For me they would be:
1) My advocare energy drink
2) scrapbooking (and scrapbooking shopping)
3) microwave popcorn!
4) orange chocolate cheesecake
5) Red Robin’s restaurant!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
The Yellow House
By Dawn
Remember reading the Anne of Green Gables books and how she described the house, the farm, and the land? Did you ever think that those kind of places still existed? They do. And I found it today.
After church today I invited myself and my five kids to a sister’s house because Curtis was going to home teaching. I knew that she lived in the county in a house that was called the Poor Farm. Many years ago, before the country had a welfare system, this was where people came to work or live that needed food or shelter. She and her husband have worked for the last five years restoring the house, and it is beautiful!
I love yellow houses. They seem so simple and cheerful. Her’s is that beautiful sunny yellow, complete with a white picket fence. The house sits on 13 acres and has a couple of old outbuildings. A dog greeted us upon our arrival. A few cats wandered around. Her yard was half garden, part yard and part patio. We walked into the mud room and then into the dining room and family room. Then she treated me to a tour. I loved every minute detail in her house. I think it is one of the most beautiful I have very visited.
They had added onto the back of the house and fixed up the original part of the home. Every part of her home was comfortable and livable. Her furnishings were simple and made of oak. It was comfortable to be there. She had Americana and ountry decorations around on her tables and walls. Her kitchen was galley style and didn’t have many cupboards, so she white shelves installed and on the shelves were her dishes, canned jars of food and glass canisters with metal lids labled simply with the most common kitchen ingredients. Her sewing room also had shelves that had stacks of quiliting material organized by colors. Upstairs, for her grandchildren, she made up a room with two small twin beds with blue toned quilts and all kinds of old fashioned toys and decorations. All the floors were painted because it was easier to do that than restore or put carpet back in. She wallpapered with beautiful prints. All I can say is that if I could decorate that way, it’s the way I would/could do my house.
We sat down to eat a simple Mexican lunch and it had started to rain at that point. Her window was open and we could hear crickets and the rain and a slight breeze, thunder sometimes. We visited for 3 hours and it would have been longer, but I didn’t want to impose longer than we already had.
It was a glorious afternoon! It was relaxing and simple. At one point she told me that she doesn’t think she could return to city living after living out in the country like she is. I agree. If I had a chance like that, I wouldn’t leave either. So I think I could say I saw my dream house today. And yes, it had a picket fence and lace curtains.
Remember reading the Anne of Green Gables books and how she described the house, the farm, and the land? Did you ever think that those kind of places still existed? They do. And I found it today.
After church today I invited myself and my five kids to a sister’s house because Curtis was going to home teaching. I knew that she lived in the county in a house that was called the Poor Farm. Many years ago, before the country had a welfare system, this was where people came to work or live that needed food or shelter. She and her husband have worked for the last five years restoring the house, and it is beautiful!
I love yellow houses. They seem so simple and cheerful. Her’s is that beautiful sunny yellow, complete with a white picket fence. The house sits on 13 acres and has a couple of old outbuildings. A dog greeted us upon our arrival. A few cats wandered around. Her yard was half garden, part yard and part patio. We walked into the mud room and then into the dining room and family room. Then she treated me to a tour. I loved every minute detail in her house. I think it is one of the most beautiful I have very visited.
They had added onto the back of the house and fixed up the original part of the home. Every part of her home was comfortable and livable. Her furnishings were simple and made of oak. It was comfortable to be there. She had Americana and ountry decorations around on her tables and walls. Her kitchen was galley style and didn’t have many cupboards, so she white shelves installed and on the shelves were her dishes, canned jars of food and glass canisters with metal lids labled simply with the most common kitchen ingredients. Her sewing room also had shelves that had stacks of quiliting material organized by colors. Upstairs, for her grandchildren, she made up a room with two small twin beds with blue toned quilts and all kinds of old fashioned toys and decorations. All the floors were painted because it was easier to do that than restore or put carpet back in. She wallpapered with beautiful prints. All I can say is that if I could decorate that way, it’s the way I would/could do my house.
We sat down to eat a simple Mexican lunch and it had started to rain at that point. Her window was open and we could hear crickets and the rain and a slight breeze, thunder sometimes. We visited for 3 hours and it would have been longer, but I didn’t want to impose longer than we already had.
It was a glorious afternoon! It was relaxing and simple. At one point she told me that she doesn’t think she could return to city living after living out in the country like she is. I agree. If I had a chance like that, I wouldn’t leave either. So I think I could say I saw my dream house today. And yes, it had a picket fence and lace curtains.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
A Tale of Two Kitties
By Dawn
This is not about the new Garfield movie, but if any of you remember the comic strip of Garfield back in the early 80’s, Garfield was introduced to a new kitten, Nermal, and he couldn’t stand the kitten. Well, we sort of have the same thing going on here.
Last Sunday we got a new kitten from some friends. She’s only 8 weeks old and orange and white and cute as baby kitties are. We brought her home, got her some food and water, showed her where the litter box is, but kept her upstairs for the most part. We have another cat: Missy.
Missy is a huge, beautiful cat. She’s got blue eyes and has the markings of something like the Himalayan and Siamese breeds and weighs about 15 lbs. And Missy is a total snob. She graces you with her presence when she feels like it. She does come sometimes when called, her favorite places to be are on our bed and in the front window. We adopted her from the Humane Society and she has all four paws declawed, so she is strictly and indoor cat. I don’t think she’s even ventured outside.
We named the new kitty Nemo. She is orange and white striped cat with orange eyes to match. She’s very sweet and fitting in nicely. Being so young, I don’t know if she has been taught proper cat ettiquette, but she is playful and cute and sweet all wrapped up in one.
Three days after we got Nemo, Missy still refused to come upstairs or come out of hiding. Whenever Nemo got downstairs, either by the kids or just following us, Missy would fuzz up and growl, hiss, lay her ears back and take swings at Nemo. Nemo, curious and thinking “What a big Mama!” kept trying to snuggle up and Missy might as well have been covered in quills since she would not let Nemo come near her. This continued until this morning, when she finally got brave enough to allow Nemo to come near her.
I noticed that Nemo would follow us around, so the other night when I was cleaning with the kids, she hung out in their room with us, then would follow us upstairs if we threw something away and then go back down with us. Missy stayed in hiding, until Nemo found her. That night, Nemo insisted on sleeping on our bed. I’m surprised Missy didn’t try to smother her in her sleep, but Missy was mad because Nemo was in her spot and refused to even come onto the bed.
This morning, they were playing. Missy would stretch out her full length (Missy can stand on the floor and reach her paws up to touch things on top of the counter) and swish her tail around. Nemo couldn’t resist the temptation and would pounce on the swishing tail, which Missy would then swing around and bat Nemo away, then repeat the process. Nemo would run off and dodge in and out of the dangling bed spread, lay in wait for Missy to start swishing her tail and then pounce again. Missy at least wasn’t growling and hissing anymore, so I hope that means she’s not too mad at us still.
Nemo, unfortunately, is the 4th pet we’ve had in a year. We’ve been through 2 puppies, both of which have been given away, and a dog we had to put to sleep in January. I’m glad we finally got one that is fitting in nicely with the family. Not trying to be the crazy cat lady, but I love cats!
This is not about the new Garfield movie, but if any of you remember the comic strip of Garfield back in the early 80’s, Garfield was introduced to a new kitten, Nermal, and he couldn’t stand the kitten. Well, we sort of have the same thing going on here.
Last Sunday we got a new kitten from some friends. She’s only 8 weeks old and orange and white and cute as baby kitties are. We brought her home, got her some food and water, showed her where the litter box is, but kept her upstairs for the most part. We have another cat: Missy.
Missy is a huge, beautiful cat. She’s got blue eyes and has the markings of something like the Himalayan and Siamese breeds and weighs about 15 lbs. And Missy is a total snob. She graces you with her presence when she feels like it. She does come sometimes when called, her favorite places to be are on our bed and in the front window. We adopted her from the Humane Society and she has all four paws declawed, so she is strictly and indoor cat. I don’t think she’s even ventured outside.
We named the new kitty Nemo. She is orange and white striped cat with orange eyes to match. She’s very sweet and fitting in nicely. Being so young, I don’t know if she has been taught proper cat ettiquette, but she is playful and cute and sweet all wrapped up in one.
Three days after we got Nemo, Missy still refused to come upstairs or come out of hiding. Whenever Nemo got downstairs, either by the kids or just following us, Missy would fuzz up and growl, hiss, lay her ears back and take swings at Nemo. Nemo, curious and thinking “What a big Mama!” kept trying to snuggle up and Missy might as well have been covered in quills since she would not let Nemo come near her. This continued until this morning, when she finally got brave enough to allow Nemo to come near her.
I noticed that Nemo would follow us around, so the other night when I was cleaning with the kids, she hung out in their room with us, then would follow us upstairs if we threw something away and then go back down with us. Missy stayed in hiding, until Nemo found her. That night, Nemo insisted on sleeping on our bed. I’m surprised Missy didn’t try to smother her in her sleep, but Missy was mad because Nemo was in her spot and refused to even come onto the bed.
This morning, they were playing. Missy would stretch out her full length (Missy can stand on the floor and reach her paws up to touch things on top of the counter) and swish her tail around. Nemo couldn’t resist the temptation and would pounce on the swishing tail, which Missy would then swing around and bat Nemo away, then repeat the process. Nemo would run off and dodge in and out of the dangling bed spread, lay in wait for Missy to start swishing her tail and then pounce again. Missy at least wasn’t growling and hissing anymore, so I hope that means she’s not too mad at us still.
Nemo, unfortunately, is the 4th pet we’ve had in a year. We’ve been through 2 puppies, both of which have been given away, and a dog we had to put to sleep in January. I’m glad we finally got one that is fitting in nicely with the family. Not trying to be the crazy cat lady, but I love cats!
A Tender moment...I Think
When its bedtime, I tuck Madi, Meredith and Makenzie (who are currently sharing a room) in at the same time. I read a book and sing several songs. Makenzie always requests that I sing new songs each time, but she likes me to sing the songs like from Micheal McLean or other artists.
While I was singing tonight, I was laying down with Madison (3). Madison kept massaging my back and then sticking her hands on my back through my nightgown. I thought she was just massaging me. Then she interrupts my singing and asks me “What’s in there mom?” I’m stumped at the strange question and tell her my back. She said, “No mom, its a cookie!” ????? I was confused by her question and response but kept on with the routine. I finished the song and walked to the kitchen and out falls her special little treat! So there really was a cookie in there- left by Madison! LOL
While I was singing tonight, I was laying down with Madison (3). Madison kept massaging my back and then sticking her hands on my back through my nightgown. I thought she was just massaging me. Then she interrupts my singing and asks me “What’s in there mom?” I’m stumped at the strange question and tell her my back. She said, “No mom, its a cookie!” ????? I was confused by her question and response but kept on with the routine. I finished the song and walked to the kitchen and out falls her special little treat! So there really was a cookie in there- left by Madison! LOL
Thursday, August 17, 2006
On the Playground
By Dawn
My boys were invited over to a friend’s house this afternoon to play. I had all the kids down for a nap and two gone…what to do..what to do? I sat at the computer all afternoon…there’s something constructive.
Anyway, they boys came back home about 3 to use the bathroom and “check on me”. Jesse looked like he had eaten dirt, and Isaac looked like he had been rolling in it. Trying not to be the neurotic mom I am, I didn’t make them wash their faces.
About an hour later they come home, hot, sweaty, dirty and hungry. Jesse comes in to tell me how it all went.
“When we first got there, there was this other kid who was ten years old over there.”
“Oh yeah? Did you play with him too?”
“No, he threw a dirt clod at me and it hit me in the mouth.”
“Are you okay?! So…that would explain why you look like you ate dirt.”
“Yeah, and he also threw one at my back.”
“Well, geez! How’s your back?!”
“It’s okay. Thomas threw one back and hit him in the eye.”
“Was he okay?”
“I don’t know, but after that the kid went home.”
If you can’t take it, then don’t dish it out, is what my mom always told me. She also told me she wouldn’t fight my battles for me either. I’ve recently remember this wise statement and started applying it to my kids. They get in a fight I let them duke it out until something gets resolved. Usually it works, except for the rare occassions someone gets an injury…such as a bitten finger defended with throwing a palm pilot at the villian.
Unfortunately, there are many times I remember I wished my mom would have come to my rescue, even though that would have meant more bullying for me. Then there’s always that classic day you finally have had enough and stand up for yourself when you snap and utter every cuss word you’ve ever heard your parents use, and throw a few punches and kicks.
Nothing like watching your kids learn about standing up for themselves. Jesse is only 6 so I can see that he is just learning about this concept, but I was glad his buddy Thomas (he’s 8) was around to help him out. Of my two boys, I don’t think Jesse is an easy target, he’s pretty friendly and easy going, so I’m left wondering why this kid chose Jesse to pick on. Maybe it’s not my place to know.
Now I’m thinking about this experience and what is to come. I won’t always be able to be there for my kids to help them out or defend them, although, I don’t know what mother wouldn’t want to defend her kids. *Sigh*…what we learn on the playground…
My boys were invited over to a friend’s house this afternoon to play. I had all the kids down for a nap and two gone…what to do..what to do? I sat at the computer all afternoon…there’s something constructive.
Anyway, they boys came back home about 3 to use the bathroom and “check on me”. Jesse looked like he had eaten dirt, and Isaac looked like he had been rolling in it. Trying not to be the neurotic mom I am, I didn’t make them wash their faces.
About an hour later they come home, hot, sweaty, dirty and hungry. Jesse comes in to tell me how it all went.
“When we first got there, there was this other kid who was ten years old over there.”
“Oh yeah? Did you play with him too?”
“No, he threw a dirt clod at me and it hit me in the mouth.”
“Are you okay?! So…that would explain why you look like you ate dirt.”
“Yeah, and he also threw one at my back.”
“Well, geez! How’s your back?!”
“It’s okay. Thomas threw one back and hit him in the eye.”
“Was he okay?”
“I don’t know, but after that the kid went home.”
If you can’t take it, then don’t dish it out, is what my mom always told me. She also told me she wouldn’t fight my battles for me either. I’ve recently remember this wise statement and started applying it to my kids. They get in a fight I let them duke it out until something gets resolved. Usually it works, except for the rare occassions someone gets an injury…such as a bitten finger defended with throwing a palm pilot at the villian.
Unfortunately, there are many times I remember I wished my mom would have come to my rescue, even though that would have meant more bullying for me. Then there’s always that classic day you finally have had enough and stand up for yourself when you snap and utter every cuss word you’ve ever heard your parents use, and throw a few punches and kicks.
Nothing like watching your kids learn about standing up for themselves. Jesse is only 6 so I can see that he is just learning about this concept, but I was glad his buddy Thomas (he’s 8) was around to help him out. Of my two boys, I don’t think Jesse is an easy target, he’s pretty friendly and easy going, so I’m left wondering why this kid chose Jesse to pick on. Maybe it’s not my place to know.
Now I’m thinking about this experience and what is to come. I won’t always be able to be there for my kids to help them out or defend them, although, I don’t know what mother wouldn’t want to defend her kids. *Sigh*…what we learn on the playground…
Just Call Me "Grace"!!
Ok, Dawn, at your urging I’m posting my embarrassing MOMENTS. I hate to say it, but most of mine involve falling in public! Here are a few scenarios:
At a church dance, when I was a MiaMaid I was very self conscience. At the urging of friends and an attempt at bravery, I went out on the slippery wooden dance floor to dance some fast dances. While staring at my crush, I slipped and fell in the middle of one of my “moves”! ahhh! The humiliation!
Recently, at a huge concert put on by Ft. Hood to celebrate 4th ID’s capture of Saddam Hussein, I went with my family and kids. (Hubby was in Iraq). We went to go get some food at the food side and I’m walking along talking with my sisters. Crowds of people were all around. A young couple were following close behind us. I’m walking and talking one minute and “BAM” down the next! The people behind me almost tripped over me!!! Scared everyone! ROFL
Probably one of my more embarrassing falls was in Walmart when Benjamin was a baby. I was trying to get ready for a party that night and was trying to remember everything I needed. I had a cart-full of groceries and pulled up to the check-out lane. Cailynn is my toddler and starts helping load the groceries. All of a sudden I remember the most important thing I went there for- Ice Cream!! I ask the lady to watch my toddler and I run back to the ice cream isle with baby Benjamin. (I’m wearing a dress and high, high heeled clogs.)
On the way back, I get close to the register, frantic to make it before she finishes. I set Benjamin on the floor to walk the rest of the way. He was mad at me and threw himself on the floor at the same time I’m getting ready to run “with him.” I tripped over him and tried grabbing at everything I could to stop myself from falling. Still falling, I screamed out loud as I landed on Benjamin. It was a full store and everyone gasped and some people screamed too! There I am lying on the floor on my son! So, I pick him up and run to the register still frantic to pay for my stuff and get OUT of there! I get to the register and the woman was waiting on me and slightly perturbed. Benjamin is crying and I’m flustered while writing her a check. To soothe Benjamin I start calling him “Moo-moo”!!! ROFLMBO!! She looked at me strangely and handed me the receipt and I left Walmart with my pride quite wounded! ROFL
At a church dance, when I was a MiaMaid I was very self conscience. At the urging of friends and an attempt at bravery, I went out on the slippery wooden dance floor to dance some fast dances. While staring at my crush, I slipped and fell in the middle of one of my “moves”! ahhh! The humiliation!
Recently, at a huge concert put on by Ft. Hood to celebrate 4th ID’s capture of Saddam Hussein, I went with my family and kids. (Hubby was in Iraq). We went to go get some food at the food side and I’m walking along talking with my sisters. Crowds of people were all around. A young couple were following close behind us. I’m walking and talking one minute and “BAM” down the next! The people behind me almost tripped over me!!! Scared everyone! ROFL
Probably one of my more embarrassing falls was in Walmart when Benjamin was a baby. I was trying to get ready for a party that night and was trying to remember everything I needed. I had a cart-full of groceries and pulled up to the check-out lane. Cailynn is my toddler and starts helping load the groceries. All of a sudden I remember the most important thing I went there for- Ice Cream!! I ask the lady to watch my toddler and I run back to the ice cream isle with baby Benjamin. (I’m wearing a dress and high, high heeled clogs.)
On the way back, I get close to the register, frantic to make it before she finishes. I set Benjamin on the floor to walk the rest of the way. He was mad at me and threw himself on the floor at the same time I’m getting ready to run “with him.” I tripped over him and tried grabbing at everything I could to stop myself from falling. Still falling, I screamed out loud as I landed on Benjamin. It was a full store and everyone gasped and some people screamed too! There I am lying on the floor on my son! So, I pick him up and run to the register still frantic to pay for my stuff and get OUT of there! I get to the register and the woman was waiting on me and slightly perturbed. Benjamin is crying and I’m flustered while writing her a check. To soothe Benjamin I start calling him “Moo-moo”!!! ROFLMBO!! She looked at me strangely and handed me the receipt and I left Walmart with my pride quite wounded! ROFL
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Come on Over for some Beer and Porn
by Dawn
About 5 years ago, Curtis and I were living in Utah. We love it, but we missed the social group we had in Texas and always enjoyed the get together's we use to have with Shiloah and Ben and other young married couples from church. I decided if we were going to make some new friends, I needed to come out of my shell and host a get together. I had always wanted to do a How to Host a Murder night and a store in the mall sold the games, each of a different theme. Unfortunately, they didn’t describe the game very well on the back. So we bought one that had a movie theme to it, brought it home and opened it. We didn’t look through the booklet that came with the game because Curtis and I wanted to play it too and didn’t want to give away or know the outcome. So, we sent out our invitations, asked that they dress for the part, and I prepared for the evenings meal.
We invited the Bishop and his wife, our Home Teacher and his wife and a couple from Curtis’ work. For dinner I planned on having a brisket, since I figured that would serve a lot of people, but the only way I knew how to prepare it was with beer and some spices. We don’t drink, so that wasn’t an issue, but I never even thought twice about the preparation or who was coming.
We sit down to paly the game. Remember that there was no warning on the box? By the time we were about done with the game, it had come out that it was a murder revolving around the porno industry. I was mortified. My face was beet red. I think I could have cried.
I was the porn queen.
The Bishop was the porno producer.
Our Home teacher was the male porno star.
Curtis and the Bishop’s wife’s characters had conspired together for the murder and she had done the murder. She had dressed so cute for the part, but I could tell by the end of the game she was offended; I couldn’t tell which offended her more, that the game was about pornos or that her character was given away because of her big feet and a big deal had been made in the game about her big feet.
After the game we sat down to eat and the brisket was kind of tough because it was so large and had not cooked long enough to get tender. The Bishop’s wife said it was good, but then asked what I marinated it in. I could only answer, meekly, “Beer.” The Bishop seemed cool about it. Curtis told them I was from the south, as if that explained everything. She kind of choked on it because *gasp* she was consuming alcohol (even though it had all cooked out at that point).
I think I would have to say this was my most embarrassing moment of my life. I can laugh about it now, and I hope you do too. As George Carlin says: “Those who view life as anything other that pure entertainment are missing the point.”
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
So, sure, Bishop, come on over for some beer and porn. What’s that? You need to meet with us?
About 5 years ago, Curtis and I were living in Utah. We love it, but we missed the social group we had in Texas and always enjoyed the get together's we use to have with Shiloah and Ben and other young married couples from church. I decided if we were going to make some new friends, I needed to come out of my shell and host a get together. I had always wanted to do a How to Host a Murder night and a store in the mall sold the games, each of a different theme. Unfortunately, they didn’t describe the game very well on the back. So we bought one that had a movie theme to it, brought it home and opened it. We didn’t look through the booklet that came with the game because Curtis and I wanted to play it too and didn’t want to give away or know the outcome. So, we sent out our invitations, asked that they dress for the part, and I prepared for the evenings meal.
We invited the Bishop and his wife, our Home Teacher and his wife and a couple from Curtis’ work. For dinner I planned on having a brisket, since I figured that would serve a lot of people, but the only way I knew how to prepare it was with beer and some spices. We don’t drink, so that wasn’t an issue, but I never even thought twice about the preparation or who was coming.
We sit down to paly the game. Remember that there was no warning on the box? By the time we were about done with the game, it had come out that it was a murder revolving around the porno industry. I was mortified. My face was beet red. I think I could have cried.
I was the porn queen.
The Bishop was the porno producer.
Our Home teacher was the male porno star.
Curtis and the Bishop’s wife’s characters had conspired together for the murder and she had done the murder. She had dressed so cute for the part, but I could tell by the end of the game she was offended; I couldn’t tell which offended her more, that the game was about pornos or that her character was given away because of her big feet and a big deal had been made in the game about her big feet.
After the game we sat down to eat and the brisket was kind of tough because it was so large and had not cooked long enough to get tender. The Bishop’s wife said it was good, but then asked what I marinated it in. I could only answer, meekly, “Beer.” The Bishop seemed cool about it. Curtis told them I was from the south, as if that explained everything. She kind of choked on it because *gasp* she was consuming alcohol (even though it had all cooked out at that point).
I think I would have to say this was my most embarrassing moment of my life. I can laugh about it now, and I hope you do too. As George Carlin says: “Those who view life as anything other that pure entertainment are missing the point.”
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
So, sure, Bishop, come on over for some beer and porn. What’s that? You need to meet with us?
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