A DOUBLE SHOT OF ESPRESSO

2011-05-05T22:58:00.002-07:00

I just got smacked up-side my head with something going about a hundred miles an hour. I believe its name was MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursday. I never even saw it coming.

2011-01-28T18:58:00.004-07:00

This week was a doozy! We got hit on one side by strep throat and the other side by troubles with

F G
A R
L A
L D
I E
N S
G

But, hopefully, antibiotics will fix one, and more study time will fix the other! It's so hard to find a balance...work, school, sports....and then there's always showering. Luckily, I can do that in 7 minutes or less, if necessary.

Off to read Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner. Good book so far; I read lots of her books this summer on my Nook. Love the Nook! I bought this one, though, in REAL. LIVE (okay, not live). PAPER. So much work, turning those pages. Oh, how the Nook has spoiled me!

Back? Maybe?

2011-01-17T00:21:00.006-07:00

May? 2010? Really, it's been way too long! Here we are, smack dab in the middle of the first month of the new year. I am back to teaching full time, which explains my absence from my blog (and my hair stylist, but that's another conversation entirely). I am teaching 3rd grade again, same school. I was asked to come back 3 days before the school year began. 3 days. THREE DAYS. It took a little doing, a lot of coffee, and a lot of help, but I was ready in time to welcome 27 little darlings into my fold. They are a fantastic group of kids this year, and I consider myself blessed!

On the home front, we are entirely consumed with the sporting events in our children's lives--football, wrestling, and basketball at the moment. I couldn't love it more! The bitter sweet of it all is that I know these busy days won't last forever, and I want to suck the joy out of every single one of them. Sometimes that's hard to do when all you really want is a nap, but I remind myself constantly that there will be plenty of time to sleep when I'm dead.

I'm going to try to return here to blogland at least once a week, but don't hold me to it--papers to grade and all. I'm really missing the days when I was a "work at home mom", and could sneak a quick peek into the lives of all my cyber-friends. Now I have lots of real live people who call me friend, and I need to go plan some educational lessons for them!

HELLO, LOVER

2010-05-25T12:50:00.009-07:00

I thought I'd share a little virtual eye-candy with you today. I do love myself some coffee. In fact, I've written a poem about it. Not a good poem, but a poem nonetheless.

Coffee hot
Coffee cold
I don't care if the coffee's old
Just as long as it hasn't any mold.
Coffee iced
Coffee thick
I can stir it with a stick
A little cream will do the trick.
Coffee cup
Coffee mug
Coffee is my morning drug
I thought I'd give it a little plug.

Ahem. It's only the 2nd day out of the classroom and I'm writing odes to beverages. I wonder what other exciting adventures the summer will hold? Or wait, am I practicing cleaning avoidance? Could be. Anyway, I'll be back with some more earth-shattering revelations soon. After all, I did buy a pineapple at the grocery store yesterday--who knows what kind of art that might inspire? Until then, bottom's up!

UM, WHAT'S THIS?

2010-05-10T22:43:00.002-07:00

自拍走光貼性自拍自拍貼熟女自拍俱樂部台灣美女自拍寫真圖片免費av女優線上電影免費av片上看免費av片線上觀看免做愛影片免看色情片免妹影片西洋成人色片西洋辣妹做愛西洋影片網西洋線上影片免下載a片線上看免下載成人片免下載做愛影片免下載情色影片免下載無碼短片免卡通影片免免費成人影片免妹成人影片免妹視訊免費av成人情色電影免費av成人電影免費a片長片下載免費a片馬上看免費a片動漫下載免費a片照片上班族聊天室免費a片下載免費視訊 666成人

I sure hope I haven't just set a launch sequence in motion. I've been getting this mumbo jumbo in the comment section lately, and not sure what it is. Is it spam? Communication from far, far away? The winning lottery numbers mysteriously encoded Dan Brown-style? The "666" at then end is a little creepy, don't you think? I mean, really--did I do anything to deserve that???! If anyone has any idea what the heck this stuff is, please leave me a comment (that I can read) and help me! Thanks!

I. AM. EXHAUSTED.

2010-04-26T18:53:00.005-07:00

Third grade makes me really tired. 1st time around? Not so much. Now that I'm 40 and doing it again? Much. There are only 18 (17 and 1/2 if you're really counting...) days left, and so much I still want to squish into our days. Sometimes I also want to squish children...is that wrong? Also, I have discovered that there is not a potent enough room spray to delicately mask the scent of twenty-something "blooming" children after recess. Sometimes allergies are a blessing.

Due to the crazy economy and the horrific state of affairs in education at the moment, I am not sure I'll have a job teaching next year, so that makes the next few weeks all the more bitter-sweet. Frankly, I can't believe the disservice we are hell-bent on doing to our children in this state. I've already informed my husband that if it gets much worse, I will be home-schooling our children and waiting tables at night (I'll be ultimately making more money that way...).

Until then, the next few weeks will be spent growing plants, making Mother's Day gifts, reading, learning about our country (maybe THEY'LL have some ideas how to help us fix it?), and enjoying our time together before summer comes.

On the home front, no cleaning has been done in awhile, and it smells a little bit like feet (kidding...sort of). I can't wait to work on some much-needed projects this summer!

Have a great week!

p.s. just finished Jodi Picoult's newest book, House Rules. It was a great read for anyone who's a fan! One of her best!

p.p.s. i am now reading Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster, another favorite author of mine. So stinking funny!

TEA BAGS AND DISCIPLINE

2010-02-22T16:44:00.007-07:00

I was blessed to spend last Thursday and today in an all-day video workshop by the one and only Dr. Fred Jones. I tell ya, that man has really accounted for virtually every "what if" a teacher could throw his way. He uses the clever art of manipulation...er, behavior modification, to coerce, er, guide the student in the direction of appropriate behavior. We got to spend the days watching his videos and discussing situations with our colleagues. But, of course, the best part was getting to go to lunch, OFF CAMPUS, for AN ENTIRE HOUR!!!!! For those of you who don't teach, you could never imagine the thrill this is, and the possibilities it inspires! Unless, of course, you have 25 children of your own, then you probably have a pretty good idea. I got to eat SITTING DOWN! I know!
In other news, we got an exciting new toy here this weekend, and its name is AN INSTANT HOT WATER DISPENSER IN THE KITCHEN RIGHT ON THE KITCHEN SINK! I'm so excited! It's kind of dorky, I know, what with the invention of the microwave and all. But really, the idea that I can think, "Gee, a cup of hot tea sounds good", and make it happen RIGHT NOW is really, really cool. In fact, I've had so much tea since yesterday that I think I may have sprung a leak. Just kidding. I'm kind of glowy inside just thinking of the possibilities of instant coffee (Starbucks has complied) and hot chocolate next winter. And my wishes to God's ears, apparently, because it's been cold and rainy here all day! Off to have some more tea, happy Monday!

IT WAS ME

2010-02-13T18:58:00.004-07:00

If anyone happened to notice a ridiculous-looking lady driving down the road on Friday holding an ice-cold RockStar beverage to her forehead staring ahead at the road with really squinty eyes? That was me. It was conference week. And our school Valentine's Day party. Stick a fork in me, I'm done.

OH NUTS!

2010-01-18T10:39:00.010-07:00

Well, 2010 started out with a bang (crash, bump, and I think I also heard a scream, but I can't be sure), but I think we're back on track and are in full anticipation of a fabulous year! Aren't we always?! The Christmas Break home with the kids was heaven. We got to bake, watch movies, play games, sleep in late (after staying up late), hang out with friends, and just have fun! In fact, we had so much fun that the Christmas decorations hung around for a whole extra week, and well into the new year! If you know me, you know this is in direct conflict with my OH-so OCD ways. I'm learning to chill. Age is definitely mellowing me!
Back to school has been a hoot--so much to do, so little time! I am once again entertained by the questions that keep me laughing and pondering. Here are some of my recent favorites:

How do they get marbles so round? (more importantly, who are THEY?)
Can plants feel it when you pull off their leaves? (I think we should ask one...)
How does milk come out of your nose when you laugh? (happened in the cafeteria at lunch, true story, it's now legendary)
Why did I come back after break? (heard this one in the teachers' copy room)
Teacher, do you want to see my nuts? (student produces a handful of walnut-looking nuts from pocket to show his wide-eyed, completely panic-stricken teacher)

In other news, the house is getting cleaner and more organized (a constant quest), and this 3 day weekend is the reason why! I just love that freshly cleaned, new-house smell after everything has been dusted, wiped, folded, and reshelved--don't you?

A TOUGH CROWD

2009-12-27T14:18:00.006-07:00

I'm not quite sure what happened between Christmas Day and the morning after, but BOY HOWDY! The Christmas Spirit got sucked right out of some people, I tell you. I did my usual "the day after Christmas" shopping routine...I rolled out of bed, still a little hung over from all the ham and fudge the day before, spot-combed my hair, brushed my teeth, threw on the clothes that were laying on the floor beside the bed, and headed out the door. My first stop is always Hallmark, because I almost always LOVE their Christmas stuff. This year, I arrived on their doorstep at 8:36 a.m., late by "morning after" standards, and found myself EARLY! They didn't open until 9:00! But good news for all of you worrying right now that I stood there and froze my fanny off for the next 24 minutes--JoAnn's Craft Store was right next door and OPEN! Since I had been to JoAnn's approximately 4 times a week for the 3 weeks leading up to Christmas (craft supplies for class, etc.), their selection was not a surprise. I spent $3.00 to replace some used-up supplies, and headed back to Hallmark. I have found that there are 2 types of people (women) that go to Hallmark the day after Christmas. The people, who like me, want to replenish their bow and wrapping paper stashes, and THE OTHERS. These OTHERS that I speak of are the women who collect Hallmark ornaments. And most of them are CRAZY. Now, if you are a Hallmark-ornament-collecting-non-crazy woman, I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER AN APOLOGY FOR MY OVER-GENERALIZING COMMENT. THE WOMEN WHERE I WAS SHOPPING WERE NUTS. They had no problem knocking small children upside their heads with their shopping bags if it meant getting the coveted Star Wars Luke Skywalker ornament, and more than one heavy sigh was uttered, suggesting the rest of us had better GET. OUT. OF. THEIR. WAY. Now, far be it from me to screw with people (um, yeah, right), but I'll admit that I may have stood a little longer than necessary and fondled one too many ornaments just to mess with 'em. Yeah, I don't even collect the ornaments. This year Hallmark decided to put all of the ornaments right next to all of the wrapping supplies, so THEY DID IT TO THEMSELVES.

I made the usual rounds after that: Pier One, World Market, Target, and Barnes and Noble. Everywhere I went, people seemed to be unusually cranky. What had been DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY the day before became I'LL DECK YOU IN THE AISLES, AND IT'LL BE MY FOLLY the day after. Sheesh. So to you, lady, who tried to run over me in the Pier One parking lot and then stared at me with your CRAZY EYES while I shopped inside, I say STAY HOME NEXT YEAR. Or at least have a cup of eggnog in the parking lot.

A JOKE, 3RD GRADE STYLE

2009-12-10T00:34:00.005-07:00

Student: Do you know the difference between roast beef and pea soup?

Me: Um, yeah.

Student: No, this is a joke.

Me: I know, I'm just messin' with ya.

Student: Do you want to hear the joke?

Me: Um, yeah.

Student: What's the difference between roast beef and pea soup?

Me: I think I've heard that one before.

Student: Really?

Me: No.

Student: Do you know?

Me: No, what the difference between roast beef and pea soup?

Student: Anybody can roast beef, but nobody can pea soup!

Me: That's the funniest joke I've ever heard!

Student: Yeah, me too.

The best part was when he told me the same joke 5 more times the same day, and I had to pretend it was as funny each time as it was the 1st time he told me! Good times...

WHERE ARE YOU, CHRISTMAS?

2009-12-01T16:53:00.007-07:00

I think that there should be a date of expiration on all uneaten Halloween candy. I mean, what kid who's worth his weight in Snickers has any left come December 1st, anyway? Haven't their parents eaten what was left? (Ahem) I knew today was going to be rough when I was greeted at my classroom door by several of my students who had graciously accepted a classmate's offering of leftover Halloween candy. For breakfast... At 7:30 a.m... By 10:00 a.m., I had sent one to the nurse's office with a tummy ache, explained to Evan that little girls didn't like to be called "honey buns" by little boys, and tried to come up with an answer for why dogs and cats have thicker skin that humans (that was during math class). By afternoon recess, our boy's bathroom pass had been thrown up on the roof. Luckily for us, Jessie had said a prayer when she went out to use the restroom, and God had told "her heart and brain" that the culprit had been either Daniel, Joseph, Connor, or Michael. Well, at least that's one less problem for me to think about. Sigh. When's Christmas?

I'M BACK???

2009-11-29T21:53:00.004-07:00

I'm a little bit back. Here's a grocery list of what's been going on around here, and why I have been MIA lately!

New job--check
Working 2 jobs now--check
Sinus Infection--check
Pneumonia (from working 2 jobs?)--check
Strep throat (from working with germy little people?)--check
Shuttle driver for kids in sports, etc.--check
Holidays upon us--check

Soooooo, I am going to try to incorporate blogging back into my crazy life, I miss it oh, so much! If anyone is still out there that I used to blog-stalk, I promise I'm really trying to come and read your posts...probably on the weekends! I'm so glad to be back in the classroom, and I know these precious little people that I am in charge of all day will provide me hours of funny blogging stories for you!

WAS THAT THE WEEKEND I JUST SAW WHIZZING BY?

2009-09-13T23:21:00.004-07:00

Well, the weekend has come and all but gone. There's just not enough Saturday and Sunday to go around, what with all of the house-cleaning, neighbor-visiting, clothes-washing, kid-playing, and fun-having that happens! I am definitely voting in the next election to extend the weekends by a day. Just think of all the fun we could have! Holy cow! Why didn't someone think of this earlier? Why do we work 5 days and only have 2 days off, anyway (traditionally speaking, I mean...and schools, you know, the traditional ones)? What kind of raw deal was that? Clearly, 3 to 4 would've been a much happier ratio. Someone didn't have their thinking cap on when that one was decided.

Well, off to bed to gear up for another 5 day work week! Only 5 days until next weekend!

p.s. Speaking of calendar type things, this site has lots of cool calendar freebies for your computer, to print out, and even for your blog!

BIG BIRD EXPLODED IN MY WASHER! (OR, "WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO LATELY INSTEAD OF BLOGGING")

2009-09-07T11:22:00.005-07:00

I will be back over the weekend, God willing, but until then, this is what's been happening here...this used to be my favorite black tee shirt. It is covered in the dying efforts of a favorite yellow blanket (that has been washed about a thousand times without issue). I had to vacuum out my washing machine. 3 times. It was bad. Really bad. Have a super Friday, and I'll be back soon!
Oh look! My other favorite black tee shirt...

JEN LANCASTER AND HER FUNNY BOOKS

2009-08-16T12:26:00.009-07:00

I'd like to share a new author friend with you! She and I have never actually met, but I feel that we would totally be BFF's if she knew I existed. Not that I'd stalk her or anything, that would be wrong. Here's a video clip she made discussing her new book, "Such a Pretty Fat". Her website is here. The book that I just finished is called "Bitter is the New Black", and tells her story from dot.com money-making wench to unemployed, humbled lover of dogs. There were so many funny one-liners in this book, I found myself grabbing for a tissue to dab at the Diet Coke running from my nose on more than one occasion. Now with school starting, there will be less time for reading, but I'll definitely make time for these books!

FROM JUNKY TO FUNKY!

2009-08-14T09:58:00.012-07:00

For all of you who are really done looking at my dog's boy parts (I didn't even clear that photo that I used in my last post with him first, how rude), I thought I'd post something different. This table has been with us since my husband and I were married 14 years ago. It has seen many things: Cherrios, sippy cups, craft projects, building blocks, and the occasional magazine. It was well loved by crayons, feet, and sometimes bottoms. It used to sport a fashionable (not) padded bumper around its perimeter to keep little heads from smooshing when they ran into it. It had that weathered look without spending even one day in the sun. But still, I knew it had potential beyond what it had already given to us. So I give you the transformation: from COFFEE TABLE to GAME TABLE!

The kids and I sanded, painted, and then painted and sanded some more, and it was a fun family project! Hubby even got in on the action--he marked off the squares for us to paint The checkers and chess pieces will be stored in the drawer in the front, and my next project is to find (or make) comfy floor cushions for sitting on while playing. I'm going to check out some after-summer clearance sales on outdoor cushions at Pier One or World Market. Does anyone know when summer officially ends here in Arizona?!

FOR THE LADIES OF THE 80'S!

2009-07-31T16:45:00.004-07:00

NOBODY PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER!

If you don't get this, click here: Dirty Dancing with Patrick Swayze
because you're really young.

ONE OF THOSE DAYS...

2009-07-20T22:56:00.004-07:00

I've had one of those days.

Do you know how sometimes you DRIVE somewhere that you've been

a MILLION times,

and when you arrive and get out of the car you

AREN'T QUITE SURE HOW YOU GOT THERE?

You don't remember anything significant about the drive? It's almost a little EERIE. That was today for me. I did the usual stuff around the house, did some work, and ?? I can't even remember. It was an insignificant day. Now I know what you're thinking--there's no such thing. And you're right. I hate that today passed me by. I was here, alive and well in all the moments that today's 24 hours had to offer, and I feel like I blew it. But tomorrow's another day, and I resolve to be grateful, thankful, happy, and present in it.

I LOVE DO-OVERS!

HOW TO MAKE A BUTTON

2009-07-11T23:37:00.027-07:00

Thank you, Bee and Rose, for passing on the info. from April Showers on how to make a blog button! I am much better with the old-fashioned kind of button maker, I'm afraid, and even though the instructions were very simple to follow, I still had issues. Heavy sigh. I gave it my best shot, and at least there's something up there in the corner to show for it! It's been a good weekend so far; we've played some games, watched some movies, and spent some time with good friends. Isn't that what it's all about?! We had a yummy dinner tonight complete with a recipe for ribs from a friend, and lots of fresh veggies! Even the dog had his way with a few carrots and some spilled mashed potatoes! Besides a little work that needs to get done tomorrow, I have really high hopes of getting in that great room of mine called my CRAFT ROOM (or more commonly, the place where the kids go to watch t.v.) I'm thinking of attacking my scrapbooks from another direction--one I started a while back when I was feeling overwhelmed with the incompletion of it all. I decided to do a book for each major "theme" in our lives, and expand from there. For example, I have a book entitled "HALLOWEEN". It certainly doesn't contain all the photos I take for that given holiday (hello, have we met?!), but just a sampling of a few pictures of the highlights. I also have a book called "BIRTHDAYS" with a 2-page spread for each birthday party for each child. Since my husband and I were married over the July 4th weekend, that holiday holds special significance not only as a national holiday of our great country, but as a celebration of our marriage. I have tried to take a family photo each 4th of July weekend, and these photos go into the "JULY 4TH" book. You get the picture (pardon the pun!). I also have a "YEAR IN REVIEW" book concept, and that one is a bit overwhelming because there are so many years that remain undone. With the 365 day photo challenge from BECKY HIGGINS, future years may be easier. Especially if I actually remembered to take photos every day. Ugh. Anyway, here are a few photos of the books as they are right now, and some other projects. With any luck, I'll be working on them here and there throughout the rest of our (rapidly disappearing) summer! I think the temp. here is supposed to be 156 degrees or something like that tomorrow--I don't watch the weather reports anymore--really, what's the point? The only thing I know for sure is that I now need oven mitts to grasp the steering wheel of the car and open the doors from the outside, and tongs to remove the keys from the ignition once we get where we are going. It's the price we pay for our beautiful winters here in Arizona. And I can say that, although I've had 2nd degree sunburns before, I've never lost a digit due to frostbite. I figure I'm about even.Photo tour of our home.

Year in review book, no journaling yet, only notes.

Another page of the same book, ready for pictures.

Birthday book, year 2. Incomplete, naturally!

Thanksgiving photos, recipes, traditions.

Book of Christmas cards from one season, not decorated yet.

Just a fun school idea that the kids and I did here at home.

ABC book of baby's first year, the first book project I had ever done.

Another book of Christmas pictures and letters from family and friends. I put these out every year in a Christmas basket so that we can look through them and remember years gone by!

IT'S SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN'S GOOD!

2009-07-02T14:56:00.035-07:00

Just an ode to summer today. Yes, we live where it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk in the summer (never been tested by me, just an urban legend we like to pass on). Yes, sometimes the car does smell like burning ass when you get in--especially if you have leather seats. And yes, I have gotten 2nd degree burns while wearing 50 SPF on an overcast day at the pool. But still, summer also means lazy days, not having to get dressed until noon--heck, not getting out of bed until noon most days--and catching up on all the projects that there's never any time for during the school year. So far, here's what we've accomplished:

WE HAVE BASEBOARDS!!!!! We put wood flooring in a couple of years ago, and due to time and budget constraints, we weren't able to add the baseboards until now. YEA!
We have recovered our dining room chairs. Okay, we used duct tape because the staples wouldn't go through the wood, but they're MOSTLY done.
Rearranged furniture in the living room--just awaiting the addition of the game table and some floor cushions!
Sanded and partially painted the re-purposed coffee table to be a game table--waiting for a windless day to finish.
Pajama pants--lots and lots of pajama pants!
Reorganized pantry.
Clean (but you have to look REALLY quickly) playroom (I wasn't quick enough to get a picture, darn it).
Painted picture frames for ART GALLERY wall.
Organized and labeled files (just an OCD thing...)
New recipes tried.
Lots and lots of salsa made.
First-ever attempt at LETTERBOXING in Sedona.
Working out, rock climbing, and basketball at the Rec. Center.
Lots of movies, friends over, and wine-drinking (just the adults).
Standard-issue Super Dog Cape made for Super Dog (sometimes the "S" stands for Stupid, sometimes for Silly) by the daughter.

I still plan to get a handle on my scrapbooking--at least a start. I still plan to reread Stacey Julian's book to be re-inspired to take control!

On a sadder note, the Something Lovely that I was going to make? Um, not so much. My journal ended up looking like a bit of a fabric-covered nightmare. Luckily, I googled journal covers, and found this great tutorial for any who are interested. Maybe one day I'll learn to read the directions first--but why ask for permission when you can ask for forgiveness?

SOMETHING LOVELY

2009-06-25T14:21:00.004-07:00

I'm off to try to make something lovely today. Not sure what it's going to be--I made LOVELY salsa last night (a family favorite, I make a batch almost every week!), and cleaned all the LOVELY bathrooms, so now I'd like to go make a scrapbook, fabric, journal something-or-another. Vague enough?! I have a few hours before basketball games tonight, so thought I'd try my hand at a fabric-covered journal. I have a bit of a journal addiction--I've never met one I haven't liked (or purchased, perhaps). I love to buy the old style composition notebooks when they go on clearance after the back-to-school shopping is done and then cute them up with paper and doo-dads. My daughter and I were on a PAJAMA PANTS binge a week or so ago; here are some of the fabrics we used.

Yes, that is CROSSWORD FABRIC you see--I'm a big fan--WORD NERD, I am. So off I go to CREATE. If the result is picture-worthy, I'll post it! Have a great day!

THE KNEES OF SUMMER

2009-06-13T20:54:00.003-07:00

Do you remember having knees like this? It brings back some great summer memories for me. My knees still look a little like this, but that is another story, and it probably involves cleaning. Or being clumsy. Or stairs. If I close my eyes, I can still smell the fresh cut grass and hear the distant buzz of the lawnmowers all over our neighborhood. I can hear the voices of my friends as we played freeze tag for the zillionth time in our front side yard (the size of a regulation baseball field--I had it so rough). I can taste the carrots pulled directly out of the garden dirt, wiped off on my shorts, and maybe--if a parent happened to be watching--rinsed off with the garden hose. I have not, since my childhood, tasted a carrot, radish, or peas as delicious as those were. I can smell the hamburgers and hot dogs grilling on the barbecues, and picture all the dads out back (we had no fences) watching the kids play while they grilled. Here's to summer, to the all the great memories, and of course, to the knees of summer. Ah, to be a kid again.

ORGANIZATIONAL EYE CANDY!

2009-06-08T13:29:00.013-07:00

Flaves of the day: Pineapple-Mango and Strawberry from Bath and Body Works. Makes you want to eat a fruit salad.

In the spirit of getting myself ready to organize, I thought I'd pass on some pretty pictures to inspire! These images give me a sense of calm and happy--just like a picture of the ocean, or of a lovely dirt path down a clearing in the woods. Okay, maybe not JUST like that, but still...it works for me! Here's my little cleaning/organizing routine.

Fire up the fragrance burners with a combo. of invigorating, fruity scents--think clean house, here. (see above)
Put on some favorite music--either dance music, 80's music, or something a little jazzy, like Nora Jones.
Put on the most comfortable, old, soft "cleaning uniform" you can find--my favorites are my circa 1990 Old Navy 4th of July tee shirt and yoga pants.

You are now ready to begin any domestic task that awaits you! I am going to go create some labels for my files right now, and I'll post pictures later.
Now without further ado, courtesy of REAL SIMPLE, here are the promised pictures!

This is a good look for a closet...if you only have seven shirts.

Disclaimer: The lovely "boy and girl closets" will only look this way up to the point
where the boy and girl enter the room.

Now, go forth and organize!

I'M THE MOM OF A TEENAGER

2009-06-03T03:02:00.016-07:00

age 10

How did this happen? I'm still so young...and cute! Well, I am, aren't I?! Why are you laughing? How can I have a 13 year-old boy? It seems like just yesterday I was banging his car seat carrier against my legs while carting him around in it. Just yesterday that my left bicep was noticeably larger than my right one from carrying my chubby baby boy. Just yesterday that I was filling up snack sized bags with Cheerios and sippy cups with apple juice and ice to take with us anytime we left the house. When I close my eyes and go back through the memories, I guess it's about right...we've had 13 great, crazy, wacky years with this boy, and I've loved every single one of them! Once when we were leaving his 1st grade classroom he said something that I found particularly funny. As I laughed, he said, "You just can't take the silly out of me, can you mom?!" No, I couldn't, but I would never try! This is the kid who will tell you a knock-knock joke while reprogramming your computer, manage to leave all his dirty socks out of his laundry basket and complain that he has no clean ones, kiss the dog on the lips but not his mother, and pole vault over the couch "just to see it he could". He will beg to stay on the computer or video game for just a few minutes more, hide around the corner to scare the heck out of me and laugh, give something to a friend in need without ever being asked, and fall asleep with all his lights and radio on every night. He puts a lot of stock in "fair", but is always the one to concede in an argument. He feels deeply, but says little. He is impatient with people sometimes, but never the dog. He once dubbed himself "The Baby Watcher" and is always kind to babies and loves to make them laugh. He has never said an unkind word about a friend. He has to be reminded constantly to cut his fingernails. He is a gifted writer with the handwriting of a serial killer. He can be ridiculously messy, and heart-stoppingly kind. He is gifted beyond measure at many things, but doesn't know it yet. He will be the most generous, kind, and loving husband and father some day, but for today, he's still my (teenage) boy. Sigh.age 9

age 11

age 11--never met a dog he didn't love

age 12

THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

2009-05-23T00:50:00.009-07:00

A Facebook friend posted this to his blog. All I can say is WOW. This guy says what a lot of teachers have felt for years. Please let us stop teaching to the test. Please stop changing the curriculum every 15 minutes (and that's being liberal...). Those of us who do our research already know about the differences in learning styles, and do our best to teach to all of them across the board--visual, auditory, kinesthetic. OF COURSE the basics are important. They always have been, and they always will be. But there's more than one way to get there. There are MANY unconventional ways to get there. I had a student one year, I'll call her Georgie (because that was her name, and it was like, 100 years ago, so I doubt she'll be offended) who absolutely, positively, COULD NOT sit still. Ever. For any reason. She was like a tiny burst of energy in her cute little dress sitting there in my 2nd grade classroom. The problem was, there were also 31 other cute little people also sitting there in my classroom (an injustice unto itself) who were becoming distracted by her inability to control her wiggly self. One day, Georgie and I devised a plan to help her get her work--ANY work, done. From that day on, after the teaching portion of the lesson, I stapled her assignments to the wall. The deal was, as long as she did not bother other people by making eye contact with them or by making noise, she was free to walk laps around the classroom. Each time she passed her paper, she stopped to do a problem (sometimes 2). Guess what? It turns out that Georgie, who had until this time been getting F's on all of her assignments, was an A student! For the rest of the 2nd grade year, she continued to work in this fashion, and at the end of the year, was one of my top achievers. Sadly, the next year she didn't return to our school, so I don't know how she fared after that. I can only hope that other teachers along the way helped her to be herself inside of some basic parameters, and that she learned to speak up for herself and to be her own advocate. A tall order for a 7 year old, but if anyone could've done it, Georgie could have. I was down about losing her until I talked to a teacher friend of mine. I told my friend that I didn't want all of my efforts and Georgie's to have been in vain should she just be plopped into a traditionally-structured 3rd grade classroom. I will never forget my friend's reply. She said, "If you knew there would be a famine in 9 months, would you quit feeding your children today in preparation for it?" When I think of her, and of her words, I know that no effort I make as a teacher, mom, wife, or friend will ever be wasted, and that I will always strive to feed and nurture the creative minds and expressions and "outside the box" ways of every student, to allow them to reach their full potential. Watch this video, you'll love it.

SPECIAL AT TARGET

2009-05-19T11:14:00.005-07:00

I dragged my tired, crampy, crabby butt to Target this morning because, quite frankly, we were going to start having to wipe our hands on our tee shirts and our rear ends on...let's just say we were out of a lot of the essentials. I was on a mission: get in and get out. Those of you who know me are now shaking your heads in disbelief because you know that THAT IS JUST NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN. I may have looked at a couple of non-essentials. Whatever. Quit being so judgemental. ANYWAY, imagine my surprise when I checked my receipt and saw THIS.Some of you will no doubt be as shocked as I was--O.B. TAMPONS ARE A SPECIALTY ITEM AT TARGET! I walked out with just a hint of a spring in my step. It wasn't as if I had splurged on chocolate covered raisins or gourmet coffee or anything, but still. I do enjoy the finer things in life.

GREAT BOOK!

2009-05-17T23:26:00.005-07:00

It's late, but I wanted to post about the book I just finished last night (okay, it was early this morning--I wanted to pass it on to a friend who was leaving for Argentina!). It's called "Before I Wake" by Robert Wiersema. I'm not going to say anything about it except that it was definitely worth the read! This is his first novel after 15 years as a journalist, etc., and I will be on the lookout for more from him. Here's a picture of it for you. Let me know if you read it and what you think!
Here's the author's website as well.

HELP! GET THIS 2ND GRADER OFF MY BACK!

2009-05-13T18:24:00.015-07:00

While sitting at a traffic signal today, I was lamenting about the current state of my affairs. And by affairs, I mean my hips, gut, thighs and nether-regions. Nothing like a close-up, personal look at your lap at a stop light. Wow. So there I was, thinking that the amount of weight I have to lose is approximately that of a medium-sized 1st or 2nd grader. Or a really, really big toddler. And while I struggled to hold back the tears, I thought to myself--hey, it could be worse. It could be a Jr. High student, or half a little league team, or a Hefty Bag full of soggy leaves, or...you get the picture. Of course, gone are the days when I only had to lose a medium-sized roast, or a Thirst Buster cup full of rocks, but I've got to start somewhere, right? Why did those days seem so overwhelming at the time?
So, my large, robust self and I walked into the local library (that's where I was heading at the time, darn traffic signal) and checked out some healthy eating, inspirational cookbooks. I would like to insert an asterisk here *. If you are semi-hungry, NEVER sit and page through cookbooks in your local library. Even the endive and water chestnuts were jumping off the page at me. I persevered, and came home and ate a sensible dinner (I have the BEST recipe for Thai Style Chicken Soup EVER! The calories involved may not be exactly sensible, but the portion I ate was), and am going to once again begin an exercise program straight away. I am actually excited about this part...before starting my economy-necessitating 2nd job, I enjoyed working out 2-3 hours almost every day! Really, I did! My kids and I even got our black belts in Kung Fu--the toughest work-outs you'll ever love.
So, I will lovingly but firmly kick my own butt back into a reasonably pleasing shape, hopefully before my 40th birthday. Wish me luck, it's in July!

And now, for my visual imagery as I start the workout process:

HEY! How did THOSE get into my mental imagery process?! I'm SURE I wasn't thinking anything like that. I'll try again.That's what I thought.

JUST A THOUGHT, SOMEWHERE AFTER MIDNIGHT

2009-05-12T00:13:00.007-07:00

Just add teen.

'Tis the season for the graduation invitations and photos to be rolling into mailboxes around the country. I, for one, couldn't be prouder to know so many graduates, both friends and family, both high school and college! As this year's hopefuls embark on their journey to greater fulfillment though higher education, job, or new career, I find myself wondering one thing. Why is every high school senior photographed by a tree, stream, or waterfall? It's as if we believe that they all suddenly want to commune with nature. To find their inner nature guy or gal. Why not photograph them in their natural habitat? You know, on the couch, with a bag of chips. Or with an I-pod cord dangling from their pocket, connected to their ears. Or laying across their beds in their messy rooms.
I think there is a direct correlation here between this phenomenon and the one that says when a woman becomes pregnant, she suddenly wants all her clothing to have flowers across the chest, arrows pointing to her expanding belly, or sailoresque collars.
I sense a conspiracy theory, don't you?

THE STORY OF STUFF AND MOTHER'S DAY VIDEO

2009-05-10T22:35:00.003-07:00

This is a very interesting video. When I first opened it and saw that it was 20 minutes long, I almost closed it without watching it. Then, as the lady started talking, I couldn't stop watching. I think I owe it to my kids to at least be knowledgeable about where stuff comes from and where it ends up. I thought I knew, and for the most part I did, but this helps put it into words that a child (or their mother!) can understand. Let me know what you think!
http://www.storyofstuff.com/

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVEN'T YET SEEN THIS HYSTERICAL VIDEO, HERE IT IS!

THINGS ARE GOOD!

2009-05-03T13:10:00.013-07:00

Just a few photo representations of some GOOD THINGS. Not necessarily MARTHA, but then, either am I!

A good cup of coffee

A good piece of advice

A good meal on the savanna

A good way to chillax

A good chance you'll arrive late

Just goes to show that any potential negative can be turned into something productive and positive! I'm just sayin'. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

SUMMER IS COMING!

2009-05-03T11:35:00.015-07:00

I can almost taste it, summer is coming! Of course, here in Arizona when you taste summer, be sure to blow on it first so it doesn't burn your tongue. I'm not sure I could ever have the kind of job that doesn't give you summers off--I love the cosmic do-over of the school year; the hope-springs-eternal attitude of what I will do next year with my class that's even better than this year; the whole new group of faces in August. Not that I will likely be teaching full time for a couple of years, due to the severity of cuts in education here in our state. But DON'T get me started on that whole subject. It's a slippery slope. Here are a few things that I have planned for this summer. Now, I'm not going to list the obvious: sleeping in, napping, taking baths in the middle of the day, and catching up on books and movies that I've missed during the year, just some OTHER (less obvious) things that I started listing back a couple of weeks ago when the kids in class started in hot and heavy with SPRING FEVER, and G.W.D. (Generalized Whine Disorder). Here they are, in no particular order:

recover living room chairs (I scored some fabulous Waverly fabric at a garage sale for a couple bucks--plenty to redo all 6 chairs!)
re-read and apply the ideas from Stacy Julian's Photo Freedom book to my ever-mounting stacks of photos
spend some time in here doing the things that I love
hang our fun, repainted frames here to showcase the kids' artwork and pictures
try oodles of new recipes that I've found all over blogland from great recipe blogs
try some simple sewing projects that won't send me to the loony bin, maybe take a class from a sewing friend with my daughter (she's a natural, me--not so much)

I'm keeping the list short so that I will hopefully feel a measure of success, instead of that ego-crushing, heart stomping failure come August when I will once again be back to school!

SWINE FLU? ARE YOU KIDDING?

2009-04-26T23:39:00.005-07:00

First it was the bird flu. Actually, it was probably 5,497th, but it was the first outbreak I remember, and the first time I ever felt really afraid of a bird (unless you count the duck down by the lake that repeatedly chased me and tried to untie my shoe during cross-country practice in high school...). Now they are telling us it's the SWINE that are out to get us. What is it with all these animal-named outbreaks? I mean, have they no memory of what Noah did for them? Give a brother (and his sister) some love, man. I, for one, am tired of worrying about all this crazy virus-germ stuff. Here's my daily schedule.

Wake up.
Wash hands.
Take a shower.
Apply hair product.
Wash hands.
Eat breakfast.
Wash hands.
Think about dirt.
Wash hands.
Drive to school.
Wash hands in the first available restroom.
Hear a child sneeze down the hall.
Wash hands.

And this is how the day continues. I use, although I'm a bit scared of, the hand sanitizer. I am not a total junkie, but I will admit scrambling to get to it in my purse after touching something wet and sticky in a public place. It has its place, but I think it's just a matter of time before the mother-of-all-super-giant-virus-bugs lands on our planet and says, "YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD KILL ME WITH A LITTLE SQUIRT OF HAND SANITIZER?! HA!" And he will say it just like that, too. "HA!", really loud and mean-like. Because he can.
I think that all of this international flying has really fiddled with our immune systems. When someone who lives in Budapest can fly to Canada, go fishing, then travel on to Cancun to soak up some sun and return home in time to present his family with the lovely gift of the Swine Flu, we've got a problem. Sure, the average age of our life expectancy is up, but it's only because we're not plowing the fields on any given day, exhausting ourselves to extinction. That, and Advil. Here's a shameless plug for my favorite friend, who's always there for me in my time of need, ADVIL. I think I'll travel to my local Target store, stock up on Advil, face masks, and a few pints of Ben and Jerry's and ride out this latest outbreak in style. Here's hoping none of you and yours are affected by this latest epidemic (I hope it doesn't go pandemic) and that we can all breathe easy for awhile before we are attacked by the next mammal or reptilian trying to make their mark in history.

I'M NOT DEAD!

2009-04-24T17:44:00.005-07:00

I just feel like I've been run over by a very. large. truck! Not really, life is just so crazy, wonderfully busy lately! I've been teaching, cleaning, shuttling, typing, reading, learning, grading, sneezing, birthday-celebrating, organizing--and that's the abbreviated list! My daughter just had her 11th birthday--where has the time gone?? I am enjoying watching both of my kids grow up, and all the ups and downs (but especially the ups!) that accompany these times. We got to spend some time in Calabasas, CA with my phenomenal sister and her family. I always return inspired to take better care of myself--she's in incredible shape and always puts good nutrition as a top priority. One of my favorite Michelle-isms is from awhile back. She was talking about the importance of the right combination of food in a meal;I think this is how it went.
Me: What combo./ratio of protein to fat to carbs are good together?
Michelle: Well, for instance, if you are going to have carbs, you should always have protein with them. You would never want to eat fat and carbs together--that's a bad combination.
Me: Oh really? You mean like a SNICKERS BAR? Yeah, that would be wrong. I'd never want to do that.
I guess that's why she looks like she does, and I look like I do! Damn you, Snickers.

GRAB A TISSUE AND KISS YOUR DOG

2009-04-01T00:18:00.003-07:00

A high school friend posted this on Facebook. In the 45 or so seconds it took to watch this video, I went from "going to turn in for the night" to bawling. I left her a message saying that I have to be up for work in about 5 hours, and my eyes are now going to look like puff pastries. All puffiness aside, can you imagine a world where people treated each other this well? And selfless acts such as this were commonplace? I would love to live in that world. One of my favorite quotes of all time is by our guy Ghandi. He says to"Be the change you want to see in the world". It may be a dog-eat-dog world, but it doesn't have to be. It wasn't this time.

P.S. The news reporter on another clip just like this one said that some freeway workers saw the dogs and stopped to help. The injured dog survived!

LES MISERABLES

2009-03-29T22:34:00.005-07:00

I got to go out to a big girl show this weekend (not that kind, silly) with my mom! We went to see Les Miserables at the Phoenix Theatre. I've never been to this play before, and boy, was it awesome! We laughed, we cried, we were thoroughly entertained for 3+ hours! My mom's cousin, Dr. Andria Fennig, is a professional concert pianist who plays all around the world, and she was playing in this production. She was able to get us fantastic seats! My mom had just seen Les Miserables in New York, and she said she much preferred this performance, because the Phoenix Theatre is so much smaller and more intimate, and the acoustics were amazing! Off to grade some papers now--Western Expansion, not the French Revolution...and then on to MY castle on a cloud!

Not sure where this play took place, but definitely in a much larger theatre!

WORDLE AND A CUPPA JOE

2009-03-22T01:20:00.006-07:00

This site is so fun! Everyone's doing it, and it's free! And the reason for the words in my wordle? Yup. Can't sleep! I started yet another long term sub job, and as always, whenever there's a change in routine (heck, even a change in the weather!), I have a hard time sleeping. Coincidentally, it's also usually during this time that I get the most writing done. I've got notebooks full of ideas that often come after midnight--sometimes I don't want to disturb hubby (he's already disturbed enough) so I write with the light out. Those notebooks look especially lovely, but I can usually read them! The worst thing I've ever done in the throes of insomnia is to not write a good idea down, thinking that I'll remember it in the morning. Nope. Never happens.

If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you'll know that I love to organize. Anything. Really. So, I've decided to start from here on out writing everything (even grocery lists!) in journals, decorated with my vast stores of scrapbook supplies. They are going to be catch-all, tabbed books that I will take with me everywhere until I fill one all the way up. It will then get a date label and be stored on a shelf in the den. I always buy the composition notebooks when they go on sale after the back-to-school season, and these are the notebooks that I love to decorate. It's late now, so I won't take and post pictures, but I will soon! For now, goodnight, and creative dreaming!

And in the morning, this is a beautiful thing!

SPEAK WITH AUTHORITY!

2009-03-21T17:15:00.004-07:00

Here's another one by Taylor Mali--he just cracks me up! There are another few on You Tube (WARNING: not suitable for kids) that are funny too, go check them out! Besides, I really, really love his shirt! I'm a bit of a "word nerd", and think I'd like to have a Scrabble T-shirt of my own!

ERIN GO BRAUGH!

2009-03-17T11:54:00.021-07:00

Just a wee bit o' Irish trivia for you today! I love learning about word origins and traditions (I'm kind of a geek that way!), and did a little researching on-line. I found this great site with all kinds of information, as well as some stuff for sale. Probably too late for this year, but you could always get a head start for next year! Here's some of what I found:

An odd Irish birthday tradition is to lift the birthday child upside down and give his head a few gentle bumps on the floor for good luck. The number of bumps should allegedly correspond to the child’s age plus one.

The original Guinness Brewery in Dublin has a 9,000 year lease on it's property, at a perpetual rate of 45 Irish pounds per year.

The "Oscar" statuette handed out at the Academy Awards was designed by Cedric Gibbons, who was born in Dublin in 1823. Gibbons emigrated to the US, and was considered MGM’s top set designer from the twenties right on through the fifties, working on over 1,500 films. Besides designing the coveted prize, Mr. Gibbons managed to win a dozen of them himself.

Couples in Ireland could marry legally on St. Brigid's Day (February 1st) in Teltown, County Meath, as recently as the 1920’s by simply walking towards each other. If the marriage failed, they could "divorce'" by walking away from each other at the same spot, on St. Brigid’s day the following year. The custom was a holdover from old Irish Brehon laws, which allowed temporary marriage contracts.

According to some historians, over 40% of all American presidents have had some Irish ancestry.

Famous wit Oscar Wilde was born Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde in Dublin in 1854.

Bram Stoker was working as a civil servant in Dublin when he wrote “Dracula” in 1897.

Gulliver’s Travels” writer Jonathan Swift is buried in St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

The national symbol of Ireland is the Celtic harp, not the shamrock.

The tune of the "Star Spangled Banner" was composed by the great blind harper Turlough O’Carolan, who died about 35 years before the American revolution.

Medieval laws in Ireland allowed a man to divorce his wife if she damaged his honor through infidelity, thieving or “making a mess of everything.”

Muhammad Ali has some Irish heritage. His great grandfather was born in Ennis, County Clare, and emigrated to Kentucky in the 1860s. There, he married an African-American woman. A son born to this couple also married and African-American woman, who gave birth to Ali's mother, Odessa Grady. She married a man named Cassius Clay, and the two moved to Louisville, where the future champ was born.

The Irish tricolor flag, created in 1848, was designed to reflect the country's political realities. Orange stands for Irish Protestants, green for Irish Catholics and the white stripe for the hope that peace might eventually be reached between them.

Barack Obama’s maternal great, great, great grandfather Fulmuth Kearney came from Moneygall, in County Offaly. Mr. Kearney came to America in 1850.

Channel your inner leprechaun and see what else you can learn about Ireland today!

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME...

2009-03-16T14:08:00.016-07:00

Just when I thought they couldn't get any more creative in the way of lists, quizzes, etc. over yonder on Facebook, they've gone and done it! Do I really have time to be answering these completely useless questions? No. Should I be cleaning something in my house? Yes. Should I be at least thinking (or acting like I'm thinking) about what we're having for dinner? Yes. Am I going to answer these completely useless questions anyway? Um, yeah. I have no will power like that. I found this list while blog-surfing at this site. Here goes:

WHAT'S YOUR REAL NAME?

YOUR REAL NAME:
Lori

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (1st 3 letters of your 1st name plus ' izzle)
Lorizzle (Oooooh I love this! I may have to have my name legally changed!)

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal)
Red Dog (Back up Nancy Drew, the Red Dog is on the case!)

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (your middle name and street you live on/ or neighborhood if it's a number)
Lynn of the Desert (But I've forgotten my name, because I'm in a coma, and when I wake up I'll have amnesia and my uncle will be my long-lost father...)

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name
Butlo (Hey, I have a light saber and I'm not afraid to use it. No laughing.)

6. SUPER HERO/ CRIMINAL NAME: ( Your 2nd favorite color and favorite drink)
Pink Margarita (I'm suddenly thirsty...)

7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your mom's maiden name, 3rd letter of your dad's name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your moms first name) .
Otbecjy (Holy crap, it works!)

8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parent's middle names )
Ann Frank (What the....)

9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Sam (not so much goth as conjuring up images of the South before Lincoln stepped in...)

There's also a funny question game over at Kasey's site, All that is Good, that is hysterical! I'll be doing that one soon, as well! She even has a Mr. Linky (haven't figured that one out yet!) so that you can read all the other funny answers out there!

Thanks for all of your well-wishes, I am feeling a tiny bit better (feels only like I'm trying to suck a smallish lemon through a straw when I breathe now, not a large orange). We're on Spring Break--what's not to love?!

P.S. Spell check had a hay-day with this post!

Here, direct to you from the archives of You Tube, is Shirley Ellis, singing the original Name Game song!

Playing the game with names such as Alice, Dallas, Tucker, Chuck, Buck, Huck, Helen, Bart, Art, Mitch, Rich, Richie, or Maggie results in profanity or rude language. (We've all made that regrettable, embarrassing mistake...)

HOLD, PLEASE

2009-03-12T19:07:00.007-07:00

I am still here...sort of! I have pneumonia that is kicking my butt right now. I come home from teaching ready to crawl into bed, but not before grading papers and doing homework with my own kids! Dinner? Homemade? What's that?!! Thank goodness for husbands that pitch in when you're having a "near death" experience! My tubby full of hot, bubbly water is calling me, so I'm going to go answer...I'll be back soon!

Always the teacher, I thought I'd include photos for a science lesson. Here's your lung on pneumonia...
P.S. Never research a disease or sickness online...you'll come away knowing way too much and "qualifying" for many more, much worse sicknesses than the one you have!

Oh, and for those of you on a diet, this should help:

A close-up of the little buggers for you! Bon appetit!

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

2009-03-03T22:32:00.008-07:00

In light of the fact that I am nursing the mother of all colds (too whiny to post an original thought), and in light of the turmoil in the world today, especially affecting all of our children's educations, I thought I'd post this video that I received in my in-box from a fellow teacher today. All that most educators ask for is the right to do our jobs, to do what we feel we were "born to do". Just give us the basics, and we'll figure out the rest. Give us your poor, your dejected, your socially inept, and we'll figure out the rest. If possible, please give us some paper, pencils, and books. If not, though, don't worry, we'll figure that out too. If you want to see just how far the almighty dollar will stretch, give it to a teacher.

There are a couple of words that would land you in detention in this video, so be careful who is listening!

LASH WEDNESDAY

2009-02-27T22:42:00.005-07:00

It was Thursday. Sweet little snaggle-tooth (that's what he called his tooth, and said was the reason he would smile with his mouth closed in the school picture the day before) informs me that he will no longer be able to eat lunch at school. For a while, anyway. I said that I was sorry to hear that, and asked if mom would be sending in a lunch instead.
Snaggle tooth: "No, I can eat some of the lunch, just not the meat."
Me: "Oh, I see, is this because of Lent?"
S.T.: "Yes, we celebrate that at our church."
Me: "And you can't eat meat on Fridays?"
S.T: "Yes, but I can still have the dessert. And the fruit, I think, because that is definitely not meat. Did you give up anything for Lent, Mrs. B.?"
Me: "Yes, I gave up cross-country skiing on Thursdays."
S.T: "Wow, that sounds like it would be fun to do. We went to church last night and got lashes on our foreheads."
Me: "Do you mean ashes?"
S.T: "No, at my church we use lashes."
Me: "Did it hurt?"
S.T: "No, it just left a mark. I had to wash it off in the shower."
Me: "Well, that's good then."

God, I love these kids.

NONE OF YOUR BEEEZNESS!

2009-02-21T19:40:00.012-07:00

There are some stories that just beg to be told, and then there are some that lose something in the translation. I'm hoping that this one is in the first category.
The other evening, my kids and I were in the family truckster, heading off to the first of two basketball practices of the evening. We turned right at the end of our street, but a disturbingly close cloud of black smoke caught my eye in the rear view mirror, and I decided that we should backtrack to investigate where the smoke was coming from...you know, the "if there's smoke there's fire" theory and all. Sure enough, as we crossed the major road separating us from the fire, we could see flames licking up over the 6 foot high wall in someone's backyard. Which was a stone's throw from two other backyards. I quickly dialed 911, and gave the emergency gal the crossroads where we sat. She asked if I had an exact address, which I did not, but said that I would drive around the corner to find. Which I did. Once in the front of the house with major heat issues, I parked and ran up to the front door, wanting to alert anyone inside of the fire in the backyard. On the front door hung the all-too-familiar lock box, prevalent around our neighborhoods, and characteristic of a bank-owned repo. house. My first thought was, "good, no one inside to get hurt". My second thought was, "oh crap, there's a fire in the abandoned house's backyard". Or maybe that was both my first and third thoughts, but I digress. I had turned toward the back fence to see if I could see what was going on, when I was met by a rather unfriendly gentleman walking out to greet (or not) me in the driveway. He asked what I was doing, and what I needed (HUH???). I asked what HE was doing, and was he aware that there was a fire burning quite out of control in the backyard. To which he replied yes, and that it was no biggie, he was just "burning some bees". Again, HUH??! I told him that I had called 911 when I saw flames over the back fence from about 1/4 of a mile away, and that the fire had already been reported when I called. He looked at me, rolled his eyes, and said he'd go ahead and stay and wait for the fire trucks to arrive.
Now, just to recap: 1. Fire in backyard of abandoned house. 2. Man who is not the owner burning bees in the backyard of aforementioned house. 3. No water available to put out the fire, as house has been abandoned. 4. Fire department on their way.
I'm thinking his decision to stay was a good one. Oh, and did I forget to mention the jug of curious-looking yellowish fluid that was sitting on the edge of the property by the back gate? Bee fire propellant, perhaps?
We then left and proceeded to our practices as previously scheduled, and could hear the sirens in the distance. I called the emergency number back, and reported our findings to the lady on the other end of my phone. When she heard the new information about the fire and it's host, she asked me to repeat it to her. "Yes, ma'am", I said. "Bees. He's burning bees." There was a muffling sound, and then laughing as she said she would definitely send an officer out to investigate the, er, Bee Burning situation.
Later that evening, I got a call back from the officer that had investigated. Apparently this man did live in the neighborhood and had taken it upon himself to "watch over" this abandoned property, and had, in fact, been burning some bees.
It just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside to know that this kind of neighborhood watch is in effect so close to my home and family! I just hope the officer talked some sense into this man, and that there won't be any spontaneous burning of rattlesnakes or any other uncontrolled burns in the near future. Holy cow.

TODAY'S TOP THREE

2009-02-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

We went on a field trip today! Wait, that's not the best part...the best part is that I lived to blog about it! Really quickly, before I head to bed, I wanted to post my favorite top three things I heard today from the 2nd graders, while we were out.

Student: Mrs. B.? Can my bladder explode?
Me: I don't think so, I think that only happens to teachers. Why?
Student: Because I've seen a water balloon explode, and I've got to go to the bathroom really bad.

Student: If I had some money for every time I've seen this play, I would be totally broke because I've never seen this play before.

Julie: Mrs. B.? Jodi (not her real name) took some of my lunch and ate it.
Me: Jodi, did you take some of Julie's (again, you know...) lunch and eat it?
Jodi: No, she gave it to me. She said she didn't like the kind of chips her mom packed.
Julie: Oh yeah, I forgot. My brain does that to me sometimes.
Me: Yup. Me too.

A CHALLENGE

2009-02-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

A fellow blogger at Sassified has put forth a challenge. Always up for a challenge, (or at the very least, always dumb enough to accept one), I happily joined in! Sass will bestow a letter on you (or you may bestow a letter on your own self, I'll bet), and then you must come up with 10 things beginning with that letter that you love. Now, never one to take the easy way out, I will of course make this harder than it has to be. My letter is E, and here it goes!

Edamame. The kids and I love, love, love these little green soy beanies! They are delish steamed and salted! One of our favorite places to eat out is Pei Wei, and we order these little guys every time. My husband? Not so much...
Elf. The movie. We have watched this movie every Christmas season, many times, since it came out on DVD. We've even answered our phone, "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?" on more than one occasion. Neighbor friends, you know who you are, you'll remember this I'm sure!
Enchiladas. I really, really like all Mexican food, and have taken to making home made salsa every weekend (since the beginning of January, anyway!). I will post the recipe I use if anyone wants it, it is from my brother (found on-line...not my brother, the recipe), and is very, very close to Chevy's salsa--my favorite!
Ebay. Although I've rarely purchased and never listed anything on Ebay, I can sit for hours pouring over all the goodies that are out there for the taking. I especially love looking at all the craft stuff and the books. What a huge time suck!
Education. I have always loved teaching. I used to "use" my younger brother as my student, until the day he realized he didn't have to stay for "class". That was a really bad day. But then, I grew up and became an actual teacher. Not a high-paying gig, but also never a dull moment. I love to go about 80 m.p.h. and think in 20 directions at once, so this is the perfect career for me, I think!
Effervescence. Okay, this is getting harder! I love soda, which is filled with bubbles, thus...effervescence!
Energy. Lots of it, always! I love to be busy, and tend to focus more clearly and get more done when I am. Like a lot of people, I think. Happiness is the energy of life, and so is coffee!
Equality. I love living in a world where more and more people are recognizing their own strengths and abilities to change their destinies. With the power of a positive attitude, a love of life, and faithfulness in God, anything is possible for anyone. I believe in judging people by the "content of their character", and think that if everyone took responsibility for their actions and were accountable for them, this would be a very different and more enjoyable world.
Eucalyptus. I love the smell in cleaning products and in aromatherapy oils. Combined with rosemary is even better!
Endings. Happy ones! I'm a sucker for "and they all lived happily ever after". I've even gone so far as to create alternative endings for books (in my own head) that had adverse endings. I'm sure the authors of these books would be so glad to hear that!

There! I did it! And now I challenge you to do the same. Think outside the box a little--pick a letter that you may not think of as easy, and see what you come up with! Let me know if and when you post your lists, so that I can come and read!

P.S. I had to laugh at the comment back from Sass...she said she was surprised not to see ESPRESSO on my list...yup, missed that one!

A VERY FUNNY PHONE CONVERSATION

2009-02-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

I found the funniest blog, and this video was on one of her posts. It's a hysterical phone conversation between Ellen Degeneres and a woman named Gladys. I think I'd like to call Gladys too, she's good people! I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

HURRY UP, WEEKEND!

2009-02-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy week, and I'm looking forward to a fun holiday weekend! Ah, the bliss of a government job! Even if it does occasionally mean being vomited on (in a non-medical atmosphere), it's still a very cool gig! I'm submitting this picture as a visual of how I've felt the last couple of weeks...

Funny Videos
...and this is just funny!

Funny Videos
Can you tell I found a fun new website? Click on the link and it will take you there...very funny stuff!

Good luck collecting the fine...

Funny Videos
Necessity is the mother of invention...

Funny Videos
I think we saw him eating a Suburban once...

Funny Videos
And I just HAD to include this one...he's probably in the gifted program.

Funny Videos

Have fun looking at the hundreds of other funny pictures on this site, just be sure your audience is adult, because there are many that are definitely not kid friendly, and nobody wants that kind of 'splaining to do!

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

2009-02-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

I decided to dig through some old photos (okay, they are organized and cataloged chronologically, so it's not really digging!) and find a Valentine's picture from long ago to post in honor of the up-coming holiday. Although I didn't find the exact one I was looking for (fabulous, WHERE IS IT???), I found these! The kids and I used to meet my mom in the park for a Valentine Picnic lunch every year. I always looked forward to preparing the cute sandwiches (cut into heart shapes) and all the special goodies for all of us to share.
Flash forward to today, and I am missing these days so much! I long for the sweet, carefree days of not having school schedules, sports schedules, and work schedules to adhere to! Our days were ours to do with what we pleased, and we filled the hours with so much fun! Of course, back then life seemed riddled with a "to do" list as long as my arm--just like now--but now as a memory, it all just seems like a blip on the screen.
The lesson I'm going to take away from this: live in the moment more, worry less, and appreciate every second with the people you love, because all of today's obligations and worries will one day just be a blip on your screen!

WAGON RIDES FOR TUESDAY!

2009-02-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

The cute little button over here (finger pointing to the right) was made to spread the word about the VIRTUAL WAGON RIDE that will take place this Saturday (tomorrow) in honor of a little girl named Tuesday Whitt, who was only with her family a short time before returning to heaven. She had an aggressive form of cancer that, despite everyone's best efforts, took over her little body.
Take some time this weekend to be grateful for your children, your spouse, your friends, and all the people in your life that you may, at times, take for granted. I know I will! Tuesday's family is going to have a wagon ride in her honor at a local park, because wagon rides were one of Tuesday's favorite things! Everyone out in cyberspace can join in, in their own way, to celebrate life with their own VIP's. If you take pictures, you can post them here, and the family will be able to see just how far the love for their little girl has spread!

No longer forward nor behind
I look in hope or fear;
But, grateful, take the good I find,
The best of now and here.

-John Greenleaf Whittier, MY PSALM, 1859

NEEDED: MOTIVATION

2009-02-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

I am having one of those completely unproductive days. I'm just not feeling any love for the laundry pile that covers the couch in my bedroom (hey, it's clean, and no one has ever died from wearing wrinkled clothes), and I'm certainly opposed to all things grime and dust. I've tried rolling right AND left, and it seems that both sides of the bed are the wrong side to wake up on. I SHOULD try to tackle the pile of papers in my office that threatens to overtake me on a daily basis. Again, just not feeling it.

Do you think our ancestors on the prairies of this GREAT LAND ever had days like this? Probably, but without the luxury of whining about it. I just can't imagine great, great aunt Mabel (names have been changed to protect our good family name) expressing her discontent at having to milk yet ANOTHER cow to her hard-working hubby. Although, she may have uttered a disgusted sigh at seeing yet ANOTHER pile of dungarees that needed beating up against a rock in the river. That was a 1/2 mile walk from the farm. Up hill, both ways. In the snow.
When compared to the obstacles of previous generations, my lack of enthusiasm over doing chores in my beautiful, a/c cooled, gas-heated home seems a bit...pathetic.

On that note, I think I'll put on my happy face, change my attitude, and go clean something! And after I feel that I've earned it, I will return to Blogland, the land of milk, honey, fabulous stories and recipes that my children's children will one day pass down tales about ("Did you know that one day great-great grandma surfed the net and visited 100 blogs of people she didn't even know and left them ALL comments?").

Duty calls.

LOOK WHAT I GOT!

2009-01-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited, it's my first ever blog award! And I got it from my new friend at Bee and Rose! She and I decided we were kindred spirits right off the bat, and I tune in to her blog daily! She's super funny, so go and read!
I now get to pass this award for GOOD ATTITUDE AND GRATITUDE to 10 of my favorite bloggers out there. The problem is, I have about 800 favorite bloggers out there--at least!

But here it goes:

1. Ashley at Our Happy Nest

2. Alexis at Running Away? I'll Help You Pack!

3. Vodka Mom at I Need A Martini Mom

4. Kasey at All that is Good

5. Tiffany at Eat at Home

6. Marla at Stolen Bon Bons

7. Stesha at Hot Chocolate Carmel Mocha

8. Antique Mommy at Antique Mommy

9. Linda at Restyled Home

10. Mommy's Martini

11-a millionty hundred....insert your name here!

Now go forth and make a list of your own 10 honorees! Make a list, link 'em up, and leave them a comment saying so, so they can come and claim their prize!

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

2009-01-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Hanes,
I am writing to you today to voice a growing concern that I am having regarding your line of panties for women. Although this is by no means a new issue, I have found that it has reached a new, disturbing apex of anxiety for me. It has to do with the overwhelming number of choices that you offer. Now, I understand that we girls like our choices, and we are even prone to changing our minds several times in our constant search for "new and improved" products. But seriously? I find myself in the aisle at Target or Walmart, akin to a deer in headlights, all while trying to do something as simple as pick out a six-pack of undies. We used to have to choose between "granny panties" and high cut panties, cotton or mysterious silky blend fabrics, and plain or patterned. Now, you've brought on the hurt with additional choices such as "hipsters", "boy briefs", "low rise", and oh, I could go on and on. And the cute little sticker that says, "NO RIDE UP" and "WEDGIE FREE"?--shouldn't that just be a standard feature in a pair of underwear? I really hate to complain, and I really do understand progress, but it's getting increasingly difficult to explain to my husband and children that there will be no hot meal again tonight because I just couldn't make it out of the "unmentionables" aisle in under an hour and a half.
If you are open to suggestions, I would recommend that you limit your selections once again to just a handful, because more is just a pain in the butt, pardon the pun. Oh, and please keep the Bonus Pair Buy 6 get 1 Pair Free Cotton Multi Color No Ride Up Wedgie Free Hipsters on the list--I really like those.

Yours Until the Elastic is Shot,
Lori

TRANSENDING: LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

2009-01-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

I just watched this video on a fellow blogger's blog, Art on a Limb, and thought it was very touching. Women friends have such a special bond with each other, and this is such a beautiful tribute by this author, Kelly Corrigan! I've seen her book, The Middle Place, in the bookstore, and think I might just have to pick up a copy!
I want to dedicate the message in this video to all my gal pals out there, you know who you are! From the ones I had in grade school, Jr. high, high school, college, through work, on-line, in my neighborhood, through marriage, kids' sports teams, play dates, and everywhere else I've encountered "kindred spirits"!
Have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy a cup of coffee with a girlfriend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q

TALES FROM THE LUNCHROOM

2009-01-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share these fun little nuggets of wisdom and inspiration that I overheard today while on lunchroom duty. As a friend of mine said today, every would-be parent out there should have to cover a lunchroom duty or two--the world would be a lot less densely populated!

One boy to another: When is your mom going to have her baby? Does she still fit in your car? (I bet she's just hormonal enough to have a mean left hook...)
A little girl to a boy at her table: If you scoot any closer to me, I'm going to spit on you. (One day you may find him attractive...but probably not.)
One boy to another: Why are your teeth so yellow? Did your lunch cause it or don't you brush your teeth? (Politically correct? I think not...)
And finally, my favorite, one little girl to another: I love your nails! (purple and chipped) My mom says I can only use clear, because the other colors are trashy. (I tucked my red nails immediately into my pockets in shame...)

And then, back in class, as we were discussing the finer points of measurement:

Boy in foot cast: Mrs. B.? What do you think this black and green stuff is that's between my toes? (Lint...let's pray to God it's lint!)

I bet there's not a person out there working in any office that heard anything quite like I did today!

IF YOU TEACH, CHECK YOUR SELF ESTEEM AT THE DOOR

2009-01-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

My morning started out much the same as any other work day--coffee cup dripping, bag of school papers threatening to knock me down, and purse and lunch bag balancing me out on the other side to keep me from falling over--and that was just on the way to my car. But still, I was awake, alive, and happy to be going to do a job that I love.
As I gathered up the students from line before school, one of the little girls in the class I'm subbing in (long term) remarked that she liked my hair (I wore it down for a change), to which I responded a proud thank you! She then asked me if I fixed it that way on purpose, because "her hair looks kind of like mine when she first gets up in the morning and has, you know, bed head".

Strike one for the teacher.

During math class, we were learning to convert length measurements--feet to yards, inches to feet...you get the picture. A conversation ensued about the number of feet/yards in a mile, etc., and that lead to a comment by one little boy about how far they ran in cross country. As we converted miles into feet, I shared with them that I, too, used to run cross country and track in high school--back in the day of the dinosaur. To which my same little friend from this morning commented, "So were you skinny back then?"

Strike two for the teacher.

I'm now sitting at home, hair up in a clip, fat and happy after eating dinner.

Score one for the teacher.

VIDEO GAMES: DO THEY PROMOTE VIOLENCE?

2009-01-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

This mom says yes, they do. Especially in moms. Today started out with a bang, a boom, and a thud--and that was all before my head left my pillow. I had a REALLY BAD HEADACHE, probably from all the yummy stuff the Santa Ana winds are blowing our way. I suffered through some much-needed house cleaning, and was looking forward to reading some blogs (hey, I can read with my eyes all squinty) and a nice, long, hot bath. Then these two, after playing a LOUD COUPLE OF HOURS OF CAR RACING VIDEO GAMES,
decided that they would play a round or seven of Nerf Darts. Notice the re-purposed Super Hero belt around the boy's head. He informed me that he was a Ninja Warrior, while my little princess (choke) said she was "just a regular warrior". They packed some peanut butter crackers and water in backpacks (seriously), and made the long trek up the stairs, where I was now happily reading away on the computer. To shoot at each other. Loudly. I was just about to suggest the backyard as a better war zone, when someone took a Nerf Dart to the eye. That led to a swift pop in the belly of the other with the injured's Nerf Gun, and after that all that could be heard was me, screaming for them to stop fighting by the top of the stairs. I think I may have mentioned something about knocking them both into next week. Possibly. Anyway, the two boobs left me alone for a little while in the tub, until I once again became BASE. Heavy sigh.

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

2009-01-07T23:19:00.000-07:00

I was reading through some comments and looking at some fellow blogger's blogs tonight, and came across Nicole at What a Trip! She created a "Thankful Thursday" list, and I thought I'd follow suit! I want to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving going all through the year--after all, it's not just about the turkey (and the stuffing, cranberries, and mashed potatoes...) Here's my list:

I am thankful for warm, fuzzy socks. Any color, any length! It seems like my feet are the only things on me that get cold, so it's good to have a cure!
I am thankful for my kids to hug goodnight! I'm so very thankful every day for these two sweet (mostly!) kids of mine--sure, they drive me nuts some of the time, but I wouldn't want it any other way!
I am thankful for good books to read--'nuf said!
I am thankful for soda full of caffeine, and of course, COFFEE!!! Preferably, straight from here:

I am always, always thankful for family and friends that make my life richer every day just by being part of it!
Happy Thankful Thursday to everyone!

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

2009-01-05T01:53:00.000-07:00

It's about darn time, it's 2:00 in the morning! What does a girl have to do to get a little peace and quiet around here?! As it turns out, she either needs to ask for help cleaning toilets, or wait until 2:00 in the morning! I have an EXTREME insomnia problem on the night before any big event--traveling, holiday, even returning to work/school the day after a vacation. Which is what is happening this evening. At least I know to expect it after all these years, and I embrace it rather than fight it. This evening, after sending the kiddos to bed (yeah, right...they've inherited THAT gene from me), I settled in to a nice, hot bubble bath with a good read. Which is why I picked this picture to represent today, DAY NUMBER 4 of the 365 day picture-taking challenge.
01/04/09:

I have read most of Jennifer Weiner's books, and this one, "Certain Girls", is a sequel to one of her others, "Good in Bed". I wanted to read something just for fun, and this (actually both of these books) fit the bill! Besides, hubby isn't done with the first Twilight book yet, so I haven't been able to start it!
I've been cleaning up after my sick husband the past few days (bleaching down every surface he comes into contact with, including my bedding--I REALLY don't want this bug!), so haven't posted my other 3 pictures yet. Here they are!
01/01/09:
I picked this picture for the 1st one of the new year, because it's JUST SO WEIRD!!!!! If you look closely (or click on the picture to enlarge it), you can see my daughter in front of me, but she looks like a ghost walking toward me. I was experimenting with my camera settings, to try to get a nice shot of her by the snow outside of the church where we were celebrating our belated Christmas party with my husband's family.

01/02/09:
Undecorating after Christmas. This was sitting in the middle of my dining room table, and I just love the way it sparkles! I'll miss it until next year.

01/03/09:
This one was taken at about 3:20 a.m. in the backyard. It was freezing, and I stayed awake (big surprise!) with my son to watch the highly anticipated meteor shower...we saw a couple, but not enough for our tired selves to say it was worth the wait! Good times anyway!

I'm really enjoying this version of journaling! And hey, remember that sit-up, push-up resolution? I'm four-for-four, baby!

RESOLUTIONS, ANYONE?

2008-12-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

A "practice" shot of the doo-dad hanging on my craft room door!

Ah, it's time again to think about the 'ol New Year's Resolutions. I can happily announce that I kept every single one on last year's list! I did not eat liver (not even once), I didn't jump off any cliffs (not a-one), and I definitely didn't pillage or plunder (nowhere, nohow). I attribute my clear, concise, low standards to my success. This year, however, I think I may raise the bar. I am going to attempt to take a picture every single day--of something, anything--people, stuff, places. I'm planning on giving the Becky Higgins' Project 365 a try. For those of you familiar to the world of scrap booking, I'm sure you're also familiar with Becky! If not, you can take a look for yourself at her awesome blog, www.beckyhiggins.com. I love the randomness of this approach to scrap booking, and the ease of not planning ahead for the "perfect shot". Maybe "not getting the perfect shot" will make it to my list of resolutions!
I've also added Donna Downey's button to my sidebar--she's also got some really inspired scrapbook and art ideas! Click there for some great ideas as well!

As for a couple other resolutions in the works, here are a couple I've come up with:

Exercise--JUST DO IT (hey, if Nike can...) I think I'll start with 1 sit-up and 1 push-up on Jan. 1st, and increase by 1 of each every day! Sounds kind of fun, doesn't it?! I may also start by jump roping 1 jump for each day. Are you getting the picture? I NEED A GIMMICK TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
Meals--DIVERSIFY. The same 8-10 meals tend to rotate their way through our monthly selections, and our friend the CHICKEN tends to play the staring role in most of these. I want to branch out a bit, and incorporate 1 meal a month that is completely unique, and quite possibly from another country. I'm counting on all you food bloggers for my ideas, don't let me down!
Organize--DON'T LAUGH. Although to many I already appear fairly organized, I WANT MORE! I am going to finish organizing my magazine files and craft room THIS YEAR! I find great pleasure in organizing--sick and twisted, possibly, but I just love the overall look of "a place for everything, and everything in its place"!
Craft--MORE! I would love to try my hand at beginning a business of selling things crafty-organizy-educationy (the later two not actually being words...) This is the stuff that really makes me happy, and what's more fun than being happy??!

So, what do you think?! The lists keep forming in my head, I think I'll go commit a few to paper while I still remember them!

WHAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT

2008-12-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

I've been Walmarted, Targeted, Bath and Body Worked, and Bed, Bath and Beyonded today, and I want the madness to end! I was in the company of a dear friend, so it was bearable and we laughed all the way through each and every store, but I realized today that the fact that I have insulated myself against the "retailness" of Christmas so far this year was why I've been so darn happy lately! I purposely put off shopping to the last possible minute. I've never done that before, always preferring to start early and shop often. I do occasionally like the hustle and bustle, but it seems that lately it's accompanied by the grinchiest of folks. I had a man at Walmart nearly run me down to get out the front door ahead of me. I wanted to trip him a little...maybe not the most Yuletide thing to do. I know people are having tough financial times right now, and that can add additional strife at Christmas time. We have spoken to our children, who have so much more than is necessary, and told them that we were only going to be buying a few presents this year. Instead of being down or sad about it, they shrugged and said that it didn't matter, and that they were just excited to watch Christmas movies as a family, play games, and bake Christmas goodies. I guess we've done something right as parents of these two fabulous kiddos! Their response brought tears to my eyes, and my heart swelled with gladness that they understood what is really important this time of year and all year through! I want to share the letter that I found hanging in the "Letter to Santa" tube written by my daughter.

It reads:
Dear Santa,
For Christmas this year you should just concentrate on the families that don't have the things like we do such as a good place to live and food. My family will be fine with a little amount of presents this year because Christmas isn't just about receiving it is about giving. It is also about being with family and having fun together. So please Santa don't worry about us as much as the people without good shelter and food. Have a good Christmas!!! Love, Katie
P.S. How are the reindeer and elves? How is Mrs. Claus?

MUG SHOT

2008-12-17T23:21:00.000-07:00

A play on words is just ALWAYS FUN!

I wanted to quickly post this evening (hey, it's before midnight!), after most of the shrapnel has been scraped off the counters and floors, and before many of you may head out to the stores for a last minute teacher/coach/volunteer/parent-helper gift! My friend and I got together with the kids this evening after dinner and put these little yummy mugs together for a combined total of about 20 teachers. It all started last night in a "As Grant took Richmond" maneuver at Michael's 10 minutes pre-closing time. We found these cute mugs on the Christmas aisle, and it was there that the plan began to form. This holiday season brings with it a very tight budget, and so I will share the cost per item with you...you'll be ever-so impressed!

1 mug - $ .70 (found on 12/16/08 at Michael's)
1 coffee packet - about $ .10
1 tea bag - about $ .20
1 hot chocolate packet - about $ .10
2 individual creamers - about $ .10
1 candy cane - about $ .10
cellophane wrap - about $ .20
ribbon - about $ .05
tag (punched from Sizzix machine out of scraps) - nada

Grand Total per gift: about $1.55!!!!!!!
Having a gift to give the teachers we appreciate...PRICELESS!

Here's hoping they make if safely to school in the rain!

YOU NEED WHAT???

2008-12-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

My superhero in training! Taken a couple summers ago.

Oh, you'll just love this one. My 7th grader (boy) just came up to me this evening at 8:47 p.m. and informed me that he needed graham crackers, frosting, marshmallows, and Skittles for a gingerbread house that he's making....TOMORROW. Fantastic. Only that's not exactly what I said, if I remember correctly. Here's the neat part. I was at Walmart, Target, and Fry's over the weekend, and picked up all the stuff necessary for the gingerbread house that my daughter is making in her class this week. So I'd like to give a toast to planning ahead, and then another for great neighbors and spontaneity! It takes a village to raise a child--GOD BLESS MY VILLAGE!

THREE IS NOT THE NEW SEVEN

2008-12-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

Forty may be the new thirty (God, I hope so), brown may be the new black, but three is DEFINITELY not the new seven. Not when it comes to laundry. Or underwear.
I would like to be able to say that I am such a domestic goddess that laundry gets done throughout the week at our house, and that by the weekend it's all neatly folded and hung in the closets, but that would be a BIG FAT LIE, and my pants would be on fire. No, we're the family who is frantically trying to finish up laundry on Sunday night around 10:00. It usually stays on our bedroom floor (folded, at least) in piles until about Thursday of the following week, when mom's had enough and decides that it should return home to its rightful owner. That being said, it was with much sadness that I started the laundry this morning, and counted only 3 pairs of underwear from my son's dirty laundry pile. It's been seven (or at least six) days since our last load of laundry, folks. You do the math. Is this the little boy for whom I boiled the pacifiers that had fallen on the ground? Is he the one that I so carefully bathed--never neglecting the various and sundry crevices that could trap lint and dirt? Is this the pre-teen that I supply with endless bottles of Axe spray and lots and lots of deodorant?
Well, I'm off to look under the bed, on the bathroom floor, and God only knows where else to find the missing garments. Wish me luck. EW!

HOLIDAY TOP TEN

2008-12-10T20:21:00.001-07:00

I thought I would do a quick top-ten run down of holiday favorites! Here they are, in no particular order:

Decorating the tree! The air is electric with the excitement of the season to come!

Cold noses from playing in the snow!

Of course, my Christmas Mug collection! There's nothing like a cup of Holiday Mint coffee topped off with some chocolate syrup! Yum!

Polar Express--in 3D (and Santa hats)!

My mom's wonderful Nativity collection from around the world!
My kids love looking at them every year!
Baking Christmas cookies--lots and lots of cookies!
Family members enjoying their Christmas gifts!

Favorite handmade ornaments hanging on the tree!
Leaving cookies and milk for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer!

The Annual Christmas Boat Light Parade at grandma and grandpa's house, with Santa gramps at the wheel! It's always important to share the experience with a true friend!

Here's to making many new memories with family and friends this Christmas season!

HO, HO, HO, GETTING READY TO GO!

2008-12-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share my practically productive weekend with you! After the laundry got almost done and the last of the Christmas decorations were put into place late Friday evening, I decided that I'd implement a "cook-ahead" plan that I'd read about in a food blog a while back. I would really love to give credit where credit is due, but unfortunately I can't remember where I found this fabulous nugget of cook-ahead wisdom. If by chance you are reading MY blog, leave me a comment and I will gladly link your blog to mine! It was a "cook once, eat 10 times" post, and WHO DOESN'T LOVE THAT IDEA, I ASK YOU?!!! I bought about 6 lbs. of hamburger today at Target Superstore--if you live in the Peoria area, it was on sale for $3.79 for 2 lbs. One 2 lb.-er was fried up and left plain, the next 2 lbs. were fried with onion and green pepper (cook these separately and add when hamburger is finished browning), and the remaining 2 lbs. were made into meat balls. I followed "fab. blogger's" recipe, which was to add 1 cup of breadcrumbs (left over from Thanksgiving!), 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 4 eggs, and basil, oregano, salt and pepper to taste (eyeball it). I mixed this up and made 53 medium-sized meatballs. I flash froze them for about 2 hours on a cookie sheet, and then bagged them into 6 ziploc baggies. The ground beef was put into ziplocs as well, about 2 1/2 cups per bag. I have about 8 meals ready to go--the precooked burger can be added to pasta, soups, chili, tacos, etc. when I don't feel like starting dinner until late (or at all)! I used to do this with chicken as well (back in the day!), and plan to do so again. It's cheap, quick, and easy, and prevents a last minute decision to do a McDonald's "drive-by"! I'm looking more forward now to Christmas crafting and baking, now that dinners should be relatively simple! I hope you all have a groovy Monday, I'll be back soon!

I'M NOT AS THINK AS YOU TIRED I AM

2008-12-05T00:09:00.000-07:00

My brain officially turned off about 11:00 this evening, but yet, here I sit and type! I have discovered, as many (clearly more intelligent) people have discovered before me, that 20 hours of sleep a week. just. stinks. I think those people who like to quote you 8 hours a night may just be on to something.
I'm finishing up my first week of a long term sub. tomorrow, and it's been a lot of fun--and a lot of work! The kids are great, the teachers are great, and I feel so blessed to be part of this group of people for the time that I'll be there. That being said, if you see me sitting in the parking lot at Walmart or Target in my car, head down on the steering wheel sleeping? Please just leave me be. Keep on walking, nothing to see here folks. I just really need to rest for a bit. I was so tired last night on my way to bed that I actually ran right into a wall on my way into my bathroom to brush my teeth. The best part is that I couldn't stop laughing afterward--it struck me as completely hilarious. Not my husband, though, he was sleeping. I think that the thought of having to wake up, dress, and drive me to the insane asylum was very unappealing to him. Plus, who would make the kids' lunches?!
Here's wishing everyone a VERY HAPPY FRIDAY! I'm off to bed, mindfully watching the walls!

****Research in monkeys suggests that a new drug can temporarily improve performance and reverse the effects of sleep deprivation on the brain, which would be a breakthrough in helping shift workers, health professionals, military personnel and others who must function at top performance in spite of sleep deficits. --Innovations Report****

(Did they forget moms? The ultimate in sleep-deprived?)

IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES...

2008-12-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

(Click on photo to enlarge, and check out my son's very determined look!)

until someone gets impaled with a snowball! This is one of the funniest pictures I've ever taken, and it never fails to make me giggle! What is Christmas, if not to showcase brotherly and sisterly love?! We were waiting outside the church to enjoy our Christmas 2006 get together with my hubby's family up in Show Low. I told the kids to entertain themselves by making a snowman while we waited, and well, you know...one thing led to another. I really think this should be the front of a Christmas card! I will post Thanksgiving pictures next time, just wanted to get this up in time to say Happy December 1st to the SITSAS and everyone!

THIS JUST IN! THERE ARE SOME BIG PRIZES IN THE WORKS OVER AT SECRET IS IN THE SAUCE! STOP IN, VIEW THE GREAT MERRY SITSMAS CARDS, AND LEAVE A COMMENT TO REGISTER FOR--DRUM ROLL PLEASE....
A $200.00 TARGET GIFT CARD!!!!!!! AND LOTS OF OTHER GOODIES!

O.C.D. THANKSGIVING

2008-11-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

Turkey Tom hiding by the Thanksgiving Tree!

One table set and ready for action...
...and another!
the spiced cider station...
Thanksgiving NotebookIndex Page

Guest List Page
Dish by Dish Ingredients ListMaster Shopping List, separated by store name

I thought I would share my "Thanksgiving Notebook" (doesn't everyone have one?!) with you, as the BIG DAY rapidly approaches. Now, in my defense, the year this notebook was created, I was entertaining 20 plus people for dinner and wanted the food to be really yummy. I am a self proclaimed "psycho organizer", so how could I have pulled it off without my handy-dandy Thanksgiving Notebook? I find myself "spinning my wheels" if I don't establish a way to direct my rapid-fire thoughts into some semblance of order. I broke down each dish I planned to serve into a grocery list, and then combined all necessary items onto a master grocery list. I also went to a couple different stores, according to where the necessary item was on sale for the best price. It really did simplify things, and allowed me more time to enjoy family and friends as they arrived. The "guest list" section was generated to be cut apart and made into place cards. My daughter and I made really cute place cards, and also handmade napkin rings (for our paper napkins!) out of recycled plastic napkin rings that I picked up for next to nothing at a garage sale, some fabric remnants, and my Sizzix machine and scrap paper. I am including some pictures of that Thanksgiving--it was a blast! We are spending this holiday close to home with some dear friends, and we are truly thankful for all we have been given! After dinner, (which will be served on heavy-duty paper plates for fast clean up!), we will watch movies and play games for as long as we can before the turkey kicks in and we need to nap! Then we'll do my favorite thing--we'll get out all the leftovers and eat again!

HOW TO ENTERTAIN THE FAMILY DOG

2008-11-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

If you're not in the mood to go out in the backyard and throw a ball or stick for the Family Fido, rest assured, there's another way to keep man's best friend busy. My friend and I were sitting in my dining room just the other day doing our important work (read: doing crossword puzzles and reading magazines) waiting for the kids to come home from school. Now this particular friend of mine has a sort of "animal magnetism", because Scooter just can't seem to leave her alone whenever she visits. Or maybe it's that he knows he can ALWAYS sucker her in to throwing the ball for him. Or maybe it's the tasty lotion that she wears and he licks off her legs...ANYWAY, she decided to trick him by hiding the ball he'd just dropped in her lap in our basket of shoes (it runneth over) by the front door. Jack Russell's are notorious for being diggers, so he was in heaven playing his new game of hide and seek! We laughed and watched the shoes fly out of the basket, and Scooter run back and forth and jump in and out of the basket like a dog on diet pills. It was a real hoot and a half, I tell you. The pictures speak for themselves, especially the blurry ones! I guess I should've put my camera on Sports Mode!

A GREAT READ!

2008-11-19T02:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, it may be official, I've lost my mind. Does anyone see the time? That's right, it's 2:30 in the morning (why is the clock at the bottom an hour off? hmmm...). I just finished working, and had to post a quick note about an author I recently found. She's not new, but she's new to me, and I am absolutely digging her books (I've read 2 this week, and have started on a third). Her name is Nancy Moser. I found her accidentally, because I totally judge books by their covers. I understand the metaphor behind not doing that, with people and all, but with books? Come on! There'd be no jobs out there for graphic designers, photographers, and marketing folk if we didn't judge books by their covers! Anyway, the first book I read by her is called "The Good Nearby". The message in this book was so powerful, uplifting, and overwhelmingly simple! It was truly a life-changing read for me, and I READ A LOT! Almost as often as I think about cleaning my house (but don't) and eating chocolate (totally do)! If you get a chance to check her out (ha ha, from the library--get it?!), you won't be disappointed! Here's a link to her website. http://www.nancymoser.com/

HAIR OF THE DOG

2008-11-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

It seems we are having a problem at our house. It's a very wiley, very sneaky problem indeed. The specifics were reported to my hubby and I earlier in the week by our 10 year old daughter. It seems that she's been waking up with someone's DOG HAIR on her p.j. shorts. I say SOMEONE'S, because I don't want anyone to think I'm jumping to conclusions, or that I'm not being sensitive to everyone's right be assumed innocent until proven guilty. Let me back up the bus here a minute and explain. Katie has asthma, which made committing to a dog in the family a tough venture. We bought our Scooter Pie from a family member who promised to take him back and love him (naturally) if things didn't work out between us. So off we went, folding under the pressure of aforementioned daughter's plea that "she had a hole in her heart that only a dog would fill". I'm not kidding, those were her words at age 7. Her future in politics or sales is bright, I think. I immediately requested a "dog run" of my husband, who drove across town to get the 4 month old "surprise". As soon as she saw the dog come through the door of our home in his cage, she gasped, "Scooter!", and the name stuck! Those first few weeks with Scooter in our home went fairly well, and we established a few "house rules" for him. The NUMBER ONE RULE was that he would reside on the first floor of our home, and would NOT BE ALLOWED upstairs where all of the bedrooms are. We have wood flooring downstairs, and it's relatively easy to sweep up the mounds of dog hair that accumulate daily. I am often heard remarking that I think I could build an entirely new dog from the hair that I sweep up. Things were going along nicely, and everyone was following the rules. Or so it seemed. Sometimes, especially lately, I have had dreams of ringing bells (could they be dog tags?) as I lay sleeping in bed. But there's never been any evidence that would suggest a night time visitor on the second floor...until now. More research is pending, and I'm looking for a jury of his peers should I find enough evidence to convict. I'll keep you posted.

THIS JUST IN...

2008-11-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hey, guess what? Did you know that if you cut in line in high school, they will stuff you in a garbage can? It has to be true, because I heard it from a kindergarten friend of mine this morning. Also, CORN is made from the CORNUCOPIA (which strangely resembles the Bugle snack). This last part is my own observation.
If it weren't for the vast knowledge imparted to me by these worldly little folk (just ask 'em), I'd be forced to get my information from the news, or some other terrible place, and that just WOULDN'T DO! I do prefer to believe that MOST of what they tell me is true, because they are unjaded by pessimism, political correctness, and the cynicism of the world. To them, UP is UP, DOWN is DOWN, and no one gives a flying fart what color anyone is. I just giggled a little when I typed fart. Come on, you can laugh, it's a funny word.
Today, I told the the class the story of "The 3 Billy Goats Gruff". We used a felt board, just like in the olden days. Even though most of the kids had already heard the story, they all clapped at the ending, when the mean old troll got tossed into the lake by the biggest Billy Goat Gruff. They clapped because that's what you do when the bad guy gets his, and the good guys win. There's no gray area, no hurt feelings afterward. It just IS what it IS, and that's the beauty of the innocence of a child!

2008-11-09T23:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Sunday night again, and I ALWAYS seem to have a hard time going to sleep on Sunday nights. It's partly the anticipation of the week to come, and partly not wanting to give up the weekend that was. I find myself cruising the blogs, reading books, cleaning (yikes! yes, even cleaning) and every other little thing under the sun to avoid going to bed. Where I won't sleep anyway. I saw something shiny on a blog earlier today, can't even remember which blog it was as I looked at lots and lots, but it had to do with COUPONS! I've tried the coupon thing before, and frankly, I'm not very good at it. But, in lieu of the stinky economy right now, I AM GOING TO GIVE COUPON-CLIPPING ANOTHER GO! I'm always so inspired by the shoppers that get ridiculous amounts of groceries for chump-change--like $287.00 worth of groceries for $ .47. I WANT TO BE THAT GUY! I get the whole "coupon, ad matching, stuff on sale" combo. concept, but find that most of the stuff that falls under this category isn't the stuff I'm buying anyway. Not that there's anything wrong with tuna-flavored SPAM (kidding here), but it just isn't what sounds good for dinner. EVER. That being said, I'm vowing right here and now to look really closely at what's already on sale and I will try to combine it with a coupon. Isn't this great stuff??! Yup, it's really late! If anyone out there has any money saving ideas, feel free to leave me a comment. I'm an ALL OR NOTHING girl, and right now, I'm ALL about the savings, baby! Happy Monday to all, and to all a great Veteran's Day holiday on Tuesday!

HALLOWEEN PICS!

2008-11-06T21:45:00.001-07:00

Halloween 2006: Her hat says "Sprint", and she has a phone charger cord in her hand that fastened to the side of her shirt. We made her "buttons" with my Sizzix machine circle punch, craft foam, and a white pen. Her tinfoil antenna was stuck through a hole in the back of her hat!

My boy Stumpy.

My favorite felon and her pumpkin-head creation!

The real Stumpy and his pumpkin head creation!

There's nothing like a scorching sinus infection from putting you behind on your resolve to post Halloween pictures in a timely manner! I have been fighting this booger (pardon the pun) for a few weeks now, and am sad to say that it's kicking me in the ba donk a donk. I'm now on steroids (GRRRR!) and a new antibiotic, so we'll see what happens! Our Halloween theme this year was "If we don't already own it, too bad, we're not going to buy it", so the kids repurposed some older costume parts and were very resourceful! Gone are the days of the $40.00 a piece Disney costumes, and truthfully, those were never their (or my) favorites anyway. I have always loved putting together their costumes in a creative, do-it-ourselves kind of way. We've made a bunch of really neat costumes through the years--maybe I'll dig up some old pictures and post them. Many are (gasp!) not digital, so I'll have to scan them in. One of my favorites was Katie's costume 2 years ago--she was a cell phone! She was completely phone-obsessed, so it was a natural fit. Everyone got a big kick out of it, and she was as proud as she could be! This year, she was the prisoner (guilty of stealing Halloween candy, she said!), and Nate was the Headless Horseman, sans the horse. He looked totally creepy, which pleased him to no end. All in all it was a really fun night, and the kids had fun running through the neighborhood with friends collecting tons of candy! Unfortunately, it's still flowing freely around our house--into my mouth, and onto my midsection...oh well, it should be gone in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas goodies!

CASTING OFF

2008-11-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm off to cast my vote. It may just be one vote, but it's MY vote, and I'm so thankful to live in a place where I get the luxury of having my opinion matter! We are so blessed as a nation! Whoever wins this election today needs the support of a UNITED NATION under GOD--divided we fall, united we stand! That being said, I'm gonna go punch the heck out of some chads!

"So much has been given to me I have no
time to ponder over that which has been denied."
Helen Keller

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE BEFF!

2008-11-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

When my son was just a couple years old, he called his uncle Jeff, uncle Beff. We still call him that to this day, I just don't think he's aware of it. We went to the hospital Saturday to see Calli and Jeff as they celebrated his birthday in the hospital cafeteria. I was amazed at Calli's progress--it's been awhile since we've been there to see her due to our amazing collection of viral germs around our house. If she had been able to open her eyes (a side effect of the brain stem injury she sustained), she wouldn't have gotten even a sideways glance from anyone walking by--no one would've even thought she was a patient there! It was wonderful to receive smoochy kisses and tight hugs from this little pumpkin...it even made up for the lashings I received from the plastic bead necklace she was whipping about! I thought this was the sweetest picture--what better birthday present for her dad than the gift of his littlest girl's life itself? I have no doubt that with therapy and God's grace she'll be doing things that no one would've imagined as she lay in the hospital bed just a month and a half ago!

CONTAINER CRACK

2008-11-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

PLASTIC CONTAINER CABINET...EVERYBODY HAS ONE, RIGHT?
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...CONTAINERS AT WORK

This time of year is my favorite for so many reasons: the crisp, cool air, the smell of evening fires, the holiday hoopla that ensues, and the pretty little plastic containers in all my favorite stores. Yup, that's right, you heard me. I have such a hard time saying no to all those little wonderful plastic containers that the Glad company and so many others dress up so fancily for the holidays! There's the Halloween containers that are sweetly adorned with pumpkins and ghosts, the Thanksgiving ones with the fall leaves, and oh boy, don't even get me started on the winter and Christmas collection. Whoa Nelly! I have posted some pictures of my faves right here for your admiring gaze. I think they speak to my freakish need to organize things--all things--even food. Of course, they can hold other things too. I've used them to give gifts in, store craft materials, and even store game pieces for seasonal games. If I made a list of my top 100 favorite things (and I think I may just put that on my list of top 100 things to do), these would probably rank higher than scratch-and-sniff stickers. I know, right?! I really like them a lot! What's your favorite quirky thing about the holiday season?

AN ODE TO WALMART

2008-10-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

I was a happy kindergarten sub again today. I love those little guys--all wild-eyed and innocent (okay, maybe not innocent). I was trolling the lunch line and asked one of the little boys in my class if his hair felt soft with his new buzz cut. He answered that yes, it did, and would I like to feel it? Of course I said yes, and remarked at how fabulous it felt--soft like a baby's hairbrush. The little guy behind him was also sporting a buzz cut (hey, we live were it's hot until the end of October), and invited me to feel his hair too. Which of course I did. And also remarked at the fabulousness of it. I told them I just loved their great hair, to which one replied, "Thanks! We got it at Walmart!" Who knew that Walmart sold hair??! So darn cute--and I'm sure he'd make a great spokesperson for the company!

Moments like these are the secret fuel that keeps kindergarten teachers sane after years and years of abuse. The kids' great cuteness is a distraction while they are busy wrecking your stuff, your mind, and your body. Not necessarily in that order. So if you know a kindergarten teacher, give her a big hug next time you see her, and tell her (or him, sorry guys!) thank you for all she does! Also, give her a bandaid if you have one, she'll need it. And some rubber boots. And a flak jacket. And suggest to your school district that she receive hazard pay.

And that is today's ode to The Teacher. Tune in over the weekend--I'll be in a 2nd grade classroom tomorrow--HALLOWEEN!!! Yikes, spooky..........

THE HALLOWEEN PARADE!

2008-10-29T20:47:00.001-07:00

We're on parade with all the Sitstas out there! Go ahead, make my...sandwich.

Deranged Psycho Prisoner Having a Really Bad Hair Day...I think that's what
the costume package said.

Mama cop and mini me. The Village People lost their idiot...wait, here I am!

It's no secret why I didn't let this one get away!

CRAZY IS AS CRAZY DOES

2008-10-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Making flubber!

Birthday hat!

It's been 3 shades of crazy here this evening at the ol' homestead! We've had trumpet practicing, phones ringing, kids running in and out the door and through the house (several weren't ours), and dogs barking like nincompoops. And even though it's completely nuts, I love it! I know a day will come when the silence tries to drive me crazy, so I'll stave that day off for as long as I can. The husband would probably argue that as long as I have vocal cords, it will never be silent. He's probably right, I do tend to talk to myself. A lot. The truth is that I love the chaos. It completes me. When my husband and I first had children, we both knew that we wanted to be the "go to" house in the neighborhood, the house that all the friends of our kids felt comfortable hanging out at. I will keep the cupboards stocked with junk food, the soda fountain flowing, and the music blaring--all in the name of fun. Okay, truth be told, I enjoy those things too. I've learned that the fun you have in life IS life, and those moments are what we all remember. Do you remember the parties that you had in elementary school? Recess? A fun project you worked on with a friend? How about the annual Valentine's Day card exchange? I thought so! Those are the moments that memories are made of. We watched the annual showing of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" on t.v. last night, and I told my kids about a time when we HAD TO BE PRESENT to watch the one and only airing of the program during Halloween week. No video cassettes or DVD's to replay, and certainly no DVR to rewind. How cool is it to watch the same shows that I loved as a kid with my own kids? Tomorrow night we'll carve our pumpkins, roast some pumpkin seeds, and fine-tune our costumes. I love this fall season and all the fun goings-on! It's a complete and total chaotic cluster around here, and I don't think the the laundry has been put away in a month, which really competes with my OCD ways, but oh well. We're enjoying our days, and all the holiday hoopla! I'm already planning some fun and zany Christmas fun, I'll share, if any of it actually pans out! When my son was about 6, he told me (giggling like a lunatic) that whatever I did, I'd never be able to "take the silly out of him". He was so right, and believe me, I'd never, ever try!

ROLLER COASTER!

2008-10-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's how we roll! (yup, that's the boy in the heels and hula skirt...)

It's true, I've been on somewhat of a roller coaster ride of emotions lately. The job horizon has me a little down, and the looming election has me scared and looking for answers. I know there are people out there who are weathering worse storms that I could even imagine, and that makes me feel guilty and unjustified in my worry, ergo, another emotion. Then, this weekend, my daughter wanted to watch old home movies. As I sat and watched my babies grow up before my eyes on the t.v., I realized that I have already enjoyed SO MUCH LIFE!!!! Every single day that has been spent in the presence of friends and family has been (especially in hindsight) such a blessing and such a gift. Never have these words rung more true to me than today...

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize

they were the big things.” Robert Brault

I'm such a quote-collector, and I'm am going to allow some of my favorites to inspire me to go forth and be positive! I am going to strengthen my resolve to worry less (doesn't help anyway), enjoy life more (who can argue with that logic?!), and have faith in God that all will be taken care of--I am in good hands!

WHAT IS LIFE?
Life is an Adventure ... Dare it
Life is a Beauty ... Praise it
Life is a Challenge ... Meet it
Life is a Duty ... Perform it
Life is a Love ... Enjoy it
Life is a Tragedy ... Face it
Life is a Struggle ... Fight it
Life is a Promise ... Fulfill it
Life is a Game ... Play it
Life is a Gift ... Accept it
Life is a Journey ... Complete it
Life is a Mystery ... Unfold it
Life is a Goal ... Achieve it
Life is an Opportunity ... Take it
Life is a Puzzle ... Solve it
Life is a Song ... Sing it
Life is a Sorrow ... Overcome it
Life is a Spirit ... Realize it

and a fave from "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium"--
"Life is an occasion--rise to it"!

Life can also be very sticky and messy, and sometimes a bit sarcastic and sassy, and that's okay too.

WHERE ARE THE DAYS GOING?

2008-10-21T23:56:00.000-07:00

Chalkboard on my kitchen counter.

Alright, what the heck happened to Monday and Tuesday? They were just here a minute ago, I know they were. Maybe they are laying in wait on the kitchen counter with the rest of last week's mail that is still unopened. Maybe they are in the bag of overdue library books waiting to be returned. No, I think they are probably in my bed, doing the sleeping for me, since I so clearly am not! What fun is life if it's not busy? Don't ask me, I wouldn't know! Blessed busy days, I won't wish you away, because I know I'll miss you when you're gone. I'm finally done with today's work, and off to find those missing days...zzzzzzz.

MY FAMILY ROCKS!

2008-10-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I work up with a headache. Not just your garden variety headache, but a full-blown, can't-hardly-get-my-head-off-the-pillow headache. My allergies have completely run a muck. I heard the fam up and moving around, and a couple of minutes later, I heard a ruckus in the hallway outside my door. Just as I was getting ready to request peace and quiet, the kids and hubby came in carrying a plate with hot, buttered waffles, and another holding hot, buttery poptarts (see a butter theme here?)! That, and a large glass of iced diet Mt. Dew! Yum! Then I got to open a letter from my daughter, thanking me for working so hard, and for "feeding them every day"! Gotta love kids and their priorities! It was the nicest surprise I've had in a really long time, and it made me so proud of my kids! After the initial feeling of love and pride, I immediately wondered if they knew something I didn't--had they broken something beyond repair? Was I dying? But no, they are just great kids (and a great husband, too!)! Then, I got up, headache and all, and we went to garage sales--my favorite Saturday morning activity! We found a couple of great games, books, and my son found a very large, heavy pillar for his room--don't ask. I also found a cute "coffee box" for my kitchen. I'm not sure what I did to warrant such great blessings, but I am very, very thankful for each and every one! I hope you and your families had a great, restful weekend, and here's to a productive week ahead!

By the way, you may have seen the new button at the top of my blog--it's the coolest site! It's called The Secret's In the Sauce, and they help bloggers meet other bloggers out in cyberland! If you click on it, you can see all kinds of fun blogs to read. I've also added the "give a free mamogram" button in honor of a high school friend who recently lost his very young wife to breast cancer.

HAPPY THURSDAY!

2008-10-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

For lack of a better title...it is what it is! Today was a day off for me, no subbing. You know the economy is in a bit of trouble when there's a hiring freeze on substitutes...wow. It's not the most glamorous job, but apparently there's a waiting list to do it. Again, wow. We are getting ready to head out to the library--the whole family! I used to take the kids at least once a week, especially in the summer months when being outside in Phoenix is not an option, unless you're not fond of your skin. It's a rarity now days for them to come with me during the school year, and to have hubby there too is quite cool! The library has always been one of my favorite places. I feel like a kid in a candy store surrounded by all those potential reads!

HAVE YOU EVER...

2008-10-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

...had one of those days that you seem to do everything, but nothing gets done? Like when the phone rings, so you go to answer it, but can't find it. You remember seeing a phone laying on top of the dryer, so you go down to retrieve it, and then you see something that the dog dragged in on the laundry room floor, so you scoop that up and dispose of it. That reminds you that no one took in the garbage can last night, and so you are probably going to get a nasty-gram from the HOA, so you go to drag that back into the side yard. Then you see that no one has picked up the dog poop on the side yard since God was a child, so you go in to get rubber gloves and a bag to do the deed, and you remember that you still haven't unpacked some of the Wal Mart and Target bags from yesterday's store run. So you go up to unload the various and sundry items and put them in their rightful homes, when you notice that the one of the new shampoo bottles seems to be leaking, so you wash it off in the sink and try to locate the leak. That reminds you that there's a sink full of dirty dishes downstairs to tend to, so off you go. As you are staring an ever-growing pile of dirty dishes in the face, you realize that no one (read: YOU) has unloaded the clean dishes from the dishwasher yet. As you unload the dishes from the dishwasher, you remember that you haven't taken out the roast to defrost for tonight's dinner. Since the day is now half over, the roast is no longer an option. Now, the bigger problem is what will dinner be, and who the heck is going to deliver it to you. As you are looking up the number for the local pizza place, your phone rings again. This time, you know right where it is, and run to the laundry room. Has this ever happened to you? Me either, I was just checking.

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

2008-10-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite sayings, anyone who knows me will vouch for that. I was talking to a good friend of mine the other day, and we got on the subject of the beauty of the innocence of children. It's such a good subject, and always makes me feel better about the world and its goings-on. I feel so out of control with all the financial upheaval and economic depression we're experiencing in our country right now, that it's refreshing to talk about something else, anything else! I remember hearing the best radio commercial several years ago. It was by a car dealership, and it went something like this: "Imagine leaving the house one morning with no money in your pocket, no identification in your wallet, and going to a place you've never been before. We would have a hard time imagining going out into the world this way, yet every year thousands of kindergarten kids do just that. They trust us to take care of them and protect them." The commercial went on to tell you fabulous things about their dealership, etc. I remember being very touched by those words, and by the vulnerability in which our kids trust us each and every day. What a huge responsibility we have to them, as our children. I have to believe that it works the same way with God. He's our father, and I know that he feels an enormous love and responsibility to us, his children, to provide for us every day. It's a pretty simple revelation, really, but it makes me feel much better about leaving my house each day, knowing that He's there watching out for me! Have a great week!
**The picture above was taken outside in front of our house a couple of springs ago. All the neighborhood kids came out to run in the rain--some even had their bathing suits on! If you look closely, you can see that there was a double rainbow--God's pinky swear promise?!!**

STINKY KNEES

2008-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

As you may have guessed, I've been subbing again! I spent my day in a 1st grade classroom. They were a really sweet class, and lots of them were "old friends" of mine from subbing last year in kindergarten! After the morning recess, a little boy walked up to me and said, "Mrs. B? My knees stink." At this point, several things were running through my mind. Not the least of which involved dog feces on the playground. I asked him if he could show me where the problem was, exactly, buying myself some time to think. And maybe even to buy a vowel. As he pointed out the "stinking" spots on his knees--a red raspberry on each--he told me that he fell on the sidewalk in front of his house and thus got these scrapes. I didn't see any swollen, oozing pustules or any other cause for odor, nor did I detect an actual odor. Even so, he said that every time his knees touched his shorts (or anything else) they started to "stink". I sent him up to the nurse to get some special creme to take the "stink" out, and I'm happy to report he had a good day after that, "stink"-free. Did you know that after a bee "stinks" you, his "stinker" falls off? Just a bit-o-trivia for my knowledge-thirsty friends.

On another note, if you are follow the updates on any family blog links, you'll know that Callie has been making remarkable improvements! I told her mom, my sis-in-law Dana, that I am now a Callie Blog Junkie--I check in a couple times a day to watch her progress! Whenever I get down, or tired, or need an attitude adjustment, I just think about how hard this little girl is working to come back into her little body and suddenly nothing I'm doing seems quite so trying. I will close with something I read on another site/blog. It's stuck with me for a long time and will always remain one of my favorite pick-me-ups:

Viktor Frankl, Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist, is most famous to the public as a remarkable holocaust survivor whose incredible attitude remained intact throughout the horrific ordeal. In his book about the experience, Man's Search for Meaning, he says, "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."

Here's to Callie's great attitude and fighting spirit! You go, girl!

ARE THESE SALAD SOCKS?

2008-09-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ah, the fun to be had in a kindergarten classroom! I subbed in one earlier in this week, and oh, what an adventure! If you overlook the vomiting, biting, scratching, and trying to escape school grounds, it was just an average sort of day. It happened to be silly sock day. One of the kind teachers a few doors down lent me a pair of her socks to wear (a good kindergarten teacher always has spares!), and we were on our way to patterning, rhyming, sockfuls of fun. Everyone was down on the carpet for story time, and we were comparing the different characteristics on our socks--some had stripes, some had polka dots, and others had pictures. All was going quite well until one little boy announced that he had on salad socks. Now, I know my way around a conversation with the little folk, and quickly asked him if he could think of some different words to tell us about his socks, to help us understand better. He looked at me and thoughtfully said, "Yes, Mrs. B., my socks are all the same color, they are salad." Solid, salad--work with vowels will be forthcoming, I think.

THE PROMISE OF A GIRL

2008-09-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted any recent medical updates about Callie, because Ashley has it so well covered! In fact, we've been relying on her blog for updates! As you can see, things are looking cautiously up for the little miss. We're fighting allergy-induced colds here at our house (a side effect of attending school, I think), so not sure when we'll be back to the hospital to see her. There's not an hour that goes by that I don't think about her, and how hard her little body is fighting to come back to her family. She's obviously still got some bossing around to do here in this life!

Today is the first day I've actually felt like it might not still be summer here in the valley! I even considered getting out some of my fall decorations and doin' up the place with them. But then the feeling passed, and I did laundry instead. I know, hopelessly practical of me. Who knows, maybe tomorrow the feeling will return! Fall and harvest time is my favorite, and the drop in temperature (down into the balmy 90's) stokes my creative energy as well. I may even start working on Christmas cards this evening at a scrapbook gathering of friends that I'm attending! Wouldn't that be something?! Yes, that would be something. I also think I might like to make some muffins. And sew something. And make a wreath. But before that, I think I'll join my laundry, already in progress...heavy sigh.

PRAYERS, PLEASE

2008-09-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

Hi to friends and family. Just a quick note to catch you up on yesterday's events. We got a call Monday morning telling us some very, very sad news. Our sweet little niece, Callie Jane Butler, was run over in her driveway this morning while playing with her sisters and neighborhood friends. I took this picture last December at the Butler family Christmas party. She is a teeny, tiny little 20 month old spitfire, and we are all praying that God's will (and hers) will keep her here with us so that we can watch her grow. Please send up a prayer for her and the distraught family friend who backed into her. Her family and friends are amazingly strong, and the feeling of love and support in the hospital room with little Callie was so uplifting. As we stood by her and held her little hands and feet, her peacefulness was palpable. Her mother and father are so very faithful, and their love for their child and God will bring them peace, no matter what happens. If you haven't already today, thank God for your children and hold them tight. Thank you for your prayers.

2008-09-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

I'm trying my cyberly-inept hand at adding images to my blog, because hey! who doesn't like to see a picture? It's worth a thousand words, I've heard. Only maybe not this one. Here we are on top of the world after riding the ski lift to the top of Sunrise Mountain, 20 minutes north of Pinetop, AZ. We're there with my mom and dad, and some poor fella on the left who didn't ask to be in the photo. He looks very pensive. We are all smiling because we beat the rainstorm up the hill, and are going into the lodge to have Indian Fry Bread.

AHEM, I'M BACK

2008-09-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of the age-old adage by John Denver, my new mantra is "Life ain't nothin' but a funny, funny riddle". Only, alas, I'm not so much a country boy as a city girl. I do however, have a great imagination, and I'm pretty sure Johnnie knew he'd touch me with his song. I've been on a bit of a roller coaster these past couple of weeks. We, like so many others, have been directly effected by this really crazy economy. And by really crazy, I mean down-right rotten. This has left us in a bit of a tailspin with the absence of regular hours and income, but hey, what's life if not exciting, eh?! Instead of looking for a whole new job (I really love working from home!), I've amped up my subbing days to a couple a week, and that'll do for now. I'm considering going back to full-time teaching in the next year or so; I'll just have to get those pesky classes (about $2k worth) out of the way first. I really do miss the classroom and all the goodies and fun stuff that teaching brings! I think what made me really realize that it would be okay to go back was when my 10 year old daughter asked me if she could come in and write on my chalkboard and help me grade papers! She's really into it, and would be a great teacher herself some day! Maybe if she sees me doing it and surviving, she'll look into it as a career choice--a great career choice if you have to be a working mom (what an oxymoron THAT is). And heck, if I can't serve as a good example to her, I'll just serve as a terrible warning...love that quote! Besides, an elementary school classroom will provide me with endless fodder for the book(s) I'm dying to write someday!
I hope the economy turns around for us soon, it would be a welcome relief for many out there who are in business for themselves, or anyone, really, who has grown accustomed to enjoying the finer things in life--you know--food, shelter, clothing...until my next post (which is bound to be more timely than this one was), I'll leave you with the encouraging words from one of my favorite authors, Erma Bombeck. "It's going to get much worse before it gets worse." Let's hope not, Erma, let's hope not. Have a great day!

OFF I GO!

2008-08-23T15:02:00.001-07:00

I've been wanting to start a blog for a long time now. I've been moderately addicted to reading blogs since about Christmas time last year, and think it's a great way to keep in contact with family and friends. Like soap operas of the modern age, I like that I can get on-line and read about how my favorite screen families are getting on, and perhaps download a good recipe or craft idea. Now that I think of it, I never got that while watching Santa Barbara in college. I've been wanting to publish something I've written for a long time now, and this blogging thing seems to be at least a step in the right direction! I've also been wanting to be a size 4 with really great hair and lots of money, but I think I'll just work on my blog for now...I have such lofty goals while in my sleep-deprived manic phases of caffeine consumption, and maybe some of them will actually come to pass on my blog. I want to write to inspire, post fun pictures and ideas, and pose thought-provoking questions, like why are so many words on this blog hyphenated?
I have been so blessed with great friends and family, and daily they inspire me to be a better person. I hope that some of my appreciative happiness will ooze out into my blog and inspire you to reflect on your many blessings as well. Until my next post, Lori