More accurate of me...complete with new short do =)
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Dig a tunnel
So this morning I was catching snippets of FOX news. They flash up a picture of Saddam Hussein with a blip about how he is now along with 11 other prisoners in Iraqi custody. Daniel looks at me (he was sitting with me on the couch) and says ''was that the man that was in the tunnel?'' Amazing. We still lived in Georgia when he was captured. I can't believe my three year old not only recognized Saddam Hussein, but remembered that they found him in a tunnel. LOL
Wash, Washer, Washing...
Homework this week from over at Carrie's
Washing Eric's dress shirts drives me nuts, with their tendency to yellow and stain regardless of all my efforts. When it comes to doing laundry, what's your personal nightmare? How have you come to battle it? Lye soap? A brand-name product? Some special knack passed down for generations? Saying "to heck with this" and sending it all to the cleaners?
In Georgia there is red dirt. Let me set this scenario for you. Three boys/white socks/red dirt. Three boys/knees of blue jeans/red dirt. Really it made for some fun laundry days. But see laundry is my thing. Not so much that I *love* doing it (although I do enjoy it, really) but it's one of those things were I'm crazy anal. I use Tide w/Bleach, Oxy Clean, Downey and Bounce every time I do laundry. Donald will wash his uniforms but a lot of times they are sent to the cleaners. My daddy who wears dress shirts all.the.time. swears by Dawn for ring around the collar. I use Zout for stain removal. But honestly I rarely have to use it (well I did with the red dirt situation...) Tide w/ bleach pretty much eliminates my need for a pre treater. I know it cost more, but for me it's not time efficient or cost effective if I'm having to wash and rewash something along with pre treating.
Washing Eric's dress shirts drives me nuts, with their tendency to yellow and stain regardless of all my efforts. When it comes to doing laundry, what's your personal nightmare? How have you come to battle it? Lye soap? A brand-name product? Some special knack passed down for generations? Saying "to heck with this" and sending it all to the cleaners?
In Georgia there is red dirt. Let me set this scenario for you. Three boys/white socks/red dirt. Three boys/knees of blue jeans/red dirt. Really it made for some fun laundry days. But see laundry is my thing. Not so much that I *love* doing it (although I do enjoy it, really) but it's one of those things were I'm crazy anal. I use Tide w/Bleach, Oxy Clean, Downey and Bounce every time I do laundry. Donald will wash his uniforms but a lot of times they are sent to the cleaners. My daddy who wears dress shirts all.the.time. swears by Dawn for ring around the collar. I use Zout for stain removal. But honestly I rarely have to use it (well I did with the red dirt situation...) Tide w/ bleach pretty much eliminates my need for a pre treater. I know it cost more, but for me it's not time efficient or cost effective if I'm having to wash and rewash something along with pre treating.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
I spy...
Can you find the hummingbird?
Want a hint?
[click to enlarge the picture. Go to basically the center of the picture between the two sprays of red flowers. You'll see in the backgroud another spot of red flora...and there, right there is the tiny little green hummingbird.] :)
Just wondering...
--Why would they put two different toys in the happy meal so that my boys could argue about which one belonged to whom all the way to town and back?? (Burger King has Spidey toys by the way)
--Why if someone asked for Dr. Pepper would you say we don't have that anymore, we now carry Cherry Pepsi in it place,would you like that? Um, ok, why? Are those *supposed* to taste alike? Because while a cherry Pepsi is fine on occasion it in no way taste similar to a Dr. Pepper. So you say, no, please give me a Mt. Dew. And they have to clarify will that be a Mt. Dew or a Code Red? Um, well, let's see, I said MT. DEW, not "I'll have a code red please'' so I probably meant well, Mt. Dew.
--Why oh why oh why oh why down here (S. TX) when you ask for a cheeseburger with ketchup only do they say everytime ''would you like cheese on that?" Um, no what I *actually* meant to order was a hamburger with ketchup only. YES I want CHEESE. See that's why it is a cheeseburger. Duh.
---Why can people not count? See the 20 items or less lane in the most simple terms means TWENTY ITEMS OR LESS. Now, if you have 30 items, well see, that's too many. Twenty-one is too many in my book, but you can slide with that a lot easier then slapping a weeks worth of groceries down on the express lane conveyor belt. OH and futher more, what's up with the creative counting? Bagels, tortillas, hotdog buns and loaf bread ARE all in the BREAD food group. However they DO NOT all count as ONE item, dear. :)
--Why do people who cannot wrap their minds around the concept of a self checkout lane, still try to use one??? The beep means it has scanned, so unless you want to pay for those chocolate frosted cocoa bombs five times...don't keep scanning them over and over and over. That BEEP is NOT from the Muzak system..it is a confirmation that your item has scanned. Ok, upon hearing the beep you must then immediately put the item in the cute little blue walmart bag. There is a scale below those bags. The system knows what you have scanned and the scales and the scan have to match. See that is why every time you scan those cocoa bombs and DON'T put them in the bag it repeatedly sounds out the ''please place item in bagging area''. You looking around like you have no idea why the machine is saying that is really pointless. We know you don't know how to use the self checkout. So please, just step back from the scanner. Wait for the nice customer service rep to arrive and let them do the scanning. And next time just use a cashier, really, you're not ready for the technology.
Ok. Off to start supper and make indoor s'mores. More later. :)
--Why if someone asked for Dr. Pepper would you say we don't have that anymore, we now carry Cherry Pepsi in it place,would you like that? Um, ok, why? Are those *supposed* to taste alike? Because while a cherry Pepsi is fine on occasion it in no way taste similar to a Dr. Pepper. So you say, no, please give me a Mt. Dew. And they have to clarify will that be a Mt. Dew or a Code Red? Um, well, let's see, I said MT. DEW, not "I'll have a code red please'' so I probably meant well, Mt. Dew.
--Why oh why oh why oh why down here (S. TX) when you ask for a cheeseburger with ketchup only do they say everytime ''would you like cheese on that?" Um, no what I *actually* meant to order was a hamburger with ketchup only. YES I want CHEESE. See that's why it is a cheeseburger. Duh.
---Why can people not count? See the 20 items or less lane in the most simple terms means TWENTY ITEMS OR LESS. Now, if you have 30 items, well see, that's too many. Twenty-one is too many in my book, but you can slide with that a lot easier then slapping a weeks worth of groceries down on the express lane conveyor belt. OH and futher more, what's up with the creative counting? Bagels, tortillas, hotdog buns and loaf bread ARE all in the BREAD food group. However they DO NOT all count as ONE item, dear. :)
--Why do people who cannot wrap their minds around the concept of a self checkout lane, still try to use one??? The beep means it has scanned, so unless you want to pay for those chocolate frosted cocoa bombs five times...don't keep scanning them over and over and over. That BEEP is NOT from the Muzak system..it is a confirmation that your item has scanned. Ok, upon hearing the beep you must then immediately put the item in the cute little blue walmart bag. There is a scale below those bags. The system knows what you have scanned and the scales and the scan have to match. See that is why every time you scan those cocoa bombs and DON'T put them in the bag it repeatedly sounds out the ''please place item in bagging area''. You looking around like you have no idea why the machine is saying that is really pointless. We know you don't know how to use the self checkout. So please, just step back from the scanner. Wait for the nice customer service rep to arrive and let them do the scanning. And next time just use a cashier, really, you're not ready for the technology.
Ok. Off to start supper and make indoor s'mores. More later. :)
Monday, June 28, 2004
This or That
As seen at Melyssa's
1. Bed & Breakfast or hotel?
****hotel
2. What determines where you stay?(i.e. price, accommodations, transportation, travel package)
****probably a combination of price/accommodations when in the vacation setting. When we do long drives like back to GA or when we lived in GA and would drive to TX. We usually stay at a Motel 6. In my experience they are small, but have always been very clean and allowed for pets (and we used to often travel with Kudzu). In a circumstance where we are stopping at 11 and getting up at 5 or 6 to get back on the road, I don't need mints on the pillows, a sitting area or deluxe accommodations. I need a clean room, and a shower. :) In the vacation sense, I like a bit more ''fluff'' but I'm not willing to pay $300 a night for a HOTEL ROOM. I don't care who owns it, who's stayed there and if they sprinkle lavender mist on the pillows to ward off bad dreams. Its a place to sleep for crying out loud..lets not confuse ourselves by thinking what brand of shampoo is in those little complementary bottles is really important. And really if you think I'm wearing that bathrobe, HA, no thanks I don't care if you washed it 10 times. :)
3. When determining where to stay, do you ever consider the establishment's history? (i.e. it might be haunted, location of high profile crime)
****This has never been applicable, but I don't think I would take it into consideration. I'm not going to say in a bad area of town or in a place that is nasty not well kept, period.
4. Would such considerations sway your decision?
****Not sway I don't' suppose, but like I said above I'm not staying in some yucky place regardless of who stayed there in its heyday or who frequents it. :)
5. Do you try and read the local paper for where you're visiting, to get an idea of what the area's like?
****I read the paper by default if they have one I read it, but not to find out about the area...although that is the end result, no?
1. Bed & Breakfast or hotel?
****hotel
2. What determines where you stay?(i.e. price, accommodations, transportation, travel package)
****probably a combination of price/accommodations when in the vacation setting. When we do long drives like back to GA or when we lived in GA and would drive to TX. We usually stay at a Motel 6. In my experience they are small, but have always been very clean and allowed for pets (and we used to often travel with Kudzu). In a circumstance where we are stopping at 11 and getting up at 5 or 6 to get back on the road, I don't need mints on the pillows, a sitting area or deluxe accommodations. I need a clean room, and a shower. :) In the vacation sense, I like a bit more ''fluff'' but I'm not willing to pay $300 a night for a HOTEL ROOM. I don't care who owns it, who's stayed there and if they sprinkle lavender mist on the pillows to ward off bad dreams. Its a place to sleep for crying out loud..lets not confuse ourselves by thinking what brand of shampoo is in those little complementary bottles is really important. And really if you think I'm wearing that bathrobe, HA, no thanks I don't care if you washed it 10 times. :)
3. When determining where to stay, do you ever consider the establishment's history? (i.e. it might be haunted, location of high profile crime)
****This has never been applicable, but I don't think I would take it into consideration. I'm not going to say in a bad area of town or in a place that is nasty not well kept, period.
4. Would such considerations sway your decision?
****Not sway I don't' suppose, but like I said above I'm not staying in some yucky place regardless of who stayed there in its heyday or who frequents it. :)
5. Do you try and read the local paper for where you're visiting, to get an idea of what the area's like?
****I read the paper by default if they have one I read it, but not to find out about the area...although that is the end result, no?
All in a days work...
[I have a whole thought process/post regarding telephone poles and toothpicks (or the mote and speck of biblical thought) I just need to think it through a bit more.]
Today has been busy so far, and only promises to stay that way. I got up and did the usual stuff. I fixed the boys breakfast and unloaded the dishwasher while they ate, then reloaded after they finished. I used the floormate on the downstairs. I cannot even express my love for that machine. ;) When we first moved here I averaged mopping the floor twice a day. Then I started mopping once a day and using the swiffer wets once a day. It was the bane of my existence, these tile floors. But I got the Hoover Floormate and while I still am not crazy about the tile floors...I love how easy it is to keep them cleaned now, without having to continually mop, swiffer, mop, swiffer, mop, swiffer. When we buy a house or if we build, I would still like tile. However I *do not* want WHITE tile. Ugh.
While I did all the downstairs floors I built the boys a fort with quilts and the chairs from the dining room table. They of course had a blast. I remember being a kid and my mom doing that...I can remember being probably 9 or and still doing it...but by that time I had advanced. I would use a sheet and a fan. The fan would blow the sheet and I would use something to weight down the far corners...I'd get a book and read in there for hours. :)
The boys just finished up a lunch of pasta/garlic bread/english peas/mandarin oranges & pineapple. Nathan is doodling at the table and Daniel is watching Little Bear on Noggin. Elijah is switching between sitting on the bean bag watching Little Bear and getting toys out of the toy basket.
It's almost time for quiet time and time for Donald to get up. I still have to scrub the stove and do a few loads of laundry. Domestic bliss. :)
Hope Monday is treating you well.
[addendum]
I forgot to add that I scrubbed the dining room table and chairs down completely. Legs, sides, every nook and cranny. There is nary a crumb in any crevice on any portion of that table or chairs. :) Nathan and Daniel also added a new chore each today. Nathan now wipes the table after meals and Daniel wipes down the chairs. :)
Today has been busy so far, and only promises to stay that way. I got up and did the usual stuff. I fixed the boys breakfast and unloaded the dishwasher while they ate, then reloaded after they finished. I used the floormate on the downstairs. I cannot even express my love for that machine. ;) When we first moved here I averaged mopping the floor twice a day. Then I started mopping once a day and using the swiffer wets once a day. It was the bane of my existence, these tile floors. But I got the Hoover Floormate and while I still am not crazy about the tile floors...I love how easy it is to keep them cleaned now, without having to continually mop, swiffer, mop, swiffer, mop, swiffer. When we buy a house or if we build, I would still like tile. However I *do not* want WHITE tile. Ugh.
While I did all the downstairs floors I built the boys a fort with quilts and the chairs from the dining room table. They of course had a blast. I remember being a kid and my mom doing that...I can remember being probably 9 or and still doing it...but by that time I had advanced. I would use a sheet and a fan. The fan would blow the sheet and I would use something to weight down the far corners...I'd get a book and read in there for hours. :)
The boys just finished up a lunch of pasta/garlic bread/english peas/mandarin oranges & pineapple. Nathan is doodling at the table and Daniel is watching Little Bear on Noggin. Elijah is switching between sitting on the bean bag watching Little Bear and getting toys out of the toy basket.
It's almost time for quiet time and time for Donald to get up. I still have to scrub the stove and do a few loads of laundry. Domestic bliss. :)
Hope Monday is treating you well.
[addendum]
I forgot to add that I scrubbed the dining room table and chairs down completely. Legs, sides, every nook and cranny. There is nary a crumb in any crevice on any portion of that table or chairs. :) Nathan and Daniel also added a new chore each today. Nathan now wipes the table after meals and Daniel wipes down the chairs. :)
Sunday, June 27, 2004
A quiet refuge
If you are ever in Georgia, near Pine Mountain you really should take in Callaway Gardens. It is full of hiking and biking trails, a butterfly house, a horticultural center and this beautiful chapel. This place is breath taking. It shows God's creation at it's finest.
[edited to add]
I was over at some message boards I frequent and saw this stanza posted...upon reading it I thought it described Callaway Gardens to a tee. I wanted to add it to the post. :)
I walked the other day along a river
And watched the ducks and heard some
hawklings cries;
Then suddenly the nearness of my Saviour
Brought tears of joy and wonder to my eyes.
Oh, praise the Lord!
"This earth is crammed with heaven!"
Oh, praise the Lord!
And, Christian, look around!
For every bush you pass with fire is flaming,
And every spot you tread is holy ground.
I stopped the other day to watch a fountain
And marvelled at the magic of its grace;
Then suddenly my heart was on a mountain
And worshiping Jehovah face to face!...
I wept the other day- oh,Christian, hear it!
I wept the other day without control,
but suddenly the blessed Holy Spirit
Spoke peace again and calmed my needy soul.
Oh, praise the Lord!
"This earth is crammed with heaven!"
Oh, praise the Lord!
And, Christian look around!
For every bush you pass with fire is flaming,
And every spot you tread is holy ground.
--Anne Ortlund
Down by the River...
A favorite picture of Nathan (3) and Daniel (1). Taken in Brookhaven Mississippi on ''the river'' some friends of our family have homes along the bank of this river. The boys played on the sandbar and had the time of their lives. They would have stayed all day.
Nothing comes to mind
I'm here. Donald has been off for the last couple of days. We've been to the zoo and out and about town, but nothing too exciting. So I think because I'm a dork and just figured out the whole picture thing...I'll give you more pictures. :)
OH I did get some links to other blogs/journals I read over there --------> That is not an exhaustive list, I'll add more as I get to it. I just wanted to get it over there. :)
OH I did get some links to other blogs/journals I read over there --------> That is not an exhaustive list, I'll add more as I get to it. I just wanted to get it over there. :)
Friday, June 25, 2004
A picture is worth a thousand words
So yeah, did that blogger bot/hello thing. :) I am woefully short on pictures of me...it seems I tend to take the pictures not appear in them. Which really is fine too. :) Donald still hasn't located our scan disk software, so I pulled these images off a disk we had. The one of the boys is from a few months back. The one of me, is a couple of years old. I look like that, kind of, except I have really short hair and different glasses and well about 20 more lbs...but hey it gives you a general idea, no? It's late and I've played with these pics long enough. More later. :)
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Suddenly Sad...
My friend that lives here in the complex and has children very close in age to mine got home from vacation earlier this week. She and the kids stopped by tonight to give us a magnet from their trip. Oh and to announce that they are MOVING to Colorado (where they vacationed). The pieces all shuffled into place and God opened doors for her hubby to get a job on the spot while they were there and is providing them with this awesome opportunity. I'm so very happy for them. But also sad to see them go. They have been such great playmates and I so enjoy her company. Thankfully we live in the age of email and cell phones and so contact will be easy enough to continue and now we can go camp in beautiful Colorado. :)
~~~~Woo Hoo this is my 100th post~~~~
~~~~Woo Hoo this is my 100th post~~~~
91 feels like 98
All I know is that it is hot. I think I need to try to just get passed this topic...otherwise my blog could very well turn into something akin to the weather channel by the end of summer. ;)
We went swimming this morning. Elijah is such a little fish, he just naturally kicks and uses his arms. I bet if we got him into lessons he'd take to them rather quickly. But other than Donald working with them (and well he is lifeguard certified) there won't be lessons till next summer. Next summer we will have a second vehicle and that will open up a lot more opportunities in general. Its too hard now with Donald's rotating schedule and varied off days to really get into a groove. Nathan is now going under and opening his eyes and everything. He loves for he and I to go under and look at each other and such. Daniel loves the water but seems to be more reserved regarding swimming than the other boys. But Daniel in general as of late is seeming a bit scary/skittish. Do any of you have almost 4 year olds doing this too? It isn't extreme or anything but he no longer wants to go upstairs to return toys by himself (during the day) he's also had a night where he had a bad dream and woke crying. Otherwise he is fine, so I'm assuming this is just a phase that with lots of love and reassurance he'll be done with soon.
The boys just sat down to supper. It will be time to wake Donald soon. I need to go finish laundry while they are still. :) More later.
We went swimming this morning. Elijah is such a little fish, he just naturally kicks and uses his arms. I bet if we got him into lessons he'd take to them rather quickly. But other than Donald working with them (and well he is lifeguard certified) there won't be lessons till next summer. Next summer we will have a second vehicle and that will open up a lot more opportunities in general. Its too hard now with Donald's rotating schedule and varied off days to really get into a groove. Nathan is now going under and opening his eyes and everything. He loves for he and I to go under and look at each other and such. Daniel loves the water but seems to be more reserved regarding swimming than the other boys. But Daniel in general as of late is seeming a bit scary/skittish. Do any of you have almost 4 year olds doing this too? It isn't extreme or anything but he no longer wants to go upstairs to return toys by himself (during the day) he's also had a night where he had a bad dream and woke crying. Otherwise he is fine, so I'm assuming this is just a phase that with lots of love and reassurance he'll be done with soon.
The boys just sat down to supper. It will be time to wake Donald soon. I need to go finish laundry while they are still. :) More later.
Pondering...
Grace and Mercy -- those words so easily flow off my lips. The are very conditioned into my psyche. Unmerited Favor, think about that for a minute, unmerited favor. He paid a debt he did not owe and extended grace, mercy and relationship toward me. All I have to do is accept it. The rub comes when those words that are so easily ingrained in me, have to be carried out. To say I should walk in grace and mercy is quite simple actually. I can even give you scripture to back it up and sound oh so holy while I do it. But to have to live that out, moment by moment, that's different isn't it? We can extend mercy and grace to those who we think 'deserve' it, but that murderer or rapist or child mo|estor, I'm all about JUSTICE and VENGEANCE. [I do believe God is a just God. I do believe that there are consequences that we pay for bodily because of sin.] But the fact that God, holy, righteous, perfect God extends his grace and mercy to EVERYONE, regardless of past, transgressions matter not. His grace and mercy are there, for you, for me. Unmerited favor. What a humbling thought. What an awesome responsibility to live out.
Ok. I'll admit the obvious. I'm politically conservative. And I'm being very honest here. I'm not trying to be myopic. I just don't see how when terrorist support your movie that doesn't send you a message. Am I being a simpleton? For a terrorist network to see your movie as something they want to endorse, doesn't that convey the message that they want us to believe what's on that movie as truth? And if the movie is truth and we rid Washington of the Bush administration, then the terrorist will be pleased? Should we be pleased that terrorist are pleased???
How does wearing a covering so that your identity is shielded somehow make you brave and a warrior for your religion?
A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.
Mahatma Ghandi
Ok. I'll admit the obvious. I'm politically conservative. And I'm being very honest here. I'm not trying to be myopic. I just don't see how when terrorist support your movie that doesn't send you a message. Am I being a simpleton? For a terrorist network to see your movie as something they want to endorse, doesn't that convey the message that they want us to believe what's on that movie as truth? And if the movie is truth and we rid Washington of the Bush administration, then the terrorist will be pleased? Should we be pleased that terrorist are pleased???
How does wearing a covering so that your identity is shielded somehow make you brave and a warrior for your religion?
A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.
Mahatma Ghandi
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Homework
Yesterday I heard somebody advising someone else to use Tang beverage crystals in their dishwasher a few times a year to get rid of buildup. What's the weirdest household tip you've ever heard? Did it work, or was it like the "Tang tip," which I subsequently learned will merely dye the interior of a dishwasher orange?
Um, I don't know if this qualifies for 'weird' but I ran out of Tide one day in the middle of a huge amount of laundry. I sent out an SOS to a list of ladies I'm on and someone recommended one or two tablespoons of dishwashing detergent. It worked just fine. And I have done it on occasion since if I found myself low on Tide. I've heard of running vinegar through both your washer and dishwasher to get rid of build up. I've never done it in the dishwasher though. :)
OH and here's the recipe for the Pumpkin Caramel Shortbread that I made last night. All I can say is YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMY
Pumpkin Caramel Shortbread
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup butter, 1/4 cup white sugar, and 1 1/4 cup flour until evenly crumbly. Press into 9" square baking pan.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
In a 2 quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 3 minutes. Pour over crust. Cool until it begins to firm
From here I took the can of pumpkin and mixed it into a pie form...(you know eggs/milk/spices) and poured this over the shortbread and caramel and baked @ 375* for 50 mins till the knife came out clean. :)
Originally the caramel shortbread recipe the shortbread was baked for 20 mins and then topped with the caramel. But it would over cook if you did that after adding the pumpkin and cooking for an additional 50 mins.
Um, I don't know if this qualifies for 'weird' but I ran out of Tide one day in the middle of a huge amount of laundry. I sent out an SOS to a list of ladies I'm on and someone recommended one or two tablespoons of dishwashing detergent. It worked just fine. And I have done it on occasion since if I found myself low on Tide. I've heard of running vinegar through both your washer and dishwasher to get rid of build up. I've never done it in the dishwasher though. :)
OH and here's the recipe for the Pumpkin Caramel Shortbread that I made last night. All I can say is YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMY
Pumpkin Caramel Shortbread
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup butter, 1/4 cup white sugar, and 1 1/4 cup flour until evenly crumbly. Press into 9" square baking pan.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
In a 2 quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 3 minutes. Pour over crust. Cool until it begins to firm
From here I took the can of pumpkin and mixed it into a pie form...(you know eggs/milk/spices) and poured this over the shortbread and caramel and baked @ 375* for 50 mins till the knife came out clean. :)
Originally the caramel shortbread recipe the shortbread was baked for 20 mins and then topped with the caramel. But it would over cook if you did that after adding the pumpkin and cooking for an additional 50 mins.
Brand New Day...
I've been up since 6:30. Nathan and Elijah both thought that was a great time to get up today. :) We had bad thunderstorms come through last night so I shut down the computer at 9:30 and was in bed shortly thereafter. Its not raining now but its still wet and gloomy looking outside. Donald is off today but I have no idea what we'll end up doing maybe the zoo. I love to get down there early when all the animals are eating their breakfast. I made caramel shortbread pumpkin bars last night. Pretty tasty stuff. :) We ended up having pizza and fruit for supper. The boys of course were thrilled and pizza is laways easy when you can't think of anything else.
Ok, now I have boys hollering for breakfast so I should scoot. Hope yall have a GREAT day.
Ok, now I have boys hollering for breakfast so I should scoot. Hope yall have a GREAT day.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Kids these days...
Overheard conversation at Wal*Mart yesterday...
Setting the scene there is a mom with a few kiddos in a buggy/cart and there is a man in his mid 20's. The man is average looking and build and has his hair neatly pulled back into a ponytail. The lady and man pass each other as she is turning down another asile and he is checking out party goods.
[cute kid] Excuse us, mam (upon passing by, the 'mam' looks around and cute kid gets a quizzical look upon his face)
[cute kids mom] -sir-
[cute kid] (smiling wildly) well he's sure got some girly hair
[cute kids mom] (as she's melting into the floor) nope, its just longer than your's silly
This conversation could have been between Nathan and I. Could have.
Setting the scene there is a mom with a few kiddos in a buggy/cart and there is a man in his mid 20's. The man is average looking and build and has his hair neatly pulled back into a ponytail. The lady and man pass each other as she is turning down another asile and he is checking out party goods.
[cute kid] Excuse us, mam (upon passing by, the 'mam' looks around and cute kid gets a quizzical look upon his face)
[cute kids mom] -sir-
[cute kid] (smiling wildly) well he's sure got some girly hair
[cute kids mom] (as she's melting into the floor) nope, its just longer than your's silly
This conversation could have been between Nathan and I. Could have.
What's for supper?
Can I even tell you how much I hate thinking of something to cook everyday.day after day.over and over again. on and on. day after day. [you get it, right?]
I've tried it all. I've made up menu's and rotated them. I've done the pantry surprise a meal (look in the pantry at 4:30 and pull out ingredients for something by 5:30) I enjoy cooking. Its just the mental game of having to keep thinking of what to cook that wears me out.
So, what are YOU having for supper?
I've tried it all. I've made up menu's and rotated them. I've done the pantry surprise a meal (look in the pantry at 4:30 and pull out ingredients for something by 5:30) I enjoy cooking. Its just the mental game of having to keep thinking of what to cook that wears me out.
So, what are YOU having for supper?
See, I told you...
I said I probably wouldn't be around, then I went over to Liz's and saw this and wanted to participate too. :)
Summertime (Pass it On)
My list of stuff I want to do this summer:
- Stop and enjoy each of my kiddos everyday. Even if it's just a tiny snippet of time. I want them to know [by words/actions/time spent] that they are treasured and gifts from God. My firstborn, my first baby, will be six (S-I-X) in September.
- Read lots of books
- go to the beach... A lot.
- be crafty! come up with some new projects
- make banana splits with the boys
- Have a rootbeer float [borrowed this one from Liz...yummmy, I don't know that I would have thought of this on my own]
- Listen to the birds
- remember what summer meant when I was a kid, no worries or frustrations, lots of bug bites, hide and seek in the dark...and make a point to be that kid again at least once a week.
-pick a fun song for my summer song and listen to it daily [and dance when it plays]
-Take lots and lots and lots of pictures
-have a picnic on the beach [leave worries there to wash out with the tide]
- send postcards to family and friends...just to stay 'wish you were here'
- make a point of flirting and dating [my hubby]
- make s'mores
- take a weekend trip somewhere
- burn candles, often
- drink lots of water, from a FUN cup
- be spontaneous, make memories
- kiss /kids and hubby...Lots/
- go to fireworks display at the bay...several times
- work toward a healthy fitness level
- hide God's word in my heart
pass it on!
Summertime (Pass it On)
My list of stuff I want to do this summer:
- Stop and enjoy each of my kiddos everyday. Even if it's just a tiny snippet of time. I want them to know [by words/actions/time spent] that they are treasured and gifts from God. My firstborn, my first baby, will be six (S-I-X) in September.
- Read lots of books
- go to the beach... A lot.
- be crafty! come up with some new projects
- make banana splits with the boys
- Have a rootbeer float [borrowed this one from Liz...yummmy, I don't know that I would have thought of this on my own]
- Listen to the birds
- remember what summer meant when I was a kid, no worries or frustrations, lots of bug bites, hide and seek in the dark...and make a point to be that kid again at least once a week.
-pick a fun song for my summer song and listen to it daily [and dance when it plays]
-Take lots and lots and lots of pictures
-have a picnic on the beach [leave worries there to wash out with the tide]
- send postcards to family and friends...just to stay 'wish you were here'
- make a point of flirting and dating [my hubby]
- make s'mores
- take a weekend trip somewhere
- burn candles, often
- drink lots of water, from a FUN cup
- be spontaneous, make memories
- kiss /kids and hubby...Lots/
- go to fireworks display at the bay...several times
- work toward a healthy fitness level
- hide God's word in my heart
pass it on!
Do you ever...
Have lots of mundane thoughts going through your head? Things that you could expound upon and post about and turn into a decent rant. But then at the same time the thoughts are just that, mundane and so without embellishment and sarcasm it would just end up being a boring and well, mundane post. I know lots of people have a blog for their spiritual side (covering what they are studying/what God is showing them etc) and it is separate from their regular blog. Same goes with political blogs they separate the two. I can completely follow that thinking and understand the separating of them...but at the same time I don't want to do that. But then I don't want people to suffer blogger whiplash by going from reading about potty triumphs in one post to rants on politics in another. [Does that make sense?] Anyway, for now I think it will just stay as it is, and hopefully I can achieve some sort of balance.
Thanks for compliments on the new look. :)
Donald is off today (tonight actually, since he's on night shift) and tomorrow, so I don't know how my posting will be for the next couple of days. Who knows, after typing that I'll probably be inspired and rant and rave for two days solid now. :)
Thanks for compliments on the new look. :)
Donald is off today (tonight actually, since he's on night shift) and tomorrow, so I don't know how my posting will be for the next couple of days. Who knows, after typing that I'll probably be inspired and rant and rave for two days solid now. :)
Monday, June 21, 2004
Trading spaces
Yep, changing things around a bit. The boys are watching Kim Possible -- Stitch In Time and Donald will be getting ready to leave for work in just a bit. I hope to get back here after everyone is off to work and down for the night. :)
Weekend Recap
---Got groceries Saturday morning @ Walmart with three kiddos. ~fun~
LOL, yep so that was pretty much the weekend. We did make Donald 'fabulous' brownies on Sunday for his Fathers Day treat. I called my Daddy and talked to him for a while and the boys and I called my oldest brother and sang Happy Birthday to him.
I did a lot of laundry and the boys and I played quite a bit of 'match game' oh and we finger painted.
excitement abounds, huh?
It is hot today. It was 92* at 10 a.m. I can only imagine how nice it will be come July. LOL We had to run to the post office and to walmart (I forgot Tide and tea bags on Saturday and we were due for another gallon of milk...ACK I forgot the teabags, again.) So I told the boys we'd grab a milkshake. FOUR stops later we finally found somewhere that actually was serving milkshakes today.
So now it's almost quiet time and I've got housewifey type stuff to do. I know this entry has probably been a bit too exciting for some, LOL, I promise a bit more substance next time. :)
Hope you have a great Monday. :)
LOL, yep so that was pretty much the weekend. We did make Donald 'fabulous' brownies on Sunday for his Fathers Day treat. I called my Daddy and talked to him for a while and the boys and I called my oldest brother and sang Happy Birthday to him.
I did a lot of laundry and the boys and I played quite a bit of 'match game' oh and we finger painted.
excitement abounds, huh?
It is hot today. It was 92* at 10 a.m. I can only imagine how nice it will be come July. LOL We had to run to the post office and to walmart (I forgot Tide and tea bags on Saturday and we were due for another gallon of milk...ACK I forgot the teabags, again.) So I told the boys we'd grab a milkshake. FOUR stops later we finally found somewhere that actually was serving milkshakes today.
So now it's almost quiet time and I've got housewifey type stuff to do. I know this entry has probably been a bit too exciting for some, LOL, I promise a bit more substance next time. :)
Hope you have a great Monday. :)
Saturday, June 19, 2004
One of those bloggers...
Well, this will offically turn me into one of those bloggers that reports on the bathroom activities of their offspring. ;) BUT my 20 month old just used the potty. WOOT. Could this possibly mean he will potty train before he is three? Will he break the Brorsen tradition? Oh a girl can hope. :)
That is all.
That is all.
The sound of silence...
.
I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him
--Booker T.Washington
So, I did end up getting "My Turn" by Nancy Reagan the other day. We'd gone down to Brownsville and hit the library and they had 3 copies. I finished it yesterday.
It's almost 7 a.m. and I hear the sound of the fan running upstairs, that is all. Donald will be home in just a bit and then the boys will wake and this nugget of solitude will be gone. But for now it is bliss.
We're going swimming this morning after Donald gets home. I need to go and get everyone's stuff laid out so they can dress upon waking up.
I need to go get groceries, but I loathe going to walmart on the weekends.
Tomorrow is Father's Day and my oldest brothers bday. I sent neither of them a card.
My heart breaks for the family of Paul Johnson.
I have a lot on my mind to say concerning that, the war, the state of mankind etc. But really right now it doesn't feel right to say it. Someone lost a husband, son and father and it makes my heart sad that they are hurting so today.
I hope yall have a great Saturday, I'll check in, a bit later. :)
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature, and has no chance of being free unless made or kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
--John Stuart Mill
I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him
--Booker T.Washington
So, I did end up getting "My Turn" by Nancy Reagan the other day. We'd gone down to Brownsville and hit the library and they had 3 copies. I finished it yesterday.
It's almost 7 a.m. and I hear the sound of the fan running upstairs, that is all. Donald will be home in just a bit and then the boys will wake and this nugget of solitude will be gone. But for now it is bliss.
We're going swimming this morning after Donald gets home. I need to go and get everyone's stuff laid out so they can dress upon waking up.
I need to go get groceries, but I loathe going to walmart on the weekends.
Tomorrow is Father's Day and my oldest brothers bday. I sent neither of them a card.
My heart breaks for the family of Paul Johnson.
I have a lot on my mind to say concerning that, the war, the state of mankind etc. But really right now it doesn't feel right to say it. Someone lost a husband, son and father and it makes my heart sad that they are hurting so today.
I hope yall have a great Saturday, I'll check in, a bit later. :)
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature, and has no chance of being free unless made or kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
--John Stuart Mill
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Let's all go to the movies...
Here's a list of the top 100 all-time top grossing movies. Bold the ones you've seen.
1. Titanic (1997) $600,779,824
2. Star Wars (1977) $460,935,665
3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) $434,949,459
4. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) $431,065,444
5. Spider-Man (2002) $403,706,375
6. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003) $377,019,252
7. Passion of the Christ, The (2004) $370,025,697
8. Jurassic Park (1993) $356,784,000
9. Shrek 2 (2004) $356,211,000
10. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002) $340,478,898
11. Finding Nemo (2003) $339,714,367
12. Forrest Gump (1994) $329,691,196
13. Lion King, The (1994) $328,423,001
14. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) $317,557,891
15. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) $313,837,577
16. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) $310,675,583
17. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) $309,125,409
18. Independence Day (1996) $306,124,059
19. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) $305,411,224
20. Sixth Sense, The (1999) $293,501,675
21. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) $290,158,751
22. Home Alone (1990) $285,761,243
23. Matrix Reloaded, The (2003) $281,492,479
24. Shrek (2001) $267,652,016
25. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) $261,970,615
26. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) $260,031,035
27. Jaws (1975) $260,000,000
28. Monsters, Inc. (2001) $255,870,172
29. Batman (1989) $251,188,924
30. Men in Black (1997) $250,147,615
31. Toy Story 2 (1999) $245,823,397
32. Bruce Almighty (2003) $242,589,580
33. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) $242,374,454
34. Twister (1996) $241,700,000
35. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) $241,437,427
36. Ghost Busters (1984) $238,600,000 I think
37. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) $234,760,500
38. Cast Away (2000) $233,630,478
39. Lost World: Jurassic Park, The (1997) $229,074,524
40. Signs (2002) $227,965,690
41. Rush Hour 2 (2001) $226,138,454
42. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) $219,200,000
43. Ghost (1990) $217,631,306
44. Aladdin (1992) $217,350,219
45. Saving Private Ryan (1998) $216,119,491
46. Mission: Impossible II (2000) $215,397,307
47. X2 (2003) $214,948,780
48. Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) $213,079,163
49. Back to the Future (1985) $210,609,762
50. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) $205,399,422
51. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) $204,843,350
52. Exorcist, The (1973) $204,565,000
53. Mummy Returns, The (2001) $202,007,640
54. Armageddon (1998) $201,573,391
55. Gone with the Wind (1939) $198,655,278
56. Pearl Harbor (2001) $198,539,855
57. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) $197,171,806
58. Toy Story (1995) $191,800,000
59. Men in Black II (2002) $190,418,803
60. Gladiator (2000) $187,670,866
61. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) $184,925,485
62. Dances with Wolves (1990) $184,208,848
63. Batman Forever (1995) $184,031,112
64. Fugitive, The (1993) $183,875,760
65. Ocean's Eleven (2001) $183,405,771
66. What Women Want (2000) $182,805,123
67. Perfect Storm, The (2000) $182,618,434
68. Liar Liar (1997) $181,395,380
69. Grease (1978) $181,360,000
70. Jurassic Park III (2001) $181,166,115
71. Mission: Impossible (1996) $180,965,237
72. Planet of the Apes (2001) $180,011,740
73. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) $179,870,271
74. Pretty Woman (1990) $178,406,268
75. Tootsie (1982) $177,200,000
76. Top Gun (1986) $176,781,728
77. There's Something About Mary (1998) $176,483,808
78. Ice Age (2002) $176,387,405
79. Crocodile Dundee (1986) $174,635,000 I think
80. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) $173,585,516
81. Elf (2003) $173,381,405
82. Air Force One (1997) $172,888,056
83. Rain Man (1988) $172,825,435
84. Apollo 13 (1995) $172,071,312
85. Matrix, The (1999) $171,383,253
86. Beauty and the Beast (1991) $171,301,428
87. Tarzan (1999) $171,085,177
88. Beautiful Mind, A (2001) $170,708,996
89. Chicago (2002) $170,684,505
90. Three Men and a Baby (1987) $167,780,960
91. Meet the Parents (2000) $166,225,040
92. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) $165,500,000
93. Hannibal (2001) $165,091,464
94. Catch Me If You Can (2002) $164,435,221
95. Big Daddy (1999) $163,479,795
96. Sound of Music, The (1965) $163,214,286
97. Batman Returns (1992) $162,831,698
98. Bug's Life, A (1998) $162,792,677
99. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) $161,963,000
100. Waterboy, The (1998) $161,487,252
1. Titanic (1997) $600,779,824
2. Star Wars (1977) $460,935,665
3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) $434,949,459
4. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) $431,065,444
5. Spider-Man (2002) $403,706,375
6. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003) $377,019,252
7. Passion of the Christ, The (2004) $370,025,697
8. Jurassic Park (1993) $356,784,000
9. Shrek 2 (2004) $356,211,000
10. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002) $340,478,898
11. Finding Nemo (2003) $339,714,367
12. Forrest Gump (1994) $329,691,196
13. Lion King, The (1994) $328,423,001
14. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) $317,557,891
15. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) $313,837,577
16. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) $310,675,583
17. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) $309,125,409
18. Independence Day (1996) $306,124,059
19. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) $305,411,224
20. Sixth Sense, The (1999) $293,501,675
21. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) $290,158,751
22. Home Alone (1990) $285,761,243
23. Matrix Reloaded, The (2003) $281,492,479
24. Shrek (2001) $267,652,016
25. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) $261,970,615
26. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) $260,031,035
27. Jaws (1975) $260,000,000
28. Monsters, Inc. (2001) $255,870,172
29. Batman (1989) $251,188,924
30. Men in Black (1997) $250,147,615
31. Toy Story 2 (1999) $245,823,397
32. Bruce Almighty (2003) $242,589,580
33. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) $242,374,454
34. Twister (1996) $241,700,000
35. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) $241,437,427
36. Ghost Busters (1984) $238,600,000 I think
37. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) $234,760,500
38. Cast Away (2000) $233,630,478
39. Lost World: Jurassic Park, The (1997) $229,074,524
40. Signs (2002) $227,965,690
41. Rush Hour 2 (2001) $226,138,454
42. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) $219,200,000
43. Ghost (1990) $217,631,306
44. Aladdin (1992) $217,350,219
45. Saving Private Ryan (1998) $216,119,491
46. Mission: Impossible II (2000) $215,397,307
47. X2 (2003) $214,948,780
48. Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) $213,079,163
49. Back to the Future (1985) $210,609,762
50. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) $205,399,422
51. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) $204,843,350
52. Exorcist, The (1973) $204,565,000
53. Mummy Returns, The (2001) $202,007,640
54. Armageddon (1998) $201,573,391
55. Gone with the Wind (1939) $198,655,278
56. Pearl Harbor (2001) $198,539,855
57. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) $197,171,806
58. Toy Story (1995) $191,800,000
59. Men in Black II (2002) $190,418,803
60. Gladiator (2000) $187,670,866
61. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) $184,925,485
62. Dances with Wolves (1990) $184,208,848
63. Batman Forever (1995) $184,031,112
64. Fugitive, The (1993) $183,875,760
65. Ocean's Eleven (2001) $183,405,771
66. What Women Want (2000) $182,805,123
67. Perfect Storm, The (2000) $182,618,434
68. Liar Liar (1997) $181,395,380
69. Grease (1978) $181,360,000
70. Jurassic Park III (2001) $181,166,115
71. Mission: Impossible (1996) $180,965,237
72. Planet of the Apes (2001) $180,011,740
73. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) $179,870,271
74. Pretty Woman (1990) $178,406,268
75. Tootsie (1982) $177,200,000
76. Top Gun (1986) $176,781,728
77. There's Something About Mary (1998) $176,483,808
78. Ice Age (2002) $176,387,405
79. Crocodile Dundee (1986) $174,635,000 I think
80. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) $173,585,516
81. Elf (2003) $173,381,405
82. Air Force One (1997) $172,888,056
83. Rain Man (1988) $172,825,435
84. Apollo 13 (1995) $172,071,312
85. Matrix, The (1999) $171,383,253
86. Beauty and the Beast (1991) $171,301,428
87. Tarzan (1999) $171,085,177
88. Beautiful Mind, A (2001) $170,708,996
89. Chicago (2002) $170,684,505
90. Three Men and a Baby (1987) $167,780,960
91. Meet the Parents (2000) $166,225,040
92. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) $165,500,000
93. Hannibal (2001) $165,091,464
94. Catch Me If You Can (2002) $164,435,221
95. Big Daddy (1999) $163,479,795
96. Sound of Music, The (1965) $163,214,286
97. Batman Returns (1992) $162,831,698
98. Bug's Life, A (1998) $162,792,677
99. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) $161,963,000
100. Waterboy, The (1998) $161,487,252
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
1,2,3,...100,101
Oh today has been one of those parenting days.
We went to the zoo this morning. That was fun. It was only about 91 when we got there at 10:00 and so the animals were out and eating their breakfast. We got home a bit after lunch and Donald went to bed. (after having stayed up all night, so that he will be on schedule...since he's working nights)
Elijah napped coming home from the zoo. So when the boys went down for quiet time at 2:00 he was still full of vim and vigor from his earlier snooze. It's now 7:00 and he has been *on* all day. You would think that by child number three that nothing is really a big deal. You've dealt with the first time momma overdoing it phase. You had that second baby and mellowed a bit more. So by the third you've usually dealt with (of course not all, but a lot of) temper tantrums, only wanting to eat popcorn, the fun of potty training and night terrors. You've cornered that time when the toddler dances with the preschooler. That need to be independent but to also want to know that you are hovering in the wings, should they need you to pick them up when they fall. You've found creative solutions to getting them to take medicines. You managed to wash their hair with soap even, before they have an opportunity to protest. You've negotiated bedtimes and learned that while a schedule is nice, sometimes really
it's ok to go against every parenting books advise and just kinda do what YOU feel like you want to do.
So yeah, when your third child comes along you are cocky. You don't need to read ''What to Expect the Toddler Years'' cause more than likely you are already parenting a toddler. You are passed having to buy every gadget (be it fun or educational) cause really you know that your house has enough toys to rival ToysRus and enough books to compete with the library. (although really, in our humble opinion here at Brorsen Inc. you can never have too many books) You let them watch TV, and while no you don't let them veg all day, you've realized that sometimes really a little Pooh goes along way towards getting the kitchen swept.
So imagine my surprise when number three is pulling tricks. Does he know he's not allowed? Does he realize he's the baby, he is supposed to be the easy one?
Elijah for the last two days has taken great delight in turing the TV off and on and off and on and off and on and off and on (and well, really I could type this forever and maybe you'd get the jist of how big this battle seems to me) upon being redirected for that offense he heads to the computer where he turns the monitor on. IF the monitor is on then he goes for the tower. Again, more redirection. A firm NO. And what do I get a 20 month old that looks at him points and says "nooooooooooooooooooo" only to rinse and repeat all.day.long. Add to that mix aforementioned toddler deciding that there is no greater joy than hearing the shriek of his brothers when he attempts to throw hotwheels cars at them. So yeah, he's doing that too. THROWING HOTWHEELS CARS. Really at this point I'm just tired of redirecting, tired of saying ''no, no''. I'm just looking for 7:30 (7 mins away for those counting) so I can put him in the shower and then to bed.
I know, I know, I'll look back on all this one day and laugh. I'll miss these times of mischief and would delight to have just a bit of it to fill my days. I know that and really I do try to remember that. BUT on days like today, on days when I think I'm getting into this parenting groove and coasting on the downhill only to WHAM hit that hill, that has presented itself in the form of my third born. I think, I'm too tired to deal with this today. [all.day.long]
Add to this my older two seem to have no realization that they have an inside voice, much less how to use it.
Momma's got a headache and upon Poppa Bears decent from his cave in a bit, I'm out for coffee and chocolate...cause really in the words of Anne (of Anne of Green Gables) "Tomorrow is a brand new day, with no mistakes in it''
We went to the zoo this morning. That was fun. It was only about 91 when we got there at 10:00 and so the animals were out and eating their breakfast. We got home a bit after lunch and Donald went to bed. (after having stayed up all night, so that he will be on schedule...since he's working nights)
Elijah napped coming home from the zoo. So when the boys went down for quiet time at 2:00 he was still full of vim and vigor from his earlier snooze. It's now 7:00 and he has been *on* all day. You would think that by child number three that nothing is really a big deal. You've dealt with the first time momma overdoing it phase. You had that second baby and mellowed a bit more. So by the third you've usually dealt with (of course not all, but a lot of) temper tantrums, only wanting to eat popcorn, the fun of potty training and night terrors. You've cornered that time when the toddler dances with the preschooler. That need to be independent but to also want to know that you are hovering in the wings, should they need you to pick them up when they fall. You've found creative solutions to getting them to take medicines. You managed to wash their hair with soap even, before they have an opportunity to protest. You've negotiated bedtimes and learned that while a schedule is nice, sometimes really
it's ok to go against every parenting books advise and just kinda do what YOU feel like you want to do.
So yeah, when your third child comes along you are cocky. You don't need to read ''What to Expect the Toddler Years'' cause more than likely you are already parenting a toddler. You are passed having to buy every gadget (be it fun or educational) cause really you know that your house has enough toys to rival ToysRus and enough books to compete with the library. (although really, in our humble opinion here at Brorsen Inc. you can never have too many books) You let them watch TV, and while no you don't let them veg all day, you've realized that sometimes really a little Pooh goes along way towards getting the kitchen swept.
So imagine my surprise when number three is pulling tricks. Does he know he's not allowed? Does he realize he's the baby, he is supposed to be the easy one?
Elijah for the last two days has taken great delight in turing the TV off and on and off and on and off and on and off and on (and well, really I could type this forever and maybe you'd get the jist of how big this battle seems to me) upon being redirected for that offense he heads to the computer where he turns the monitor on. IF the monitor is on then he goes for the tower. Again, more redirection. A firm NO. And what do I get a 20 month old that looks at him points and says "nooooooooooooooooooo" only to rinse and repeat all.day.long. Add to that mix aforementioned toddler deciding that there is no greater joy than hearing the shriek of his brothers when he attempts to throw hotwheels cars at them. So yeah, he's doing that too. THROWING HOTWHEELS CARS. Really at this point I'm just tired of redirecting, tired of saying ''no, no''. I'm just looking for 7:30 (7 mins away for those counting) so I can put him in the shower and then to bed.
I know, I know, I'll look back on all this one day and laugh. I'll miss these times of mischief and would delight to have just a bit of it to fill my days. I know that and really I do try to remember that. BUT on days like today, on days when I think I'm getting into this parenting groove and coasting on the downhill only to WHAM hit that hill, that has presented itself in the form of my third born. I think, I'm too tired to deal with this today. [all.day.long]
Add to this my older two seem to have no realization that they have an inside voice, much less how to use it.
Momma's got a headache and upon Poppa Bears decent from his cave in a bit, I'm out for coffee and chocolate...cause really in the words of Anne (of Anne of Green Gables) "Tomorrow is a brand new day, with no mistakes in it''
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
That's what I'm trying to say...
A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming. ---Ralph Waldo Emerson
Of late I've been reading a good many political blogs. I read conservative ones and I read liberal ones. I guess what I'm dealing with is the issue of politics & religion. See for me, it's simple. You [or more applicable, I] can't separate the two. I'm not saying you have to *be* like me or *think* like me. I don't think you have to align every conviction of yours to mirror mine. But I can only shape my thinking based on me and my experience. When I hear commentary about how a politician is religious or devout and yet he ''doesn't wear his religion on his sleeve'' so to say, I don't know how to take that statement. I don't think political rallies need to give altar calls or pass out new testaments. I don't think they have to open with praise and worship music blaring or close with a prayer of benediction. A political rally isn't a church service, you shouldn't substitute one for the other. But what is wrong with a political figure being openly religious? Why should it put someone off, if a person (who happens to be a political figure) says openly that Christ is his/her Savior, or that he depends
on God for guidance? I know that not everyone in American is a Christian. I know that not everyone has an active spiritual life or wants one. I know that many are anti God. I'm not saying they don't have that right. What I don't understand is when they want a public figure to remove [what to me is a critical part of my being] a part of their life because it to them is personally offensive. Since they don't believe in God or worship God they don't want to hear it fall from anothers lips either. Isn't that intolerance, guised as rights? The opposite argument for that of course would be that since they don't believe, wouldn't it be intolerant for us to speak religiously around them. I guess for me my religious convictions and beliefs are so intertwined with me as a whole person that they are seemlessly one. It's not like I have the Monday-Saturday, Cheri and then the Sunday, Cheri.[ Now, that is not to say I don't fail or that I don't sin. Because I do, oh I do.] But it is as natural for me to weave Christ into my decision making, as it is for me to brush my teeth. It just happens because Christ is at the root of my being. And I wouldn't be who I am if you took the "Christ" part away, or if you asked me to only exercise it in church or Christian settings. I don't understand how we can ask public political figures to check their faith at the door and feel that it is somehow right. Of course their religion guides their choices, so maybe that's it. You think that if you can make them not say Jesus, or my faith is root in the Word, then you'll somehow make them not see the sin that they stand against based on the Truth that guides them.
There is a kids ditty that comes to mind.
Hide it under a bushel, NO
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character. ---Ralph Waldo Emerson
Of late I've been reading a good many political blogs. I read conservative ones and I read liberal ones. I guess what I'm dealing with is the issue of politics & religion. See for me, it's simple. You [or more applicable, I] can't separate the two. I'm not saying you have to *be* like me or *think* like me. I don't think you have to align every conviction of yours to mirror mine. But I can only shape my thinking based on me and my experience. When I hear commentary about how a politician is religious or devout and yet he ''doesn't wear his religion on his sleeve'' so to say, I don't know how to take that statement. I don't think political rallies need to give altar calls or pass out new testaments. I don't think they have to open with praise and worship music blaring or close with a prayer of benediction. A political rally isn't a church service, you shouldn't substitute one for the other. But what is wrong with a political figure being openly religious? Why should it put someone off, if a person (who happens to be a political figure) says openly that Christ is his/her Savior, or that he depends
on God for guidance? I know that not everyone in American is a Christian. I know that not everyone has an active spiritual life or wants one. I know that many are anti God. I'm not saying they don't have that right. What I don't understand is when they want a public figure to remove [what to me is a critical part of my being] a part of their life because it to them is personally offensive. Since they don't believe in God or worship God they don't want to hear it fall from anothers lips either. Isn't that intolerance, guised as rights? The opposite argument for that of course would be that since they don't believe, wouldn't it be intolerant for us to speak religiously around them. I guess for me my religious convictions and beliefs are so intertwined with me as a whole person that they are seemlessly one. It's not like I have the Monday-Saturday, Cheri and then the Sunday, Cheri.[ Now, that is not to say I don't fail or that I don't sin. Because I do, oh I do.] But it is as natural for me to weave Christ into my decision making, as it is for me to brush my teeth. It just happens because Christ is at the root of my being. And I wouldn't be who I am if you took the "Christ" part away, or if you asked me to only exercise it in church or Christian settings. I don't understand how we can ask public political figures to check their faith at the door and feel that it is somehow right. Of course their religion guides their choices, so maybe that's it. You think that if you can make them not say Jesus, or my faith is root in the Word, then you'll somehow make them not see the sin that they stand against based on the Truth that guides them.
There is a kids ditty that comes to mind.
Hide it under a bushel, NO
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character. ---Ralph Waldo Emerson
Feeling Froggy
We just made origami frogs. :)
What fun. Daniel gets a magazine called Nature Friend each month. It is a wonderful Christian based magazine. If you have kids this is a great magazine. This month they had instructions for making origami frogs and the boys decided last night that was to be the activity for today. They got up from their nap and we did them. It was so fun. To see a plain sheet of paper turn into a ''frog''
Now, the boys are watching Popeye and I'm working on Mt. St. Neverest (a.k.a. laundry pile). Speaking of laundry. Those spiderman shirts I bought the other day, they've become the 'must wear' item. Now really I've never ever never dealt with this before, ever. I've read in parenting magazines, I've talked with other parents, but I've never had my kids have an item they wanted to wear over and over. Those days have come to a screeching halt...they want to wear them, sleep in them, wear them the next day, sleep in them, ad nausaeum. I humored them the first night, letting them try them on when I got back that evening and sleep in them and yes (gasp) they wore them the next day. But then they wanted to sleep in them that night and I saw that I had created a monster. We threw them in the laundry hamper and because I've gone a two days without doing any laundry other than towels, they got buried (thank you Lord) but I just started laundry and what do you think Nathan said to me ''spiderman shirts?'' and I said, ''um, ah, well, um, oh ok go get them and we'll wash them for tomorrow'' So Spidey is currently bathing in Tide with bleach, he'll be conditioned with Downey and followed up with an invigorating tango with a bounce sheet...ready for 3 more days of constant wear. :)
And let me again mention (have I before?) my love for the Dollar Tree. Donald ran in their this morning (he has recently picked up 3 hardback reads there) to check on a new shipment of books. He came out bookless but with 3 new DVD's. Popeye, Woody Woodpecker and Mighty Mouse. The boys are in heaven. And we're only out $3. :)
What fun. Daniel gets a magazine called Nature Friend each month. It is a wonderful Christian based magazine. If you have kids this is a great magazine. This month they had instructions for making origami frogs and the boys decided last night that was to be the activity for today. They got up from their nap and we did them. It was so fun. To see a plain sheet of paper turn into a ''frog''
Now, the boys are watching Popeye and I'm working on Mt. St. Neverest (a.k.a. laundry pile). Speaking of laundry. Those spiderman shirts I bought the other day, they've become the 'must wear' item. Now really I've never ever never dealt with this before, ever. I've read in parenting magazines, I've talked with other parents, but I've never had my kids have an item they wanted to wear over and over. Those days have come to a screeching halt...they want to wear them, sleep in them, wear them the next day, sleep in them, ad nausaeum. I humored them the first night, letting them try them on when I got back that evening and sleep in them and yes (gasp) they wore them the next day. But then they wanted to sleep in them that night and I saw that I had created a monster. We threw them in the laundry hamper and because I've gone a two days without doing any laundry other than towels, they got buried (thank you Lord) but I just started laundry and what do you think Nathan said to me ''spiderman shirts?'' and I said, ''um, ah, well, um, oh ok go get them and we'll wash them for tomorrow'' So Spidey is currently bathing in Tide with bleach, he'll be conditioned with Downey and followed up with an invigorating tango with a bounce sheet...ready for 3 more days of constant wear. :)
And let me again mention (have I before?) my love for the Dollar Tree. Donald ran in their this morning (he has recently picked up 3 hardback reads there) to check on a new shipment of books. He came out bookless but with 3 new DVD's. Popeye, Woody Woodpecker and Mighty Mouse. The boys are in heaven. And we're only out $3. :)
Sing, sing a song...
Any of you that listen to CCM heard the song by Greg Long, 15? I have to admit that I've caught snatches of it here and there the last few weeks in the van. I of course had the kids with me and so actually *hearing* the song didn't happen. But the other night Elijah and I had run to our second home (a.k.a. wal*mart) and on the way back in the bliss of one child riding along quietly I *heard* the song. And. Wow. Wow. Wow. Powerful meaning.
Continuing the theme of wanting to share about Jesus comes Fifteen. This song displays the desire and responsibility Greg feels for people to come to know Christ as their own personal Savior. This song is so convicting to me personally, but also it is meant to be an encouragement to us all. If it takes a person 15 times to hear about Jesus before they believe, what happens if I'm the fifteenth? Wow! We have to be constantly aware of sharing Christ with others. [from Greg Long's website]
Another song is the one by Mark Shults "Letters from War" It never fails when I hear this song I cry. Everytime.
She runs to the mailbox
On that bright summers day
Found a letter from her son
In a war far away
He spoke of the weather
And good friends that he'd made
Said I'd been thinking 'bout dad
And the life that he hthat'sThats why I'm here today
And that the end he said
You are what I'm fighting for
It was the first of the letters from war
She started writing
(Chorus)
Your good and your brave
What a father that you'll be someday
Bring him home
Bring him safe
She wrote everynight as she prayed
Late in December
A day she'll not forget
Oh her tears stained the paper
With every word that she read
It said I was up on a hill
I was out there alone
When the shots all rang out
And bombs were exploding
And thats when I saw him
He came back to me
And though he was captured
A man set me free
And that man was your son
He asked me to write to you
I told him i would oh I swore
It was the last of the letters from war
And she prayed he was living
Kept on believing and wrote every night just to say
(Chorus)
Then two years later
Autumn leaves all around
A car pulled in the driveway
And she fell to the ground
And out stepped a captain
Where her boy used to stand
Said mom I'm following orders
From all of your letters
And I've come home again
He ran into hold her
And dropped all his bags on the floor
Holding all of her letters from war
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home
[and just so you know, I cried reading these lyrics...sap, that I am]
Oh and obviously Selah's has made a cover of "You Raise Me Up". I love Josh Groban's version and I think Selah did a good job of covering it too. :) But then again I'm quite partial to Selah. I absolutely love their testimony and their music.
Now on to the why oh why oh why song. And that my friend would be the country song "Redneck Woman" It's by Gretchen somebody and I'm not linking to any site related. LOL Why in the world would you want to sing about being proud of having Christmas lights on display all year long? Why would you, really? Is that something in which to take pride? The whole song escapes me. Now I'm fairly far from foo foo (ah, ha illeration lol) but why one would want the title of 'redneck woman' is beyond me. :)
All is quiet in the household currently. Donald came in from work this a.m. and we went to Target and roamed around and then had lunch at McDonald's. (Remember that rant about McDonald's making you fat a while back? I still stand by it, and for the life of me I don't under stand this huge ''revelation'' that is coming to these people via the documentary ''Supersize Me') The boys are napping and considering it's almost 4:00 I need to wake them up, lest they have enough sleep to keep them up till midnight. :)
We hit the library today on the way home. Donald bought a few history books and I checked out Hilary Clinton's "Living History". So yeah, don't ask. I don't know why I'm reading it either. LOL I actually went to get Nancy Reagan's books "My Turn" but it was out. I think thought I might just read all the biographies of the First Ladies. OH and yes I have Anna Karenina, sitting there on the nightstand...waiting. I'll read it. Eventually. :)
Hope yall are having a good Tuesday.
Continuing the theme of wanting to share about Jesus comes Fifteen. This song displays the desire and responsibility Greg feels for people to come to know Christ as their own personal Savior. This song is so convicting to me personally, but also it is meant to be an encouragement to us all. If it takes a person 15 times to hear about Jesus before they believe, what happens if I'm the fifteenth? Wow! We have to be constantly aware of sharing Christ with others. [from Greg Long's website]
Another song is the one by Mark Shults "Letters from War" It never fails when I hear this song I cry. Everytime.
She runs to the mailbox
On that bright summers day
Found a letter from her son
In a war far away
He spoke of the weather
And good friends that he'd made
Said I'd been thinking 'bout dad
And the life that he hthat'sThats why I'm here today
And that the end he said
You are what I'm fighting for
It was the first of the letters from war
She started writing
(Chorus)
Your good and your brave
What a father that you'll be someday
Bring him home
Bring him safe
She wrote everynight as she prayed
Late in December
A day she'll not forget
Oh her tears stained the paper
With every word that she read
It said I was up on a hill
I was out there alone
When the shots all rang out
And bombs were exploding
And thats when I saw him
He came back to me
And though he was captured
A man set me free
And that man was your son
He asked me to write to you
I told him i would oh I swore
It was the last of the letters from war
And she prayed he was living
Kept on believing and wrote every night just to say
(Chorus)
Then two years later
Autumn leaves all around
A car pulled in the driveway
And she fell to the ground
And out stepped a captain
Where her boy used to stand
Said mom I'm following orders
From all of your letters
And I've come home again
He ran into hold her
And dropped all his bags on the floor
Holding all of her letters from war
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home
[and just so you know, I cried reading these lyrics...sap, that I am]
Oh and obviously Selah's has made a cover of "You Raise Me Up". I love Josh Groban's version and I think Selah did a good job of covering it too. :) But then again I'm quite partial to Selah. I absolutely love their testimony and their music.
Now on to the why oh why oh why song. And that my friend would be the country song "Redneck Woman" It's by Gretchen somebody and I'm not linking to any site related. LOL Why in the world would you want to sing about being proud of having Christmas lights on display all year long? Why would you, really? Is that something in which to take pride? The whole song escapes me. Now I'm fairly far from foo foo (ah, ha illeration lol) but why one would want the title of 'redneck woman' is beyond me. :)
All is quiet in the household currently. Donald came in from work this a.m. and we went to Target and roamed around and then had lunch at McDonald's. (Remember that rant about McDonald's making you fat a while back? I still stand by it, and for the life of me I don't under stand this huge ''revelation'' that is coming to these people via the documentary ''Supersize Me') The boys are napping and considering it's almost 4:00 I need to wake them up, lest they have enough sleep to keep them up till midnight. :)
We hit the library today on the way home. Donald bought a few history books and I checked out Hilary Clinton's "Living History". So yeah, don't ask. I don't know why I'm reading it either. LOL I actually went to get Nancy Reagan's books "My Turn" but it was out. I think thought I might just read all the biographies of the First Ladies. OH and yes I have Anna Karenina, sitting there on the nightstand...waiting. I'll read it. Eventually. :)
Hope yall are having a good Tuesday.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Monday, Monday...
So how was your weekend. I didn't snatch much computer time this a.m. and am now about to start Nathan's reading lesson for the day. More later. :)
As seen at Dana's
1] Iced tea, iced coffee, or ice water?
****I like them all, but drink more water. :) The iced tea has to be *sweet* and since moving here I've started adding lime --yum--
A beach house, a mountain cabin, or a quaint bed and breakfast?
****Beach house
3] Relaxing on the porch, relaxing in a hammock, or relaxing by a pool?
****relaxing IN the pool :)
4] Lemonade, lemon meringue pie, or lemon poundcake with berries?
****Lemonade w/ a slice of lemon poundcake with berries ;)
5] A Wendy's Frosty, a McDonald's hot fudge sundae, or a Dairy Queen Blizzard?
****Blizzard
6] Sandals, flip flops, or bare feet?
In the house, barefoot. Outside sandals
7] Concerts in the park, Shakespeare in the park, or just strolling through the park?
****um, with three kiddos, strolling is about as good as it gets. :)
8] A two-week vacation, vacation days here and there, or weekend getaways?
****weekend getaways
9] Camping, hiking, or boating?
****hiking
10] Picnics under the stars, picnics by a lake, or picnics in your backyard?
****picnics under the stars by the lake :)
As seen at Dana's
1] Iced tea, iced coffee, or ice water?
****I like them all, but drink more water. :) The iced tea has to be *sweet* and since moving here I've started adding lime --yum--
A beach house, a mountain cabin, or a quaint bed and breakfast?
****Beach house
3] Relaxing on the porch, relaxing in a hammock, or relaxing by a pool?
****relaxing IN the pool :)
4] Lemonade, lemon meringue pie, or lemon poundcake with berries?
****Lemonade w/ a slice of lemon poundcake with berries ;)
5] A Wendy's Frosty, a McDonald's hot fudge sundae, or a Dairy Queen Blizzard?
****Blizzard
6] Sandals, flip flops, or bare feet?
In the house, barefoot. Outside sandals
7] Concerts in the park, Shakespeare in the park, or just strolling through the park?
****um, with three kiddos, strolling is about as good as it gets. :)
8] A two-week vacation, vacation days here and there, or weekend getaways?
****weekend getaways
9] Camping, hiking, or boating?
****hiking
10] Picnics under the stars, picnics by a lake, or picnics in your backyard?
****picnics under the stars by the lake :)
Sunday, June 13, 2004
I wanna hold your hand...
hand holding - you like to be in constant physical
contact with your special someone but you don't
want to take things too quickly.
What Sign of Affection Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Some Saturday night fun
| How to make a Cheri |
| Ingredients: 3 parts competetiveness 5 parts silliness 5 parts beauty |
| Method: Stir together in a glass tumbler with a salted rim. Add a little cocktail umbrella and a dash of lustfulness |
100 or so things...again
Ok, so I shall try again. :) BTW I'm still working on getting the links to, well, actually link to another page. :) Bare with me.
And off we go:
1. My name is Cheri.
2. I've rarely met anyone the pronounced it correctly, having only seen it spelled.
3. Before marriage, my last name was Couch.
4. Yes, just like you sit on. And YET even that simple name was sometimes converted into pronouncations that amazed me.
5. I guess it was just *too* easy.
6. My middle name is Jeanine.
7. I'm 5' 7''
8. um, yeah, I'll be posting what I weigh ;P
9. I'm a natural blonde.
10. But it has gone from white blonde in my childhood to dark blonde (after my pregnancies)
11. I don't recongnize myself with darker hair, it doesn't seem to fit.
12. My daddy is a Southern Baptist pastor
13. Which means, we moved a good bit as he would take new churches.
14. I've moved about 19 times and attended 8 different schools.
15. I graduated in 1991.
16. I was in Who's Who of American High School Students (but really now, who wasn't??? lol)
17. I lettered in chorus and literary. (girls solo)
18. I attended a private baptist college.
19. I did very well in social activities. :)
20. I sang in the chorus.
21. We were invited to sing at Epcot Center for The 25 Magic Music Days
22. I also was a cheerleader. :P
23. I had no idea what I wanted to have as my major (it was psychology)
24. I still wouldn't be able to pick one today either.
25. I have great memories of college
26. I've worked at a bank
27.A video store
28. The deli @ W|nn D|xie
29.A health food store
30. And as the finincial secretary and personal assistant for the Sr. Pastor of a church.
31. I've also made $200 and got a free jacket for taking pictures at the Coca Cola Christmas party in Atlanta. :)
32. I just celebrated my 31st birthday
33. I am a night owl by nature
34. That doesn't work out so well when you have small children, that naturally wake up early.
35.I really really enjoy drinking coffee.
36.I always make 12 cups.
37. Even if I'm only drinking 2, I still make 12.
38. Because I have the ratio mastered to make the perfect pot of 12 cups.
39. I don't mess with the ratio or trying to make less--saving those few pennies is just not worth it.
40. I have been blessed with some really amazing friends.
41. Better than I deserve.
42. I've been in a music video.
43. I really enjoy chocolate...really.really.enjoy.chocolate
44.I love shoes.
45.The don't have to be expensive
46. They just have to be cute.
47. The same feeling goes for purses.
48. Which I call pocketbooks.
49. I have two older brothers.
50.Dwayne is almost 38
51 He's a driver for UPS
52. Darren is 35
53. He works for Delta.
54. I know what he does but I don't know how to convey that without sounding like I don't. LOL
55. I have flown one time in my life.
56. From Birmingham, Alabama to Dallas TX to Houston TX.
57. I'm sure it wasn't the worst flight ever.
56. But I'm quite certain it wasn't the best, either.
57. I would fly again but while I'm not ''scared'' or frightened of flying, I don't actually enjoy it.
58. My parents fly quiet often.
59.More than anything, at this point, I don't relish flying with 3 kids.
60. I much prefer driving.
61. I drive a minivan.
62. Her name is Isabella.
63. I want a large SUV type vehicle when I grow up.
64. I always have my toenails painted.
65. Most of the time they are red.
66. Currently they have a french pedicure.
67. I like to bake.
68. I like to cook too.
69. I have never drank alcohol.
70. I was either nursing or pregnant for 6 years straight (1997-2003)
71. With Nathan I craved Steak
72. With Daniel I craved Baja chalupa's from T@co Bell
73. with Elijah I craved sour stuff. I drank a lot of lemonade and bacardi mixers margarita (sans alcohol of course)
74. I like braclets but not necklaces.
75.I wear my wedding set (engagment ring and a 5 stone band that is my wedding band) all the times.
76. I sometimes wear a right hand ring.
77. I wear earrings.
78. That is the extent of my jewerly wearing.
79. I have a weakness for makeup
80. hair products
81. fun pens
82. stickers
83. notebooks & journals
84. and magazines
85. I could easily drop $50 on magazines in one fell swoop
86. I live 25 mins from the Gulf of Mexico (South Padre Island)
87. I live 25 mins from Mexico.
88. I speak about 4 words of Spanish.
89. I took 2 years of French in high school.
90. very little of it stuck
91. I'm very bad about procrastination
92. I have lots of ''want to''
93. But far less ''follow through''
94. I wish I were more consistant.
95. I've been saved for 20 years.
96. My faith has been challenged and grown more in the last 6 than at any other time.
97. I love Mt. Dew, more than is healthy.
98. I enjoy sweet tea with lime (a S. Texas thing)
99. Still wondering about me?
100. Leave a comment, I'll answer.
Whew, now let me publish this now, before it's lost again. :)
And off we go:
1. My name is Cheri.
2. I've rarely met anyone the pronounced it correctly, having only seen it spelled.
3. Before marriage, my last name was Couch.
4. Yes, just like you sit on. And YET even that simple name was sometimes converted into pronouncations that amazed me.
5. I guess it was just *too* easy.
6. My middle name is Jeanine.
7. I'm 5' 7''
8. um, yeah, I'll be posting what I weigh ;P
9. I'm a natural blonde.
10. But it has gone from white blonde in my childhood to dark blonde (after my pregnancies)
11. I don't recongnize myself with darker hair, it doesn't seem to fit.
12. My daddy is a Southern Baptist pastor
13. Which means, we moved a good bit as he would take new churches.
14. I've moved about 19 times and attended 8 different schools.
15. I graduated in 1991.
16. I was in Who's Who of American High School Students (but really now, who wasn't??? lol)
17. I lettered in chorus and literary. (girls solo)
18. I attended a private baptist college.
19. I did very well in social activities. :)
20. I sang in the chorus.
21. We were invited to sing at Epcot Center for The 25 Magic Music Days
22. I also was a cheerleader. :P
23. I had no idea what I wanted to have as my major (it was psychology)
24. I still wouldn't be able to pick one today either.
25. I have great memories of college
26. I've worked at a bank
27.A video store
28. The deli @ W|nn D|xie
29.A health food store
30. And as the finincial secretary and personal assistant for the Sr. Pastor of a church.
31. I've also made $200 and got a free jacket for taking pictures at the Coca Cola Christmas party in Atlanta. :)
32. I just celebrated my 31st birthday
33. I am a night owl by nature
34. That doesn't work out so well when you have small children, that naturally wake up early.
35.I really really enjoy drinking coffee.
36.I always make 12 cups.
37. Even if I'm only drinking 2, I still make 12.
38. Because I have the ratio mastered to make the perfect pot of 12 cups.
39. I don't mess with the ratio or trying to make less--saving those few pennies is just not worth it.
40. I have been blessed with some really amazing friends.
41. Better than I deserve.
42. I've been in a music video.
43. I really enjoy chocolate...really.really.enjoy.chocolate
44.I love shoes.
45.The don't have to be expensive
46. They just have to be cute.
47. The same feeling goes for purses.
48. Which I call pocketbooks.
49. I have two older brothers.
50.Dwayne is almost 38
51 He's a driver for UPS
52. Darren is 35
53. He works for Delta.
54. I know what he does but I don't know how to convey that without sounding like I don't. LOL
55. I have flown one time in my life.
56. From Birmingham, Alabama to Dallas TX to Houston TX.
57. I'm sure it wasn't the worst flight ever.
56. But I'm quite certain it wasn't the best, either.
57. I would fly again but while I'm not ''scared'' or frightened of flying, I don't actually enjoy it.
58. My parents fly quiet often.
59.More than anything, at this point, I don't relish flying with 3 kids.
60. I much prefer driving.
61. I drive a minivan.
62. Her name is Isabella.
63. I want a large SUV type vehicle when I grow up.
64. I always have my toenails painted.
65. Most of the time they are red.
66. Currently they have a french pedicure.
67. I like to bake.
68. I like to cook too.
69. I have never drank alcohol.
70. I was either nursing or pregnant for 6 years straight (1997-2003)
71. With Nathan I craved Steak
72. With Daniel I craved Baja chalupa's from T@co Bell
73. with Elijah I craved sour stuff. I drank a lot of lemonade and bacardi mixers margarita (sans alcohol of course)
74. I like braclets but not necklaces.
75.I wear my wedding set (engagment ring and a 5 stone band that is my wedding band) all the times.
76. I sometimes wear a right hand ring.
77. I wear earrings.
78. That is the extent of my jewerly wearing.
79. I have a weakness for makeup
80. hair products
81. fun pens
82. stickers
83. notebooks & journals
84. and magazines
85. I could easily drop $50 on magazines in one fell swoop
86. I live 25 mins from the Gulf of Mexico (South Padre Island)
87. I live 25 mins from Mexico.
88. I speak about 4 words of Spanish.
89. I took 2 years of French in high school.
90. very little of it stuck
91. I'm very bad about procrastination
92. I have lots of ''want to''
93. But far less ''follow through''
94. I wish I were more consistant.
95. I've been saved for 20 years.
96. My faith has been challenged and grown more in the last 6 than at any other time.
97. I love Mt. Dew, more than is healthy.
98. I enjoy sweet tea with lime (a S. Texas thing)
99. Still wondering about me?
100. Leave a comment, I'll answer.
Whew, now let me publish this now, before it's lost again. :)
Can someone please explain...
Why that after five and three years respectively, that Nathan and Daniel have forgotten the most basic of house rules. I mean really we've always eaten at the table, why did they look at me like aliens had sprouted out of my head when I told them to go to the table with their cookies???
It's very close to shower time. Woo hoo. I'm going to get them showered and in bed and then I shall do something just a teny tiny bit crafty. :)
It's very close to shower time. Woo hoo. I'm going to get them showered and in bed and then I shall do something just a teny tiny bit crafty. :)
I'm lovin it :)
So do yalls McDonald's now offer options with the happy meals? My boys have never eaten their french fries and my oldest really doesn't like coke. But we just stopped by McDonald's to grab something after a Saturday stop (what was I thinking???) at Walmart. So here we can now get apple slices w/ caramel dipping sauce instead of french fries and either juice (100%) or milk in place of coke. Woo hoo. :) The boys were thrilled. I got it all set out for them while I unloaded the van and Daniel had to take a potty break. Well I look over and Elijah has poured Daniels complete container of chocolate milk onto his food. :( Daniel was ok, he said he just wanted the meat anyway. ;) What a kid. Then he ate some of Elijah's apple slices. Of course while I've been typing this Elijah has taken his juice box and sprayed it all over the floor. aaaarrrrrgggghhhh. Did I mention I mopped this morning???
Donald is resting now, he got home about 4:30 and has to leave for work again at 9:00. He will be a pretty tired puppy by morning I suppose. :) I reckon I should go set up the coffee pot so he can have some strong hot java for the ride into work.
Ok, off to watch Zenon Z3 with the boys, we have to see if we found all the Z's in last nights episode. :)
Donald is resting now, he got home about 4:30 and has to leave for work again at 9:00. He will be a pretty tired puppy by morning I suppose. :) I reckon I should go set up the coffee pot so he can have some strong hot java for the ride into work.
Ok, off to watch Zenon Z3 with the boys, we have to see if we found all the Z's in last nights episode. :)
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
This is what you need to know...
I sat here this morning and typed and typed. I had read Dana and thought I will do my 100 things too. I did it. I was spell checking and proofreading. The timer went off for lunch and so I was getting the boys pizza and fruit plated up. (do you see where this is going????) Nathan hollers ''moooooooooooooooma Daniel is on the computer'' and well folks it was gone. All.100. Gone. :( That wasn't a short list to type...and I lack the energy to retype it now. So I guess I want credit for my effort. LOL Anyway, I will get around to doing it again, I promise. Meanwhile, I've seen others do this and so I'll put it out too. If you want to ask me a question, go ahead.
Today is our Friday. :) Donald is off for the next two days. So in the Brorsen household this is Friday night. When Donald gets home from work (which he should already be home, but just called and said he'd be late) we'll go rent a few movies and maybe pick up some fun foodstuffs.
I'll probably be around over the next two days...but in case I'm not, I'll see yall on Friday night or Saturday morning.
Today is our Friday. :) Donald is off for the next two days. So in the Brorsen household this is Friday night. When Donald gets home from work (which he should already be home, but just called and said he'd be late) we'll go rent a few movies and maybe pick up some fun foodstuffs.
I'll probably be around over the next two days...but in case I'm not, I'll see yall on Friday night or Saturday morning.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
That wasn't so bad...
We just spent about an hour outside. I experienced something tonight that I think is a rare occurrence in South Texas. It was both pleasant and enjoyable out there. LOL We've had rain the last few days and our high was only in the high 80's today. So by the time we went out it was just... nice. Well, except for the sparrow sized mosquitoes ;)
It's showers and tuck in time. :)
It's showers and tuck in time. :)
The LORD is my Shepherd, and I have been shorn ;)
Yep, it's gone. Granted it wasn't terribly long to start off. I had my hair cut back at the end of March and had about 12 inches cut off. Today I had probably 2-3 inches cut off, but more or less I had it thinned out a lot and shaped up. I had lots of chunky layers cut into the back and had the highlights cut out of the top. So I'm back to my natural shade of blonde. Wonder how long that will last? LOL
I got a super cute charm for my cell phone today too. I know, I know. Cell phone charms, really what's the point. This is one of those items I would have gladly made fun of at one point in my life, no doubt. :) But I went in to pay the bill and there they were, on the counter, just sitting there in all their cuteness. So I did it. Its cute and is *perfect* for me. I'm hoping Donald is going to take care of the digital camera stuff while I get the boys in the shower in a bit. If that happens I'll have a picture for sure.
While it wasn't the world poker tour, the boys and I played a couple of mean hands of Go Fish this morning. It's really fun to see the boys get excited about getting a pair and trying to help each other out with the game.
I had to get milk while I was out getting my hair cut. I picked up Elijah some new beach shoes. That kid is *so* funny. He has to have shoes on, all.the.time. he used to go around holding them, hollering, till you helped him get them on his feet. Now since he has these little flip floppy slip ons he is happy and content. He gets up out of his bed, puts on his shoes and then comes to my room to let me know he's awake for the day. LOL He'd outgrown the ones I got a few months ago and so I grabbed him a pair while I was at walmart. I walked in to see a huge display of Spiderman shirts too. Nathan spends time everyday lately coloring in his Spiderman coloring book. He is so excited about the new movie (still not sure if he will see it...he did see the first one, we'll just have to wait and make a decision after Donald has seen it) Anyway, I grabbed both he and Daniel a Spidey shirt and they were THRILLED.
I have to take the boys in for haircuts this week too. They are getting scruffy looking. :)
Ok. I'm going to brave the mosquitoes and take the boys to the park to play for a bit.
More later. :)
I got a super cute charm for my cell phone today too. I know, I know. Cell phone charms, really what's the point. This is one of those items I would have gladly made fun of at one point in my life, no doubt. :) But I went in to pay the bill and there they were, on the counter, just sitting there in all their cuteness. So I did it. Its cute and is *perfect* for me. I'm hoping Donald is going to take care of the digital camera stuff while I get the boys in the shower in a bit. If that happens I'll have a picture for sure.
While it wasn't the world poker tour, the boys and I played a couple of mean hands of Go Fish this morning. It's really fun to see the boys get excited about getting a pair and trying to help each other out with the game.
I had to get milk while I was out getting my hair cut. I picked up Elijah some new beach shoes. That kid is *so* funny. He has to have shoes on, all.the.time. he used to go around holding them, hollering, till you helped him get them on his feet. Now since he has these little flip floppy slip ons he is happy and content. He gets up out of his bed, puts on his shoes and then comes to my room to let me know he's awake for the day. LOL He'd outgrown the ones I got a few months ago and so I grabbed him a pair while I was at walmart. I walked in to see a huge display of Spiderman shirts too. Nathan spends time everyday lately coloring in his Spiderman coloring book. He is so excited about the new movie (still not sure if he will see it...he did see the first one, we'll just have to wait and make a decision after Donald has seen it) Anyway, I grabbed both he and Daniel a Spidey shirt and they were THRILLED.
I have to take the boys in for haircuts this week too. They are getting scruffy looking. :)
Ok. I'm going to brave the mosquitoes and take the boys to the park to play for a bit.
More later. :)
Godiva Goodness
You know it's always good to get a suprise. BUT to get a CHOCOLATE suprise is just over the top. I was upstairs getting the boys down for quiet time and I thought I heard a knock. I went down just to check and there in beautiful godiva security tape adornment was a brown box...with MY name on it. Upon opening it I found a fantastic box of Godiva, just waiting for me to pick the perfect time to consume it. :) And let me tell ya, Godiva does it up right. The stuff was in a cooler, with ice packs to keep it from melting. Woot. A huge thank you goes out to my friend Carrie, who knows me well enough to know that this indeed was a delightful gift to receive. :)
Ok, off to teach a little boy how to read.
More later. :)
Ok, off to teach a little boy how to read.
More later. :)
Picture Perfect
We had to do a system reinstall and so all the digital camera stuff hasn't been put back on as of yet. When that happens then I'll inundate you with photos :) Right now I'm ok with pictures being online. I probably won't make pics of my kids a daily thing or anything though. I know as I read blogs and journals I enjoy seeing who I'm reading though and so I'm going to share too.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Birthday girl
In honor of my birthday, a meme of course. :)[and I'm basing my answers on June of each of the years]
20 years ago today [1984] I was 11. I lived in Natchez, Mississippi and my life consisted of hanging out with my best friend Chris and either riding his 4 wheeler all day or exploring the bayou's on our property. We did move that summer from MS to AL
10 years ago today [1994] I was 21. I lived in Columbus GA. Home to Fort Benning. I was celebrating my birthday in a way unlike many 21 year olds ;) I had a US Army Ranger making me funnel cakes. :) That birthday still stands out as a wonderful time in my life. I was surrounded by great friends, enjoyed my job and just generally loved life. :) I started dating Donald in August of 1994 too :)
5 years ago today [1999] I was 26. I was the mother of a 9 month old. We had just bought our first home.
3 years ago today [2001] I was 28. I was the mom of a 2.5 year old and a 10 month old. Donald was working fulltime at Pepsi and going to school fulltime to boot. I remember I got flowers from both my MIL and my step MIL that year for my bday.
2 years ago today [2002] I was 29. Nathan was soon to be 4. Daniel was soon to be 2. I was 5 months pregnant with Elijah.
1 year ago today [2001] I was 30. Donald called me on my birthday (from work) to ask me if I wanted to live in Laredo or Brownsville, Texas. That was the BEST bday present, finally getting called after being in process with the federal rigmarole for a year. My mom got me one of those cookie 'cakes'. We had an impromptu party with my parents neighbors. My step MIL sent me a box full of stuff. She had hated turning 30 and wanted to try to make my day not so bad. :)
Yesterday At this time I was feeling really sad about the loss of President Reagan.
Today I had received 3 phone calls before 9:30 sending me birthday wishes. I came downstairs to even more from my email buddies. :) I made homemade refried beans (and no,that's not some great feat...but they were tasty), I also made cilantro lime rice and all the fixings to go with fijitas. We had quite the Mexican spread for my Feliz Cumpleanos fiesta. Followed by tasty chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. The boys and I had a pajama day and Donald came home bearing gifts (2 new Willow Tree angels).
Tomorrow At this time I hope to be sporting a new haircut. I plan to go after Donald gets home from work.
Donald's guys got a $223,720 (street value)load of marijuana today. That's 280.65 lbs. He came home with a Polaroid photo (is that redundant?) that's the biggest bust they made since he started working. (Donald actually had nothing to do with the apprehension at all. He is working in processing right now...but I suppose when they apprehend that much everyone gets to celebrate...lol)
I just typed a big paragraph about politics and political blogs...but you know what it's not worth it. LOL Not tonight. :)
Happy Evening
20 years ago today [1984] I was 11. I lived in Natchez, Mississippi and my life consisted of hanging out with my best friend Chris and either riding his 4 wheeler all day or exploring the bayou's on our property. We did move that summer from MS to AL
10 years ago today [1994] I was 21. I lived in Columbus GA. Home to Fort Benning. I was celebrating my birthday in a way unlike many 21 year olds ;) I had a US Army Ranger making me funnel cakes. :) That birthday still stands out as a wonderful time in my life. I was surrounded by great friends, enjoyed my job and just generally loved life. :) I started dating Donald in August of 1994 too :)
5 years ago today [1999] I was 26. I was the mother of a 9 month old. We had just bought our first home.
3 years ago today [2001] I was 28. I was the mom of a 2.5 year old and a 10 month old. Donald was working fulltime at Pepsi and going to school fulltime to boot. I remember I got flowers from both my MIL and my step MIL that year for my bday.
2 years ago today [2002] I was 29. Nathan was soon to be 4. Daniel was soon to be 2. I was 5 months pregnant with Elijah.
1 year ago today [2001] I was 30. Donald called me on my birthday (from work) to ask me if I wanted to live in Laredo or Brownsville, Texas. That was the BEST bday present, finally getting called after being in process with the federal rigmarole for a year. My mom got me one of those cookie 'cakes'. We had an impromptu party with my parents neighbors. My step MIL sent me a box full of stuff. She had hated turning 30 and wanted to try to make my day not so bad. :)
Yesterday At this time I was feeling really sad about the loss of President Reagan.
Today I had received 3 phone calls before 9:30 sending me birthday wishes. I came downstairs to even more from my email buddies. :) I made homemade refried beans (and no,that's not some great feat...but they were tasty), I also made cilantro lime rice and all the fixings to go with fijitas. We had quite the Mexican spread for my Feliz Cumpleanos fiesta. Followed by tasty chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. The boys and I had a pajama day and Donald came home bearing gifts (2 new Willow Tree angels).
Tomorrow At this time I hope to be sporting a new haircut. I plan to go after Donald gets home from work.
Donald's guys got a $223,720 (street value)load of marijuana today. That's 280.65 lbs. He came home with a Polaroid photo (is that redundant?) that's the biggest bust they made since he started working. (Donald actually had nothing to do with the apprehension at all. He is working in processing right now...but I suppose when they apprehend that much everyone gets to celebrate...lol)
I just typed a big paragraph about politics and political blogs...but you know what it's not worth it. LOL Not tonight. :)
Happy Evening
Sunday, June 06, 2004
Stop that, will ya?
One thing I am learning living here on the border is that a towheaded child is going to do well to have any hair on their head by adulthood. Why, you ask? Well I'm not exactly sure. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with them being ''good luck'' or 'blessed' or something. But imagine my sheer delight EVERYTIME we go places (most specifically Walmart, getting groceries) that people walk by our buggy and proceed to tussle my children's hair. :) I have THREE children...all various shades of blonde...this happens everytime...at least once...most times two or three times. At first it was kind of disconcerting and the boys were like ''um, momma why are they doing that?'' Now they are completely used to it and just smile back.
Other than our trip to walmart for foodstuffs our day was spent around the house. Donald made pico de gallo when we got home. It's in the fridge doing its thing till tomorrow. I'm going to make homemade refried beans and fajita fixings and we have guacamole and chips. And cake...the boys picked out my cake ;) They had seen a cake the other day...it was decorated to look like a hamburger w/ fries. Well they said that is what they wanted to get for me. I told them we would look and we'd have to pick from what they had in the shop. Well no hamburger cake this year. ;) I didn't want to get a big cake, cause to much in the end would be wasted. So they settled on a yellow cake with chocolate buttercream icing with sprinkles.
Tomorrow starts the summer session at LivingStones Academy. I had planned to start a couple of weeks ago, but with my parents coming I didn't want to start then immediately take a weeks hiatus. Nathan is excited about learning to read and I'm excited to see him began to learn how also.
Well, now that I am fighting a certain 20 month old for the keyboard I'm going to sign off for the night.
Other than our trip to walmart for foodstuffs our day was spent around the house. Donald made pico de gallo when we got home. It's in the fridge doing its thing till tomorrow. I'm going to make homemade refried beans and fajita fixings and we have guacamole and chips. And cake...the boys picked out my cake ;) They had seen a cake the other day...it was decorated to look like a hamburger w/ fries. Well they said that is what they wanted to get for me. I told them we would look and we'd have to pick from what they had in the shop. Well no hamburger cake this year. ;) I didn't want to get a big cake, cause to much in the end would be wasted. So they settled on a yellow cake with chocolate buttercream icing with sprinkles.
Tomorrow starts the summer session at LivingStones Academy. I had planned to start a couple of weeks ago, but with my parents coming I didn't want to start then immediately take a weeks hiatus. Nathan is excited about learning to read and I'm excited to see him began to learn how also.
Well, now that I am fighting a certain 20 month old for the keyboard I'm going to sign off for the night.
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Goodbye, Mr. President
"When the Lord calls me home...I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future," he wrote on November 5, 1994. "I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead."
[addendum]
I think tomorrow we will watch Bedtime for Bonzo The boys really like that movie and we haven't watched it since we've moved here.
I've been reading various blogs and media coverage and it just makes me sad. President Reagan had lived a full life. He was incredibly loved by his wife and family and from all accounts he was born again. His life now, on the other side is far more wonderful than it was here on earth. The President, is in the presence of the King. I was young during his presidency. I wasn't old enough to vote until the 1992 elections. But I remember him well. He's the president of my childhood. I think my sadness comes from reading about Nancy and how hard this must have been on her. From all accounts they had an enduring relationship of great admiration and love. To watch the person you love and have loved for so long...no longer know you or return that sentiment must be heart wrenching. My thoughts and prayers are with them tonight.
~~~~~~~~~~
"The house we hope to build is not for my generation but for yours. It is your future that matters. And I hope that when you are my age, you will be able to say as I have been able to say: We lived in freedom. We lived lives that were a statement, not an apology." ---Ronald Reagan
~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you Mr. President for a job well done.
And if your apt to wonder. www.binaryroadtrip.com www.lexxiblog.lexxicon.net/
[addendum]
I think tomorrow we will watch Bedtime for Bonzo The boys really like that movie and we haven't watched it since we've moved here.
I've been reading various blogs and media coverage and it just makes me sad. President Reagan had lived a full life. He was incredibly loved by his wife and family and from all accounts he was born again. His life now, on the other side is far more wonderful than it was here on earth. The President, is in the presence of the King. I was young during his presidency. I wasn't old enough to vote until the 1992 elections. But I remember him well. He's the president of my childhood. I think my sadness comes from reading about Nancy and how hard this must have been on her. From all accounts they had an enduring relationship of great admiration and love. To watch the person you love and have loved for so long...no longer know you or return that sentiment must be heart wrenching. My thoughts and prayers are with them tonight.
~~~~~~~~~~
"The house we hope to build is not for my generation but for yours. It is your future that matters. And I hope that when you are my age, you will be able to say as I have been able to say: We lived in freedom. We lived lives that were a statement, not an apology." ---Ronald Reagan
~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you Mr. President for a job well done.
And if your apt to wonder. www.binaryroadtrip.com www.lexxiblog.lexxicon.net/
Linky Love
I'm trying to add my links back in, I still have to get it to actually work. But now I really have to go do the homemaker thing. I'll work on it more in a bit. :)
Saturday Stuff
I'm trying to think of some tantalizing tidbits to fill up your Saturday morning...alas I'm coming up empty. :)
I just finished paying bills. I have to make up a menu and grocery list in a bit. I suppose we go grocery shopping when Donald gets in from work. I really hate hitting walmart on a weekend but we're almost out of milk and we're out of bread and bottled water...a walmart run is necessary. ;)
I have a lot of laundry to catch up on today. Lots to fold/hang up and lots to wash.
Daniel (3) has now announced he wants some Sketchers. Um, ok??? Isn't he suppose to worry about fashion much later than this? Oh and something to celebrate, there will be no more pull ups for him. He is now offically dry at night. Woot. He's been day trained for a long time but now he is out of pull ups at night too. Yay. :)
Elijah is now wiping down the table from breakfast. Nathan gladly relinquished his post breakfast duty to Elijah. ;) The boys are watching a movie and I should get busy and get all this done.
Hope you have a great day.
I just finished paying bills. I have to make up a menu and grocery list in a bit. I suppose we go grocery shopping when Donald gets in from work. I really hate hitting walmart on a weekend but we're almost out of milk and we're out of bread and bottled water...a walmart run is necessary. ;)
I have a lot of laundry to catch up on today. Lots to fold/hang up and lots to wash.
Daniel (3) has now announced he wants some Sketchers. Um, ok??? Isn't he suppose to worry about fashion much later than this? Oh and something to celebrate, there will be no more pull ups for him. He is now offically dry at night. Woot. He's been day trained for a long time but now he is out of pull ups at night too. Yay. :)
Elijah is now wiping down the table from breakfast. Nathan gladly relinquished his post breakfast duty to Elijah. ;) The boys are watching a movie and I should get busy and get all this done.
Hope you have a great day.
Friday, June 04, 2004
About those results...
The third one is a ringer...the first two, not so much. :)
And with that, G'night.
And with that, G'night.
And because everyone is asleep
I'm going to do a few happy's :)
You are Dishcloth Cotton.
You are a very hard worker, most at home when
you're at home. You are thrifty and seemingly
born to clean. You are considered to be a Plain
Jane, but you are too practical to notice.
What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Slippers- happy, sweet, and adorable, you are well
loved by everyone. People cannot help but like
you. You love to be surrounded by people that
love you, who- in your case- is anyone. [please
vote! thank you! :)]
What Kind of Shoe Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
You're Compassion Fatigue!
by Susan Moeller
You used to care, but now it's just getting too difficult. You cared
about the plight of people in lands near and far, but now the media has bombarded you
with images of suffering to the point that you just don't have the energy to go on.
You've become cold and heartless, as though you'd lived in New York City for a year or
so. But you stand as a serious example to all others that they should turn off their TV
sets and start caring again.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
You are Dishcloth Cotton.
You are a very hard worker, most at home when
you're at home. You are thrifty and seemingly
born to clean. You are considered to be a Plain
Jane, but you are too practical to notice.
What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Slippers- happy, sweet, and adorable, you are well
loved by everyone. People cannot help but like
you. You love to be surrounded by people that
love you, who- in your case- is anyone. [please
vote! thank you! :)]
What Kind of Shoe Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Weeping may endure for the night...
but JOY comes in the moring. At least that's the promise of God's Word. It's been a tough day today. Nothing big or looming. Just one of those days where the black cloud is *right there* over your head, waiting to pour rain at any given moment. I think this feeling/blah day comes on the heels of my resolve to seek out JOY and to put forth the effort to begin to show JOY in *all* of my circumstances. You know, it's just not hard to smile and wallow in God's goodness when things are going along smoothly. The challenge is maintaining that same level of bliss when NOTHING is going right. I'm not saying we can't have bad days. Far from it. God gave us emotions. But faith is a hard thing to grasp at times. Even after being a Christian for over 20 years I still have moments where my flesh cries out ''this is too hard''. I know many think 'faith' is a crutch and I won't argue against others position. Maybe I am weak? But I cannot imagine going through life without *knowing* that even on the darkest of days that God is accessible to me. He has a plan for my life. That even on days like today when all I can see is the black cloud and all I can think about is ''what is going to happen next'' that I know, that I know, that I know, that regardless of what does happen...it has passed through his approval and He is doing it to grow my faith and deepen my relationship with Him.
I know that, I do, but on days like today I sure let it rob me of my joy.
but JOY comes in the moring. At least that's the promise of God's Word. It's been a tough day today. Nothing big or looming. Just one of those days where the black cloud is *right there* over your head, waiting to pour rain at any given moment. I think this feeling/blah day comes on the heels of my resolve to seek out JOY and to put forth the effort to begin to show JOY in *all* of my circumstances. You know, it's just not hard to smile and wallow in God's goodness when things are going along smoothly. The challenge is maintaining that same level of bliss when NOTHING is going right. I'm not saying we can't have bad days. Far from it. God gave us emotions. But faith is a hard thing to grasp at times. Even after being a Christian for over 20 years I still have moments where my flesh cries out ''this is too hard''. I know many think 'faith' is a crutch and I won't argue against others position. Maybe I am weak? But I cannot imagine going through life without *knowing* that even on the darkest of days that God is accessible to me. He has a plan for my life. That even on days like today when all I can see is the black cloud and all I can think about is ''what is going to happen next'' that I know, that I know, that I know, that regardless of what does happen...it has passed through his approval and He is doing it to grow my faith and deepen my relationship with Him.
I know that, I do, but on days like today I sure let it rob me of my joy.
Talk to me
Ok, so now thanks to help from Cheryl, I have comments. Come on, talk to me. But be nice, Ok. :)
Ok, so now thanks to help from Cheryl, I have comments. Come on, talk to me. But be nice, Ok. :)
Oh and I forgot
Last night, my glasses broke. Yep, sitting here at the computer I went to adjust them and the leg fell off in my hand. Yikes. I'm fairly certain the fact that Elijah had bent that very same leg at a 90 degree angle a few weeks back, probably had something to do with weakening it it general. :) So bright and early this morning I had to go down and see what magic they could work, until a new pair of frames arrived. Can you imagine how happy I was when they had the very same style of frames I have IN STOCK, only they are silver and my old ones were gold. Woot. I walked outta there with new frames and no duct tape holding the leg on. (Um, yes, so that would be tacky and redneck. But boys and girls when you have a crossed eye (yes yes yes, call Ripley's NOW my eye crosses...it's almost like a stupid human trick LOL) and your glasses (or contacts) stop said eye from crossing. Well you kinda like to keep that eye uncrossed. Duct tape while tacky, redneck and just plain goofy looking would have been pulled out my friends. Well either that or super glue. ROTFLOL
Last night, my glasses broke. Yep, sitting here at the computer I went to adjust them and the leg fell off in my hand. Yikes. I'm fairly certain the fact that Elijah had bent that very same leg at a 90 degree angle a few weeks back, probably had something to do with weakening it it general. :) So bright and early this morning I had to go down and see what magic they could work, until a new pair of frames arrived. Can you imagine how happy I was when they had the very same style of frames I have IN STOCK, only they are silver and my old ones were gold. Woot. I walked outta there with new frames and no duct tape holding the leg on. (Um, yes, so that would be tacky and redneck. But boys and girls when you have a crossed eye (yes yes yes, call Ripley's NOW my eye crosses...it's almost like a stupid human trick LOL) and your glasses (or contacts) stop said eye from crossing. Well you kinda like to keep that eye uncrossed. Duct tape while tacky, redneck and just plain goofy looking would have been pulled out my friends. Well either that or super glue. ROTFLOL
That's my name, don't wear it out...
Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com
| C | Courageous |
| H | Honest |
| E | Energetic |
| R | Raw |
| I | Ideal |
Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Thursday
Let's see. I slept in just a little bit this morning. Donald is off today so he got up with the boys. We headed out and ended up going down to Brownsville and having lunch at Taco Palenque...yum. We went to the mall where Donald got a book on Lewis and Clark (a book he's been wanting and it was on the clearance table to boot -yay-) The boys were facinated by a dry ice fountain at the hallmark store...which was nice, it distracted them enough to let really look at all the Willowtree stuff and add even more to my wishlist. Its funny. I've always been anti collector/nicknaky stuff but I am drawn to those figures. I really want the nativity to display this Christmas.
My 31st birthday is Monday. Thirty-one. How did that happen? I don't place a lot of emphasis on age. Turning thirty didn't really ''bother'' me, like it does some folks. But as I do get older it's just odd. I don't feel thirty. I still have moments of social awkwardness like when I was 12...I still feel intimidated [at times] around ''real adults''...I hear teens/youth address me as they would an adult and I catch myself thinking, ''oh oh, they are talking to *me*'' LOL I have 3 children, my oldest will be SIX in September. I have an almost 6 year old. That really doesn't make sense. I remember seeing a movie a long time ago and there was an older gentlemen talking with a younger woman. I don't remember the name of the movie. I just know he was in the hospital and was talking to the nurse. The nurse is bantering back and forth with the man, and he makes a statement about ''only his body was old, his mind was still 23'' or something along those lines. I find myself identifying with that more and more. I have no idea if my thoughts are conveying what I'm trying to explain.
With all that said, I'm about to embark on better health. I'm really trying to psych myself up for this. :) I've always dealt with weight issues. Now looking back I realize a lot of them were not real issues when I thought they were. But now, I'm almost 31 and I'm in the worse physical shape and health of my life. It is time to make a change. Sure cute clothes are always a good motivator. But I have kiddos. I want to teach them through example about a healthy lifestyle. I am also tired of feeling rundown. I have been very healthy in my past. I was a cheerleader in college, I've done step aerobics on a 12 inch step, I've walked 5 miles in just a smidge over an hour daily. But see thats all in the past. You wouldn't look at me now and see any of that. Health is not something that you think when you see me. LOL I'm ready to feel strong again. I'm ready to commit to this being a lifetime journey.
I bought Anna Karenina today. So yeah, it's an Oprah's book choice (shaddup lol)I'm not an avid watcher of Oprah, nor have I been following her book club selections. But I did notice it yesterday when I was at Walmart, and well it is a classic and it's shorter than War and Peace (that is one *big* book lol). I'm trying to read the ''must have read'' books. I've read a lot of them, but I'm going to be going back and rereading a lot of them. Well a lot of them, except Beawolf. Ewwwwwww. H.A.T.E.D that, ick. My friends hubby is an honors English teacher here and one of his favorite stories is Beawolf. (did I mention ick, yuck, ugh???) I was talking with him, and he was like ''But Cheri, you can identify so much of Christ in the writing'' to which I responded ''um, let's not bring Jesus into Beawolf, mmm ok'' But anyway I digress. I'd be content to read my Little Women and Jane Austins complete novels over and over. But that wouldn't make for a very well rounded reader huh? So...I'm about to delve into Anna. We'll see how it goes.
I've tried to link to Dana over in my ''reads'' section before but for some reason it didn't go through. I really enjoy Dana's writings and she is just a really neat person. So, if your in a roaming mood go check her out. And since my ''link'' won't work, go here: http://think_pink.typepad.com
And with that I'm going upstairs to play Transformers with my boys, all four of them. :)
Let's see. I slept in just a little bit this morning. Donald is off today so he got up with the boys. We headed out and ended up going down to Brownsville and having lunch at Taco Palenque...yum. We went to the mall where Donald got a book on Lewis and Clark (a book he's been wanting and it was on the clearance table to boot -yay-) The boys were facinated by a dry ice fountain at the hallmark store...which was nice, it distracted them enough to let really look at all the Willowtree stuff and add even more to my wishlist. Its funny. I've always been anti collector/nicknaky stuff but I am drawn to those figures. I really want the nativity to display this Christmas.
My 31st birthday is Monday. Thirty-one. How did that happen? I don't place a lot of emphasis on age. Turning thirty didn't really ''bother'' me, like it does some folks. But as I do get older it's just odd. I don't feel thirty. I still have moments of social awkwardness like when I was 12...I still feel intimidated [at times] around ''real adults''...I hear teens/youth address me as they would an adult and I catch myself thinking, ''oh oh, they are talking to *me*'' LOL I have 3 children, my oldest will be SIX in September. I have an almost 6 year old. That really doesn't make sense. I remember seeing a movie a long time ago and there was an older gentlemen talking with a younger woman. I don't remember the name of the movie. I just know he was in the hospital and was talking to the nurse. The nurse is bantering back and forth with the man, and he makes a statement about ''only his body was old, his mind was still 23'' or something along those lines. I find myself identifying with that more and more. I have no idea if my thoughts are conveying what I'm trying to explain.
With all that said, I'm about to embark on better health. I'm really trying to psych myself up for this. :) I've always dealt with weight issues. Now looking back I realize a lot of them were not real issues when I thought they were. But now, I'm almost 31 and I'm in the worse physical shape and health of my life. It is time to make a change. Sure cute clothes are always a good motivator. But I have kiddos. I want to teach them through example about a healthy lifestyle. I am also tired of feeling rundown. I have been very healthy in my past. I was a cheerleader in college, I've done step aerobics on a 12 inch step, I've walked 5 miles in just a smidge over an hour daily. But see thats all in the past. You wouldn't look at me now and see any of that. Health is not something that you think when you see me. LOL I'm ready to feel strong again. I'm ready to commit to this being a lifetime journey.
I bought Anna Karenina today. So yeah, it's an Oprah's book choice (shaddup lol)I'm not an avid watcher of Oprah, nor have I been following her book club selections. But I did notice it yesterday when I was at Walmart, and well it is a classic and it's shorter than War and Peace (that is one *big* book lol). I'm trying to read the ''must have read'' books. I've read a lot of them, but I'm going to be going back and rereading a lot of them. Well a lot of them, except Beawolf. Ewwwwwww. H.A.T.E.D that, ick. My friends hubby is an honors English teacher here and one of his favorite stories is Beawolf. (did I mention ick, yuck, ugh???) I was talking with him, and he was like ''But Cheri, you can identify so much of Christ in the writing'' to which I responded ''um, let's not bring Jesus into Beawolf, mmm ok'' But anyway I digress. I'd be content to read my Little Women and Jane Austins complete novels over and over. But that wouldn't make for a very well rounded reader huh? So...I'm about to delve into Anna. We'll see how it goes.
I've tried to link to Dana over in my ''reads'' section before but for some reason it didn't go through. I really enjoy Dana's writings and she is just a really neat person. So, if your in a roaming mood go check her out. And since my ''link'' won't work, go here: http://think_pink.typepad.com
And with that I'm going upstairs to play Transformers with my boys, all four of them. :)
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
No excuses
I won't even attempt to give a reason. :)
My parents have been gone for almost a week. Their visit was nice. :) We stayed out on the island with them. The boys got nice little tan lines and my daddy got FRIED. :) I offered him some sunscreen (as I was doing the daily slathering of the kiddos) but he didn't want any. The boys were spoiled of course and loved having Gran and Poppy at their disposal. Elijah was stuck to my daddy like glue.
Its HOT here. Now folks I'm from GA. I've lived in the South my whole life. (GA, AL, MISS) Well I did live in KS for 2 years, but heck it got hot there too. Being from GA ,of course, I get to through out that ''but the humidity'' with ever reference to heat. LOL But I'm thinking that I've moved just about 3 blocks north of he*l. It was 100 here today AT LEAST...by noon. Who knows what it was by 3pm. :) And humidity, there are no apt discriptions for walking out of your house and being blasted with such intense HEAT and then that feeling of a hot wet towel being placed over your head to boot. I suppose this is the price I pay for having 70* temps and going to the beach in December :)I'm just really thankful for A/C. We're going to have to start heading out to the park in the early a.m. now though. We went out yesterday when Donald got in from work around 4:30. We literally stayed about 10 mins before the boys were completely red faced (and they had only swung on the tire swing and used the slide a few times by then...and I was pushing the tire swing lol) We tried going out later in the evening but the temp isn't much cooler and the misquitos are horrid. And yep, everything is bigger in Texas. Those things are HUGE, my friends.
I just finished making a CD schedule for the boys room. They listen to a CD each night as they go to sleep. Nathan *loves* Selah and Daniel loves Baby Mine from the "Oh Mickey Where Art Thou" CD. For the longest time they listened to various classical cds. Over Christmas I slipped in some Christmas music, and since we've expanded what they listen to at night. Well for the last week or so it has been a big deal each night. Nathan wanting Selah, Daniel wanting Baby Mine. Even after coming to somewhat of a compromise (back and forth each night) there was still a mite of an argument when the 'other' brother got his CD for the night. So I came down tonight and typed up the schedule. Hopefully them being able to see what CD is for each night will eliminate that nonsense. :)
Selah has a new CD out. I want to get it for Nathan. I also want to get two new Mr. Henry CD's (salvation & prayer).
Tonight after showers/pj's/brushing teeth/reading books, we again starting having prayer and praise time. This is something that *should* happen EVERY NIGHT. And while I do pray over my children nightly and tuck them in with promises of God's angels being all around them, I have been guilty of not praying *with* them consistantly. Tonight we sang "From the rising of the Sun/My Only Hope is You/There's just something about that Name and Jesus Loves Me" for our praise time. We do 'sign language' with From the Rising of the Sun.'' Sitting there in the floor with Daniel on my lap and Nathan right next to me I was ushered into HIS presence. The sweet sounds of my boys singing, their little hands lifted high, no shame, no reservation ...whew it was precious. God just confirmed again to my heart how important the basics are in their lives. YES I want my children to be intelligent and well rounded. I want them to read the classics.I want them to be at ease in situations where there are 6 forks set before them. I want them to excel in life. But oh, how I will have failed, if I focus on those things to a fault. If I teach them that reading Homer is more important than reading about the heros of the faith in Hebrews. If I teach buttering your roll by the bite and not all at once, is somehow indicitive of class and decorum, but they lack the simple ability to show kindness and compassion *to all men*, then I've not done my job well. If they can quote Shakespear and rattle off O Henry and can diferentiate between Monet and Manet but don't have a grasp of the Gospel and the HOPE it holds. I will have raised the most educated children with knowledge but no wisdom. I love how Proverbs compares WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE. Some would exchange the two without much thought. But in Proverbs they are compared. Oh how I want to raise children full of wisdom.
Along that vain. Nathan starts 100 Easy Lessons on Monday (Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons) I also ordered the book from the Core Knowledge series regarding what your K needs to know. I am using FIAR (Five in a Row, a Lit based ciriculum) and supplementing some other stuff. I plan to use the ''what your K needs to know'' to kind of keep me on target for covering all the essentials. We've actually rounded a corner in our homeschooling. Nathan now no longer dislikes worksheets. PTL He and Daniel have also started cutting paper with a vengence.
I've been writing out scripture for the boys each day. I've also just started a in depth study on JOY. I'm really having to overhaul and redo a lot of the rooms of my heart. Its hard to come face to face with something about yourself that you find unattractive. But the wonderful thing is that God can help me to be all that he would have me to become...I just have to go *through* the process of refining.
I know I've been scattered and wordy tonight. I'm sure the errors are there. I was really appalled when I went back and read through my entries. They are horrid. I think writing at night isn't probably the best thing for me, or my grammar. :) Or I could blame it on my public school education that my private college didn't fix. ROTFLOL Or I suppose I could just slow down and proofread and ask that you be forgiving when my writing/errors make you wince.
Anyway, night all. I hope you are having a great week.
OH and just let me get this little nit picky thing out there. MEMORIAL DAY is a day set aside to remember those that have DIED in service to our country.
VETERANS DAY is a day set aside to honor all those who have served in the armed forces.
So hugging a vet on Momorial Day is nice, but not really the sentiment that is necessary. ;) Back to you regularly scheduled programming. :)
I won't even attempt to give a reason. :)
My parents have been gone for almost a week. Their visit was nice. :) We stayed out on the island with them. The boys got nice little tan lines and my daddy got FRIED. :) I offered him some sunscreen (as I was doing the daily slathering of the kiddos) but he didn't want any. The boys were spoiled of course and loved having Gran and Poppy at their disposal. Elijah was stuck to my daddy like glue.
Its HOT here. Now folks I'm from GA. I've lived in the South my whole life. (GA, AL, MISS) Well I did live in KS for 2 years, but heck it got hot there too. Being from GA ,of course, I get to through out that ''but the humidity'' with ever reference to heat. LOL But I'm thinking that I've moved just about 3 blocks north of he*l. It was 100 here today AT LEAST...by noon. Who knows what it was by 3pm. :) And humidity, there are no apt discriptions for walking out of your house and being blasted with such intense HEAT and then that feeling of a hot wet towel being placed over your head to boot. I suppose this is the price I pay for having 70* temps and going to the beach in December :)I'm just really thankful for A/C. We're going to have to start heading out to the park in the early a.m. now though. We went out yesterday when Donald got in from work around 4:30. We literally stayed about 10 mins before the boys were completely red faced (and they had only swung on the tire swing and used the slide a few times by then...and I was pushing the tire swing lol) We tried going out later in the evening but the temp isn't much cooler and the misquitos are horrid. And yep, everything is bigger in Texas. Those things are HUGE, my friends.
I just finished making a CD schedule for the boys room. They listen to a CD each night as they go to sleep. Nathan *loves* Selah and Daniel loves Baby Mine from the "Oh Mickey Where Art Thou" CD. For the longest time they listened to various classical cds. Over Christmas I slipped in some Christmas music, and since we've expanded what they listen to at night. Well for the last week or so it has been a big deal each night. Nathan wanting Selah, Daniel wanting Baby Mine. Even after coming to somewhat of a compromise (back and forth each night) there was still a mite of an argument when the 'other' brother got his CD for the night. So I came down tonight and typed up the schedule. Hopefully them being able to see what CD is for each night will eliminate that nonsense. :)
Selah has a new CD out. I want to get it for Nathan. I also want to get two new Mr. Henry CD's (salvation & prayer).
Tonight after showers/pj's/brushing teeth/reading books, we again starting having prayer and praise time. This is something that *should* happen EVERY NIGHT. And while I do pray over my children nightly and tuck them in with promises of God's angels being all around them, I have been guilty of not praying *with* them consistantly. Tonight we sang "From the rising of the Sun/My Only Hope is You/There's just something about that Name and Jesus Loves Me" for our praise time. We do 'sign language' with From the Rising of the Sun.'' Sitting there in the floor with Daniel on my lap and Nathan right next to me I was ushered into HIS presence. The sweet sounds of my boys singing, their little hands lifted high, no shame, no reservation ...whew it was precious. God just confirmed again to my heart how important the basics are in their lives. YES I want my children to be intelligent and well rounded. I want them to read the classics.I want them to be at ease in situations where there are 6 forks set before them. I want them to excel in life. But oh, how I will have failed, if I focus on those things to a fault. If I teach them that reading Homer is more important than reading about the heros of the faith in Hebrews. If I teach buttering your roll by the bite and not all at once, is somehow indicitive of class and decorum, but they lack the simple ability to show kindness and compassion *to all men*, then I've not done my job well. If they can quote Shakespear and rattle off O Henry and can diferentiate between Monet and Manet but don't have a grasp of the Gospel and the HOPE it holds. I will have raised the most educated children with knowledge but no wisdom. I love how Proverbs compares WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE. Some would exchange the two without much thought. But in Proverbs they are compared. Oh how I want to raise children full of wisdom.
Along that vain. Nathan starts 100 Easy Lessons on Monday (Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons) I also ordered the book from the Core Knowledge series regarding what your K needs to know. I am using FIAR (Five in a Row, a Lit based ciriculum) and supplementing some other stuff. I plan to use the ''what your K needs to know'' to kind of keep me on target for covering all the essentials. We've actually rounded a corner in our homeschooling. Nathan now no longer dislikes worksheets. PTL He and Daniel have also started cutting paper with a vengence.
I've been writing out scripture for the boys each day. I've also just started a in depth study on JOY. I'm really having to overhaul and redo a lot of the rooms of my heart. Its hard to come face to face with something about yourself that you find unattractive. But the wonderful thing is that God can help me to be all that he would have me to become...I just have to go *through* the process of refining.
I know I've been scattered and wordy tonight. I'm sure the errors are there. I was really appalled when I went back and read through my entries. They are horrid. I think writing at night isn't probably the best thing for me, or my grammar. :) Or I could blame it on my public school education that my private college didn't fix. ROTFLOL Or I suppose I could just slow down and proofread and ask that you be forgiving when my writing/errors make you wince.
Anyway, night all. I hope you are having a great week.
OH and just let me get this little nit picky thing out there. MEMORIAL DAY is a day set aside to remember those that have DIED in service to our country.
VETERANS DAY is a day set aside to honor all those who have served in the armed forces.
So hugging a vet on Momorial Day is nice, but not really the sentiment that is necessary. ;) Back to you regularly scheduled programming. :)
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It's me--Cheri :)
