribly.

It feels like a crick that never goes away. Tender to touch and sometimes shoots a strange pain completely up the back of my head. I've taken some hydrocodone over the weekend and been on heat and today called the doctor, but I guess I'm curious. Is anybody else out there familiar with this disorder....and is neck pain common with TMJ? I've googled and found some forums that say yes, but I'd like to know if any of you have experienced this first hand.

Babysitting

2009-04-14T23:30:00.006-05:00

I think I mentioned to you way back when school started that Big Dan was taking a Parenting class. All has gone well so far, but with the end drawing near, time for "the baby" has come. Yes, my friend. I had big plans for pictures from Easter for you...or maybe some deep thoughts, but nooooo. Haven't had time for that over the past 24 hours. I've been too busy babysitting.

My heart went out to him last night as he came in utterly exhausted. So, me, being the good mama, stayed up all night with the crying thing. I think I finally got to sleep around 5:30 this morning. The little squawl bag went to school with Big Dan today. I had to use the morning hours to get caught up on my sleep. Thankfully my babysitting services were not required again until lunch time since the rest of the afternoon and evening would be filled with baseball.

It's been quite comical around here tonight. I think I only saw the thing fly across the room once...(....not the baby, but he did throw a bottle or a diaper or something baby related). I've heard lots and lots of fussin' and not just from the little one. Maybe I won't have to worry about becoming grandma too soon after tonight! WHEW! (I don't EVEN wanna go there!).....yet anyway.

Total Randomness

2009-04-12T20:45:00.013-05:00

Some randomness for you...

This past week seems nothing more than a whirlwind for me now as I look back. I'm so tired as I write, I can't really even remember what the past 6 days beheld. I do know that today marks the beginning of a new week and represents the day my Lord and Savior rose from the grave. Oh how I am so thankful for that "agape" love He showed the day He died for my sins.

It seems as though I'm missing Pete more and more. He's been working so much lately. Part of our mutual total money makeover plan. I am so grateful to him for the sacrifices he has been making and appreciate the contributions, but I must admit I miss him.

You know..(in deep thought)...as much as I miss him, marriage is a hard thing. I sometimes wonder for the life of me why Pete can't understand me. He thinks I speak some foreign off the wall idiotic female language, (but it all makes perfect sense to me). When I nag, he goes outside to escape me. When I cry, he tells me to stop wallowing. When I am angry, he tells me I sound like a banshee. And when it's that week of the month...well, he tells me to talk to him again next week. It must be true what they say about men being from Mars and women from Venus. I guess what I'm trying to say is...I wish they'd offer a crash course in "listening, consoling, understanding, and apologizing" on Mars.

...and I know it's a two way street.

I can be difficult. I know this too (but I won't take credit for all of it).

Oh well, in changing the randomness, just so you know...(even misunderstood), I'm pretty sure I love him.... alot.

We played lots of baseball this week. A game on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and a mini Tournament on Saturday. It was pretty exciting and we won all of the above.

Good Friday really did turn out to be a pretty "good" day. We welcomed this new precious boy into the world....

and then Little Ann and I went to see.....

which was pretty good for a Hannah Montana movie. (shhh...don't tell anybody I said that.)

A Whole Lot of Stuff...Packed Into Three Days!

2009-04-06T11:17:00.009-05:00

I've blogged quite a a bit this past week about feeling anxiety regarding the business (I guess you could say) of the week and especially the weekend. It was crazy and I felt like I met myself coming and going from about Thursday on, but here it is Monday again and I made it through.

I got a chance to take lots of photographs that I am excited about sharing today so bear with me.

Friday Night was Big Dan's Senior Prom. Pete and I invited the kids over to eat. Last year a group of them went to Chili's for dinner, but this year, I volunteered to pick up steaks from our local butcher shop for Pete to grill if they wanted to come here. I was hoping the words "eat free" would entice them, because I so wanted to be as much of a part of this special night as I could.

Here is Big Dan being his normal goofy self. They are eating in their street clothes because the girlfriend was just certain Big Dan would get dinner all over that white coat of his. Ahhh....not even a year since they started dating and she knows him so well.....lol.

We had a good meal and topped it off with some delicious cheesecake for dessert. Then they began getting ready. Little Ann was beside herself all night. She was just amazed by the glitter in the girlfriends hair, her beautiful dress, her sparkly shoes, and even Big Dan's white coat and bow tie.

I think she has been dreaming of her Prom Night every night since.

Unless I am bragging or posting pictures of him playing baseball, most of the time, when I am blogging about Big Dan, I am venting....lol. Mostly about some of his not so endearing teenager qualities, but one thing I can say about him is....he is funny. And that's probably the thing I love the most about him. He can make you smile. Check out this picture....

And now it's time for the finishing touches so we can get this photo session on the move!

And I took about a thousand pictures after they were dressed, but I won't bore you tee totally to death. Here are my favorites.

And so after they drove off in all their radiant glory, I went to hang out with my girls and we stuffed about a million eggs for Saturday's church/community wide egg hunt.

And here is my Little Ann finding those eggs.

Sunday afternoon, me and a friend of mine (is that the way you say that?? lol) hosted a baby shower here at my house for another dear friend of ours. She is actually our Pastor's wife as well. We'll be welcoming her sweet bundle of joy into the world on "Good Friday". How's that for a "Good Friday" celebration? She had a great shower...lots of fun, good fellowship, and I was tickled at the gifts she received.

See that cute little "Evan" bag right in the front? My mother made that. Don't you want one for your next shower? I can hook you up!

In looking at the calendar, it seems like this week will be a little on the crazy side as well. I'm starting today out with a little laundry, returning the tux, and heading out to a ballgame (that is supposed to be freezing), but I've got my attitude in check and a smile on my face!

Have a great week!

Mickey D's Has it Out for Me!

2009-04-03T11:32:00.006-05:00

Once a month in every girl's life...nothing can satisfy like some chocolate, some sugar and lots of carbs. Which is exactly why in the midst of all my errand running yesterday for prom night tonight, I decided an oreo mcflurry would hit the spot.

Me: "Yes, I would like to order an oreo mcflurry."
Them: "That is $2 blah blah ...drive up..blah blah.."

Them: "We're sorry, we're out of oreos."
Me: (pondering the next best thing...) "Ok. then, I'll take a hot fudge sundae."
Them: heading off to kitchen...coming back...I"'m sorry. We're out of fudge."

WHAT??? Are they CRAZY? (they are messing with hormones, here!!) Needless to say. I just got my money back.

The reason this is so comical to me is just last month, Pete, Little Ann and I ordered hot fudge sundae's from a totally different McDonalds. After paying and having the ice cream in hand...I stood there patiently waiting on spoons. After they waited on a few more people, I finally spoke up..."hello...we need some spoons", I said. Would you believe that lady looked at me and said "oh, we're out of spoons". "Well, how do you expect me to eat my sundae?".. She had no reply. I got a refund that day too. (except for Little Ann who had already headed over to get a straw).

Wow. This is almost as bad as the day Big Dan and I stopped at Taco Bell on a day they were out of meat.....awesome.

Dissatisfied

2009-04-02T09:16:00.011-05:00

I will admit....I've got like a thousand things to do today..and tomorrow...and the next day. It's a bit overwhelming. I wouldn't even allow myself to crawl back under my warm covers after taking Little Ann to school this morning, which is a pretty normal thing for me.

No, today, is filled with "stuff". An already packed full calendar and a death in our church requiring me to take out even more time to prepare food and a song since the family asked me to sing at the services. Wow. That adds a little stress to my weary, stressed out, hormonal body this week. But in reality, maybe it's what I need to make me me feel a little better about myself...you know. Being able to serve someone other than self right now.

As I write, I am listening to the rolling thunder. Seems a storm is blowing in (which actually may cancel the ballgame this evening alleviating something from my calendar without adding the guilt).

The storm makes me consider my life at this moment.

I am a terrible Christian. I fill my life with nonsense. A snippy tongue for no apparent reason. (I am working on that one.) A lazy..it'll be there tomorrow attitude. Blogging and Facebook.. which takes up an extreme amount of my time. This alone is the biggest storm I am having to row through at this moment. I seem to be letting things go...and then wondering why I feel the pressure. And my relationship with God. You don't even want to know. I should be spending time with Him. In study....in prayer.

I'm dissatisfied..with myself. No one else. It's all me. I'm upset because I can't seem to get control. I'm upset because I allow things to go on inside myself that shouldn't go on. I'm upset because I won't even do my Sunday School lesson and I can think of every excuse why. Our Pastor says if we are going to be Christians, then we should be Christians.

God's been speaking to me...

And I've been running...

Why God? Don't you know there are so many more important things to do?

I'm such a hypocrite.

O Lord My God..
When I in Awesome Wonder.
Consider all..the works Thy hand have made.

I see the stars. I hear the rolling thunder.
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then Sings my Soul...My Savior God to Thee.
How Great Thou Art! How Great Thou Art!

Oh Heavenly Father. Please don't give up on me. Help me get through this storm. Continue these convictions that our relationship may be restored. I love you Jesus. Amen.

An April Fool's Daybook

2009-04-01T11:46:00.010-05:00

I am thinking.....that Prom is expensive, but I'm sad this is the last one.

AND I just have to say...I am also thinking that there are still lots of lurkey loo's out there that never comment, but the 10 of you that did definitely made me SMILE!! (and if you link in...you still CAN!!)

I am thankful.....that Big Dan's girlfriend and I have been spending more time together thanks to some away baseball games, a few road trips, and some good conversation. It has been nice being able to form a closer bond with her. She makes Big Dan happy and that makes me happy.

From the kitchen.....I am going to try a new recipe for a cake called "honey bun cake" given to me by a good friend recently. Doesn't that sound yummo?

I am wearing.....knit capri's, a tee shirt, and I am barefoot.

I am reading.....nothing, but I have been very convicted lately about reading too much internet and not enough of my bible. Anybody else have that problem? oh the shame....

I am hoping.....that I can scrapbook soon. I am feeling the urge BIG TIME, but it's one of those things where I get overwhelmed with guilt if I do it when I have other things lingering over my head. Believe me though. I've got the FEVER.

(haha...notice this is the same thing I was hoping the last time I did a daybook, but I STILL wanna scrapbook and STILL haven't had the time!)

I am creating.....ideas in my head about what to put in my 18 year old's Easter Basket that he doesn't already have or need!! (gasp!! yes, I still give him an Easter Basket...and he still believes in Santa too!) (April Fools!...well, the last part anyway.)

I am hearing.....the roar of our bedroom fan that is used for noise at night. I haven't managed to remove my body from my bedroom yet this morning...except to bathe. (but that's a good thing, right?) AND....the sound of the tractor outside. I think my husband is mowing for the first time this season. I love that sound because I love Spring and Summer.

Around the house.....I've got to do some deep cleaning...as in cabinets and corners! Having guests over this weekend.

One of my favorite things.....Sonic Cherry Limeades. I love finding a Sonic before a baseball game and sipping my limeade all during the game!

A few plans.....unfortunately a funeral that I was asked to sing at tomorrow, baseball (of course), feeding the kids a steak dinner here at the house before PROM on Friday night, Bible Study, an egg hunt, a birthday party, a Passion Play, Church, and last but not least, I am hosting a baby shower for our Pastor's wife here on Sunday. I'm sure you'll be hearing about that soon. He's due to arrive on the 10th!!

A picture thought for the day.....

I had a baseball shirt air brushed. You can guarantee I'm 100% Big Dan's BIGGEST FAN!

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!

Pretty Please??? Just To Make My Day...

2009-03-30T22:49:00.005-05:00

Hey guys. It doesn't hardly seem like I've been blogging just shy of a year now. I love it and am so glad I started...for different reasons.

I know I have fallen into a pattern of not posting every day though, mainly because of baseball season and just life in general. I keep wondering if I will lose (am losing) readers, especially on days where I only get one or two comments.

So, give a girl a reason to smile....if you read faithfully, leave me a comment. Or if you just lurk, then PLEASE leave me a comment. To settle my curiousity. I would LOVE to know you are there and will continue to visit even when I become a slacker. No incentives or giveaways....just because you love me! (you do, don't you?)

Allies

2009-03-29T23:12:00.001-05:00

Just wondering if anyone else would agree that one week is most definitely NOT long enough for Spring Break? Maybe I should take up homeschooling.

A Spring Break Post (in Pictures)

2009-03-27T23:01:00.014-05:00

and maybe just a little writing...(just because I like to talk so much).

MONDAY:

Yeah, I guess it wasn't hard to figure out that we spent the entire day on Monday shopping and eating. Not a bad deal.

TUESDAY:

It took me the entire week to do all the laundry, but you can stick a fork in me...cause I'm DONE!

WEDNESDAY:

THURSDAY:

This shot doesn't reflect the "before", but notice the neatly labeled bags and tub...winter clothes, summer clothes. You know the drill...we do this twice a year, but we didn't work hard all day long. Our evening was full of pampering.....

FRIDAY:

I've tried not to talk too much, but I've just got to share captions for these next few pictures from tonight...

My handsome 1st baseman...

snagging that ball hit right to him.....He's OUT!!!

Runner headed to 2nd base....hmmmm...my handsome 1st baseman throws it to 2nd baseman..

And he's OUT!!! And yes, that would mean my handsome 1st baseman got a DOUBLE PLAY!! Go Big Dan!

All kids gone can only mean one thing. Hubby and I get a night to ourselves. Yum. I ate so much I felt like such a sinner. (You know...the gluttony thing. lol)

Hope everyone had a wonderful week...Back to work on Monday.

About A Girl

2009-03-24T11:55:00.009-05:00

Yes, this post is an ode to my birthday girl / fashion queen!

The birthday fell on Tuesday of last week. Not the ideal time for partying it up, but she did get to hang out with the grandparents while I went to Big Dan's game. We had a day of fun planned for Saturday of this past weekend and here's what we did.....

We gathered up an aunt, an uncle, and a few little boys....

A daddy to foot the bill and ride go-karts with her....

A mom who played some skee ball with her, followed her around snappping lots of pictures..

cleaned up all the wrapping mess...

and kept up with ALL THOSE TICKETS!!

We went to Playtime Pizza and they had a blast! It was totally a Chuck E Cheese on some major steroids.

With all the craziness of baseball and just life in general last week, she decided she would rather have Cold Stone Creamery instead of a birthday cake. She's not much on cake anyway, and it sure made it easier on me. HOWEVER, we were so full after an all you could eat during the day buffet, we decided we would save that until our "girls day out" which was yesterday....the first day of Spring Break.

We had such a wonderful day yesterday. The weather was gorgeous! Perfect for some shopping....and let me tell you, this little fashion queen hit the mother load. We found some great deals and some super cute stuff including these...

The ice cream trip got changed to this...

Highway robbery if you ask me!! lol. Anyway, the goal of the day was to not come home without an Easter Dress. The MISSION was ACCOMPLISHED, and we had some wonderful quality chick time to boot!! I am lovin' Spring Break.

A Baseball Blurb

2009-03-20T13:33:00.015-05:00

I love watching my son play baseball. Did you know that?

Our team is doing great this season so far. We have won every single game with only 2 teams even scoring on us. Everybody is in super spirits....although Big Dan has had some moments of distress. He has been down on himself because he's worked so hard gearing up for the season, and even in spite of that, he is still feeling inadequate. I think he just gets so nervous when he's at the plate. Instead of really focusing on getting on base, he focuses more on getting it over the fence. His fielding has been good though. He in is competition with another senior for 1st base and so he doesn't get to play all the time, but he hasn't had any errors and that says so much.

Ok, with all that said, I got some super shots at the last couple of games that I wanted to share and a couple of tips...if anybody is interested.

Do you remember when I talked about the sports setting here? In sports mode (in good lighting), you can shoot continuously which is what I did here. This is Big Dan fielding first base.

I was extremely pleased. All I did was tweak the contrast a bit in my photo editing software because I like vibrant color. One thing I will note is even with my 75-300 lens, instead of staying in my seat and zooming in, I like to get up close and personal with my subject, and I find that zooming in at the max sometimes causes me to lose clarity.

Here he is still at the same position, but I turned my camera to shoot landscape for a different look, and also to include the runner.

To me, the batting pictures are a bit more challenging. I have to be 100% ready and the continuous shooting here is the only way I'm really going to capture the hit. Out of about 10 shots, this is the only one that was really good, but I LOVED capturing the blur of the bat as it rebounded off the ball. That's some good action right there.

Good News! Last night Big Dan got a great hit! He got a double with a hit that went all the way to the fence. I was so happy because he really needed that pick me up. I was mad at myself, though because he had a face first dive into 2nd and I totally wasn't ready to capture that on camera. I'm sure you will notice the dirt in these next 2 photographs though. haha.

Remember I told you how I like to get up close and personal? Well, it's the best way. I get funny looks sometimes and I had to travel far from the stands clear to the other side of the home dugout to get over to 3rd base, but look what it got me!!

I'm so glad Big Dan has finally gotten out of that "mom, you're embarrassing me" stage. I thought that day would never come, but it's so funny....now the first thing he wants to know is "if I got any good pictures!". Makes getting out of my seat totally worth the smile on his face.

Eleven

2009-03-17T23:00:00.010-05:00

Although it is actually 11:00 and the day has almost ended, it was a very special day....and no, not just because it was "St. Patrick's Day", although it was.

My baby girl turned eleven today.

She was up this morning before anyone else in the house. By the time my alarm went off she had already had a bath and painted her nails green for the occasion. I made cinnamon rolls especially for her birthday breakfast.

While she was at school, I scurried around knowing this would probably be my only chance to get chores done around the house. I'll be baseballing pretty much the rest of the week, but savoring every last moment of it. My parents picked Little Ann and my nephews up from school and they went to celebrate over supreme pizza and a root beer float, while afterwards heading to wally world to pick out a gift. I, of course, went to watch Big Dan, but if I had to guess, she had a great day. We will be celebrating more this weekend gearing up for "Playtime Pizza" and some "Cold Stone Creamery". I'm sure you'll be hearing more about that birthday celebration in detail..(with pictures!)

They grow so very fast. It's hard to believe that my sweet little chubby cheeked baby....

has blossomed into such a beautiful young lady.

Happy Birthday! I love you, my sweet Little Ann.

Catching Up....List Style

2009-03-16T22:59:00.011-05:00

I've been reminded again lately that I've been lagging behind in the blogging department. I know. It seems that I want to blog, but by the time I settle in for the night, my brain is too tired to write anything comprehensible. And such is the case tonight, but I'm going to try to fill you in on what I've been up to by way of a list.

1. Friday I accomplished a great task. I actually paid off my van. I was ecstatic. I knew I was in close range when at the beginning of the year I numbered the pages left in the payment book, but God blessed us with a tax return in excess of the amount I still owed as pay off. It is a great feeling I tell ya. So great, that I felt the urge to detail it out, had Pete put on 4 brand new tires, do a brake job, replace a headlight...and today I had the transmission serviced. So!! I'm good for what...at least another 5 years or so, right?

2. Saturday, the Girl Scouts took a field trip to the Arkansas Historic Museum for a tour and a little hands on. I must say it was worth the $6 for the 4 hours they got. Of course, you must know, my Little Ann went in costume courtesy of my mother. I warned her everyone else would be wearing their girl scout tee shirts, but she didn't care. She looks for opportunities to be different. I guess that's a good thing...or is it? Here are a few shots from the day:

They made beautiful music.

Made sweet little corn husks dolls.

The toured homes, stuffed pillows, played with wool and even watched this lady spin.

Little Ann loved it so much, I am feeling a possible Natchez, Mississippi girl trip over Spring Break.

3. Sunday Little Ann had a relapse. She missed 2 days of school last week with tummy troubles. Keep her in your prayers for she has been having some issues and I'm not quite sure what the problem is. I have an appointment made in April with a specialist. Could be allergies, could be other. May be nothing. Just don't know.

4. Today, I made a trip into the big city with a friend. We had put clothes in a bi-yearly consignment sale, and needed to go pick up our checks. I sold everything I took except 2 pair of shoes and a tank! YEA. Now I can go buy more!

5. And last but not least, we finished the night off with baseball. Overall our team is doing excellent. We had 2 more shut downs tonight. The team we played never scored a single run. It's been a great season so far, but Big Dan has been somewhat down. He's been working so hard. Staying late for extra batting practice, and giving it his all, but it seems that during the games, he is just not hitting right now. He wants to take this to the next level SO BAD, and I just hate when he's down on himself. Mom's job is to help him keep his head up though, so I just keep encouraging him and telling him how proud of him I am. (Because I am ...no matter what he does.)

There you have my list. Happy "almost" Tuesday.

A Friday the 13th Daybook

2009-03-13T15:12:00.011-05:00

Outside my window.....a slight breeze and cold, but at least there's no rain. (Well, I spoke too soon. It started raining before I even finished this post.) Things are turning green despite the 40 degrees. I am sooooo glad they canceled the baseball tournament this weekend.

I am thinking.....what a wonderful time I had at Revival this week. I will admit, my week did NOT start off on the right foot, but God's been working on me all week with each new sermon I've heard. Thank you, God for blessing me. And for you prayer warriors out there that read, please pray for my family. Hard headed teenager, high tempered husband, sick daughter = stressed out MOM.

I am thankful.....that I have such wonderful parents that lift me up in prayer and would do anything for me.

From the kitchen.....a big yummy, pot of chili to warm my belly.

I am wearing.....tee shirt, some comfy jeans, and my favorite fuzzy socks.

I am reading.....nothing, but wanting to.

I am hoping.....that I can scrapbook soon. I am feeling the urge BIG TIME, but it's one of those things where I get overwhelmed with guilt if I do it when I have other things lingering over my head. Believe me though. I've got the FEVER.

I am creating.....a clean living room floor just as soon as I finish this post. Tired of trampling over laundry that should've been put away Monday! Ug.

I am hearing.....Little House on the Prairie. Life was so much simpler then, but Ma and Pa Ingalls are in an argument??? I didn't know they ever had a disagreement.

Around the house.....I've been cleaning and organizing. What a great feeling.

One of my favorite things.....my electric blanket that I've so desperately been missing. Pete is glad I burnt that sucker up, but I want another one.

A few plans.....Girl Scout Pioneer Days tomorrow, Church on Sunday, Little Ann turns 11 next week...ELEVEN. oh my goodness...ballgames, ballgames and more ballgames.

A picture thought for the day.....

I took this picture of Little Ann in March of 2007. She's grown up so much.

Oh Spring. Where, oh where are you??

Bad, Bad Blogger

2009-03-12T23:37:00.003-05:00

Ok. So I'm sorry. I've been a bad blogger lately. My husband reminded me that it's been over a week. What's wrong with me? Could it be that my emotions have been running wild again and I didn't figure you wanted another whiny post? Could it be that my girl has been sick with a whole different ailment this time? Could it be that my church has been in revival all week and that both my days and nights have been cram packed with things to do, places to go and people to see? Or could it be that I just absolutely, for the life of me, can't think of one single thing to blog about?

But! I'll be back, I promise.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

Isn't Baseball Supposed to be a "Warm" Sport?

2009-03-04T17:49:00.008-06:00

Look! The blossoms on my pear trees are blooming. It's March 4. Baseball is in full swing. So, doesn't that mean we should be getting some warmer weather?

Arkansas weatherman did say we should see warmer temps by the end of the week which is a very, very GOOD thing because I don't know if I can hang with watching baseball in 40 degree weather for much longer. Did I mention they played in snow Saturday night? Yes, SNOW. Can you believe that?

This would be Big Dan's frozen "spectator" section.

Ah yes....the things we do for our kids..(and boyfriends).

And this is the baseball star himself. I won't give you any kind of photography lesson today for these weren't the greatest shots in the world. It was the one time I could force myself out from under my blankie and between the darkness and the shivers, it was pretty much a lost cause.

So, who's ready for Spring already?

Interesting Find

2009-03-02T23:45:00.004-06:00

I realize just an hour ago I posted my rant over tonights finale and after rose show, but in my denial, I've been lurking around on the net and happened across this article much to my dismay. Thought you fellow fans may be interested.

Wanna Know What I Think?

2009-03-02T22:19:00.007-06:00

Huh? Huh? Do ya? DO YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT I THINK? I seriously think Jason is a meany pants. I am absolutely shocked and appalled and extremely hurt for that poor girl. The audacity to do that on public television. I just can't believe it. Say it isn't so. ABSOLUTELY!

Ok. Now, that I got that all out of my system, here's my opinion.

Molly is a cute girl, although I had a hard time getting past her messy ponytails and "I love yo", but all in all I could see him falling for her. Melissa was no doubt my favorite and I liked her more and more with each episode, but really. Did she deserve all that? I'm not doubting that the guy was having second thoughts, and I completely understand that he came to terms with the fact he made the wrong choice. I mean, who can possibly choose a life partner in that short of time? It stands to reason that he just wasn't sure who he was really in to by the time d-day rolled around. What I DON'T understand is why on earth could he not have told her all that in private before that stupid rose show so she could've come on stage with some dignity left. That was just mean. Didn't his momma ever teach him to do unto others as you would have them do unto you?

The spoilers I read seem to indicate that Jason was having secret contact with Molly all along. I'm not so sure about that. If that is the case then Molly did a really good job acting surprised about the whole thing. AND if ABC instructed Jason to do all that (which is another thing I read) to increase their ratings, then phooey, phooey on ABC. The nerve. I would boycott them if I wasn't so excited about watching the new show coming on next Monday, Castle.

Ok, so I feel much better now. So what did YOU think about the whole thing? I really wanna know!

You Think I'm Obsessive?

2009-03-02T17:54:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry. I know you guys are probably beginning to think by now I am truly obsessive compulsive. After days and hours spent working on this blog layout, I just can't get happy. I even purchased those tabs and header from the shabby shoppe and loved them, but without really knowing what I was doing, I couldn't use them without a white background which really bugged me.

I've got so much on my plate throughout the next month with 4 or more basball games per week, bible study, revival, a consignment sale in the big city, a spa party, Little Ann's birthday, a long overdue promised room makeover during Spring Break....and the list goes on. I guess I will just have to settle until I find some time to either learn how to compose my own or get someone to help me. Until then, just bear with me.

It is officially one hour until the big finale of The Bachelor!! We'll see how this pans out and I may be back later tonight for one last venting session. lol.

Sicklings

2009-03-01T20:24:00.007-06:00

Well, the first day of March has come and almost gone and I've got nothing to show for it except a couple of sets of clean sheets and some left over homemade pizza. I didn't even get to go to church today because my Little Ann has been a sickling. I am guessing I will call the doctor tomorrow because she has been running fever since Thursday evening with flu like symptoms. I was looking forward to getting over this cough I've had lingering on for the past week myself, but sharing a bed and a lap with Little Ann may hinder that (not that I would have it any other way). We had a bad night. Despite my efforts to bring her 103 degree body back to normal by way of cold drinks, popsicles, and lukewarm baths, the fever was refusing to come down. She was miserable and even after she finally went to sleep in the wee hours, I seemed to worry myself to death for the rest of the night.

Big Dan will probably be bed ridden with pneumonia next after playing a tournament game in freezing temperatures and some snow last night. Friday's game got canceled because of the rain. This mom thinks it was absurd to play in conditions like last night brought, but who am I to second guess baseball coaches? And what a difference 24 hours makes. I never went out today, but my thermometer showed temps nearing 60 degrees. And so is weather in Arkansas.

So, who's ready for the big finale tomorrow night? If what I have been reading on the Hollywood gossip is true, I must say I have mixed feelings about it all. I just can't believe Jason would really do that. If he does, then I guess I had him pegged all wrong. I guess we'll find out tomorrow night.

I wish I had all kinds of excitement to write about tonight, but unfortunately I don't. Other than a little female surgery planned for Dixie (our momma dog) in the morning, things around here are..blah, blah, blah. Pete told Little Ann she and Dixie could go in to see the doctor together tomorrow, but she might not like the way they took her temperature.

Hope everyone has a good week.

Still Not Pleased

2009-02-27T22:00:00.003-06:00

Well, would you believe I actually paid for this header and tabs, and I'm still not pleased with the blog layout. I wish I knew how to do things in html so I could do whatever I wanted. At this point I am about to pull my stinking hair out. Has anyone ever downloaded things from the Shabby Shoppe? Let me know. I have some questions for you.

I have even considered shelling out some big bucks and hiring a blog makeover.. but unfortunately my husband and Dave Ramsey would be very disappointed in the frivolousness of it all. (But only my blog friends can understand how important it really is!)

I am disappointed that I only received 2 comments on my sports photography post. I was really hoping there was somebody smarter out there than me that could answer my question. Maybe I got you off track by changing everything up. If you didn't read it, check it out.

This has been a cold, dreary and extremely rainy Friday. Big Dan's ballgame got canceled because of the water everywhere. My baby girl (aka Little Ann) is sick. She is running fever and missed school today so don't know what this weekend will hold for me, but I hope you have a good one.

Pardon This Generic Template

2009-02-26T22:47:00.001-06:00

As of now (Friday night), this blog is still under construction. (Yeah, seems I don't have anything better to do on this cold, rainy, Friday night).. So, go have your night on the town and I'll be here diligently working!
********************************
Not sure what I want to do yet...

Shooting...Sports Style

2009-02-26T16:15:00.011-06:00

I have officially entered the land of "crazy". I keep longing for blog time, but it just isn't happening....and the sad part is, I can't foresee much in the future either. Spring is right around the corner and you know what that means. We had our first Varsity baseball game of the season Tuesday night and I must say...I absolutely love that feeling. It actually wasn't too cold, but I brought my little buddy heater just in case. I'm sure there are some cold nights upon us seeing as how there are 27 games on the schedule and that doesn't even include the weekend tournaments. Just say...I hope you won't give up on me.

With all that being said, I wanted to blog a little on sports photography. I have a couple of tidbits that I have discovered by trial and error, and I also have a question for you.

Little Ann just finished up her season of Center Court basketball. It is a league sponsored by a church in our area and they played at the church gymnasium on Saturday's. I had a little trouble taking pictures in there at first. The walls are light blue and the floors are a darker shade. I had issues getting the coloring right. Gym shooting has always been tough even at the school because of the fluorescent lighting (kind of like stage).

Through trial and error I discovered that if you will change to manual setting, and go to your white balance, you will find all kinds of neat different lighting options. I chose the one for fluorescent lighting and it made a world of difference. Sometimes, I still tweak the ones I take in that blue gym to a more natural look once I get home, but it sure does get you a clearer picture than if you just shot automatic. You have to admit this is pretty good for dark gym lighting.

The next thing I have always had issues with is the action. I can't tell you how many times I have thought about (and actually held in my hand) the big, BIG daddy sports lens. With both kids playing sports, I thought I must have that. The best thing of all was even though it was 2 grand, my sweet husband told me I could buy it. Something inside just kept telling me I just needed to keep playing with what I had. And I'm glad I did.

Action is important to me and I just couldn't stand to see my son a blur as he was running down the court. So one night as I watched him play basketball, I kept noticing that the lady that was taking pictures for the county paper had a camera just like mine. We talked for awhile and that is when I was introduced to the Tv setting. It stands for timed value. According to my manual: in the Tv mode you set the shutter speed and the camera automatically sets the aperture value to suit the subject's brightness. The faster the shutter speed, the better the camera can freeze a moving subject. BINGO. This was the best news to me. Check these out.

Although you can't see her face here, what I want you to notice is there is absolutely no blurring in this shot at all, and you can clearly see she is running down the court.

These next two shots are some for sure action and I was very pleased with the way they turned out. I will forever be grateful for the Tv setting!

Baseball can make for some great pictures as far as lighting is concerned, but if you are shooting automatic, I have found that you will still get quite a bit of blur when your subject is running or swinging a bat. The next greatest discovery I've made is the actual sports setting (it is the little man running on your dial). This actually is an automatic setting that will get you continuous shooting if you hold your snap button down. It will take pictures continually as your subject is in motion and they are not blurred. Great news, huh?

Where the problem comes in is when the sun goes down. I have found that you can't use the sports setting when there isn't any lighting. I usually just put my camera away after dark because I never can seem to get a good shot. This one turned out pretty well of Big Dan because I actually got out of my seat to shoot through the fence directly behind the batters box, used my flash...and it just so happened he was positioned right underneath field lighting. It helped that he was standing still or it wouldn't have been good.

I hope you find this somewhat interesting and if my trial and error can help you...well, then it was worth it!

So, that brings me to my question for you. All you Canon Rebel users....what on earth do you do to get good night shots?

Speechless...

2009-02-22T23:19:00.003-06:00

Well, Bachelor buddies. Thanks to my beloved facebook friends, I have come across a spoiler for the upcoming episodes. Seems that the secret is out about who Jason actually proposes to, but not only that, what goes down at the 2 after rose shows.

I don't want to be mean and spoil it for you, (even though reality is that I'm already probably the last to know) so I won't tell you what I found out, but I'll make you a deal. If you are interested in reading what I read, leave a comment or email me and I will send you the link that will totally fill you in on everything you want to know! And trust me.....you're not going to like it.

I Just Can't Believe..

2009-02-20T22:35:00.008-06:00

-that this week is already over and it went fast!

-that I haven't written a blog post since Monday....or read many, for that matter.

-that I only put my 2 cents worth in on a few comment sections instead of having my own vent session over "The Bachelor" episode this past week. Here's hoping Melissa is the last one standing (since he sent Jill home anyway).

-that my puppies are already 6 weeks old and counting, and would you believe I only have 2 left out of 10! God is good. Prayers answered there.

-that Big Dan has his very first Varsity Baseball game on Tuesday!! And this is the first sport I have been privileged to watch so far this year, (he didn't play football or basketball this year) so I must admit, I am PUMPED!! (But not ready to sit in the cold...thank goodness for my buddy heater!)

-that I have bombed my carb diet. What kind of diet is no carbs anyway? Who on this earth can survive without potatoes and chocolate milk? That doesn't even sound right. I'll have to figure out something else that'll enable me to include those 2. Weight Watchers maybe.

-that I got to spend some time with two wonderful college friends this week. And it was the bomb. I smiled so big and laughed the entire day. It's so funny remembering all our good times. Some blog friendly....some not so much. We had conversations that went something like this..."I hope my teenager doesn't do the things I did!" Sound familiar? Thought so.

This big hair photograph would be me and my 2 chickadees at my apartment exchanging gifts Christmas of 1989.

And this would be us...uh....20 years later.

We still got it!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Who'da Ever Thought.......

2009-02-16T13:32:00.005-06:00

that a Halloween costume would ever be used for anything other than dress up play time again.

Most every year after Halloween, the fairy, the kitty cat, the Cinderella princess, or the vintage American girl costumes all get tossed back into the "dress up" drawer for years of enjoyment, but never really put to any constructive use other than stimulating the imagination. But not this year.

First of all, in case you weren't aware, my mother hand sewed (well, machine, but you know what I mean) mine and Little Ann's costumes this past year. It wasn't hard to talk her into it (even though costumes are her least favorite thing to do) because my dad is currently having his old '55 Chevrolet restored and is due to get it back at any time. He has been so excited over this car for the last couple of years because it was his first car from his teenage days. He drug it up out of the woods on his home place where it had been since it had been wrecked. Not only is it going to look awesome, but holds quite a bit of sentimental value as well.

My mom decided that she didn't mind putting the extra effort into Little Ann's 50's car hop costume and my poodle skirt for this past Halloween, for afterwards we could store them until the time came to accompany Papaw in the county parade when the car comes back.

And that was totally off the subject....sort of. But anyway, when the preteens/teens were asked to serve the adults at our Valentine dinner this past weekend, Little Ann's wheels started a turning and she immediately decided what she would wear.

Yes, would that be sweet or unsweet, please?

And sir, what would you like to drink?

Here is your dessert ma'am. Let me take those plates for you.

She smiled so big all night long and all the kids did such a great job. It does so much for them to know they are needed and to be recognized, not to mention the character building going on in the meantime.

And Little Ann looked awful cutsey tootsey while doing it! Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentines day with their Sweetie's.

Bittersweet Goodbyes

2009-02-13T22:06:00.013-06:00

I'm keen on that psycological stuff, ya know, so when I posted flyers that said puppies for sale, I made sure I labeled them "VALENTINE puppies for sale". Luckily they are weaned and my ploy seems to be working as several have gone bu bye this week as gifts just for that very occasion.

It's been hard to see each one go, as Little Ann and I have become somewhat attached to each one individually. I let my favorite little black fur ball go just as I was heading out the door to church on Wednesday night and I didn't even get adequate enough time to say my goodbyes, let alone a picture. But not yesterday. When I got the call that the buyer was on his way, Marley was taken straight to the sink for a bath, a Valentine bow, and a photo session.

Now, if this isn't just the best Valentine's day gift ever!!!

We were down to 4 little black ones and our special little pink nosed goldie that Little Ann had named "Buddy" after Air Bud. He has such a sweet little personality, and is just as cute as can be and I must admit, if he didn't sell, I was very much contemplating keeping him around. Didn't happen. Got a call tonight and I must say goodbyes didn't go as easy with him as with previous sales.

After his bath, he had to endure snuggles and lots of tears as we awaited on his new owner to arrive. It just about broke my heart for Little Ann. She and Buddy have gotten pretty tight.

It was almost more than I could bear to see those red, puffy eyes and crocodile tears flowing down her cheeks.

This was not an easy thing to do, and it seems the longer we have them around, the harder it gets. The consolation was that Buddy was going to make another little girl very, very happy...yeah, that and an early Valentine present for Little Ann (a stuffed puppy who made everything all better).

Birthday Pictures

2009-02-10T20:19:00.015-06:00

Yesterday was Pete's 40th birthday. It doesn't even seem possible that we are this old. Although I have at least another year and a half in the 30's, I know that 40 is just around the corner for me too. I let 30 bother me so much, but the rest of the numbers haven't seemed to be that bad. My mom's words "what's your alternative?" would run through my mind each year. Pete commented that 40 made him feel "half dead". I had to remind him of his alternative. Hearing those words will definitely make you look at birthdays in a different light. Even though I am prepared for my life after death, I would rather not go just yet!!

People say you're only as old as you feel and I don't feel old. As a matter of fact, most of the time, I still feel like a school girl....so, I guess that's a good thing.

I took several pictures throughout the day yesterday. All my shooting, of course was in automatic mode, but I tried a new angle.

I was trying new things and found that just turning the camera a little gave this shot a neat look.

I love this picture below. It just makes me smile to see this big grin on Little Ann's face. She is 100% daddy's girl. He loves her so much and believe me, she knows it!! Silly pictures just make me happy.

Pete's sister lives in the big city and although Pete and I already had plans for a night out to celebrate, she called and wanted to celebrate this milestone with us. She called his mom and step dad, our nephew and she and her husband all met us at one of Pete's favorite restaurants. I wish Big Dan could've come, but right now baseball is his priority...(even over the girlfriend, I'm afraid), and he practices late every night. Anyway, this restaurant is the Atkins dieter's dream. They have a selection of every kind of cut of meat you can imagine and bring you unlimited amounts. It was delish and we all left stuffed.

Not to mention this humongous birthday cake we had (and the leftovers we brought home).

I know he had a wonderful birthday. He's all about some food and he's played with his new cell phone all night and all day!! haha.

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's 40!

2009-02-09T08:27:00.007-06:00

Guess Who? This is my dear husband who goes by bloggy name..."Pistol Pete". He is 40 today and I am not too far behind. We've got a big day planned which includes meeting up with some of his family for dinner tonight. I'll be filling you in on all that later on and hopefully be including some pictures, but for now, I'm anxious to do this "husband" meme that I've held onto until this special day. Let's just see how much I know about this man.

1. Where did you meet?
Haha. I think I've mentioned this before, but we met at a Prison Facility. I was working as a transcriptionist for a Psychiatrist in the Mental Health department and Pete was the Jail Sergeant..(actually at that time he was working as a Lab Tech over the drug testing too). He had come over to my building for a seminar and saw me walking down the hall and that was all she wrote! haha. Of course, I told you I went out with him to make someone else jealous, but I guess he was too hard to resist!

2. How long did you date before you were married?
Only 6 months. Things just fell into place. We were both at a point in our lives where we were ready to settle down. We both had good jobs, and I was a single parent. He fit the mold for everything I was looking for in a mate and father.

3. How long have you been married?
It will be 16 years in July. Wow.

4. What does he do that surprises you?
Nothing that he does really surprises me anymore. I think after 16 years, I've pretty much got him all figured out. I think though if he would try something "romantic" occasionally (hint, hint), I might BE surprised.. lol.

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
I love his hands. He has beautiful, soft hands.

6. What is your favorite quality of his?
I love how he has it all together. We are complete opposites, but that's ok. I'm looking for something like a mad, crazy woman, and he hands it to me. He never loses anything. He's always prepared for any catastrophe. He always has a backup plan and I fly by the seat of my pants. He is a perfectionist and although sometimes it drives me crazy, most of the time it's his best quality. (and I don't have to iron his jeans because I don't do it well enough! lol)

7. Does he have a nickname for you?
Usually I'm just referred to as honey. (or other things depending on his mood!)

8. What is his favorite color?
I don't think we've ever had this conversation.

9. What is his favorite food?
I would have to say Chinese, but BBQ would have to come real close to that.

10. What is his favorite sport?
He's not a big sports fan, but he does watch an occasional football game..(ie Super Bowl or something big)

11. When & Where was your first kiss?
Our first date. (I know...You're not supposed to kiss on the first date...Who came up with that rule?) Wow. That's so hard to remember..especially for me, because I never remember anything! Were we in your car? Or at your apartment?

12. What are your favorite things to do as a couple?
We watch movies together occasionally when we aren't glued to our laptops. He likes it when I do things with him that he likes such as deer hunt. Most of the time he goes grocery shopping with me, but I think our favorite thing to do as a couple is just go out to eat and enjoy each other's company.

13. Do you have children?
Yes, our son who is 18 and daughter, age 10. (who acts just like Pete, I might add!)

14. Does he have a hidden talent?
He is a great cook. If he ever left me, I'd for sure miss his homemade hash browns, milk gravy and omelets!!

15. How old is he?
40 years old TODAY!!!

16. Who said I love you first?
He did of course.

17. What is his favorite type of music?
He listens to lots of different music, but I have always known him to be into hard rock. Right now, I catch him listening to Foo Fighters and 80's big hair bands on you tube.

18. What do you admire most about him?
He would do anything to ensure security for this family. I love this about him! And given some certain recent situations in his life, he has developed a closer relationship with God. I am so happy I am married to someone who will go to church with me.

19. Do you think he will read this?
Most definitely!! He's my most faithful reader..lol.

20. What color are his eyes?
He has beautiful brown eyes and Little Ann inherited them.

Anything you want to say to him?
Sweetie. You are a special person and I thank you for what you do for us, the sacrifices you make, and what you mean to me and to this family.

I hope you have many more happy birthday's!!

I love you!!!

What I Wish I Knew and Some Inspiration for Naomi

2009-02-05T13:09:00.015-06:00

This is my camera. Or you could call it my baby. I love this thing. It goes practically everywhere I go, for I hate to miss opportunities for good pictures. (Even though it's not the handiest thing to carry around.) The problem is....I'm camera illiterate. I wish I knew so much more about the capabilities of my camera, yet, I don't. Most of my shooting is on automatic, but I know my camera is capable of so much more.

It's a Canon Rebel XT and although it's nothing special, it was quite pricey when I purchased it as my first digital 3 years ago. I paid over $1,000 for it, but I'm sure you can purchase the same model now for 1/2 of that or less. It doesn't make it worth any less to me, but I so long for some great photography and have faith that "my baby" can do it. (Not so much me, though..)

Here are some extra's hubby has bought me that I really like.

-my external eye piece extender.

I really like this because it helps keep my makeup and smudges off my lcd screen.

-my battery pack.

He got me this for Christmas this year and it is wonderful. I had issues leaving my camera on (I know..it's that scatterbrained personality of mine) and everytime I got ready to shoot, my battery would be dead. It makes the camera a little heavier, but knowing I have plenty of battery to last is worth the extra weight.

-my external flash.

ok. this is an extra, but I'm not sure I can say I really like it. I have absolutely no idea how to use it and even when I have it on my camera on automatic, I seem to get better pictures using the flash without the external one. Any suggestions?

-my rubber pull out sun shield.
I have just recently discovered what a nice tool this is to have. I have been taking church directory pictures in noon sunlight and was having issues with sun spots on faces. This alleviated my problem and I was very glad to discover this remedy.

Has anyone ever taken any online tutorials or found websites helpful?

So much I wish I knew.

**********

This part of my post is for Naomi. She asked for some scrapbooking inspiration because she was doing some pages for a family member. Naomi, this isn't much, or one of my better pages, but it is one I did for myself and my husband and thought you might could use the layout or quote (or anything...haha)

The background is just several different patterned papers torn and I inked the edges. I used buttons to accent the black/white photo. I used big foam letters that I inked in paint for the title, and the journaling was done on the computer. I printed it on vellum paper and inked the edges. Used sparkle brads to adhere to page because I hate when glue shows through your vellum. Enjoy!

Facebook Randomness

2009-02-04T12:48:00.004-06:00

I love Facebook. I really do. But sometimes, it gets kind of crazy with so many people "poking" you, sending you smiles, plants, and trying to get you to join this cause and that. And really, that's not a bad thing cause I like smiles and causes and all that stuff.

Lately, there has been this "random things about me" meme (I guess you call it) floating around on facebook and believe it or not, I actually thought of 25...I mean 27 random things about me. I even surprised myself. I started and the thoughts just kept coming. haha. So, since I have several of you blog friends that are not my facebook friends, I thought I would include you in the fun. And feel free to do this yourself even if you're not on facebook, because really, you might just find out your not as boring as you think you are.

RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME!!!

1. I was saved and baptized when I was 8 years old.

2. I have always had a fear of changing lanes and heavy traffic. I drove in the big city by myself for the first time this past year and it was so liberating.

3. I have small feet. (The smallest thing on my body probably, lol.)

4. One of my very first jobs was checking groceries at Piggly Wiggly and it was a blast.

5. I became a stay at home mom when my daughter was 3 mos old and never regretted it once.

6. My husband and I married after only knowing each other a mere 6 months.

7. My hair is naturally red. I have only colored it once in my life and it turned maroon!! Not good. I have had highlights 3 times (and I kinda like them). It is full of wave and annoying cowlicks in which I disguised with a perm most of my teenage life. Luckily short, sassy, wild styles are what's in now!

8. When I get to choose what we eat when dining out, I usually choose Mexican.

9. I've been to Disney World 3 times in my life. Once at age 14 with my mom, dad and brother. Once with my Senior classmates, and once with my immediate family and sis/bro in law when Katie turned 7. She celebrated with Cinderella. I could go back a hundred times.

10. I can't stand to hear someone take the Lord's name in vain.

11. I sleep with an electric blanket year round, and would be happy if my thermostat was on 80 all the time.

12. I have driving issues. I once got a speeding ticket in Stephens, AR going 85 in a school zone. I got another ticket for rolling through a stop sign earlier that same year (college days). When I was in high school, I ran in the ditch during heavy fog, and once backed into the telephone service man's truck sitting in my driveway. I have run out of gas, and knocked my passenger side mirror off my car on someone's mailbox. I can't think of anything I've done lately, except cut people off (and the current scratch from getting too close to my own mailbox). I think my son has taken after me. BEWARE!

13. I have never been too far from home, but I went on a mission trip this year to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and got to see Mt. Rushmore before returning home.

14. I lie down with my daughter every night at bedtime and wish she still twisted my hair.

15. I have always had a big behind and have been off and on yo-yo diets since my first pregnancy.

16. I am chronically late and no matter what I do, I can't change it.

17. I really like to scrapbook and have all kinds of gadgets, but can never seem to find the time to drag it all out anymore.

18. I don't have very much patience and I yell alot.

19. I once lit a cigarette at the wrong end and that was a sure sign I wasn't destined to be a smoker.

20. I hate things that require much thought and often get my friends to figure things out for me. (ie. owners manuals, directions, homework...)

21. I read the entire bible over a 3 year period.

22. When I substitute, the kids at school think I have OCD because I have an obsession with sweeping the floor and keeping the desks in line.

23. I frequently leave my flat iron on and my husband is afraid I am going to burn the house down.

24. I have a terrible memory and often rely on friends and family to jog my memory and tell me stories.

25. I was 10 days overdue with the birth of my first child and put in the hospital on bed rest due to preeclampsia.

(WOW!!! This wasn't so hard...I even thought of 3 more!!)

26. I used to own my own business. It was a children's resale shop and I did great business.

27. My teeth were straight until I lost my retainer about a month after I had it.

27. I have fussed at my son the last 18 years of his life for his grades, his attitude, his room, his inability to keep up with things, and his driving....but the truth is....he's just like me!

I want to know more about you too, so let me know if you do this!

What She Said.

2009-02-03T23:54:00.003-06:00

I was really into last nights Bachelor episode. It was an intense one although there was not near the drama as before. I tell ya. It is hard for me to pick which one I think will be around for the end, because there are still some great girls to choose from.

I read Girls post and wow, she just about summed it up in a nutshell...(much better than I ever could anyway), so I'm just linking in to her this week. I love reading her take on things, and this week, we just so happened to have exactly the same opinions. Go check it out...you won't be dissapointed.

Thanks Girl.
Enjoy!!

Can You Feel the Love?

2009-02-01T15:59:00.004-06:00

They are four weeks old now and just as cute as a bug in a rug! Much like the real world, you just can't hold momma's actions against them.....

Welcome February!

A Crappy Kind of Morning

2009-01-31T09:14:00.003-06:00

Never been much of a house dog person. I thought I might try it when we got Dixie because she was so cute, but soon she got big, stinky and I couldn't keep up with the shedding demand. So she became an outside dog...a very busy one at that.

Four weeks ago she had 10 pups (more cuteness than should be allowed) and with freezing temps each night I begged for them to stay inside. Our guest bath has been home to 10 pups and momma dog for almost a month now, and might I say, I'm more than ready for them to be OUT!

Pete built them the nicest house in a pen right outside our back door so Little Ann could have close contact, but most nights, as the temperature begins to fall, Little Ann's heart gets the best of her and she gives me those big brown sad eyes until I cave. Last night was one of those nights.

No prob. Went to bed, but awakened to a momma dog (who is not supposed to be out of the bathroom) outside my bedroom door scratching. I jumped up to the nice aroma of dog poo. Where? In the carpet. In the living room. Not just a little pile. A HUGE pile. Where's hubby when you need him?

With the house still dark and quiet from the night, I proceeded to scoop up the pile with my dust pan, but it was a little too fresh and not cooperating. Did I mention the nice aroma. I was holding my breath trying not to add to the mess.

Holding my nose with one hand, and the dust pan with the other, I ran to my bathroom to flush it down the toilet. As the big glob of poo hit the toilet, I knew immediately it was too much for one flush, but I knew I wasn't sticking my hand down there to retrieve any of it.

So, I flushed.

And....

it overflowed.

All in my bathroom floor.

Now wet, watered down, atrociously smelling

dog poo.

And so there I was. Cleaning up a massive mess of dog poo while the rest of the world was all nestled up snug in their beds where I was supposed to be.

Because really. Who else was gonna do it? And from this moment on. All dogs will live happily ever after in their new house. Outside.

So, how was your morning?

I Wanna Play

2009-01-29T15:43:00.004-06:00

Ok. I will admit, this has been a rather hectic week for me. I've worked alot at our High School, and trying to fit in some of my New Year's Resolutions in my spare time has been challenging. I must say, it's left a little to be desired in the blogging department this week...(except on TV night, of course. lol)

I've been doing some surfing as time allows and I've seen the 25 fact meme going around on facebook. The truth is, I'm not all that exciting. I often refer to myself as simple and thinking of 25 interesting things to say about me has seemed rather intimidating. However, I noticed a couple of blogs that actually had QUESTIONS that I could just answer, so I decided to play along afterall.

Here Goes.............

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No, but my mother originally wanted to name me Lorraine. (don't know why). I had an uncle that loved the name Terri so he helped make the final decision. (don't know why there either.)

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Last night actually. That's really not a big deal, though. I like to cry. It's therapy.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No. I do almost 100% of my scrapbook journaling on computer because my handwriting just bugs me.

4. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
I don't really like lunch meat, but I do love holiday ham.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes...a son (18) and a daughter (10)

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes. I think so. I am pretty outgoing, talkative and consider myself fun to be around. I'm also loyal.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Ummmm. Maybe just a little. In all reality though, I HATE sarcasm...and I am married to the most sarcastic person around. (Sorry, honey. I have to be honest here.)

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Nope. I had them out over Christmas break my freshman year in college. I was 18 and I swear it was worse than childbirth!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Absolutely not. I am so far from the daredevil.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
I love cereal and I could eat it for dinner every night if I didn't have a family and wasn't on a diet. I think my favorite 3 would have to be Cookie Crisps, Frosted Mini Wheats and Capn' Crunch (and I don't even like peanut butter much).

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No, but I don't normally wear shoes with laces.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Oreo

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Usually their haircut or I compare butt/thigh size to my own. (vain, I know, lol.)

15. RED OR PINK?
Probably pink, since I'm a redhead.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My nose and cellulite.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My son since he went from home alot to never.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Of course.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Dark denim jeans and I just removed my black heeled boots after a long day at school.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Disney channel.com on the other computer.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Turquoise. I don't have any idea. What a weird question.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
I love the cinnamon smells or warm apple pie scents.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My husband like 5 minutes ago.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I copied it from Rae and yes, I absolutely love that chick!!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Don't watch sports on TV, but love, love, love watching my kids play basketball, baseball and softball.

27. HAIR COLOR?
Red, of course. Actually it is technically called "Strawberry Blond" lol.

28. EYE COLOR
Green.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Nope, I need them and tried them, but am allergic to all solutions.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Mexican

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Chick Flicks with happy endings all the way.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Indiana Jones. (Believe me, it wasn't by choice. Hubby had it on while he was riding the bike and I hopped on the treadmill. It wasn't that bad.)

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Grey.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
I don't like either of these. I am more a Spring/Fall kind.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Love hugs, but like kisses too!

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Don't know. Feel free!

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
No clue.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
Breaking Free by Beth Moore (believe it or not)

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Sponge Bob.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
The News.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
Rain on a Sunday afternoon.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Rolling Stones if I don't have to look at them.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
South Dakota

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I play the piano and organ and I like to sing.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Jefferson County, Arkansas

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone's!

48. WHERE DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
The Prison. (No, we weren't IN there. We WORKED there. haha!!)

Feel free to join the fun even if you have to be a copy cat like me!!

Another Monday....Another Night of Drama!!

2009-01-26T19:04:00.002-06:00

I started watching The Bachelor just now, and judging from the previews in the beginning..it looks like we're in for another dramatic night. I decided to go ahead and blog during commericals again. I wouldn't want to miss anything!! lol.

The Singing Contest. Uh..I think they all had a lot to be desired in the singing department. No American Idols there for sure, but Stephanie. OMG is all I can say!!! (and not in a good way either)

Anybody else wondering what was going on in that tent???

General Hospital. How cool. I am a big fan and I guess you could say a pretty regular watcher up until our tower fell. I think it was for the best though and unfortunately there is no online viewing for daytime television. Anyway, waaaaaay too much kissing in that segment for me. And as far as Meghan...oh she sooo needs to go. Perfect for him? NOT!

OOOOkay. Did Lauren have a little too much to drink or was that conversation real? Yeah, that's the way to get a rose. Just tell Jason you're gonna have a temper tantrum (putting it nicely) if he doesn't give you one. And I just had to laugh when Shannon's kiss got rejected. I don't figure he's that much into snot.

Awww, poor Nikki. But, really, that girl had some issues. I think he made the right choice between the two, but I'm still going out on a limb to say that I don't think Stephanie is the one for him either.

Jason did good by not handing out that final rose. I could sense he wasn't in to any of those three and he knew it too. I'm glad he didn't draw it out another week. But Shannon..oh my. Does anybody else french kiss their puppy? Strange.

Let me know your take!
Scrapper Mom

What I've Been Up To

2009-01-25T23:35:00.011-06:00

Friday
- finished my book (Yea for me!!!)
- went to visit my parents which I haven't done in awhile. There's a new baby calf in town...

Saturday
-This day started way too early for a Saturday, in my opinion. Little Ann had a basketball game at 9:00 am...requiring us to be there at 8:30. She played well and I was really proud of her. She is one of the only two 5th graders on her team (and the shortest, I might add) and since the rest are 6th graders, her confidence is not very high right now.
-We had a "moving" day from our old classrooms at church to our new educational wing we started back in the Spring.
-Little Ann had a 2nd game later in the afternoon.
-Came home after more cleaning and moving in at the church only to find myself locked out of the house. (gotta love that)
-Trip into the city to meet up with Pete, who was at work, to retrieve a key from him...luckily he hadn't left on his train yet.

Sunday
-Church services and a much needed nap. I brought a stow away home with me after morning services. They played the wii all afternoon and enjoyed the puppies.

As a matter of fact, I think they may've enjoyed them a little "too" much. I got up from my nap to find this on my camera.

If I had to guess, these cute little shoes once belonged to a currently barefooted little American Girl.

Have a great week!!

She Loves Me, She Reeeeeeally Loves Me.

2009-01-22T17:15:00.005-06:00

Sometimes my children surprise me. And today I got one I really needed.

In the midst of Disney channel.com and french fries, my Little Ann looks at me and says..."you know what? .........I love you."

Guess what? I love her too.

Happy Anniversary!

2009-01-21T21:27:00.005-06:00

Anybody tired of my nostalgia? I hope not. I think I remember telling you in a previous post that I have a hard time remembering anything and that blogging sometimes enables me to go back to the "good ol days" and dig up those memories that seem to go foggier and foggier as the years pass.

Today is my parent's anniversary so I chose to scan in one of my favorite photographs from their "dating" days. It has been 41 years (if I remember correctly) and yes, my mom is still taller than my dad even without the beehive.

They've been out on the town today and my daddy took my mom out for prime rib tonight.

Aren't they cute? I think I'll keep em.

Vodoo

2009-01-20T22:38:00.007-06:00

I got your attention, didn't I?

Big Dan has been beside himself the past couple of days. He bought a brand new baseball bat for the upcoming season from here

He was so excited because this was his first ever purchase off ebay. He sat in anticipation as we outbid the competitors in the last few seconds and I laughed at him as he was able to taste his sweet victory. I got pretty good at some outbidding at one time too, but my urge to ebay has subsided. I've found better things to do like....um, blog.

Then, he was able to pay for his purchase with........(drumroll please)...his own debit card.

The bat came today and I told him I'd blog about it tonight since he hasn't been my topic of conversation in awhile. (I am supposing that's a good thing.)

A couple more things I wanted to share.

-Our puppies are now 2 weeks old. They are growing by leaps and bounds, trying to bark (which is too cute because they try to act all big and bad with little pipsqueak barks. haha), their fur is really beginning to thicken and their eyes are finally open. Is this not the cutest thing?

-And finally, Big Dan and I attended the funeral for his friend today. It was a packed house and so, so sad. I have wanted to kiss Big Dan a thousand times today. Please continue to pray for this family. The mother is divorced and this girl was her oldest. Her other 2 kids are boys and the youngest is in a wheelchair. He's had spinal bifida since birth, but is such a precious person. The boys were devastated. It absolutely breaks my heart, but I know my God is in control.

Have a happy Wednesday everybody!!

Guess What I'm Doing?

2009-01-19T19:54:00.005-06:00

I was just sitting here watching The Bachelor, when I decided I must start this blog. So many things catching my attention tonight, I just don't want to forget, so I'm going to BLOG during commercials!! lol.

How about Stephanie? Last week, I wrote that she really wasn't one of my favorites, because she seemed too barbie like. After seeing her with her daughter, my opinion of her has gone up somewhat. She really seems to have my kind of morals. That impressed me. But was the date all about the little girl?? I don't recall much "chemistry" between the two of them, unless it happened when I went to refill my tea glass.

Melissa, I really, really like you, but please don't talk about your breast reduction and saggy boobs during your precious alone time. Save it for later.

But she's so cute and I love her smile.

Nikki......"I loved it, I loved it, I loved it"....can you say corny? lol. Jason doesn't need a beauty queen, perfectionist. She's pretty though and I felt kind of sorry for her, because I remember those awkward moments with a guy when I really, really felt it, but was at a total loss for words. I have a history with open mouth, insert foot syndrome anyway.

Ok, but c' mon. She hasn't kissed anyone in 11 years?

Natalie. Boy he's got her pegged, huh? I swear I thought I would slap her if I had to see her flick that hair one more time. RUN, Jason, RUN! Good boy.

Is Shannon even wearing makeup at this last party? OMG...and did she just puke? I'm totally cracking up now.

And what do I say about Meghan? Does anybody like her? I can't believe he chose her over Kari. But I'm not seeing her around til the end for sure.

Poor Jason. There is way too much drama in the house. Why on earth do I watch this stuff? And don't think for a minute I'm gonna pass up a chance to write about it! hee. hee.

Today I am thanking God

2009-01-18T14:54:00.012-06:00

First for just some small, insignificant things, like the energy He enabled me to find this week to be consistent in my "biggest loser" workout all 5 days. (yeah, I took the weekend off....so.)

For giving me the power to sit still long enough to (almost) finish an entire book...which we all know is an unattainable act for me, but I've prayed for His guidance in helping me get my finances back on track and am super excited about the direction He is leading me.

For allowing me to get control of my hormones, my life back to reality and finally a clearer complexion.

And yes, though maybe a bit shallow, I'm being honest with you in sharing these smaller things in life I am thankful for.

And I'm thankful for some bigger things too. Like the fact that today is my mother's birthday. And I am so blessed to have had her in my life for this many years and I'm looking forward to many more.

My mom and I - Fall 1973

She has been my rock throughout my life and as I've said before I know no matter where life's road takes me, she will always be my constant.

October 1990 - Baby Shower for Big Dan

But today, I am most thankful for these precious two people.

We got word that for the 2nd time in 2 weeks, Big Dan has lost one of his classmates. The first girl passed away in a one vehicle car accident just a few miles up the road. If that wasn't disturbing enough, we found out last night that another girl in his class had just passed away in a four wheeler accident. I must say, I was so shocked and can't even tell you how sad I feel for her grandparents, parents and siblings. Our school is very small, with only about 50 in Big Dan's graduating class, so anytime anything like this happens, it is so hard on the kids and the entire community. Please remember this family when you pray.

It's no secret the love I hold for my children. Just knowing that I could lose them any day makes me want to hold on to them that much tighter.

And can I just say this......if you truly love your children, the most precious gift you can give them is the opportunity to know the Lord as their personal Savior.

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27

I Love This Man

2009-01-16T22:24:00.024-06:00

That's the best title I could come up with.....because I really do love this man.

This is my dad. He's been my dad for 38 years and I hope he's my dad for many more. Today is his birthday. And I know the day is almost over, but I just couldn't go to bed until I told you just how special he is to me.

November 2008

I have spent the last few hours going through albums, and searching folders on my computer for my favorite pictures of my dad.

Me and My Dad, July 1973

Dad's a handsome fella, isn't he? You know, unfortunately, I have a terrible memory, but I have a feeling I was quite the daddy's girl. I have pictures of me and my dad with puppies. I have pictures of me and my dad with watermelon, me and my dad wrestling. Pictures of us together sporting our dead ducks and dead squirrels. I must say, I'm sure my dad was happy to have his boy come along. Not that I lost any rank as his firstborn. My daddy and I have always had a good relationship and I love him more today than I ever have.

Me and My Dad, Father's Day - June 2006

For what's not to love. The only thing that has changed about my daddy over the years is that he has only gotten sweeter. I love his sweet, tender disposition. This man has never met a stranger and everybody loves him. All of my "simplicity" comes from him, for he is happiest doing the simple things in life.....much like his own father. I love that he raises vegetables in a garden and shares with me. I love so much that he raises animals and delights when his grandkids come help him milk the cows..(and drink it).

I love how much he's earned my respect over the years because he fought and and was wounded in Vietnam for my country. How he sacrificed so much of his time and many years of his life making a living at the Railroad for us to have the nicer things in life. He is a wonderful husband of 40 years to my mom and would literally die for her. I love how he is a hard working man...not afraid to tackle any job. Even cutting and sawing down the very logs that were used to build his and my mother's home and even mine and Big Dan's first house.

I love how he loves me and has been there for me through thick and thin....even when I've dissapointed him and made him cry.

My Daddy holding his first grandchild, Big Dan. October 30, 1990

My Wedding Day - July 1993

I love how he makes me laugh...because he is quite comical. And the funniest thing is, he doesn't even know he is. It makes me laugh at how he can sit down in a chair and be asleep in 10 seconds flat. It makes me laugh that he gets coffee from sun up to sun down no matter what temperature it is outside. It makes me laugh that he strikes up a conversation with anybody anywhere. I laugh (with him, not at him) when I think of all the cuts, scrapes, bruises and "smashed" toes he's had over the years, and the stress he's caused my mom because he's just an accident waiting to happen. It makes me laugh that he annoys my mother so much by collecting these and storing them in her yard as his new retirement day hobby. (but she doesn't complain when he brings in the money off ebay...lol)

I love how he wants to spend as much time as possible with his grandchildren and takes them on hunting excursions and enjoys every second.

Papaw and Little Ann (and of course, Susie and a squirrel) - November 2008

and how he has been my traveling companion to every away basketball game Big Dan has ever played....(and baseball too). How he has rooted him on and praised his efforts for a job well done.

My dad loves his family and that is no secret. What a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather he is.....and what a legacy to leave behind. My dad is none less than the most precious person I have ever known and I thank God for him every day.

Christmas Eve at my Brother's - December 2006

and I am also so very thankful I am so much like my dad. Happy, loving, forgiving....simple. There isn't anyone I would rather replicate.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

My Top Five...

2009-01-15T22:01:00.011-06:00

Here in no particular order are my top 5 reasons for not blogging faithfully. And really, they're great reasons, so that means it's all good, right?

And yes, I am reading a book. I know, it's a miracle. But sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.

I'm sorry to my faithful readers. Maybe my brain will eventually re-join the rest of my body. At least I didn't do like this girl and tell you that "my dog ate my computer". Although I do have plenty of dogs. (which need a good home by the way.....)

I Shall Deliver

2009-01-13T23:27:00.009-06:00

I am loving this season of The Bachelor. I don't know what is wrong with me though for waiting so long to put my 2 cents worth in. It's so not like me to not let my opinion be known. Although the day is almost over..I shall deliver. This is my take so far..for what it's worth.

It's no secret I think Jason is just adorable. I think I like him so much because he seems to be more real than some of the other bachelors that have been on the show. I love his smile and the way he seems to be so happy go lucky. I like happy people. They make me happy. I was distraught last season when Deanna didn't pick him. My heart just ached for him because I had gotten so used to seeing that smile and I couldn't stand to see it turned upside down.

I have my own opinion about a few of these girls so far, but I am having difficulty putting the names with faces just yet. It may have something to do with having to watch the show through fuzz. Luckily Pete turned my antenna enough to get our ABC where it's viewable, but still not the greatest.

I know some of you may like Shannon, but I just don't. I hated the bucky teeth on the first night. I was embarrassed for her when she started spouting off facts about Jason and his family, and I couldn't believe she was throwing ice on the balcony when he was up there with another girl. I think she is an attention hog and too immature to be a mommy at this point. I hope she goes soon.

I'm a little torn on Stephanie. She seems sweet and I know she is probably lonely and ready to marry again since the death of her husband, but something about her seems "old" and "plastic barbie" like. Maybe it's because she is so southern and everything she does and says is sooooo slooooow. (Not that I have anything against southerners, ya'll...I'm from Arkansas). But, I don't know. I have mixed feelings about her.

I do however really like Melissa and Jillian. I thought they were both so pretty when they got out of the limo. Melissa seems so upbeat and normal and seems to be a good match. Jillian is a good pick too, but mommy material, I'm not sure. Nikki made a good impression on me too, but I wish she wouldn't be so whiny about the kissing and talk so much about the other girls.

And let's talk kissing.....wowza, I can't believe he is kissing so much so soon..and in plain sight too! That was surprising to me. He seemed like more of a private intimate person. I guess when the girl comes up to you and wants to show you her hidden talent, what man is going to turn that down, audience or not?? lol.

I'm glad he sent the two home that he did. That Raquel girl was just a little over the top, huh? She definitely caught him off guard in the limo and was a little attitudal too, in my opinion. That other girl was just a little too plain.....and she resigned her job?

I'm getting into this season fo sur!! I can't wait to find out just what. is. up. with Deanna!!

A Hopeless Romantic

2009-01-12T21:36:00.003-06:00

I don't want to get into all my opinions about Jason's choices tonight. I'll save that for tomorrows post, but I just want to say there is nothing like a little "Bachelor" and "Momma's Boys" to warm my heart and make me grin. I needed a little pick me up. What can I say? I'm just a hopeless romantic.

Separation and a few Tears

2009-01-09T23:15:00.009-06:00

I wish I could say I was better today, but although I made a little physical progress, mentally, I'm still down. I don't want to blame it completely on PMS because I've been feeling muddled for a few weeks now. And I know all the reasons I give are just so trivial compared to the things so many others are dealing with. I should be ashamed for letting myself get to this point, but wow, sometimes, I just don't know what to do with all these emotions.

Everyone...can you say "Congratulations, Scrapper Mom"! I finally got all of Christmas out of the house and my living room back in order. I must say that made me smile briefly.

Sometimes the reality of the way things are versus the way things were just a short time ago hits me. Tonight the family was separated and it makes me sad thinking that this is going to be pretty much the norm from here on out.

After Pete had to basically force me out of the house to be social tonight...(for some reason he thought I needed to attend our monthly ladies bible study...can't imagine why), he decided since he was off, he and Little Ann would grab some Chinese and a movie. Big Dan, of course, had gone to the home basketball game.

This is where the tears come in. After my meeting, Pete called to see if I wanted to meet them in town. I needed to buy a Birthday gift for a party tomorrow. Little Ann got on the phone just a boo hooing. They had gone to see "Marly and Me". And I quote...."You can rent it when it comes out, but I never want to see that movie again!" And she's quite serious I believe. I had to explain that it was just a movie and that Marly didn't really die (oops, sorry for the spoiler). I haven't seen it yet and it got spoiled for me too. She was so ready to get home and see her pups and of course, her own sweet Marly...aka Dixie Doo.

And I don't care how depressed you feel, if this doesn't make you smile, then what else could?

Rock a bye puppy, in the tree top. Have a great weekend, ya'll.

I'm Blue...da ba dee, da ba die

2009-01-07T22:32:00.010-06:00

Anybody think I'm crazy? Don't answer that.

I know my title is kind of wacky. I'm just feeling a little blue and this stupid song just popped in my head.

And you're probably wondering why it's Wednesday and I haven't blogged about my reality TV. I even got a comment from my friend asking me why I haven't written about The Bachelor's season premier. Well, let me do that right now and then I'll tell you why I'm bummed out.

If you are my facebook friend, you knew that my ABC channel wasn't cooperating the night of the premier. I was so frustrated because I couldn't watch, but I did get to watch Momma's Boys because it is on sister channel NBC which actually does work. I am so appalled by JoJo's mom and all her quirks, but then I can totally see myself doing something so stalkish like getting in a helicopter and spying on Big Dan while he's making out in a hot tub. Letting your baby boys grow up and detach from us momma's is so hard. This is my first one, but I almost feel it will be easier with my girl. My heart went out to her when she saw her son doing the ultimate no no in her opinion because so many times I see the big picture when Big Dan doesn't, and no amount of talking can get through his thick teenage skull. I know she only wants what's best for JoJo even though she has a very tacky way of showing it.

I did finally get to watch The Bachelor online Tuesday. It was great. I don't have a lot to say about it right now other than I think he did a good job narrowing it down the first time. There were a couple of girls that were nutso in my opinion. Those previews of Deanna. OMG! What is up with that? I can't wait til next Monday!!

Last night we skipped out on the last few minutes of Girl Scouts (I know I'm a bad, bad mommy) to get home for the season premier of The Biggest Loser. Well, that and the fact that Little Ann had just taken Benadryl. Too many puppies around for a little girl with allergies...especially one that just can't keep her hands off of them. The show was super, but I wish they wouldn't have sent those 9 people home after the first week. Getting them motivated to work alone is good in theory, but maybe a little further down the road when they've built their confidence. I'm pumped for that one too! Could you believe that 460 something pound dude? Oh. My. He'll do great because he seems really motivated and you know the more you have to lose the easier it comes off.

Sorry I didn't link into any of these shows tonight. I didn't have the energy. If you would like to visit any of them, you can go here and I think I had linked to all of the shows italicized.

I got news today that Pete may have to move from where he currently stands at work to a different position. It's not that detrimental for us right now financially, but it will require some changes on both our parts. Not only that, but it's a little scary because I don't like change for one... and to me, this is only the first step in another negative direction. This economy is getting scary.

Which leads me to why I'm blue.

Broken promises to myself.
Defiant children.
Jeans that are too tight.
Pimples.
And...
I just figured up what I owe versus what I have and it aint purty, people. So, I guess dish network will continue to be a dream until I can see a light at this long, dark tunnel. I volunteered to get a different job other than substitute teaching, but he doesn't want me to just yet.

I think I'm going to visit Dave Ramsey.

An Inquiring Mind Wants to Know

2009-01-06T22:09:00.003-06:00

Ok, I just don't know how much longer I can stand it.

One year ago Jan. 11, our ABC channel (which is KATV 7) went completely out when our local tower fell. It was completely out for months, but then it decided it would come and go. I used to be a big soap fan..mostly GH and OLTL but when the tower fell, I used it as my sign from God that I was spending way too much time in front of the TV and not enough doing things I should be. Although nothing major has happened to my computer or internet service, if I don't get a handle on this addiction, I'm afraid I may be getting knocked down again very soon. As a matter of fact, I spent most of the last year watching the things I couldn't live without on the full episode viewer online.

To make a long story short, we've never had satellite television. Believe me, my kids have begged and begged, feeling sooo deprived and very mistreated like they were the only kids in the world who couldn't watch multiple episodes of Sponge Bob Squarepants or every game that came on ESPN. But as a very protective parent, I just looked at it as one more thing for them to argue over, one more thing to pay for, one more thing to take up our time, and the biggie....one more thing to have to monitor. I just wasn't up for the challenge.

I realize that in one month everything will be digital and without the converter box, we won't be watching anything. I've been doing some thinking that since Big Dan is almost out (maybe he won't take it personal) and Little Ann is older, maybe I am up for the challenge. (Or maybe it's all the reality TV coming on ABC this season that I AM MISSING on the big screen!!!)

So tell me...what's better? Dish Network or Direct TV?

A Special Birthday...Times 10

2009-01-05T19:16:00.008-06:00

One little, two little, three little puppies.
Four little, five little, six little puppies.
Seven little, eight little....oh, you get the picture.
And yes, it does go all the way to 10.

Just when I ran out of things to blog about, my sweet doggie comes to my rescue. We made the startling discovery as we were getting ready for school this morning. (Did anybody notice my Big Dan FINALLY got a haircut all on his own?)

Anyway, back to my dog story. I must start at the beginning.

A few months ago, Pete began harping that Dixie had become a woman and we needed to get her surgerized..if ya know what I mean. Little Ann and I pleaded with him to let her at least have one litter of puppies just for pure enjoyment. The one who I assumed would be the father was a beautiful big black lab that when bred with Dixie who is 1/2 golden retriever and 1/2 lab herself, would make pretty babies. I was just sure of it. And with 5 out of 10 of them being solid black, I'm sure I hit the nail right on the head. Surely we can enjoy them through their adorable "puppy stage" and then hopefully get a little money out of them if only just enough to pay for our expenses involved in shots and food.

We didn't keep track of the exact time, but we did know she was HUGE and felt terrible all day yesterday. We couldn't get her to come out of her kennel and she hadn't eaten in about 4 days. That and a constant limp had me worried, so we had planned on taking her to the vet first thing this morning. Needless to say, she's still got the limp, but I think she's a little too preoccupied to let it worry her too much right now. She gave birth to 10 pups between the time I went to bed and got up this morning!

Pete built a comfortable sized box for them to stay in at least for the next week or so in our guest bath. It is so cold and rainy outside, I just didn't have the heart to make them stay out even though her kennel was nice and warm with all of them inside. I didn't get much accomplisehd today for going back and forth looking at them. They are so cute I can hardly stand it. This is one of the little goldies lying in my hand.

From the moment Little Ann has been home from school, she has had a puppy in her lap at all times. I think she has been rotating, giving them all a fair share and most of them have names by now. lol.

Bless her little heart. She is so smitten she even did her homework in the bathroom floor so she could be near them. And look at this sweet little picture below. The little white one she calls "Sugar" is getting some good zzz's atop of Little Ann's sparkly blue jeans.

Don't ya want one?

Not a Good Past 24 Hours

2009-01-04T20:27:00.008-06:00

Just so ya know, I'm fresh out of interesting stuff right now. And unfortunately the things happening around here lately, trust me, you would NOT want pictures of. It seems there has been a little bug going around in Scrapper Mom's household. Big Dan came in from work last night saying he didn't feel good, and it was only a few hours later that he came and got me out of bed (3:45 am to be exact) asking for assistance. It all happened so quickly he couldn't even get out of the bed fast enough. I felt really sorry for him and he kept apologizing and apologizing to me. I felt sorry for me too, because I spent the next 2 hours cleaning carpet and changing bed linens. I would rather do ANYTHING than deal with puke.

As I woke Little Ann up for church this morning, lo and behold she complained of a tummy ache. We opted out of spreading our germs and like any good mommy would do, I went into the kitchen and began concocting my own version of homemade chicken noodle soup for everyone's lunch.

Just a couple more hours into the afternoon became migraine city for me. So I laid down for about an hour with my bed buddy (love it) and after several doses of medicine finally gained enough relief and energy to get one Christmas tree down.

Hopefully tomorrow will bring everyone back to their health as the kiddos are headed back to school and Christmas break is over. I can say, I'm sad because I've enjoyed having Little Ann home with me, and the times Big Dan and I have spent on the Wii late at night when he gets in from work. I am savoring these moments now that I have let reality set in. One more semester of high school....oh, I don't even want to think about it. I will however, be happy to get my room back to order removing all American girl dolls and deflating the air mattress Little Ann has called her own for the last week.

And sorry about The Bachelor ad on my sidebar. I didn't realize that it came on with live video until Pete told me how annoying that was. I will remove it right now, but don't miss the premeir tomorrow night!!

Hope everyone has a great week ahead!

The Good, The Bad and The (Definitely Not) Ugly

2009-01-03T21:45:00.023-06:00

I guess this will be a hodge podge post, because I've got several things tossing to and fro in my brain just awaiting to get out. Here's some good:

Tonight my parent's came over for dinner and to return my little lost orphan (that I missed tremendously by the way)...not that I didn't enjoy my time alone, but 2 full days became almost more than I could bear. After our meal, I challenged my dad in a game of Wii bowling. It was too funny. I guess you would just have to know my sweet little daddy. I won't use the terms "he doesn't get out much", because that's the farthest thing from the truth. As a matter of fact, he is always on the go, but it's always to drink coffee at the nearest coffee shop, to a cow sale, or to buy an old junk car somewhere. That is the life for him and he loves every minute of it. So to see him playing video games was quite comical. Oh, and for those who I know will notice my Christmas tree is still up...I'm working on it. Really, I am, but I refused to do it when I had my weekend to myself, ya know?

Before long, we had talked my mom into joining in the fun. She admitted she had never been bowling before in real life. She held her own..actually leading on my dad for several frames, but he ended up getting 2 strikes in the 10th frame for a tie. It was probably for the best. It'll keep peace tonight. haha.

Some more good I don't think I've shared with you:
Last Sunday and Monday, Little Ann and I traveled up to visit our besties again a few hours away. Our mutual friend from China was also in visiting and brought his girlfriend for us to meet. I mentioned how he was their exchange student several years ago here. They are currently living in Boston.

We had a great time exchanging some gifts and catching up with each other. We watched "The Bucket List" and did some shopping. My friendgirl was very disappointed in my shopping though. Christmas had wore me out and I just didn't have much energy for shopping at all. I tried to hang, really, I did, and was good until my high heeled boots had gotten the best of me. (I know what you're thinking....self-inflicted).

The Bad:

Even though this happened the day after Christmas, I've chosen not to bring it to the blog yet. There were so many other happy subjects to blog about like presents and babies and New Year's resolutions. Besides, I can't say this has been the most popular thing for discussion in the house lately. In fact, it made for a pretty crappy "post Christmas" weekend.

Yes, this is Big Dan's car and once again, it wasn't his fault. Some guy in his senior class rear ended him last Friday when they went to hit in the batting cages. If I got my story right, it had something to do with a pretty girl driving by and a certain senior with his head somewhere it shouldn't be. Big Dan just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time (yeah, like in front of him). Yet again, all I can say is...this poor car. This poor boy. Oh yeah, and I almost forgot to even mention that Santa brought him a brand new spoiler for this car that we can't even put on now until it gets out of the shop again. Poor, poor boy or rather poor momma. Anybody got any xanax?

Ok, enough about the bad...let's get down to the definitely NOT ugly:

If you noticed my blog change, surely you've noticed by now that with that change, I added a little Jason to my sidebar. I can't hardly wait until the new season of "The Bachelor". It premiers Monday night. Like, as in, day after tomorrow's Monday! One thing I have noticed from watching little snippits so far (besides how sweet and adorable Jason is), and it really makes me wonder..what exactly is up with the mucho boobage on these girls? I mean, seriously?

Put them away, please.

Anyway, I will definitely be watching, and looking forward to those bloggers who will join hands with me in comparing notes! lol. I am also hyped up for the new season of "The Biggest Loser" which begins Tuesday night, and I guess I'm going to have to watch "Momma's Boys" online, because I'm thinking it will be on the same time as "The Bachelor". Help Me!! Too much reality TV!

Tranquility

2009-01-02T18:52:00.003-06:00

Shhhh...listen, do you hear that?

It's quiet, and unless you're at my house today, you probably don't. I've very much enjoyed having the house to myself today. Pete went back to work...finally. Big Dan went to Little Rock to spend his Christmas cash and gift cards before clocking in himself tonight, and Little Ann is off for one last excursion with my parents before hitting the books on Monday. It has made for a very pleasurable day for me having nothing except what I want on the agenda. Do you think anybody would ever know if I played guitar hero?

You're jealous, aren't you?

A New Year's Day..Daybook

2009-01-01T14:31:00.011-06:00

Outside my window.....I see sunshine shining down on a barren yard. It's not a cold as it has been. 59 degrees feels much better than 30.

I am thinking.....that this break has passed by way too fast and I'm not ready for it to be over. And I wonder if I will be strong enough to hold fast to some resolutions that I am making in attempt to better my life. I wont share what they are to save myself the pain of having to come back and admit my failure. (But, I'm sure some of them are the same as yours!!)

From the learning room.....nothing. Are you kidding? We've still got the weekend.

I am thankful for.....the fact that I have a warm, cozy house, a recliner and a laptop. (oh my, is that shallow or what?) I am thankful for other things too though.

From the kitchen.....Pete is on the back porch grilling pork steaks and they sure smell good. I have corn on the cob and pasta boiling.

I am wearing.....my pajama's. I know, I know. It's only 2:30 in the afternoon. I promise I'm headed to the tub, then to put on clothes, and then to work. (Oh, you know you wish you were in your pj's too)

I am reading.....no reading here.

I am hoping.....to get all this Christmas stuff put away and this house clean today. No better way to start the new year than with a clean house.

I am creating.....a monster, by allowing this little rock star to continually play guitar hero from sun up to sun down.

I am hearing.....Survivor - Eye of the Tiger on guitar hero and Van Halen playing in the kitchen. I guess Pete needs a little New Year's pick me up while grilling.

Around the house.....uh...you really don't wanna know. Ask me tomorrow.

One of my favorite things.....chocolate milk. And the reason I am dwelling on that right now is the fact that I am planning to give it up soon in an attempt to downsize my behind. (One of many attempts)

A few plans for the rest of the week.....regain order, paying some bills (oooo, that's scary), taking Little Ann to spend one last night with her memaw and papaw. Papaw wants to take her squirrel hunting. I'm not quite sure of other plans. Sometimes, I just go with the flow and do whatever the mood strikes me.

A picture thought for the day...

Anybody else make any new year's resolutions to lose weight the fun way? Been thinking about getting this. Does it live up to it's name?

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you can keep all those resolutions you've made in the last 24 hours. As for me, I will probably forget mine by tomorrow.

Oh, and pardon the blog makeover. That's another one of those things I'm trying to do as I put away the old and begin with the new. It is "temporary" status right now.

Because I don't ever remember anything...

2008-12-31T17:00:00.008-06:00

I love how everyone on my blog roll is reminiscing over the past events of their 2008. I've enjoyed reading the ones I've read so far and plan on catching up with the rest of them soon. I especially loved how this blogger even linked back into her favorite and most memorable blog entries. If I had any kind of imagination, I would've thought of that first.

Although this past year has been filled with it's ups and it's downs for sure, I can't pinpoint the most memorable things as some of you have done. You can read some of my profound thoughts here. I'm sure I've said before, I have a terrible memory and that is one of the greatest reasons I am so glad I started blogging. I have always been a journaler..(is that a word, really?) I have enjoyed keeping the day's events and my thoughts on paper, and love going back and reading what I wrote. I am so thankful I have done this even if there was I time I didn't do it faithfully. If it weren't for my past journals and now my blog, I absolutely wouldn't remember anything.

I just want to take this time to wish everyone a wonderful and very happy New Year. May we continue to grow in our bloggy friendships and say and do lots more things I probably won't remember, but will love at the time!!

Nothing but my Reality Check

2008-12-30T23:45:00.006-06:00

I've been in a slight "blogging funk"...if you will...the last couple of days. I think my body and brain are both just exhausted, and I just can't think of anything to say.

It has been rather busy over the holiday break. I just realized tonight while walking down the aisles of the grocery store that the break was almost over. Time passes so quickly. Although Big Dan hasn't been home much (except when it was time to rack up..lol), I have so enjoyed spending this time with Little Ann. We have done lots of shopping, visiting friends, and we've watched lots of movies together.

It currently looks like a tornado hit my bedroom. Last night we blew up an air mattress so Little Ann could sleep in my floor. Her daddy was home and she wanted to sleep near me. Pete wanted to know how long that was going to last, and I assured him only during what was left of Christmas break. I just laughed to myself when I saw him stumble over 3 American Girl dolls in a make shift bed right beside her and about 10 stuffed animals in my floor. It definitely didn't leave much room for walking. As frustrating as her messes are sometimes, I know one day I will look around and wish for something to clean up.

Speaking of Little Ann.....although this has nothing to do with anything, she just came in here and told me she wishes I would have named her "Alice". Don't know what that's all about.

I had a little reality check tonight. One of my best scrapbooking friends' daughter had a baby today , but not only that... Pete's mamaw had back surgery. I love babies. I guess maybe I could've had 6 or 7 and been happy, but I guess God knew what would be best for me. When I was pregnant with Little Ann, I often questioned myself. I wondered how I could possibly love my new daughter with as much love as I had for my son. Did I actually have enough to go around? Oh, I did. It's still hard to understand how a mother can have so much love in her heart...and it just never goes away, no matter how many "I hate you's" she hears.

After visiting with my friend and swaddling that precious newborn baby girl, we moved up to the next floor to visit Pete's mamaw. She will be 88 in March and is in the hospital for back surgery because she fell off a ladder. A ladder people. Why would you climb a ladder if you were 88? But nothing much gets this woman down. It's unbelievable how good she still looks and acts at her age. As I looked at her petite 95 pound body lying there, I wondered just how many more years of life she actually had in her. And just as my friend's new baby was entering into this world....I know it won't be very many more years before she will be leaving...because that's what we do. We are born into this world, and then we leave it.

So many things are swimming around in my head right now. I mean what if I am drawing closer to my time of leaving. Really, none of us have the assurance of tomorrow.

James 4:14 - Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.

So what is my life? How will I spend my 2009? What will remain the same? What will I change? What will I do for God who brought me in to this world and can just as easily take me out? I know that despite conflicts in my marriage, unloving words spouted off to my children, bad decisions I continue to make, whatever it may be dragging me down... that ultimately my happiness lies within myself. I know that my life will be just exactly what I make it.

Traditions and a little Chaos

2008-12-27T17:18:00.026-06:00

I can't believe Christmas is already over. I spend so much time preparing...shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking and all of a sudden, the celebrations have ended and I'm left with a barren tree, a house full of empty boxes, trash and dirty dishes. I know it is all worth it though when I see the big smiles on my children's faces.

Little Ann held tight to her list, making sure we followed the order of operations. Luckily she remembered our yearly traditions and had listed things in order anyway, so as we went with the flow of our Christmas Eve evening, it all naturally fell into place.

Christmas Eve has traditionally become the time we spend with my side of the family. My family isn't very big as I only have one sibling and once my grandparents passed away, everyone began to branch off establishing their own traditions with their immediate families. This year my parents weren't able to make it so it was just Pete, the kids and I, and my brother's family. Which believe me....with 3 boys and Big Dan to ag it all on..was all the chaos we needed.

The food was all delish as usual and once the tables were cleared and food put away, we began our highly competitive traditional game of Bingo. After Bingo, we managed to fulfill another of our family traditions being our family photo, but not without lots of grumbling.

You can't tell it though. We managed to get a smile out of everyone..surprisingly.

The present opening came after the picture and is usually what takes up the majority of the night. We are slow and it took Pete awhile to get used to our way of doing things. His family is so different than mine where presents are concerned. They waste no time with their opening, but we try to make it last by giving each person their own turn and full attention. These are a few of the happy faces from the night's gift giving.

For all you "non-country" folk out there, this is a three dimensional deer target. This is what the poor man asked for ya'll, so don't be giving me those eyebrows. Jeff Foxworthy may've said it best..."You might be a redneck if.....". lol.

I must say..one of the highlights of the night was listening to my brother's 3 year old repeat his newly learned phrase....."What in the heck?" as loudly as possible every single time someone opened a new gift. Look at his mouth and get a mental picture. Hi.lari.ous.

After all the gifts were opened and we all did trash patrol, the kids, once again followed Little Ann's schedule and took the telescope out to find Santa

all the while running in and out to track him on the Santa tracker as well. Hmmmm..is he close?

And where there are boys, you will most likely always find some level of chaos...especially with little (and big) boys who have just inhaled an extreme amount of sugar, opened lots of new toys, and are anxiously awaiting Santa. Needless to say, there was lots of this going on...

And thanks to Aunt Scrapper Mom who buys the most awesome gifts ever, a nerf gun, and a boy who subconsciously doesn't want to grow up (especially on Christmas), there was quite a lot of this too...

But Christmas Eve and all of our Christmas Eve traditions finally came to an end, Santa arrived at the home of Scrapper Mom and here are my sweet babies on Christmas morning. This was such a bittersweet morning for Big Dan. Does Santa still come see you after you graduate High School?

Awww... I must say, these moments are few and far between.

I won't bore you with the list of everything everyone got from Santa, but I will tell you, I think the Wii was the favorite. I haven't played the ping pong yet, but I'm ready to take any of them. I rock at ping pong!

The rest of Christmas day, we spent with Pete's family. The girls.....

Some of the guys...(I bet you'd never guess they were watching football, would you?)

And I know I have probably more than used my share of picture allotment for the day's post, but I just have to show you Pete's sister's tree. It was small, but adorable.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday!!!

Christmas Reflections

2008-12-23T16:13:00.009-06:00

This will probably be my last post until after Christmas. I've been contemplating this post for a while now, thinking of just exactly what I wanted to say and what pictures I wanted to include. I'm not sure if it will come together just like I have it pictured or not, but I'm gonna try. Have I ever mentioned that I absolutely love blogging? There is just something so liberating about it. Whether I have readers or even commenters, I blog as much for myself, I think, as I do for you. It makes me dig deep inside my soul to bring out who I am. It forces me to remember things I have tucked away, and things that I have so much trouble remembering as I approach the age of 40. It brings me to old albums to search for just the right picture for the post I am preparing....and I could go on and on. And I have met so many wonderful people in the process. Thank you for continuing to be a faithful follower. I can only hope I will develop more friendships in the future as I continue my blogging endeavor.

Today, for myself, I want to reflect back on some of my most memorable Christmases. Starting with what I am assuming to be 1973 or 74 or something like that. Bear with me on these old photos. I've had to scan them while inside the album and there is some discoloring. (Did I mention being close to 40??)

I don't remember much about this Christmas, but I do love looking at how pretty my mother dressed me. And I got so tickled at how far her Christmas tree decorating has come over the past years.

This next photo must have come sometime after 1975. I'm assuming I was around 6 and my brother 2. Little Ann thinks Santa looks corny. I agree he does need somewhat of a makeover.

I love looking at our nappy heads every Christmas morning. And did anybody else have one of those Fisher Price hospitals? Remember the dinging elevator? You can't see here, but I was missing a few front teeth in some of the other photos from this morning. I must've been singing "All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth".

Let's fast forward a few years. Eventually, I did grow up. I graduated high school and moved into my own apartment in my college town. This is where I had my first taste of independence in so many ways. I remember how all I really wanted to be was a mother. I was always so afraid the rapture would occur before I had that opportunity. Little did I know what being a mother would behold for me, but I knew it would be special. I loved to play house...even in college and dreamed of what kind of wife I would make when that time came. I remember being so excited to go buy my own tree....(even though it was the cheapest one Walmart had at the time) and the limbs highly resembled the toilet brush I had in my bathroom. I was so proud of my table setting. Pretty good for 18 years old, huh?

Fast forward another couple of years when motherhood became a reality (a little earlier than expected), but I love this picture.

And I love this boy and wouldn't have had it any other way.

And this precious boy is now 18 years old himself, but I don't think he's too much into setting tables for the holidays.

My husband came into the picture when Big Dan was almost 3. He moved himself right out of his bachelor pad with a stereo and a big electric skillet into a home Big Dan and I already occupied. We didn't have much money then...(haha and still don't), but we lived on love. This is our first Christmas together along with Big Dan, my brother and his girlfriend (which is now his wife).

We'll move forward another 5 years to December 1998 which was Little Ann's first Christmas. Where Big Dan was an October baby and only 2 months old for his first, she was 9 months old and very, very busy. We had sold our little house in preparation for a bigger one where Little Ann could have her own room. We were renting a itty bitty one bedroom house while we built with a living room so tiny, I only had room for 1/2 a tree. Yes, 1/2 a tree. The front half in front of the window. It worked pretty well until Little Ann decided to pull it over. She has always been a little mischevious. Pete had to tie it to the wall with fishing line to keep her under control. That was a small house, and we were cooped up in it together for over 12 months, but we had some great times there.

In October of 1999, we were able to move into our new home where we've spent many more Christmases together and made lots of memories.

I love looking back at what the kids received and the smiles on their faces...nappy heads and all.

And although time has continued to pass me by, the memories will continue to linger and new ones will be made. Here is to a wonderful holiday season. May the Lord richly bless you in the new year. Please remember that He truly is the reason for this wonderful season.

Merry Christmas to you all.

A Christmas-y Weekend Wrap

2008-12-21T19:01:00.016-06:00

First of all, let me start this post with a warning for ya. I love pictures, so I'm letting everyone know up front that this post will be long and full of photographs! Maybe you won't get too bored looking at my Little Ann during our Christmas-y weekend.

The Girl Scouts got to go to the County Courthouse to view their ornament on the big tree, sing Christmas carols with the County Judge and eat refreshments.

We had to go up to the 2nd floor to be able to see our ornament which meant Little Ann wasn't getting anywhere near it. She has a height phobia, but agreed to let me get her picture by the wall.

Christmas presents came a little early for my brother's kids and Little Ann. Meemaw and Papaw wanted them to come open their gifts and spend Friday night with them. They always get so much on Christmas Eve and get lost in all the chaos. This way they could enjoy what they got that night. Unfortunately Big Dan had to work, but if I know my practical parents, I'm sure his gift will be waiting in the bank for his future "hard times".

Here is Little Ann with her new point and shoot....a girl after her mother's heart. The newest photographer in the family.

And run for your life! It's the Hulk 3 year old style!

Remember this night? The kids were all so excited to get their parent's and grandparent's gifts with their behavior bucks. They were so much more eager for my mom and dad to open than they were to even get their own presents.

And I totally don't want to gross anybody out, but on this same night, my dad surprised my mom with $500 big ones so she could go buy her a laptop. The sweetest thing is that they are in retirement, so he had gone out and cut several loads of logs to sell to the mill so he could do that for her. I can only hope I am this happy after 40 years of being married to the one I love.

Here is my little "lady in red" hamming it up for the camera. She is all decked out in meemaw's new scarf and mittens, wearing her bow while holding her new red camera. So stunning..dahling.

We had a busy morning today. Of course, being the Sunday before Christmas meant our choir's performance, lots of wonderful holiday food, and back into the sanctuary for the children's play. It was called "Operation Baby King" and the kids did great. It was a sting operation to make sure everyone understood the Baby Jesus came for ALL PEOPLE!!

Here is Miss Sass herself....The names blond.....Jane Blond.

And last but not least...here's my baby girl and myself. She'd already gotten rid of the tie. And...Oh dear hairdresser..I know you had surgery, but can you just look at this hair??? I need you.........before Christmas!!

Have a great Monday!

Really Liking Her Way of Thinking...Updated

2008-12-20T13:34:00.013-06:00

Little Ann: "Mom, I think I'm going to make a schedule for Christmas Eve since it's at our house"..."Won't it be neat?..We won't even have to leave."

Mom: "Yeah, I know, that will be much easier, huh?"

(Little Ann goes and get's her pencil and paper and walks around checking things out)

Little Ann: "We haven't had Christmas here in a long time...I want everything to be perfect."

(Little Ann pausing for a moment in deep thought)

Little Ann: "Mom, we really need to clean the house."

Mom: "Yeah, I know that too, but we've still got a few days."

(Little Ann writes a few things down)

Little Ann: "How do you spell appetizers?"

Mom: "A P P E T I Z E R S"

(Little Ann taking note of all my scrapbooking supplies in the corner of the dining room)

Little Ann: "Mom, that stuff's in the way." "You really need to build onto the house so you can move that cart and have your own place for all your scrapbook stuff."

(Chuckling to myself)

Mom: "Yeah, that would be really nice....wish I had some money."

Mom is really liking Little Ann's way of thinking!!!

******************************************
Update: Found this lying on the couch...Too cute.

She's Here...and it's about time!

2008-12-18T23:41:00.003-06:00

If you missed all the hype of Chickadee's big day, just scroll down and read. It was a pretty exciting but tiring day for her. I just wanted to let everyone know that the baby has finally arrived..via cesarean. I'm not sure of details like the exact time and length, etc...but my friend who is there says she resembles Milo and only weighed in at 6 pounds and 12 ounces. I will give her the glory of telling you her name and all the glorious intimate details. At least you guys can pray for them and know all is well. Goodnight.

Baby News! One More Progress Update!

2008-12-18T11:18:00.018-06:00

Although my friend, Chickadee and I are the same age, she is much braver (or crazier) than I. For this post is not about MY baby news....(I think I would just have to committ myself), but about hers. Because not only is she my dear friend and the one who introduced me into this world of "blog", but I know we have several of the same readers, so I thought I would keep you updated on her behalf today.
**********************************************************
Update 5: 10:55 - I just got word that sadly, but for the best, she is going to have to resort to a cesarean section. I am assuming they are doing that right now. Not sure because they aren't letting any visitors back. Clark came out to inform family who are waiting. I hate that for her especially after 3 the other way, but she is so tired. One good thing is that she can now say she has experienced both. Please say a prayer for them tonight.

Update 4: The latest update I have just gotten is from another one of my friends who is waiting. It is 9:25 and the doctor has gone to deliver another baby as Chickadee is resting from all her hard work at the moment. No baby yet. Keep your fingers crossed...I voted for the 19th!! I'm almost there! (no, really, I wouldn't wish another 2 1/2 hours of pushing on her for any amount on a Target gift card!)

Update 3: I just got in and called Clark to check on Chickadee. He says she is in some pain, but fully dialated and ready to push. It is around 7:00 right now and the doctor is on his way. Clark seems calm. I could hear the TV in the background and he informed me he was watching an episode of Seinfield. Isn't that just like a man. This is number 4 so I guess he's used to the birthing process. I will let you know when the sweet one arrives!

Update 2: It's 2:15 and I just checked in with Chickadee and although she hasn't seen the doctor all day, the nurse has come in and determined that she has dialated to a 4. I'll be out for a while, but plan on checking back in when I get home later.

Update 1: It is around 11:20 this Thursday morning. She told us that she had to be at the hospital at 5:00 am this morning for her induction because she obviously did not go on her own. I just spoke with Clark and he informed me that she hasn't had any change since starting on the med's this morning about 8:00. I will report again soon!!

Let's Talk TV

2008-12-16T22:06:00.003-06:00

Wow, I haven't talked TV since the big finale of The Bachelorette. And I guess you've heard that Deanna broke off the engagement with Jesse? I'm not surprised, but I really hate it. That girl needs to figure out what she wants.

Anyway, I am a fan of most shows on ABC, but here lately I've gotten into several on NBC. Like The Biggest Loser for one. I love that show and I know I've talked about it before. There is just something that is so inspiring about watching those people go through body transformations. I love it, and I used to be a big, big fan of Extreme Makeover when it was on. So, what did everyone think of the big winner? GO MICHELLE!! Didn't Ed look nice too? Wow. I couldn't believe it.

But what about Momma's Boys? I was just laughing trying to imagine myself on that show (as a momma, of course). What if I really could pick the ideal girl for Big Dan? What kind of girl would I pick? Naturally, he'd pick the exact opposite of what I picked...I might have to resort to that reverse psychology thing in order to get my way. Hmmmm......I'm afraid that's what the guys on that show are going to do. Those girls just better watch out. Ain't nothing worse than a momma protecting her boy. I KNOW!!! lol.

But, really, what was UP with that crazy lady? Jo Jo's mom? I couldn't believe all the stipulations she was putting on those girls. Even I'm not THAT bad? (am I?....grin)

If you didn't watch, you've got to. It will start coming on on Monday's as of next week.

It Went Off...but not without a hitch, glitch..whatever.

2008-12-15T18:27:00.010-06:00

I don't really know what went off without a hitch or glitch or whatever the heck I was thinking when I came up with that title. Mainly I was thinking of what took up the majority of my afternoon. You guessed it. My Christmas cards. I actually got online and figured it out. It's not that I hate learning new things, but I just don't like figuring stuff out. That's mainly why I give Chickadee all my manuals to my gadgets and ask her to read them and then tell me what they say. Sometimes she falls for that..and sometimes she doesn't. lol.

Anyway, Walmart.com wasn't as hard as I thought, of course, but the website was very contrary today. If it weren't for the fact that I kept getting booted off with about every click it would've been great. I got my cards done and Pete had even agreed to brave the freezing cold (soon to be wintry storm coming our way) to go pick them up for me. After I checked out I was informed the one hour wasn't exactly one hour, so I have to wait until tomorrow. Oh well, I've waited this long. What's one more day? Oh, yeah. I had to change pictures though, but that's another long story and frankly I'm sick of talking Christmas cards. Just know everyone will get a good laugh at my Little Ann's attempt at getting my dog to smile!

Although Pete sometimes refers to me as "Betty Crocker", you must know I've never actually tried to claim her fame. I tried my hand at fudge today though. Not so good. Well, I mean the fudge tastes good, but you kind of have to eat it with a spoon. That's ok, huh? It's what it tastes like that really counts, right? So, maybe that's what I was thinking about when I made up my blog title.

Guess what I got in the mail today? I got Christmas cards from my blog friends, Rae and April. Yipee!!!! I knew I loved blogging. I have made the greatest friends. Thanks girls for the newsletters and the pictures!! I love ya'll!! Yours is a comin'!! (you know the story, lol..)

Believe it or not Big Dan was exempt from all of his semester tests. That's wonderful. You just don't know how wonderful. For more than one reason. For one, I don't have to study!! And two..I get to turn in a statement to my insurance company for good grades and FINALLY get a break. (turning a cartwheel..well, not really, but wanting to). And that also means he is out for his Christmas break a week earlier than everyone else.

I'm kind of already feeling the laziness of the holiday break myself. It's so not like me to give in so easily, but Little Ann came home today insisting that she NOT go sing in her Holiday Hoedown they were having at school tonight. Since it is only like 30 degrees here today, it wasn't hard for me to look into her big brown eyes and say "ok, honey"..."whatever you say"....(while all the while thinking "yee haw, I didn't want to get out in this freezing cold weather anyway!!). So, we are going to watch The Sound of Music together later. I think I'll let her play hookey tomorrow too...shhhhh!!

I guess I'm signing off for today. Little Ann is requiring I cook dinner. Of all the nerve! lol.

The Cards That Just Aren't Meant to be!

2008-12-14T22:34:00.006-06:00

Now I remember why I haven't messed with photo Christmas cards in the last few years. Yeah....it's all coming back to me now. Honestly, I feel a little like Heidi...minus all the nudity (sorry Heidi, I couldn't resist). Surely these must be the Christmas cards that are just not meant to be.

I think I failed to mention that on Friday when I made a trip into the capital city, I purposely made Wal-Mart the first stop on my list so that I could get my cards printing while I ran other errands on that side of town. (I already had issues with putting only one lowly little picture on a cd in the first place.) It just seemed so wasteful, and would you believe that the machine refused to read my disc? Strike One.

In my mind I set aside this afternoon to make my 2nd attempt at my regular Wal-Mart as the most contributing factor would be that I would already have makeup on and I try to squeeze the impossible in on those days. And of course, in refusing to only put one lowly little picture on another cd, I put several...114 to be exact...of the most recent family activities and of course our family shots. I knew my afternoon was cut short due to the fact that we'd had lunch at my parent's and we didn't leave there until almost 2:00 and I was due back for choir practice at 4:30, but if I could just get them started, I'd be good, even if I had to come back to get them later.

I stood in line at least 30 minutes waiting on the machine. I was third in line behind one extra superdy duperdy slow person, whom I thought would never finish, and then behind an elderly couple who were obviously very proud of their grandchildren and had to develop every picture on their sd card..yes, all 300 of them....and that is AFTER they had the little associate guy give them lessons on how to work the machine. That just couldn't be good. By the time I got there I was very frazzled and mind you...very short on time. I waited at least another 10 minutes on myself actually (remember the 114 pictures I was determined to put on my cd?). They took forever to load and of course the one I needed was the very last one. I finally got all the contents of my card put together, placed my order and went on about my merry way, actually with a few minutes to spare. As I began to wander aimlessly down the aisles trying to remember what else I came for it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had forgotten to add my text. I ran back to my machine only to find it being occupied once again. Strike two.

I rushed home for choir practice, church services and another play practice, and afterwards did a little eyelash batting at Pete in hopes of talking him into going back into town with me so I could try this yet another time. It didn't take much when he realized food could quite possibly be involved. He and Little Ann went to sporting goods while I marched back to the photo developing center. You guessed it. With 30 minutes to get my order placed before I would have to wait until tomorrow, it just so happened that I got behind a school teacher who was making individual cards for each of her students...each with a different photo. One she obviously took of each student on Santa's lap. Why me? That is totally a loaded question..........Strike three.

So tonight blog world. I am venting. Is it just not meant to be this year? (and my doggie looked so cute!!.......and my kids too! lol. )

I really should learn how to upload photos online, huh?

Ooooo.. I Can't Wait!

2008-12-13T15:16:00.010-06:00

I really got nothin' in the way of blog news. I've been doing probably what everyone else is doing.., just trying to get my Christmas shopping, wrapping, and bow tying done so I can move on to bigger and better things....like fudge.

Yesterday, I made a mad dash to our capital city to finish up some loose ends at some stores we don't have where I live. When I say mad dash..I mean mad dash because it's an hour away, plus an hour back, and I had to be back in time to get Little Ann from my mom's and to dress rehearsal for their Christmas play. And why, oh why, is it that when I am in a hurry, traffic is at it's worst? AND...for the record, I am admitting that I don't have the best reputation when it comes to driving anyway. I have been known to rip a mirror off my little car on someone's mailbox while adjusting my bra strap as I was driving to work. (Yeah, that really happened..I took that thing clean off and kept on driving). I also have pretty little designs on the side of my van at this very moment from getting a little too close for comfort with my own mailbox. What is it with mailboxes?? And did I mention how directionally challenged I am? Just this past year have I mustered up enough courage to tackle the driving in the capital city myself. I got so tired of waiting on Pete who is never home or bothering someone else to chauffeur me so I just did it. An amateur in capital city, work traffic AND Christmas shopping traffic..not a good mix. I think I may have cut like 50 people off and I didn't count how many mean looks (among other things) I got! lol. Something about having so many lanes to choose from just gets me every time. And those exits..they just seem to sneak right up on me.

Ok, so enough about my bad driving. I did finish up my gift buying and also went into Hobby Lobby to have my portrait of Big Dan framed as I bought more gift wrapping supplies. I was so happy with it.

It's sitting in front of my fireplace at the moment until I can get Pete inside with the stud finder to hang it for me.

After dress rehearsal, the kids got to spend some "good behavior bucks" they had earned on Christmas gifts for their parents. Adults had brought donations in the way of neat little what nots for them to choose from and we had a checkout and a gift wrapping station set up. They absolutely LOVED this. My littlest nephew was ecstatic..he ran up to my brother and said..."wook, Daddy, I got you this Christmas present and you're gonna wuv it"!! I also heard another little girl (6th grade) who commented she was so happy because she had never gotten to get her dad anything for Christmas and her sister's birthday was today and she was able to get her a birthday gift too. Little Ann wrapped most of her gifts herself and she was also very excited to come home and show her daddy as she placed each one under the tree. (But not before mom got a picture for the blog!!)

Most of my day has been spent getting what I've bought wrapped up. We are supposed to go to another Christmas party at a Mexican restaurant tonight, but I'm just pooped. I think I want to just stay home, curl up with my baby in front of the gas logs and watch a Christmas movie.

And last but definitely NOT LEAST!! I'm so excited to see that Jason is going to be the next Bachelor. If you don't know by now...I LOVE that show. I am such a sucker for reality shows and romance and when you combine the two, I am just hooked! It premiers on January 5 and I can't wait.

Have a great rest of the weekend! I guess my nothin' turned into somethin', huh?