Good Friday morning!
This has been an incredibly fast week for some reason. A little too fast, if you know what I mean. If they keep going by at this speed, I'll be celebrating my 80th birthday before you know it!
As you can see in the Picture Gallery, the deck is finished. The men did an awesome job. (If you need a deck, call me and I will be glad to recommend them by name and number.)
Also, Austin won an award from the Magnolia Festival given each year to students from local high schools. He is pictured with Mayor Phillips. Mikie had to miss the occasion because he was out-of-town, but the Mayor was a nice substitute, I thought. (NOTE: You never know when a Mayor might become a Governor one day, and that would qualify them as a "famous person." See, I've already got a picture. I'm always thinking!)
Not too much going on this weekend. Mikie's coming home. We're eating on the deck. The boys are cutting yards. We're eating on the deck. I'm teaching the Senior Boys Cooking Class again Sunday night. (It's chicken night, baby. I'm sure I'll have stories to tell!) And we're eating on the deck. That's our weekend in a nutshell. That's not a bad first weekend for May!
WEEKEND FAMILY FUN ADDITIONS
My friend, Jennifer, left a comment yesterday recommending a weekend activity for the family. The Outdoor Alabama Expo is this Saturday at Oak Mountain from 9:00 to 5:00. They have free admission and a lot of different activities for the entire family. You can go to www.outdooralabama.com for more details. I just went to the website, and it looks like a lot of fun. Thanks, Jennifer.
Also, Homestead Hollow Springfest in Springville will be held May 1, 2 and 3. If you love arts and crafts, this is your kind of place. I have been several times in the past. Usually, it is very crowded, but I know people who make it a family event year after year. For more information regarding Homestead Hollow, go to their website at www.homesteadhollow.com and click Springfest. It will give you the directions, activities, and any other information you may need. The cost is $7 for adults, $3 for kids 3 to 12, with FREE parking. (Also, my sister mentioned if you like yard sales and flea markets, they are all over the place when you go to Homestead Hollow for an event like this.)
I knew there had to be more out there than just a bunch of old movies. Thanks for sharing!
I had an odd thing happen yesterday at a red light. A white truck pulled up beside me in the turn lane and kept inching, inching, inching up until I noticed. I looked over expecting to see someone I knew, but was surprised to see a young man in a company truck... that I didn't know. He smiled big and waved. I smiled a little and kind of waved. I had never seen the man before in my life.
Then it hit me. My gas tank lid must be open. I checked my mirror. My gas tank lid was definitely closed. I looked straight ahead. This was indeed odd. Don't get me wrong... I am not scarecrow material, but in my denim short sleeved blouse and driving the big gold van, I'm not exactly "inch up and get her attention" material either. I mean, the big gold van just screams, "Mother of many large children!"
I was clean and coiffed, but that was pretty much it! (And as discussed in an earlier post, I look my very best clean, coiffed AND sitting in candlelight. Needless to say, I did not have good lighting.) Hmmm. Maybe he was waving at the person in the car on the other side of me. Nope. Because of the enormity of the big gold van, he couldn't even see the car on the other side of me.
After thinking of all the possible reasons an unknown male was waving at me, I came upon the only reason that made any sense at all. He was a stalker... wanted in three or four states! So, when the light turned green, he went ahead and turned left and I got his license plate number, and called our local law enforcement office to have him checked out. If I get an reward from America's Most Wanted, I'll let you know. If it turns out I taught him in preschool choir a billion years ago, I probably won't mention it again. (I hate when people I don't know -- or I don't think I know -- wave at me. It drives me nuts... and then I have to turn them into the police. It's a lot of extra paperwork in an already busy day. Hidden Pet Peeve #5,006.)
TV Reviews
Amazing Race - We missed Amazing Race AGAIN! That's two weeks in a row. But Saturday, Mikie and I have a date at the computer to "catch up." We have to because I think there are only two shows left. A little pressure, but we ARE going to do it... even if we have to stay up until 3:00 a.m. It only took us six days to get over staying up that late for Prom Night. We can do it!
Celebrity Apprentice - WOW! Joan and Melissa Rivers have got some bad language problems! Melissa was fired (even though Obnoxious Annie deserved it more), and Joan Rivers left the show, too. I don't really like when two people leave the show because it makes the season shorter, but the way both of them were talking (just one solid BLEEP) I say, "Good riddance." (By the way, Celebrity Apprentice isn't a Faulkner Five TV event... just me and Mikie. I didn't want you to think we let the kids watch a show with solid BLEEPS!)
24 - Okay. It appears the "BIG" guys in charge of all the terrorist attacks are going to be unknowns. I don't know how long the "procedure" takes to give Jack Kim's good cells to fight the bad cells in his body, but we're running out of time, folks. If this were real life, they'd give him the next available appointment... two weeks from now. We've got to save the world NOW! I'm glad Chloe is back. It's amazing how much I didn't like her in the beginning, and how much I do like her now. I guess since Tony's evil, Bill's gone and Jack's not feeling too well right now, she's the only constant we have. Final review -- Good show!
LOST - My logical mind has totally let go of the fact there is no such thing as "time travel." I'm just going to go with the flow. If a T-Rex appears in the next episode and eats Jack, I'm all right with that. It makes just as much sense as Daniel Faraday blowing up the island with a hydrogen bomb. Much more sense. In fact, I think I'm going to rent Jurassic Park tonight. I totally "got" that movie. (Oh, sorry. I seem to have gotten off track. We were talking about LOST, weren't we?) I've decided I don't like it when the original characters don't stay together. I think if Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Juliet, Hurley, Sun, Jin and yes, even Ben, were together there would be the tiniest chance of something making sense.
I AM glad Desmond is going to be okay. It WAS interesting that Charles Widmore is Daniel's dad. (Josh didn't even see that one coming.) And I DO NOT understand what it meant when Daniel's mother shot and killed him as a man... before he was born. (But I'm not going to lose sleep over it. Not me. Not mellow, go-with-the-flow, little ol' me.) Can't wait until next week, can you?
Survivor - SPOILER WARNING! I'm not sure why everyone hated Sierra so much. There are people there I dislike a lot more than little Sierra. And I would certainly have kept her around until the final three because everyone hated her so much. No one would have voted to give her the million dollars. Coach is a serious nut job. He needs to go very, very soon. He's not even entertaining anymore. J.T. is playing to win. He has to be smart though. No one is going to want to sit with him at the Final Three. He's too likeable, so they're going to try to get him off sooner than later, I'm afraid. Even as much as I like J.T., I would be trying to get him off. Every week is full of surprises, so there's no way to tell which way this show is going to end. Final review -- Great show last night!
Pet Peeves #11, #12 and #13
Pet Peeve #11 - I hate when you bake you're favorite chocolate dessert... and you get deathly ill at a basketball game and have to go to the hospital... and they tell you you're diabetic... and you were planning on having a piece of your favorite chocolate dessert AFTER the game because there wasn't time before... and now you can't have any... EVER! (To be honest, this one falls under the category of "Continual Gripe" rather than "Pet Peeve," but I'm not planning on having a week where I just gripe on the blog every day, so I'm including it in the "Pet Peeve" section. Even though it's not necessarily my nature, I do want to try to be more "uplifiting" than "depressing.")
Pet Peeve #12 - LOST. You knew it was going to make the list. That's all I'm going to say... LOST.
Pet Peeve #13 - I don't like it when people "fuss" at me. Crossing guards, store clerks, other parents, people in cars I happen to pull out in front of, etc., etc., etc. I think at 47 years of age, I'm too old to be scolded. Someone at a drive-through window was aggravated and said, "YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO SPEAK UP!" in a very "mean" voice. What would have been wrong with, "I'm having a little trouble hearing you. Could you speak up, please?" Not one thing.
(And when someone scolds me, it makes me have un-lady-like thoughts... like once I do get my drink, I want to throw it back in the window at them... without the lid... and laugh. See. Because they're fussy, it makes me have sinful thoughts. And that's just not right.)
You'll be glad to know Pet Peeve week is over for now. However, since I have thousands more, I may do it again in a year or so. We'll just have to see how it goes.
Book
Today's book is The Watsons Go To Birmingham: 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis. I read this book for the first time two years ago, and really enjoyed it. Mike, Austin and Josh love history. Roxie and I... not so much. This story is about a family from Flint, Michigan visiting their grandmother in Birmingham, Alabama. There are two brothers and a little sister, and the story is narrated by one of the brothers.
It absolutely brings the events of that day in 1963 when the 16th Street Baptist Church was bombed to life. It's not just another section in your history book. It really happened.
But the story up to the bombing is very much about the Watson family and their relationship with each other. What happened that day in 1963 changed the lives of the Watsons forever.
This book is definitely for the middle school crowd. There is some profanity, so you may want to read it before your child to make sure it meets your standards. (Or, you could read it aloud to your child and omit those words. It would be a great book to read together.)
When Roxie finishes the book, I've told her I will take her to see the 16th Street Baptist Church. It will make that piece of history even more real to her.
Have the best weekend ever. For the month of May, I will have a different "girl" end-of-the-year party/event every Monday (and I'll put some variations in there for the guys, too). There will be easy recipes, graduation traditions (as well as a couple more day trips to take during this hopefully "weather-pleasing" month), dates and books, books, books (as if we have time to read in the month of May).
I'll also share our City Adventure we have planned for Nashville, Tennessee in the middle of the month.
There's a lot coming up. Check back in if you get a chance. (Also, always feel free to share your ideas. I am always up for trying new things!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Mother's Day Brunches
Good Thursday morning!
THIS JUST IN! My friend, Jennifer, just left a comment recommending a weekend activity for the family. The Outdoor Alabama Expo is this Saturday at Oak Mountain from 9:00 to 5:00. They have free admission and a lot of different activities for the entire family. You can go to www.outdooralabama.com for more details. I just went to the website, and it looks like a lot of fun. Thanks, Jennifer. (I'll put it in Friday's information, too.)
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT... ONE DAY AFTER I BLOG I HATE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS BECAUSE IT INTERFERES WITH LOST, PRESIDENT OBAMA SCHEDULES A PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT?!? Unbelievable! I think someone from the White House is reading my blog. (I don't like it when the government reads my blog! Hidden Pet Peeve #5,004.) Okay. I'm taking into account the speech was over before LOST came on, but it's still a little freaky, don't you think?
Well, Day 3 and the deck is ALMOST done. Yesterday was a good day as far as progress goes. We'll see if today is the day they finish their project!
Mikie's been out of town a couple of days this week. He's in Chicago, and he'll be returning tomorrow afternoon. I wish I could have gone with him since Chicago is on my 100 Things To Do Before I'm 90 list, but we can't do the three-day trip thing yet. (I hate when someone gets to do things on MY list before me... especially when they don't even have a list! Hidden Pet Peeve #5,005.) Plus, there are so many things going on every single day. Graduation deadlines, doctor's appointments, volleyball tryouts, guitar lessons, etc., etc., etc. He had yesterday to himself and got to explore a little bit, and he enjoyed it, but he said it would have been more fun if I had been able to tag along. (I agree!)
Austin and Josh brought their Year Books home yesterday. We have a section for the Seniors with a baby picture alongside a current picture. As if that wasn't cute enough, underneath the pictures are Senior quotes. I've listed a few I thought were funny, wise or both:
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used every thing you gave me.'" (Erma Bombeck) Gotta love Erma.
"Do not criticize someone without walking a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes." Mike said this was old, but I had never heard it before and laughed my head off. I'm easily amused.
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." (Dr. Seuss) I need to remember this one!
"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow." (Mark Twain)
"I could have played in the pros. I just wasn't good enough."
"If it weren't for physics and law enforcement, I'd be unstoppable." I'm a little worried about this kid. It's funny though.
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt) I love this one because it was in The Princess Diaries... plus, it's true!
Weekend Family Fun
We're a little weak in the Weekend Family Fun department this week. All I've heard about are movies, movies, movies. That will not always be the case though. Here is what I have for you:
Argo Drive-In - Unfortunately, I have nothing new to report regarding the Drive-In. Same old double feature Friday and Saturday night (Fast and Furious - PG-13; Mall Cop - PG.) On Sunday night, they are only showing Fast and Furious. Don't worry. Summer's around the corner and the Drive-In will be having a much bigger selection in just a few short weeks.
Dollar Movies - Sorry, folks. Nothing new here either. (Confessions of a Shopaholic - PG; Hotel for Dogs - PG; and Mall Cop - PG). Maybe next week!
New Movies - As per Josh and some friends, Earth (G) is a very, very good movie. (There wasn't anything else they wanted or could see, so they went with the whales, polar bears and elephants.) They said it was definitely worth seeing at the theater on the big screen.
Pet Peeves #8, #9 and #10
Pet Peeve #8 - I hate when kids stop asking "Why?" (as in "Why is the sky blue?" and "Why is the grass green?"), and start asking "Why not?" (as in "Because I said so!")
Pet Peeve #9 - I cannot stand when the person in front of me in the fast food line is ugly or unkind or impatient with the teenager getting his/her order together. His/her order is going to be perfect. My order... not so much. (Very nervous teenagers -- and adults -- are famous for not getting orders correct.)
Pet Peeve #10 - It sends me over the edge when my magazine is supposed to come between the 1st and the 5th of every month... and I don't receive it until the 26th. ("Where is my magazine? Did a neighbor get it by mistake and throw it away? Did my subscription run out? Did the place where my magazine is published collapse or burn to the ground? Should I buy it in the grocery store... because it's staring me in the face every time I buy bananas and milk? WHERE IS MY MAGAZINE AND WHY IS IT SOOOO LATE?") My magazine was late this month. Can you tell?
Mother's Day Brunches
Nothing says Mother's Day better than a Mother/Daughter Brunch/Lunch at a girly-girly place. I'm naming three which have been tried and smiled upon by ME!
Miss Rosemarie's Tea Room - I've had tea there, as well as a romantic dinner with Mikie, so I'm going out on a limb and saying, "I bet their Mother's Day Brunch is spectacular!" You can go to their website for the menu and prices. I've also added their phone number so you can make reservations if this sounds like something special you would like to do with your Mom. (The best part of Miss Rosemarie's... they take reservations for the number they can handle. You don't sit around waiting 90 minutes for a table.) Great atmosphere. Great service. It's a lovely place. Their website is www.rosemarie@mrsteas.com and their phone number is 980-8335. They were taking reservations for Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10.
The Chocolate Biscuit - Of course, having family in Trussville means you have eaten at The Chocolate Biscuit. Again, they have delicious food, lovely music, great service and yummy desserts. (Did I say delicious food?) Their website is www.thechocolatebiscuit.com, and their phone number is 655-0119. They also take reservations, so you avoid the waiting-for-the-table headache. They have room for small parties as of this Wednesday afternoon. They cannot accommodate a large party the Saturday before Mother's Day. (Also, they are not going to be open ON Mother's Day.)
The Birmingham Marriott on 280 - The Marriott has a Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday from 11:00 until 2:00. It is set in the atrium of the hotel lobby. I have not eaten there for brunch, but I have had breakfast there several times. Excellent food. It's a very pretty setting, and they DO take reservations for the Mother's Day Brunch. Their phone number is 968-3775.
You're probably asking, "Why is she giving us this information THIS week?" These places fill up, folks. If you think this is a date your Mom would enjoy, make those reservations TODAY! Also, if you want to make it really special, there is shopping fairly close to all of these locations. (Miss Rosemarie's Tea Room - The Summit; The Chocolate Biscuit - The Pinnacle and other small specialty shops in Trussville; The Birmingham Marriott on 280 - The Summit, Brookwood and The Galleria.) You could make a day of it, and spend a lot of time with your Mom on Saturday OR Sunday of Mother's Day Weekend.
Another plus to the places mentioned above is the ability to make reservations. Waiting too long for a table can kill any celebratory mood... really, really fast. I know... I've been there.
Have a delightful Thursday. Tomorrow we'll be finishing up the week with Weekend Happenings, the TV Review, three more Pet Peeves and a good book to read.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
THIS JUST IN! My friend, Jennifer, just left a comment recommending a weekend activity for the family. The Outdoor Alabama Expo is this Saturday at Oak Mountain from 9:00 to 5:00. They have free admission and a lot of different activities for the entire family. You can go to www.outdooralabama.com for more details. I just went to the website, and it looks like a lot of fun. Thanks, Jennifer. (I'll put it in Friday's information, too.)
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT... ONE DAY AFTER I BLOG I HATE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS BECAUSE IT INTERFERES WITH LOST, PRESIDENT OBAMA SCHEDULES A PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT?!? Unbelievable! I think someone from the White House is reading my blog. (I don't like it when the government reads my blog! Hidden Pet Peeve #5,004.) Okay. I'm taking into account the speech was over before LOST came on, but it's still a little freaky, don't you think?
Well, Day 3 and the deck is ALMOST done. Yesterday was a good day as far as progress goes. We'll see if today is the day they finish their project!
Mikie's been out of town a couple of days this week. He's in Chicago, and he'll be returning tomorrow afternoon. I wish I could have gone with him since Chicago is on my 100 Things To Do Before I'm 90 list, but we can't do the three-day trip thing yet. (I hate when someone gets to do things on MY list before me... especially when they don't even have a list! Hidden Pet Peeve #5,005.) Plus, there are so many things going on every single day. Graduation deadlines, doctor's appointments, volleyball tryouts, guitar lessons, etc., etc., etc. He had yesterday to himself and got to explore a little bit, and he enjoyed it, but he said it would have been more fun if I had been able to tag along. (I agree!)
Austin and Josh brought their Year Books home yesterday. We have a section for the Seniors with a baby picture alongside a current picture. As if that wasn't cute enough, underneath the pictures are Senior quotes. I've listed a few I thought were funny, wise or both:
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used every thing you gave me.'" (Erma Bombeck) Gotta love Erma.
"Do not criticize someone without walking a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes." Mike said this was old, but I had never heard it before and laughed my head off. I'm easily amused.
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." (Dr. Seuss) I need to remember this one!
"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow." (Mark Twain)
"I could have played in the pros. I just wasn't good enough."
"If it weren't for physics and law enforcement, I'd be unstoppable." I'm a little worried about this kid. It's funny though.
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt) I love this one because it was in The Princess Diaries... plus, it's true!
Weekend Family Fun
We're a little weak in the Weekend Family Fun department this week. All I've heard about are movies, movies, movies. That will not always be the case though. Here is what I have for you:
Argo Drive-In - Unfortunately, I have nothing new to report regarding the Drive-In. Same old double feature Friday and Saturday night (Fast and Furious - PG-13; Mall Cop - PG.) On Sunday night, they are only showing Fast and Furious. Don't worry. Summer's around the corner and the Drive-In will be having a much bigger selection in just a few short weeks.
Dollar Movies - Sorry, folks. Nothing new here either. (Confessions of a Shopaholic - PG; Hotel for Dogs - PG; and Mall Cop - PG). Maybe next week!
New Movies - As per Josh and some friends, Earth (G) is a very, very good movie. (There wasn't anything else they wanted or could see, so they went with the whales, polar bears and elephants.) They said it was definitely worth seeing at the theater on the big screen.
Pet Peeves #8, #9 and #10
Pet Peeve #8 - I hate when kids stop asking "Why?" (as in "Why is the sky blue?" and "Why is the grass green?"), and start asking "Why not?" (as in "Because I said so!")
Pet Peeve #9 - I cannot stand when the person in front of me in the fast food line is ugly or unkind or impatient with the teenager getting his/her order together. His/her order is going to be perfect. My order... not so much. (Very nervous teenagers -- and adults -- are famous for not getting orders correct.)
Pet Peeve #10 - It sends me over the edge when my magazine is supposed to come between the 1st and the 5th of every month... and I don't receive it until the 26th. ("Where is my magazine? Did a neighbor get it by mistake and throw it away? Did my subscription run out? Did the place where my magazine is published collapse or burn to the ground? Should I buy it in the grocery store... because it's staring me in the face every time I buy bananas and milk? WHERE IS MY MAGAZINE AND WHY IS IT SOOOO LATE?") My magazine was late this month. Can you tell?
Mother's Day Brunches
Nothing says Mother's Day better than a Mother/Daughter Brunch/Lunch at a girly-girly place. I'm naming three which have been tried and smiled upon by ME!
Miss Rosemarie's Tea Room - I've had tea there, as well as a romantic dinner with Mikie, so I'm going out on a limb and saying, "I bet their Mother's Day Brunch is spectacular!" You can go to their website for the menu and prices. I've also added their phone number so you can make reservations if this sounds like something special you would like to do with your Mom. (The best part of Miss Rosemarie's... they take reservations for the number they can handle. You don't sit around waiting 90 minutes for a table.) Great atmosphere. Great service. It's a lovely place. Their website is www.rosemarie@mrsteas.com and their phone number is 980-8335. They were taking reservations for Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10.
The Chocolate Biscuit - Of course, having family in Trussville means you have eaten at The Chocolate Biscuit. Again, they have delicious food, lovely music, great service and yummy desserts. (Did I say delicious food?) Their website is www.thechocolatebiscuit.com, and their phone number is 655-0119. They also take reservations, so you avoid the waiting-for-the-table headache. They have room for small parties as of this Wednesday afternoon. They cannot accommodate a large party the Saturday before Mother's Day. (Also, they are not going to be open ON Mother's Day.)
The Birmingham Marriott on 280 - The Marriott has a Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday from 11:00 until 2:00. It is set in the atrium of the hotel lobby. I have not eaten there for brunch, but I have had breakfast there several times. Excellent food. It's a very pretty setting, and they DO take reservations for the Mother's Day Brunch. Their phone number is 968-3775.
You're probably asking, "Why is she giving us this information THIS week?" These places fill up, folks. If you think this is a date your Mom would enjoy, make those reservations TODAY! Also, if you want to make it really special, there is shopping fairly close to all of these locations. (Miss Rosemarie's Tea Room - The Summit; The Chocolate Biscuit - The Pinnacle and other small specialty shops in Trussville; The Birmingham Marriott on 280 - The Summit, Brookwood and The Galleria.) You could make a day of it, and spend a lot of time with your Mom on Saturday OR Sunday of Mother's Day Weekend.
Another plus to the places mentioned above is the ability to make reservations. Waiting too long for a table can kill any celebratory mood... really, really fast. I know... I've been there.
Have a delightful Thursday. Tomorrow we'll be finishing up the week with Weekend Happenings, the TV Review, three more Pet Peeves and a good book to read.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Mother's Day Treat (For You)
Good Wednesday morning!
I've added Day 2 of the Deck Completion Process. Much, much better than the Day 1 pictures. I now have hope for Friday night's Dinner on the Deck! Since Mikie's grill hasn't been delivered, it looks like a lasagna night... and maybe a Faulkner Family Movie Night will follow. We'll see if that comes to pass.
Austin went to his LAST Solo and Ensemble Competition last night... and Roxie went to her FIRST. They were both held at the same location. It's funny how so many of her "firsts" are coinciding with his "lasts." She is SO excited, and he is SO used to the process. They both did very well. He got his LAST high school Solo and Ensemble medal and she got her FIRST. I've included a picture of Roxie and my Commenter, Robin (bandofbrothers), in the Gallery. Robin was chaperoning the trip to the competition, and came over to congratulate Roxie on her medals.
It's hitting the 80s here in Alabama. We went straight from winter to summer (which is not uncommon). We'll probably still have some cooler temps, but they may come in June. Josh is the one suffering the most from the summertime temps. He's working out with the football team, and we're hoping and praying this will be the year he can make his dream come true and play football. He played some his 8th grade year, but his illness became progressively worse, and he wasn't able to finish the season. He's working very hard and staying until 3:00 in the afternoon the last two weeks. As soon as he gets home though, it is very evident the day has taken a toll. We take each day as it comes, and "pray him through." Thankfully, the weather has been sunny the last few days, and we haven't had to worry about tornadoes. Again, being in Alabama, that could change in a second, but we'll take the sunny days and enjoy them while we can.
We are constantly working on "perspective" in the Faulkner household. And God is constantly opening our eyes to other people and their situations. There are so many people suffering in so many different ways. Focusing on them helps us not feel sorry for ourselves, and realize how blessed we truly are.
Pastor Kevin preached a sermon Sunday morning that hit home with me. The past few years, if a name has popped into my head or I continually start thinking about a person, I try to physically act on it. (Contact the person to see how they're doing, send them a card, take them a meal or dessert, etc.) Our pastor called it "putting feet on our prayers" this past Sunday morning. That is exactly what our family needed during the worse of Josh's illness. We had people coming up to us occasionally when they saw us out and about and say they were praying, but we desperately needed the phone calls, cards, personal contact, etc. during those years. (We still need it from time to time. A "chronic" illness is on-going.) It was a good reminder for me and Mike to be more diligent.
We're here for such a short time, and for what? If we're not reaching out to others (encouraging, loving, celebrating, grieving, etc.), what and who are we living for? "If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing for selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:1-5
It was a great sermon. I'm going to try very hard to "put feet with my prayers" at least once every week if not more. It's amazing how often God will "give you a name" when you ask.
Okay. Enough with the sermon! Now for the really important stuff... more of MY Pet Peeves.
Pet Peeves #5, #6 and #7
Pet Peeve #5 - I know you might think I'm unpatriotic, but I do not like a Presidential Address on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings. (The nights Amazing Race, Celebrity Apprentice, 24, LOST and Survivor air.) There... I said it! And I don't mean Presidents I didn't vote for. I mean ALL Presidents. I think Presidential Addresses should air at 10:00 p.m., and then we could TiVo them, OR record them on tape or DVD, OR watch them when we usually watch the news. (We can see the news 24 hours a day anyway.) Or, just show the Address on ONE channel... not all of them.
Pet Peeve #6 - Going along with Pet Peeve #5, after the President speaks, why do journalists have to talk for 30 to 45 more minutes and tell you exactly what the President just said? I don't like that. If I listen to the speech the first time, I do not want a play-by-play five seconds after he is finished. At one time I was considered a semi-intelligent woman (not so much anymore), and I understood 45% of what he said the first time. A journalist repeating the speech again does not help me understand the 65% I didn't comprehend. (Again, this goes for all Presidents. It doesn't matter if I voted for them or not. You might say this is a bi-partisan opinion.)
Pet Peeve #7 - I think people should stop criticizing Michelle Obama's sleeveless dresses. I don't care if you're Republican (me), Democrat, Independent, etc. Her arms are fabulous, and if she wants to wear elegant, sleeveless dresses LEAVE HER ALONE! And even if her arms weren't so muscular, it's just a sleeveless dress! It's not like she met Queen Elizabeth in a tube top and a mini-skirt.
You didn't know I had a set of political Pet Peeves, did you? Yes, I am a very multi-faceted woman. Some might say an enigma. Others might say... Well, we won't get into that!
Mother's Day Treat (For You)
I know the title sounds selfish, but it really isn't. On Mother's Day, we would have lunch and visit one of our two mothers, and then visit the other mother. We took turns where we ate dinner. My mom lives 40 minutes away and Mike's mom lives almost 90 minutes away. Not impossible, but a good bit of driving time. By the time we would get home Sunday evening (we don't have evening church on Mother's Day), we were all more than a little tired from getting up to go to the early service, and then visiting everyone. And no one was really in the mood for one more Mother's Day celebration.
We tried every scenario, too. One Mother's Day weekend, we spent all day Saturday visiting mothers, and Sunday Mike and the kids took me out to eat. We waited over 90 minutes for a table (which is always fun with young kids... NOT).
Once, we visited my Mom on Saturday, and Mike and the kids visited his Mom on Sunday, and my gift was a scrapbooking day at the house alone on Sunday afternoon. (That wasn't good because I didn't get to spend time on Mother's Day with my kids.)
So, two years ago, we tried one more idea. We visited both mothers on Mother's Day. We spent a good deal of time with each one, and then took our time getting home. Once home, we did nothing special. We ate sandwiches, finished up homework, etc.
We could do this because we were celebrating MY Mother's Day the next Sunday. Brilliant! One week after Mother's Day, I receive my cards, my gift and my husband and kids take me to a restaurant of my choice for a nice, leisurely, uncrowded meal. We don't rush anywhere. We don't have to fight the Mother's Day restaurant crowds. I don't mind getting my cards and gift a few days later. It is wonderful.
Again, this is not supposed to be a whiny suggestion. "But what about me?" "When will it be my turn?" Mike and I don't take for granted we are blessed to have our mothers and a grandmother to celebrate with on this special day. We were just trying to think of a way to make it less hectic... and for us (and our mothers and grandmother), this definitely works.
Everybody's situation is different, but if this is an idea you could use, I would definitely recommend trying it at least once. Oh, and I hate it when people say Mother's Day is a "made-up" holiday. It's one of the best holidays around. Actually, I think it should be celebrated twice a year! That's Pet Peeve #5,003... another Hidden Pet Peeve!
Tomorrow I have a couple of special dates for you and your Mom. Check in to see if one of them would work for you.
Have a great day. Remember, if someone's name keeps popping into your head, give them a call. You may be surprised at what happens!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
I've added Day 2 of the Deck Completion Process. Much, much better than the Day 1 pictures. I now have hope for Friday night's Dinner on the Deck! Since Mikie's grill hasn't been delivered, it looks like a lasagna night... and maybe a Faulkner Family Movie Night will follow. We'll see if that comes to pass.
Austin went to his LAST Solo and Ensemble Competition last night... and Roxie went to her FIRST. They were both held at the same location. It's funny how so many of her "firsts" are coinciding with his "lasts." She is SO excited, and he is SO used to the process. They both did very well. He got his LAST high school Solo and Ensemble medal and she got her FIRST. I've included a picture of Roxie and my Commenter, Robin (bandofbrothers), in the Gallery. Robin was chaperoning the trip to the competition, and came over to congratulate Roxie on her medals.
It's hitting the 80s here in Alabama. We went straight from winter to summer (which is not uncommon). We'll probably still have some cooler temps, but they may come in June. Josh is the one suffering the most from the summertime temps. He's working out with the football team, and we're hoping and praying this will be the year he can make his dream come true and play football. He played some his 8th grade year, but his illness became progressively worse, and he wasn't able to finish the season. He's working very hard and staying until 3:00 in the afternoon the last two weeks. As soon as he gets home though, it is very evident the day has taken a toll. We take each day as it comes, and "pray him through." Thankfully, the weather has been sunny the last few days, and we haven't had to worry about tornadoes. Again, being in Alabama, that could change in a second, but we'll take the sunny days and enjoy them while we can.
We are constantly working on "perspective" in the Faulkner household. And God is constantly opening our eyes to other people and their situations. There are so many people suffering in so many different ways. Focusing on them helps us not feel sorry for ourselves, and realize how blessed we truly are.
Pastor Kevin preached a sermon Sunday morning that hit home with me. The past few years, if a name has popped into my head or I continually start thinking about a person, I try to physically act on it. (Contact the person to see how they're doing, send them a card, take them a meal or dessert, etc.) Our pastor called it "putting feet on our prayers" this past Sunday morning. That is exactly what our family needed during the worse of Josh's illness. We had people coming up to us occasionally when they saw us out and about and say they were praying, but we desperately needed the phone calls, cards, personal contact, etc. during those years. (We still need it from time to time. A "chronic" illness is on-going.) It was a good reminder for me and Mike to be more diligent.
We're here for such a short time, and for what? If we're not reaching out to others (encouraging, loving, celebrating, grieving, etc.), what and who are we living for? "If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing for selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:1-5
It was a great sermon. I'm going to try very hard to "put feet with my prayers" at least once every week if not more. It's amazing how often God will "give you a name" when you ask.
Okay. Enough with the sermon! Now for the really important stuff... more of MY Pet Peeves.
Pet Peeves #5, #6 and #7
Pet Peeve #5 - I know you might think I'm unpatriotic, but I do not like a Presidential Address on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings. (The nights Amazing Race, Celebrity Apprentice, 24, LOST and Survivor air.) There... I said it! And I don't mean Presidents I didn't vote for. I mean ALL Presidents. I think Presidential Addresses should air at 10:00 p.m., and then we could TiVo them, OR record them on tape or DVD, OR watch them when we usually watch the news. (We can see the news 24 hours a day anyway.) Or, just show the Address on ONE channel... not all of them.
Pet Peeve #6 - Going along with Pet Peeve #5, after the President speaks, why do journalists have to talk for 30 to 45 more minutes and tell you exactly what the President just said? I don't like that. If I listen to the speech the first time, I do not want a play-by-play five seconds after he is finished. At one time I was considered a semi-intelligent woman (not so much anymore), and I understood 45% of what he said the first time. A journalist repeating the speech again does not help me understand the 65% I didn't comprehend. (Again, this goes for all Presidents. It doesn't matter if I voted for them or not. You might say this is a bi-partisan opinion.)
Pet Peeve #7 - I think people should stop criticizing Michelle Obama's sleeveless dresses. I don't care if you're Republican (me), Democrat, Independent, etc. Her arms are fabulous, and if she wants to wear elegant, sleeveless dresses LEAVE HER ALONE! And even if her arms weren't so muscular, it's just a sleeveless dress! It's not like she met Queen Elizabeth in a tube top and a mini-skirt.
You didn't know I had a set of political Pet Peeves, did you? Yes, I am a very multi-faceted woman. Some might say an enigma. Others might say... Well, we won't get into that!
Mother's Day Treat (For You)
I know the title sounds selfish, but it really isn't. On Mother's Day, we would have lunch and visit one of our two mothers, and then visit the other mother. We took turns where we ate dinner. My mom lives 40 minutes away and Mike's mom lives almost 90 minutes away. Not impossible, but a good bit of driving time. By the time we would get home Sunday evening (we don't have evening church on Mother's Day), we were all more than a little tired from getting up to go to the early service, and then visiting everyone. And no one was really in the mood for one more Mother's Day celebration.
We tried every scenario, too. One Mother's Day weekend, we spent all day Saturday visiting mothers, and Sunday Mike and the kids took me out to eat. We waited over 90 minutes for a table (which is always fun with young kids... NOT).
Once, we visited my Mom on Saturday, and Mike and the kids visited his Mom on Sunday, and my gift was a scrapbooking day at the house alone on Sunday afternoon. (That wasn't good because I didn't get to spend time on Mother's Day with my kids.)
So, two years ago, we tried one more idea. We visited both mothers on Mother's Day. We spent a good deal of time with each one, and then took our time getting home. Once home, we did nothing special. We ate sandwiches, finished up homework, etc.
We could do this because we were celebrating MY Mother's Day the next Sunday. Brilliant! One week after Mother's Day, I receive my cards, my gift and my husband and kids take me to a restaurant of my choice for a nice, leisurely, uncrowded meal. We don't rush anywhere. We don't have to fight the Mother's Day restaurant crowds. I don't mind getting my cards and gift a few days later. It is wonderful.
Again, this is not supposed to be a whiny suggestion. "But what about me?" "When will it be my turn?" Mike and I don't take for granted we are blessed to have our mothers and a grandmother to celebrate with on this special day. We were just trying to think of a way to make it less hectic... and for us (and our mothers and grandmother), this definitely works.
Everybody's situation is different, but if this is an idea you could use, I would definitely recommend trying it at least once. Oh, and I hate it when people say Mother's Day is a "made-up" holiday. It's one of the best holidays around. Actually, I think it should be celebrated twice a year! That's Pet Peeve #5,003... another Hidden Pet Peeve!
Tomorrow I have a couple of special dates for you and your Mom. Check in to see if one of them would work for you.
Have a great day. Remember, if someone's name keeps popping into your head, give them a call. You may be surprised at what happens!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese (Low Calorie)
Good Tuesday morning!
The building of the deck interfered with my nap plans. Monday afternoon I added Pet Peeve #5,001 to my ever-growing list... I don't like workmen hammering when I'm trying to take a much-needed nap. However, that would seem ungrateful since I have been wanting this new deck since the tornado from three years ago damaged our old one... and I don't want to seem ungrateful. (I'm just tired and grumpy!) NOTE: You'll notice in the posts this week, I'll be specifically naming one or two Pet Peeves each day... but there will be others scattered throughout the blog. You'll have to find them... kind of like the Hidden Mickeys at Disney World. (I'll make it easy for you. I'll put the Hidden Pet Peeves in bold. If you're like me, you don't need the added pressure of trying to find them all by yourself.)
A little shout-out to one of my Commenters from yesterday... All great beauties since the beginning of time have taken advantage of an afternoon nap or two (or million). It's how we maintain our great beauty... until the sheet marks take over! Pet Peeve #5,002... I don't like when certain Commenters (Mikie) are funnier than me! (In case you missed it, that was a Hidden Mickey... a/k/a/Hidden Pet Peeve.)
And in response to the same Commenter from yesterday... Oh, yeah? (I'm known for my quick combacks.) It is MY deck! ALL mine! Except where the grill lives. That's where you cook wonderful meals I don't have to clean up. That part of the deck can be yours.
Watching 24 last night with Austin was fun. It's really getting exciting. That's all I'm going to say, but it was definitely the highlight of my day. (I'm calling the doctor today to see about getting adrenaline injections. Or I'm going to buy a case of Red Bull. Or I'm probably just going to keep on napping mid-afternoon. That seems to be the cheaper of the options out there.)
SUGGESTION: I know most of you with children subscribe to FamilyFun Magazine. If you don't, you must immediately do so! They have had two of their best issues ever these last two months (in my opinion). If you have this month's magazine, go to page 44. It is a tree house where you and your family stay and vacation in Takilma, Oregon. It looks like so much fun. And yet it is so far away. I always do at least one thing from each magazine. (I'm trying to keep my subscription going until I have grandchildren.) But, just in case you aren't already getting the magazine on a regular basis, I wanted to bring it to your attention and recommend getting a subscription for Mother's Day.
Pet Peeves #2 and #3 and #4
Pet Peeve #2 - I hate when I have a FANTASTIC hair day, and I'm not going anywhere but the laundry room all day.
Pet Peeve #3 - That being said, I hate having a bad hair day the day AFTER my FANTASTIC hair day when I have to be four different places... important places, too. Like the dentist, library, Wal-Mart, etc.
Pet Peeve #4 - I don't like songs that last over seven minutes. My attention span is five minutes max, and the last two minutes of a seven minute song completely puts me over the edge.
That's all for today. I really didn't think I had that many, but the more the day went on yesterday, they just kept pouring out of me! It feels good to get it off my chest.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese (Low Calorie)
This recipe comes from one of my favorite cookbooks... Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly (Healthy, Low-Fat Recipes for Your Slow Cooker) by Phyllis Pellman Good. It has over 500 recipes in it, and everything I've tried so far has been very good. I have a crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe using Velveeta and some other rich ingredients (so good), but I fixed this particular recipe for Easter, and Mikie said he liked it best.
8 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
13 oz. can fat-free evaporated milk
1 cup fat-free milk
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
4 cups grated fat-free sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated fat-free Parmesan cheese
1. Spray inside of cooker with nonfat cooking spray. Then, in cooker, combine lightly cooked macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, eggs, 3 cups cheddar cheese, salt and pepper.
2. Top with remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
3. Cover. Cook on low 3 hours.
I actually cook it 2 to 2 1/2 hours so it isn't quite as dry. It just depends on what you and your family prefer.
Try it! You'll like it!
Tomorrow I have a Mother's Day Seasonal Tradition that may de-stress a busy day in your household. Actually, we have been doing this for the past two years. (This will be year number three.) It may not work for you and your family, but it has been an extremely enjoyable answer to the age-old question, "If I visit the grandparents, mothers, and mothers-in-law on one Sunday afternoon, when do I get to celebrate my Mother's Day?" I may be the only one who ever asked that question, but if not, I'll be sharing our simple solution tomorrow, so tune in.
Have a good Tuesday. I hope your day is not too busy. I hope you get to have dinner with your family tonight. And I hope there is joy in your day.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Wednesday.
The building of the deck interfered with my nap plans. Monday afternoon I added Pet Peeve #5,001 to my ever-growing list... I don't like workmen hammering when I'm trying to take a much-needed nap. However, that would seem ungrateful since I have been wanting this new deck since the tornado from three years ago damaged our old one... and I don't want to seem ungrateful. (I'm just tired and grumpy!) NOTE: You'll notice in the posts this week, I'll be specifically naming one or two Pet Peeves each day... but there will be others scattered throughout the blog. You'll have to find them... kind of like the Hidden Mickeys at Disney World. (I'll make it easy for you. I'll put the Hidden Pet Peeves in bold. If you're like me, you don't need the added pressure of trying to find them all by yourself.)
A little shout-out to one of my Commenters from yesterday... All great beauties since the beginning of time have taken advantage of an afternoon nap or two (or million). It's how we maintain our great beauty... until the sheet marks take over! Pet Peeve #5,002... I don't like when certain Commenters (Mikie) are funnier than me! (In case you missed it, that was a Hidden Mickey... a/k/a/Hidden Pet Peeve.)
And in response to the same Commenter from yesterday... Oh, yeah? (I'm known for my quick combacks.) It is MY deck! ALL mine! Except where the grill lives. That's where you cook wonderful meals I don't have to clean up. That part of the deck can be yours.
Watching 24 last night with Austin was fun. It's really getting exciting. That's all I'm going to say, but it was definitely the highlight of my day. (I'm calling the doctor today to see about getting adrenaline injections. Or I'm going to buy a case of Red Bull. Or I'm probably just going to keep on napping mid-afternoon. That seems to be the cheaper of the options out there.)
SUGGESTION: I know most of you with children subscribe to FamilyFun Magazine. If you don't, you must immediately do so! They have had two of their best issues ever these last two months (in my opinion). If you have this month's magazine, go to page 44. It is a tree house where you and your family stay and vacation in Takilma, Oregon. It looks like so much fun. And yet it is so far away. I always do at least one thing from each magazine. (I'm trying to keep my subscription going until I have grandchildren.) But, just in case you aren't already getting the magazine on a regular basis, I wanted to bring it to your attention and recommend getting a subscription for Mother's Day.
Pet Peeves #2 and #3 and #4
Pet Peeve #2 - I hate when I have a FANTASTIC hair day, and I'm not going anywhere but the laundry room all day.
Pet Peeve #3 - That being said, I hate having a bad hair day the day AFTER my FANTASTIC hair day when I have to be four different places... important places, too. Like the dentist, library, Wal-Mart, etc.
Pet Peeve #4 - I don't like songs that last over seven minutes. My attention span is five minutes max, and the last two minutes of a seven minute song completely puts me over the edge.
That's all for today. I really didn't think I had that many, but the more the day went on yesterday, they just kept pouring out of me! It feels good to get it off my chest.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese (Low Calorie)
This recipe comes from one of my favorite cookbooks... Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly (Healthy, Low-Fat Recipes for Your Slow Cooker) by Phyllis Pellman Good. It has over 500 recipes in it, and everything I've tried so far has been very good. I have a crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe using Velveeta and some other rich ingredients (so good), but I fixed this particular recipe for Easter, and Mikie said he liked it best.
8 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
13 oz. can fat-free evaporated milk
1 cup fat-free milk
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
4 cups grated fat-free sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated fat-free Parmesan cheese
1. Spray inside of cooker with nonfat cooking spray. Then, in cooker, combine lightly cooked macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, eggs, 3 cups cheddar cheese, salt and pepper.
2. Top with remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
3. Cover. Cook on low 3 hours.
I actually cook it 2 to 2 1/2 hours so it isn't quite as dry. It just depends on what you and your family prefer.
Try it! You'll like it!
Tomorrow I have a Mother's Day Seasonal Tradition that may de-stress a busy day in your household. Actually, we have been doing this for the past two years. (This will be year number three.) It may not work for you and your family, but it has been an extremely enjoyable answer to the age-old question, "If I visit the grandparents, mothers, and mothers-in-law on one Sunday afternoon, when do I get to celebrate my Mother's Day?" I may be the only one who ever asked that question, but if not, I'll be sharing our simple solution tomorrow, so tune in.
Have a good Tuesday. I hope your day is not too busy. I hope you get to have dinner with your family tonight. And I hope there is joy in your day.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Wednesday.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
After-Prom Party
Good Monday morning!
Come on! You had to know what today's party was going to be. That's right... The infamous After-Prom Party. The particulars will be discussed below, but I will say I hope I have the opportunity to do this again for Josh and Roxie if the occasion arises.
I call the Showcase Pic "Austin in a Tux." Or "My Baby's All Grown-Up." Or "Quick! Someone Get Me a Kleenex!" Isn't he exquisite? (Good word... but not necessarily masculine.)
The Gallery Pics are more prom pictures... a couple taken before and a couple taken during by Austin. I used my good camera (three rolls of film) a good bit, so there won't be quite as many on the ol' blog this week. (Isn't Melia beautiful, too? They made a very handsome couple.)
To make up for having only four or five prom shots, I decided to do the "before and after" shots of my deck. You will see "Deck After Destruction," and hopefully, hopefully, hopefully by the end of the week you will see "NEW DECK."
I've also added some pictures from my cooking class Sunday night. It went well. I have a little tweaking to do, but that's to be expected. The boys were great. The food was edible. I learned a lot, and I hope they learned something, too.
I've known some of these guys since they were three years old, and now they are young men about to start new lives. (Quick! Someone get me a Kleenex!) And it will truly be amazing to see what God has in store for their lives... what their journey will become. (Okay! Forget the one Kleenex! Get me the box!)
How much water can a person lose through sobbing before they become dehydrated? Anyone? Anyone? I think I may need to carry a case of Gatorade with me wherever I go to replenish my body's loss of water. That's what you'll see me sipping during Graduation.
No TV Reviews today. There was absolutely no time this weekend to catch up on Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice. We'll just have a lot more to talk about Friday.
New topic... quick! Is it just me or does this happen to a lot of people? Remember when you used to wake up in the morning and sometimes you would have "sheet marks" on your face where you had slept on a wrinkle? Remember by the time you were ready for school or work the "sheet marks" were gone? I still have "sheet marks" on my face from my nap Saturday afternoon from the After-Prom Party... and it's Monday. What's up with that? Mikie's going to have to get another job to start paying for my Botox or collagen injections or whatever it is that gets rid of those!
I guess that sets the stage for this weeks' topic. Yes, we're going to be talking about Pet Peeves. I'm just going to name one or two a day because I don't have very many. (HA! My Pet Peeves BOOK makes my 100 Things To Do Before 90 List look like a short, tiny memo. But because I don't want to sound like a whiner or complainer, I'm going to pretend I only have five or six this week.) How many do you have? Feel free to share. I'm almost positive whatever's on your list is somewhere in the 4,000 or 5,000 I have written down... in alphabetical order.
So, to make it official... PET PEEVE #1 - I hate when "sheet marks" on your face last for over 48 hours. That's 47 hours and 45 minutes TOO long as far as I'm concerned.
Oh, and just so you know, I'm not making a Pet Peeves Scrapbook. I think that might be "too much," even for me.
After-Prom Party
Austin's prom lasted from 8:00 until 11:00. There are several different options out there (from bowling to movies, etc.), but I asked Austin if he wanted me to fix breakfast so everyone he was hanging around with could come to our house to eat and watch a movie. He approved the suggestion, changed the breakfast menu to Mexican (taco cups, taco soup, cookies and snacks) and sent me a text during their dinner saying everyone had voted on a specific movie (from a pre-approved list we had talked about earlier). Mikie left at 9:30 to pick it up at the Movie Gallery.
The theme of their party was "A Black Tie Affair," so I simply decorated the table with a black (throw-away) tablecloth, white plates and bowls, pink napkins and pink and white candles. It was very elegant. (I took pictures with my good non-digital camera since Austin had the digital with him. Please use your imagination, and make it even more spectacular in your mind.) I used long stemware for the glasses.
Melia called me as they were leaving the prom, so I had time to pop the taco cups into the oven. They were ready as the guys walked in. Everyone quickly changed clothes and removed THEIR SHOES! The guys were dying of thirst, so after I made sure everyone had seen how pretty the table looked, I went to my stash and got the giant red plastic cups to replace the guys' tiny, delicate stemware. (They were very appreciative.)
It was very low-key, very simple. They sat around the table and talked about 45 minutes, and then headed to the den to watch the movie. Their curfew was 3:00 a.m., so Mike and I knew we had a long night ahead of us. We kept our bedroom door open, lights on and dozed and watched TV. We could easily hear them talking, laughing and cutting up. When the movie was over, they decided to play X-Box for a little while.
I took this opportunity to clean up the kitchen and fix take-home plates for the girls. At 2:40, everyone packed up and went to their respective homes.
There are a lot of different things you can do. We have a pool table and air hockey in the basement. There are games they could play (Pictionary, Catch Phrase, etc.). But these guys were happy with the movie, talking and talking about the prom, and just hanging out after an exciting evening. It may be totally different if I ever get to do it again with a different set of kids.
The evening was so warm and pretty, if our deck hadn't been in "destruction mode" it would have been nice to set up chairs and the TV outside and let them watch the
movie under the stars with twinkly lights all over the deck. (That idea is in the back of my mind for the next After-Prom Party.)
Would the party have worked with more than six kids? Yes, but over eight people would have been the perfect "deck" party, and it would probably have worked better with a buffet rather than a sit-down dinner/breakfast. This is going to be another time when flexibility is key.
Was it worth staying up until 3:30? Yes. I would do it again and again. I wanted them to have a good time, but after midnight, I wanted to know they weren't on the road... and they were somewhere having a good, SAFE time.
When it's Josh and Roxie's turn, I'll make the same offer. We'll see how many kids may be coming and we'll plan from there. (NOTE: I did ask Melia when she called how many people were with them. I had told Austin he could ask anyone he wanted, even though the six of them had dinner together, so the number could have grown. I had plenty of food for ten, and if all else had failed there was always pizza and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. (We were not going for a healthy, balanced meal at this point!)
It was a very nice, laid-back party, and I highly recommend trying it at least once during your prom years. Be inventive. Use what you have for entertainment (board games, X-Box, movies, ping-pong, karaoke, etc.). Have plenty of food and drinks. Oh, and do NOT plan anything the next morning. You're going to want to sleep in!
My Favorite Kid Party Ever
Since the above is not a very "specific" party, I thought I would share my favorite kid party. I didn't give this party. I attended. Austin was about eight or nine, and he was invited to a "water" party. They had to bring their giant water guns. They had an inflatable set up. They had sprinklers all over the yard pointing toward the inflatable. The mom had set up plastic pools and large buckets of water for quick and easy water gun refills. The boys were having a ball, and the parents were enjoying a birds' eye view high and dry on the second floor deck.
Then the mom went into the kitchen and came out with not one, but two, large plastic garbage cans filled to the brim with water balloons. "They are going to love this," I said.
"Oh, these aren't for the boys. I didn't spend two hours filling up garbage cans with water balloons to give to the boys," she responded.
"Well, what are you going to do with them?" another parent asked.
She picked up two water balloons and found her target. Then she started chunking! The boys looked up, shocked and thrilled at the same time, and the war was on! All the parents had a blast. The only thing that could have made that party better was THREE garbage cans full of water balloons!
And that, my friends, was the best kids' party I ever attended. What a great, fun mom. What a lucky eight year-old boy to have such a mom! (I only wish I had thought of it first!)
Tomorrow I have a very good crock pot recipe. Check in for something quick, easy and very low calorie.
Have a wonderful Monday. (I'm planning on taking a little nap today. I have found I don't snap back as quickly as I used to... and I'm more than a little tired! And since I still have the "sheet marks" from Saturday's nap, what can it hurt?)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Come on! You had to know what today's party was going to be. That's right... The infamous After-Prom Party. The particulars will be discussed below, but I will say I hope I have the opportunity to do this again for Josh and Roxie if the occasion arises.
I call the Showcase Pic "Austin in a Tux." Or "My Baby's All Grown-Up." Or "Quick! Someone Get Me a Kleenex!" Isn't he exquisite? (Good word... but not necessarily masculine.)
The Gallery Pics are more prom pictures... a couple taken before and a couple taken during by Austin. I used my good camera (three rolls of film) a good bit, so there won't be quite as many on the ol' blog this week. (Isn't Melia beautiful, too? They made a very handsome couple.)
To make up for having only four or five prom shots, I decided to do the "before and after" shots of my deck. You will see "Deck After Destruction," and hopefully, hopefully, hopefully by the end of the week you will see "NEW DECK."
I've also added some pictures from my cooking class Sunday night. It went well. I have a little tweaking to do, but that's to be expected. The boys were great. The food was edible. I learned a lot, and I hope they learned something, too.
I've known some of these guys since they were three years old, and now they are young men about to start new lives. (Quick! Someone get me a Kleenex!) And it will truly be amazing to see what God has in store for their lives... what their journey will become. (Okay! Forget the one Kleenex! Get me the box!)
How much water can a person lose through sobbing before they become dehydrated? Anyone? Anyone? I think I may need to carry a case of Gatorade with me wherever I go to replenish my body's loss of water. That's what you'll see me sipping during Graduation.
No TV Reviews today. There was absolutely no time this weekend to catch up on Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice. We'll just have a lot more to talk about Friday.
New topic... quick! Is it just me or does this happen to a lot of people? Remember when you used to wake up in the morning and sometimes you would have "sheet marks" on your face where you had slept on a wrinkle? Remember by the time you were ready for school or work the "sheet marks" were gone? I still have "sheet marks" on my face from my nap Saturday afternoon from the After-Prom Party... and it's Monday. What's up with that? Mikie's going to have to get another job to start paying for my Botox or collagen injections or whatever it is that gets rid of those!
I guess that sets the stage for this weeks' topic. Yes, we're going to be talking about Pet Peeves. I'm just going to name one or two a day because I don't have very many. (HA! My Pet Peeves BOOK makes my 100 Things To Do Before 90 List look like a short, tiny memo. But because I don't want to sound like a whiner or complainer, I'm going to pretend I only have five or six this week.) How many do you have? Feel free to share. I'm almost positive whatever's on your list is somewhere in the 4,000 or 5,000 I have written down... in alphabetical order.
So, to make it official... PET PEEVE #1 - I hate when "sheet marks" on your face last for over 48 hours. That's 47 hours and 45 minutes TOO long as far as I'm concerned.
Oh, and just so you know, I'm not making a Pet Peeves Scrapbook. I think that might be "too much," even for me.
After-Prom Party
Austin's prom lasted from 8:00 until 11:00. There are several different options out there (from bowling to movies, etc.), but I asked Austin if he wanted me to fix breakfast so everyone he was hanging around with could come to our house to eat and watch a movie. He approved the suggestion, changed the breakfast menu to Mexican (taco cups, taco soup, cookies and snacks) and sent me a text during their dinner saying everyone had voted on a specific movie (from a pre-approved list we had talked about earlier). Mikie left at 9:30 to pick it up at the Movie Gallery.
The theme of their party was "A Black Tie Affair," so I simply decorated the table with a black (throw-away) tablecloth, white plates and bowls, pink napkins and pink and white candles. It was very elegant. (I took pictures with my good non-digital camera since Austin had the digital with him. Please use your imagination, and make it even more spectacular in your mind.) I used long stemware for the glasses.
Melia called me as they were leaving the prom, so I had time to pop the taco cups into the oven. They were ready as the guys walked in. Everyone quickly changed clothes and removed THEIR SHOES! The guys were dying of thirst, so after I made sure everyone had seen how pretty the table looked, I went to my stash and got the giant red plastic cups to replace the guys' tiny, delicate stemware. (They were very appreciative.)
It was very low-key, very simple. They sat around the table and talked about 45 minutes, and then headed to the den to watch the movie. Their curfew was 3:00 a.m., so Mike and I knew we had a long night ahead of us. We kept our bedroom door open, lights on and dozed and watched TV. We could easily hear them talking, laughing and cutting up. When the movie was over, they decided to play X-Box for a little while.
I took this opportunity to clean up the kitchen and fix take-home plates for the girls. At 2:40, everyone packed up and went to their respective homes.
There are a lot of different things you can do. We have a pool table and air hockey in the basement. There are games they could play (Pictionary, Catch Phrase, etc.). But these guys were happy with the movie, talking and talking about the prom, and just hanging out after an exciting evening. It may be totally different if I ever get to do it again with a different set of kids.
The evening was so warm and pretty, if our deck hadn't been in "destruction mode" it would have been nice to set up chairs and the TV outside and let them watch the
movie under the stars with twinkly lights all over the deck. (That idea is in the back of my mind for the next After-Prom Party.)
Would the party have worked with more than six kids? Yes, but over eight people would have been the perfect "deck" party, and it would probably have worked better with a buffet rather than a sit-down dinner/breakfast. This is going to be another time when flexibility is key.
Was it worth staying up until 3:30? Yes. I would do it again and again. I wanted them to have a good time, but after midnight, I wanted to know they weren't on the road... and they were somewhere having a good, SAFE time.
When it's Josh and Roxie's turn, I'll make the same offer. We'll see how many kids may be coming and we'll plan from there. (NOTE: I did ask Melia when she called how many people were with them. I had told Austin he could ask anyone he wanted, even though the six of them had dinner together, so the number could have grown. I had plenty of food for ten, and if all else had failed there was always pizza and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. (We were not going for a healthy, balanced meal at this point!)
It was a very nice, laid-back party, and I highly recommend trying it at least once during your prom years. Be inventive. Use what you have for entertainment (board games, X-Box, movies, ping-pong, karaoke, etc.). Have plenty of food and drinks. Oh, and do NOT plan anything the next morning. You're going to want to sleep in!
My Favorite Kid Party Ever
Since the above is not a very "specific" party, I thought I would share my favorite kid party. I didn't give this party. I attended. Austin was about eight or nine, and he was invited to a "water" party. They had to bring their giant water guns. They had an inflatable set up. They had sprinklers all over the yard pointing toward the inflatable. The mom had set up plastic pools and large buckets of water for quick and easy water gun refills. The boys were having a ball, and the parents were enjoying a birds' eye view high and dry on the second floor deck.
Then the mom went into the kitchen and came out with not one, but two, large plastic garbage cans filled to the brim with water balloons. "They are going to love this," I said.
"Oh, these aren't for the boys. I didn't spend two hours filling up garbage cans with water balloons to give to the boys," she responded.
"Well, what are you going to do with them?" another parent asked.
She picked up two water balloons and found her target. Then she started chunking! The boys looked up, shocked and thrilled at the same time, and the war was on! All the parents had a blast. The only thing that could have made that party better was THREE garbage cans full of water balloons!
And that, my friends, was the best kids' party I ever attended. What a great, fun mom. What a lucky eight year-old boy to have such a mom! (I only wish I had thought of it first!)
Tomorrow I have a very good crock pot recipe. Check in for something quick, easy and very low calorie.
Have a wonderful Monday. (I'm planning on taking a little nap today. I have found I don't snap back as quickly as I used to... and I'm more than a little tired! And since I still have the "sheet marks" from Saturday's nap, what can it hurt?)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
One word... PROM! That is our main weekend happening. Our prom is being held on Friday night, so it will not be the entire weekend of course, but it definitely is on everyone's mind at the moment.
Other less important (but nonetheless "Happening Worthy") stuff going on will be the completion of destruction of our deck. Once destruction is complete, I am hoping by this time next week the new deck will be finished. I can't wait. It is time to be eating dinner on the deck right this very minute, so I'm sure we'll be breaking it in with a candlelight dinner NEXT weekend. (I hope, I hope.)
I'm beginning a Cooking Class for Senior Boys this Sunday night. Wish me luck. Actually, I'm very excited, and I'm hoping it will be fun AND helpful. This week is "Beef Night." We'll be learning to make hamburger hobos, taco soup, meat and potatoes casserole and buttermilk pies (along with sweet tea). It's all very hands-on. The guys will be cooking everything, setting the table, and then we'll sit down together to eat and have a "bullet devotion." I even have cooking challenges, games and prizes. (If all else fails, I've bought them all giant candy bars. I have to give them one thing I know will be a hit!) I'll let you know how it went on Monday.
Josh and Austin will probably be going to at least part of the Stadiumfest at Samford. Roxie will probably have a friend over to practice volleyball. (Tryouts are right around the corner.) And hopefully, there will be NO homework for anyone. We are tired of homework. I don't know who has the worse case of Spring Fever... me or the kids.
Mikie and I are going to squeeze in a breakfast date Saturday morning, and hopefully have our Sunset Date in the next couple of weeks. I'll let you know what the twist was after the fact.
Lots to do, and only two days to get it done!
I know I only have three TV shows in the review section today. We didn't get to watch Amazing Race OR Celebrity Apprentice in Alabama Sunday night because the weathermen were on all the channels tracking the storms all night. We'll watch them on Mikie's computer this weekend, so once again I'll have a review on Monday... I hate that!
TV Review
24 - You have to really admire Jack, don't you? Here he is in the midst of dealing with bio-chemical exposure, saying his "final" farewell to his estranged daughter, giving himself shot after shot after shot to stop the shaking, and trying to remember events the bio-chemical exposure is erasing from his memory... and he figures out Tony is the bad guy. (I can't even remember Tuesday night is take-the-garbage-out-to-the-road-night, much less deal with all the stuff Jack has to deal with in a 24 hour period.) Oh, yeah. And there's no nap time in that 24 hours. You don't even see those guys drink a Red Bull or a cup of coffee. It's just sheer adrenaline. I wonder if there are people who don't have a drop of adrenaline in their body. I wonder if I'm one of those people. I'm sorry. What was I saying? Oh, yes. TONY WAS THE BAD GUY.
It's driving me crazy "they" keep saying, "This goes much, much higher." Who is it? Who is the mastermind? (Personally, I think since Jonas Hodges is being played by Jon Voight, Angelina Jolie's dad, she and/or Brad Pitt will eventually make a cameo appearance on the show. That would be something, wouldn't it? Angelina Jolie is the mastermind. Just a thought.)
Final review... Good, good show. Austin concurs.
LOST - This week's episode was a tutorial. Josh watched half of it with me, and then he begged off stating the obvious... "I already understand what's going on." But not me. I sat glued to the TV listening to the narrator's voice explain scene after scene after scene. The problem finally came down to one word. "Why?" When the narrator said, "And then Desmond beat up Ben," I already KNEW that. My brain comprehended that Desmond beat Ben up. What my brain DIDN'T comprehend is why Desmond didn't KILL Ben because Ben had just shot him and had vowed to shoot and kill Penny, his wife. "WHY" is Ben still walking around?
And the narrator said, "Jack's dead father told John Locke to turn the wheel that would send him back home." Once again... I KNEW THAT! "Why" is Jack's dead father walking around the island? "Why" are any of the dead people walking around the island? "Why" isn't the narrator answering any of the PERTINENT questions?
"Why" am I still watching the show if it disturbs me so much? (That's probably a question you're asking.) I'm enjoying the one-on-one time with Josh. There! See what normal people do when someone asks them a question? They ANSWER it with an answer that actually makes sense!
All that said... I can't wait until next week's 100th episode!
Survivor - SPOILER: Another week, another blindside. Tyson, a strong competitor, was voted out because he didn't win immunity this week. He had immunity the last two times, and everyone was getting nervous this would be the only time to get rid of him. They were probably right. J. T. (a/k/a Alabama boy) is still the most popular guy in camp, but as everyone who has ever watched Survivor knows, no one wants to take the popular guy to the final three. You want to take the guy every one hates so you have a chance of winning. J. T.'s southern charm may actually work against him the closer we get to the end. (I'm still going to have my picture made with him though. Even if he gets voted off next week, he's had more TV time than most of the "famous people" in my scrapbook. Is there a good restaurant in Sampson? Does anyone know? I might as well make a day of it while I'm down there.)
Book
The book review for this week is a children's devotional book called God Thought of Everything Weird and Wacky by Bonnie Bruno. The inside cover of the book describes the contents as follows: "This book features amazing animal tales, devotional thoughts, Bible verses and links to cool Internet websites." That sums it up very well, but it is really an interesting way for the second grader to fourth or fifth grader in your family to have devotion. Here's a little sample.
Vacuum Cleaner of the Sea
I might look like a vegetable that belongs in a tossed green salad, but look closer. I'm actually a soft-bodied relative to the starfish and sand dollar. I make my home in the Galapagos Islands. Marine biologists think I'm pretty special. In fact, they say I help turn over as much as 90 percent of the sea floor. My sifting work helps keep the seabed healthy, but I can live for five to ten years at any water depth.
My body is decorated with tiny tube feet. They work like mini suction cups, called tentacles, attaching me firmly in place. As I move from place to place along the ocean's bottom, my tentacles keep me rooted in place. Without them, I would drift aimlessly through the water.
God designed another group of tube feet near my mouth. These tubes act as my arms, although they are called feet. They are constantly in motion, sweeping the water around me like tiny vacuum cleaners. They bend and sway, capturing tiny bits of food, keeping me plump and pampered.
If a bully of the sea approaches, I play dead. It's the only way I know how to protect myself. I disconnect my organs quickly, including my two breathing tubes. Nobody messes with me if they think I'm already dead. Little do they know that I can grow a whole new set of necessary organs in just a few weeks!
God thought of everything when he created me -- the Sea Cucumber.
More on the Web - Read about a sea cucumber "gold rush." http://www.worldwildlife.org/galapagos/cucumber.cfm
Tell a Friend - The sea cucumber's tentacles help "root" it, so it does not float aimlessly through the water. The Bible does the same for us by giving us good advice to follow. Aren't you glad we can trust in God's care?
Read About It - "Let us hold firmly to the hope we claim to have. The One who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
Pray About It - Heavenly Father, I want you. Help me to hide your Word in my heart.
See... It has everything an animal loving kid would want. And it has 60 different devotions... everything from the Giant Antpitta to the Wolffia.
As I said before, all of my kids enjoyed it, but especially the guys. And if you like this one, Ms. Bruno also wrote another book called God Thought of Everything Strange and Slimy. I like anything and everything that helps kids stay interested in the scripture... whether it is animal devotions or sports devotions or princess devotions. It's a good thing!
What will this weekend hold? Who knows! I hope everyone has a great weekend, full of "moments that take your breath away," and so much more.
I'll be back Monday with a week of Mother's Day parties, traditions and dates... not to mention a recipe to try and book to read. I hope you'll be back, too.
Talk to you soon.
One word... PROM! That is our main weekend happening. Our prom is being held on Friday night, so it will not be the entire weekend of course, but it definitely is on everyone's mind at the moment.
Other less important (but nonetheless "Happening Worthy") stuff going on will be the completion of destruction of our deck. Once destruction is complete, I am hoping by this time next week the new deck will be finished. I can't wait. It is time to be eating dinner on the deck right this very minute, so I'm sure we'll be breaking it in with a candlelight dinner NEXT weekend. (I hope, I hope.)
I'm beginning a Cooking Class for Senior Boys this Sunday night. Wish me luck. Actually, I'm very excited, and I'm hoping it will be fun AND helpful. This week is "Beef Night." We'll be learning to make hamburger hobos, taco soup, meat and potatoes casserole and buttermilk pies (along with sweet tea). It's all very hands-on. The guys will be cooking everything, setting the table, and then we'll sit down together to eat and have a "bullet devotion." I even have cooking challenges, games and prizes. (If all else fails, I've bought them all giant candy bars. I have to give them one thing I know will be a hit!) I'll let you know how it went on Monday.
Josh and Austin will probably be going to at least part of the Stadiumfest at Samford. Roxie will probably have a friend over to practice volleyball. (Tryouts are right around the corner.) And hopefully, there will be NO homework for anyone. We are tired of homework. I don't know who has the worse case of Spring Fever... me or the kids.
Mikie and I are going to squeeze in a breakfast date Saturday morning, and hopefully have our Sunset Date in the next couple of weeks. I'll let you know what the twist was after the fact.
Lots to do, and only two days to get it done!
I know I only have three TV shows in the review section today. We didn't get to watch Amazing Race OR Celebrity Apprentice in Alabama Sunday night because the weathermen were on all the channels tracking the storms all night. We'll watch them on Mikie's computer this weekend, so once again I'll have a review on Monday... I hate that!
TV Review
24 - You have to really admire Jack, don't you? Here he is in the midst of dealing with bio-chemical exposure, saying his "final" farewell to his estranged daughter, giving himself shot after shot after shot to stop the shaking, and trying to remember events the bio-chemical exposure is erasing from his memory... and he figures out Tony is the bad guy. (I can't even remember Tuesday night is take-the-garbage-out-to-the-road-night, much less deal with all the stuff Jack has to deal with in a 24 hour period.) Oh, yeah. And there's no nap time in that 24 hours. You don't even see those guys drink a Red Bull or a cup of coffee. It's just sheer adrenaline. I wonder if there are people who don't have a drop of adrenaline in their body. I wonder if I'm one of those people. I'm sorry. What was I saying? Oh, yes. TONY WAS THE BAD GUY.
It's driving me crazy "they" keep saying, "This goes much, much higher." Who is it? Who is the mastermind? (Personally, I think since Jonas Hodges is being played by Jon Voight, Angelina Jolie's dad, she and/or Brad Pitt will eventually make a cameo appearance on the show. That would be something, wouldn't it? Angelina Jolie is the mastermind. Just a thought.)
Final review... Good, good show. Austin concurs.
LOST - This week's episode was a tutorial. Josh watched half of it with me, and then he begged off stating the obvious... "I already understand what's going on." But not me. I sat glued to the TV listening to the narrator's voice explain scene after scene after scene. The problem finally came down to one word. "Why?" When the narrator said, "And then Desmond beat up Ben," I already KNEW that. My brain comprehended that Desmond beat Ben up. What my brain DIDN'T comprehend is why Desmond didn't KILL Ben because Ben had just shot him and had vowed to shoot and kill Penny, his wife. "WHY" is Ben still walking around?
And the narrator said, "Jack's dead father told John Locke to turn the wheel that would send him back home." Once again... I KNEW THAT! "Why" is Jack's dead father walking around the island? "Why" are any of the dead people walking around the island? "Why" isn't the narrator answering any of the PERTINENT questions?
"Why" am I still watching the show if it disturbs me so much? (That's probably a question you're asking.) I'm enjoying the one-on-one time with Josh. There! See what normal people do when someone asks them a question? They ANSWER it with an answer that actually makes sense!
All that said... I can't wait until next week's 100th episode!
Survivor - SPOILER: Another week, another blindside. Tyson, a strong competitor, was voted out because he didn't win immunity this week. He had immunity the last two times, and everyone was getting nervous this would be the only time to get rid of him. They were probably right. J. T. (a/k/a Alabama boy) is still the most popular guy in camp, but as everyone who has ever watched Survivor knows, no one wants to take the popular guy to the final three. You want to take the guy every one hates so you have a chance of winning. J. T.'s southern charm may actually work against him the closer we get to the end. (I'm still going to have my picture made with him though. Even if he gets voted off next week, he's had more TV time than most of the "famous people" in my scrapbook. Is there a good restaurant in Sampson? Does anyone know? I might as well make a day of it while I'm down there.)
Book
The book review for this week is a children's devotional book called God Thought of Everything Weird and Wacky by Bonnie Bruno. The inside cover of the book describes the contents as follows: "This book features amazing animal tales, devotional thoughts, Bible verses and links to cool Internet websites." That sums it up very well, but it is really an interesting way for the second grader to fourth or fifth grader in your family to have devotion. Here's a little sample.
Vacuum Cleaner of the Sea
I might look like a vegetable that belongs in a tossed green salad, but look closer. I'm actually a soft-bodied relative to the starfish and sand dollar. I make my home in the Galapagos Islands. Marine biologists think I'm pretty special. In fact, they say I help turn over as much as 90 percent of the sea floor. My sifting work helps keep the seabed healthy, but I can live for five to ten years at any water depth.
My body is decorated with tiny tube feet. They work like mini suction cups, called tentacles, attaching me firmly in place. As I move from place to place along the ocean's bottom, my tentacles keep me rooted in place. Without them, I would drift aimlessly through the water.
God designed another group of tube feet near my mouth. These tubes act as my arms, although they are called feet. They are constantly in motion, sweeping the water around me like tiny vacuum cleaners. They bend and sway, capturing tiny bits of food, keeping me plump and pampered.
If a bully of the sea approaches, I play dead. It's the only way I know how to protect myself. I disconnect my organs quickly, including my two breathing tubes. Nobody messes with me if they think I'm already dead. Little do they know that I can grow a whole new set of necessary organs in just a few weeks!
God thought of everything when he created me -- the Sea Cucumber.
More on the Web - Read about a sea cucumber "gold rush." http://www.worldwildlife.org/galapagos/cucumber.cfm
Tell a Friend - The sea cucumber's tentacles help "root" it, so it does not float aimlessly through the water. The Bible does the same for us by giving us good advice to follow. Aren't you glad we can trust in God's care?
Read About It - "Let us hold firmly to the hope we claim to have. The One who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
Pray About It - Heavenly Father, I want you. Help me to hide your Word in my heart.
See... It has everything an animal loving kid would want. And it has 60 different devotions... everything from the Giant Antpitta to the Wolffia.
As I said before, all of my kids enjoyed it, but especially the guys. And if you like this one, Ms. Bruno also wrote another book called God Thought of Everything Strange and Slimy. I like anything and everything that helps kids stay interested in the scripture... whether it is animal devotions or sports devotions or princess devotions. It's a good thing!
What will this weekend hold? Who knows! I hope everyone has a great weekend, full of "moments that take your breath away," and so much more.
I'll be back Monday with a week of Mother's Day parties, traditions and dates... not to mention a recipe to try and book to read. I hope you'll be back, too.
Talk to you soon.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sunset Picnic
Good Thursday morning! (The best morning of the week!)
Sorry! I don't have a "Thought for the Day" to bestow upon you. Actually, there were three more little signs hanging in the office where I copied the "breathtaking moment" thought, but I ran out of time... and space to write them on my hand. So I guess I should have called it "Thought for the Week," or "Thought for the Month." If I'm not going to be consistent, I should have just put "Thought." What I'm trying to say is I will not be having a "Thought for the Day" every day. Too much pressure on my little ol' brain.
I've been hearing about a young man who is traveling all 50 states and staying a week in each state working a different job. He was in Alabama this week coaching high school football, and Rick and Bubba interviewed him this morning. He's going to Florida next week and he will be working at Universal Studios. He tries to get a job each week which best represents the state he is visiting. What an adventure! I admire that kind if ingenuity (good word) and inventiveness in people, although I don't really have those qualities myself. He's writing a blog about his travels. If you're interested, you can go to www.livingthemap.com. What an exciting thing to do!
Weekend Family Fun
Argo Drive-In - I'll go ahead and tell you right now, Fast and Furious is still at the Argo Drive-In. But Mall Cop is still there, also. (Can't recommend Fast and Furious... highly recommend Mall Cop.) As always, double-check Friday morning to make sure the movie hasn't changed. The number is 467-3434.
Dollar Movie - This Saturday and Sunday they are showing Confessions of a Shopaholic (PG), Hotel for Dogs (PG), Mall Cop (PG) and Bedtime Stories (PG). For showtimes, call 822-5187.
Stadiumfest at Samford University - This is an all-day event held at Samford this coming Saturday. It is FREE! Here are just a few of the things offered for people of ALL ages:
Veggie Tales Characters - Bob and Larry will be there
Bibleman will be making an appearance
Face Painting
Inflatables
Demonstrations from skateboarders and BMX experts
Jugglers
Puppeteers
Christian Concert featuring multiple Christian artists
Speakers Scott Dawson and Rick Burgess
Fireworks at the end of the evening
There is so much more. For more information, go to www.stadiumfest.com. They have an excellent website with times for each activity, etc. This would be a great one-on-one date with your child or teen, or a great way to spend time with the family at a fun, exciting Christian event.
A Little Bit of My Story - Part 4
Where am I now? I ask myself that question all the time. Like Josh, I appear to be much improved. Like Josh, I feel like everything is right under the surface, ready to take over at any given moment. I can't let my guard down, which is part of the problem. It's always in the back of my mind.
Has it changed my life significantly? In some ways. I'm not comfortable doing some things I used to do. During Josh's illness, my little escape was one or two trips a day to Wal-Mart. Not necessarily to shop, but to get out and maybe see someone and talk to someone. Since two of the attacks happened in Wal-Mart, I rarely go there anymore (rarely meaning once a week at the most). I have to make myself go that often.
Church is difficult, again because I've had several attacks there. I spend much of the service making myself stay put, but not really getting much out of the message or the worship music at this time.
While nighttime used to be my favorite time of the day, I dread the evening hours now. My attacks are always worse in the evening.
Although Mike rarely goes out of town, on the occasion when he does, it is very hard to keep our family schedule... but I make myself continue.
I make myself go out of town. I make myself go camping. I make myself go shopping alone with Roxie across town. I make myself do many little things I used to take for granted.
At one point, I was on the Internet constantly reading, reading, reading about panic attacks versus heart attacks. What were the differences? What did this symptom mean? I finally stopped going to the Internet at all for any information. I will not allow myself to do it because it causes more anxiety, not less.
Off and on for a while, I would check my blood pressure several times a day. Now, I will only check my blood pressure when I go to the pharmacy to specifically pick up medicine. I do not make special trips all during the day.
I overheard a woman ask another woman one time if it was okay for a Christian to be depressed. The woman paused, and then replied, "It's okay to be depressed. It's just not okay to stay depressed." This was a woman who had obviously never had a mental illness.
While I wasn't angry with her, it did strengthen my resolve to try to help people understand it is not a choice. It is not a choice to have epilepsy. It is not a choice to have asthma. It is not a choice to have severe food allergies.
And it is not a choice to have OCD or panic attacks or depression. These illnesses are just as real as anything mentioned above. And if you suffer from any of these very debilitating illnesses, it doesn't mean you have less faith in the healing power of God. It does not mean you are a "weak" or "immature" Christian.
No one would ever say to a mother of a child with chronic migraine headaches, "It's okay to have a headache every now and then. It's just not okay to have them all the time."
It's time for people to try to understand. It's time for people to have compassion for the things they cannot always see. It's time for people to stop being "uncomfortable" and start a dialogue. And it's really time for people to stop being ashamed of having an illness they have no control over.
I, for one, am tired. The last three and a half years have been exhausting... mentally, emotionally and physically. And the years have taken a toll on the Faulkner Five. But if it enables us to be more aware so we can help another family, or befriend someone who is going through something feeling very alone, or gives us a chance to tell how God helped us time and time again... then that's what we'll do.
When everything is said and done, I don't want Josh's suffering to be for nothing. I don't want what little I've gone through to not have a meaning or a purpose. Now that's when someone could honestly say, "It's okay to have a real illness. And it's okay to talk about it, and feel sad about it, and even be angry about it sometimes. It's just not okay to keep everything bottled in, and be secretive, and feel shame because you're sick." Wow! I think I would actually hug the person who said that to me. (Little known fact... I'm not a huge hugger outside of the family... except for babies and kids!)
I know you're all relieved this week is over, and I've gotten all that off my chest. Next week's topic will be "Plastic Surgery... How Much is Too Much?" Just kidding. We have three kids to put through college, two aging dogs, an old house and the big gold van (which is almost as old as the house and the dogs). I'm afraid my plastic surgery needs are low, low, low on the list of ways to spend our money.
Don't worry. I'll figure out something to talk about next week! Maybe pet peeves!
Sunset Picnic
This is a simple, fun, romantic date to put together. I'm planning one of these with a little twist as I write this, but because Mikie reads the blog from time to time, I don't want to give too much away.
The first time we had this date, we were newly married. On our deck, I set a beautiful table with fresh flowers, tablecloth, candles, good china, etc. Because we were both working (and it was a date for me, too), I went by our favorite Italian restaurant at the time (Salvatore's), and ordered our favorite dishes from there. I then went to a bakery and bought two portions of a fancy Italian dessert. When Mikie arrived home, we had a romantic dinner on the deck with delicious Italian food (I didn't have to prepare) and a decadent (good word) dessert. To top it off, always time it so as you're eating as the sun is setting. It just creates a beautiful, special, not too expensive, memorable date.
It's also nice to be able to have a date in the middle of the week sometimes because when you do have kids, the weekends can be really, really busy.
"Oh, good grief! Anyone could do that!" you might be saying. That's true... but have you had a Sunset Date. Sometimes the most obvious date is the one we never try.
NOTE: I also planned a Sunset Date at a little lake near our first home. I had the red checkered blanket, fried chicken, potato salad, pickles, cake, etc. Everything was packed in a beautiful picnic basket. We set everything up under a huge shade tree and fixed our plates.
Unfortunately, across the lake lived a HERD of geese, and when they spotted us, they started swimming at warp speed toward us. (I know the correct term is "gaggle," but if you had seen these things coming at us, you would have said "herd," too.) They were very loud and aggressive. They were not scared of humans at all. Basically, they attacked us and ate our food. Not only did they ruin our sunset picnic, but they gave me another "Birds That Hate Belinda" story to add to my repertoire. I say all this to remind you to be careful where you plan your picnic. Location, location, location. (Somewhere without woodland animals is always preferable!)
And, after thinking about it a little while, I AM going to leave you with a little "Thought for the Day." "Just Do It." (That's from Nike, you know.) Stop putting things off. Today is the day!
Have a fabulous Thursday! Check in tomorrow for a wonderfully, wacky devotion book for the kids. Fun and meaningful. You won't even have to remind them to do their devotions in the morning.
Have a safe day, and I'll talk to you tomorrow!
Sorry! I don't have a "Thought for the Day" to bestow upon you. Actually, there were three more little signs hanging in the office where I copied the "breathtaking moment" thought, but I ran out of time... and space to write them on my hand. So I guess I should have called it "Thought for the Week," or "Thought for the Month." If I'm not going to be consistent, I should have just put "Thought." What I'm trying to say is I will not be having a "Thought for the Day" every day. Too much pressure on my little ol' brain.
I've been hearing about a young man who is traveling all 50 states and staying a week in each state working a different job. He was in Alabama this week coaching high school football, and Rick and Bubba interviewed him this morning. He's going to Florida next week and he will be working at Universal Studios. He tries to get a job each week which best represents the state he is visiting. What an adventure! I admire that kind if ingenuity (good word) and inventiveness in people, although I don't really have those qualities myself. He's writing a blog about his travels. If you're interested, you can go to www.livingthemap.com. What an exciting thing to do!
Weekend Family Fun
Argo Drive-In - I'll go ahead and tell you right now, Fast and Furious is still at the Argo Drive-In. But Mall Cop is still there, also. (Can't recommend Fast and Furious... highly recommend Mall Cop.) As always, double-check Friday morning to make sure the movie hasn't changed. The number is 467-3434.
Dollar Movie - This Saturday and Sunday they are showing Confessions of a Shopaholic (PG), Hotel for Dogs (PG), Mall Cop (PG) and Bedtime Stories (PG). For showtimes, call 822-5187.
Stadiumfest at Samford University - This is an all-day event held at Samford this coming Saturday. It is FREE! Here are just a few of the things offered for people of ALL ages:
Veggie Tales Characters - Bob and Larry will be there
Bibleman will be making an appearance
Face Painting
Inflatables
Demonstrations from skateboarders and BMX experts
Jugglers
Puppeteers
Christian Concert featuring multiple Christian artists
Speakers Scott Dawson and Rick Burgess
Fireworks at the end of the evening
There is so much more. For more information, go to www.stadiumfest.com. They have an excellent website with times for each activity, etc. This would be a great one-on-one date with your child or teen, or a great way to spend time with the family at a fun, exciting Christian event.
A Little Bit of My Story - Part 4
Where am I now? I ask myself that question all the time. Like Josh, I appear to be much improved. Like Josh, I feel like everything is right under the surface, ready to take over at any given moment. I can't let my guard down, which is part of the problem. It's always in the back of my mind.
Has it changed my life significantly? In some ways. I'm not comfortable doing some things I used to do. During Josh's illness, my little escape was one or two trips a day to Wal-Mart. Not necessarily to shop, but to get out and maybe see someone and talk to someone. Since two of the attacks happened in Wal-Mart, I rarely go there anymore (rarely meaning once a week at the most). I have to make myself go that often.
Church is difficult, again because I've had several attacks there. I spend much of the service making myself stay put, but not really getting much out of the message or the worship music at this time.
While nighttime used to be my favorite time of the day, I dread the evening hours now. My attacks are always worse in the evening.
Although Mike rarely goes out of town, on the occasion when he does, it is very hard to keep our family schedule... but I make myself continue.
I make myself go out of town. I make myself go camping. I make myself go shopping alone with Roxie across town. I make myself do many little things I used to take for granted.
At one point, I was on the Internet constantly reading, reading, reading about panic attacks versus heart attacks. What were the differences? What did this symptom mean? I finally stopped going to the Internet at all for any information. I will not allow myself to do it because it causes more anxiety, not less.
Off and on for a while, I would check my blood pressure several times a day. Now, I will only check my blood pressure when I go to the pharmacy to specifically pick up medicine. I do not make special trips all during the day.
I overheard a woman ask another woman one time if it was okay for a Christian to be depressed. The woman paused, and then replied, "It's okay to be depressed. It's just not okay to stay depressed." This was a woman who had obviously never had a mental illness.
While I wasn't angry with her, it did strengthen my resolve to try to help people understand it is not a choice. It is not a choice to have epilepsy. It is not a choice to have asthma. It is not a choice to have severe food allergies.
And it is not a choice to have OCD or panic attacks or depression. These illnesses are just as real as anything mentioned above. And if you suffer from any of these very debilitating illnesses, it doesn't mean you have less faith in the healing power of God. It does not mean you are a "weak" or "immature" Christian.
No one would ever say to a mother of a child with chronic migraine headaches, "It's okay to have a headache every now and then. It's just not okay to have them all the time."
It's time for people to try to understand. It's time for people to have compassion for the things they cannot always see. It's time for people to stop being "uncomfortable" and start a dialogue. And it's really time for people to stop being ashamed of having an illness they have no control over.
I, for one, am tired. The last three and a half years have been exhausting... mentally, emotionally and physically. And the years have taken a toll on the Faulkner Five. But if it enables us to be more aware so we can help another family, or befriend someone who is going through something feeling very alone, or gives us a chance to tell how God helped us time and time again... then that's what we'll do.
When everything is said and done, I don't want Josh's suffering to be for nothing. I don't want what little I've gone through to not have a meaning or a purpose. Now that's when someone could honestly say, "It's okay to have a real illness. And it's okay to talk about it, and feel sad about it, and even be angry about it sometimes. It's just not okay to keep everything bottled in, and be secretive, and feel shame because you're sick." Wow! I think I would actually hug the person who said that to me. (Little known fact... I'm not a huge hugger outside of the family... except for babies and kids!)
I know you're all relieved this week is over, and I've gotten all that off my chest. Next week's topic will be "Plastic Surgery... How Much is Too Much?" Just kidding. We have three kids to put through college, two aging dogs, an old house and the big gold van (which is almost as old as the house and the dogs). I'm afraid my plastic surgery needs are low, low, low on the list of ways to spend our money.
Don't worry. I'll figure out something to talk about next week! Maybe pet peeves!
Sunset Picnic
This is a simple, fun, romantic date to put together. I'm planning one of these with a little twist as I write this, but because Mikie reads the blog from time to time, I don't want to give too much away.
The first time we had this date, we were newly married. On our deck, I set a beautiful table with fresh flowers, tablecloth, candles, good china, etc. Because we were both working (and it was a date for me, too), I went by our favorite Italian restaurant at the time (Salvatore's), and ordered our favorite dishes from there. I then went to a bakery and bought two portions of a fancy Italian dessert. When Mikie arrived home, we had a romantic dinner on the deck with delicious Italian food (I didn't have to prepare) and a decadent (good word) dessert. To top it off, always time it so as you're eating as the sun is setting. It just creates a beautiful, special, not too expensive, memorable date.
It's also nice to be able to have a date in the middle of the week sometimes because when you do have kids, the weekends can be really, really busy.
"Oh, good grief! Anyone could do that!" you might be saying. That's true... but have you had a Sunset Date. Sometimes the most obvious date is the one we never try.
NOTE: I also planned a Sunset Date at a little lake near our first home. I had the red checkered blanket, fried chicken, potato salad, pickles, cake, etc. Everything was packed in a beautiful picnic basket. We set everything up under a huge shade tree and fixed our plates.
Unfortunately, across the lake lived a HERD of geese, and when they spotted us, they started swimming at warp speed toward us. (I know the correct term is "gaggle," but if you had seen these things coming at us, you would have said "herd," too.) They were very loud and aggressive. They were not scared of humans at all. Basically, they attacked us and ate our food. Not only did they ruin our sunset picnic, but they gave me another "Birds That Hate Belinda" story to add to my repertoire. I say all this to remind you to be careful where you plan your picnic. Location, location, location. (Somewhere without woodland animals is always preferable!)
And, after thinking about it a little while, I AM going to leave you with a little "Thought for the Day." "Just Do It." (That's from Nike, you know.) Stop putting things off. Today is the day!
Have a fabulous Thursday! Check in tomorrow for a wonderfully, wacky devotion book for the kids. Fun and meaningful. You won't even have to remind them to do their devotions in the morning.
Have a safe day, and I'll talk to you tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Pick a Town... Any Town
Good Wednesday morning!
Already Wednesday. Days are flying by, aren't they? April has been a surprisingly short month so far. Oh, well. Another Wednesday, another episode of LOST looming in my future. (Maybe that's one of the reasons Wednesday is NOT my favorite day of the week!)
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: I saw the following on a sign in an office yesterday. I jotted it down to share... "Life is not about how many breaths you take, but how many moments take your breath away." Pretty good, huh?
A Little Bit of My Story - Part 3
The meeting with my internist went well, but it was not what I wanted to hear. "Why is this happening now?" I asked. "Things are just starting to settle down with Josh. We're understanding what we have to do, and we're working on everything. We're sleeping again. We're eating as a family again. We even went to church together for the first time in a year. This is ridiculous."
She (patiently) explained to me when a child is sick, most moms do without sleep, food, or anything else they need to get through the sickness to take care of the child. Then, depending on how long or how severe the child's illness was (or is going to be), their own body will react. In my case... panic attacks.
"Well, I'm not having this. We're not finished with OCD. From everything we're learning, it's here to stay. I do not have the time OR energy for this. This is ridiculous."
"It doesn't matter how many times you say 'ridiculous.' This isn't going to go away anytime soon. It's not uncommon and denying you have panic attacks isn't going to work."
"Ridiculous," I muttered.
Then I started the medicine "thing." Unfortunately, what worked for most people, didn't work for me. I must be the person Josh inherited that specific gene from. I was taken off the anti-depressant, but I was given an anxiety drug to take when I felt the attacks coming on, as well as a small dose in the morning and a small dose in the evening.
While this medication did nothing to stop the panic attacks, it did keep me out of the hospital every three to four weeks.
BUT, before the medications even had a chance to work, my attacks got much, much worse. I had not one, not two, but three heart tests... each one more comprehensive than the last.
The first one, a nuclear stress test, was a breeze. They proclaimed it a success. I left the doctor's office having chest pains, shortness of breath... otherwise known as a heart attack or panic attack.
The second test, a nuclear stress test with an immediate ultrasound of my heart, showed a tear in my aortic valve. WHAT? I thought they said I didn't have any heart problems. A tear in my aortic valve sounded serious. I was assured it was not, but they would have to check it every two years for the remainder of my life. (That was okay with me. A little known fact... When you have panic attacks which have the same symptoms as heart attacks, the hospital is your favorite place to be. Plus, having to have my heart checked every two years because a cardiologist said it was necessary made me feel less "ridiculous.")
The third test was straight off the Rick and Bubba Show. I wanted the test where they put the dye into an IV, and then perform an X-ray. (Rick, Bubba and Speedy all had this test done, and talked about it on their show.) It showed the heart in tiny slices, thus letting the doctors see if there were any blockages. It was the last non-invasive test I would be able to have, but it was also one of the better tests. The test results for that one came back, "No significant sign of heart disease."
"That's good," Mikie said when I called him.
"What does 'significant' mean?" I asked.
"Not enough to worry about," he replied.
"But there is something. Otherwise, it would simply say, 'No sign of heart disease,' and they would leave out the word 'significant.'"
"It's okay, Belinda."
"It's ridiculous, is what it is," I mumbled to myself.
You might wonder where I am right now with regard to the panic attacks. Tomorrow, I'll finish up this little part of my blog with my prognosis at this point and time of my life. I will say it is still a daily struggle, but some days I'm hopeful... and every day I'm thankful God is in control, because even though there were times I thought I could do it myself (handle Josh's illness and my own), I never had to. God's hand has been on this family in so many, many ways. Some of which we've been blessed to be able to see, and others we will probably never even know.
But I digress. Tomorrow, folks... check back tomorrow.
Pick a Town... Any Town
On slips of paper, write down any and all little towns surrounding your area. For example, in my area I would write down the following: Trussville, Cahaba Heights, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Hoover, Pinson, Homewood, Birmingham, etc. That's eight right off the top of my head.
Now put the slips of paper into a bowl, and pick a family member to draw a piece of paper. Whatever town is written on the paper you draw, you will be spending a day in that town this spring. That's right. A whole day.
Now that the town has been chosen, as the mom and/or dad you will need to do a little research. Call the Chamber of Commerce. Go to the town's website. Call the local librarian. They know EVERYTHING! See if you are going on a day the town hosts a Festival or other special event.
You will need to choose five or six (or more) things to do in that town on any given Saturday. Here are some ideas:
1. Restaurant (Not a chain. Pick a restaurant located only in this town. Example: Cafe on Main in Trussville.)
2. Park or playground
3. Library (Check to see if there is a story time or something special going on that particular day.)
4. Stream or creek (You can use this for wading or fishing or tubing or pictures.)
5. Store (Pick a store that is unique to this area alone. Example: Smith's Variety in Mountain Brook.)
6. Bakery
7. Museums
8. Biking Trails
9. Tennis Courts
10. Some sort of Fun Zone (Example: Froggy's in Warrior or PlayStation in Trussville.)
11. Book Store
12. Yard Sales
13. Movie Theater
Mountain Brook is the location of The Birmingham Zoo and The Botanical Gardens. Hoover, of course, is home to the Galleria and the Hoover Met. (There might even be a ballgame scheduled for the day of your visit!) Homewood has a fantastic little bookstore, as well as Ed's Pet World. As you can see, the possibilities are limitless.
You may have all of the above in your little part of the world, but everything is a little different and exciting 15 minutes away.
NOTE: This can also be a very low cost tradition. If you pick going to yard sales, the library for story time, a park for a picnic, playing tennis, a museum, etc., you are talking gas money only. This can cost as much (or little) as you like.
Have a great Wednesday. I have a romantic date for Mom and Dad tomorrow. (The kids need to see you date, Mom and Dad. It's very important for kids to know Mom and Dad are "in love" and need to spend that time alone together. Almost as important as it is for Mom and Dad!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Already Wednesday. Days are flying by, aren't they? April has been a surprisingly short month so far. Oh, well. Another Wednesday, another episode of LOST looming in my future. (Maybe that's one of the reasons Wednesday is NOT my favorite day of the week!)
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: I saw the following on a sign in an office yesterday. I jotted it down to share... "Life is not about how many breaths you take, but how many moments take your breath away." Pretty good, huh?
A Little Bit of My Story - Part 3
The meeting with my internist went well, but it was not what I wanted to hear. "Why is this happening now?" I asked. "Things are just starting to settle down with Josh. We're understanding what we have to do, and we're working on everything. We're sleeping again. We're eating as a family again. We even went to church together for the first time in a year. This is ridiculous."
She (patiently) explained to me when a child is sick, most moms do without sleep, food, or anything else they need to get through the sickness to take care of the child. Then, depending on how long or how severe the child's illness was (or is going to be), their own body will react. In my case... panic attacks.
"Well, I'm not having this. We're not finished with OCD. From everything we're learning, it's here to stay. I do not have the time OR energy for this. This is ridiculous."
"It doesn't matter how many times you say 'ridiculous.' This isn't going to go away anytime soon. It's not uncommon and denying you have panic attacks isn't going to work."
"Ridiculous," I muttered.
Then I started the medicine "thing." Unfortunately, what worked for most people, didn't work for me. I must be the person Josh inherited that specific gene from. I was taken off the anti-depressant, but I was given an anxiety drug to take when I felt the attacks coming on, as well as a small dose in the morning and a small dose in the evening.
While this medication did nothing to stop the panic attacks, it did keep me out of the hospital every three to four weeks.
BUT, before the medications even had a chance to work, my attacks got much, much worse. I had not one, not two, but three heart tests... each one more comprehensive than the last.
The first one, a nuclear stress test, was a breeze. They proclaimed it a success. I left the doctor's office having chest pains, shortness of breath... otherwise known as a heart attack or panic attack.
The second test, a nuclear stress test with an immediate ultrasound of my heart, showed a tear in my aortic valve. WHAT? I thought they said I didn't have any heart problems. A tear in my aortic valve sounded serious. I was assured it was not, but they would have to check it every two years for the remainder of my life. (That was okay with me. A little known fact... When you have panic attacks which have the same symptoms as heart attacks, the hospital is your favorite place to be. Plus, having to have my heart checked every two years because a cardiologist said it was necessary made me feel less "ridiculous.")
The third test was straight off the Rick and Bubba Show. I wanted the test where they put the dye into an IV, and then perform an X-ray. (Rick, Bubba and Speedy all had this test done, and talked about it on their show.) It showed the heart in tiny slices, thus letting the doctors see if there were any blockages. It was the last non-invasive test I would be able to have, but it was also one of the better tests. The test results for that one came back, "No significant sign of heart disease."
"That's good," Mikie said when I called him.
"What does 'significant' mean?" I asked.
"Not enough to worry about," he replied.
"But there is something. Otherwise, it would simply say, 'No sign of heart disease,' and they would leave out the word 'significant.'"
"It's okay, Belinda."
"It's ridiculous, is what it is," I mumbled to myself.
You might wonder where I am right now with regard to the panic attacks. Tomorrow, I'll finish up this little part of my blog with my prognosis at this point and time of my life. I will say it is still a daily struggle, but some days I'm hopeful... and every day I'm thankful God is in control, because even though there were times I thought I could do it myself (handle Josh's illness and my own), I never had to. God's hand has been on this family in so many, many ways. Some of which we've been blessed to be able to see, and others we will probably never even know.
But I digress. Tomorrow, folks... check back tomorrow.
Pick a Town... Any Town
On slips of paper, write down any and all little towns surrounding your area. For example, in my area I would write down the following: Trussville, Cahaba Heights, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Hoover, Pinson, Homewood, Birmingham, etc. That's eight right off the top of my head.
Now put the slips of paper into a bowl, and pick a family member to draw a piece of paper. Whatever town is written on the paper you draw, you will be spending a day in that town this spring. That's right. A whole day.
Now that the town has been chosen, as the mom and/or dad you will need to do a little research. Call the Chamber of Commerce. Go to the town's website. Call the local librarian. They know EVERYTHING! See if you are going on a day the town hosts a Festival or other special event.
You will need to choose five or six (or more) things to do in that town on any given Saturday. Here are some ideas:
1. Restaurant (Not a chain. Pick a restaurant located only in this town. Example: Cafe on Main in Trussville.)
2. Park or playground
3. Library (Check to see if there is a story time or something special going on that particular day.)
4. Stream or creek (You can use this for wading or fishing or tubing or pictures.)
5. Store (Pick a store that is unique to this area alone. Example: Smith's Variety in Mountain Brook.)
6. Bakery
7. Museums
8. Biking Trails
9. Tennis Courts
10. Some sort of Fun Zone (Example: Froggy's in Warrior or PlayStation in Trussville.)
11. Book Store
12. Yard Sales
13. Movie Theater
Mountain Brook is the location of The Birmingham Zoo and The Botanical Gardens. Hoover, of course, is home to the Galleria and the Hoover Met. (There might even be a ballgame scheduled for the day of your visit!) Homewood has a fantastic little bookstore, as well as Ed's Pet World. As you can see, the possibilities are limitless.
You may have all of the above in your little part of the world, but everything is a little different and exciting 15 minutes away.
NOTE: This can also be a very low cost tradition. If you pick going to yard sales, the library for story time, a park for a picnic, playing tennis, a museum, etc., you are talking gas money only. This can cost as much (or little) as you like.
Have a great Wednesday. I have a romantic date for Mom and Dad tomorrow. (The kids need to see you date, Mom and Dad. It's very important for kids to know Mom and Dad are "in love" and need to spend that time alone together. Almost as important as it is for Mom and Dad!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Meat and Potatoes Casserole
Good Tuesday morning!
Wasn't Monday a nice day... especially compared to Sunday? I love a clear day after a stormy one? Our state was hit hard, but our particular neck of the woods was spared. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people who suffered loss, and the families who lost loved ones.
Before we get to the business at hand, I did want to tell you a little story about the Drive-In Saturday night. I specifically called to find out the running time for Fast and Furious, because even though I like Vin Diesel (The Pacifier), I knew Fast and Furious was not a Disney-type film. On the contrary. It was for a totally different crowd. The information I received was the movie lasted one hour and 50 minutes. The movie started at 7:15, so I figured 9:15 would be a safe time to arrive to watch Mall Cop. Wrong.
We pulled in the Drive-In at 9:15, and there were things on the big screen not suitable for 12 year-old girls... or 47 year-old mothers. "Girls, get in the floor," I yelled. They minded and played and looked away from the screen. I got out of the car and went to the concession stand. A very nice teenage girl opened the screen and asked if she could help me.
"Did you start the movie later than 7:15?" I asked.
"No, ma'am. We started right at 7:15," she responded.
"Well, how much time is left for this movie?" I asked, trying another approach.
"About 15 or 20 minutes."
"Then you must have started a little late because that would make it a two hour and 20 minute movie," I said... more to myself than to her.
"No, ma'am. This movie is one of those two and a half hour movies," she responded.
We were both being polite. I was just trying to figure out how much time we had to kill in the floorboard of the big gold van. A young man (another teenager) in the concession stand corrected her.
"No, no. It's at least a three hour movie." WRONG!
I wasn't going to argue with them. They were being very respectful. I was just trying to figure out how much longer before the next movie. And then the sweet girl told me, "If it's bothering you, you could go ride around for 20 or 30 minutes and then come back."
That idea wasn't too appealing. Argo is pretty much "out there," and the thought of "riding around" until the movie let out, and then being on the road with the teenage boys who had just seen the UNBELIEVABLY DANGEROUS DRIVING STUNTS on the big screen just screamed CRAZY to me.
"Uh, I think we'll just stay in the floorboard," I replied. And we did. We turned off the sound, the girls played in the back, and I sat with my mouth hanging open at the things that were shown in the last 15 minutes of that movie. I don't know if I'll be able to see Pacifier 2 if it ever comes out. Vin Diesel was a totally different person in this movie. And, of course, if I read the lips correctly at the end, they left it open for Fast and Furious 4. Can't wait! NOT!
A Little Bit of My Story - Part 2
The day after being released from the hospital, I still felt very weak, but I attributed everything to the diabetes. Again, 212 seemed like a very high number to me. I scheduled a time to see a nutritionist to learn how to eat (diabetic-style), and totally took myself off sugar until that time.
I went to an eye doctor at 8:00 Monday morning to check and make sure there was no damage to my eye (as instructed by the ER doctor), and was assured there was none.
Later Monday morning, at Roxie's school Christmas party, it happened again. The only differences this time around were no eye problems, but added sweating and dizziness. I felt as though I was going to faint. I left the party, drove to a fast food restaurant and ordered some food (no sugar), and ate in the parking lot until I began to feel better (about an hour or so). I was still thinking diabetes.
I attended the classes for eating (diabetic-style), and for a few weeks everything went back to normal. I didn't feel any differently. Then one night, standing in line at Wal-Mart, the sickening feeling began again. I couldn't breathe. My chest was heavy. I thought I was going to pass out. I had seen a friend earlier that evening in the store, and looking around I spotted her at the entrance talking to someone. I made my way to her and asked her if she could stay with me until Mike came to get me. I knew I didn't need to drive. She walked with me to my car, followed us home and then took Mike back to Wal-Mart to pick up the big gold van. As was now becoming my pattern, in about an hour my symptoms started subsiding.
However, I now had a diabetic meter. My blood sugar was within the 70 to 100 range. Whatever was making me so sick was not diabetes.
The next day as I was ironing, I had the television on and saw the commercial featuring Aretha Franklin. She talked about her blood sugar being well over 400 before she began feeling terribly ill. "I must be the biggest weenie in the world," I thought to myself. She would probably laugh at 212. I then started asking around, and I found out that 212 was not considered a high number at all. Especially when the majority of the time my blood sugar was well within the acceptable range. Something else was going on.
Several more weeks passed, and we were all sitting in the den watching Survivor. Roxie was sitting on my lap in the rocker when my vision again faded in my left eye, and the exact same symptoms returned. I immediately got up and checked my sugar. It was normal. I called Mike in the bedroom and asked him to take me to the paramedics to check my blood pressure because we weren't talking diabetes any longer.
The paramedics were wonderful... but my blood pressure was not. It was 170 over something (I don't remember EVERYTHING). Now, I have NEVER had high blood pressure. I have always been blessed with very LOW blood pressure. That's one good thing that does run in my family. The paramedics told Mike to get me to the hospital at once because it looked like I was either having or about to have a heart attack. Off we went again. (Neighbors sat with the kids until my Mom was able to get to the house.)
I was hooked up to the machines again. I had vial after vial of blood taken again. And Mike sat there looking pitiful and rubbing my hand again. After an hour and a half, my symptoms started subsiding, and the ER doctor came in and said I did not have a heart attack or a stroke. He suggested panic attacks.
"I am not imagining all the things going on in my body," I retorted. "I am having real symptoms."
"Exactly. Panic attacks have real symptoms. There's nothing about them that is make believe," he assured me.
He told me to make an appointment with my regular doctor the next day, and take it from there. I did and she saw me the day after I called her. What happened next is a trip down "Doctor Lane."
Tomorrow, I'll share how a perfectly healthy 45 year-old woman was doing very well December 15, and totally fell apart December 16. At one point in the first quarter of 2008, I was going to eight (COUNT THEM... EIGHT) different doctors. Let's name them, shall we?
1. Internist
2. OB/GYN
3. Cardiologist
4. Neurologist
5. Psychiatrist
6. Rheumatologist (I have arthritis... He didn't really have anything to do with my panic attacks.)
7. Podiatrist (To be honest, I only saw him once. He went with the diabetes diagnosis and had to check circulation in my feet. It tickled... meaning the circulation in my feet was fine, and I just needed to see him if I experienced any problems in that area. Bye-bye!)
8. Optometrist (I have to be checked every six months because of my "eye thing" which isn't related to diabetes at all. Turns out it is called an ocular migraine which sometimes occurs prior to my panic attacks. There is no pain involved, but there is no rhyme or reason to them either.)
Before we get into tomorrow's story, I would like to say the eight is now down to five... and I don't really count my OB/GYN or Rheumatologist or Optometrist in this mix. They are just check-up doctors. Oh, and I don't count my dentist either. Again, just a check-up/cleaning thing. So actually, I'm down to TWO... and I'm praying that one day very soon, those will be gone, also. (Nothing against either one of them... great doctors. I'm just so ready to move on.)
Meat and Potatoes Casserole
This recipe was donated by my friend Melaney's mom, Shelby Dutton.
You will need the following:
1 1/2 pound hamburger meat
Salt and pepper
Thinly sliced onion
Thinly sliced red potatoes
Cream of Chicken soup
3/4 cup of milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
1. Press the hamburger meat in a 9" x 13" casserole dish. (Do not brown meat.)
2. Salt and pepper.
3. Place thinly sliced onion on top of meat. (The onion can be easily removed if you have children who do not like onions.)
4. Place thinly sliced red potatoes on top of onions.
5. Salt and pepper potatoes.
6. Mix Cream of Chicken and milk together in a bowl. Drizzle it over the potatoes.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese over casserole and place in the oven for another five minutes until cheese melts.
9. Let casserole sit about five minutes before serving.
That's it! If you have a meat and potato kind of family (which I do), this should be a hit! The Faulkner Five are trying it Wednesday night, and I'll let you know if it gets a five star rating Thursday morning.
Please have a good Tuesday. Don't let anything or anyone stand in your way of finding the joy this day has to offer. It's officially spring, you know. Tomorrow's Seasonal Tradition is a good one, so don't let my scary panic attack stories keep you away. Come on back and check it out.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Wasn't Monday a nice day... especially compared to Sunday? I love a clear day after a stormy one? Our state was hit hard, but our particular neck of the woods was spared. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people who suffered loss, and the families who lost loved ones.
Before we get to the business at hand, I did want to tell you a little story about the Drive-In Saturday night. I specifically called to find out the running time for Fast and Furious, because even though I like Vin Diesel (The Pacifier), I knew Fast and Furious was not a Disney-type film. On the contrary. It was for a totally different crowd. The information I received was the movie lasted one hour and 50 minutes. The movie started at 7:15, so I figured 9:15 would be a safe time to arrive to watch Mall Cop. Wrong.
We pulled in the Drive-In at 9:15, and there were things on the big screen not suitable for 12 year-old girls... or 47 year-old mothers. "Girls, get in the floor," I yelled. They minded and played and looked away from the screen. I got out of the car and went to the concession stand. A very nice teenage girl opened the screen and asked if she could help me.
"Did you start the movie later than 7:15?" I asked.
"No, ma'am. We started right at 7:15," she responded.
"Well, how much time is left for this movie?" I asked, trying another approach.
"About 15 or 20 minutes."
"Then you must have started a little late because that would make it a two hour and 20 minute movie," I said... more to myself than to her.
"No, ma'am. This movie is one of those two and a half hour movies," she responded.
We were both being polite. I was just trying to figure out how much time we had to kill in the floorboard of the big gold van. A young man (another teenager) in the concession stand corrected her.
"No, no. It's at least a three hour movie." WRONG!
I wasn't going to argue with them. They were being very respectful. I was just trying to figure out how much longer before the next movie. And then the sweet girl told me, "If it's bothering you, you could go ride around for 20 or 30 minutes and then come back."
That idea wasn't too appealing. Argo is pretty much "out there," and the thought of "riding around" until the movie let out, and then being on the road with the teenage boys who had just seen the UNBELIEVABLY DANGEROUS DRIVING STUNTS on the big screen just screamed CRAZY to me.
"Uh, I think we'll just stay in the floorboard," I replied. And we did. We turned off the sound, the girls played in the back, and I sat with my mouth hanging open at the things that were shown in the last 15 minutes of that movie. I don't know if I'll be able to see Pacifier 2 if it ever comes out. Vin Diesel was a totally different person in this movie. And, of course, if I read the lips correctly at the end, they left it open for Fast and Furious 4. Can't wait! NOT!
A Little Bit of My Story - Part 2
The day after being released from the hospital, I still felt very weak, but I attributed everything to the diabetes. Again, 212 seemed like a very high number to me. I scheduled a time to see a nutritionist to learn how to eat (diabetic-style), and totally took myself off sugar until that time.
I went to an eye doctor at 8:00 Monday morning to check and make sure there was no damage to my eye (as instructed by the ER doctor), and was assured there was none.
Later Monday morning, at Roxie's school Christmas party, it happened again. The only differences this time around were no eye problems, but added sweating and dizziness. I felt as though I was going to faint. I left the party, drove to a fast food restaurant and ordered some food (no sugar), and ate in the parking lot until I began to feel better (about an hour or so). I was still thinking diabetes.
I attended the classes for eating (diabetic-style), and for a few weeks everything went back to normal. I didn't feel any differently. Then one night, standing in line at Wal-Mart, the sickening feeling began again. I couldn't breathe. My chest was heavy. I thought I was going to pass out. I had seen a friend earlier that evening in the store, and looking around I spotted her at the entrance talking to someone. I made my way to her and asked her if she could stay with me until Mike came to get me. I knew I didn't need to drive. She walked with me to my car, followed us home and then took Mike back to Wal-Mart to pick up the big gold van. As was now becoming my pattern, in about an hour my symptoms started subsiding.
However, I now had a diabetic meter. My blood sugar was within the 70 to 100 range. Whatever was making me so sick was not diabetes.
The next day as I was ironing, I had the television on and saw the commercial featuring Aretha Franklin. She talked about her blood sugar being well over 400 before she began feeling terribly ill. "I must be the biggest weenie in the world," I thought to myself. She would probably laugh at 212. I then started asking around, and I found out that 212 was not considered a high number at all. Especially when the majority of the time my blood sugar was well within the acceptable range. Something else was going on.
Several more weeks passed, and we were all sitting in the den watching Survivor. Roxie was sitting on my lap in the rocker when my vision again faded in my left eye, and the exact same symptoms returned. I immediately got up and checked my sugar. It was normal. I called Mike in the bedroom and asked him to take me to the paramedics to check my blood pressure because we weren't talking diabetes any longer.
The paramedics were wonderful... but my blood pressure was not. It was 170 over something (I don't remember EVERYTHING). Now, I have NEVER had high blood pressure. I have always been blessed with very LOW blood pressure. That's one good thing that does run in my family. The paramedics told Mike to get me to the hospital at once because it looked like I was either having or about to have a heart attack. Off we went again. (Neighbors sat with the kids until my Mom was able to get to the house.)
I was hooked up to the machines again. I had vial after vial of blood taken again. And Mike sat there looking pitiful and rubbing my hand again. After an hour and a half, my symptoms started subsiding, and the ER doctor came in and said I did not have a heart attack or a stroke. He suggested panic attacks.
"I am not imagining all the things going on in my body," I retorted. "I am having real symptoms."
"Exactly. Panic attacks have real symptoms. There's nothing about them that is make believe," he assured me.
He told me to make an appointment with my regular doctor the next day, and take it from there. I did and she saw me the day after I called her. What happened next is a trip down "Doctor Lane."
Tomorrow, I'll share how a perfectly healthy 45 year-old woman was doing very well December 15, and totally fell apart December 16. At one point in the first quarter of 2008, I was going to eight (COUNT THEM... EIGHT) different doctors. Let's name them, shall we?
1. Internist
2. OB/GYN
3. Cardiologist
4. Neurologist
5. Psychiatrist
6. Rheumatologist (I have arthritis... He didn't really have anything to do with my panic attacks.)
7. Podiatrist (To be honest, I only saw him once. He went with the diabetes diagnosis and had to check circulation in my feet. It tickled... meaning the circulation in my feet was fine, and I just needed to see him if I experienced any problems in that area. Bye-bye!)
8. Optometrist (I have to be checked every six months because of my "eye thing" which isn't related to diabetes at all. Turns out it is called an ocular migraine which sometimes occurs prior to my panic attacks. There is no pain involved, but there is no rhyme or reason to them either.)
Before we get into tomorrow's story, I would like to say the eight is now down to five... and I don't really count my OB/GYN or Rheumatologist or Optometrist in this mix. They are just check-up doctors. Oh, and I don't count my dentist either. Again, just a check-up/cleaning thing. So actually, I'm down to TWO... and I'm praying that one day very soon, those will be gone, also. (Nothing against either one of them... great doctors. I'm just so ready to move on.)
Meat and Potatoes Casserole
This recipe was donated by my friend Melaney's mom, Shelby Dutton.
You will need the following:
1 1/2 pound hamburger meat
Salt and pepper
Thinly sliced onion
Thinly sliced red potatoes
Cream of Chicken soup
3/4 cup of milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
1. Press the hamburger meat in a 9" x 13" casserole dish. (Do not brown meat.)
2. Salt and pepper.
3. Place thinly sliced onion on top of meat. (The onion can be easily removed if you have children who do not like onions.)
4. Place thinly sliced red potatoes on top of onions.
5. Salt and pepper potatoes.
6. Mix Cream of Chicken and milk together in a bowl. Drizzle it over the potatoes.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese over casserole and place in the oven for another five minutes until cheese melts.
9. Let casserole sit about five minutes before serving.
That's it! If you have a meat and potato kind of family (which I do), this should be a hit! The Faulkner Five are trying it Wednesday night, and I'll let you know if it gets a five star rating Thursday morning.
Please have a good Tuesday. Don't let anything or anyone stand in your way of finding the joy this day has to offer. It's officially spring, you know. Tomorrow's Seasonal Tradition is a good one, so don't let my scary panic attack stories keep you away. Come on back and check it out.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Preschool Party Ideas
Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic this morning is Roxie and Kendall ON THE WAY to the Argo Drive-In at 9:15 (Mall Cop)... not coming home at 11:30.
The Gallery Pics as predicted are of the girls at Alabama Adventure Sunday afternoon which was the second part of Kendall's Birthday Book. Should we or shouldn't we? That was the question of the day during Sunday School yesterday morning. Would the rain miss us by going above us... or come later... or totally dissipate? Or would we decide to go and be hit by tornado warning after tornado warning ALL afternoon?
Well, what can I say? We're sassy, adventurous, IMPATIENT, Alabama girls. We went for it! (And thankfully, it paid off.) Everyone else in the State of Alabama yesterday afternoon was the safe, we'll-wait-until-next-weekend-because-it's-not-going-anywhere, patient kind of Alabamian. WE HAD THE PARK TO OURSELVES FOR FOUR WHOLE HOURS! That may not sound like a lot of time to you, but in the first hour alone, we rode 12 rides. We NEVER waited and if we wanted to stay on a ride and ride it again and again and again and again... we did! And as everyone knows, that's almost as much fun as the ride itself. It was great. It was cool. And at the end of the day, Kendall and Roxie declared it a success. Life's good.
Again, I don't feel bad about not having any pics of Austin in the Gallery, because next week is PROM WEEK, so the focus will once again be on him. Josh is okay with this... for now. He'll be getting some picture time in the near future. Don't worry.
Thought to Ponder: The only thing worse than bathing suit shopping for yourself is bathing suit shopping for your 12 year-old daughter. She tried on three I would have gladly paid $150 each for, but the pattern on one was too, too different. The pattern on the other one was too, too simple. The pattern on the third didn't matter because it didn't go with curly hair. WHAT?? (All three had very good coverage and a good price... my only two criteria. I was only kidding about them being $150 each.)
Survivor - Okay. Mikie and I watched Survivor last night. It was very good, but very confusing... almost like LOST. There were so many alliances going on, I wasn't sure who was going to be voted off. But in the end, the only thing that really matters is that J. T., the Alabama boy, is still there. Everyone loves the Alabama boy. And who can blame them... he's what "southern" is all about. (Evelyn, get ready. We're driving to Sampson to take a "famous person" picture for my scrapbook when he wins the million!) The other guys "running the show" are all running out of time. When you have a big ego, it puts a huge target on your back (Surivor-speak), and there are a lot of huge egos in that little camp (Coach, Taj, Tyson, etc.). It's only a matter of time.
A Little Bit of My Story - Part 1
I bring up the following not for pity or sympathy as I said before, but to make it more "common" and not as taboo.
On December 16, 2006, almost one year to the day from when Josh became so ill, I had a panic attack.
I was sitting beside Mike watching Austin play basketball when my vision began to diminish in one eye. It was very apparent, very fast and immediately after my vision faded in my left eye, I felt as though every bit of energy ran out of my body... from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. I felt heaviness. I couldn't breathe. I felt as though I was watching everything around me from somewhere far, far away.
I touched Mike's knee and told him something was wrong. "What is it?" he asked, watching me. I explained as best I could what was going on, and then I told him I was going to go out of the gym and call my doctor.
He got up to walk with me, but I since I was able to move and walk and talk, I wanted to do it myself. I stayed in his sight, called my doctor and explained what I was feeling. He told me to get to a hospital immediately. He said I could possibly be having a stroke or a heart attack.
I motioned for Mike and he asked a friend to sit with Josh and Roxie for the remainder of the game. We didn't even tell them I was sick because there wasn't time, and I was afraid of what it would do to Josh. I knew he couldn't come with us in the car in case I did have a heart attack. It would be devastating to any child, but Josh was still so sick himself, we couldn't risk it. We called my Mom and she immediately went to the gym and arrived a few minutes after Austin's game was over.
Some people have asked why we didn't call an ambulance. I knew Mikie would be able to get me anywhere I needed to be faster than an ambulance. Also, I didn't want to risk the kids seeing me leave in an ambulance. Again, I was thinking it would do more damage to Josh's condition.
At the hospital, I was hooked up to all the machines and given oxygen and they took a lot of blood. After a couple of hours, the symptoms started to subside. After more and more tests, they came back into the room and said I was diabetic. My blood sugar number was 212. It was supposed to be between 70 and 100. To me, that sounded extremely high, so I felt confident they had discovered the problem. What I found out in the days to come was very frightening to say the least... and had nothing to do with diabetes.
Josh and I (along with Mikie, Austin and Roxie) had been fighting his mental illness for a year, and although there was improvement, the fight wasn't over. And now, I was about to begin a new fight of my own... a fight which continues to this day... a fight which will be much more difficult this week (April 20 through April 24) because I have chosen to discuss it and thus, it will be in the forefront of my thoughts.
I had just started the journey to understand OCD and the horribly debilitating effects it had on someone's life. Now, I was going to have to start a new journey of my own. A journey I was certain I wasn't equipped or prepared to travel... alone or with God. And once again, I was partially right. I wasn't equipped or prepared, but God was and still is.
Josh and I are still struggling. This week's stories will be strictly about my panic attacks. I wish I could say they are totally under control (they are most definitely not), or I have totally overcome them (I most certainly have not). But once again, I believe being quiet and embarrassed or ashamed is not the way to go. For me or anyone else out there suffering in silence, it is just that... suffering.
Tomorrow, I'll tell you the little story about how I found out diabetes wasn't the culprit causing my symptoms... and how I learned to love Diet Dr. Pepper!
Preschool Party Ideas
When I say "Preschool Party," I am referring to the little birthday parties you give your child at his or her preschool. I know many of the schools have specific rules, but in our area (and in our little preschool particularly), we were able to bring snacks for the entire class to celebrate our child's birthday. We were not supposed to bring party bags or gifts or play games, and it was to be held in the time frame of the normal snack time.
This may not apply to everyone, or you may have better ideas on how to handle the infamous Preschool Party. However, after having nine such parties (three for each child), I found a few tricks which made these parties SO much easier... especially when I was hosting with a younger brother or sister in a stroller.
Here are just a few ideas...
1. Whatever the theme of the child's birthday party is going to be at home, carry the theme over to the Preschool Party. For example, if I was having a Super Hero party at home, I brought Super Hero paper plates and napkins. If I was having an Indian party at home, I made Indian headbands for all the kids to wear during snack time. If I was having a Safari Party at home, I went to the library and borrowed a cassette tape of "jungle" music to play during the party... anything to set the mood for the party theme.
2. Instead of bringing individual cupcakes, a huge bag of cheese puffs and cups which had to be refilled time and time and time again, I used white lunch bags. I packed the bags with foods which went with the party theme. For a princess party for Roxie, I packed individually wrapped princess fruit snacks (plain fruit snacks for boys), slice and bake sugar cookies (with pink and clear sugar on them), white popcorn (keeping away from ORANGE... a very non-princess color) and a red jello cup.
3. Instead of trying to keep refilling their drink cups over and over, I bought individual Kool-Aid twist top drinks, individual mini-Sprites (caffeine-free) or juice boxes in a cooler (already chilled). I put these out with their snacks. When they were finished with their drink, they had to go to the water fountain (just like their regular snack time).
4. I also decorated the bags with theme stickers. The birthday child would help with this one, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. I would fold the flap down and close the bags with one final sticker (Princess, Batman, Dora the Explorer, etc.), and it was ready to go.
5. When I entered the school, I had two Wal-Mart bags loaded with 20 birthday snack bags, 1 medium cooler on wheels with the drinks (one for each child and one for the teacher), and one more Wal-Mart bag with the plates and napkins, my camera and a cassette tape for "mood" music. That's it. When I left the party, I had one empty cooler, my camera and my cassette tape. (And sometimes a baby in a stroller.)
You may have some amazing ideas in this department. Feel free to share. Preschool moms need all the help they can get during this busy time of their lives.
Something I started doing during their elementary years was helpful, too. We were allowed to bring cupcakes to the lunchroom during the birthday child's lunch period, and they could pass them around to the other kids. After years of noticing tons and tons of uneaten cupcakes with all the icing licked off (homemade OR store bought), I started sending a list to school a couple of days before the birthday. It listed every Krispy Kreme doughnut our local grocery store carried (seven different varieties). The child simply had to sign their name under their favorite doughnut (glazed, chocolate glazed, chocolate sprinkles, apple cinnamon, etc.). The morning of the birthday lunch, I would go to the local grocery store, pick up the correct amount and kinds of doughnuts and arrive at lunchtime with my two boxes.
I again had "theme" napkins. The children would come to me, I would give them the doughnut they had chosen a couple of days earlier on the birthday napkin, and they would sit down and enjoy their treat. (The teachers loved it, too.) I always bought three extra glazed in case someone had been absent on the day we sent the sign-up sheet, etc. It worked out great... especially for the guys who didn't want theme cupcakes when they were 11 years-old and in the 5th grade. Doughnuts are universal AND cool.
Have a wonderful Monday. Tomorrow I have a new dinner casserole donated by my friend, Melaney. You'll just have to add a vegetable or two and/or a salad and you're set. It sounds good, and I will be fixing it for Wednesday night dinner. Wednesday's Seasonal Tradition will be our last "spring" tradition as we move into Mother's Day and Graduation activities coming up during the incredibly busy month of May. I have a romantic date for Mom and Dad... meaning no kids! I also have a great devotion book for elementary age boys and girls. All three of mine enjoyed it... but I think it's geared more for the male species. You can be the judge. Lots to do. Lots to talk about. You won't want to miss a minute of it!!
I'll talk to you tomorrow.
The Showcase Pic this morning is Roxie and Kendall ON THE WAY to the Argo Drive-In at 9:15 (Mall Cop)... not coming home at 11:30.
The Gallery Pics as predicted are of the girls at Alabama Adventure Sunday afternoon which was the second part of Kendall's Birthday Book. Should we or shouldn't we? That was the question of the day during Sunday School yesterday morning. Would the rain miss us by going above us... or come later... or totally dissipate? Or would we decide to go and be hit by tornado warning after tornado warning ALL afternoon?
Well, what can I say? We're sassy, adventurous, IMPATIENT, Alabama girls. We went for it! (And thankfully, it paid off.) Everyone else in the State of Alabama yesterday afternoon was the safe, we'll-wait-until-next-weekend-because-it's-not-going-anywhere, patient kind of Alabamian. WE HAD THE PARK TO OURSELVES FOR FOUR WHOLE HOURS! That may not sound like a lot of time to you, but in the first hour alone, we rode 12 rides. We NEVER waited and if we wanted to stay on a ride and ride it again and again and again and again... we did! And as everyone knows, that's almost as much fun as the ride itself. It was great. It was cool. And at the end of the day, Kendall and Roxie declared it a success. Life's good.
Again, I don't feel bad about not having any pics of Austin in the Gallery, because next week is PROM WEEK, so the focus will once again be on him. Josh is okay with this... for now. He'll be getting some picture time in the near future. Don't worry.
Thought to Ponder: The only thing worse than bathing suit shopping for yourself is bathing suit shopping for your 12 year-old daughter. She tried on three I would have gladly paid $150 each for, but the pattern on one was too, too different. The pattern on the other one was too, too simple. The pattern on the third didn't matter because it didn't go with curly hair. WHAT?? (All three had very good coverage and a good price... my only two criteria. I was only kidding about them being $150 each.)
Survivor - Okay. Mikie and I watched Survivor last night. It was very good, but very confusing... almost like LOST. There were so many alliances going on, I wasn't sure who was going to be voted off. But in the end, the only thing that really matters is that J. T., the Alabama boy, is still there. Everyone loves the Alabama boy. And who can blame them... he's what "southern" is all about. (Evelyn, get ready. We're driving to Sampson to take a "famous person" picture for my scrapbook when he wins the million!) The other guys "running the show" are all running out of time. When you have a big ego, it puts a huge target on your back (Surivor-speak), and there are a lot of huge egos in that little camp (Coach, Taj, Tyson, etc.). It's only a matter of time.
A Little Bit of My Story - Part 1
I bring up the following not for pity or sympathy as I said before, but to make it more "common" and not as taboo.
On December 16, 2006, almost one year to the day from when Josh became so ill, I had a panic attack.
I was sitting beside Mike watching Austin play basketball when my vision began to diminish in one eye. It was very apparent, very fast and immediately after my vision faded in my left eye, I felt as though every bit of energy ran out of my body... from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. I felt heaviness. I couldn't breathe. I felt as though I was watching everything around me from somewhere far, far away.
I touched Mike's knee and told him something was wrong. "What is it?" he asked, watching me. I explained as best I could what was going on, and then I told him I was going to go out of the gym and call my doctor.
He got up to walk with me, but I since I was able to move and walk and talk, I wanted to do it myself. I stayed in his sight, called my doctor and explained what I was feeling. He told me to get to a hospital immediately. He said I could possibly be having a stroke or a heart attack.
I motioned for Mike and he asked a friend to sit with Josh and Roxie for the remainder of the game. We didn't even tell them I was sick because there wasn't time, and I was afraid of what it would do to Josh. I knew he couldn't come with us in the car in case I did have a heart attack. It would be devastating to any child, but Josh was still so sick himself, we couldn't risk it. We called my Mom and she immediately went to the gym and arrived a few minutes after Austin's game was over.
Some people have asked why we didn't call an ambulance. I knew Mikie would be able to get me anywhere I needed to be faster than an ambulance. Also, I didn't want to risk the kids seeing me leave in an ambulance. Again, I was thinking it would do more damage to Josh's condition.
At the hospital, I was hooked up to all the machines and given oxygen and they took a lot of blood. After a couple of hours, the symptoms started to subside. After more and more tests, they came back into the room and said I was diabetic. My blood sugar number was 212. It was supposed to be between 70 and 100. To me, that sounded extremely high, so I felt confident they had discovered the problem. What I found out in the days to come was very frightening to say the least... and had nothing to do with diabetes.
Josh and I (along with Mikie, Austin and Roxie) had been fighting his mental illness for a year, and although there was improvement, the fight wasn't over. And now, I was about to begin a new fight of my own... a fight which continues to this day... a fight which will be much more difficult this week (April 20 through April 24) because I have chosen to discuss it and thus, it will be in the forefront of my thoughts.
I had just started the journey to understand OCD and the horribly debilitating effects it had on someone's life. Now, I was going to have to start a new journey of my own. A journey I was certain I wasn't equipped or prepared to travel... alone or with God. And once again, I was partially right. I wasn't equipped or prepared, but God was and still is.
Josh and I are still struggling. This week's stories will be strictly about my panic attacks. I wish I could say they are totally under control (they are most definitely not), or I have totally overcome them (I most certainly have not). But once again, I believe being quiet and embarrassed or ashamed is not the way to go. For me or anyone else out there suffering in silence, it is just that... suffering.
Tomorrow, I'll tell you the little story about how I found out diabetes wasn't the culprit causing my symptoms... and how I learned to love Diet Dr. Pepper!
Preschool Party Ideas
When I say "Preschool Party," I am referring to the little birthday parties you give your child at his or her preschool. I know many of the schools have specific rules, but in our area (and in our little preschool particularly), we were able to bring snacks for the entire class to celebrate our child's birthday. We were not supposed to bring party bags or gifts or play games, and it was to be held in the time frame of the normal snack time.
This may not apply to everyone, or you may have better ideas on how to handle the infamous Preschool Party. However, after having nine such parties (three for each child), I found a few tricks which made these parties SO much easier... especially when I was hosting with a younger brother or sister in a stroller.
Here are just a few ideas...
1. Whatever the theme of the child's birthday party is going to be at home, carry the theme over to the Preschool Party. For example, if I was having a Super Hero party at home, I brought Super Hero paper plates and napkins. If I was having an Indian party at home, I made Indian headbands for all the kids to wear during snack time. If I was having a Safari Party at home, I went to the library and borrowed a cassette tape of "jungle" music to play during the party... anything to set the mood for the party theme.
2. Instead of bringing individual cupcakes, a huge bag of cheese puffs and cups which had to be refilled time and time and time again, I used white lunch bags. I packed the bags with foods which went with the party theme. For a princess party for Roxie, I packed individually wrapped princess fruit snacks (plain fruit snacks for boys), slice and bake sugar cookies (with pink and clear sugar on them), white popcorn (keeping away from ORANGE... a very non-princess color) and a red jello cup.
3. Instead of trying to keep refilling their drink cups over and over, I bought individual Kool-Aid twist top drinks, individual mini-Sprites (caffeine-free) or juice boxes in a cooler (already chilled). I put these out with their snacks. When they were finished with their drink, they had to go to the water fountain (just like their regular snack time).
4. I also decorated the bags with theme stickers. The birthday child would help with this one, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. I would fold the flap down and close the bags with one final sticker (Princess, Batman, Dora the Explorer, etc.), and it was ready to go.
5. When I entered the school, I had two Wal-Mart bags loaded with 20 birthday snack bags, 1 medium cooler on wheels with the drinks (one for each child and one for the teacher), and one more Wal-Mart bag with the plates and napkins, my camera and a cassette tape for "mood" music. That's it. When I left the party, I had one empty cooler, my camera and my cassette tape. (And sometimes a baby in a stroller.)
You may have some amazing ideas in this department. Feel free to share. Preschool moms need all the help they can get during this busy time of their lives.
Something I started doing during their elementary years was helpful, too. We were allowed to bring cupcakes to the lunchroom during the birthday child's lunch period, and they could pass them around to the other kids. After years of noticing tons and tons of uneaten cupcakes with all the icing licked off (homemade OR store bought), I started sending a list to school a couple of days before the birthday. It listed every Krispy Kreme doughnut our local grocery store carried (seven different varieties). The child simply had to sign their name under their favorite doughnut (glazed, chocolate glazed, chocolate sprinkles, apple cinnamon, etc.). The morning of the birthday lunch, I would go to the local grocery store, pick up the correct amount and kinds of doughnuts and arrive at lunchtime with my two boxes.
I again had "theme" napkins. The children would come to me, I would give them the doughnut they had chosen a couple of days earlier on the birthday napkin, and they would sit down and enjoy their treat. (The teachers loved it, too.) I always bought three extra glazed in case someone had been absent on the day we sent the sign-up sheet, etc. It worked out great... especially for the guys who didn't want theme cupcakes when they were 11 years-old and in the 5th grade. Doughnuts are universal AND cool.
Have a wonderful Monday. Tomorrow I have a new dinner casserole donated by my friend, Melaney. You'll just have to add a vegetable or two and/or a salad and you're set. It sounds good, and I will be fixing it for Wednesday night dinner. Wednesday's Seasonal Tradition will be our last "spring" tradition as we move into Mother's Day and Graduation activities coming up during the incredibly busy month of May. I have a romantic date for Mom and Dad... meaning no kids! I also have a great devotion book for elementary age boys and girls. All three of mine enjoyed it... but I think it's geared more for the male species. You can be the judge. Lots to do. Lots to talk about. You won't want to miss a minute of it!!
I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
WARNING, WARNING, WARNING!
Argo Drive-In has changed the movie for this weekend from Monsters and Aliens (Rated G) to Fast and Furious (Rated PG-13). When I called Wednesday, it was Monsters and Aliens. (Rule of Thumb... Always, always call the Drive-In before you head to Argo. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes if they get a new movie in, they will change it in the middle of the week. I'm sorry for the misinformation!)
Well, what will this weekend hold for the Faulkner Five? We will be scattered here and yon. Austin will be doing the work thing. Josh will be doing the yard and friend thing. Roxie and I will be doing the shopping thing. Mikie will be doing the "Honey Do List" thing. And as always happens with a scattered weekend, we'll all meet together Sunday night after church in the den for the Amazing Race thing. It's not my favorite kind of weekend, but it happens from time to time. And since last weekend was a totally, non-stop, 100% family weekend, I can let this one slide.
We're taking Roxie's friend, Kendall, on her Birthday Book date. She'll be with us Saturday night and Sunday completing all the activities we listed in her Book. That will be a lot of fun, and I imagine many of the pics next week will consist of "those things." Tune in to see what we end up doing!
As Graduation draws nigh, it has become Deadline City around here. Each and every day has a new and exciting Deadline! April 26 has five so far! (I haven't looked yet, but I bet that's on a Wednesday. It had better not be on a Thursday. I hate when my Thursdays turn into Wednesdays. Yuck!) Anyway, I'm on pins and needles always making sure I'm sending the right form, check or money order with the right kid to the right place. Yesterday alone, Austin had four deadlines AND the National Honor Society Tapping last night (he's tapping). All I had to do was pick up his new white dress shirt from the store yesterday (it came in Wednesday night... cutting it close), AND make sure his brother gave him the giant envelope with two of the four deadline documents enclosed. (He left them on the kitchen table.) At this point in our lives, two out of four ain't bad!
Add to that Roxie's two "little" deadline things (one of which she left, and I delivered at 1:15), and that's a total of SIX. (Josh may have had one, but he usually takes care of his "stuff" by himself. Can you say favorite child? DO NOT tell Roxie I typed that!)
I'm handling it all with a smile and a gracious attitude. HA! (Actually, I am doing surprisingly well for my personality type. Check with me on the 26th!)
TV Review
The TV shows are winding down. I wouldn't be surprised if they all ended the same week. But I've thought of a solution. I think Mikie, Austin, Josh and I might start watching Heroes over the summer. What do you think? The only problem with that idea would be when the new seasons start up again, we would be watching SEVEN TV shows instead of SIX. That is too much TV! Maybe I'll get a 5,000 piece puzzle and we'll work on that instead.
Amazing Race - I like the little stunt men. I really do. But they are the WORST rules followers I've ever seen. (I bet they spent most of their school days in "time out.") They didn't just break one big rule. They broke one rule after the other. And they didn't just get flustered and break one rule on one leg of the race. They broke multiple rules on two legs of the race. It's like they didn't read the Amazing Race Handbook. Big, big mistake. Even though it was a non-elimination leg of the race, it's almost 100% they will lose next week. So no real surprises there.
The redheaded girl is still the semi-villain. The brother and sister team are working as one so you feel like they've learned something from this experience. And the mother and the deaf young man are starting to wear down. I don't see them going much farther. At this point in the race, I'm willing to pick a winner, and I think it will be the brother/sister team. I like people who can learn from their prior mistakes (unlike me), and they definitely have. (You'll notice I never pick a winner until we get down to the last four or five teams. And even then it's risky. It just takes one team missing a flight to change everything in this game.)
Celebrity Apprentice - This was a tricky show. It was like one and a half shows in a two-hour period. No surprise the R&B singer went. He had lost his desire to win. He didn't try to put up a fight or anything. It was an easy decision. Annie, the female poker player, has come out of the "obnoxious box" again, and this time she started picking on Melissa. When you pick on Melissa, you don't just make one enemy... you make two counting Melissa's mom, Joan Rivers.
On the other hand, although Joan HATED Clint Black last week and NEVER wanted to see him again, this week they made up... sort of. When asked in the Board Room, she even admitted they worked well together, but stated that Clint was stubborn. No surprise there. They did do well, and their team won the task.
Next week will be a great show because they've pitted Annie, obnoxious poker player woman, against Joan Rivers as Project Managers. Personally, I'm ready for Annie to go. She's one of the high metabolism people I was talking about earlier in the week. You know... the people that get on my nerves. I guess I like Joan better because she's 76 years-old... and she doesn't have a metabolism any longer. Much like me!
All in all, it was a very entertaining show.
24 - I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I told Austin when Larry was talking to Tony, and Tony wouldn't make eye contact with him something was up. I told Austin he was going to hijack the helicopter or something. (I wish he had just hijacked the helicopter.) Larry wasn't my favorite character, but I do believe he was a good guy. And I still think it's going to be awhile before Jack catches on to what Tony's up to... You know, with him so sick from being exposed to bio-chemical weapons, and all.
It was good to see Kim, and I was glad she apologized and she admitted she had been looking for her Dad. Because of that, I think Jack will go ahead and let her help him with the treatment. (Because let's face it... If Jack is working on Season 8, that means Kim is working on Season 8. It's a win-win for both of them.)
LOST - I love Hurley. Recapping the only part of LOST I understood, it was hilarious that Hurley was writing the second script for Star Wars and was going to mail it to George Lucas (because in 1977, the second one hadn't been written yet). Simple, yet brilliant. I'm glad Ben and John Locke weren't in the episode. As I stated last week, that always helps. Miles is creeping me out though. And now Dan is back. The one person I wouldn't mind seeing again is Claire. What happened to her again? Oh, yeah! WE HAVE NO IDEA! I think the purpose of the next two episodes is to clear up some of the questions. That's a hoot, isn't it?
Survivor - Bad news. Mike and I were at the Honor Society Tapping, and we left Josh in charge of taping. For some unknown reason, it wasn't there when we returned home, folks! (Josh just lost his "favorite child" status!) We're going to watch it on the computer tomorrow night, so I will talk a little about Survivor on Monday. Yes, I'm breaking my rule about "no review on any day except Friday."
Book of the Week
The Guardians of Ga'Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky is great for middle school age boys. So far, there are 15 books in the series. The first one is The Capture. It is about owls who live in the Forest of Tyto. But there are battles and adventures. (These books are much like the Redwall series which feature woodland creatures... and the battle between good and evil.)
I'll copy a little from the back cover... "Soren is born in the Forest of Tyto, a tranquil kingdom where the Barn Owls dwell. But evil lurks in the owl world, evil that threatens to shatter Tyto's peace and change the course of Soren's life forever. Soren is captured and taken to a dark and forbidding canyon. It is called an orphanage, but Soren believes it is something far worse. He and his friend Gylfie know that the only way out is up. To escape, they will need to do something they have never done before -- fly." And there the adventure begins.
These books are sold at most Books-A-Million for $4.99 in paperback. Both of my guys enjoyed them very much in middle school.
Have a wonderful Friday and an even better weekend. Even if your family is scattered doing their own individual things, try to make sure there's a time when you all come together... even if it is just for a little while.
Also, on Monday I've decided to talk about some things that have happened to me, and that I have struggled with in the wake of dealing with Josh's illness. I'll be talking about the difficulties I've experienced not for sympathy or pity, but again, to be honest and open about something many people go through, but few feel free to discuss. It's time to get some of this stuff out in the open, to not be ashamed and to move on.
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday.
WARNING, WARNING, WARNING!
Argo Drive-In has changed the movie for this weekend from Monsters and Aliens (Rated G) to Fast and Furious (Rated PG-13). When I called Wednesday, it was Monsters and Aliens. (Rule of Thumb... Always, always call the Drive-In before you head to Argo. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes if they get a new movie in, they will change it in the middle of the week. I'm sorry for the misinformation!)
Well, what will this weekend hold for the Faulkner Five? We will be scattered here and yon. Austin will be doing the work thing. Josh will be doing the yard and friend thing. Roxie and I will be doing the shopping thing. Mikie will be doing the "Honey Do List" thing. And as always happens with a scattered weekend, we'll all meet together Sunday night after church in the den for the Amazing Race thing. It's not my favorite kind of weekend, but it happens from time to time. And since last weekend was a totally, non-stop, 100% family weekend, I can let this one slide.
We're taking Roxie's friend, Kendall, on her Birthday Book date. She'll be with us Saturday night and Sunday completing all the activities we listed in her Book. That will be a lot of fun, and I imagine many of the pics next week will consist of "those things." Tune in to see what we end up doing!
As Graduation draws nigh, it has become Deadline City around here. Each and every day has a new and exciting Deadline! April 26 has five so far! (I haven't looked yet, but I bet that's on a Wednesday. It had better not be on a Thursday. I hate when my Thursdays turn into Wednesdays. Yuck!) Anyway, I'm on pins and needles always making sure I'm sending the right form, check or money order with the right kid to the right place. Yesterday alone, Austin had four deadlines AND the National Honor Society Tapping last night (he's tapping). All I had to do was pick up his new white dress shirt from the store yesterday (it came in Wednesday night... cutting it close), AND make sure his brother gave him the giant envelope with two of the four deadline documents enclosed. (He left them on the kitchen table.) At this point in our lives, two out of four ain't bad!
Add to that Roxie's two "little" deadline things (one of which she left, and I delivered at 1:15), and that's a total of SIX. (Josh may have had one, but he usually takes care of his "stuff" by himself. Can you say favorite child? DO NOT tell Roxie I typed that!)
I'm handling it all with a smile and a gracious attitude. HA! (Actually, I am doing surprisingly well for my personality type. Check with me on the 26th!)
TV Review
The TV shows are winding down. I wouldn't be surprised if they all ended the same week. But I've thought of a solution. I think Mikie, Austin, Josh and I might start watching Heroes over the summer. What do you think? The only problem with that idea would be when the new seasons start up again, we would be watching SEVEN TV shows instead of SIX. That is too much TV! Maybe I'll get a 5,000 piece puzzle and we'll work on that instead.
Amazing Race - I like the little stunt men. I really do. But they are the WORST rules followers I've ever seen. (I bet they spent most of their school days in "time out.") They didn't just break one big rule. They broke one rule after the other. And they didn't just get flustered and break one rule on one leg of the race. They broke multiple rules on two legs of the race. It's like they didn't read the Amazing Race Handbook. Big, big mistake. Even though it was a non-elimination leg of the race, it's almost 100% they will lose next week. So no real surprises there.
The redheaded girl is still the semi-villain. The brother and sister team are working as one so you feel like they've learned something from this experience. And the mother and the deaf young man are starting to wear down. I don't see them going much farther. At this point in the race, I'm willing to pick a winner, and I think it will be the brother/sister team. I like people who can learn from their prior mistakes (unlike me), and they definitely have. (You'll notice I never pick a winner until we get down to the last four or five teams. And even then it's risky. It just takes one team missing a flight to change everything in this game.)
Celebrity Apprentice - This was a tricky show. It was like one and a half shows in a two-hour period. No surprise the R&B singer went. He had lost his desire to win. He didn't try to put up a fight or anything. It was an easy decision. Annie, the female poker player, has come out of the "obnoxious box" again, and this time she started picking on Melissa. When you pick on Melissa, you don't just make one enemy... you make two counting Melissa's mom, Joan Rivers.
On the other hand, although Joan HATED Clint Black last week and NEVER wanted to see him again, this week they made up... sort of. When asked in the Board Room, she even admitted they worked well together, but stated that Clint was stubborn. No surprise there. They did do well, and their team won the task.
Next week will be a great show because they've pitted Annie, obnoxious poker player woman, against Joan Rivers as Project Managers. Personally, I'm ready for Annie to go. She's one of the high metabolism people I was talking about earlier in the week. You know... the people that get on my nerves. I guess I like Joan better because she's 76 years-old... and she doesn't have a metabolism any longer. Much like me!
All in all, it was a very entertaining show.
24 - I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I told Austin when Larry was talking to Tony, and Tony wouldn't make eye contact with him something was up. I told Austin he was going to hijack the helicopter or something. (I wish he had just hijacked the helicopter.) Larry wasn't my favorite character, but I do believe he was a good guy. And I still think it's going to be awhile before Jack catches on to what Tony's up to... You know, with him so sick from being exposed to bio-chemical weapons, and all.
It was good to see Kim, and I was glad she apologized and she admitted she had been looking for her Dad. Because of that, I think Jack will go ahead and let her help him with the treatment. (Because let's face it... If Jack is working on Season 8, that means Kim is working on Season 8. It's a win-win for both of them.)
LOST - I love Hurley. Recapping the only part of LOST I understood, it was hilarious that Hurley was writing the second script for Star Wars and was going to mail it to George Lucas (because in 1977, the second one hadn't been written yet). Simple, yet brilliant. I'm glad Ben and John Locke weren't in the episode. As I stated last week, that always helps. Miles is creeping me out though. And now Dan is back. The one person I wouldn't mind seeing again is Claire. What happened to her again? Oh, yeah! WE HAVE NO IDEA! I think the purpose of the next two episodes is to clear up some of the questions. That's a hoot, isn't it?
Survivor - Bad news. Mike and I were at the Honor Society Tapping, and we left Josh in charge of taping. For some unknown reason, it wasn't there when we returned home, folks! (Josh just lost his "favorite child" status!) We're going to watch it on the computer tomorrow night, so I will talk a little about Survivor on Monday. Yes, I'm breaking my rule about "no review on any day except Friday."
Book of the Week
The Guardians of Ga'Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky is great for middle school age boys. So far, there are 15 books in the series. The first one is The Capture. It is about owls who live in the Forest of Tyto. But there are battles and adventures. (These books are much like the Redwall series which feature woodland creatures... and the battle between good and evil.)
I'll copy a little from the back cover... "Soren is born in the Forest of Tyto, a tranquil kingdom where the Barn Owls dwell. But evil lurks in the owl world, evil that threatens to shatter Tyto's peace and change the course of Soren's life forever. Soren is captured and taken to a dark and forbidding canyon. It is called an orphanage, but Soren believes it is something far worse. He and his friend Gylfie know that the only way out is up. To escape, they will need to do something they have never done before -- fly." And there the adventure begins.
These books are sold at most Books-A-Million for $4.99 in paperback. Both of my guys enjoyed them very much in middle school.
Have a wonderful Friday and an even better weekend. Even if your family is scattered doing their own individual things, try to make sure there's a time when you all come together... even if it is just for a little while.
Also, on Monday I've decided to talk about some things that have happened to me, and that I have struggled with in the wake of dealing with Josh's illness. I'll be talking about the difficulties I've experienced not for sympathy or pity, but again, to be honest and open about something many people go through, but few feel free to discuss. It's time to get some of this stuff out in the open, to not be ashamed and to move on.
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday.
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Friday...
Finally, some new basketball action shots.
The JV team had two 40-minute games Friday, so I thought I would just go ahead and start filming now!
And here's the obligatory Bryant Tuggle pic. He's a HUGE supporter of our baskeball team. Always has been... always will be. Well, until he gets his own driver's license!
Saturday...
We spent the day with the cousins Saturday. Monica, Amy, Roxie and I shopped at Brookwood, ate at Yolo's and went to the movies (Pirates 4). It was a great day, but the best part was our celebrity sighting...
That's right! Will Ferrell! (Please feel free to use your imagination. I know we did!)
Sunday...
Mikie's 50th Family Birthday Celebration! Everyone knows 50 year-old men LOVE the Green Lantern...and their wives really like Ryan Reynolds! (How cool would it be to have your picture on a birthday party plate package? Another goal, perhaps?)
What do you give a 50 year-old guys for his birthday? Cards... filled with money, Ricky Skaggs' concert tickets, a True Grit DVD and a Red Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Icing (from his Mom). It was a very good day!
Lovely Melia gave him the True Grit DVD. (I LOVE that movie!)
And it wouldn't be a birthday without a hug from Roxie!