You would think that when I was 10 years old(or somewhere near that age), that my mother would spell things out more specifically for me when giving me suggestions. So the question is, which of us was the bigger ditz?
I found an egg in the refrigerator, and didn't know if it was raw or hard boiled. Hard boiled eggs are a nice little snack!
It wasn't very nice of me to wake her up, but I stood in the bedroom doorway, and asked my mom if the egg I had in hand was hard boiled. She didn't know, and said so. "I don't know-crack it open and see!"
Brilliant! Why hadn't I thought of that? So guess what I did???
In the doorway of my parents' bedroom, I cracked open that mysterious little egg.
It wasn't hard boiled.
So which of us showed our "Blon" roots more, or was my mom just not awake enough to remember she was talking to her "Blon" offspring?
Thankfully, the floor was hardwood. And yes, I cleaned it up. =P
Christian living and homemaking, along with a few tutorials.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A True, Modern Day Hero!
This is a picture of Gene and Dora, Sandra and me. I grew up with Sandra and her siblings and family-one house separated our homes.Dan and I got to hear the awesome story of a modern day hero, a REAL hero! I've heard the story once or twice in the past, but not by the actual hero himself-until yesterday! Gene and Dora shared this story with us, and it is absolutely worth sharing it with you!
The Y Bridge, Akron, Ohio
Above is a picture of the Y Bridge in my home town of Akron, Ohio. As you can probably tell, this is a large bridge, one where people go to jump off when they feel that life is no longer worth living.
One Sunday morning, Gene and Dora were on their way to church, and Dora noticed a woman on the bridge, and told Gene that it looked like she was going to jump. Gene was driving, and turned around to go back to the woman.
His granddaughter talked him into buying new shoes the day before, and they happened to have traction, unlike his usual pair that were worn well on the now slippery bottoms.
As Gene got out of his car and was approaching the woman, she kept telling him not to come near her, that she would jump. He told her he wasn't going to touch her, he just wanted to know if she was ok, and began asking her questions, learning that she had a husband and two children at home.
Gene continued to inch his way toward the woman, and she continued to inch her way to a position on the bridge where she would be sure to land on concrete below, and not in the grass.
Gene managed to get up to the woman, and she did indeed jump. Gene caught her, and held her until help came, and was able to get her back over the rail to safety.
Dora, of course, was praying the whole time as well.
The next day, Gene and Dora visited with the young woman, and she asked Gene who else helped him to hold her. He told her it was just him. She told him that she felt many hands/arms around her, and I'm sure I know why.
God loves people. I cannot answer why tragedy hits some, and spares others, but one thing I do know is that God used this good man to help save this young mother who apparently felt no hope. This woman was given a second chance at life. It has been 10 years since this happened, and I hope this woman will never forget her second chance at life, and be thankful that she was able to watch her little ones grow up.
I feel honored to say, "I know this man!!!". This family lived two doors down from me for many, many years. Their kids and my brother and I have many, many memories together!
These are two online mentions of this situation-God bless my neighbor Gene, who was one of my dad's very dearest friends, and who has always cared about people!
http://www.carnegiehero.org/pdfs/01junNR_1.pdf
CARNEGIE HERO FUND COMMISSION CITES 22
FOR EXTRORDINARY HEROISM IN U.S., CANADA
Gene H. Barker saved a woman from falling, Akron, Ohio, July 30, 2000. Intending to commit suicide, a
34-year-old woman sat on a narrow concrete barrier along the edge of a highway bridge, at a point about
70 feet above a paved road. Barker, 59, retired mason, saw her as he drove across the bridge. He
returned to the scene, then slowly approached the woman on foot and spoke to her over the course of a
few minutes. The woman then told Barker she was going to jump, and she began to do so. From about
four feet away, Barker lunged at the woman, who had left the barrier, and grasped her under the arms,
securing her. The woman struggled with Barker as he leaned over the waist-high barrier and yelled at
him to let her go. Other men who were nearby then aided Barker until emergency personnel arrived
shortly and removed her from the bridge. The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment, and she
recovered.
http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/News_Releases/2000/083000.html
Mayor Plusquellic honored 59 year old Gene Barker, a passer-by on the All-America Bridge Sunday morning, July 30, who reached out for a woman as she flung herself from the span. Barker caught the woman in mid air, and held her in a bear hug until several citizens, police and EMS crews arrived to assist in getting the woman safely back on the bridge sidewalk. Officers Mark Hagen and Jim Kroah assisted in getting the victim back over the railing.
Barker, a retired mason, said the danger to his own life never entered his mind. "I just did something probably anyone would have done in that spot. I feel good about being there at a time where I could help," Barker said this morning.
Mayor Plusquellic called Barker’s actions fearless, saying, "Mr. Barker risked his own life, risked being pulled over the bridge while extending his body over the railing to grab the woman. This was an act of selfless courage."
Friday, September 10, 2010
Dan Shares A "Blon" Moment
Dan and I just celebrated our 17th anniversary-a whopping 17 years!
We've come a long way since the beginning of our marriage. We're both "healthier"--you can tell by just looking at us! We're both grayer-thanks, kids! And we're both WISER!!!
Thinking back on our first year of marriage, my air-headed genes must have been mingling with his genes. We lived in a very small single-wide trailer that we bought off of friends. The cost was right, and it was already set up.
One small "delimma", for lack of a better word coming to mind, was that the front door did not have a key for the lock. The back door had a key, but no porch.
We were quite poor when we first married, which is probably why we didn't splurge on getting a door knob with a key, so every time we locked the door, when we returned home, we would use the back door to get in, since we had the key to the lock. Unlock the door, give one of us a boost in the back door(since there was no porch), and whoever was inside would go and unlock the front door.
We lived in that tiny trailer with no front door key for a year.
We then sold the trailer to friends of ours, as we needed a bigger place to live for our growing family.
The new couple that moved in never had a problem with not having a key to the front door.
Would you like to know why?
Because the husband switched the front and back door knobs.
Yes, Dan and I were smacking our heads.....sigh, and as for me, I still haven't gotten much better! At least I know what to do if we ever have a missing key door knob problem again, so I'm at least a little wiser! =)
We've come a long way since the beginning of our marriage. We're both "healthier"--you can tell by just looking at us! We're both grayer-thanks, kids! And we're both WISER!!!
Thinking back on our first year of marriage, my air-headed genes must have been mingling with his genes. We lived in a very small single-wide trailer that we bought off of friends. The cost was right, and it was already set up.
One small "delimma", for lack of a better word coming to mind, was that the front door did not have a key for the lock. The back door had a key, but no porch.
We were quite poor when we first married, which is probably why we didn't splurge on getting a door knob with a key, so every time we locked the door, when we returned home, we would use the back door to get in, since we had the key to the lock. Unlock the door, give one of us a boost in the back door(since there was no porch), and whoever was inside would go and unlock the front door.
We lived in that tiny trailer with no front door key for a year.
We then sold the trailer to friends of ours, as we needed a bigger place to live for our growing family.
The new couple that moved in never had a problem with not having a key to the front door.
Would you like to know why?
Because the husband switched the front and back door knobs.
Yes, Dan and I were smacking our heads.....sigh, and as for me, I still haven't gotten much better! At least I know what to do if we ever have a missing key door knob problem again, so I'm at least a little wiser! =)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Time To Round Up The Socks
If you've been a follower of my blog for very long, you already know that I collect socks-under my pillow. Here is the original blog post about this fascinating fact about me:
http://achocolatebouquet.blogspot.com/2010/01/fascinating-facts-about-me-part-2.html
The second blog post listed below tells you further information about my sock collection. You may need to read it in order to understand my latest announcement:
http://achocolatebouquet.blogspot.com/2010/03/socks.html
And my latest announcement is......the NEW number is......25! Yep! When I realized I could only find about 1 pair of my own socks, it donned on me where to find all the missing foot warmers!
Twenty-five.....am I all alone, or does anyone else share my habit???
http://achocolatebouquet.blogspot.com/2010/01/fascinating-facts-about-me-part-2.html
The second blog post listed below tells you further information about my sock collection. You may need to read it in order to understand my latest announcement:
http://achocolatebouquet.blogspot.com/2010/03/socks.html
And my latest announcement is......the NEW number is......25! Yep! When I realized I could only find about 1 pair of my own socks, it donned on me where to find all the missing foot warmers!
Twenty-five.....am I all alone, or does anyone else share my habit???
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A New and Simple Chocolate Bouquet!
Hi Everyone!
I have finally been updating my website, and have added one new chocolate bouquet so far! I've been on my toes, and plan to add more to the site in the upcoming week and weeks. Please drop by to see how to make this cute, simple bouquet-made of Andes mints and Rocher chocolates-I've had several compliments on it from friends and family!
http://www.achocolatebouquet.com/id140.html
I have finally been updating my website, and have added one new chocolate bouquet so far! I've been on my toes, and plan to add more to the site in the upcoming week and weeks. Please drop by to see how to make this cute, simple bouquet-made of Andes mints and Rocher chocolates-I've had several compliments on it from friends and family!
http://www.achocolatebouquet.com/id140.html
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sorry Folks!
Sorry folks, but I had to delete my last post. Unfortunately the ads it was pulling up in my side bar were ads that I wouldn't want anyone to see!
The GOOD news is that I've added this humorous story to my website, so you can still read it! It's a story from a friend who was pulled over by military police, and you'll never guess why!
Take a look, and check out my new website additions while you are there!
http://www.achocolatebouquet.com/id134.html
The GOOD news is that I've added this humorous story to my website, so you can still read it! It's a story from a friend who was pulled over by military police, and you'll never guess why!
Take a look, and check out my new website additions while you are there!
http://www.achocolatebouquet.com/id134.html
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Oil Cap
Just last weekend, I was delighted to visit with my dear friend Mrs. Lanni-she was my babysitter when I was just a child. Now in her 80's, Amber and I were happy to be able to visit and lift her spirits for a couple of days.
While there, my brother came to visit too-and we reminisced about how he would pick on me, and Mrs. Lanni's daughter would make him pay for it, and how I dug into Mrs. Lanni's chocolate cupcakes, with the evidence all over my face, yet denied it....why WERE they laughing? How could they tell???
But then my brother Bryan, who is funny even when he isn't trying, talked about a story from when he had his first car. I had actually forgotten about this story, but laughed as hard over it as I have in years past, so here it is for ya!
When Bryan had his first car, one night he was putting oil in it. He dropped the cap, and it mysteriously disappeared! We searched and searched, and somehow Bryan was walking backwards around his car while searching for it.
What Bryan didn't know is that I was in front of his car on my hands and knees, looking underneath the front end. Yes, Bryan continued to walk backwards, and I was an obstacle in his path. I took him out at the knees.
Guess you had to be there, but it was hilarious, if you can just picture it!
We still couldn't find the cap, and reluctantly went in and woke our dad, who had to get up around 4:30 a.m. for work.
Dad, the car expert, came out and located the cap in under 10 seconds. It fell and landed inside the hood-apparently in a place that is common for oil caps to land inside of hoods. And then Dad headed back to bed.
Yes, a fond memory of childhood. Wish you couldn't have been there to see it!
While there, my brother came to visit too-and we reminisced about how he would pick on me, and Mrs. Lanni's daughter would make him pay for it, and how I dug into Mrs. Lanni's chocolate cupcakes, with the evidence all over my face, yet denied it....why WERE they laughing? How could they tell???
But then my brother Bryan, who is funny even when he isn't trying, talked about a story from when he had his first car. I had actually forgotten about this story, but laughed as hard over it as I have in years past, so here it is for ya!
When Bryan had his first car, one night he was putting oil in it. He dropped the cap, and it mysteriously disappeared! We searched and searched, and somehow Bryan was walking backwards around his car while searching for it.
What Bryan didn't know is that I was in front of his car on my hands and knees, looking underneath the front end. Yes, Bryan continued to walk backwards, and I was an obstacle in his path. I took him out at the knees.
Guess you had to be there, but it was hilarious, if you can just picture it!
We still couldn't find the cap, and reluctantly went in and woke our dad, who had to get up around 4:30 a.m. for work.
Dad, the car expert, came out and located the cap in under 10 seconds. It fell and landed inside the hood-apparently in a place that is common for oil caps to land inside of hoods. And then Dad headed back to bed.
Yes, a fond memory of childhood. Wish you couldn't have been there to see it!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Do You Have Ten Dollars?
Well folks, I am back from a two week trip of travelling from state to state, stopping to visit friends and family along the way, and back again until next time! Our travel stops included Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
Let me share with you a memorable event from Texas!
I was in a thrift store, minding my own business, looking thru the skirts. I could hear a very persistant little boy, about the age of 5 or 6, asking his mother for a camera. Although I don't remember word for word perfectly, this is basically what was said:
"Can I get the camera? Can I get the camera? PLEASEeeeeeee can I get the camera??????"
Mom is busy looking at clothes with who I assume is the older sister. Mom does not hear the boy for the first several questions, but eventually says something to him. Then there is silence for a brief moment.
While minding my own business, I hear, "Hello!" I say hello back to this little fellow. He begins to tell me how he really wants the camera, and that is it $10 and it is PERFECT for him. I try to be polite and say things like, "Ohh...." and "Uh-huh..."
Then the conversation turns personal!
"Do you have $10?"
Okay, now what would YOU have done or said? Chances are that perfect camera was not the best camera in the world, and may or may not have worked. It isn't that I'm stingy with my money, but I must admit I don't go handing out money to children every day, unless the last name is Anthony!
So I decided to pretend I didn't hear him, the same way his mother did! And the conversation continues like this:
"Do you have ten dollars? Do you have ten dollars? Do you have ten dollars? I'm ASKING you a question!!!"
Oh....ooops! So sorry little guy.....
I was hoping Mom would hear her little man asking strangers for money, but she continued to be oblivious. I said, "Oh, what was that?"
"Do you have ten dollars?"
It is not my policy to lie, so I said that yes, I had ten dollars.
He asked if he could have it and explained how he really wanted the camera, and I continued to sift thru the skirts. He hold out his hand and tells me that he's the money collector person-I continue to sift thru the skirts.
FINALLY Mom hears him and sweetly drags him away(she was sweet with her answers to him, she really was-always giving him kindness WHEN she heard him! lol). As she is pulling him her way, I hear, "That lady was gonna give me $10!!!" Mom kindly told him that I was going to spend my $10 on clothes!
Needless to say, I took the opportunity to escape, for fear I may run into this persistant little guy in another aisle.
No one since has asked me if I have $10, but I wonder if I will break out in a sweat, or feel the urge to run, or if I'll get the shakes when they do!
Thank you little boy.....I now have a new fear--askaforatenadollaphobia!!!
Let me share with you a memorable event from Texas!
I was in a thrift store, minding my own business, looking thru the skirts. I could hear a very persistant little boy, about the age of 5 or 6, asking his mother for a camera. Although I don't remember word for word perfectly, this is basically what was said:
"Can I get the camera? Can I get the camera? PLEASEeeeeeee can I get the camera??????"
Mom is busy looking at clothes with who I assume is the older sister. Mom does not hear the boy for the first several questions, but eventually says something to him. Then there is silence for a brief moment.
While minding my own business, I hear, "Hello!" I say hello back to this little fellow. He begins to tell me how he really wants the camera, and that is it $10 and it is PERFECT for him. I try to be polite and say things like, "Ohh...." and "Uh-huh..."
Then the conversation turns personal!
"Do you have $10?"
Okay, now what would YOU have done or said? Chances are that perfect camera was not the best camera in the world, and may or may not have worked. It isn't that I'm stingy with my money, but I must admit I don't go handing out money to children every day, unless the last name is Anthony!
So I decided to pretend I didn't hear him, the same way his mother did! And the conversation continues like this:
"Do you have ten dollars? Do you have ten dollars? Do you have ten dollars? I'm ASKING you a question!!!"
Oh....ooops! So sorry little guy.....
I was hoping Mom would hear her little man asking strangers for money, but she continued to be oblivious. I said, "Oh, what was that?"
"Do you have ten dollars?"
It is not my policy to lie, so I said that yes, I had ten dollars.
He asked if he could have it and explained how he really wanted the camera, and I continued to sift thru the skirts. He hold out his hand and tells me that he's the money collector person-I continue to sift thru the skirts.
FINALLY Mom hears him and sweetly drags him away(she was sweet with her answers to him, she really was-always giving him kindness WHEN she heard him! lol). As she is pulling him her way, I hear, "That lady was gonna give me $10!!!" Mom kindly told him that I was going to spend my $10 on clothes!
Needless to say, I took the opportunity to escape, for fear I may run into this persistant little guy in another aisle.
No one since has asked me if I have $10, but I wonder if I will break out in a sweat, or feel the urge to run, or if I'll get the shakes when they do!
Thank you little boy.....I now have a new fear--askaforatenadollaphobia!!!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Is She A....
Have you all seen my beautiful daughters in the side bar of my blog? Well, my daughter with the darker hair is Amber. She is very light complected, and has very dark hair, eyebrows, and the long black eyelashes that every woman wishes she had-except Amber's are all natural.
Well, Amber was at the park a few weeks ago, and there was a little boy there as well. He saw Amber and asked the lady he was with if Amber was a vampire! LOL So he asked why is she so white, then?
Well, Amber was at the park a few weeks ago, and there was a little boy there as well. He saw Amber and asked the lady he was with if Amber was a vampire! LOL So he asked why is she so white, then?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Ahh....this is the life!
Well folks, we're off! We're leaving my sister-in-law's place and heading to Oklahoma-not sure where we're going to stop yet, but I'm sure something will catch our attention along the way. We'd like to go to Calvert's-the restaurant of the thrown rolls-any of you ever been there?
We enjoyed our stay with Dan and Jen, and I got a lesson in bugs from my niece and nephew. Apparently Breanna was saving the shell of secada bugs-and let me telll ya, they are GROSS, heebie-jeebie gross!!! She had thrown them out, but went and got one to show me, and the shell is an entire body of a bug! Breanna started walking toward me with the shell, and I started backing up. She then stuck the shell to her shirt-ugh! Oh, I seriously had the creepy-crawlies! And of couse, my nephew Connor is a boy thru and thru-he got one of the shells and with outstretched hand, was coming for me! I backed up as I was warning him that he absolutely did NOT want to stick that thing on his Aunt Josanne. He attempted a few more times, but between my warnings and his mother telling him to stop, I escaped with my wits still in tact. Phew! By the way, if you've never heard the noise secadas can make, you wouldn't believe it! The are SO noisy-they're all thru the trees, and they make quite a ruckus!
So anyway! You want to know why this is the life??? Because we are travelling in a 21st century car with air conditioning! Oh, I'm not opposed to older cars-after all, I've driven one for many years. But I must say, this is quite a luxury!
We would have had to rent a car for this trip if we didn't have this car, but I was just thinking of how it would be if we would have had to take my old car.
Can you just imagine us travelling from PA to OK in my un-air conditioned, half rusted, older than my middle child, don't look too good even if it's waxed, 1993 car? REMEMBER-we're going to OKLAHOMA, and THEN to TEXAS!!! Can you say SCORCHING HOT WEATHER??? So you KNOW we'd be travelling with all the windows down, and possibly the trunk open, if we thought it might help cool the car down! If we showed up in your rear-view mirror on the highway, no, it wouldn't be our dog with it's head out the window-it would be ME! Or it might be Dan, if he wants to share the driving with me, and I am the one behind the steering wheel at the time. And no, a thunder cloud would not be following you, that would just be my car. If we would happen to stop at the same gas station, I would appreciate if you would let me know if I have bugs in my teeth, from when you thought I was the family dog in your rear mirror. =) And by the way, my waist length hair whipping in the wind probably would have looked like we had a dark Irish Setter!
That of course, is only the ride TO Oklahoma. Since we're going to church, I'd have to brush all the knots out of my hair-and then decide if I'd curl my hair for church, or wear it up. If I wear it up, we would have to keep the windows up on the way to church because the wind will mess my hair up! I'm NOT so vain(OBVIOUSLY-if I were taking my old jalopy!), but I would like to be presentable, and if you have very long hair that you've worn up in a pretty style, you know what I'm talking about! Since women don't sweat-we GLOW-I would be arriving to the church service GLOWING PROFUSELY. Everyone might think Dan and I RAN to church, since I'd be glowing, and Dan would be looking like a sweating hog. If they had seen my car, they'd also probably just figure we broke down on our way to church. But if I would wear my hair down, we could roll the windows down, but the window side of me would look as if I had dreadlocks! I might still be glowing anyway, since we are talking about Oklahoma in August.
BUT! Since my 2002 car has air, I don't even have to worry about it!!! Ahh....life is good!
We enjoyed our stay with Dan and Jen, and I got a lesson in bugs from my niece and nephew. Apparently Breanna was saving the shell of secada bugs-and let me telll ya, they are GROSS, heebie-jeebie gross!!! She had thrown them out, but went and got one to show me, and the shell is an entire body of a bug! Breanna started walking toward me with the shell, and I started backing up. She then stuck the shell to her shirt-ugh! Oh, I seriously had the creepy-crawlies! And of couse, my nephew Connor is a boy thru and thru-he got one of the shells and with outstretched hand, was coming for me! I backed up as I was warning him that he absolutely did NOT want to stick that thing on his Aunt Josanne. He attempted a few more times, but between my warnings and his mother telling him to stop, I escaped with my wits still in tact. Phew! By the way, if you've never heard the noise secadas can make, you wouldn't believe it! The are SO noisy-they're all thru the trees, and they make quite a ruckus!
So anyway! You want to know why this is the life??? Because we are travelling in a 21st century car with air conditioning! Oh, I'm not opposed to older cars-after all, I've driven one for many years. But I must say, this is quite a luxury!
We would have had to rent a car for this trip if we didn't have this car, but I was just thinking of how it would be if we would have had to take my old car.
Can you just imagine us travelling from PA to OK in my un-air conditioned, half rusted, older than my middle child, don't look too good even if it's waxed, 1993 car? REMEMBER-we're going to OKLAHOMA, and THEN to TEXAS!!! Can you say SCORCHING HOT WEATHER??? So you KNOW we'd be travelling with all the windows down, and possibly the trunk open, if we thought it might help cool the car down! If we showed up in your rear-view mirror on the highway, no, it wouldn't be our dog with it's head out the window-it would be ME! Or it might be Dan, if he wants to share the driving with me, and I am the one behind the steering wheel at the time. And no, a thunder cloud would not be following you, that would just be my car. If we would happen to stop at the same gas station, I would appreciate if you would let me know if I have bugs in my teeth, from when you thought I was the family dog in your rear mirror. =) And by the way, my waist length hair whipping in the wind probably would have looked like we had a dark Irish Setter!
That of course, is only the ride TO Oklahoma. Since we're going to church, I'd have to brush all the knots out of my hair-and then decide if I'd curl my hair for church, or wear it up. If I wear it up, we would have to keep the windows up on the way to church because the wind will mess my hair up! I'm NOT so vain(OBVIOUSLY-if I were taking my old jalopy!), but I would like to be presentable, and if you have very long hair that you've worn up in a pretty style, you know what I'm talking about! Since women don't sweat-we GLOW-I would be arriving to the church service GLOWING PROFUSELY. Everyone might think Dan and I RAN to church, since I'd be glowing, and Dan would be looking like a sweating hog. If they had seen my car, they'd also probably just figure we broke down on our way to church. But if I would wear my hair down, we could roll the windows down, but the window side of me would look as if I had dreadlocks! I might still be glowing anyway, since we are talking about Oklahoma in August.
BUT! Since my 2002 car has air, I don't even have to worry about it!!! Ahh....life is good!
Monday, August 2, 2010
My Life These Days
Well, here it is, the month of August! Hard to believe how quickly the year has gone by, and also the months that I have not posted! This is a bit of an update post, to let you know what I've been doing, and what I would like to do in the coming months!
My break from blogging
If you read many blogs, I'm sure you've already come across a blog or two that has explained why there has been an absense in posting, and often it is because their families come first, and their families need them. It's just so easy to spend so much time on a post, and several times a week add up to several hours a week. That sums it up for me as well. I end up feeling guilt from too many hours on my "stuff", and don't think it's fair to my family.
What I have been doing
Since we've moved into our new home just over a year ago, I've kept busy regularly with having company over. It has been my desire to use my home for get togethers, and even tho I'm not a pro at it, we "entertain" quite a bit!
Chances are if you know me at all, and we happen to run into each other at the store, after we haven't seen each other in several months, I'll invite you over for dinner! And I don't hand out empty invitations-when I tell you to come over sometime, I want you to, and we need to set a date!
The biggest news!
So! Lots of company, and a whole new freedom has entered our lives! My 20 year old daughter just got her driver's license! Can you say "Thank you Jesus!!!" with me???
See, Elissa did fine driving, but she couldn't parallel park. Dan had worked with Elissa some on parallel parking, but I did not because I cannot parallel park. Yes, I am the woman you will see drive around the block in our little town--several times because I can't find a place that has a least 3 empty parking spots in a row.
When I told Dan I couldn't teach Elissa because I couldn't do it myself, would you believe he had the nerve to tell me that I needed to learn too? It's like this----listen, I'm 40 years old and have made it this far without knowing how to do it-I am NOT going to try to learn now! I'm FINE with walking 6 blocks if there are no spacious places to park. Men(rolling my eyes!)
So! It feels like my daughter just aged several years this past week! How nice it is for her to call from work and ask if I need her to pick anything up on her way home! Oh, bless you, child, bless you!
No more Saturday evening announcements of "I need to go to Walmart".
Dan and I just got a lot more freedom, as did Elissa, and even Amber, when she wants to go places, and Elissa will take her. Needless to say, we are all relieved, happy campers!
A new experience for Amber
Dan and Amber went to a church meeting in Colorado Springs, and it was Amber's first time flying! She enjoyed it, and also met some wonderful new friends from Colorado and Texas. They stayed a few extra days and went to Whit's End, the Royal Gorge, and Garden of the Gods, which they renamed God's Garden, giving credit where credit really is due. =)
Dan and Amber returned from their trip last Monday, giving Dan almost a week to recover before leaving on our trip to....
Oklahoma, here we come!
Dan and I are going to a church meeting in Jenks, Oklahoma, and then we are venturing to San Antonio, Texas! Dakota is staying with his Aunt Jen and Uncle Dan in Indiana, and the girls are back home under the care of many friends. =)
Moving up to the 21st century
After Dan got home from Colorado, he called about a car we saw in the newspaper. He knew what I was looking for in a car, and while I stayed home and did Bible Boot Camp with the church kids, he went and got me a car!
Yes folks, I have finally become a little more modern! I still like vintage clothes, but now I have a cell phone AND a 2002 car! My 1993 Cutlass Ciera has seen its better days. I mean, just because it's older than Amber, purrs like a roaring lion, is two toned teal and rust, has a broken air conditioner and broke down two days after I got my new car, doesn't mean it's a complete rustbucket junker! The mechanic called today and after replacing the gas tank that was SO rusted, along with the original problem of the fuel pump, and then whatever else he said just disinigrated when he went to remove it, it's good to go! And hey, it's PAID FOR!!!! So you know what that means??? It means....
A gift for Amber
When Amber turns 16 in October, it's gonna be HER car! Yes, I know she is thrilled that she will be driving my old classic. I'm sure there are some lessons in humility and other things that she'll appreciate that she will have learned-when she is about 50. Plus, in the learning process, she'll probably know more about cars than most mechanics out there, and she won't even have to pay for the college course!
What is up and coming
Just a few short weeks after our trip, the kiddos will be starting school again. And this too will be something new for them-they are cyber-schooling this year!
I am really looking forward to this new adventure-and I'm sure I'll have some stories to share with you all!
My blog
While the children are schooling, I am going to try to work on regular updates on my blog. Blogging has been something I have thoroughly enjoyed.
My website
I am very excited about updating my website! Months ago, before I took a break from my blogging and web writing, I bought supplies to make several new chocolate bouquets. They are waiting on a shelf for me to finally pick them up and do something creative with them! I have several ideas, and look forward to sharing them.
I am also planning on adding a lot of new content to my website. I am adding content by other writers, and am anxious to add their creative writing skills to my site. I am also hoping to share some of my brother's photography-his latest passion that he so ably and diligently works at.
So there you have it!
So here is my latest update, and I am hoping to update during my trip as well. I'm sure just me and my one man comedy act that I'm married to will have new adventures to share!
My break from blogging
If you read many blogs, I'm sure you've already come across a blog or two that has explained why there has been an absense in posting, and often it is because their families come first, and their families need them. It's just so easy to spend so much time on a post, and several times a week add up to several hours a week. That sums it up for me as well. I end up feeling guilt from too many hours on my "stuff", and don't think it's fair to my family.
What I have been doing
Since we've moved into our new home just over a year ago, I've kept busy regularly with having company over. It has been my desire to use my home for get togethers, and even tho I'm not a pro at it, we "entertain" quite a bit!
Chances are if you know me at all, and we happen to run into each other at the store, after we haven't seen each other in several months, I'll invite you over for dinner! And I don't hand out empty invitations-when I tell you to come over sometime, I want you to, and we need to set a date!
The biggest news!
So! Lots of company, and a whole new freedom has entered our lives! My 20 year old daughter just got her driver's license! Can you say "Thank you Jesus!!!" with me???
See, Elissa did fine driving, but she couldn't parallel park. Dan had worked with Elissa some on parallel parking, but I did not because I cannot parallel park. Yes, I am the woman you will see drive around the block in our little town--several times because I can't find a place that has a least 3 empty parking spots in a row.
When I told Dan I couldn't teach Elissa because I couldn't do it myself, would you believe he had the nerve to tell me that I needed to learn too? It's like this----listen, I'm 40 years old and have made it this far without knowing how to do it-I am NOT going to try to learn now! I'm FINE with walking 6 blocks if there are no spacious places to park. Men(rolling my eyes!)
So! It feels like my daughter just aged several years this past week! How nice it is for her to call from work and ask if I need her to pick anything up on her way home! Oh, bless you, child, bless you!
No more Saturday evening announcements of "I need to go to Walmart".
Dan and I just got a lot more freedom, as did Elissa, and even Amber, when she wants to go places, and Elissa will take her. Needless to say, we are all relieved, happy campers!
A new experience for Amber
Dan and Amber went to a church meeting in Colorado Springs, and it was Amber's first time flying! She enjoyed it, and also met some wonderful new friends from Colorado and Texas. They stayed a few extra days and went to Whit's End, the Royal Gorge, and Garden of the Gods, which they renamed God's Garden, giving credit where credit really is due. =)
Dan and Amber returned from their trip last Monday, giving Dan almost a week to recover before leaving on our trip to....
Oklahoma, here we come!
Dan and I are going to a church meeting in Jenks, Oklahoma, and then we are venturing to San Antonio, Texas! Dakota is staying with his Aunt Jen and Uncle Dan in Indiana, and the girls are back home under the care of many friends. =)
Moving up to the 21st century
After Dan got home from Colorado, he called about a car we saw in the newspaper. He knew what I was looking for in a car, and while I stayed home and did Bible Boot Camp with the church kids, he went and got me a car!
Yes folks, I have finally become a little more modern! I still like vintage clothes, but now I have a cell phone AND a 2002 car! My 1993 Cutlass Ciera has seen its better days. I mean, just because it's older than Amber, purrs like a roaring lion, is two toned teal and rust, has a broken air conditioner and broke down two days after I got my new car, doesn't mean it's a complete rustbucket junker! The mechanic called today and after replacing the gas tank that was SO rusted, along with the original problem of the fuel pump, and then whatever else he said just disinigrated when he went to remove it, it's good to go! And hey, it's PAID FOR!!!! So you know what that means??? It means....
A gift for Amber
When Amber turns 16 in October, it's gonna be HER car! Yes, I know she is thrilled that she will be driving my old classic. I'm sure there are some lessons in humility and other things that she'll appreciate that she will have learned-when she is about 50. Plus, in the learning process, she'll probably know more about cars than most mechanics out there, and she won't even have to pay for the college course!
What is up and coming
Just a few short weeks after our trip, the kiddos will be starting school again. And this too will be something new for them-they are cyber-schooling this year!
I am really looking forward to this new adventure-and I'm sure I'll have some stories to share with you all!
My blog
While the children are schooling, I am going to try to work on regular updates on my blog. Blogging has been something I have thoroughly enjoyed.
My website
I am very excited about updating my website! Months ago, before I took a break from my blogging and web writing, I bought supplies to make several new chocolate bouquets. They are waiting on a shelf for me to finally pick them up and do something creative with them! I have several ideas, and look forward to sharing them.
I am also planning on adding a lot of new content to my website. I am adding content by other writers, and am anxious to add their creative writing skills to my site. I am also hoping to share some of my brother's photography-his latest passion that he so ably and diligently works at.
So there you have it!
So here is my latest update, and I am hoping to update during my trip as well. I'm sure just me and my one man comedy act that I'm married to will have new adventures to share!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
What You've All Been Waiting For!
Hello, my wonderful readers!
Thanks for checking back time and time again to my un-updated blog. It shows me that you are still interested, and I appreciate that!
I have just been taking a break for a bit, which sometimes feels necessary because blogging and my website can take a large chunk of time. I don't really like being on the computer so much when the children are not in school.
But anyway! Here is an update that I hope you will enjoy. It is a conversation I had on Facebook with a friend.
I must say, I never knew I could make up such good gossip!!!
Okay, here is the scoop:
I have a wonderful friend named Rhonda, and at this point in here life, she is going thru a difficult time. This is how her facebook update started:
totally amazed by people and their opinions... especially when all they know is hearsay or bits and pieces. ugh! please people, if you don't know the whole story, SHUT UP! unless you are going to be an encouragement. speaking ill of someone is NOT going to help them. :(
I do know what her situation is, and I have been encouraging her along the way-we've been great friends for around 20 years!
So after some of my comments to her, I don't know WHAT hit me, but some sort of dilerium came over me! And THIS is the rest of thread, Rhonda in red, me in blue, and others in other colors. =) .....
Me: But you know Rhonda, I wish you would just come clean! TRUST ME--nobody is going to hold it against you that you are a Hartville Kitchen girl by day, and a Rodeo Cowgirl by night! Let them say all they want about your cowgirl boots-don't let it get to you! And they may talk about your cute little hair braids and Wrangler shirts too. They'll know the whole story when they visit the next rodeo, and you are the star of the show! Then won't THEY be eating HUMBLE PIE!!!
Oh! But I won't say anything else about it on fb-I want YOU to be the one to tell everyone. Yee-HAW!!!
Rhonda: lol... YEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAWWWWW is right! :) love it, josanne! ♥
Friend #1: Rhonda are you doing rodeo's how cool.. love it..
Rhonda: haha.. yep! :0) ...and i just don't understand what the fuss is all about! lol.. jk
thanks, josanne.. can always count on you for a laugh. thanks to the rest of you as well for your encouragement! ♥
Me: I'm just trying to earn brownie points so I can have your cowgirl boots when you're done with them! (wink, wink!)
Friend #2(Rachel): hehehehehee I like Josanne! :) And you go girl! You tell em! And if you don't I will for you, no problem ;D lol
Me: Thanks! And nice to "meet" you, Rachel! If you are friends with Rhonda, you must be pretty cool too! Do you know each other from the rodeo? (hehee!)
Friend #3(Bryan): Do you mean all that stuff I just heard isn't true? lol
Friend #2: You're welcome! Nice to "meet" you as well :) We are all pretty cool if I must say so myself :D And yes, I do know Rhonda from the rodeo! teeehehehehee! and also from the HK but the rodeo is much more fuuun ;)
Rhonda: it's true, bryan... i'm a rodeo cowgirl!! lol... ...rachel is my sidekick...partner... ahhaahahaha!
Me: All RIGHT! Rhonda admitted it! She's a rodeo cowgirl! Now we can talk about her all we want! Well, I'm off to start some rumors.....think I'll call George first....
Friend #3: That's what I heard...that cowgirl with purple streaked spiked hair.
Rhonda: No that's rachel. My hairs pink! Lol
Me: and braided, not spiked!
Rhonda: Haha yep! Just call me pink pippie longstalking! :)
Me: But Pink Pippie's hair isn't what she is best known for-it's that bull's nose ring she hooks on when goes to the national competitions. The crowd just goes wild, and wonders how that thing stays in her nostrils when her cow starts bucking and a-kickin'!!!
I know Rhonda just wants encouragement, but she's gonna get hurt one of these times! We're not spring chickens anymore, ya know...
Rhonda: I'm only 29 helloooooo! ;).
Me: Yeah, but remember that time you were riding at the competition, and your nose ring got wrapped around the cow's horn? For one, I didn't know you could sing opera, and for two, I didn't know you were a contortionist! But anyway, even if you ARE 29, and can touch the tip of your toe to the tip of your nose, I still worry sick about you! That scared me so bad, I had to stop watching! It's not fair to the kids, Rhonda!
Rhonda: Lol. Toooo funny josanne! Boy that was a scary night! Lol
Well, there you have it! I laughed until I cried. Yeah, I'm a little goofy, but hey! I'd have a really boring blog if I wasn't!
Hope you all enjoyed!
Til next time.....
Thanks for checking back time and time again to my un-updated blog. It shows me that you are still interested, and I appreciate that!
I have just been taking a break for a bit, which sometimes feels necessary because blogging and my website can take a large chunk of time. I don't really like being on the computer so much when the children are not in school.
But anyway! Here is an update that I hope you will enjoy. It is a conversation I had on Facebook with a friend.
I must say, I never knew I could make up such good gossip!!!
Okay, here is the scoop:
I have a wonderful friend named Rhonda, and at this point in here life, she is going thru a difficult time. This is how her facebook update started:
totally amazed by people and their opinions... especially when all they know is hearsay or bits and pieces. ugh! please people, if you don't know the whole story, SHUT UP! unless you are going to be an encouragement. speaking ill of someone is NOT going to help them. :(
I do know what her situation is, and I have been encouraging her along the way-we've been great friends for around 20 years!
So after some of my comments to her, I don't know WHAT hit me, but some sort of dilerium came over me! And THIS is the rest of thread, Rhonda in red, me in blue, and others in other colors. =) .....
Me: But you know Rhonda, I wish you would just come clean! TRUST ME--nobody is going to hold it against you that you are a Hartville Kitchen girl by day, and a Rodeo Cowgirl by night! Let them say all they want about your cowgirl boots-don't let it get to you! And they may talk about your cute little hair braids and Wrangler shirts too. They'll know the whole story when they visit the next rodeo, and you are the star of the show! Then won't THEY be eating HUMBLE PIE!!!
Oh! But I won't say anything else about it on fb-I want YOU to be the one to tell everyone. Yee-HAW!!!
Rhonda: lol... YEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAWWWWW is right! :) love it, josanne! ♥
Friend #1: Rhonda are you doing rodeo's how cool.. love it..
Rhonda: haha.. yep! :0) ...and i just don't understand what the fuss is all about! lol.. jk
thanks, josanne.. can always count on you for a laugh. thanks to the rest of you as well for your encouragement! ♥
Me: I'm just trying to earn brownie points so I can have your cowgirl boots when you're done with them! (wink, wink!)
Friend #2(Rachel): hehehehehee I like Josanne! :) And you go girl! You tell em! And if you don't I will for you, no problem ;D lol
Me: Thanks! And nice to "meet" you, Rachel! If you are friends with Rhonda, you must be pretty cool too! Do you know each other from the rodeo? (hehee!)
Friend #3(Bryan): Do you mean all that stuff I just heard isn't true? lol
Friend #2: You're welcome! Nice to "meet" you as well :) We are all pretty cool if I must say so myself :D And yes, I do know Rhonda from the rodeo! teeehehehehee! and also from the HK but the rodeo is much more fuuun ;)
Rhonda: it's true, bryan... i'm a rodeo cowgirl!! lol... ...rachel is my sidekick...partner... ahhaahahaha!
Me: All RIGHT! Rhonda admitted it! She's a rodeo cowgirl! Now we can talk about her all we want! Well, I'm off to start some rumors.....think I'll call George first....
Friend #3: That's what I heard...that cowgirl with purple streaked spiked hair.
Rhonda: No that's rachel. My hairs pink! Lol
Me: and braided, not spiked!
Rhonda: Haha yep! Just call me pink pippie longstalking! :)
Me: But Pink Pippie's hair isn't what she is best known for-it's that bull's nose ring she hooks on when goes to the national competitions. The crowd just goes wild, and wonders how that thing stays in her nostrils when her cow starts bucking and a-kickin'!!!
I know Rhonda just wants encouragement, but she's gonna get hurt one of these times! We're not spring chickens anymore, ya know...
Rhonda: I'm only 29 helloooooo! ;).
Me: Yeah, but remember that time you were riding at the competition, and your nose ring got wrapped around the cow's horn? For one, I didn't know you could sing opera, and for two, I didn't know you were a contortionist! But anyway, even if you ARE 29, and can touch the tip of your toe to the tip of your nose, I still worry sick about you! That scared me so bad, I had to stop watching! It's not fair to the kids, Rhonda!
Rhonda: Lol. Toooo funny josanne! Boy that was a scary night! Lol
Well, there you have it! I laughed until I cried. Yeah, I'm a little goofy, but hey! I'd have a really boring blog if I wasn't!
Hope you all enjoyed!
Til next time.....
Monday, June 21, 2010
Past Blast 2
Looking back on my teenage years, there was a moment in time when I actually looked like a superhero! No, it wasn't a halloween costume-it was my quick actions when I was with my friend Amy, and her friend Cathy.
Yes, for one moment in time, you could actually say I was Superman!!!
Faster than a speeding bullet.
More powerful than a locomotive.
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Look! Up in the sky!
It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Superman!
Only, we all know that Superman is make-believe. On the other hand, my superhero moment was not make-believe, and Amy and Cathy were there as witnesses. This is what happened....
Amy, Cathy and I were on our way to the park to use the exercise trail that went thru the woods, instructing us to walk, run, and stop and do exercises along the way. We were walking and talking, nearing the woods.
As we began our walk down the rocky dirt hill in the woods, I was ready to start working out! So I said, "Come on, you guys, let's run!"
Somehow, immediately after I said that and took my first running steps, I managed to trip over a rock.
No, I did not fall-YET. My super powers kicked in at that very moment, and my arms shot out in front of me, holding my body like a hovercraft one foot above ground. My legs ran me at full speed down the hill, while my arms directed me. So I'm quite sure I looked like Superman(with the serious look on his face)-with the Roadrunner's legs(beep! beep!).
While I was still in full action mode, time for Amy and Cathy stood still, as they watched to see what their superhero would do.
Intently studying the path I sped down, my concerned friend Amy broke my concentration when she blurted out, "Are you okay?" And as I answered, "No.", it was that moment that I landed at the bottom of the hill "flat on my face".
Now I've mentioned that Amy is my great, concerned friend. So I'm sure you can guess what she did next.
No, she did not laugh.
She HOWLED!!! She ROARED!!! Guffaws echoed throughout the woods. I think she even doubled over at the waist, but I was too busy picking rocks out of my hands and wiping dirt off of my clothes to see her.
I don't really remember what Cathy did. I think I can guess tho.
So there you have it! My moment as a superhero.
Faster than a speeding bullet. Yeah, I was definately going faster!
More powerful than a locomotive. We were getting ready to work on that at the time of the event.
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Uh, no, not hardly. More like, Able to trip on a 2" tall rock.
Look! Yeah, everybody! Watch this!!!
Up in the sky! Or, down near the ground!
It's a bird! Roadrunner, maybe?
It's a plane! Or at least a hovercraft of some sort.
It's Superman! It's Goober Josanne! or A stupid plan!
Now I know that when Amy reads this, tears will most likely be streaming down her face as she relives this incredible moment in history.
I'm sure you wish you had been there too.
Yes, for one moment in time, you could actually say I was Superman!!!
Faster than a speeding bullet.
More powerful than a locomotive.
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Look! Up in the sky!
It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Superman!
Only, we all know that Superman is make-believe. On the other hand, my superhero moment was not make-believe, and Amy and Cathy were there as witnesses. This is what happened....
Amy, Cathy and I were on our way to the park to use the exercise trail that went thru the woods, instructing us to walk, run, and stop and do exercises along the way. We were walking and talking, nearing the woods.
As we began our walk down the rocky dirt hill in the woods, I was ready to start working out! So I said, "Come on, you guys, let's run!"
Somehow, immediately after I said that and took my first running steps, I managed to trip over a rock.
No, I did not fall-YET. My super powers kicked in at that very moment, and my arms shot out in front of me, holding my body like a hovercraft one foot above ground. My legs ran me at full speed down the hill, while my arms directed me. So I'm quite sure I looked like Superman(with the serious look on his face)-with the Roadrunner's legs(beep! beep!).
While I was still in full action mode, time for Amy and Cathy stood still, as they watched to see what their superhero would do.
Intently studying the path I sped down, my concerned friend Amy broke my concentration when she blurted out, "Are you okay?" And as I answered, "No.", it was that moment that I landed at the bottom of the hill "flat on my face".
Now I've mentioned that Amy is my great, concerned friend. So I'm sure you can guess what she did next.
No, she did not laugh.
She HOWLED!!! She ROARED!!! Guffaws echoed throughout the woods. I think she even doubled over at the waist, but I was too busy picking rocks out of my hands and wiping dirt off of my clothes to see her.
I don't really remember what Cathy did. I think I can guess tho.
So there you have it! My moment as a superhero.
Faster than a speeding bullet. Yeah, I was definately going faster!
More powerful than a locomotive. We were getting ready to work on that at the time of the event.
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Uh, no, not hardly. More like, Able to trip on a 2" tall rock.
Look! Yeah, everybody! Watch this!!!
Up in the sky! Or, down near the ground!
It's a bird! Roadrunner, maybe?
It's a plane! Or at least a hovercraft of some sort.
It's Superman! It's Goober Josanne! or A stupid plan!
Now I know that when Amy reads this, tears will most likely be streaming down her face as she relives this incredible moment in history.
I'm sure you wish you had been there too.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Blasts From The Past
Hello to all of my wonderful readers!
I know it's been a while since I have posted-it seems plenty has been going on to keep me busy!
I don't have a new story to share, but thought I would go back to some of my old posts from over a year ago, and re-share them with my newer readers. I hope you will enjoy!
The Shopping Cart Story
Doesn't it feel good to do a good deed for another person?
I'm sure you are all familiar with how the sidewalks are built at most stores, with the ramp that allows shopping carts and wheelchairs easy access from the parking lot to the store's sidewalk.
A few years ago, I was heading into the grocery store, and saw an elderly man with a cart, next to the ramp to go up to the sidewalk. I thought I would offer to take his cart so that he didn't have to push it back up the ramp, saving him the extra energy he would have to put into taking the shopping cart back to the store. It's always been nice when others have done this for me-its my turn once again to return the favor to another. I said something along the lines of, "Sir, can I take that for you?" And he said, "Sure." So I took the cart, and having done my "good deed of the day", my footsteps felt a little lighter as I entered the store to grab a few groceries.
I didn't need much, so I quickly made it up the first aisle to the back of the store, and down the next aisle, heading back to the front section of the store.
The entrance of the store caught my eye. The man I helped with the shopping cart was standing in the doorway, looking around! To my great embarrassment, I then realized that I had not helped this man at all--I had taken his cart!!! Oh boy.....
I was relaying this story to a friend, and she asked if I had apologized to him. Of course not!!! I was trying to blend in with the tomatoes---why would I make myself known again??? Hadn't I done enough already?
Well, I got all the items I needed, and headed for the checkout. He was there, with his new shopping cart, checking out too. So needless to say, I thought I'd just, you know, hang out with the frozen veggies for a few minutes.
Have you ever noticed what an interesting section of the store the frozen veggie section is? :)
I know it's been a while since I have posted-it seems plenty has been going on to keep me busy!
I don't have a new story to share, but thought I would go back to some of my old posts from over a year ago, and re-share them with my newer readers. I hope you will enjoy!
The Shopping Cart Story
Doesn't it feel good to do a good deed for another person?
I'm sure you are all familiar with how the sidewalks are built at most stores, with the ramp that allows shopping carts and wheelchairs easy access from the parking lot to the store's sidewalk.
A few years ago, I was heading into the grocery store, and saw an elderly man with a cart, next to the ramp to go up to the sidewalk. I thought I would offer to take his cart so that he didn't have to push it back up the ramp, saving him the extra energy he would have to put into taking the shopping cart back to the store. It's always been nice when others have done this for me-its my turn once again to return the favor to another. I said something along the lines of, "Sir, can I take that for you?" And he said, "Sure." So I took the cart, and having done my "good deed of the day", my footsteps felt a little lighter as I entered the store to grab a few groceries.
I didn't need much, so I quickly made it up the first aisle to the back of the store, and down the next aisle, heading back to the front section of the store.
The entrance of the store caught my eye. The man I helped with the shopping cart was standing in the doorway, looking around! To my great embarrassment, I then realized that I had not helped this man at all--I had taken his cart!!! Oh boy.....
I was relaying this story to a friend, and she asked if I had apologized to him. Of course not!!! I was trying to blend in with the tomatoes---why would I make myself known again??? Hadn't I done enough already?
Well, I got all the items I needed, and headed for the checkout. He was there, with his new shopping cart, checking out too. So needless to say, I thought I'd just, you know, hang out with the frozen veggies for a few minutes.
Have you ever noticed what an interesting section of the store the frozen veggie section is? :)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Question of the Day
I think I'm grateful that today is Monday, and my son is in school. I sure love that growing boy, but let me tell you about yesterday.
Kota had a friend over for the weekend (EJ lives about 45 minutes from us, so he came over Friday evening and stayed until after church Sunday night). Saturday had its "events", one which was our spaghetti dinner fundraiser, which Dakota decided to take a dare and stick two cupcakes in it. I happened to notice while he was piling his cup, napkin, etc. on top of a full plate of spaghetti, that he was getting ready to pitch all of his food. That's when Amber told me what he had done. I, like a good mother, told him to sit back down and eat it! I wonder whose was better-Kota's spaghetti with cupcakes in it, or his friend's spaghetti with applesauce in it! (Can you hear my loud sigh, and see me rolling my eyes???)
Not too much else was eventful, other than the Nerf gun war that was going on in his room after I told the boys it was bedtime.
Sunday is my day to worship the Lord, and then give Him the opportunity to speak to me in a dream in the afternoon between services! =D
Dan and I rode separately to church, and he got home with the boys first. He let me know that the boys went on a bike ride. After they hadn't returned for 45 minutes, I had to go find them. I knew where they were, and Kota informed me that when he says he is going on a bike ride, it also means he is stopping at a friend's house. I had the boys come home-they needed to eat, among other things.
We didn't have a formal dinner, but I must say my crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham was very good! The mint chocolate chip pie was pretty good too! And after I ate, I headed upstairs for my nap.
After about an hour, and hearing many doors slam during my nap, I got up.....to find.....
....my water spray bottles in the garage and the garage wet-the boys had a water fight.
....a mound of ants on my tile by my fireplace-and we just had our house professionally sprayed 3 weeks ago!
....a wet spot I kept stepping in on the livingroom carpet.
....a bunch of soaked clothes in the bottom of Kota's hamper.
....my vase with change on the diningroom table, emptied, with a small amount of pennies left on the table.
After I sucked up the ants with the vacuum, and then dumped the vac container in the garage trash, I continued to find more ants! And then I noticed.....a very thin line.....of.....SQUIRT CHEESE in the corner of the tile??? I wiped up as much as I could reach, but some was under the metal strip at the edge of the carpet.
After I inquired, I learned that the squirt cheese was put there on purpose to lure the ants. I'm sure it was Dakota, and not his friend who did this. I calmly let him know I didn't want him to do that again, and was grateful to learn a food fight with squirt cheese hadn't taken place during my nap.
I also learned that the wet spot on the carpet was from the boys trying to drown the ants that were previously on the carpet, that were now lured to the tile by the fireplace. Dakota let me know that the kitties had batted the squirt cheese bottle or lid on the floor, and some of it got on the carpet. That's why there were ants on the rug in the first place.
Sighing with a bit of exasperation, I was again at least relieved that they didn't have a water fight in my livingroom.
I asked about my change vase, and learned that they had used all but the few pennies to buy lemonade or tea from the boy across the street. I told him to ask next time he ROBS me, of course, but oh, the drink was SOOOO good, he says!
I did let out another sigh upon finding out that there was a bee in Kota's room, but that the boys Nerf-gunned it to its death.....this was actually after my nap. Sigh.....
So! The big question of the day is.....
With what I woke up to, did I really need that nap?
If you haven't answered my poll questions to the left yet, please do so! Thanks!
Kota had a friend over for the weekend (EJ lives about 45 minutes from us, so he came over Friday evening and stayed until after church Sunday night). Saturday had its "events", one which was our spaghetti dinner fundraiser, which Dakota decided to take a dare and stick two cupcakes in it. I happened to notice while he was piling his cup, napkin, etc. on top of a full plate of spaghetti, that he was getting ready to pitch all of his food. That's when Amber told me what he had done. I, like a good mother, told him to sit back down and eat it! I wonder whose was better-Kota's spaghetti with cupcakes in it, or his friend's spaghetti with applesauce in it! (Can you hear my loud sigh, and see me rolling my eyes???)
Not too much else was eventful, other than the Nerf gun war that was going on in his room after I told the boys it was bedtime.
Sunday is my day to worship the Lord, and then give Him the opportunity to speak to me in a dream in the afternoon between services! =D
Dan and I rode separately to church, and he got home with the boys first. He let me know that the boys went on a bike ride. After they hadn't returned for 45 minutes, I had to go find them. I knew where they were, and Kota informed me that when he says he is going on a bike ride, it also means he is stopping at a friend's house. I had the boys come home-they needed to eat, among other things.
We didn't have a formal dinner, but I must say my crock pot scalloped potatoes and ham was very good! The mint chocolate chip pie was pretty good too! And after I ate, I headed upstairs for my nap.
After about an hour, and hearing many doors slam during my nap, I got up.....to find.....
....my water spray bottles in the garage and the garage wet-the boys had a water fight.
....a mound of ants on my tile by my fireplace-and we just had our house professionally sprayed 3 weeks ago!
....a wet spot I kept stepping in on the livingroom carpet.
....a bunch of soaked clothes in the bottom of Kota's hamper.
....my vase with change on the diningroom table, emptied, with a small amount of pennies left on the table.
After I sucked up the ants with the vacuum, and then dumped the vac container in the garage trash, I continued to find more ants! And then I noticed.....a very thin line.....of.....SQUIRT CHEESE in the corner of the tile??? I wiped up as much as I could reach, but some was under the metal strip at the edge of the carpet.
After I inquired, I learned that the squirt cheese was put there on purpose to lure the ants. I'm sure it was Dakota, and not his friend who did this. I calmly let him know I didn't want him to do that again, and was grateful to learn a food fight with squirt cheese hadn't taken place during my nap.
I also learned that the wet spot on the carpet was from the boys trying to drown the ants that were previously on the carpet, that were now lured to the tile by the fireplace. Dakota let me know that the kitties had batted the squirt cheese bottle or lid on the floor, and some of it got on the carpet. That's why there were ants on the rug in the first place.
Sighing with a bit of exasperation, I was again at least relieved that they didn't have a water fight in my livingroom.
I asked about my change vase, and learned that they had used all but the few pennies to buy lemonade or tea from the boy across the street. I told him to ask next time he ROBS me, of course, but oh, the drink was SOOOO good, he says!
I did let out another sigh upon finding out that there was a bee in Kota's room, but that the boys Nerf-gunned it to its death.....this was actually after my nap. Sigh.....
So! The big question of the day is.....
With what I woke up to, did I really need that nap?
If you haven't answered my poll questions to the left yet, please do so! Thanks!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Coming Up!
Hi Everyone!
Well, I'm back from another mini-vacation! I went to a wonderful bed and breakfast for two days, ALL BY MYSELF!!! Just me and Jesus!
Now I'm back to cooking, cleaning, running errands and more! It's a good thing I came home when I did! Dan was getting ready to leave the house just a little bit ago, and he marched right over and put his slippers on! The man would be LOST without me! But I do think I shall do the bed and breakfast thing again sometime!
I am going to put three polls up on the side of my blog for you all to fill out! Please do so! I'd love your input!
Just a little note while I try to get back into the swing of things-I want to let you know that I have a few new ideas for chocolate bouquets, and will be putting them up soon! With my computer breaking, and my camera not working right, it's become a bit of a hassle to do videos and pictures, but I'm going to give it a shot anyway!
Thanks for bearing with me, and check back soon! Don't forget to fill out the polls on the side bar!
Well, I'm back from another mini-vacation! I went to a wonderful bed and breakfast for two days, ALL BY MYSELF!!! Just me and Jesus!
Now I'm back to cooking, cleaning, running errands and more! It's a good thing I came home when I did! Dan was getting ready to leave the house just a little bit ago, and he marched right over and put his slippers on! The man would be LOST without me! But I do think I shall do the bed and breakfast thing again sometime!
I am going to put three polls up on the side of my blog for you all to fill out! Please do so! I'd love your input!
Just a little note while I try to get back into the swing of things-I want to let you know that I have a few new ideas for chocolate bouquets, and will be putting them up soon! With my computer breaking, and my camera not working right, it's become a bit of a hassle to do videos and pictures, but I'm going to give it a shot anyway!
Thanks for bearing with me, and check back soon! Don't forget to fill out the polls on the side bar!
Monday, May 3, 2010
A Peculiar Twitch
Hello Everyone!
First of all, weeks ago I mentioned taking a video of Diamond sliding down the steps. Of course, after I announced that to the world, she decided it was more fun to climb the rail. She's grown up since then. She prefers to hang out in the kitchen and eat as much as possible, which is typical for teens(yes, she's a teen in kitty age-I saw it at the vet's office!). But maybe someday I'll still catch her on film, if she still remembers that she liked rolling down the stairs. It was really funny!
Now on to my topic....
I don't know what the cause, but over a year ago, I developed a bit of a twitch that became especially noticable when I would be laying in bed to sleep for the night. I told my doctor about it, because I was a bit concerned, but he felt that it was just a common occurrence that happens when people are falling asleep.
I haven't noticed it as much lately, and it has definitely lessened. But a few months ago.....
Dan and I had gone to bed, and I had my one arm extended up by our heads. Believe it or not, my hand twitched, and I smacked Dan in the head. HONESTLY, I had no control over this-it just happened! I chuckle about it because, you know, it looks like such a likely excuse!
So I got to thinking....
Does anyone realize how far I could go with this? The Bible says to not go to bed angry, but what if Dan and I were arguing, and we DID go to bed mad?
I can tell when Dan begins to drift off to sleep because his breathing changes. Wouldn't that be the PERFECT time to have an out of control twitch???
WHACK!!!
Dan: (sitting up in bed, shaking his head) What was THAT???
Me: (sitting up next to him, sounding groggy and confused) What was what?
Dan: Did you just HIT me???
Me: NO I didn't just HIT you! Oh wait....my hand is KILLING me....I bet I had one of those twitches!
Dan: (grabbing a single blanket, heading for the couch) Ugh...I'll see you in the morning.
Me: Are you sure honey? I'm sure it won't happen again!
Dan: (Silence, walking to the couch)
Me: (Smug in my victory, drifting off to sleep, with a whole king size bed to myself)
For a while, there was an involuntary jerk in my leg and hip as well(I am not making fun of people with Tourette Syndrome-I do believe my son has it, and actually, that is why I brought it up to my doctor, because I wondered if I had developed Tourette's myself).
Remember our fight over the covers, just a few posts ago? (You can read about it here.) Well, wouldn't that have been convenient to hold a grudge until the following night, and then have an episode with my leg? Okay, maybe not....if I booted Dan hard enough, and he fell out of bed, we'd have a concussion on our hands, since the wall is close to the bed(Honey? Honey, wake up!!! Are you okay??? Oh my! I feel terrible! That stupid leg twitch of mine!!! Maybe you should go sleep on the couch!). Not to mention, that would be a rotten thing to do to someone who just went thru two major back and neck surgeries!
Thankfully, the jerking has become less in the last few months, and I've barely noticed it lately. But if it ever comes back, or if you ever develop a twitch yourself, I hope you'll remember to look at the bright side, and use the twitching for your benefit! I'm pretty sure I could get it to work for me!
First of all, weeks ago I mentioned taking a video of Diamond sliding down the steps. Of course, after I announced that to the world, she decided it was more fun to climb the rail. She's grown up since then. She prefers to hang out in the kitchen and eat as much as possible, which is typical for teens(yes, she's a teen in kitty age-I saw it at the vet's office!). But maybe someday I'll still catch her on film, if she still remembers that she liked rolling down the stairs. It was really funny!
Now on to my topic....
I don't know what the cause, but over a year ago, I developed a bit of a twitch that became especially noticable when I would be laying in bed to sleep for the night. I told my doctor about it, because I was a bit concerned, but he felt that it was just a common occurrence that happens when people are falling asleep.
I haven't noticed it as much lately, and it has definitely lessened. But a few months ago.....
Dan and I had gone to bed, and I had my one arm extended up by our heads. Believe it or not, my hand twitched, and I smacked Dan in the head. HONESTLY, I had no control over this-it just happened! I chuckle about it because, you know, it looks like such a likely excuse!
So I got to thinking....
Does anyone realize how far I could go with this? The Bible says to not go to bed angry, but what if Dan and I were arguing, and we DID go to bed mad?
I can tell when Dan begins to drift off to sleep because his breathing changes. Wouldn't that be the PERFECT time to have an out of control twitch???
WHACK!!!
Dan: (sitting up in bed, shaking his head) What was THAT???
Me: (sitting up next to him, sounding groggy and confused) What was what?
Dan: Did you just HIT me???
Me: NO I didn't just HIT you! Oh wait....my hand is KILLING me....I bet I had one of those twitches!
Dan: (grabbing a single blanket, heading for the couch) Ugh...I'll see you in the morning.
Me: Are you sure honey? I'm sure it won't happen again!
Dan: (Silence, walking to the couch)
Me: (Smug in my victory, drifting off to sleep, with a whole king size bed to myself)
For a while, there was an involuntary jerk in my leg and hip as well(I am not making fun of people with Tourette Syndrome-I do believe my son has it, and actually, that is why I brought it up to my doctor, because I wondered if I had developed Tourette's myself).
Remember our fight over the covers, just a few posts ago? (You can read about it here.) Well, wouldn't that have been convenient to hold a grudge until the following night, and then have an episode with my leg? Okay, maybe not....if I booted Dan hard enough, and he fell out of bed, we'd have a concussion on our hands, since the wall is close to the bed(Honey? Honey, wake up!!! Are you okay??? Oh my! I feel terrible! That stupid leg twitch of mine!!! Maybe you should go sleep on the couch!). Not to mention, that would be a rotten thing to do to someone who just went thru two major back and neck surgeries!
Thankfully, the jerking has become less in the last few months, and I've barely noticed it lately. But if it ever comes back, or if you ever develop a twitch yourself, I hope you'll remember to look at the bright side, and use the twitching for your benefit! I'm pretty sure I could get it to work for me!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Fa la la la la, la de da! fa la la!
It's the most, wonderful time of the year! It's the hap-happiest season of all!
Sing along with me!
Pardon?
No, I'm not confused! Do you know what season this is?
It's YARD SALE SEASON!!!!!
Yep, the time when neighbors get out and about, meet each other around several tables, give a compliment or two(ooh, that's a pretty blouse!), and honor Dave Ramsey as a hero! People are actually happy to exercise(walking 4 miles a day is no big deal when there are yard sales!), willing to give $$ with a cheerful heart, and remember the great science of math, all the way down to the very last penny in the bottom of their purse, and sometimes under the doormat in the car, on the passenger's side.
I LOVE a great sale!
Remember last year when my house burned down? I was fortunate enough to be at the laundromat with many of our everyday clothes, but we lost almost all of our church clothes, along with all of our shoes, except the ones on our feet. Elissa had two pair-she had left one pair at church!
You'll soon learn a new fact about me--I'm a tightwad. Okay, not as far as helping a friend in need if I can, or donating to a good cause, but as far as paying full price for clothing. Anyway, this was a time that was for real, even tho women all over claim this is for real for them regularly--I had nothing to wear(for church, and also not enough casual clothes). So what was I to do? My entire family needed clothing, so I shopped!!! WE shopped!
Even tho I had a true reason to shop, I STILL could barely pay full price for my stuff! The cashier practically had to RIP the dollars out of my hand when I owed $14.99 for a new sweater! Okay, that's a little exaggerated, but it DID hurt and was a battle in my mind!
I'm a thrift store girl, thru and thru! And the only thing better than the thrift store is a yard sale!
I got to hit my first one on Thursday, and it was fun! I got 5 or 6 new tops, a Tupperware stencil tracing set in it's own box, a couple of books and a few folders, all for under $15!!!
I slept dreamily that night. :)
In case you didn't know, this is a great time of year to get beautiful baby clothes(so many are in great shape, since babies grow so fast), boy's suits(worn once for a wedding), books for CHEAP compared to buying new, vintage pieces that are unique and will look lovely in your home, and much, much more!
So! Join with me and sing!
(Only sing the two lines I shared! If you throw in the rest of the song, it makes no sense, talking about caroling in the snow, and mistletoe-ing now thru September!)
Fa la la la la, la de da! fa la la!
It's the most, wonderful time of the year! It's the hap-happiest season of all!
Sing along with me!
Pardon?
No, I'm not confused! Do you know what season this is?
It's YARD SALE SEASON!!!!!
Yep, the time when neighbors get out and about, meet each other around several tables, give a compliment or two(ooh, that's a pretty blouse!), and honor Dave Ramsey as a hero! People are actually happy to exercise(walking 4 miles a day is no big deal when there are yard sales!), willing to give $$ with a cheerful heart, and remember the great science of math, all the way down to the very last penny in the bottom of their purse, and sometimes under the doormat in the car, on the passenger's side.
I LOVE a great sale!
Remember last year when my house burned down? I was fortunate enough to be at the laundromat with many of our everyday clothes, but we lost almost all of our church clothes, along with all of our shoes, except the ones on our feet. Elissa had two pair-she had left one pair at church!
You'll soon learn a new fact about me--I'm a tightwad. Okay, not as far as helping a friend in need if I can, or donating to a good cause, but as far as paying full price for clothing. Anyway, this was a time that was for real, even tho women all over claim this is for real for them regularly--I had nothing to wear(for church, and also not enough casual clothes). So what was I to do? My entire family needed clothing, so I shopped!!! WE shopped!
Even tho I had a true reason to shop, I STILL could barely pay full price for my stuff! The cashier practically had to RIP the dollars out of my hand when I owed $14.99 for a new sweater! Okay, that's a little exaggerated, but it DID hurt and was a battle in my mind!
I'm a thrift store girl, thru and thru! And the only thing better than the thrift store is a yard sale!
I got to hit my first one on Thursday, and it was fun! I got 5 or 6 new tops, a Tupperware stencil tracing set in it's own box, a couple of books and a few folders, all for under $15!!!
I slept dreamily that night. :)
In case you didn't know, this is a great time of year to get beautiful baby clothes(so many are in great shape, since babies grow so fast), boy's suits(worn once for a wedding), books for CHEAP compared to buying new, vintage pieces that are unique and will look lovely in your home, and much, much more!
So! Join with me and sing!
(Only sing the two lines I shared! If you throw in the rest of the song, it makes no sense, talking about caroling in the snow, and mistletoe-ing now thru September!)
Fa la la la la, la de da! fa la la!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Finally Home!
Almost home!
When this is posted, I will be home! Twelve days of travelling, and we're ready to see our own familiar roads, and sleep in our own wonderful beds!
A few things are in order when we get home:
1. Hours and hours of love for the kitties! I'm sure they'll sleep with us tonight-Chloe will most likely sleep with Dakota, and if Diamond will be a good girl and go to sleep without jumping up on my dresser to attack my flower arrangement first, she can sleep with us.
2. Taxes! I know, I know! They should be done by now, but to be honest, they nearly slipped our minds! But there is a reason! Remember-last year, neither of us worked much, due to our house fire and Dan getting seriously injured. Fortunately, there won't be that much to do, so it won't take long.
3. Grocery shopping! I'm not sure what is on the list yet, but I can tell you what is NOT on the list! Pop! Candy! Fattening junk foods! Time to work on the eating habits! Eating out for two weeks was a nice break, but it's not always the healthiest choices, and not quite as I as in your own home.
Here are a few travelling tips from me:
Here are a few tips that can make travelling easier and more enjoyable:
1. Get a GPS. It helps you avoid many wrong turns, and gives you an estimated time that you wil arrive to your destination. It eliminates quite a bit of stress-espeically for nervous road travellers like myself.
2. Try to do most of your laundry before you get back home. I did laundry three times, and only have one or two loads to do when we get home. Everything just needs put away.
3. Buy storage saver bags. Put your clothes in them, use a vaccuum or pump/deflater to suck out the extra air, and fill your suitcases. You fit more in your bags using these savers, needing less luggage.
4. Be spontaneous at least a little bit of your trip. The play Joseph, and our church meeting was the only part of our vacation that way planned, which left us 9 days to do whatever else we wanted. We had the general idea of where we wanted to go, and what we wanted to do, but rarely needed to be anywhere at a certain time. This is another stress-buster, not to mention that some places people choose to vacation actually have a lot of attractions, shops and entertainments that are not on brochures that you may have.
5. Don't stress when you are on vacation-try to enjoy! Have fun with your kiddos and hubby, don't stress over spilled drinks at McDonald's, or running 5 minutes late for a show. Having a good time is what you are out to do, and the little mistakes aren't really that big of a deal. So enjoy!
And I hope these tips help, if you venture out this summer, into the big, wide world!
When this is posted, I will be home! Twelve days of travelling, and we're ready to see our own familiar roads, and sleep in our own wonderful beds!
A few things are in order when we get home:
1. Hours and hours of love for the kitties! I'm sure they'll sleep with us tonight-Chloe will most likely sleep with Dakota, and if Diamond will be a good girl and go to sleep without jumping up on my dresser to attack my flower arrangement first, she can sleep with us.
2. Taxes! I know, I know! They should be done by now, but to be honest, they nearly slipped our minds! But there is a reason! Remember-last year, neither of us worked much, due to our house fire and Dan getting seriously injured. Fortunately, there won't be that much to do, so it won't take long.
3. Grocery shopping! I'm not sure what is on the list yet, but I can tell you what is NOT on the list! Pop! Candy! Fattening junk foods! Time to work on the eating habits! Eating out for two weeks was a nice break, but it's not always the healthiest choices, and not quite as I as in your own home.
Here are a few travelling tips from me:
Here are a few tips that can make travelling easier and more enjoyable:
1. Get a GPS. It helps you avoid many wrong turns, and gives you an estimated time that you wil arrive to your destination. It eliminates quite a bit of stress-espeically for nervous road travellers like myself.
2. Try to do most of your laundry before you get back home. I did laundry three times, and only have one or two loads to do when we get home. Everything just needs put away.
3. Buy storage saver bags. Put your clothes in them, use a vaccuum or pump/deflater to suck out the extra air, and fill your suitcases. You fit more in your bags using these savers, needing less luggage.
4. Be spontaneous at least a little bit of your trip. The play Joseph, and our church meeting was the only part of our vacation that way planned, which left us 9 days to do whatever else we wanted. We had the general idea of where we wanted to go, and what we wanted to do, but rarely needed to be anywhere at a certain time. This is another stress-buster, not to mention that some places people choose to vacation actually have a lot of attractions, shops and entertainments that are not on brochures that you may have.
5. Don't stress when you are on vacation-try to enjoy! Have fun with your kiddos and hubby, don't stress over spilled drinks at McDonald's, or running 5 minutes late for a show. Having a good time is what you are out to do, and the little mistakes aren't really that big of a deal. So enjoy!
And I hope these tips help, if you venture out this summer, into the big, wide world!
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