I had a whole bunch planned for today...
First I was going to sleep in...
Then, I was going to fix coffee & some breakfast that doesn't require milk since I forgot to buy milk yesterday...
After that, I was going to visit a friend in the hospital who took a nasty flight down the stairs in her house on Monday...she's OK...just a lot of soreness and she fractured her eye socket and has a small fracture in her skull...
When I returned home from the hospital, I planned to take down the Christmas decorations...
And then, go play Pictureka with my niece...
Finally, I was going to come home and prepare some "snacks" for a New Year's Eve get together I planned to go to tonight.
And somewhere in there I was hoping to write a 2010 recap, by using my calendar & blog...since I can't seem to remember much of what I did in 2010...
Sounds like a pretty fun day, huh? And so full...
So, I slept in until 7am...and when I woke up my right eye was matted together. When I went to look at it in the bathroom mirror, it reminded me of something.
It reminded me of what my left eye had looked like just two weeks ago...
Gooptastic...
And very red...
Yup - it looks like I have pink eye.
Again.
I'm not happy.
Looks like I'll have plenty of time to write my 2010 recap later today since I don't want to pass this along to anyone else and I've currently quarantined myself at home.
Happy New Year to me!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Our White Christmas
I finally have gotten around to downloading the pics of our white Christmas...enjoy! :)
As the snow first started....
Later on in the day...
Before we left mom & dad's on Christmas Day...
Sunday when it was all said & done...
Ayden loves to play in the clothes basket...and Aly's not about to be left out! :) Seriously, Ayden comes to my house and plays with metal bowls, a wisk, a wooden spoon and usually an empty Gatorade bottle (if one's available). I love this age! :)
I hope you enjoyed our white Christmas! :)
As the snow first started....
Later on in the day...
Before we left mom & dad's on Christmas Day...
And at our house when we got home (from my phone, since I left my camera at mom & dad's)...
Sunday when it was all said & done...
And last but not least, I couldn't resist sharing one of my niece & nephew on Christmas Eve...
I hope you enjoyed our white Christmas! :)
A New Year
Quite honestly, I dread the coming of the new year. I don't know why...it doesn't really mean anything. I guess because it's the end of one time period...another time period in which I tend to very negatively reflect upon and realize that things are very much the same in my life. I guess I should celebrate good health and the blessings. But, usually at the end of the year I seem to reflect on the things that didn't happen...maybe I'm the only one.
And, what's even worse, is that I look back on the year behind me and think...what did I do this year? My friend Amanda over at Family of Shorts has been doing a "Year in Review". She goes month by month reviewing the major events in their family's life. But, I can honestly not remember ANYTHING!
On another blog that I frequent, The Daily Dribbles, Kmama does a "week in review", just telling what happened that week in their family. And I do believe, because my memory just doesn't want to cooperate, that I may do the same. This way, I can go back...look at each week...and KNOW what happened that week!
I am also going to work on setting some goals - not resolutions - goals. Things that I'd like to accomplish or do in the coming year. I may do this via an idea I saw on my friend Rachel's blog called 101 in 1001. Basically you come up with a list of 101 things that you'd like to do in 1001 days (2 years, 9 months). Coming up with 101 things is tough enough in and of itself. Trust me...I attempted to come up with a list of 40 things that I wanted to do by the time I was 40 and I couldn't get that together. So, we shall see.
As we come upon this New Year, I will be trying to focus on the blessings of 2010...trying to figure out just what I did do in 2010...and looking ahead to what I want to accomplish for 2011.
And, what's even worse, is that I look back on the year behind me and think...what did I do this year? My friend Amanda over at Family of Shorts has been doing a "Year in Review". She goes month by month reviewing the major events in their family's life. But, I can honestly not remember ANYTHING!
On another blog that I frequent, The Daily Dribbles, Kmama does a "week in review", just telling what happened that week in their family. And I do believe, because my memory just doesn't want to cooperate, that I may do the same. This way, I can go back...look at each week...and KNOW what happened that week!
I am also going to work on setting some goals - not resolutions - goals. Things that I'd like to accomplish or do in the coming year. I may do this via an idea I saw on my friend Rachel's blog called 101 in 1001. Basically you come up with a list of 101 things that you'd like to do in 1001 days (2 years, 9 months). Coming up with 101 things is tough enough in and of itself. Trust me...I attempted to come up with a list of 40 things that I wanted to do by the time I was 40 and I couldn't get that together. So, we shall see.
As we come upon this New Year, I will be trying to focus on the blessings of 2010...trying to figure out just what I did do in 2010...and looking ahead to what I want to accomplish for 2011.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas in review...
To say the least, our Christmas was magical. I don't think I've ever loved a Christmas as much as I did this one since I was a little girl.
On Christmas Eve, I kept my niece & nephew while my sister worked and my BIL slept (after his nightshift). They wore me out...between chasing around a one year old who never.ever.stops. to trying to explain to his older sister that she's NOT in control...I was ready for a nap by the time they left. But there was no time for napping because there were cookies to be made and peanut butter balls to be rolled in chocolate.
For the past few years my BIL's schedule had him working on Christmas Eve...and sometimes Christmas Day too. So, we started a little tradition of going to my sister's house Christmas Eve, eating snacks, visiting and beginning our 24-hour marathon of watching A Christmas Story before heading home to wait for Santa. This year, however, Zach was off on Christmas Eve...so he was able to become part of this tradition!
On Christmas morning, Dylan patiently waited for me to drag myself out of bed...he didn't come in my room to "check to see if I was awake yet". Thankfully for him, I woke up kind of early...and then he bugged me to let him open presents. I was able to put him off until I had our Christmas cinnamon buns in the oven and then I gave in. I think he was a little disappointed - he had really wanted a PS3...I really didn't want to make that kind of investment for Christmas...and the Carhartt coat that I got him wasn't exactly what he wanted. I told him I knew it wasn't the color that he'd asked for, but I liked it. He tried all weekend to see if it would grow on him, but I'm pretty sure we will be returning it. And that's OK by me...I knew it wasn't the color, but I was hoping he'd like it anyway.
The real fun began around 11am when we looked out and noticed it was snowing. I'd checked the forecast earlier that day and we were forecasted for less than 2" of snow. Snow in our part of NC is kind of a rare thing. Snow in December is even more amazing. Snow on Christmas hasn't happened since 1998...and that was just a "trace". The last measurable snow fall, which was less than 2", was in 1969. Forty-one years ago. To see any snow on Christmas is such a rare occurrence that we North Carolinians will take whatever we get!
We headed to my mom & dad's house soon after the snow began and just spent the afternoon with them. I took a nap...Dylan played video games...we just all kind of relaxed the afternoon away. When I got up from my nap around 3:30ish, the ground was just covered...and the snow was still coming.
My sister & her family arrived around 4:45...we ate dinner and then the next fun part began - PRESENTS! :) My nephew (who is 1yr BTW) was completely unaware and uncaring that he wasn't opening gifts. He had gifts - plenty of them, but he was more excited about the big boxes that he could climb up on! I was totally blessed by my family - not only did I get the Ugg knock offs that I wanted from Target (thanks to my son!), I also got the polka dot rainboots that I fell in love with a few weeks ago and...A KITCHEN AID MIXER!!!! I'm so excited about this...especially after I lugged my mom's back & forth all December! :) I think we were all very happy & excited about all of the blessings...and the snow was falling the entire evening!
Finally, when I left to go home around 8:45ish, we had about 3 inches on the ground. And when I woke up the next morning, I believe our final measurement was around 6 inches. Hmmm...weather forecasters a little off???? The snow finally stopped around 11am...which means that it snowed for right at 24 hours!!!
When we do get snow in NC, things kind of shut down...for various reasons. Often our snow is accompanied by ice. Driving in snow is one thing...driving on ice for even the most seasoned driver is just plain dangerous. This snow was perfect though - it was just snow...nice, powdery snow! We also tend to shut down because we generally have several power outages. I had one for a whole 20 minutes yesterday. However, I have lived through ice/snow storms that have put our power out for days. No fun!
Today was kind of a let down, though. I had to head back to work! :( It's worse when no one else is working along with you. At most today, there have been three of us in the office. Currently, I'm the only one here. Not to mention that there is not very much to do...and no one is calling us. On the positive side, the day is not dragging as bad as I had anticipated!!!
I have Christmas/snow pics, but they are at home. I will do my best to upload them tomorrow so that I can share with you our very wonderful, very magical Christmas!
On Christmas Eve, I kept my niece & nephew while my sister worked and my BIL slept (after his nightshift). They wore me out...between chasing around a one year old who never.ever.stops. to trying to explain to his older sister that she's NOT in control...I was ready for a nap by the time they left. But there was no time for napping because there were cookies to be made and peanut butter balls to be rolled in chocolate.
For the past few years my BIL's schedule had him working on Christmas Eve...and sometimes Christmas Day too. So, we started a little tradition of going to my sister's house Christmas Eve, eating snacks, visiting and beginning our 24-hour marathon of watching A Christmas Story before heading home to wait for Santa. This year, however, Zach was off on Christmas Eve...so he was able to become part of this tradition!
On Christmas morning, Dylan patiently waited for me to drag myself out of bed...he didn't come in my room to "check to see if I was awake yet". Thankfully for him, I woke up kind of early...and then he bugged me to let him open presents. I was able to put him off until I had our Christmas cinnamon buns in the oven and then I gave in. I think he was a little disappointed - he had really wanted a PS3...I really didn't want to make that kind of investment for Christmas...and the Carhartt coat that I got him wasn't exactly what he wanted. I told him I knew it wasn't the color that he'd asked for, but I liked it. He tried all weekend to see if it would grow on him, but I'm pretty sure we will be returning it. And that's OK by me...I knew it wasn't the color, but I was hoping he'd like it anyway.
The real fun began around 11am when we looked out and noticed it was snowing. I'd checked the forecast earlier that day and we were forecasted for less than 2" of snow. Snow in our part of NC is kind of a rare thing. Snow in December is even more amazing. Snow on Christmas hasn't happened since 1998...and that was just a "trace". The last measurable snow fall, which was less than 2", was in 1969. Forty-one years ago. To see any snow on Christmas is such a rare occurrence that we North Carolinians will take whatever we get!
We headed to my mom & dad's house soon after the snow began and just spent the afternoon with them. I took a nap...Dylan played video games...we just all kind of relaxed the afternoon away. When I got up from my nap around 3:30ish, the ground was just covered...and the snow was still coming.
My sister & her family arrived around 4:45...we ate dinner and then the next fun part began - PRESENTS! :) My nephew (who is 1yr BTW) was completely unaware and uncaring that he wasn't opening gifts. He had gifts - plenty of them, but he was more excited about the big boxes that he could climb up on! I was totally blessed by my family - not only did I get the Ugg knock offs that I wanted from Target (thanks to my son!), I also got the polka dot rainboots that I fell in love with a few weeks ago and...A KITCHEN AID MIXER!!!! I'm so excited about this...especially after I lugged my mom's back & forth all December! :) I think we were all very happy & excited about all of the blessings...and the snow was falling the entire evening!
Finally, when I left to go home around 8:45ish, we had about 3 inches on the ground. And when I woke up the next morning, I believe our final measurement was around 6 inches. Hmmm...weather forecasters a little off???? The snow finally stopped around 11am...which means that it snowed for right at 24 hours!!!
When we do get snow in NC, things kind of shut down...for various reasons. Often our snow is accompanied by ice. Driving in snow is one thing...driving on ice for even the most seasoned driver is just plain dangerous. This snow was perfect though - it was just snow...nice, powdery snow! We also tend to shut down because we generally have several power outages. I had one for a whole 20 minutes yesterday. However, I have lived through ice/snow storms that have put our power out for days. No fun!
Today was kind of a let down, though. I had to head back to work! :( It's worse when no one else is working along with you. At most today, there have been three of us in the office. Currently, I'm the only one here. Not to mention that there is not very much to do...and no one is calling us. On the positive side, the day is not dragging as bad as I had anticipated!!!
I have Christmas/snow pics, but they are at home. I will do my best to upload them tomorrow so that I can share with you our very wonderful, very magical Christmas!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas Memories & Traditions
*I wrote this about three years ago for my myspace blog...it's been so long since I've been on myspace that I couldn't actually figure out how to log on! :) But I wanted to share...and I've updated it a little!*
I am finding as I get older that my Christmas memories are not quite as vivid as they once were. Christmas was always a special time in our home. It began within the first few weekends with getting a tree. For several years we did the whole go to the mountains and pick your own tree thing. If you've never done this, I would definitely suggest it. It's just different wandering through rows of trees still firmly rooted in the ground and knowing that the tree you have was cut just for you. Our busy schedules don't permit this much anymore, but it was still fun...and then the real fun began! Dragging out all the ornaments and other decorations...trying to get the tree through the door...the tree always being just a hair bigger in our living room than it appeared on the lot (this is still a problem to this day!). Soon...well more like several days later...everything would finally be placed and the gifts would begin to pile underneath. We'd shake and guess and hope that what was there was what we really wanted. We always participated in and attended several special church services, including the Christmas Eve service at church. I have very vague memories of spending Christmas Eve with my uncle Ronnie & his family along with my great grandmother and great aunt. This kind of fizzled as the years went by...we were never close to my mother's family. Instead we began spending Christmas Eve with my dad's parents...the only grandparents I truly grew up with. We would just go hang out...sometimes my grandmother would have snacks to eat and we would just visit with them...of course always keeping an eye on the clock & the sky to make sure we didn't miss Santa. We would beg and beg to open just one present on Christmas Eve...but Mom & Dad were hold outs and we had to wait until Christmas morning. I still remember never sleeping completely through the night Christmas Eve...I usually would get up at about 2 or 3 to see if Santa had come or not...and to see what he left! I also had to wake my sister so that she could see her gifts...I mean it wouldn't be fair if I knew what Santa had brought and she didn't. We'd not touch anything...or at least carefully place it back and go back to bed. I think we fell back to sleep, but not without excited butterflies in our stomachs...not being able to wait until morning when we could play with our new toys and open presents! The older we got, not much changed. I guess we just got bigger presents...but there was always the excitement and the anticipation of Christmas.
My favorite Christmas memories have now been replaced with memories of Dylan. I don't think I'll ever forget the first Christmas that he was truly aware of the whole Santa thing. It was his third Christmas - he was 2 1/2. I remember his Dad came down Christmas Eve so that he could fly out Christmas morning to Florida to spend Christmas with his family. Only a few times did it happen that his Dad was able to be there for the holiday...most of the times he was in Florida. We stayed up late playing Santa...putting all the toys together, with the help of my sister. We all laughed and got delirious as we stuck sticker after sticker on his Little People stuff! It was probably the only true "Mom & Dad" thing we ever did for Dylan. I got up early the next morning to take his Dad to the airport...and got home before he woke up. I remember he got up and walked in the living room and his little mouth just hung open...like he couldn't believe that all the hype was for real! He didn't know what to head for first...and yes, it was the first Christmas that Santa really came...so, I went overboard! :) But he was just filled with wonder and excitement and he played and was so happy with all of it.
Some of our "traditions" have stuck. We still drink Cokes out of the glass bottle as part of Christmas. We have done this for many years now...I don't know why this is so special, other than that it reminds me of the "olden" days before aluminum cans & plastic. Also, if you've never had a Coke out of a glass bottle...you will never taste anything better! We have gone to many special Christmas services at church - it seems like this list grows every year! We have watched EVERY Christmas movie ever created...in fact, probably several times! Even though Dylan informed me a couple of years ago that there is no Santa, I am still excited to see him open his gifts. This is probably the most "practical" Christmas yet, but it will still be fun. And Santa does still stuff Dylan's stocking! :)
And as our family has grown, with the additions of Alyson & Ayden, Christmas has become more fun. We've added a Christmas Eve "fellowship" at my sister & brother-in-laws...where we will pig out on snacky food and begin watching the 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story. This year, my brother-in-law doesn't have to work on Christmas Eve or Christmas...so we will head to Mom's for dinner & presents...in our comfy clothes, no less! And to boot, the chances are looking better and better for a White Christmas...at least it's supposed to snow Christmas night! What a great gift to look forward to...because snow in North Carolina means staying in, not rushing here and there and yonder, building snow men, watching movies cuddled up on the couch. It will be a continuation of our family time on the day after Christmas. If I get nothing else for Christmas but a Sunday Snow Day, I will consider myself blessed!
Most of all, I want to remember the true meaning of the season - that if not for a little baby born in a manger over 2000 years ago, we wouldn't have anything to celebrate! I continually marvel at the gift that God gave us...His own Son...and what that gift ultimately cost Him so that we could all be saved from an eternity in Hell. What if Mary had said...no, I'll wait until I'm older and married? What if Joseph had said...no...that kid's not mine...I can't marry her? But they didn't...God knew He could trust His faithful servants to carry out His plan. And as you who are reading this go through your Christmas, I hope that you will also take the time to give Glory to God and truly celebrate the "reason for the season"!
I truly hope that you all have a very happy and blessed Christmas!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
I am finding as I get older that my Christmas memories are not quite as vivid as they once were. Christmas was always a special time in our home. It began within the first few weekends with getting a tree. For several years we did the whole go to the mountains and pick your own tree thing. If you've never done this, I would definitely suggest it. It's just different wandering through rows of trees still firmly rooted in the ground and knowing that the tree you have was cut just for you. Our busy schedules don't permit this much anymore, but it was still fun...and then the real fun began! Dragging out all the ornaments and other decorations...trying to get the tree through the door...the tree always being just a hair bigger in our living room than it appeared on the lot (this is still a problem to this day!). Soon...well more like several days later...everything would finally be placed and the gifts would begin to pile underneath. We'd shake and guess and hope that what was there was what we really wanted. We always participated in and attended several special church services, including the Christmas Eve service at church. I have very vague memories of spending Christmas Eve with my uncle Ronnie & his family along with my great grandmother and great aunt. This kind of fizzled as the years went by...we were never close to my mother's family. Instead we began spending Christmas Eve with my dad's parents...the only grandparents I truly grew up with. We would just go hang out...sometimes my grandmother would have snacks to eat and we would just visit with them...of course always keeping an eye on the clock & the sky to make sure we didn't miss Santa. We would beg and beg to open just one present on Christmas Eve...but Mom & Dad were hold outs and we had to wait until Christmas morning. I still remember never sleeping completely through the night Christmas Eve...I usually would get up at about 2 or 3 to see if Santa had come or not...and to see what he left! I also had to wake my sister so that she could see her gifts...I mean it wouldn't be fair if I knew what Santa had brought and she didn't. We'd not touch anything...or at least carefully place it back and go back to bed. I think we fell back to sleep, but not without excited butterflies in our stomachs...not being able to wait until morning when we could play with our new toys and open presents! The older we got, not much changed. I guess we just got bigger presents...but there was always the excitement and the anticipation of Christmas.
My favorite Christmas memories have now been replaced with memories of Dylan. I don't think I'll ever forget the first Christmas that he was truly aware of the whole Santa thing. It was his third Christmas - he was 2 1/2. I remember his Dad came down Christmas Eve so that he could fly out Christmas morning to Florida to spend Christmas with his family. Only a few times did it happen that his Dad was able to be there for the holiday...most of the times he was in Florida. We stayed up late playing Santa...putting all the toys together, with the help of my sister. We all laughed and got delirious as we stuck sticker after sticker on his Little People stuff! It was probably the only true "Mom & Dad" thing we ever did for Dylan. I got up early the next morning to take his Dad to the airport...and got home before he woke up. I remember he got up and walked in the living room and his little mouth just hung open...like he couldn't believe that all the hype was for real! He didn't know what to head for first...and yes, it was the first Christmas that Santa really came...so, I went overboard! :) But he was just filled with wonder and excitement and he played and was so happy with all of it.
Some of our "traditions" have stuck. We still drink Cokes out of the glass bottle as part of Christmas. We have done this for many years now...I don't know why this is so special, other than that it reminds me of the "olden" days before aluminum cans & plastic. Also, if you've never had a Coke out of a glass bottle...you will never taste anything better! We have gone to many special Christmas services at church - it seems like this list grows every year! We have watched EVERY Christmas movie ever created...in fact, probably several times! Even though Dylan informed me a couple of years ago that there is no Santa, I am still excited to see him open his gifts. This is probably the most "practical" Christmas yet, but it will still be fun. And Santa does still stuff Dylan's stocking! :)
And as our family has grown, with the additions of Alyson & Ayden, Christmas has become more fun. We've added a Christmas Eve "fellowship" at my sister & brother-in-laws...where we will pig out on snacky food and begin watching the 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story. This year, my brother-in-law doesn't have to work on Christmas Eve or Christmas...so we will head to Mom's for dinner & presents...in our comfy clothes, no less! And to boot, the chances are looking better and better for a White Christmas...at least it's supposed to snow Christmas night! What a great gift to look forward to...because snow in North Carolina means staying in, not rushing here and there and yonder, building snow men, watching movies cuddled up on the couch. It will be a continuation of our family time on the day after Christmas. If I get nothing else for Christmas but a Sunday Snow Day, I will consider myself blessed!
Most of all, I want to remember the true meaning of the season - that if not for a little baby born in a manger over 2000 years ago, we wouldn't have anything to celebrate! I continually marvel at the gift that God gave us...His own Son...and what that gift ultimately cost Him so that we could all be saved from an eternity in Hell. What if Mary had said...no, I'll wait until I'm older and married? What if Joseph had said...no...that kid's not mine...I can't marry her? But they didn't...God knew He could trust His faithful servants to carry out His plan. And as you who are reading this go through your Christmas, I hope that you will also take the time to give Glory to God and truly celebrate the "reason for the season"!
I truly hope that you all have a very happy and blessed Christmas!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A White Christmas???
For those of you in more "snowy" regions of the United States, you've probably already grown weary of snow and the mess that it creates...although, I think only in the Southeastern United States does snow really create "messes". Everyone else just deals with it. Anyway, I am beyond excited because we, in our little part of NC, have a chance of snow on Christmas day.
I've NEVER had a white Christmas. I think there was one year that we had a little ice/snow mixture Christmas Eve, but that's as close as I've seen ON Christmas. Last year, we actually got about 6 inches of snow exactly one week before Christmas. I remember it because it was on a Friday...it was the last day of school for most students before the Christmas break...and everyone was so excited because we rarely get snow before January...much less that close to Christmas. It was beautiful and just made Christmas in NC that much more special.
Where I live in NC is kind of a anomaly unto itself. As every good NC educated child knows, NC is broken into three distinct regions...
I live in Winston-Salem...in the green region. See how close we are to the gray "mountain" region? I'm about one to two hours from the mountains...three to four from the beach, depending on which beach you choose to go to.
Anywho, one would think because I live in the more Western part of NC that I would see more snow.
You couldn't be more wrong.
Now, our mountains get plenty of snow. They've already had quite a few good snows in Boone.
However, the best snows for the non-mountainous part of NC occur right along that line that actually separates the "Piedmont" from the "Coastal" region...amazingly enough. I think it has something to do with the way the land is physically shaped...as well as jet streams and other such nonsense like that!
So...we often don't put much stock in what the weather man says when it comes to snow here in the Winston-Salem area. I've honestly seen days where they've called for a 100% chance of snow...they were so sure they shut down the schools and closed many businesses...and I sat at home and watched a very gray day, but no snow.
But, with it being Christmas, I've got my hopes high and my fingers crossed that we will see a white Christmas after all.
We shall see! :)
I've NEVER had a white Christmas. I think there was one year that we had a little ice/snow mixture Christmas Eve, but that's as close as I've seen ON Christmas. Last year, we actually got about 6 inches of snow exactly one week before Christmas. I remember it because it was on a Friday...it was the last day of school for most students before the Christmas break...and everyone was so excited because we rarely get snow before January...much less that close to Christmas. It was beautiful and just made Christmas in NC that much more special.
Where I live in NC is kind of a anomaly unto itself. As every good NC educated child knows, NC is broken into three distinct regions...
I live in Winston-Salem...in the green region. See how close we are to the gray "mountain" region? I'm about one to two hours from the mountains...three to four from the beach, depending on which beach you choose to go to.
Anywho, one would think because I live in the more Western part of NC that I would see more snow.
You couldn't be more wrong.
Now, our mountains get plenty of snow. They've already had quite a few good snows in Boone.
However, the best snows for the non-mountainous part of NC occur right along that line that actually separates the "Piedmont" from the "Coastal" region...amazingly enough. I think it has something to do with the way the land is physically shaped...as well as jet streams and other such nonsense like that!
So...we often don't put much stock in what the weather man says when it comes to snow here in the Winston-Salem area. I've honestly seen days where they've called for a 100% chance of snow...they were so sure they shut down the schools and closed many businesses...and I sat at home and watched a very gray day, but no snow.
But, with it being Christmas, I've got my hopes high and my fingers crossed that we will see a white Christmas after all.
We shall see! :)
Monday, December 20, 2010
Where Have I Been???
It seems like a lifetime ago that I actually had time to blog. These past few weeks have been CRAZY! I finally got finished up on our church's three-night dinner theater outreach event...which, to be honest I was dreading...and then found myself enjoying it! Although, by Friday, I was done.
I woke up the following Saturday (a week ago this past Saturday) with a little niggling scratch throat. I ignored it...went about my business...bought & decorated a Christmas tree. By Saturday evening, I wasn't feeling really well. Sunday dawned gray & rainy and the scratchy throat persisted. So, I did nothing and by Monday I was feeling some better.
Monday & Tuesday I reveled in the luxury of having nothing planned...plus the HIGHS both days were below freezing. In NC, that's rare. We don't deal well with that.
Wednesday I went back to not feeling well and finally broke down and got some meds. I studied and compared all of the cold meds at the pharmacy...and STILL managed to pick up a "nighttime" formual. But, I know that my body chemistry is apparently backwards...so I took it anyway and it did make me feel better without making me sleepy! But, Wednesday's are always long days for me because that's church night...and this one was exceptionally long since we were practicing for the Christmas program.
Thursday, I woke up to ice on the ground, generally feeling like crap and goop pouring out of my eye. So, I tucked myself back into bed and woke up about three hours later. I self-diagnosed myself to have pink eye and requested eye drops from my doctor's office. Amazingly enough, they didn't require me to come in and they still called in the prescription!
Friday, we still had some ice on the roadways...so, I waited a little bit before going into work...worked the day away and then went to a Christmas party with my BFF.
Saturday was a blur...including an early morning grocery run, choir practice, a visit to my parents...mostly to see the niece & nephew...a lot of Christmas shopping, some more visiting with the niece & nephew and my sister too, and some gift wrapping! All in all, a good day...but still looking for a few last minute gifts!
Sunday was church, cookie making and choir performance...not too bad of a day!
And by the way, have you heard of cake mix cookies??? Where have these been all my life? I had never heard of them until I was e-mailing Helena from Life in the Pitts about the glories of the Kitchen-Aid mixer and she mentioned these lovely things! So easy...so simple...so cheap...SO GOOD! I made red velvet cookies topped with cream cheese icing and German chocolate topped with coconut!
Anyway, that's where I've been...here, there, sick, well.
I have had a chance to check out some blogs here & there...and hopefully I'll see you around a little more this week now that things are somewhat slowing down for me...well, other than trying to finish Christmas shopping!
Here's a look at our Christmas tree...my regular camera doesn't do good pics so you can still see the lights...so this is with my phone...which is why it's a bit fuzzy...
One of the great things about living in NC, home of Christmas tree farms galore - our tree was cut on the Friday before we bought it on Saturday! :)
Hope you are having a Happy Monday!
I woke up the following Saturday (a week ago this past Saturday) with a little niggling scratch throat. I ignored it...went about my business...bought & decorated a Christmas tree. By Saturday evening, I wasn't feeling really well. Sunday dawned gray & rainy and the scratchy throat persisted. So, I did nothing and by Monday I was feeling some better.
Monday & Tuesday I reveled in the luxury of having nothing planned...plus the HIGHS both days were below freezing. In NC, that's rare. We don't deal well with that.
Wednesday I went back to not feeling well and finally broke down and got some meds. I studied and compared all of the cold meds at the pharmacy...and STILL managed to pick up a "nighttime" formual. But, I know that my body chemistry is apparently backwards...so I took it anyway and it did make me feel better without making me sleepy! But, Wednesday's are always long days for me because that's church night...and this one was exceptionally long since we were practicing for the Christmas program.
Thursday, I woke up to ice on the ground, generally feeling like crap and goop pouring out of my eye. So, I tucked myself back into bed and woke up about three hours later. I self-diagnosed myself to have pink eye and requested eye drops from my doctor's office. Amazingly enough, they didn't require me to come in and they still called in the prescription!
Friday, we still had some ice on the roadways...so, I waited a little bit before going into work...worked the day away and then went to a Christmas party with my BFF.
Saturday was a blur...including an early morning grocery run, choir practice, a visit to my parents...mostly to see the niece & nephew...a lot of Christmas shopping, some more visiting with the niece & nephew and my sister too, and some gift wrapping! All in all, a good day...but still looking for a few last minute gifts!
Sunday was church, cookie making and choir performance...not too bad of a day!
And by the way, have you heard of cake mix cookies??? Where have these been all my life? I had never heard of them until I was e-mailing Helena from Life in the Pitts about the glories of the Kitchen-Aid mixer and she mentioned these lovely things! So easy...so simple...so cheap...SO GOOD! I made red velvet cookies topped with cream cheese icing and German chocolate topped with coconut!
Anyway, that's where I've been...here, there, sick, well.
I have had a chance to check out some blogs here & there...and hopefully I'll see you around a little more this week now that things are somewhat slowing down for me...well, other than trying to finish Christmas shopping!
Here's a look at our Christmas tree...my regular camera doesn't do good pics so you can still see the lights...so this is with my phone...which is why it's a bit fuzzy...
One of the great things about living in NC, home of Christmas tree farms galore - our tree was cut on the Friday before we bought it on Saturday! :)
Hope you are having a Happy Monday!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Five Question Friday - Christmas Edition :)
Well, I've made it...this week has been crazy, tiring, but fun. Everything has gone on without a hitch...I did NOT get sick (thanks for the prayers) and I haven't wanted to take anyone's head off! So, all in all, a good week!
Tonight is our last night at our church's "dinner theater" event. It's been great so far and we've seen a lot of visitors. Tomorrow I will actually begin my own personal Christmas celebration by actually putting up the Christmas tree! :) Can't wait!!!!
With everything going on this week, I haven't had a lot of time to write or read...and I really don't today either...so as is my own blog tradition, I'm participating in Five Question Friday, brought to you by Mama M. If you'd like to participate, just head on over, copy the questions & link up! :)
1. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Christmas Day...when we were little we would beg and beg and beg to open gifts on Christmas Eve, but my parents never allowed it. One year, when Dylan was very young (like 2), we had planned to fly to Florida to visit Dad's family for Christmas and so we did Christmas Eve with my family. It felt so wrong. So, now we don't do gifts until Christmas Day. And in actuality over the past few years, we've sometimes moved our family Christmas celebration until the 26th, due to my BIL's work schedule...which is SO HARD TO WAIT! :) But this year, he's off Christmas Day...so we don't have to wait this year!
2. What is your favorite Christmas cookie (or candy)?
I love chocolate covered cherries...and over the past few years, I've been making peanut butter balls...which are just awesome!
3. What's the worst Christmas gift you've ever received?
I'm not really sure...I know the Christmas gift that I DIDN'T receive...one year, all I asked for was a watch...guess what I didn't get. Yeah, a watch. I was not happy...that wasn't a particularly happy Christmas anyway...
4. Christmas song that you love?
Well, I love almost all Christmas songs...but I'm very partial to the traditional Christmas hymns...O Holy Night, Joy to the World, Silent Night...I love church during Christmas.
5. How many trees do you put up?
Just one...I don't have a ton of room in my house...I barely have room for the one! :) But maybe one day, when I have a bigger house, I'll put up more!
I hope you have a happy Friday! See ya around! :)
Tonight is our last night at our church's "dinner theater" event. It's been great so far and we've seen a lot of visitors. Tomorrow I will actually begin my own personal Christmas celebration by actually putting up the Christmas tree! :) Can't wait!!!!
With everything going on this week, I haven't had a lot of time to write or read...and I really don't today either...so as is my own blog tradition, I'm participating in Five Question Friday, brought to you by Mama M. If you'd like to participate, just head on over, copy the questions & link up! :)
1. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Christmas Day...when we were little we would beg and beg and beg to open gifts on Christmas Eve, but my parents never allowed it. One year, when Dylan was very young (like 2), we had planned to fly to Florida to visit Dad's family for Christmas and so we did Christmas Eve with my family. It felt so wrong. So, now we don't do gifts until Christmas Day. And in actuality over the past few years, we've sometimes moved our family Christmas celebration until the 26th, due to my BIL's work schedule...which is SO HARD TO WAIT! :) But this year, he's off Christmas Day...so we don't have to wait this year!
2. What is your favorite Christmas cookie (or candy)?
I love chocolate covered cherries...and over the past few years, I've been making peanut butter balls...which are just awesome!
3. What's the worst Christmas gift you've ever received?
I'm not really sure...I know the Christmas gift that I DIDN'T receive...one year, all I asked for was a watch...guess what I didn't get. Yeah, a watch. I was not happy...that wasn't a particularly happy Christmas anyway...
4. Christmas song that you love?
Well, I love almost all Christmas songs...but I'm very partial to the traditional Christmas hymns...O Holy Night, Joy to the World, Silent Night...I love church during Christmas.
5. How many trees do you put up?
Just one...I don't have a ton of room in my house...I barely have room for the one! :) But maybe one day, when I have a bigger house, I'll put up more!
I hope you have a happy Friday! See ya around! :)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
I crossed over to the dark side...
I swore I wouldn't do it...
I didn't see the point...
I thought to myself...do I really need one.more.social.media.networking.distraction in my life?
I have a Facebook...
I have a Myspace...although I think the last time I logged on was in August and I'm not really sure why I don't delete it...
I have Blogger...
And now...yes, it's true...you can find me on twitter.
Because some of my favorite blogging friends aren't blogging that often, but I discovered they tweet...
And, well you know I'm nosey...
So I HAD to sign up!
So, if you wanna follow me...it's @brwnidgrljenn
Warning...I don't know what I'm doing and I don't promise to tweet major revelations in my life. But I do participate and I think I might even like it...maybe...
This is my crazy, busy week at church. I've finished four of my nine days straight at the church. Oddly enough, though, I'm kind of looking forward to it all.
So, pray that I continue to stay well...and that I don't take somebody's head off...because it might happen! :)
See ya around!
I didn't see the point...
I thought to myself...do I really need one.more.social.media.networking.distraction in my life?
I have a Facebook...
I have a Myspace...although I think the last time I logged on was in August and I'm not really sure why I don't delete it...
I have Blogger...
And now...yes, it's true...you can find me on twitter.
Because some of my favorite blogging friends aren't blogging that often, but I discovered they tweet...
And, well you know I'm nosey...
So I HAD to sign up!
So, if you wanna follow me...it's @brwnidgrljenn
Warning...I don't know what I'm doing and I don't promise to tweet major revelations in my life. But I do participate and I think I might even like it...maybe...
This is my crazy, busy week at church. I've finished four of my nine days straight at the church. Oddly enough, though, I'm kind of looking forward to it all.
So, pray that I continue to stay well...and that I don't take somebody's head off...because it might happen! :)
See ya around!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Five Question Friday
Well, look-y here! I did free up some time for another post in my 9 day interment! :) Ok, well, I'm doing this Thursday night at 10:45...giving up valuable snuggling under my covers time. No problem...I'll still get that in! :)
And here we go with Five Question Friday, hosted by Mama M. If you'd like to play along, you can visit her, copy & answer the questions and link on up!
So...here goes! :)
1. What's on the top of your holiday wish list and why?!
Well...dreaming big...I'd love to have a Kitchen Aid Mixer. A couple of years ago, I asked for a Kitchen Aid because my mom & sister each have one and it is awesome. However, my mom wanted to make the most of my "Christmas money" and bought me a Sunbeam mixer instead. I am not and was not ungrateful for this...she had a Sunbeam for years and years and years and only moved over to the Kitchen Aid because she got a KILLER Black Friday deal on it. Well...I guess Sunbeam just doesn't make them like they used to...because, while my mixer works, it doesn't work well. Sometimes it acts like it's stuck, but I'm mixing a box cake mix and it shouldn't be getting hung.
But realisitically, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a pair of Ugg knock offs from Target! :) Because I want my "Christmas money" to go farther this year!
Oh yeah...and the rainboots from yesterday's post...
:)
2. What is your favorite Christmas gift from the past?
Honestly, I'm not sure. I've gotten lots of great stuff as Christmas gifts over the years. Of course, I've loved all the handmade stuff that Dylan has made me...well, most of it...but don't tell him. There was a somewhat devilish cup/glass/vase that he made in art class a year or two ago that he decided to "gift" me.
But, quite honestly it's hard to just pick one favorite gift!
3. If you had life to do over, what would you be when you grow up?
This is another tough question! I like my job now...the only other job I could see my self doing would be working with children, either as a teacher or something in that field. In fact, I got the Elementary Ed degree anyway and don't use it! HAHA!
Maybe I would be a ballerina after all...
or maybe not...
4. When do you put up your tree?
Usually the first weekend in December...however, this year, with all the stuff I have crammed into this weekend, I'm putting it off until next weekend. I'm actually looking forward to it because I think I'll have time to enjoy it!
5. What is your favorite Holiday?
Well, I do love Christmas. I love what the season is about. I love celebrating Jesus' birth. I love all the decorations - inside & out. I love the family time, although in our family we have a lot of family time throughout the year. I love the cheer. I love the music. I love going to church during this time. I love the giving...and the receiving.
But, on the other hand, it's also a time when I feel overextended. I feel overly stressed. I don't feel like I have the time to truly enjoy the entire season. And when it's all over, we head into the bleakest few months...January and February. To me, it's kind of the let down after such a big, fun, exciting time.
So, while I love Christmas and all that it's about, probably my favorite Holiday is the 4th of July. I think because it's a celebration, but it's so much more relaxed for me. And coming down from the excitement of this holiday isn't like falling flat on my face.
Hope you have a Happy Friday, weekend...and if I don't see you, a great week! :)
And here we go with Five Question Friday, hosted by Mama M. If you'd like to play along, you can visit her, copy & answer the questions and link on up!
So...here goes! :)
1. What's on the top of your holiday wish list and why?!
Well...dreaming big...I'd love to have a Kitchen Aid Mixer. A couple of years ago, I asked for a Kitchen Aid because my mom & sister each have one and it is awesome. However, my mom wanted to make the most of my "Christmas money" and bought me a Sunbeam mixer instead. I am not and was not ungrateful for this...she had a Sunbeam for years and years and years and only moved over to the Kitchen Aid because she got a KILLER Black Friday deal on it. Well...I guess Sunbeam just doesn't make them like they used to...because, while my mixer works, it doesn't work well. Sometimes it acts like it's stuck, but I'm mixing a box cake mix and it shouldn't be getting hung.
But realisitically, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a pair of Ugg knock offs from Target! :) Because I want my "Christmas money" to go farther this year!
Oh yeah...and the rainboots from yesterday's post...
:)
2. What is your favorite Christmas gift from the past?
Honestly, I'm not sure. I've gotten lots of great stuff as Christmas gifts over the years. Of course, I've loved all the handmade stuff that Dylan has made me...well, most of it...but don't tell him. There was a somewhat devilish cup/glass/vase that he made in art class a year or two ago that he decided to "gift" me.
But, quite honestly it's hard to just pick one favorite gift!
3. If you had life to do over, what would you be when you grow up?
This is another tough question! I like my job now...the only other job I could see my self doing would be working with children, either as a teacher or something in that field. In fact, I got the Elementary Ed degree anyway and don't use it! HAHA!
Maybe I would be a ballerina after all...
or maybe not...
4. When do you put up your tree?
Usually the first weekend in December...however, this year, with all the stuff I have crammed into this weekend, I'm putting it off until next weekend. I'm actually looking forward to it because I think I'll have time to enjoy it!
5. What is your favorite Holiday?
Well, I do love Christmas. I love what the season is about. I love celebrating Jesus' birth. I love all the decorations - inside & out. I love the family time, although in our family we have a lot of family time throughout the year. I love the cheer. I love the music. I love going to church during this time. I love the giving...and the receiving.
But, on the other hand, it's also a time when I feel overextended. I feel overly stressed. I don't feel like I have the time to truly enjoy the entire season. And when it's all over, we head into the bleakest few months...January and February. To me, it's kind of the let down after such a big, fun, exciting time.
So, while I love Christmas and all that it's about, probably my favorite Holiday is the 4th of July. I think because it's a celebration, but it's so much more relaxed for me. And coming down from the excitement of this holiday isn't like falling flat on my face.
Hope you have a Happy Friday, weekend...and if I don't see you, a great week! :)
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Randomness...complete & utter randomness
Today, in an effort to find my Christmas spirit, I decided to update my computer desktop wallpaper. Plus, it was time for the "Happy Thanksgiving" wallpaper to go. So, I did a little Google search and found a nice computer wallpaper...
Nice huh? I love Victorian houses...I love snow...I love pretty, twinkly Christmas trees...I love a cute snowman...
I was enjoying my Christmas wallpaper until I happened to notice a little faux pas...which of course, isn't obvious until it's on my 19" screen...
Evidently, this porch gives you an x-ray view of the pretty, sparkly Christmas tree next to it. And of course, now this is ALL I see when I look at my desktop. So, I guess I'll have to find a new desktop wallpaper!
I.love.these.rainboots!!!! I have been dying for a pair of rainboots...which, in the part of NC where I live, are completely not necessary. I'm not sure when I would wear them...but, oh, I would try! And they are on sale at target.com. Size 8. K, thanks???
You ask, how much does she love them??? So much that this is now my Facebook profile pic...see?
So, my 9 day interment at my church begins tonight...hopefully, I'll have time to make some blog visits here & there...but if not, I'll see you on December 11th...if I haven't taken to my bed in complete & utter exhaustion!
Happy Thursday! :)
Nice huh? I love Victorian houses...I love snow...I love pretty, twinkly Christmas trees...I love a cute snowman...
I was enjoying my Christmas wallpaper until I happened to notice a little faux pas...which of course, isn't obvious until it's on my 19" screen...
Evidently, this porch gives you an x-ray view of the pretty, sparkly Christmas tree next to it. And of course, now this is ALL I see when I look at my desktop. So, I guess I'll have to find a new desktop wallpaper!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In other news, I have decided what you can send me for Christmas...
I.love.these.rainboots!!!! I have been dying for a pair of rainboots...which, in the part of NC where I live, are completely not necessary. I'm not sure when I would wear them...but, oh, I would try! And they are on sale at target.com. Size 8. K, thanks???
You ask, how much does she love them??? So much that this is now my Facebook profile pic...see?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
So, my 9 day interment at my church begins tonight...hopefully, I'll have time to make some blog visits here & there...but if not, I'll see you on December 11th...if I haven't taken to my bed in complete & utter exhaustion!
Happy Thursday! :)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thanksgiving and on...
I have been absent from the blog world for the past few days...well, not on Thursday, Friday & Saturday when almost everyone else was absent! Thanksgiving was quiet for me...as it usually is. A few years ago, we began celebrating Thanksgiving on Friday. This was partly due to my BIL's work schedule (somehow his night shift ALWAYS falls on Thanksgiving)...and they usually celebrate with his family on Thanksgiving. We give up Thursday because they have to coordinate a few more people than we do - including some 'out-of-towners'. When Mom was still working, it was easier on her too because she had an extra day to prepare.
Wednesday night we had a little "mini-celebration" with my sis, her kids, mom & dad, me & Dylan. Zach was there for a bit before he had to work, but we had chili and potato soup. Then Dylan spent the night with Ne & Pa...which meant that I had movie night! Thursday morning, I watched Aly & Ayden while my sister cooked for Zach's family. They wore me out...but I had some time to rest, watch more movies/TV and veg. While we were eating dinner with Mom & Dad on Thursday, Dylan's friend Seth called to request a sleep over. My first reaction was NO...then I softened and said, yes, but we have family Thanksgiving tomorrow evening. He reported this to Seth...and then I heard him kind of sigh...say "OK" and "probably not". He ended the call and said he couldn't go because Seth & his family were leaving the next morning to go to Seth's grandma. I told him I was sorry...to which he replied, "well, Seth did invite me to go to". I thought...I pondered...I reasoned...and then I caved! :) He & Seth haven't spent a lot of time together because Seth is a hunter and has spending a great deal of time doing just that. So, I didn't feel like it was a bad move on my part. Of course, this change of plans led to some emergency laundry and a later evening drop off. But, I was glad he had the chance and Dylan enjoys Seth's family.
But, that meant that I was on my own Friday & Saturday. Friday I spent some time at my parents - my mom was watching the kids while Zach slept and Missy worked (she works for a bank) and then I had a little more TV/movie time. We had our family Thanksgiving meal that evening and it was a quiet night for me - well, I watched Wizard of Oz...I couldn't resist! :)
By Saturday, the TV/movie marathon had grown quite old...I needed to get out of my house (I didn't even know what the temp was outside)...so, I asked Mom & Dad to go see Tangled with me. Such a cute movie. Loved it and would love to take Aly back with me.
So, all in all...just a quiet, quiet, quiet weekend.
I guess to prepare me for what lies ahead...because, beginning tomorrow I have a 10 day stint of day after day of planned events. Tomorrow is Mom's birthday (Happy Birthday Mom!)...Thursday I have skit practice...Friday is Children's Christmas party...Saturday is choir practice, baby shower and seems like there's one other thing...Sunday is church, skit practice again, a pancake dinner - not to mention a get together at a friends house after the local Christmas parade that I'm trying to squeeze in....Monday is our annual Ladies Christmas dinner at church...Tuesday is choir practice, again...Wednesday, Thursday & Friday is our church's dinner theater in which I have to perform the skit that I practiced Thursday & Sunday. Are you tired yet??? Because I am and it hasn't even begun!
So...if you don't see me around, know that it's nothing personal and that I haven't abandoned my blog...I simply haven't had time to visit you and write anything new for you! My biggest fear in this 10 day stint is that I will run myself down to the point of getting sick. So, please pray for my strength and wellness to hold out!
Oh, yeah...I haven't gotten my Christmas tree...or my decorations out...so it looks like I will be putting up a tree on December 11th. Because that's the first time I will have time to actually go get a tree (we only do live) and after that I may actually have time to decorate it and enjoy it!
'Tis the season...I will be hibernating in January...
Wednesday night we had a little "mini-celebration" with my sis, her kids, mom & dad, me & Dylan. Zach was there for a bit before he had to work, but we had chili and potato soup. Then Dylan spent the night with Ne & Pa...which meant that I had movie night! Thursday morning, I watched Aly & Ayden while my sister cooked for Zach's family. They wore me out...but I had some time to rest, watch more movies/TV and veg. While we were eating dinner with Mom & Dad on Thursday, Dylan's friend Seth called to request a sleep over. My first reaction was NO...then I softened and said, yes, but we have family Thanksgiving tomorrow evening. He reported this to Seth...and then I heard him kind of sigh...say "OK" and "probably not". He ended the call and said he couldn't go because Seth & his family were leaving the next morning to go to Seth's grandma. I told him I was sorry...to which he replied, "well, Seth did invite me to go to". I thought...I pondered...I reasoned...and then I caved! :) He & Seth haven't spent a lot of time together because Seth is a hunter and has spending a great deal of time doing just that. So, I didn't feel like it was a bad move on my part. Of course, this change of plans led to some emergency laundry and a later evening drop off. But, I was glad he had the chance and Dylan enjoys Seth's family.
But, that meant that I was on my own Friday & Saturday. Friday I spent some time at my parents - my mom was watching the kids while Zach slept and Missy worked (she works for a bank) and then I had a little more TV/movie time. We had our family Thanksgiving meal that evening and it was a quiet night for me - well, I watched Wizard of Oz...I couldn't resist! :)
By Saturday, the TV/movie marathon had grown quite old...I needed to get out of my house (I didn't even know what the temp was outside)...so, I asked Mom & Dad to go see Tangled with me. Such a cute movie. Loved it and would love to take Aly back with me.
So, all in all...just a quiet, quiet, quiet weekend.
I guess to prepare me for what lies ahead...because, beginning tomorrow I have a 10 day stint of day after day of planned events. Tomorrow is Mom's birthday (Happy Birthday Mom!)...Thursday I have skit practice...Friday is Children's Christmas party...Saturday is choir practice, baby shower and seems like there's one other thing...Sunday is church, skit practice again, a pancake dinner - not to mention a get together at a friends house after the local Christmas parade that I'm trying to squeeze in....Monday is our annual Ladies Christmas dinner at church...Tuesday is choir practice, again...Wednesday, Thursday & Friday is our church's dinner theater in which I have to perform the skit that I practiced Thursday & Sunday. Are you tired yet??? Because I am and it hasn't even begun!
So...if you don't see me around, know that it's nothing personal and that I haven't abandoned my blog...I simply haven't had time to visit you and write anything new for you! My biggest fear in this 10 day stint is that I will run myself down to the point of getting sick. So, please pray for my strength and wellness to hold out!
Oh, yeah...I haven't gotten my Christmas tree...or my decorations out...so it looks like I will be putting up a tree on December 11th. Because that's the first time I will have time to actually go get a tree (we only do live) and after that I may actually have time to decorate it and enjoy it!
'Tis the season...I will be hibernating in January...
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thankful
I am thankful every day...for big things...for little things...but since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought it would be nice to compile a list of things that I'm thankful for. These are in no specific order.
#1 - I'm thankful for my family. I have wonderful parents who have taught me a great deal about life, but more importantly, how to handle life's challenges. My sister and brother-in-law make our family so much more interesting. Many people really don't know my brother-in-law and what makes him tick. My sis & BIL have been married for 8 years and dated for 2 or 3 years prior to that...I am just now really "getting to know" him. But, I can say that together, they add so much to all of our family time. And I can't say enough how thankful I am for my niece & nephew...I love Aly & Ayden so much and THEY have made my life better. There's so much joy in my heart when Aly requests a sleep over or I walk into a room and Ayden's face breaks into a grin.
#2 - Always and forever, I'm thankful for my son. Dylan is by far the greatest blessing in my life...even when he makes me mad...even when I forget how much a 14 year old resembles a 3 year old. His birth definitely made my life better and I am a better person for having him in my life.
#3 - I'm thankful for a God who loves me and provides for me...and His love & provision are so undeserved. It's truly amazing.
#4 - I'm also thankful for Jesus Christ...the One who took my death sentence on a cross so many years ago so that I may live this life full of grace and know that when my time on earth ends, I will be with Him in Heaven. What a glorious promise!
#5 - I'm thankful for my best friend. Ashley is the one that I can whine and pitch a fit around...and she will listen to it...and tell me when to suck it up or when to fight harder. She's also the one who listens to all my insecurities, my heart breaks, the things that make me cry, the things that make me laugh...and vice versa. And when she married Zac, I gained another friend. These two people would do anything for me or Dylan and I am so blessed to have them in my life.
#6 - I'm thankful for my job. Not just to have a job, although that is a blessing - especially now. But to have a job that I enjoy - even with all the aggravations that my job tends to bring with it. I'm thankful for the people I work with - even when they aggravate me. I'm thankful that God has continued to bless our company with jobs and projects.
#7 - I'm thankful for the health of not only myself, but my entire family. I wouldn't say we are all the healthiest people...but we could all be a lot worse off.
#8 - I'm thankful for the men & women who serve our country in the military. I'm thankful for their sacrifice and that they are willing to give up their own time, family and potentially their lives to insure my safety and to allow me the opportunity to spend time with my family and keep my life safe. And I'm thankful for the support people in their lives - mothers, fathers, siblings, husbands, wives, children - who give up THEIR time with family members who are serving.
#9 - I'm thankful for coffee...OK, after this long list, that may be a bit shallow...but I really love coffee! :)
#10 - I'm thankful for those of you who read my blog and have become my "bloggy" friends. It's a strange thing to have such a connection with so many people that I've never met and possibly will never meet. But it's nice to know that you are there and that you read what I write and sometimes even let me know what you think!
I truly hope that you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
#1 - I'm thankful for my family. I have wonderful parents who have taught me a great deal about life, but more importantly, how to handle life's challenges. My sister and brother-in-law make our family so much more interesting. Many people really don't know my brother-in-law and what makes him tick. My sis & BIL have been married for 8 years and dated for 2 or 3 years prior to that...I am just now really "getting to know" him. But, I can say that together, they add so much to all of our family time. And I can't say enough how thankful I am for my niece & nephew...I love Aly & Ayden so much and THEY have made my life better. There's so much joy in my heart when Aly requests a sleep over or I walk into a room and Ayden's face breaks into a grin.
#2 - Always and forever, I'm thankful for my son. Dylan is by far the greatest blessing in my life...even when he makes me mad...even when I forget how much a 14 year old resembles a 3 year old. His birth definitely made my life better and I am a better person for having him in my life.
#3 - I'm thankful for a God who loves me and provides for me...and His love & provision are so undeserved. It's truly amazing.
#4 - I'm also thankful for Jesus Christ...the One who took my death sentence on a cross so many years ago so that I may live this life full of grace and know that when my time on earth ends, I will be with Him in Heaven. What a glorious promise!
#5 - I'm thankful for my best friend. Ashley is the one that I can whine and pitch a fit around...and she will listen to it...and tell me when to suck it up or when to fight harder. She's also the one who listens to all my insecurities, my heart breaks, the things that make me cry, the things that make me laugh...and vice versa. And when she married Zac, I gained another friend. These two people would do anything for me or Dylan and I am so blessed to have them in my life.
#6 - I'm thankful for my job. Not just to have a job, although that is a blessing - especially now. But to have a job that I enjoy - even with all the aggravations that my job tends to bring with it. I'm thankful for the people I work with - even when they aggravate me. I'm thankful that God has continued to bless our company with jobs and projects.
#7 - I'm thankful for the health of not only myself, but my entire family. I wouldn't say we are all the healthiest people...but we could all be a lot worse off.
#8 - I'm thankful for the men & women who serve our country in the military. I'm thankful for their sacrifice and that they are willing to give up their own time, family and potentially their lives to insure my safety and to allow me the opportunity to spend time with my family and keep my life safe. And I'm thankful for the support people in their lives - mothers, fathers, siblings, husbands, wives, children - who give up THEIR time with family members who are serving.
#9 - I'm thankful for coffee...OK, after this long list, that may be a bit shallow...but I really love coffee! :)
#10 - I'm thankful for those of you who read my blog and have become my "bloggy" friends. It's a strange thing to have such a connection with so many people that I've never met and possibly will never meet. But it's nice to know that you are there and that you read what I write and sometimes even let me know what you think!
I truly hope that you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Rare "Good" Monday
This weekend was super busy...so much packed into such a small amount of time. Friday night our church hosted a concert with Jason Crabb. I don't know much about him, but this concert was awesome. And he was sick...which amazed me even more! :) It was fun...but a late night.
Saturday morning I caught up on laundry and that afternoon/evening, Dylan & I went to "Survivor Day" with the youth group. It was such a beautiful NC fall day...not too cool during the day...abundant sunshine...blue skies...perfect for an outdoor activity. The students had the challenge to catch a fish, clean it, cook it over a fire that they had to make, boil water in a plastic bottle, and build a shelter that was water proof. Oh yeah, they were only given fishing line and a hook, a shovel, a small knife, a hatchet and a magnesium flint. It was interesting to say the least. There were other challenges to get the students to work together...and later we had chicken stew (my fav!) and Worship out under the stars. Once the sun set, it got cold fast and I was so thankful to get home into my warm PJ's & bed!
During the first challenge (building the shelter), Dylan was trying to bring a log over to use for their shelter. He picked up a log, decided it was too heavy and dropped it. However, when he dropped it, it fell on his right hand. Something on the log cut his finger and in Dylan's words, when he looked at his hand his finger was "gushing blood". Thankfully, we had an EMT with us...who quickly assessed that the cut wasn't too big and got it all cleaned up.
However, his first two fingers swelled...and were still swollen and sore this morning. So, I decided to take Dylan to the doctor to have them checked out. His appointment was at 2pm...so I left work at 1pm to pick him up from school and take him. Thankfully, everything checked out and nothing is broken!
Today, though, was such a good day for a Monday. It was nice to pick Dylan up and not be worried about him being sick (which is usually the reason he has to leave school early). He was in a good mood all day...giving me a hard time about worrying over him and take him to the doctor. When we were at the doctor's office, he got put in the "princess" exam room - which he was just THRILLED about. We went through everything pretty quickly...and had time to go by Wal-Mart after the x-rays. And then we even had time to play a little Band Hero together and then have some extra time to just hang around the house.
With the holiday season looming just over the horizon, I'm thankful to have a day to just hang out. And there's something about being home while you know you technically should be at work...and not having a sick kid to warrant me being home during the day just made it better.
So...all in all, a good Monday.
With one exception...if you read The Daily Dose of Reality, you may or may not be aware of some sad news. Ian & his wife were expecting a baby in April, but sadly they lost their baby son over the weekend. Please keep this family in your prayers as they are dealing with this especially heartbreaking loss. I know they would appreciate it.
Saturday morning I caught up on laundry and that afternoon/evening, Dylan & I went to "Survivor Day" with the youth group. It was such a beautiful NC fall day...not too cool during the day...abundant sunshine...blue skies...perfect for an outdoor activity. The students had the challenge to catch a fish, clean it, cook it over a fire that they had to make, boil water in a plastic bottle, and build a shelter that was water proof. Oh yeah, they were only given fishing line and a hook, a shovel, a small knife, a hatchet and a magnesium flint. It was interesting to say the least. There were other challenges to get the students to work together...and later we had chicken stew (my fav!) and Worship out under the stars. Once the sun set, it got cold fast and I was so thankful to get home into my warm PJ's & bed!
 |
| I was trying to not let any chicken stew go to waste...YUM! |
However, his first two fingers swelled...and were still swollen and sore this morning. So, I decided to take Dylan to the doctor to have them checked out. His appointment was at 2pm...so I left work at 1pm to pick him up from school and take him. Thankfully, everything checked out and nothing is broken!
Today, though, was such a good day for a Monday. It was nice to pick Dylan up and not be worried about him being sick (which is usually the reason he has to leave school early). He was in a good mood all day...giving me a hard time about worrying over him and take him to the doctor. When we were at the doctor's office, he got put in the "princess" exam room - which he was just THRILLED about. We went through everything pretty quickly...and had time to go by Wal-Mart after the x-rays. And then we even had time to play a little Band Hero together and then have some extra time to just hang around the house.
With the holiday season looming just over the horizon, I'm thankful to have a day to just hang out. And there's something about being home while you know you technically should be at work...and not having a sick kid to warrant me being home during the day just made it better.
So...all in all, a good Monday.
With one exception...if you read The Daily Dose of Reality, you may or may not be aware of some sad news. Ian & his wife were expecting a baby in April, but sadly they lost their baby son over the weekend. Please keep this family in your prayers as they are dealing with this especially heartbreaking loss. I know they would appreciate it.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Marshmallows...
I know I said I wouldn't be back until probably Monday...but here I am...at 12:15pm EST...sitting in bed...laptop on my, well lap...and I just had to share this with you all.
Marshmallows make everything better in my world.
Case in point...sweet potatoes - we call them "yams" here in NC...they are pretty good on their own. Put a little butter...maybe add some brown sugar and cinnamon. Yum. BUT, add a few marshmallows to the top...put them in the oven for a few minutes and wha-la! So much better!
And how about a baked sweet potato...popular around here as a side dish at some restaurants. I personally do not like a baked sweet potato. I know, it's the same as a yam...what can I say? I'm strange. However, at my favorite steak house (Texas Roadhouse) they put caramel and marshmallows on it. I'm sold.
And hot chocolate...how can anyone drink this chocolatey goodness without tons of marshmallows???
Oh...marshmallows make it all better.
Guess what I just finished at midnight tonight???
Yup...a big mug of hot chocolate with a whole bunch of marshmallows!
Hmmm...I might be here longer than I thought! ;)
Marshmallows make everything better in my world.
Case in point...sweet potatoes - we call them "yams" here in NC...they are pretty good on their own. Put a little butter...maybe add some brown sugar and cinnamon. Yum. BUT, add a few marshmallows to the top...put them in the oven for a few minutes and wha-la! So much better!
And how about a baked sweet potato...popular around here as a side dish at some restaurants. I personally do not like a baked sweet potato. I know, it's the same as a yam...what can I say? I'm strange. However, at my favorite steak house (Texas Roadhouse) they put caramel and marshmallows on it. I'm sold.
And hot chocolate...how can anyone drink this chocolatey goodness without tons of marshmallows???
Oh...marshmallows make it all better.
Guess what I just finished at midnight tonight???
Yup...a big mug of hot chocolate with a whole bunch of marshmallows!
Hmmm...I might be here longer than I thought! ;)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Five Question Friday!
Well, thank goodness it's Friday! I'm a little brain dead because over the past three days I've written THIRTY-EIGHT sales letters - for just one sales person. This doesn't include any other letters I've done over the past three days. Plus my regular work. And, because I can't stand tedious tasks, I write each letter. As in, I don't start with a template and fill in the address, contact, etc. That's the part that I do keep and I write each letter. Now, I won't claim that they are all original in content because I do tend to repeat that...but I have to write it brand new for each contact. And let me just tell you...when I was looking back at some of the past letters that I've written in some of these sales folders, I have to say I can write a pretty darn good letter.
Anyletterwriting, after all that writing, I really need something simple for Friday! Thank goodness for Five Question Friday with Mama M. If you'd like to participate, click on the picture below...copy the questions and link up!
1. What Christmas song do you loathe?
Anything sung by Aaron Neville...although that's across the board. I don't know how in the world he EVER got a recording contract. There's another that comes on that I just can't stand. It's not even really about Christmas but they play it during the Christmas season anyway. I can't remember the name...but it's so sappy - about a man & woman who evidently walked away from each other and then find each other again at the grocery store and get drunk on wine??? I don't know...I turn the channel every time it comes on.
2. Do you and your significant other cuddle at night or sleep on opposite sides of the bed?
The only significant other in my life that sleeps in my bed would be my teddy bear Joshua...and we do snuggle at night! ;)
3. Have you ever had surgery?
Yup! Wisdom teeth out at 18 - that was fun...I got home and passed out in our hallway when Mom changed out my gauze. Then when I was 21, I had my tonsils taken out. I don't really remember that being such a big deal, other than having to watch what I ate. I did have an issue while I was still in the hospital - I didn't realize that a side effect of anesthesia was nausea...I had been sleeping on & off all day...and during the night I woke up severely nauseated. I kept thinking "If I can just throw up, I'll feel better". Finally a nurse came in to take my vitals...I told her I wanted to throw up and I remember her words as clear as if it happened yesterday - she said to me "You DO NOT want to throw up...please, let me give you something for the nausea." If I had only known...within 15 minutes the nausea was gone!
4. When do you typically have your holiday shopping done?
I usually knock it all out in one weekend. Well, that is stuff for everyone except Dylan. Dylan & I will go on one big shopping trip one Saturday and get everything we need! It's great! I try to have Dylan's stuff done the weekend before Christmas. I may have to get stocking stuffers...but I don't count that! :)
5. If money were not an issue (and you HAD to pick something), what would your ultimate luxury item be?
This is a tough question - if I had to pick ONE item, hmmm...I would want to say a really nice TV...but that seems like such a small item. Maybe a REALLY nice camera. I really want a nice camera that takes fabulous pictures. Quite honestly, though, I've really wanted to have "unique" family pics done - with my whole family (parents, sister & BIL, niece & nephew, me & D). Not studio pics, but ones outside or at a unique place. That would probably end up being more than one item...but I know me and I'd end up buying a TON of pics. So, how about I say a photo session package that includes lots of pics!
Happy Friday...I have a busy weekend...so I'll probably see you about Monday! Have a great weekend!!!
Anyletterwriting, after all that writing, I really need something simple for Friday! Thank goodness for Five Question Friday with Mama M. If you'd like to participate, click on the picture below...copy the questions and link up!
1. What Christmas song do you loathe?
Anything sung by Aaron Neville...although that's across the board. I don't know how in the world he EVER got a recording contract. There's another that comes on that I just can't stand. It's not even really about Christmas but they play it during the Christmas season anyway. I can't remember the name...but it's so sappy - about a man & woman who evidently walked away from each other and then find each other again at the grocery store and get drunk on wine??? I don't know...I turn the channel every time it comes on.
2. Do you and your significant other cuddle at night or sleep on opposite sides of the bed?
The only significant other in my life that sleeps in my bed would be my teddy bear Joshua...and we do snuggle at night! ;)
3. Have you ever had surgery?
Yup! Wisdom teeth out at 18 - that was fun...I got home and passed out in our hallway when Mom changed out my gauze. Then when I was 21, I had my tonsils taken out. I don't really remember that being such a big deal, other than having to watch what I ate. I did have an issue while I was still in the hospital - I didn't realize that a side effect of anesthesia was nausea...I had been sleeping on & off all day...and during the night I woke up severely nauseated. I kept thinking "If I can just throw up, I'll feel better". Finally a nurse came in to take my vitals...I told her I wanted to throw up and I remember her words as clear as if it happened yesterday - she said to me "You DO NOT want to throw up...please, let me give you something for the nausea." If I had only known...within 15 minutes the nausea was gone!
4. When do you typically have your holiday shopping done?
I usually knock it all out in one weekend. Well, that is stuff for everyone except Dylan. Dylan & I will go on one big shopping trip one Saturday and get everything we need! It's great! I try to have Dylan's stuff done the weekend before Christmas. I may have to get stocking stuffers...but I don't count that! :)
5. If money were not an issue (and you HAD to pick something), what would your ultimate luxury item be?
This is a tough question - if I had to pick ONE item, hmmm...I would want to say a really nice TV...but that seems like such a small item. Maybe a REALLY nice camera. I really want a nice camera that takes fabulous pictures. Quite honestly, though, I've really wanted to have "unique" family pics done - with my whole family (parents, sister & BIL, niece & nephew, me & D). Not studio pics, but ones outside or at a unique place. That would probably end up being more than one item...but I know me and I'd end up buying a TON of pics. So, how about I say a photo session package that includes lots of pics!
Happy Friday...I have a busy weekend...so I'll probably see you about Monday! Have a great weekend!!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Insanity of Living With Me
Dylan has no choice but to live with me. Mostly because I say so...I'm the mom...and that makes it so. :) But I know that at times, it must be a challenge.
And just so you know...he's 14...so the challenge part goes both ways.
There are certain things that I may be a bit neurotic about...I don't mean to be...but for some reason this is the way that I'm wired. For instance, when I hear a bad storm come up or a heavy rain, I automatically begin to wonder if Dylan left anything out in the yard that we possible wouldn't want to get wet (i.e. a bike, ball, some other toy). It doesn't matter that he shouldn't have left it out there any way or that it's his own fault...or the fact that he actually doesusually put his things away...well, his outside things anyway. The inside things...not so much.
Anyway, the other thing is taking the garbage to the street. I don't mind doing this...but Dylan doesn't have too many jobs around the house (please reference the neurotic tendencies...also keep in mind that our house is about the size of a dinner napkin and requires little maintenance). So, the garbage is one of his "jobs". Each week the garbage truck comes around on Tuesday. I will beg & plead with Dylan to take the garbage to the street on Monday evening. Sometimes he complies...sometimes he doesn't. Unless it's Christmas, we usually don't have to set our garbage out weekly...even though I try to...but we do try to get it up to the street every other week. And, the garbage trucks run VERY early...like around 7ish.
So...last night, I reminded Dylan that the garbage needed to go to the street and he said he'd take care of it in the morning. He asked me to remind him...I thought, no big deal - when I get up, I'll remind him. Well, along about 5:55am, I am snuggling down in my bed...waiting for the alarm to go off...and all of the sudden I swear I hear the beeping of a truck and dogs barking. I think - WOW the garbage came early today! And then I begin to panic because I know our garbage isn't at the street. I stumble through the house...wake Dylan (who has fallen back asleep watching TV)...and tell him the garbage trucks are in the neighborhood. His reply - No they aren't. They don't run this early. To which I reply - I know, but I swear I heard them. I stumble back to bed, thinking he's going to ignore me but a few minutes later I hear him get the garbage from the kitchen...go out the back door and come back in.
Fast forward about 30 minutes...our conversation...
Me: Well...I think I heard the garbage truck...but maybe not.
Dylan: So, that really did happen? You really came in my room and told me you thought the garbage was running? Because I couldn't figure out if it was a dream or not. And then when I came back in, I thought you might get mad at me because I was loud.
Me: No - that really happened. I swear I heard the truck coming through!
Fast forward another 30 minutes or so...I get this text from Dylan (who's out at the bus stop):
"The garbage is coming through right now so ha"
Yes...it must be interesting living with me...
:)
And just so you know...he's 14...so the challenge part goes both ways.
There are certain things that I may be a bit neurotic about...I don't mean to be...but for some reason this is the way that I'm wired. For instance, when I hear a bad storm come up or a heavy rain, I automatically begin to wonder if Dylan left anything out in the yard that we possible wouldn't want to get wet (i.e. a bike, ball, some other toy). It doesn't matter that he shouldn't have left it out there any way or that it's his own fault...or the fact that he actually does
Anyway, the other thing is taking the garbage to the street. I don't mind doing this...but Dylan doesn't have too many jobs around the house (please reference the neurotic tendencies...also keep in mind that our house is about the size of a dinner napkin and requires little maintenance). So, the garbage is one of his "jobs". Each week the garbage truck comes around on Tuesday. I will beg & plead with Dylan to take the garbage to the street on Monday evening. Sometimes he complies...sometimes he doesn't. Unless it's Christmas, we usually don't have to set our garbage out weekly...even though I try to...but we do try to get it up to the street every other week. And, the garbage trucks run VERY early...like around 7ish.
So...last night, I reminded Dylan that the garbage needed to go to the street and he said he'd take care of it in the morning. He asked me to remind him...I thought, no big deal - when I get up, I'll remind him. Well, along about 5:55am, I am snuggling down in my bed...waiting for the alarm to go off...and all of the sudden I swear I hear the beeping of a truck and dogs barking. I think - WOW the garbage came early today! And then I begin to panic because I know our garbage isn't at the street. I stumble through the house...wake Dylan (who has fallen back asleep watching TV)...and tell him the garbage trucks are in the neighborhood. His reply - No they aren't. They don't run this early. To which I reply - I know, but I swear I heard them. I stumble back to bed, thinking he's going to ignore me but a few minutes later I hear him get the garbage from the kitchen...go out the back door and come back in.
Fast forward about 30 minutes...our conversation...
Me: Well...I think I heard the garbage truck...but maybe not.
Dylan: So, that really did happen? You really came in my room and told me you thought the garbage was running? Because I couldn't figure out if it was a dream or not. And then when I came back in, I thought you might get mad at me because I was loud.
Me: No - that really happened. I swear I heard the truck coming through!
Fast forward another 30 minutes or so...I get this text from Dylan (who's out at the bus stop):
"The garbage is coming through right now so ha"
Yes...it must be interesting living with me...
:)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Help Requested! :)
OK - so, I'm needing some ideas. One of the things that I loved about my little house when I moved in two + years ago is the fact that it had been freshly painted. However, everything was painted the same color (except for the kitchen). I don't hate the color...I really like it. But I needed some personality in the house. I repainted the one kitchen wall, plus the two bedrooms before moving in. I love the colors that I have put in the house (nice blue for Dylan's room - sage green for my room - bright blue for my kitchen). But, I've never been able to decide on a color for my bathroom.
For those of you who have never seen inside my house...which is all of you I think...this is my bathroom:
Everything that I DO have in there (towels and such) is based off the shower curtain. Here's the thing...this is my ONLY bathroom (advice from me to you...it is NOT fun sharing only one bathroom) and Dylan is VERY opinionated about the colors that we put in the house. Well, except my room...but I fear if I tried to go too "girly" in there, he'd have something to say about it. Plus, I really do want something that is gender neutral. That's why I picked this shower curtain - it's not "girl" or "boy".
So, based on what you see...and my shower curtain...what color would work best in here? I really would love some ideas!!!!
Thanks! :)
For those of you who have never seen inside my house...which is all of you I think...this is my bathroom:
Everything that I DO have in there (towels and such) is based off the shower curtain. Here's the thing...this is my ONLY bathroom (advice from me to you...it is NOT fun sharing only one bathroom) and Dylan is VERY opinionated about the colors that we put in the house. Well, except my room...but I fear if I tried to go too "girly" in there, he'd have something to say about it. Plus, I really do want something that is gender neutral. That's why I picked this shower curtain - it's not "girl" or "boy".
So, based on what you see...and my shower curtain...what color would work best in here? I really would love some ideas!!!!
Thanks! :)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A glimpse of things to come???
On November 30th, my dad will retire. He has worked for the City of Winston-Salem for 37 years. This seems unimaginable to me. He began his work for the Police Department in ID. When I was younger, I thought it was kind of cool - he fingerprinted all the "bad" guys. What I didn't realize until much later was that he fingerprinted more than just the "bad" guys...sometimes, the people he had to fingerprint were...well, let's just say they were less than alive. Eeek!
I do remember when I was younger, occasionally we would go visit him at work. We never went "downtown" except to visit my Dad at work. Until I was 9, Winston-Salem was probably the largest city I had ever been to. I loved going downtown. Winston-Salem used to be the site of several tobacco processing factories. When you would go downtown, you could smell the tobacco. Now, I have no use for cigarette smoke...but there is nothing like smelling tobacco being processed. It's such a sweet smell.
I also loved going to visit my dad at the Police Dept because there was a lady there who would make a photocopy of my hand and draw faces on each finger. Such a simple thing...but I loved it!
I'm not sure when Dad moved over to the Fire Department, but he's worked there for most of his career with the City of WS. He began as an arson inspector (yes, he can look at burn patterns and tell you what started a fire...just like on TV) and now works in the inspections department.
But as of November 30th, he will no longer be a City of WS employee.
So...yesterday, Dad was off work. He was supposed to have a procedure done on Thursday, which got delayed and he needed to be home to talk to another doctor. I didn't realize that until later when I got a text from him. The first text was harmless enough...just asking what size shirt Dylan wears. I texted back with the answer and question of if he was off work. His answer basically said, yes...but this is the part that cracked me up. "We are at Kohl's waiting for the Power Hour to begin at 3pm". This was at 2:45ish. It just made me laugh because it seems like such an "old fogey" kind of thing to say. And it made me wonder, is this a glimpse of my parent's lives after November 30th?
Doctors appointments, procedures, Kohl's power hour...ahhh...the life of the retired! :)
I do remember when I was younger, occasionally we would go visit him at work. We never went "downtown" except to visit my Dad at work. Until I was 9, Winston-Salem was probably the largest city I had ever been to. I loved going downtown. Winston-Salem used to be the site of several tobacco processing factories. When you would go downtown, you could smell the tobacco. Now, I have no use for cigarette smoke...but there is nothing like smelling tobacco being processed. It's such a sweet smell.
I also loved going to visit my dad at the Police Dept because there was a lady there who would make a photocopy of my hand and draw faces on each finger. Such a simple thing...but I loved it!
I'm not sure when Dad moved over to the Fire Department, but he's worked there for most of his career with the City of WS. He began as an arson inspector (yes, he can look at burn patterns and tell you what started a fire...just like on TV) and now works in the inspections department.
But as of November 30th, he will no longer be a City of WS employee.
So...yesterday, Dad was off work. He was supposed to have a procedure done on Thursday, which got delayed and he needed to be home to talk to another doctor. I didn't realize that until later when I got a text from him. The first text was harmless enough...just asking what size shirt Dylan wears. I texted back with the answer and question of if he was off work. His answer basically said, yes...but this is the part that cracked me up. "We are at Kohl's waiting for the Power Hour to begin at 3pm". This was at 2:45ish. It just made me laugh because it seems like such an "old fogey" kind of thing to say. And it made me wonder, is this a glimpse of my parent's lives after November 30th?
Doctors appointments, procedures, Kohl's power hour...ahhh...the life of the retired! :)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Five Question Friday!
Happy Friday, All! Today, I'm linking up with Mama M. at My Little Life for Five Question Friday! Feel free to visit her, link up and play along! :)
1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?
Well, childbirth of course. But other than that, when I was 21 or so, I kept having recurring tonsil infections - not strep, not tonsillitis...just an infection. My tonsils would swell to the point where they were touching. I was in so much pain, that my doctor gave me codeine to ease the pain. However, I couldn't swallow the pills whole...because of my swollen tonsils...so I would have to cut the pills in half. And they did almost nothing except make me sleep. Basically I would go on an antibiotic, take it for 10 days, feel better and then within 2 weeks be right back in the same place. Finally they gave me a Z-Pack and the infection was knocked out. However, a couple of weeks after that, I looked at my throat and my tonsils were STILL ginormous...so I made an appt with my MD, who basically looked at my tonsils and said - uh, yeah...those are coming out. He referred me to an ENT and over my Christmas break, I had a tonsilectomy. Fun times.
2. How much sleep do you get at night?
No where near the recommended 8, unless it's Friday night / Saturday morning...most of the time it's around 6 hours. That's what I shoot for anyway.
3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?
I'm not really sure. In our house, the word on Santa Claus was that as long as we believed, he would come. My sister & I did not want to tempt fate...so we believed. I think the Christmas after Dylan was born was the first that Santa didn't come. It was kind of sad, until I started doing Santa for Dylan. And then it was so much fun. Santa only fills up Dylan's stocking at our house now - everything else is wrapped & under the tree! :)
4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
I think probably Ramona & Beezus...which was soooooo good!
5. What do you wear to bed?
PJ's! Usually flannel PJ pants & a tshirt...although I do have a few PJ sets. Now that it's getting colder (HAHA - today's high is 68), I wear full on flannel. I love to be warm & cozy in my bed! :)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hope you have a great Friday! Dylan & I will be participating in a 5K tomorrow to benefit Addison, a little girl that I wrote about in one of my Pour Your Heart Out posts. Please keep praying for her...the last thing I heard was that she was BACK in the hospital because she has pneumonia. Her little lungs are just not strong enough...please pray for a miracle for Addison. This is her second hospital stay since she came home - the first was due to problems with her medication...while she was there she contracted MRSA. It's been such a hard road for this little family over the past 5 months. Pray, pray, pray!!!!
1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?
Well, childbirth of course. But other than that, when I was 21 or so, I kept having recurring tonsil infections - not strep, not tonsillitis...just an infection. My tonsils would swell to the point where they were touching. I was in so much pain, that my doctor gave me codeine to ease the pain. However, I couldn't swallow the pills whole...because of my swollen tonsils...so I would have to cut the pills in half. And they did almost nothing except make me sleep. Basically I would go on an antibiotic, take it for 10 days, feel better and then within 2 weeks be right back in the same place. Finally they gave me a Z-Pack and the infection was knocked out. However, a couple of weeks after that, I looked at my throat and my tonsils were STILL ginormous...so I made an appt with my MD, who basically looked at my tonsils and said - uh, yeah...those are coming out. He referred me to an ENT and over my Christmas break, I had a tonsilectomy. Fun times.
2. How much sleep do you get at night?
No where near the recommended 8, unless it's Friday night / Saturday morning...most of the time it's around 6 hours. That's what I shoot for anyway.
3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?
I'm not really sure. In our house, the word on Santa Claus was that as long as we believed, he would come. My sister & I did not want to tempt fate...so we believed. I think the Christmas after Dylan was born was the first that Santa didn't come. It was kind of sad, until I started doing Santa for Dylan. And then it was so much fun. Santa only fills up Dylan's stocking at our house now - everything else is wrapped & under the tree! :)
4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
I think probably Ramona & Beezus...which was soooooo good!
5. What do you wear to bed?
PJ's! Usually flannel PJ pants & a tshirt...although I do have a few PJ sets. Now that it's getting colder (HAHA - today's high is 68), I wear full on flannel. I love to be warm & cozy in my bed! :)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hope you have a great Friday! Dylan & I will be participating in a 5K tomorrow to benefit Addison, a little girl that I wrote about in one of my Pour Your Heart Out posts. Please keep praying for her...the last thing I heard was that she was BACK in the hospital because she has pneumonia. Her little lungs are just not strong enough...please pray for a miracle for Addison. This is her second hospital stay since she came home - the first was due to problems with her medication...while she was there she contracted MRSA. It's been such a hard road for this little family over the past 5 months. Pray, pray, pray!!!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
*crickets*
Yup...if you come to visit me...all you've gotten this week is *crickets*. There's no reason for it. I'm not melting down...I'm not too stressed....I have been busy...but more than that, I have nothing to write about.
Because my life is unusually quiet.
Seriously.
Our church Fall Festival went well...everything fell into place. Sunday was spent in an exhausted, headache induced fog. A nap was involved. Monday was Monday. Yesterday was my Dad's bday.
Ho hum...that's all I've got.
I've been around...I've been reading & commenting. And maybe when I get inspired again, I'll write some more. Maybe something blog-worthy will happen soon enough...we shall see...
Because my life is unusually quiet.
Seriously.
Our church Fall Festival went well...everything fell into place. Sunday was spent in an exhausted, headache induced fog. A nap was involved. Monday was Monday. Yesterday was my Dad's bday.
Ho hum...that's all I've got.
I've been around...I've been reading & commenting. And maybe when I get inspired again, I'll write some more. Maybe something blog-worthy will happen soon enough...we shall see...
Monday, November 8, 2010
I Write...I Blog...I Win Contest
I am going to enter The Girl Next Door's contest...but the pressure is on! How does one pick their BEST blog entry? I don't think I can necessarily chose based on comments...but do I necessarily ignore the entries with no comments? And why can't our good friend Erika just read ALL my 127 (now 128) posts and decide what SHE thinks is the best? Hee hee...just kidding!
If you want to enter, just go to The Girl Next Door Grows Up and link up your best blog entry. There's a fabulous prize pack to be had. All entries are due by tomorrow...so pick fast! I'm preaching to the choir here! :)
If you want to enter, just go to The Girl Next Door Grows Up and link up your best blog entry. There's a fabulous prize pack to be had. All entries are due by tomorrow...so pick fast! I'm preaching to the choir here! :)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Today...
If I survive this afternoon, I'll be back...that is if Ian doesn't hunt me down for mentioning once again all the great shows that come on the HUB. If you don't have this channel, I'm sorry...it's awesomeness! :)
Have a great Saturday!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Five Question Friday! :)
Well, I've been away from Five Question Friday for a while...and I'm excited to be back at it! :) So...if you want to play along, click on the Five Question Friday pic below and you can link up with Mama M!
1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be?
Well, I love music and singing...but there are plenty of singers/musicians out there.
A talent I have (I guess you'd call it a talent) is the ability to write in mirror writing...I can write entire sentences so you can read them in the mirror. Now THAT would be a talent that I wish I could turn into an occupation!
2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods?
Beach...every day of the week. I want to visit a cabin in the woods...and only here & there. I would LIVE at the beach!
3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?
Dylan is a family name - actually Dillon is my grandmother's maiden name. I liked the spelling I chose better.
Also, if I have any other children they will have "Y's" in their name - if you notice Alyson & Ayden both have "Y's" - it's gonna be our "thing"!
4. What is your guilty pleasure? (I know we've done this one before, but I'm guessing people's "guilty pleasures" change frequently. At least, mine do!)
Hmmm...TV...most definitely - I watch way too much...but I just can't stop!
Also Starbucks...and right now is the best time of the year for Starbucks - Pumpkin Spice Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte...YUM
5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?
Mostly straightened...deep cleaned from time to time...but most often just straightened!
Hope you have a happy Friday!
1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be?
Well, I love music and singing...but there are plenty of singers/musicians out there.
A talent I have (I guess you'd call it a talent) is the ability to write in mirror writing...I can write entire sentences so you can read them in the mirror. Now THAT would be a talent that I wish I could turn into an occupation!
2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods?
Beach...every day of the week. I want to visit a cabin in the woods...and only here & there. I would LIVE at the beach!
3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?
Dylan is a family name - actually Dillon is my grandmother's maiden name. I liked the spelling I chose better.
Also, if I have any other children they will have "Y's" in their name - if you notice Alyson & Ayden both have "Y's" - it's gonna be our "thing"!
4. What is your guilty pleasure? (I know we've done this one before, but I'm guessing people's "guilty pleasures" change frequently. At least, mine do!)
Hmmm...TV...most definitely - I watch way too much...but I just can't stop!
Also Starbucks...and right now is the best time of the year for Starbucks - Pumpkin Spice Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte...YUM
5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?
Mostly straightened...deep cleaned from time to time...but most often just straightened!
Hope you have a happy Friday!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Sometimes pulling a tooth is not so bad! :)
A week or so ago, my sister mentioned to me (under her breath so Aly couldn't hear) that Aly would be having a tooth pulled. It's a baby tooth and I believe the permanent tooth is trying to come in; however the baby tooth isn't doing it's part and getting wiggly loose so it can be pulled the old fashioned way. I'm not sure of the exact details here, but the dentist has proclaimed that it must come out.
My sister was not looking forward to telling Alyson about this...Alyson, like most human beings, doesn't care much about painful things and once Alyson makes up her mind that she's not doing something...well, you can just about forget about it. And Alyson is 6 (almost 7).
At the same time, my sister didn't want to send Alyson in blindly; so, the other day she & my BIL told Alyson that she would have to have the tooth pulled. The other day, I had called my mom to ask her about something and she told me that Alyson was so excited. I asked her what she was excited about...and her answer? Alyson is terribly excited about getting her tooth pulled.
What??? Did I hear that correctly??? But most assuredly, I did hear it correctly. She's not necessarily excited about the tooth pulling itself and even the promised visit of the Tooth Fairy is not what has her ready to go to the dentist.
The reason she's excited is that on Friday (the day after the tooth pulling visit to the dentist) she will go to school. And when she's at school, her teacher will ask the class if anyone lost a tooth yesterday. And Alyson will be able to raise her hand. And then, I think, there's some kind of "treat" or special something she will receive to celebrate the lost tooth.
Since Alyson stopped loosing teeth about the same time Ayden started getting them, she is super excited to finally be among the "elite" in her class who've lost teeth this year!
I just hope that she remembers all this excitement when she goes to the dentist tomorrow! :)
My sister was not looking forward to telling Alyson about this...Alyson, like most human beings, doesn't care much about painful things and once Alyson makes up her mind that she's not doing something...well, you can just about forget about it. And Alyson is 6 (almost 7).
At the same time, my sister didn't want to send Alyson in blindly; so, the other day she & my BIL told Alyson that she would have to have the tooth pulled. The other day, I had called my mom to ask her about something and she told me that Alyson was so excited. I asked her what she was excited about...and her answer? Alyson is terribly excited about getting her tooth pulled.
What??? Did I hear that correctly??? But most assuredly, I did hear it correctly. She's not necessarily excited about the tooth pulling itself and even the promised visit of the Tooth Fairy is not what has her ready to go to the dentist.
The reason she's excited is that on Friday (the day after the tooth pulling visit to the dentist) she will go to school. And when she's at school, her teacher will ask the class if anyone lost a tooth yesterday. And Alyson will be able to raise her hand. And then, I think, there's some kind of "treat" or special something she will receive to celebrate the lost tooth.
Since Alyson stopped loosing teeth about the same time Ayden started getting them, she is super excited to finally be among the "elite" in her class who've lost teeth this year!
I just hope that she remembers all this excitement when she goes to the dentist tomorrow! :)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Ants
Can I just say that I hate ants? Ok, not really...I don't mind them when they are outside. Where they are supposed to be. Not bothering me.
But really & truly, MUST they come into my kitchen?
At first, I thought I just needed to give the kitchen a good cleaning. Get rid of all the crumbs that Dylan creates and leaves lying around. So I moved everything off the counters. I wiped everything down. Moved my sugar bowl to the refrigerator.
For a few days, nothing! I rejoiced! I thought they were gone!
Then a few days later, they were back. And we seem to be continuing this cycle.
I'm trying to be patient...telling myself that soon it will be cold and they will go wherever ants tend to go during the winter.
And if I could pinpoint where they were coming in at or what they were after, I could take care of the issue. But these ants just appear from thin air on my countertop, headed towards nothing in particular. And I'm not overrun with ants...just a few here & there. I'm almost out of 409, which incidently, if you weren't aware, kills them instantly.
ARRRGGGHHH!!!
But really & truly, MUST they come into my kitchen?
At first, I thought I just needed to give the kitchen a good cleaning. Get rid of all the crumbs that Dylan creates and leaves lying around. So I moved everything off the counters. I wiped everything down. Moved my sugar bowl to the refrigerator.
For a few days, nothing! I rejoiced! I thought they were gone!
Then a few days later, they were back. And we seem to be continuing this cycle.
I'm trying to be patient...telling myself that soon it will be cold and they will go wherever ants tend to go during the winter.
And if I could pinpoint where they were coming in at or what they were after, I could take care of the issue. But these ants just appear from thin air on my countertop, headed towards nothing in particular. And I'm not overrun with ants...just a few here & there. I'm almost out of 409, which incidently, if you weren't aware, kills them instantly.
ARRRGGGHHH!!!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween recap! :)
Oh my goodness...what an awesome Halloween weekend this was! I'm going to let the pics do the talking...
Elvis even showed up for the party...
Pretty scary, huh??? ;)
Well, please humor me while I share a few less scary pics...
Hope everyone had a fun & safe Halloween!
 |
| Snookie & Sammi (aka Ash & me) |
 |
| J-Woww & Vinnie (aka Jamie & Deanna) |
 |
| The "Jersey Shore" crew |
 |
| This is Ash's sister...she did a whole "act" for us |
 |
| Snookie & Sammi played back up flutes for Elvis and yes, that is Priscilla looking on at Elvis |
Well, please humor me while I share a few less scary pics...
 |
| Is this not the cutest cow you've ever seen??? |
 |
| And the "scariest" witch ever :) |
 |
| Although she was a nice enough witch to let me ride along on her broom :) |
 |
Friday, October 29, 2010
Trick or Treat!
This isn't a trick...it's really me! I promise I'm gonna come back to blogging soon. There's just been so much going on lately and I just don't have time to write or read. I've missed reading these wonderful blogs and talking back & forth with my bloggy friends! My job has gone haywire over the past two weeks...in a good way. We have a new sales guy who I think is going to be awesome, but the getting started part has just about worn me out! Dylan has finally finished the soccer season, which is truly bittersweet. He has been struggling the last few weeks with a pulled hamstring and hasn't been able to play much. We are scheduled to run (walk for me) a 5K in two weeks...which shouldn't be a problem since the only time it really bothers him is when he's trying to sprint. I think he hyperextended it in practice - playing around no less. And our church has a Fall Festival next weekend, which I'm in charge of...so put all that together and you have one stressed Jenn! However, I'm in for a funfilled weekend and I'm so looking forward to it. My BFF Ashley's bday falls on Halloween and we are celebrating tomorrow night with a Birthday Bash / Halloween Party. It's dress up and we, along with our friend Deanna, are dressing up as Snookie, Sammi & J-Woww from Jersey Shore. Yeah...I know...but we are gonna have so much fun! :)
I do have a treat for you...a few of my past Halloween pics...
I do have a treat for you...a few of my past Halloween pics...
 |
| 2007 - Ash, the Farmer...Me, Pippi Longstocking |
 |
| 2008 - Me, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (my mom made my costume and I did have Ruby Red Slippers) and Ash was a blow pop! |
 |
| 2009 - I went as a Ladybug - Ash was the Bride of Frankenstein |
 |
| 2009 - Another of me & Aly, who went as Taylor Swift (my mom also made her costume...and mine too for that matter!) |
 |
| And I couldn't forget Ayden's 1st Halloween - he was a zebra! |
.jpg) |
| And one from Halloween past...I was the clown, my cousin Dana was the cowgirl and my sis was Bugs! |
And this is my favorite...
Evidently I had begged to be a witch...mom had made my costume...my hat...gotten that fabulous wig and a day or two before Halloween, I changed my mind. So, I was a pouty witch! :)
Hope everyone has a fun & safe Halloween!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)