I'm a Bette.....

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Bette!

You are a Bette -- "I must be strong"

Bettes are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Stand up for yourself... and me.
• * Be confident, strong, and direct.
• * Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.
• * Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.
• * Give me space to be alone.
• * Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.
• * I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.
• * When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.

What I Like About Being a Bette

• * being independent and self-reliant
• * being able to take charge and meet challenges head on
• * being courageous, straightforward, and honest
• * getting all the enjoyment I can out of life
• * supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me
• * upholding just causes

What's Hard About Being a Bette

• * overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to
• * being restless and impatient with others' incompetence
• * sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it
• * never forgetting injuries or injustices
• * putting too much pressure on myself
• * getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right

Bettes as Children Often

• * are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit
• * are sometimes loners
• * seize control so they won't be controlled
• * figure out others' weaknesses
• * attack verbally or physically when provoked
• * take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings

Bettes as Parents

• * are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted
• * are sometimes overprotective
• * can be demanding, controlling, and rigid

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at

Christmas Card Photo....

After many attempts this afternoon, here is the winner. I've been sick with a horrible head cold....so, I really should be thrilled!

Books I've Read this year...

I convinced my friend, Tracy, to start a book club earlier this year. It has been fun and I've read more this year than in recent years past.

The Measure of a Man, Sidney Poitier
Don't really recommend it. Although many like his writing style, I found it very elementary, with the occasional superfluous Webster's dictionary word. Had he a better editor or writing partner, his story could have been wonderful.

The Lemon Tree, Sandy Tolan
There was LOTS of history in this book. This is a true story. Most times I felt like this book was over my head. However, the point of view of the author was very interesting and not one most Americans would take. An interesting, intellectual read.

Gracelin O'Malley, Ann Moore
This was my pick the month I hosted. I read this book a few years ago and fell in love with the story and characters. It was so good, I wanted to read it again. My book club buddies fell in love with the characters as well. This was the author's first novel and it is very well written.

Irreparable Harm, Randy Singer
Great mystery. Although, I've been told that once you read a few of Singer's books you can easily figure out the story line. This was the first one I read and didn't figure it out until near the end. Singer is a christian author, and his G rated writing style is refreshing.

A Land Remembered, Patrick Smith
This is a must read for Floridians. However, I must admit, I read the Student Version. The library was all out of the regular version. I didn't think it would make much difference, but during our discussion I quickly learned it did. I missed some story lines, ones that were taken out to make the story rated G.

East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Loved it. Many do not like Steinbeck's writing style, but I do. This is a long novel, but I breezed through it. I was drawn to each character and truly loved being swept into this novel.

Lake in the Clouds, Sara Donati
This was part of a series, that we didn't realize was a series until after we read it. It was good, some racy parts, but overall good. Someday, maybe I'll read the first and second novel.

The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd
It was okay. Not really sure what all the hype was about.

Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers
Beautiful retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer. Another story I loved being swept into. Rivers' gives layers to her characters, causing you to immediately identify with and root for. Highly recommend this novel.

What novels have you read this year?

Why Not....

My cats have offically taken over my house. Tigger doesn't like it if doors are shut...so he claws at the doors. I now have paintless strips on almost every door in my house. Both couches have threads pulled from the cat claws. I have cat hair flying everywhere and have to actually vaccum the couches weekly.

I want to have the cats declawed but Michael is very reluctant. Why not, you ask? Probably because the cost of the 'procedure'.

So, I'm thinking....I should get the cats declawed and get a maid and then I'll be set.

Why not, right?

Ramblings

Per Emily, I must blog.

I've been busy and so, not much has been going on, other than regular day to day stuff....nothing interesting....at least not to me.

After much searching, I finally found a watch I like and that fits. I spent more than I wanted to, but figured had I stopped looking a month ago I could have saved at least $10 in gas going from store to store.

Speaking of gas, Michael filled up for $2.09 a gallon yesterday and today it is $2.08. I felt like dancing a jig when I saw that price. Mental picture....Me, dancing a jig. What is a jig? I picture high knees, hips moving and fingers snapping. Is that your mental picture, also?

Michael and Jacob went to the FSU v. Clemson game this afternoon. They didn't have tickets, but that never stops them. Michael is a great haggler. The last game they went to he paid $23 for 2 tickets and they had great seats. I expect nothing less this time.

I have a pot of Cincinnati Chili simmering on the stove. I'm surfing my blog list, but really should be cleaning my house. Since I've been working full time, we've all tried to pick up the slack....but my clean is not the same as other's clean, specifically Jacob and Michael. Oh well.

I've been reading The Secret Life of Bees for book club. Hopefully I will have it finished before the meeting on Monday night. I ran across a quote the other day....It fits me to a tee! "If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done."

Have you noticed that PLUM is the color for Fall this year. Look around....shirts, skirts, purses....they are all plum. Do you have anything plum?

Emily's time wasters....

I read Emily's blog and then saw her time wasters and decided to check out a few...well, actually, I probably will look at all her time wasters....

However, on Anna Maria's blog I found this.....

(photo from Anna Maria's blog)

What do you think? I think it is wonderful....and think I'll have to make one or two or maybe a few. Think of the possibilities - for the beach, the pool, laying out by the lake. Okay, on second thought, maybe it is not that great of an idea. We rarely go to the beach, maybe once a year....we don't go swimming at anyone's pool very often and we NEVER lay out at the lake. Nevertheless....I think it's a great idea.

Don't you hate it when.....

You buy a cute watch, wear it every day and then look down one day and realize the watch that was once silver is now two tone because it was fake and the 'silver' has worn away?

I jumped on the blogs to catch up and looked down to see what time it was and noticed my now two tone watch. Urg....actually the watch I had, up until a few months ago, Michael gave me right after I had Jacob. I guess it lasted long enough. I thought it was the battery that needed replacing, but when I did replace the battery and it did not start ticking and was then told it would probably cost more to figure out what the problem was than to replace it, I decided to look for another watch. I found an inexpensive (obviously) one at Belk a few months ago. Oh well.

Is there really a need for watches anymore? We all have cell phones that display the time. I spend a good majority of my time in front of a computer, at work, that displays the time. I have a clock in my car, on my nightstand, on my microwave and even on my stove. However, I've worn a watch for at least 20 years and when I forget to wear it, I feel like I'm missing something. Actually, I feel that way about earrings, too.

Do you have something that you HAVE to wear?

Skip to My Lou

This blog is a must-see. She has collected all kinds of ideas for crafting, gifts, parties, holidays...just to name a few. I'm so glad I stumbled on her site and just had to share.

P.S. If you don't do halloween, just keep scrolling. Trust me!

A story for Mom

My mom left a comment on my previous post saying that she misses my blogging stories.

Well, not that I mean to keep blogging about rainy days.....

Tonight, as I was on my way home from work it was raining. I was on my cell phone, just about to leave a message on my friend's voicemail. As her outgoing message was playing my driver's side windshield wiper blade flew off! Since I'm a multi-tasker...I was able to turn off my wiper blades, leave a message and keep straight in my lane...all while laughing hysterically!

I called Michael and he asked me if I went back for the blade. Are you kidding me? I was in work clothes, it was raining AND I had to go to the bathroom. Not to mention the fact that it flew off on a busy road. Can you even imagine?

I was going to stop at Publix to pick up lunch snacks and cereal and almost scraped the idea and head home. However, the last time I purchased washer fluid I splurged and got the RainX fluid. All the water beaded off my windshield, so I stuck it out and stopped at the grocery.

On a side note...have you been watching Dancing with the Stars? My favorites are Warren Sapp and Brooke Burke. Who is your favorite?

Sister Fay brought the rain.....

A few weeks ago, our town was flooded by Hurricane Fay. It rained and it rained and then it rained some more. The bands of rain started Friday and continued on through late Saturday. We stayed indoors and watched movies and read books. Luckily, we had power throughout the storm, unlike others in town. We had lots of tree limbs down and a tree in our side yard couldn't take the saturation and is now leaning in the power lines. Late Saturday night, I received a call from a friend saying that church was cancelled. Wow, church, cancelled? I immediately flipped to the Weather Channel. Clips of Mike Seidel standing in water, people in boats floating down streets, and gas stations underwater immediately caused me to be very thankful that we had been spared any damage.

Fast forward to Sunday evening. We were going to play Mexican Train with neighbors but my trip to Wal-Mart took way longer than expected. (I decided to go to one closest to our house, which also happened to be the one that all the college students were buying their dorm room supplies at!) I digress.....I got home and made dinner. By this time, it is pouring down rain again. We decide to nix the game idea. Michael grabs an umbrella and heads outside to see if there is any damage. I was sitting in the living room and hear, "Jacob, go look in the garage to see if there is water in there." I immediately jump up, open the door to the garage and see this....2 inches of standing water.

Now, those of you who know me, know that our garage is not used to house our vehicles, but rather to house our junk. Boxes of things we packed up before moving in almost 3 years ago. Before you go thinking, what is wrong with them.....I admit it, I have a disease that so far has been incurable. It's called procrastination. I think I also have a twinge of laziness. Those two do not make a good combination.

However, when forced to take action, we are great! Michael, Jacob and our neighbor quickly sprang into action with push brooms. They pushed the water out of the driveway which immediately caused the water in the garage to recede. On Monday, Michael came home early and emptied the garage and reorganized. We went through boxes and founds LOTS of things for either a garage sale or Goodwill.

Life is an adventure, isn't it?

The Most Random Quiz

I am an Echinacea What Flower Are You?

"You are a health conscious person, both your health and the health of others. You know all about the health benefits and dangers of the world around you."

This was a perfectly random quiz. While I want to be healthy and know what to do, when to do it and why I should do it....I eat more than I should and move less than I should. However, I don't smoke, drink or do drugs....so maybe I am healthy. I brush my teeth, at least once a day and floss when I have corn stuck in my teeth or on Monday's when I'm have every intention of flossing every day.

Let me know what flower you are and if you agree with the description.

32303

Have you seen that 90210 has been revived? I still remember sitting in Home Ec, in 9th grade, and EVERYONE was talking about the show they watched last night. I had not seen it; I wasn't allowed to watch television during school nights. Lucky for me, 90210 came on a night that my parents had bible study, at someone else's house. I would 'sneak' and watch it while they were out. I had a little black and white tv in my room, one with rabbit ears and no remote. WOW, that sounds ancient, doesn't it?

The show had no redeeming qualities, yet I loved it and looked forward to it. Eventually, I appealed to my mom - promising I would only watch that one show and assured her I would have my homework done before watching the show. It worked, she agreed. Actually, she knew I was watching it while they were out.

I must say, Boca Raton was a little like 90210. Classmates drove BMW's and Mustangs to school. The obsession with money, fashion, dating, sports was extremely prevalent, but maybe that was the same for lots of other high schools. Fortunately, I stayed out of that crowd. Thankfully I had friends like Melissa (I'd link her blog....but unfortunately, she has quick her blogging addition ºÜº) and Kristie. We enjoyed things that were considered 'right' but still fun.

Since Hannah and Jacob are both in middle school, I am reminded of my years in grades 6-8. Time has flown by and I expect it to continue. Before I know it, Hannah will be a 9th grader. I cannot imagine her watching a show like 90210 now. As much as parents complain about Disney shows...like Hannah Montana and the like, I think I'll take that over Beverly Hills anyday. Hopefully, 32303 is nothing like 90210.

Happy Birthday Mom

I love you!

Grocery Bags

Totally random....I know.

What kind of grocery bags do you use? Are you a 'green' shopper and bring your own bags to the market? I've thought about purchasing some Publix reusable bags, but then talk myself out of it. I've thought of crocheting a few market bags, but then realize I really don't have the desire, nor the time, to make.

I used to get paper bags. I thought more could be packed into them. Plus, they were perfect scrap catchers when I had monthly crops at my house. Now, I chose plastic, when asked. I line bathroom garbage cans with them. I have one hanging in my van to collect travel trash. Jacob uses them to dump kitty litter in. Years ago, I would put stinky diapers in them. (Thought: is there any other kind of diaper than a stinky one?)

A while ago, I purchased a bag holder/dispenser at IKEA. It is sitting in my garage, not hung on the wall, as it should be, and is....umm....empty. Instead, I have a HUGE commerical size garbage bag full of plastic bags. I have grand ideas of bringing them up to Publix to recycle. Although, I heard that the bags need to be individual and not inside each other. (This probably isn't true....but a good excuse, nonetheless).

Random, I know....but you were warned.....

Food Prayers....

As you may already know, we are doing a weekly family bible study. See Michael's post, if you want to know more. However, the first week the daily lessons went over spending time alone with God, how to and why. On of the days focused on prayer and had us break down The Lord's Prayer.

So, if I put together what I studied last week and then what Melissa studied this week...I should be praying for jelly sandwiches, daily. Sounds perfectly logical.....

Give us this day our daily bread and make the 9 fruit of the Holy Spirit your daily personal prayer petition (Galatians 5:22-23)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

I'm Superior, at least today.....

71 As a 1930s wife, I am Superior Take the test!

I am not convinced that I'm superior. However, it was fun to take. Thanks Emily for adding to your blog.

A game of tag....

First, let me start off by saying, I really have never enjoyed a game of tag. Really, what is the point? You are either running from someone or to someone. Again, what is the point? My dislike may be a direct result of my distaste of a. being hot and b. sweating. I wasn't going to take Melissa's challenge of being tagged, but after reading Melissa's and Emily's posts, I just had to join the fun. I was laughing out loud with Emily's.....your's was funny too, Melissa.

Okay, here is the mission, if you choose to accept.
First you post the rules:
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks you possess.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

Here are a few...um....real things about me.
1. I CANNOT stand mouth noises, especially while sitting at the table. (i.e. the sound of someone chewing with their mouth open) I was at a friend's house not too long ago and her son was eating and I had to actually fight the voices in my head that were screaming, "STOP chewing with your mouth open, you're grossing me out!"
2. I like to sit with my heels up and my toes curled under, with the weight resting on my curled toes. Is that enough description, or do I need to post a photo?
3. Speaking of feet, my feet are usually smelly. That is why I love YellowBox flip flops and Crocs, they can be thrown in the washer!
4. I pluck my eyebrows and chin hairs, yes I said chin hairs, everyday. I like it. I've never had my eyebrows waxed and don't think I will.....I enjoy plucking.
5. I'm a copy cat. Rarely do I come up with ideas of my own. I just improve on other's.
6. This is not a quirk that is ongoing, but....I gave myself a pedicure at Blizzard Beach. Well, not a full pedicure. In the lazy river, while my feet were dangling, I rotated my heels along the rough bottom. As I'm typing it, it sounds kind of gross, doesn't it. My heels are completely smooth now. I guess I left my DNA at Disney.

I am tagging some of you......here goes.....
Mom
Christy
Laura
Michael
Kimberly
Johnna

Catch up

I feel the need to catch you up with what I/we have been up to lately. Then I begin to think, do you really care? I've decided that you do, otherwise why would you be reading this, right?

The summer is almost over, the kids go back to school on Monday and I'm sad. I've convinced myself I'm sad because I won't have a child in elementary school anymore - Jacob will be in the 6th grade and is going to middle school. I don't know if that is why I'm a little sad or not, I haven't had time to be introspective. Maybe that is why I'm sad, I haven't had time. It truly seems like yesterday I was at home with 2 toddlers. While pregnant, I was told to enjoy every minute; I didn't and now I wish I had. However, it's not too late to enjoy every minute.

Last week I did just that, I enjoyed every minute. We took a quick trip to Orlando. I didn't plan every minute of every day, like I normally do. The resort we stayed at had a 75,000 sq. ft. pool area, complete with slides. My neighbor, and friend, mentioned that she would like to take her family to Orlando's waterparks. I immediately loved the idea and after a little research found that Disney has a great deal for Florida residents - year pass, after 2pm for $60/person (the regular price is $40/day). With Michael's dad living so close to Orlando, I thought that this was a good idea. We were able to sleep in, lounge at the resort pool and then head over to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. I must admit, I am not a fan of water slides, but knew the kids and Michael would love it. They were perfectly happy to let me lounge along the lazy river - so it was perfect. I didn't even take any photographs, instead of capturing memories we made memories. One day it rained and we watched movies and played games. Michael's sister, Christy, popped over for a day and we were able to stop and see Michael's dad, brothers and sister, too.

A few weeks ago, Michael, with the help of our neighbor and friend, Gregg, finished Hannah and Jacob's closets. They built shelving for the center of their closets, with poles on either side. Hannah's desk in in the middle of her closet and we slid Jacob's dresser in the center of his. All that is left is moulding and the closets will be complete. I'll have to post photos when they are complete and loaded. Hannah is especially thrilled; she has been without a closet to hang her clothes since we moved in. Actually, I think that Jacob is equally thrilled; he doesn't have to have his sister's clothes in his closet anymore.

lazy summer afternoon

Do you ever have a day where you wake up ready to get a lot accomplished only to find yourself still in your jamas at 2:30p? I did do a few things...maybe I should list them to make myself feel better......

1. brushed my teeth


2. dead-headed my sad looking hydrangeas


3. cut up a watermelon


4. made lunch


5. checked the blogs

Okay, even after typing it, I still don't feel better. Maybe I'll go take a nap and then I'll feel better! These two look like they aren't too concerned that they haven't accomplished much today.

Addiction

Are you addicted to anything? Admittedly, I'm addicted to lots of things, but lately I addicted to ideas. I surf the blogs and the web for ideas, while in the check-out line, I look at magazines for ideas, at the bookstore I look at books and more magazines for ideas. I have look for storage and organizational ideas, decorating ideas, craft ideas, ideas for new meals, party ideas, weight loss ideas, fashion ideas....do you get the idea?

I have folders on my desktop full of ideas. I have paper folders on my desk full of ideas. I have stacks of magazines that I'm saving because ideas are in them.

I - imagining
D - decorating
E - everything
A - around

If you have time and want to waste some time.....check out some of the ideas I am saving.

Rainbow Jello
Illustrated Placemats
To Do Jar
Printed Napkins
Wordle
Fabric Camera Strap
Platter Chalkboards
Rubber Stamps from Erasers
Shoulder Bag
Watercolor in Altoid Box
Bagsket
Car Organizer
Photo Idea

That is probably enough for now......

Do you have any addictions?

Did the curosity kill the cat?

Or are you still interested?

No, Ty and his crew will not be making an appearance at my house, at least not that I know of....

Here's my story of last Wednesday!

We woke up @ 5am to catch a 7:30am flight. After a layover in Atlanta, including a small 2nd degree burn on Jacob’s foot, from a lady spilling hot coffee on him, we safely arrived in Cincinnati. We went straight to Jason’s Aunt Elaine’s to have lunch, then to Mame’s to drop our belongings off and quickly change. We then were off to West Chester, to see the Extreme Makeover home. We decided to pop over on Wednesday, instead of “Move That Bus” Thursday, to avoid the 2,000+ people and the 90º heat. We were told where to park (thanks Aunt Holly). Boy, Extreme Makeover runs a smooth operation. It is no wonder they can get a home built in a week. We arrived to find ROTC guys and gals directing traffic. Before boarding the bus, we were told to grab some ice cold bottles of water. After a short ride, we exited the bus and were greeted by a woman handing out bags with info about the family and the builder. Security was tight, no walk-ins were allowed. Even the neighborhood residents had to show ID just to get into the neighborhood.

We stood across the street, in the front yard of a neighbor, right up against the barricade and saw Michael in the garage, digging through boxes to find what we think were picture frames.

There were women there that came every day and had great stories to share. It was hot, but we had our water and were enjoying listening to the stories when we noticed the garage door lower. Vehicles started to move out of the driveway and the assistant director came from the back yard with a film crew. We looked down the street just as the crowd started to cheer, clap and wave. Ed was in the back of a truck with what looked like a pergola. The truck stopped, he put his cap on and they started filming. He waved and winked to the crowd before unloading the pergola.

He went around to the back and was not seen again. With hopes to see Ty, we decided to stick it out. We were talking to a friendly woman and then looked as a Gold Star employee with a Coney case was handing out free Coney dogs…Yummy. In the end we didn’t see Ty, but did she the film crew film the walk up to the front door.

The assistant director came out and was talking to some of the spectators and told them that he sent everyone home, except Ed. That was our cue to leave, since we already saw Ed. Hannah really wanted to go back for the reveal, but that would have required us to be across town at 5:30am the following day and stand in the heat for 6+ hours for a chance to see Ty and the reveal. We decided against it.

Our main reason for going up north was to see family. We were able to see Aunt Elaine, Aunt Julie, Alex, Uncle Mark, Grandpa Gene, Aunt Holly and Uncle Mick. We even were able to squeeze an extra day in, because flights were oversold on Saturday.

We had a great time. I’m so glad I was able to crash the annual trip to Cincinnati this year….Jacob did tell me that I wasn’t going next year, I guess I rained on his parade!

A little tease.....

Independence Day

A friend at work is having a grilled pizza party today. It sounded like fun, so I decided to try it also. Michael isn't fond of things that are out of the ordinary, so he is a little hesitant and wants to have a back-up plan. I'll let you know how it turns out.....

Grilled Pizza Update:

Turned out GREAT!!!!! I found a fast, easy and yummy pizza dough recipe and an equally easy and yummy pizza sauce recipe for our grilled pizzas. We brushed the dough with olive oil so that it would not stick to the grill. Michael grilled the pizzas on one side for about 3 minutes and then we loaded them with toppings and then put them back on the grill for another 3 minutes. We were only able to grill 2 pizzas at a time, so not everyone ate at the same time, but it was a blast.

After dinner, we hopped in the van and quickly drove to a local church to watch fireworks. We parked, laid our blankets out and sat down in enough time to hear the national anthem and watch the fireworks show. We then came back home for our own fireworks show! Michael had a stockpile of fireworks.

It was a great Independence Day, other than my mom getting hit with a frisbee....

Honey Dos and An Addition

My honey has done a few things recently.

A while ago, we purchased a new under the cabinet microwave. With much pulling and prodding, Michael was able to remove the old microwave and install the new one. Now, all my kitchen appliances match.

Yesterday, Michael installed under the counter lighting in the kitchen. We purchased the lights a few months ago and Michael decided to attempt the task yesterday. He was successful. I really did not want to install under counter lighting that plugged into the wall, where the plugs could be seen. He drilled and screwed and stapled....and now we have under counter lighting with no cords showing!

Also, he hung a knife rack for me. I purchased the knife rack along with the lighting but when I got home I wasn't sure if I was going to like the knifes hanging on the wall. So, I hung it on the dryer in the garage and there it stayed until yesterday. Eric hung Melissa's right away and I decided I liked the way it looked in her kitchen, minus the can opener (laughing out loud right now, Melissa), so I had Michael hang mine. My kitchen looks bigger with the elimination of the knife block and with the new lighting!

Thank you Michael for checking things off your Honey Do List. Don't worry, I'll find other things to add!

Also, the kids convinced us to bring home one of the Botley kittens. We brought home Betsie. She is a very sweet kitty and even Tigger agrees. He wasn't too sure of her the first few days, but now not only tolerates her but plays with her, too. The other day Hannah caught Tigger grooming her - what a sweet big brother.

It was an adventure bringing her home, however. When we brought Tigger home, we just let him have the run of the van. He basically just sat with the kids in the back. We decided that it worked for Tigger, then it should work for Betsie. She did great, she walked around the van, climbing on luggage, the kids and the seats. We stopped for dinner and gave her some kitty food and water and she was happy. We got back on the interstate and Michael felt her crawl across his right foot....he was driving at the time. Well, long story short, she was missing for a while and then we heard little meows coming from the a/c vents. We pulled over on the side of the interstate and Michael tried to find her, to no avail. We drove a little further to the rest area and Michael pulled the glove box, drink holder and storage compartment out. It was getting dark, so it was very hard to see her. Finally, by the light of Michael's cellphone, he caught a glimpse of her and coaxed her down. Needless to say, Jacob had a firm grip on her the rest of the way home!

My Memories

While on vacation last week I learned that my father passed away, unexpectedly.

My parents separated when I was only 2 years old. When I was 5 years old my mom remarried a wonderful man and we moved to the other end of the country. However, my mother made sure that I visited my father every year. I would spend weeks in New England with my dad, step-mother and brother. While it was not the perfect father/daughter relationship, it was what it was and I’m grateful for the time I was able to spend with him.

I remember playing Yahtzee until late at night…playing just one more game so that we could beat the other in the next game. I remember him and I sitting on the porch swing, on his deck, telling him how my life was going to turn out….graduate high school by this date, graduate college by this date, marry by this age and have kids so many years later. He listened and agreed it sounded like a good plan, never indicating I was naïve to think all things work out as we plan. I remember not feeling well at my Aunt Holly’s wedding, so he and Glenda took me back to my grandparent’s house and he played cards with me. When I graduated high school he was there and was able to see my home and where I grew up. I remember the fresh Maine ‘lobstas’ he would bring home during my summer visits and that he always kissed me goodnight before heading off to bed each night.

He had a great laugh and a wonderful smile, dimple and all. Everyone always says I look like my mom, especially when we are standing side by side, but my mom has always thought that I look like my dad. Whenever I visited him, I would look for features of my own that matched his. I decided I have his eyes, his lips, his nose and toes. I wear them all proudly. He also was a talented artist. He could draw and paint and take beautiful photographs. I like to think that I inherited those qualities, too.


I am reminded that my heavenly Father chose Lawrence E. Faulkner as my earthly father. And while it would be very easy to focus on what I missed out on, to focus on the negative, I choose to remember the good, the fun, the laughter and the smiles we shared together. If for no other reason, my father taught me that the decisions and choices we make in our lives affect not only us, but those around us. I am reminded of this now more in his passing than I ever was while he was alive.


We went to hear a friend’s band one summer in Gloucester and they played this song. We danced by the light of the tungsten lights…oh well, close enough. This one’s for you, dad. I love you and will miss you.

Suction + Fridge = Organization

Remember the lazy susan for the fridge? I love it and probably could use another one. I was flipping through an organizing magazine last week and found another great item for inside the fridge.

What do you do with random packets of condiments? I've used zip-loc bags that ultimately get shoved behind the butter in the butter container. I've put them in deli lunch meat containers that constantly get spilled and I find ketchup and soy sauce packets are all over the fridge. So, when I saw this idea I knew it was perfect for my fridge.

I'm certain there are other things I could put in the suction cup, can you think of any ideas?

Cupcakes

Do you love cupcakes? I do....here's why:

1. They are the perfect size piece of cake.
2. No plate or fork needed.
3. Easily decorated.
4. Quick and easy to make/bake.
5. Easy cleanup.

Today was a co-worker's birthday. While in a waiting room yesterday, I was flipping through a magazine and came across an article about cupcakes. I know they are the craze now....as far as decorating them. So, I convinced my family to stop at the mall, after a scout meeting, to pick up some jelly bellies. I found a short video on Martha's website. Cute, aren't they? Next, I'm going to try sunflower cupcakes.

Warning: this is an expensive decoration....jelly bellies aren't cheap.

Memorial Day

Today we spent the afternoon at Papa and DeeDee's. Papa grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. I made potato salad, cucumber salad and cookies and we had baked beans. Yummy......

The kids and DeeDee played in the pool and I sat poolside and watched and documented the day digitally.

Tonight, Jacob had a baseball game. He played great....a double and a triple, including a scoring run. Thought I'd include a picture of his triple at bat....missed being a homerun by about a foot.

I made cookies using a dry cake mix and a can of pumpkin....minus the eggs and oil. I added about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and baked for 17 minutes. Very, very yummy....couldn't believe no eggs, no oil. Check out Hungry Girl for more ideas.

Herb Garden

I've been wanting to plant a garden ever since we moved into our home. Truth be told, I don't like to sweat or get dirty or dig....you get the picture. I love the idea of a garden and someday, I really do want to plant one. However, for now I'm settling on a potted herb garden. I have dill, spearmint, chocolate spearmint, parsley and rue (I added it purely for aesthetics...and it attracts butterflies).

I really wanted to put it in a metal washtub, but didn't want to spend lots of money on one. I found one, while shopping with Hannah and my friend, Yolanda, at Wal-Mart. The only catch, it says 'Cold Beer' on one side. I figured I'd just put side against the house.


I enjoyed picking out the plants and planting them at Yolanda's house. Hopefully, I enjoy the actual herbs just as much.

Trying to rekindle an old passion.....

Are you curious?

Well, it isn't anything clandestine.....it's just scrapbooking. I was, at one time, very passionate about scrapbooking and more importantly, journaling. Well, I haven't scrapbooked in probably a year. I barely even get my photos printed. Urg......

Tonight, I was talking to a friend about various other things and she posed the question, "Are you going to try and scrapbook this summer?" I have soooo many excuses for not doing something I really enjoy. Why, you ask? Good question. I don't really have a good answer. Basically all my procrastination boils down to romanticized ideals and perfectionism. (I'll save that for another post.....however, I probably will never get around to it....)

Anyway, back to rekindling my passion for scrapbooking.......

Short story even shorter.....I've decided to put a desk in my bedroom - just for scrapbooking. That way, I can leave all my things out and can work for a while and then leave it out. My friend challenged me to have it done before school gets out later this month...she even put it on her calendar.

Do you need to rekindle an old passion?

Adoption

My good friend, Kimberly, and her husband are in the process of adopting a little girl from Colombia. Whatever the unfortunate circumstances that surround their new daughter's current situation, she is going to be SOOOOOOOO blessed to have Todd and Kimberly as parents. They just started their blog, but I'd love for you to click over and read their first posts.

Hungry Girl

While blog surfing this evening, I came across this website and had to share. Are you a Hungry Girl? I am.....but not always just for food. I sometimes get hungry for a new purse, a trip to the mall, a vacation, time reading a good book, a nap....just to name a few.

That got me thinking....what do I want to hunger for?
Of course, I can come up with the 'Sunday School answer', but at this point in my life, I'm over that....or at least in the confines of my living room, seated in my chair in front of the computer, I'm over that.

After a few minutes of pondering....really, I should take more than a few minutes, oh well....I've decided that I truly want to hunger for the things of God. I think that pretty much sums it up. I guess 'the Sunday School answer' is my answer. Under the umbrella of 'things of God' falls many things. The only thing that stands in my way of my hunger is ME.

Now, to find a recipe to use pumpkin instead of oil and eggs......(see Hungry Girl for more info)

Happy Birthday Melissa

A couple weeks ago, Hannah and I had a girl's weekend in St. Augustine. Melissa met us at the Outlet Mall and for dinner. We shopped until we dropped....it was a lot of fun.

I am very thankful for our 20+ years of friendship.

Happy Birthday!

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to call you!

One thing leads to another

Does that happen to you? I have to purposely clean my house, one room at a time - starting in one corner and working my way around the room. Otherwise, one thing leads to another and I have a
BIG MESS. Anyway, no messes tonight.....

Actually, I was looking for photos of the 5th grade for an end of the year slide show and came across some photos that Michael took of me in January when I came home with a new haircut. I got this 'hair-brained' idea to Photoshop the photo.....look what I came up with. I'd better sign off, otherwise I might be up all night playing with photos. Think of the possiblities!

Propagating Roses

Have you ever done this?

I dropped by a friend's this evening to meet her sister and to see her backyard, minus 13 trees they just had cut down. Long story short....you know me, quick and to the point, she had the most beautiful rose bush growing near her deck. It is the old cottage style rose. I had to smell it, of course, and it smelled like a rose. Don't you hate when you go to smell a rose and it doesn't really smell like much of a rose? Well, not with this one.

I asked, "Do you know how to propagate?"
To which she answered, "No."
"Not a problem," I said, "I'll just Google it."
The first thing I did when I got home this evening was just that.
I think it is going to be easy....I'll keep you posted.

Links for later reference
Santa Clarita Rose Society
Propagating roses from cuttings
Berkeley Horicultural Nursery

Hannah turned 13!

Hannah turned 13 years old the beginning of April. I love all things party....I love planning the party, creating things for the party, getting ready for the party and actually hosting the party.
This year, Hannah's theme was: Springtime in Paris. We moved the dining room table into the living room and put the couch and coffee table in the dining room.

Decorations:
I found some $1/yard fabric for a tablecloth (I didn't have a table cloth big enough, since I added both leaves to my table). I found some silk fushia gerber daisies and placed them in glass containers with water. I had pink tealight candles and placed them around the table.
Activities:
Translate This - When the girls arrived I had strips of paper at each seat with sentences in French. They went around the table and read their sentences...they had fun listening to each other try to sound out some of the words. No one guessed what their sentences were, so I read the English version and they had to figure out which ones went together. I had funny sentences like, "I like to eat frog legs in the bathtub."
Cheese Tasting - I had 4 different types of cheese (Gouda, Havarit, Brie and Jarlsberg). For each cheese the girls noted the color and look, smelled and then tasted. The overall favorite was Gouda.
Canvas Art - I purchased a canvas for each girl and acrylic paints. Each girl painted on their canvas.
Food:
Turkey & Ham Crossiants and Grapes.
Eclairs with whipped topping and strawberries.

Hannah said this party was her favorite so far. It was fun to plan.....
Here are a few photos from the party.

Remember Me? *edited*

Despite all appearances and rumors, I have not quit blogging....Just took a blogging retreat. I still have peaked at friends and my favorite blogs, but haven't been inspired to blog myself. I guess I felt like I didn't have much to blog or I was too busy to blog.
Nevertheless, I'm back.

My suitcase received a lot of use this past month.
My adventures included: The Great Smoky Mountains, Panama City Beach and St. Augustine.

Today I'll share.....
This Spring Break our family drove up to the Great Smoky Mountains. We stayed in Pigeon Forge, TN. We packed a lot into our 5 day vacation. Michael and the kids rode go-karts for 4 hours one day on a really neat 3 story race track. I had fun taking pictures and reading while they rode until their right legs were sore! We walked around Gaitlinburg, TN. Hannah and Jacob had to have airbrushed t-shirts - so Aunt Ann gave them money to buy the shirts at one of the shops in Gaitlinburg. The kids and Michael rode the mountain on the Alpine Slide. I was too chicken to ride the skylift up the mountain, so I stayed below to take photos of them. We went to the Gem Mine and Hannah and Jacob sifted through sand to find gemstones. Hannah found a large amethyst and had a pendant and ring made from her find, for her 13th birthday. One day we drove over to The Smoky Mountain National Park and drove the Cade's Cove 11 mile loop. We counted the number of deer we saw - we scouted 97 deer. We were a little disappointed that the bears were still in hibernation. We'll just have to make another trip to Cade's Cove. Also, we went to a dinner show, The Blackbear Jamboree. My expectations were low, but I was pleasantly surprised with a really great show.

A little blog jumping brought me here....

The Purple Cellar

I've been extremely busy the past few days....well, for the past few weeks. However, when I have a quick moment to myself, I try to peak at what is going on with friends and family in blogland.
Tonight, I was catching up with Emily and found The Purple Cellar from one of her links.
I thought it was worth linking.....

Deal of the Week

On Saturday, a friend called to let me know about the PJ day at Brewster's Ice Cream Shop. Saturday night we all loaded up, in our jamas, and drove across town to get HUGE waffle cones with ice cream of our choice. It was cold, but we didn't care!

I'm so blogging this....

Have you ever said that? I have and then I forget. Today I didn't forget......

I had a busy day Wednesday and I didn't get to eat dinner before church. I had some errands to run afterwards, but was very hungry. I ran through McDonald's drive-thru and then sat in Walgreen's parking lot and ate my chicken nuggets and fries. I parked so that I was facing Thomasville Rd - a busy road. I was listening to Bon Jovi, watching cars go by, daydreaming about who knows what, mindlessly eating fries out of my to-go bag. I bit grabbed a few fries and put them in my mouth and started chewing and realized I was chewing more than fries....I was chewing the straw wrapper. I started laughing so hard that I almost choked.

My first thought was - "I'm so blogging this!"

On another note, Melissa and I are starting a bad mommy blog - a place where you can come and share mommy mishap stories.

As Promised....

On Sunday, our neighbor brought the front end loader down and TORE up our yard. It was just tooooooo wet from all the rain. The machine got stuck in our ditch and had to be pulled out by another neighbor. I actually missed that....I was taking Jacob to baseball practice. I bet those would have been some great photos.

Michael and Gregg did accomplish digging a 'not-so-small' trench for water to drain from our driveway to the ditch. It was put to the test yesterday...and it worked. It is still a mess down at the end of the trench. Jacob and his friend filled one wheelbarrow full of dirt and that was it. The wheelbarrow still sits - full of dirt.

Another day, another mud pit.

Rainy Days

It has rained for 2 days, straight. I should post a photo of our front yard...one word will quickly describe our yard - PUDDLES! We were supposed to host the end of the season soccer party here at the house. We were going to have a bonfire and roast hot dogs in the backyard. Right now, our fire pit is FULL of water....Michael will have to bale out his pit.

Our neighbor rented a front loader or some big machine and is in the process of digging trenches and moving dirt around his yard. Michael is trying to get in on the action - I'll be sure to take photos of that if he gets his way and the front loader makes it way down here.

Tomorrow we'll be busy selling Girl Scout cookies at Publix in the morning and then at Winn-Dixie in the afternoon. For the past 3 years Hannah as sold over 1000 boxes of cookies. This year she is going to try again. Right now we have about 800 boxes of cookies in our garage. So far I've resisted and have not opened a box of cookies. We'll see how long that lasts......

Sorry it has been so long in between posts.....Emily is my new blogging mentor...she has been blogging every day. It is like opening a present when you go to a favorite blog and there is a new post.

Valentine's Day

Every year we celebrate Valentine's Day as a family and this year was no different. I made inside-outside chicken parmesan (see description below) and a banana pudding parfait. I set the table with a pink tablecloth, red charger plates, red votive candle holders and white plates. After dinner Hannah and Jacob got their Valentine goodies from us and from my mom.

The 3 votives were down the center of the table and before I gave Hannah and Jacob their bags, I told them to be very careful with the tissue paper because of the candles. Hannah and Jacob did fine...they were careful. After the kids were done and we were about to get up from the dinner table, Michael threw Hannah's piece of tissue paper across the table at Jacob. Well, long story short, we had a flaming ball of fire that had to be thrown on the tile floor. I was too busy screaming at Michael to get a picture....

I guess our love is hot...really hot!

For the chicken parmesan you need:
Chicken Cutlets
Mozzarella
Egg/Milk mixture
Flour
Seasoned Bread Crumbs w/Parm. Cheese

Pound chicken and then place a thick slice of mozzarella cheese (sliced to fit the chicken piece - which will look like a short cheese stick) and roll up jelly roll; securing with toothpicks. Dredge chicken in flour, then in the egg/milk mixture; then roll in seasoned bread crumbs. Pan fry on each side; then bake in 350 degree oven for about 20 min.
I served the chicken rolls over pasta topped with red sauce.

Does clutter make you fat?

This evening I was reading through my 'blog roll'. I have a list of blogs that I have found over the last year that I try to read when I get a chance. Tonight I was going down my list and came to I'm an Organizing Junkie. She posted notes she took when Peter Walsh (he used to be on Clean House) was on Oprah. Since I don't watch Oprah, I didn't know that he was going to be on the show, however, I really like Walsh and how he helps desperately cluttered families.
Anyway, here is a quote from her website....

• Clutter and weight can be symptoms of an unresolved, underlying issue in your life. “Eating more and buying more is an attempt to fill the need for something more,” he says. “Until you get those underlying issues dealt with, all the rest is a waste of time.”

What do you think about this? I'm inclined to agree...based on personal experience. Now, do I think that skinny people can be disorganized? YES. Do I think that chubs can be organized? YES. But, I think that for us chubs, it is harder to lose weight if our homes are filled with clutter.

For the most part, if someone were to drop by, they wouldn't think that my home was cluttered. However, behind closed doors, you will find clutter. I long for organization and for the most part, I do a good job at organizing certain areas of my family life. Its the personal side that is not so organized, i.e. my bedroom.

Years ago I purchased a frame/corkboard that hung by my kitchen phone. I never added pictures to it. On one of my mom's visits (yes, it was that long ago....back when she lived in S. Fla) she taped photos to the outside, on the glass. It has remained that way for years. Last night I came up with an idea for this frame/corkboard. I printed the days of the week and put them in the picture frame area. I'm going to list the meals for the week, using either a dry erase marker or sharpie (rubbing alcohol gets rid of permament marker). In the past I've printed the list of meals and posted them on the fridge...which this method works, too....but figured I wasn't using the frame anyway.

All this to say....I'm trying to take small steps to organization.

When you get a chance, read Laura's post.

Deal of the Week

Better Homes and Gardens for $3.29 for the year!

Good deal, yep!

Last year after Christmas I found a similar package, at Walgreens, for about $2.00 and was so excited. I bought one for me and one for my mom. This year I looked at Walgreens after Christmas...I even looked in Orlando, but no luck. On Sunday I was at Bed, Bath and Beyond with my mom and look what I found in the clearance section.....

Recipe box

Coffee mug

Raspberry mocha

Chocolate spoon

Caramel butter cookies

1 year subscription to BH&G