Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pics today are of Roxie's pageant pictures that have to be attached to her pageant registration form. They are supposed to be casual pics, so this was right up my alley. I love having a child who loves having their picture taken... even though she's getting a little pickier the older she gets. The winner of the three dozen or so pictures we took is on Belinda's Project 365.
I also added a picture of the Refrigerator Bran Muffins. I made over four dozen! That's a lot of regularity, folks! And they're tasty, too!
While we were walking this morning, Julie and I were talking about the muffins and Cam said something about making Captain Crunch muffins. Hmmm. Interesting. If Julie's recipe could make Raisin Bran taste good, just think what it would do to Captain Crunch. So I went by Food Depot and bought another quart of buttermilk, a box of Captain Crunch cereal and headed to the house. "What happened next?" you must be asking yourself. Well, I'll tell you. Something was not quite right... as in something was terribly wrong.
I'm going to try it again. I am. But instead of buttermilk, I think I'm going to use half and half, and I don't think I need to add the cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. These muffins will have NO nutritional value whatsoever... which will probably make them the best muffins EVER! I'll let you know when I wake up from my self-induced diabetic coma.
Oh, and there's another Disney photo to go along with our theme this week.
Weekend Family Fun
The Home Depot - The Home Depot's workshop is this weekend. They will be building a firehouse bank in honor of fire safety month. Unlike Lowe's, Home Depot only does the children's building clinics once a month.
The first 50 children to arrive will receive the project, goggles and an apron. Ages 5 to 12 are eligible, and classes start at 9:00 a.m.
You can also purchase previous projects at the store.
Kid's Circle Event - Learn how to decorate a Spooky Pizza and celebrate Halloween at the same time. The Bruno's Kid's Circle attendees will work with pre-made pizza crusts and make them look like a scary face or Jack 'o Lantern that will be cooked in a special bread oven. After the cooking demonstration, the fun continues with a department by department trick or treat adventure. Class size is limited. Parents may observe, assist, participate or grab a cup of complimentary coffee. Pre-register for this free activity by calling 987-2523 or e-mail cborden@cswg.com.
Dollar Movies - The Dollar Movie in Hoover has not one, but THREE, family movies this weekend. (Aliens in the Attic, Ice Age 3 and Up... all rated PG.) If you haven't seen these movies at the theater yet, now is your very affordable chance.
Farm of the Week - Best known for their school tours, Tate Farms Cotton Pickin' Pumpkins is also open for family fun in Meridianville, Alabama!
The $10 general admission includes the following:
Hay Ride to pumpkin field (pumpkins are an additional charge)
Play in the Cotton Jump
Hay Bale Maze for exploring
Three corn cribs to play in
Animals to pet
Barnyard Playground
Fall photography displays
General Store
Other activities include hay bale and cotton picker slides, mini John Deere tricycles, horse tire swings, and farm animals.
There are additional charges for pumpkins. Carving or specialty pumpkins are priced according to weight. Gourds are priced according to size and variety. The Corn Train is $2 per person per ride. The Gourd Gun is 3 shots for $5 and Face Painting is $.50 per design.
And, of course, you can pick your own pumpkins from their huge 60-acres of pumpkins and gourds of all kinds and varieties!
Don't forget to visit the Tate Farms Cotton Pickin' Pumpkins Country Store with great food, toys, collector's items and more. Inside, you'll also find the cookbook "Tate Farms, Friends and Family," featuring recipes from the Tate family, friends and employees featuring old family favorites, and of course, lots of pumpkin recipes.
Enjoy great food and fun at The Barn Cafe. The Cafe is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They serve cooked to order hamburgers, hotdogs, delicious grilled and fried chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, and fries. Of course, they use their own pumpkins to prepare their great tasting homemade pumpkin pies! The Barn Cafe offers a soup of the day, along with the southern favorite pintos, cornbread, and a slice of onion.
They also offer pumpkin slushies, pumpkin sippies, soft drinks, hot chocolate, cappuccinos and coffee.
On Saturdays, they have fudge puppies (Belgian waffles dipped in chocolate), funnel cakes, cotton candy, roasted corn and specialty breads and desserts.
Plan to spend a full day at Tate Farms Cotton Pickin' Pumpkins and don't forget your camera!
Sorry, no leashed or unleashed pets may be brought onto the farm.
Tate Farms is located a little under two hours from Gardendale. For directions contact them at (256) 828-8288 or check their website at www.tatefarmspumpkins.com.
Again, this would be a day trip with your family. Check out their website to see if you and your family would enjoy a fun-filled fall day at this farm. As I said last week, I haven't visited this farm personally (only the website), so it would be an adventure for you and your family to try. Remember to be flexible.
Disney Week - Part Four
Yep, it was strep all right. I was pretty sure I had a fever when I woke up the next morning, and I had a golf ball in my throat. Unfortunately, there was no rest for the terribly ill... We had reservations at Chef Mickey. Mike was having some trouble with a sinus infection as well, so before we headed out to breakfast, we both called our doctors' offices and left messages asking them to send great quantities of drugs. Sick as we were, we headed to Chef Mickey's and had a marvelous time. If you can have that much fun with a 102 degree temperature, it let's you know how wonderful Disney really is.
The breakfast was great with Austin having his fill of Fruit Loops and pancakes and every kind of doughnut available making Joshua's dream come true. Roxie was content just meeting Minnie and receiving kisses from Chip, Dale and Mickey. It was one of our nicest meals at Disney.
MGM was on the schedule for the day and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed the Star Wars ride, which was very similar to Body Wars at Epcot. We had warned the kids about the wait for the Mulan Parade. We found the perfect spot one hour before the parade began and broke out the snacks. The kids were wonderful. Waiting didn't seem to bother them too much as long as they were prepared. Once the parade began, the children were mesmerized and the wait was definitely worth everything we went through to save our special "spot."
The Indiana Jones Show amazed and impressed the boys. As we watched the show, I began to feel worse and worse (if that was possible). However, it didn't dampen my excitement of watching the boys' reaction to Indiana Jones. As soon as we left the theater, the boys purchased Indiana Jones' rifles with their souvenir money and they were happy guys.
I didn't think I could make it one more step, but we walked to the rear of the park to look for a few characters and we hit the jackpot. My favorite Disney character of all time is Winnie the Pooh, and I had mentioned to the kids I wasn't leaving Disney unless I got my picture taken with him. Joshua, who was our designated character spotter, saw him before we even turned the corner and I got to meet Pooh! I could barely stand up, but it was still so magical! (However, the picture of me with my head on his shoulder and his arms supporting my drooping body is not so much "sweet" as it was "necessary!") We also met Alice in Wonderland right before we left, and Roxie was happy because that was one of her all time favorite movies.
It was a wonderful day, but the best part was room service pizza (Austin and Joshua's suggestion) and major doses of antibiotics from a local pharmacy. We were in the bed by 8:00 p.m., tired, but content and excited about the next day. (And really, really hoping the Z-Pac was going to perform a miracle during the night!)
Disney Dates
Disney Dates are great if you have two or more children, and you are staying at Disney for more than three or four days.
When visiting the park, pick a time for Dad or Mom to go with only one child for a specific period of time (three to four hours if possible) to their favorite park doing their favorite or age-appropriate things.
For example, Roxie and I attended a Princess Breakfast early one morning. While we were at breakfast, Mike and the boys were in a different park for the morning. It was nice, leisurely and very girly.
That evening, Mike and Austin spent several hours at Innoventions (one of Austin's favorite things to do) and watched a show. The next day Mike and Josh spent several hours doing some things he specifically enjoyed (one of which was riding the Mickey Boats in the large lake outside the Polynesian). While Mike and the boys had their individual dates, I took Roxie and the remaining brother to the hotel pool or arcade which were things we probably wouldn't have taken the time to enjoy if we had all been together trying to see and do EVERYTHING Disney has to offer.
When you take two or more children on vacation in a minivan and stay in a hotel room together and eat every meal together 24/7, a little time apart with just Mom or Dad might help let off a little steam. It makes some sweet memories for the kids, too.
We did this on both of our Disney trips (2000 and 2004) and a trip we took to Universal. It worked great on all three trips.
Oh, and by the way... We pick a name out of a bowl to see who gets the first "date." We keep it completely fair, and everyone has to wait their turn. If you get a chance, try it... I think you'll like it!
Have a great Thursday. It's a beautiful fall day. Survivor is on tonight. What more could you ask? (Don't get me started.) Tomorrow I have a Disney book, TV reviews (Survivor and Amazing Race) and the last of Disney Week.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Annual Disney Day
Good Wednesday morning!
In case you haven't noticed, it is AUTUMN outside!! I'm putting my new copper fire pit out on our patio tonight, and I'm going to surprise everyone with roasted hot dogs and marshmallows around the fire. (Yes. I am fortunate enough to own my own portable fire pit!) At least, I hope they're surprised... and pleased. (Talk about an easy dinner!)
A COUPLE OF REMINDERS - I've added a new blog for you to try on my Blog List. It is called BooMama. It's very good, so if you like new blogs, give it a try. (Not instead of mine... in addition to.)
Also, check out Sweet Celebrations under my Blog List and look at her Snickerdoodle recipe. (It's a couple of posts down.) I love making snickerdoodles, but her recipe is much more simple than mine, and it looks delicious. I'll be trying them soon, and I wanted you to have an opportunity to do the same.
If you ever go to the Galleria, stop by Godiva Chocolates and ask them if you can sign up for the Chocolate of the Month Club. You will fill out a short form, and then every time you go to the Galleria, you can stop by and receive a free piece of candy from their store (once a month). I usually go once every two or three months, but it's nice knowing there's a piece of chocolate waiting for me as soon as I arrive. No purchase necessary.
I had a bad day Monday "panic attack-wise," and although I was physically present for Mikie and the kids, emotionally I was a total disconnect. So Monday, there was no joy in my day. I was in survival mode.
Monday night before I went to sleep, I kept thinking about a verse Pastor Kevin used in his sermon Sunday morning. It wasn't the main verse, but one of the many other scriptures he used. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23-24. I needed that as I put my head to the pillow last night. I needed to be reminded that Tuesday, September 29, 2009 was going to be a new day and new mercies would be available to me yesterday morning (and this morning) when I awoke. It says so... right there in the Bible!
I've been singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" this morning under my breath... especially the chorus. "Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!"
Maybe that will be a verse that will help you today or a day in the future. There are some verses I keep close to my heart, and I just wanted to share that one with you today. (IT'S A FREEBIE!)
Wednesday Wisdom
Here's a shocker. I'm going to use a quote from Mr. Walt Disney himself. "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."
Of course, I like that one. It's similar to the Nike ad... "Just do it." And whether it's about exercise, or reading a new book, or planning something to do (IN PEN) with your family, "quit talking and begin doing." I always feel better when I actually "do" rather than just "think" about doing, don't you?
Disney Week - Part Three
Epcot was beautiful. We spent a lot of time in Innoventions playing the computer games and Toon Tag. We were all going to ride Body Wars, but Josh was nervous and decided not to. Five minutes after Mike and Austin got off the ride, Josh decided to try it and we quickly rode it again.
Next, we tried Test Track. Austin and I rode together, and as we were going around the track 65 miles per hour, Austin plunged under the seat (don't ask me how he got down there) and held onto my knees for the remainder of the ride. When the pictures came back on the screen, I was the only one pictured in the car... Austin was nowhere in sight. He was mad and decided to ride with Mike, and although he stayed in an upright position, the picture showed a little boy screaming his head off!
Our favorite part of Epcot was definitely the Jamitors... a garbage can band. The kids loved them. Our biggest regret was not seeing ANY of the countries or the Living Seas. However, the kids were tired and we said anytime they started whining, we would go back to the hotel for a rest instead of fighting them, and that system really worked best for our family.
Our character dinner at Gulliver's (the Swan Hotel) was a mistake and was probably the worst experience we had at Disney if we wanted to name one. It took forever to arrive at Gulliver's by bus. It would have been a five minute drive or less in our van, and it wasn't a character meal like the others we had experienced. It was a very fancy restaurant and Timon and Rafiki came by our table for a few minutes. It was a quiet atmosphere and was much more adult than family- or kid-oriented. The bus ride back to the hotel took over an hour since the bus kept stopping for longer and longer periods of time at each stop.
Also, it was at this time I knew the scratchy throat that had been plaguing me all day was turning into something much worse. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought I was coming down with my annual strep throat! But that couldn't be. No one gets sick at Disney! Am I right?
Annual Disney Day
Once a year, pick a day to celebrate your favorite Disney movies. If you have little ones, you may have a day in your pajamas watching Nemo or Lilo & Stitch; pre-teens love Parent Trap and Swiss Family Robinson; and teenagers would love a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon. Not only make it a day of movies, but plan your meals around the movies you pick as well.
Nemo - Fish and chips
Lilo & Stitch - Hawaiian food
Parent Trap - Camping food
Swiss Family Robinson - Island food (coconuts and lots of fruit)
Pirates of the Caribbean - Turkey legs and rum (JUST KIDDING!!!)
You get the general idea. This can be planned for a long evening, or a lazy Saturday morning or a Sunday afternoon after church. Everyone has a favorite Disney movie, and making it an annual theme day will be a fun and easy and inexpensive way to spend some time together!
I remember the first time I saw Tom Sawyer... the old one with Jody Foster and the red-headed kid from Family Affair. We were at school and we had an assembly in the gym in 4th grade. We sat on the floor of the gym and they showed it on a big screen on the stage. It was WONDERFUL! I was totally absorbed. And they stopped the movie right as Jody Foster and the red-headed kid from Family Affair went into the cave where Injun Joe was hiding. Do you remember? I thought I would absolutely die before we were able to see the rest of the movie the next afternoon.
It was magical. I've always loved that movie. As parents, you could share your favorite OLD Disney movie with your kids. They may or may not have seen it yet.
Also, if you have the game Disney Scene It or if you know someone who would loan it to you, it would be fun to play sometime during your Annual Disney Day. It's a very enjoyable game, and kids usually do not need a lot of help from the adults... it's usually the other way around!
Have a lovely Wednesday. Make sure you get outside sometime to enjoy the cooler temps. Tomorrow we have a new farm to explore, Weekend Family Fun, a Disney date for you and your little ones and much, much more.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
In case you haven't noticed, it is AUTUMN outside!! I'm putting my new copper fire pit out on our patio tonight, and I'm going to surprise everyone with roasted hot dogs and marshmallows around the fire. (Yes. I am fortunate enough to own my own portable fire pit!) At least, I hope they're surprised... and pleased. (Talk about an easy dinner!)
A COUPLE OF REMINDERS - I've added a new blog for you to try on my Blog List. It is called BooMama. It's very good, so if you like new blogs, give it a try. (Not instead of mine... in addition to.)
Also, check out Sweet Celebrations under my Blog List and look at her Snickerdoodle recipe. (It's a couple of posts down.) I love making snickerdoodles, but her recipe is much more simple than mine, and it looks delicious. I'll be trying them soon, and I wanted you to have an opportunity to do the same.
If you ever go to the Galleria, stop by Godiva Chocolates and ask them if you can sign up for the Chocolate of the Month Club. You will fill out a short form, and then every time you go to the Galleria, you can stop by and receive a free piece of candy from their store (once a month). I usually go once every two or three months, but it's nice knowing there's a piece of chocolate waiting for me as soon as I arrive. No purchase necessary.
I had a bad day Monday "panic attack-wise," and although I was physically present for Mikie and the kids, emotionally I was a total disconnect. So Monday, there was no joy in my day. I was in survival mode.
Monday night before I went to sleep, I kept thinking about a verse Pastor Kevin used in his sermon Sunday morning. It wasn't the main verse, but one of the many other scriptures he used. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23-24. I needed that as I put my head to the pillow last night. I needed to be reminded that Tuesday, September 29, 2009 was going to be a new day and new mercies would be available to me yesterday morning (and this morning) when I awoke. It says so... right there in the Bible!
I've been singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" this morning under my breath... especially the chorus. "Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!"
Maybe that will be a verse that will help you today or a day in the future. There are some verses I keep close to my heart, and I just wanted to share that one with you today. (IT'S A FREEBIE!)
Wednesday Wisdom
Here's a shocker. I'm going to use a quote from Mr. Walt Disney himself. "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."
Of course, I like that one. It's similar to the Nike ad... "Just do it." And whether it's about exercise, or reading a new book, or planning something to do (IN PEN) with your family, "quit talking and begin doing." I always feel better when I actually "do" rather than just "think" about doing, don't you?
Disney Week - Part Three
Epcot was beautiful. We spent a lot of time in Innoventions playing the computer games and Toon Tag. We were all going to ride Body Wars, but Josh was nervous and decided not to. Five minutes after Mike and Austin got off the ride, Josh decided to try it and we quickly rode it again.
Next, we tried Test Track. Austin and I rode together, and as we were going around the track 65 miles per hour, Austin plunged under the seat (don't ask me how he got down there) and held onto my knees for the remainder of the ride. When the pictures came back on the screen, I was the only one pictured in the car... Austin was nowhere in sight. He was mad and decided to ride with Mike, and although he stayed in an upright position, the picture showed a little boy screaming his head off!
Our favorite part of Epcot was definitely the Jamitors... a garbage can band. The kids loved them. Our biggest regret was not seeing ANY of the countries or the Living Seas. However, the kids were tired and we said anytime they started whining, we would go back to the hotel for a rest instead of fighting them, and that system really worked best for our family.
Our character dinner at Gulliver's (the Swan Hotel) was a mistake and was probably the worst experience we had at Disney if we wanted to name one. It took forever to arrive at Gulliver's by bus. It would have been a five minute drive or less in our van, and it wasn't a character meal like the others we had experienced. It was a very fancy restaurant and Timon and Rafiki came by our table for a few minutes. It was a quiet atmosphere and was much more adult than family- or kid-oriented. The bus ride back to the hotel took over an hour since the bus kept stopping for longer and longer periods of time at each stop.
Also, it was at this time I knew the scratchy throat that had been plaguing me all day was turning into something much worse. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought I was coming down with my annual strep throat! But that couldn't be. No one gets sick at Disney! Am I right?
Annual Disney Day
Once a year, pick a day to celebrate your favorite Disney movies. If you have little ones, you may have a day in your pajamas watching Nemo or Lilo & Stitch; pre-teens love Parent Trap and Swiss Family Robinson; and teenagers would love a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon. Not only make it a day of movies, but plan your meals around the movies you pick as well.
Nemo - Fish and chips
Lilo & Stitch - Hawaiian food
Parent Trap - Camping food
Swiss Family Robinson - Island food (coconuts and lots of fruit)
Pirates of the Caribbean - Turkey legs and rum (JUST KIDDING!!!)
You get the general idea. This can be planned for a long evening, or a lazy Saturday morning or a Sunday afternoon after church. Everyone has a favorite Disney movie, and making it an annual theme day will be a fun and easy and inexpensive way to spend some time together!
I remember the first time I saw Tom Sawyer... the old one with Jody Foster and the red-headed kid from Family Affair. We were at school and we had an assembly in the gym in 4th grade. We sat on the floor of the gym and they showed it on a big screen on the stage. It was WONDERFUL! I was totally absorbed. And they stopped the movie right as Jody Foster and the red-headed kid from Family Affair went into the cave where Injun Joe was hiding. Do you remember? I thought I would absolutely die before we were able to see the rest of the movie the next afternoon.
It was magical. I've always loved that movie. As parents, you could share your favorite OLD Disney movie with your kids. They may or may not have seen it yet.
Also, if you have the game Disney Scene It or if you know someone who would loan it to you, it would be fun to play sometime during your Annual Disney Day. It's a very enjoyable game, and kids usually do not need a lot of help from the adults... it's usually the other way around!
Have a lovely Wednesday. Make sure you get outside sometime to enjoy the cooler temps. Tomorrow we have a new farm to explore, Weekend Family Fun, a Disney date for you and your little ones and much, much more.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, September 28, 2009
Refrigerator Bran Muffins and Football Turnovers
Good Tuesday morning!
I added a couple of Disney pics to the Gallery. I tried to get a few of Josh at the ball game, but with my little point and shoot digital, they were just too dark and too grainy. But he looked marvelous! You'll just have to take my word for it. Plus, I did get some great pictures of him with my "good" camera.
NOTE TO ROBIN - I left a message for you in yesterday's comment section. Check it out, please.
Monday was a pretty nice day as far as Mondays go. It actually felt like fall yesterday morning when I was walking my EIGHT miles around the track (Code for TWO MILES). And today the light that has been coming in through the windows is different. Have you ever noticed the difference between summer light and autumn light? It's hard to explain, but it is definitely softer (even when the sun is shining), and it invites you outside to feel the coolness in the air. I love it.
It probably has something to do with global warming or something like that, but to me it's just fall in Alabama. (By the way, I'm in agreement with Rick and Bubba on the global warming theory. You can tell I'm not very concerned with my carbon footprint when you see me driving the big gold van around town OR you come into my house during any of the FOUR seasons and it's always autumn thanks to my handy-dandy thermostat.)
I will admit to being a "tree lover" though... which is not the same as a "tree hugger." It's because I love the color of the leaves in the fall and not because I have a personal relationship with said trees. However, I will say I do like the faces you can put on trees now. You know, the eyes, noses, mouths and ears you can stick onto the trunk of a tree. I think those are hilarious! In fact, I want a couple sets of those for the two side-by-side trees in my front yard. Mikie? Anyone? Anyone?
As you can probably tell, I'm back on my "Austin's Going to College" medication. Let's get back to business before it wears off, shall we?
Disney Week - Part Two
We were up and eager to start our day at Donald's Restaurantasaurus. For our first official Disney character breakfast experience, it was excellent. We had reservations so we went right in and were shown to our table. The waiters were wonderful; funny and attentive. We couldn't believe how much fun it was to get autographs from all the characters and all three of the kids enjoyed meeting them and having their pictures taken.
Unfortunately, Donald Duck made the mistake of signing Joshua's autograph book upside down. It bothered him more and more as the breakfast went on, and I finally had to tear the page out of his book and run Donald down for a new signature on the right page. Joshua was destined to have his book signed incorrectly seven more times before we headed home -- and we would tear out the pages and chase down the characters for a correct autograph each time. We didn't want Joshua's Disney experience to be anything but wonderful! (NOTE - Looking back, we now know this was an OCD tendency. Many of Josh's childhood "quirks" which have come to mind we now recognize as the beginning of his illness. We just didn't know it then.)
As soon as breakfast was over, we headed over to the Dinosaur Ride. Big mistake!! For the boys' first amusement ride ever, the Dinosaur Ride was not the best pick. Mike said it even scared him a little. We decided to calm everyone down by letting them play in the Boneyard. We could have stayed there all day, but after an hour or so, we rounded everyone up and went exploring. On our way to the Tree of Life Trails, we were thrilled to spot Tigger and stood in line for another picture and autograph.
We accidentally got in the line for the Bug Life's Show, and although some whining occurred, the line moved quickly and once we were close to the Tree of Life we were able to entertain the kids by looking at all the intricate carvings in the tree. Once inside, we didn't know what to expect from the 3-D show, but it was excellent and full of surprises. Roxie and Austin were less than thrilled, but Mike, Joshua and I thought it was hilarious.
We went to the Rainforest Cafe' for lunch and were seated within 15 minutes. As soon as we sat down, a waitress came up to us and told us she had water for the adults and wonderful milkshakes for the kids. The way she worded it, I thought she meant the milkshakes were free. Mike said he was pretty sure we would have to pay for them... and boy, was he was right. They were $4.50 apiece (but they were very good milkshakes)!
After a nap, we headed over to the Magic Kingdom. It was dusk and everything was lit up. It was absolutely one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. The evening was spent riding the Disney rides I had known about all my life -- Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Tea Cups, Dumbo and Snow White's Scary Adventure. We also got to see a few more characters. (Rafiki signed Joshua's book upside down this time).
The fireworks were spectacular and were the perfect ending to a perfect day!! But as we all know in Faulkner Land, things are not destined to be "perfect" for very long. Our Disney experience was about to take a decidedly "imperfect" turn.
Refrigerator Bran Muffins
1 15-ounce box of Raisin Bran Cereal
3 cups sugar
5 cups all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 quart buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Mix dry ingredients together in large bowl. Add other ingredients and mix well.
3. Fill muffin tin 2/3 full of batter.
4. Bake 15 minutes. (Do not bake OVER 15 minutes.)
That's it. Make as many muffins as you want, keep the remaining batter in the refrigerator up to four weeks, and use whenever you want fresh (REALLY GOOD) bran muffins in 15 minutes. Try it... I think you'll like it!
Again, this is from my friend, Julie Tuggle. As always, I give credit where credit is due!
Football Turnovers
This is a Disney recipe AND a football party recipe... a "twofer." You will need:
1 15-ounce box refrigerated piecrusts (two 9-inch crusts)
1/2 pound meatballs, cooked
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Milk for glaze
1. To make a batch, first set out the crusts to bring them to room temperature (about 15 minutes) and heat the oven to 375 degrees. Meanwhile, cut the meatballs into small pieces, then place them in a small saucepan with the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool thoroughly.
2. One at a time, place each crust on lightly floured waxed paper and use a floured rolling pin to flatten it slightly into a 10-inch circle. Use a biscuit cutter to cut 7 4" circles from the dough. Then reroll the dough scraps to get 3 more dough circles.
3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling onto half of each circle, leaving about a 1/2" margin at the edge. Sprinkle on about 1/2 teaspoon of Parmesan cheese. Use your fingertips to moisten the edges of the dough with water, then fold the uncovered half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edge with a fork, then transfer the turnovers to a lightly greased baking sheet and poke each one twice with a fork for vents. Brush each one with milk, then bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 20 small turnovers.
I'm going to try those for Josh's Homecoming Party that's coming up in the next week or so. I have found, if it has meat and there are boys/men around, it will be eaten. It's a fact of nature!
Have a Tiggerific Tuesday! (You know I had to say it!) Tomorrow's Seasonal Tradition is Disney-related also. Be sure to try the muffins. I promise they're not your Mama's bran muffins! Also, we will be talking more and more about Disney tomorrow, so come back and check in if you get a minute.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I added a couple of Disney pics to the Gallery. I tried to get a few of Josh at the ball game, but with my little point and shoot digital, they were just too dark and too grainy. But he looked marvelous! You'll just have to take my word for it. Plus, I did get some great pictures of him with my "good" camera.
NOTE TO ROBIN - I left a message for you in yesterday's comment section. Check it out, please.
Monday was a pretty nice day as far as Mondays go. It actually felt like fall yesterday morning when I was walking my EIGHT miles around the track (Code for TWO MILES). And today the light that has been coming in through the windows is different. Have you ever noticed the difference between summer light and autumn light? It's hard to explain, but it is definitely softer (even when the sun is shining), and it invites you outside to feel the coolness in the air. I love it.
It probably has something to do with global warming or something like that, but to me it's just fall in Alabama. (By the way, I'm in agreement with Rick and Bubba on the global warming theory. You can tell I'm not very concerned with my carbon footprint when you see me driving the big gold van around town OR you come into my house during any of the FOUR seasons and it's always autumn thanks to my handy-dandy thermostat.)
I will admit to being a "tree lover" though... which is not the same as a "tree hugger." It's because I love the color of the leaves in the fall and not because I have a personal relationship with said trees. However, I will say I do like the faces you can put on trees now. You know, the eyes, noses, mouths and ears you can stick onto the trunk of a tree. I think those are hilarious! In fact, I want a couple sets of those for the two side-by-side trees in my front yard. Mikie? Anyone? Anyone?
As you can probably tell, I'm back on my "Austin's Going to College" medication. Let's get back to business before it wears off, shall we?
Disney Week - Part Two
We were up and eager to start our day at Donald's Restaurantasaurus. For our first official Disney character breakfast experience, it was excellent. We had reservations so we went right in and were shown to our table. The waiters were wonderful; funny and attentive. We couldn't believe how much fun it was to get autographs from all the characters and all three of the kids enjoyed meeting them and having their pictures taken.
Unfortunately, Donald Duck made the mistake of signing Joshua's autograph book upside down. It bothered him more and more as the breakfast went on, and I finally had to tear the page out of his book and run Donald down for a new signature on the right page. Joshua was destined to have his book signed incorrectly seven more times before we headed home -- and we would tear out the pages and chase down the characters for a correct autograph each time. We didn't want Joshua's Disney experience to be anything but wonderful! (NOTE - Looking back, we now know this was an OCD tendency. Many of Josh's childhood "quirks" which have come to mind we now recognize as the beginning of his illness. We just didn't know it then.)
As soon as breakfast was over, we headed over to the Dinosaur Ride. Big mistake!! For the boys' first amusement ride ever, the Dinosaur Ride was not the best pick. Mike said it even scared him a little. We decided to calm everyone down by letting them play in the Boneyard. We could have stayed there all day, but after an hour or so, we rounded everyone up and went exploring. On our way to the Tree of Life Trails, we were thrilled to spot Tigger and stood in line for another picture and autograph.
We accidentally got in the line for the Bug Life's Show, and although some whining occurred, the line moved quickly and once we were close to the Tree of Life we were able to entertain the kids by looking at all the intricate carvings in the tree. Once inside, we didn't know what to expect from the 3-D show, but it was excellent and full of surprises. Roxie and Austin were less than thrilled, but Mike, Joshua and I thought it was hilarious.
We went to the Rainforest Cafe' for lunch and were seated within 15 minutes. As soon as we sat down, a waitress came up to us and told us she had water for the adults and wonderful milkshakes for the kids. The way she worded it, I thought she meant the milkshakes were free. Mike said he was pretty sure we would have to pay for them... and boy, was he was right. They were $4.50 apiece (but they were very good milkshakes)!
After a nap, we headed over to the Magic Kingdom. It was dusk and everything was lit up. It was absolutely one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. The evening was spent riding the Disney rides I had known about all my life -- Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Tea Cups, Dumbo and Snow White's Scary Adventure. We also got to see a few more characters. (Rafiki signed Joshua's book upside down this time).
The fireworks were spectacular and were the perfect ending to a perfect day!! But as we all know in Faulkner Land, things are not destined to be "perfect" for very long. Our Disney experience was about to take a decidedly "imperfect" turn.
Refrigerator Bran Muffins
1 15-ounce box of Raisin Bran Cereal
3 cups sugar
5 cups all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 quart buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Mix dry ingredients together in large bowl. Add other ingredients and mix well.
3. Fill muffin tin 2/3 full of batter.
4. Bake 15 minutes. (Do not bake OVER 15 minutes.)
That's it. Make as many muffins as you want, keep the remaining batter in the refrigerator up to four weeks, and use whenever you want fresh (REALLY GOOD) bran muffins in 15 minutes. Try it... I think you'll like it!
Again, this is from my friend, Julie Tuggle. As always, I give credit where credit is due!
Football Turnovers
This is a Disney recipe AND a football party recipe... a "twofer." You will need:
1 15-ounce box refrigerated piecrusts (two 9-inch crusts)
1/2 pound meatballs, cooked
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Milk for glaze
1. To make a batch, first set out the crusts to bring them to room temperature (about 15 minutes) and heat the oven to 375 degrees. Meanwhile, cut the meatballs into small pieces, then place them in a small saucepan with the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool thoroughly.
2. One at a time, place each crust on lightly floured waxed paper and use a floured rolling pin to flatten it slightly into a 10-inch circle. Use a biscuit cutter to cut 7 4" circles from the dough. Then reroll the dough scraps to get 3 more dough circles.
3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling onto half of each circle, leaving about a 1/2" margin at the edge. Sprinkle on about 1/2 teaspoon of Parmesan cheese. Use your fingertips to moisten the edges of the dough with water, then fold the uncovered half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edge with a fork, then transfer the turnovers to a lightly greased baking sheet and poke each one twice with a fork for vents. Brush each one with milk, then bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 20 small turnovers.
I'm going to try those for Josh's Homecoming Party that's coming up in the next week or so. I have found, if it has meat and there are boys/men around, it will be eaten. It's a fact of nature!
Have a Tiggerific Tuesday! (You know I had to say it!) Tomorrow's Seasonal Tradition is Disney-related also. Be sure to try the muffins. I promise they're not your Mama's bran muffins! Also, we will be talking more and more about Disney tomorrow, so come back and check in if you get a minute.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Prince and Princess Party
Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic is of Roxie's designer cake. Isn't it beautiful? One of Austin's friends decorates cakes and she made this one especially for Roxie. All we told her were the colors (black and white), flowers and funky. I think she did an unbelievable job.
The Gallery Pics are anything and everything... birthday celebration, family, etc. Oh, and a couple of Disney pics since that's going to be our topic for this week. Get ready for more of those!
As far as volleyball tournaments go, this one could not have started any better. We won both games Friday night, so we went into the tournament on Saturday in a very good spot. We won our first game on Saturday. We were riding high. And then we had to play North Jefferson TWICE back-to-back to see who would win first place and who would win second place. We won second place. The girls were amazing. Coach Murray was amazing. I, too, was amazing. However, back to Coach Murray. She teaches "being classy" as well as playing good ball. Mike and I have been involved in a lot of sports' teams over the years, but I can honestly say, I enjoyed every minute of this season... due to Coach Murray, all the girls on the team (they were just extra special young ladies... NO drama ever) and the other parents. It was one of the most pleasant groups of people I've ever had the opportunity to be around. I hated to see it end.
But basketball is just around the corner. Tryouts are October 5 as a matter of fact, so we'll see how that goes. But this week is rest and relaxation... and a little football. Roxie hasn't seen Josh play yet, so that is our first order of business tonight.
Because of two Band Expos being cancelled, Austin came home late Saturday afternoon... and went straight to his Grandmother's to meet up with Mike and Josh for an evening of Auburn football. (Roxie and I crawled into my bed and watched 20 back-to-back episodes of America's Funniest Home Videos. What can I say? It's exhausting watching your daughter play volleyball all day. Totally exhausting!)
Roxie's birthday party was very, very nice. She received the JSU hoody she was wanting for the first home game next week from her brothers, lots of money and the special 13th birthday surprise... She and I are going to spend Thanksgiving night at the Wynfrey with my sister and my niece and two cousins and their daughters. Four big girls and four little girls. We're going to get up in the early morning hours and shop, shop, shop before we enjoy a late breakfast/brunch before checking out and heading to the house around noon. We'll be parked in the Wynfrey deck, so finding a parking space will not be a problem, and I'm pretty sure leaving isn't going to be as hard as getting in... if you know what I mean. And since we'll be some of the first and only shoppers in the mall that early, it should be a lot of fun. She was very excited, and I hope if all goes well, it might become a tradition. We've been planning it for over a year, so the money won't be a problem, and I made reservations in January. I'll have to let you know how that one turns out!
Disney Week - Part One
Well, it was finally here. Our one week trip to Disney. Roxie had finally turned 4 (which is what we had been waiting for), Josh was 7 and Austin was 10. We had saved for years, and I had planned for nearly as long. At 40 years of age, I had never been to Disney. I was much more excited than the kids.
Our well-planned two-day traveling itinerary had a few bugs. On Friday afternoon, November 4, 2000, we left at 4:15 p.m. We had planned on staying in the little town of Thomasville. However, they had other ideas with a sporting event and a convention in town. (It turned out, Thomasville wasn't quite as small as we had originally thought.) We then headed to Valdosta, but on the way we encountered an over-heated engine. It was already midnight and on those lonely, dark Georgia roads we did a lot of praying before our car was finally cool enough for us to make it to Valdosta.
Again, a ball game had all the rooms booked and we traveled for another hour or so before we collapsed at 3:00 a.m. in a small, but semi-clean hotel.
We slept until around 10:00 a.m., and while Mikie checked the van, the kids and I got dressed and watched Max Steel. (Does anyone remember Max Steel? I promise, nine years ago he was all the rage.) We enjoyed a good breakfast/lunch at IHOP and off we went.
Our van did great until ten minutes out of Disney when it began overheating AGAIN. We were so close, yet so far away!!! After a 20-minute cooling down time, we drove straight to our destination and saw the most beautiful sight... WELCOME TO DISNEYWORLD. I get chills just thinking about it even now!
Finding our hotel, The Polynesian, was simple and in a matter of only a few minutes, we were settled in our room. We rested a few moments before heading to our dinner reservations at the O'Hana Restaurant in our hotel. I picked that particular restaurant because it was family-friendly (Code for LOUD) and served the food as soon as you sat down. They also had coconut races which the kids enjoyed. On the Faulkner Kid Restaurant Rating System, it rated a -2 for Josh and Roxie who found out they did NOT care for Polynesian fare, but Austin was a great surprise and filled up on several of the dishes.
After our meal, we sat on benches outside our hotel and watched the Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks. They were very visible from our viewpoint and not terribly loud. It was just the right way to end a long two-day trip. We were filled with anticipation for the next morning when our adventure would officially begin!
Prince and Princess Party
Since we're in Disney, we MUST have a Prince and Princess Party. This was one of the easiest parties I ever gave Roxie. You can use any Disney Princess invitations from Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby or you can make your own on the computer.
Schedule
15 minutes - Arrive and decorate crowns
15 minutes - Play Hidden Treasures
15 minutes - Play Drop the Crown
20 minutes - Royal feast
10 minutes - Devotion
10 minutes - Open gifts
10 minutes - Replay one of the games until Moms come to pick up the kids
Have the kids come dressed as their favorite Disney Princess.
Decorate Crowns - Go to your local Burger King and get the number of crowns you will need for each guest. If you are having boys AND girls (making this a Prince AND Princess Party), spray paint the boys' crowns gold and the girls' crowns silver. When they arrive, have large jewel stones to glue on the crowns as well as markers for decorations.
Hidden Treasures - This is a great game. Use a plastic baby pool and fill it with shredded newspaper. Tell the children they must find a special treasure hidden in the hay. Hide candy and other small prizes in the shredded paper. Tell they children they are each supposed to find two to three prizes. They can then put the prizes in their goodie bags.
Drop the Crown - This game is exactly the same as "Duck, Duck, Goose." Have the children sit in a circle on the floor and let one child start as the king. The king walks around the outside of the circle and drops a plastic crown behind someone's back. That person must stand up and put on the crown and chase the king back to the empty spot in the circle. The new king proceeds in the same manner.
Royal Feast - Invite the children into the banquet hall where they will enjoy a royal feast, or you may choose simply to serve cake and ice cream. If possible, try to have a small banquet table for the children. You could use coffee tables covered in plastic tablecloths or children's tables. If you do not have enough chairs, the kids can sit on the floor and still eat comfortably.
This was the easiest, cutest cake I ever made. I simply made two 8" rounds and iced them with pink icing. On the top of the cake I put a plastic tiara (washed, of course) and then sprinkled pink sugar on the top. I put it on a large glass cake pedestal. It was simple, but very elegant and the girls loved it.
Devotion - The Bible tells us that once there was a beautiful maiden named Esther who was one of God's chosen people, an Israelite. When the king in the land decided to choose a wife, he picked Esther above all the other women because of her beauty. It was a beauty that God had given her, beauty that came from the inside out.
One day a bad man named Haman decided that all of the Israelites must be killed. Esther was very upset because this meant that all of her people, including her, would be put to death.
God had a purpose and a plan for Queen Esther. Esther bravely went to the king. It was a brave thing to do because anyone who approached the king without an invitation could be killed if the king so desired. Even the queen! But God was with Esther, and the king welcomed her. Esther was very wise and invited both the king and Haman to dinner. After a second night at dinner, Esther told the king about Haman's plan to kill the Israelites. She asked the king for help. The king loved Esther and granted her request, and also had the bad man, Haman, killed.
This is a perfect opportunity to share a Bible story with the children, and we never want to miss an opportunity to share God's word... EVER!
Open Gifts - Have the Prince or Princess sit on a royal throne (or a chair decorated with balloons and crepe paper). Have all the royal subjects sit on the floor as he/she opens the gifts.
Ideas for Favors
Crowns (They have already decorated these.)
Hidden treasures collected from the game.
Royal scepters - Make these from a dowel stick covered in glitter with a ball or a star with ribbon at the end.
VARIATION - If you have a hot tub, you could have an Ariel Princess Party and let the children swim in the "warm" tub. We did this, and it worked out really, really well. The kids had a ball.
This party was taken from Parties With a Purpose by Karol Ladd.
Have a productive Monday. Take a minute (or an hour) to enjoy your loved ones today... whether as a group or one-on-one. Come back tomorrow for a a new bran muffin recipe from my friend, Julie. You remember Julie from Turnip Green Soup fame, don't you? Well, she's figured out a way to make a bran muffin NOT be totally healthy for you. It's wonderful. I mean the bran is still there... but so are three cups of sugar and some other good stuff. It's bran the way it was intended! Nuff said.
Also, we'll talk a little more about Disney... my favorite place ON EARTH! In fact, everything on the blog this week will be Disney-inspired. A Disney-inspired party, a Disney-inspired recipe (to go along with Julie's bran muffins), a Disney-inspired tradition, a Disney-inspired date and a great Disney-inspired book. (Can you find all the hidden "Disney-inpsireds" in the above paragraph... kind of like Hidden Mickeys in the park?) I hope you'll check back often this week.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Princess Belinda
The Showcase Pic is of Roxie's designer cake. Isn't it beautiful? One of Austin's friends decorates cakes and she made this one especially for Roxie. All we told her were the colors (black and white), flowers and funky. I think she did an unbelievable job.
The Gallery Pics are anything and everything... birthday celebration, family, etc. Oh, and a couple of Disney pics since that's going to be our topic for this week. Get ready for more of those!
As far as volleyball tournaments go, this one could not have started any better. We won both games Friday night, so we went into the tournament on Saturday in a very good spot. We won our first game on Saturday. We were riding high. And then we had to play North Jefferson TWICE back-to-back to see who would win first place and who would win second place. We won second place. The girls were amazing. Coach Murray was amazing. I, too, was amazing. However, back to Coach Murray. She teaches "being classy" as well as playing good ball. Mike and I have been involved in a lot of sports' teams over the years, but I can honestly say, I enjoyed every minute of this season... due to Coach Murray, all the girls on the team (they were just extra special young ladies... NO drama ever) and the other parents. It was one of the most pleasant groups of people I've ever had the opportunity to be around. I hated to see it end.
But basketball is just around the corner. Tryouts are October 5 as a matter of fact, so we'll see how that goes. But this week is rest and relaxation... and a little football. Roxie hasn't seen Josh play yet, so that is our first order of business tonight.
Because of two Band Expos being cancelled, Austin came home late Saturday afternoon... and went straight to his Grandmother's to meet up with Mike and Josh for an evening of Auburn football. (Roxie and I crawled into my bed and watched 20 back-to-back episodes of America's Funniest Home Videos. What can I say? It's exhausting watching your daughter play volleyball all day. Totally exhausting!)
Roxie's birthday party was very, very nice. She received the JSU hoody she was wanting for the first home game next week from her brothers, lots of money and the special 13th birthday surprise... She and I are going to spend Thanksgiving night at the Wynfrey with my sister and my niece and two cousins and their daughters. Four big girls and four little girls. We're going to get up in the early morning hours and shop, shop, shop before we enjoy a late breakfast/brunch before checking out and heading to the house around noon. We'll be parked in the Wynfrey deck, so finding a parking space will not be a problem, and I'm pretty sure leaving isn't going to be as hard as getting in... if you know what I mean. And since we'll be some of the first and only shoppers in the mall that early, it should be a lot of fun. She was very excited, and I hope if all goes well, it might become a tradition. We've been planning it for over a year, so the money won't be a problem, and I made reservations in January. I'll have to let you know how that one turns out!
Disney Week - Part One
Well, it was finally here. Our one week trip to Disney. Roxie had finally turned 4 (which is what we had been waiting for), Josh was 7 and Austin was 10. We had saved for years, and I had planned for nearly as long. At 40 years of age, I had never been to Disney. I was much more excited than the kids.
Our well-planned two-day traveling itinerary had a few bugs. On Friday afternoon, November 4, 2000, we left at 4:15 p.m. We had planned on staying in the little town of Thomasville. However, they had other ideas with a sporting event and a convention in town. (It turned out, Thomasville wasn't quite as small as we had originally thought.) We then headed to Valdosta, but on the way we encountered an over-heated engine. It was already midnight and on those lonely, dark Georgia roads we did a lot of praying before our car was finally cool enough for us to make it to Valdosta.
Again, a ball game had all the rooms booked and we traveled for another hour or so before we collapsed at 3:00 a.m. in a small, but semi-clean hotel.
We slept until around 10:00 a.m., and while Mikie checked the van, the kids and I got dressed and watched Max Steel. (Does anyone remember Max Steel? I promise, nine years ago he was all the rage.) We enjoyed a good breakfast/lunch at IHOP and off we went.
Our van did great until ten minutes out of Disney when it began overheating AGAIN. We were so close, yet so far away!!! After a 20-minute cooling down time, we drove straight to our destination and saw the most beautiful sight... WELCOME TO DISNEYWORLD. I get chills just thinking about it even now!
Finding our hotel, The Polynesian, was simple and in a matter of only a few minutes, we were settled in our room. We rested a few moments before heading to our dinner reservations at the O'Hana Restaurant in our hotel. I picked that particular restaurant because it was family-friendly (Code for LOUD) and served the food as soon as you sat down. They also had coconut races which the kids enjoyed. On the Faulkner Kid Restaurant Rating System, it rated a -2 for Josh and Roxie who found out they did NOT care for Polynesian fare, but Austin was a great surprise and filled up on several of the dishes.
After our meal, we sat on benches outside our hotel and watched the Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks. They were very visible from our viewpoint and not terribly loud. It was just the right way to end a long two-day trip. We were filled with anticipation for the next morning when our adventure would officially begin!
Prince and Princess Party
Since we're in Disney, we MUST have a Prince and Princess Party. This was one of the easiest parties I ever gave Roxie. You can use any Disney Princess invitations from Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby or you can make your own on the computer.
Schedule
15 minutes - Arrive and decorate crowns
15 minutes - Play Hidden Treasures
15 minutes - Play Drop the Crown
20 minutes - Royal feast
10 minutes - Devotion
10 minutes - Open gifts
10 minutes - Replay one of the games until Moms come to pick up the kids
Have the kids come dressed as their favorite Disney Princess.
Decorate Crowns - Go to your local Burger King and get the number of crowns you will need for each guest. If you are having boys AND girls (making this a Prince AND Princess Party), spray paint the boys' crowns gold and the girls' crowns silver. When they arrive, have large jewel stones to glue on the crowns as well as markers for decorations.
Hidden Treasures - This is a great game. Use a plastic baby pool and fill it with shredded newspaper. Tell the children they must find a special treasure hidden in the hay. Hide candy and other small prizes in the shredded paper. Tell they children they are each supposed to find two to three prizes. They can then put the prizes in their goodie bags.
Drop the Crown - This game is exactly the same as "Duck, Duck, Goose." Have the children sit in a circle on the floor and let one child start as the king. The king walks around the outside of the circle and drops a plastic crown behind someone's back. That person must stand up and put on the crown and chase the king back to the empty spot in the circle. The new king proceeds in the same manner.
Royal Feast - Invite the children into the banquet hall where they will enjoy a royal feast, or you may choose simply to serve cake and ice cream. If possible, try to have a small banquet table for the children. You could use coffee tables covered in plastic tablecloths or children's tables. If you do not have enough chairs, the kids can sit on the floor and still eat comfortably.
This was the easiest, cutest cake I ever made. I simply made two 8" rounds and iced them with pink icing. On the top of the cake I put a plastic tiara (washed, of course) and then sprinkled pink sugar on the top. I put it on a large glass cake pedestal. It was simple, but very elegant and the girls loved it.
Devotion - The Bible tells us that once there was a beautiful maiden named Esther who was one of God's chosen people, an Israelite. When the king in the land decided to choose a wife, he picked Esther above all the other women because of her beauty. It was a beauty that God had given her, beauty that came from the inside out.
One day a bad man named Haman decided that all of the Israelites must be killed. Esther was very upset because this meant that all of her people, including her, would be put to death.
God had a purpose and a plan for Queen Esther. Esther bravely went to the king. It was a brave thing to do because anyone who approached the king without an invitation could be killed if the king so desired. Even the queen! But God was with Esther, and the king welcomed her. Esther was very wise and invited both the king and Haman to dinner. After a second night at dinner, Esther told the king about Haman's plan to kill the Israelites. She asked the king for help. The king loved Esther and granted her request, and also had the bad man, Haman, killed.
This is a perfect opportunity to share a Bible story with the children, and we never want to miss an opportunity to share God's word... EVER!
Open Gifts - Have the Prince or Princess sit on a royal throne (or a chair decorated with balloons and crepe paper). Have all the royal subjects sit on the floor as he/she opens the gifts.
Ideas for Favors
Crowns (They have already decorated these.)
Hidden treasures collected from the game.
Royal scepters - Make these from a dowel stick covered in glitter with a ball or a star with ribbon at the end.
VARIATION - If you have a hot tub, you could have an Ariel Princess Party and let the children swim in the "warm" tub. We did this, and it worked out really, really well. The kids had a ball.
This party was taken from Parties With a Purpose by Karol Ladd.
Have a productive Monday. Take a minute (or an hour) to enjoy your loved ones today... whether as a group or one-on-one. Come back tomorrow for a a new bran muffin recipe from my friend, Julie. You remember Julie from Turnip Green Soup fame, don't you? Well, she's figured out a way to make a bran muffin NOT be totally healthy for you. It's wonderful. I mean the bran is still there... but so are three cups of sugar and some other good stuff. It's bran the way it was intended! Nuff said.
Also, we'll talk a little more about Disney... my favorite place ON EARTH! In fact, everything on the blog this week will be Disney-inspired. A Disney-inspired party, a Disney-inspired recipe (to go along with Julie's bran muffins), a Disney-inspired tradition, a Disney-inspired date and a great Disney-inspired book. (Can you find all the hidden "Disney-inpsireds" in the above paragraph... kind of like Hidden Mickeys in the park?) I hope you'll check back often this week.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Princess Belinda
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
Yes! The weekend is here, and that means something different for everyone out there reading this today. It may mean football, band competitions, birthday celebrations, volleyball tournaments, family gatherings, or sleeping late on a rainy Saturday morning (that would be heavenly). Every family is going to have a different weekend. Every family has it's own unique rhythm. Every family has it's own way of doing things.
I love that. I love hearing about different things different families do... whether for special occasions or just the every day stuff. Being a "copier," this info is where I get MUCH of my "material." So if you ever have an idea or something you want to share, as I've said before, feel free. I don't think I've ever taken credit for something that wasn't mine (and if I have it is only because I had a momentary brain malfunction.) I'm having more and more and more of those lately. The bad news is it's not bothering me as much as when I first noticed it happening.
A COUPLE OF REMINDERS - Project 365 is still going strong. So far, I haven't missed a day, but of course, I haven't even hit my 31st picture yet. I don't want to brag too much since I still have over 320 pictures to go. (Gee, I wish I hadn't written that. It's a little depressing.) I'll be posting Friday, Saturday and Sunday Project 365 pics, and you can click on Belinda's Project 365 on the sidebar this weekend to take a look if you're interested.
Also, if you are a Newbie to the blog, you can now go to the sidebar and click on Newbie Information which will give you all the info you need to master the intricacies of A Simple Life. If you only read one thing, I would ask you to read Josh's Journey since it is the main reason I started this blog in the first place.
Okay. Let's get on with the Friday "stuff."
AUSTIN UPDATE - Austin is still doing very well living away from home. He's experiencing many new exciting things, and because he's always been a "talker," he shares many of those "things" with us. He had two articles in the school paper this week... one about the game, and one from attending the press conference with the coach. Next week, he's doing a player bio and the press conference articles while another student writes about the game.
When he left Monday morning, I mentioned to him to make sure he had time to change clothes before he went to the press conference. "Why? I'm just going straight from class," he responded.
"Well, I'm not sure, but since the 'real' newspapers are going to be there, no one is going to be dressed in plaid shorts and a JSU t-shirt with flip flops."
"Ahh. They know I'm a student. It will be fine." I didn't say another word.
Around 11:15 I received a call. At first I thought it was a heavy breather (I love those), but then I realized it was just Austin running across the quad. "Problem?" I asked sweetly.
"I showed up at the press conference a few minutes early and everyone was dressed up. Some even had ties. I'll be fine with my brown slacks and polo shirt though," he puffed. I didn't say I told you so... Oh, how I wanted to, but I refrained.
"Good luck," I said as I hung up.
At 12:30 I received another call. "It was great!" he said. "They gave me a sheet of statements from the coach so I would know what questions NOT to ask. I loved it."
"Wonderful. And were you dressed okay?" I asked.
"Yeah. But I couldn't find my brown socks."
You would only have to know me a minute to realize how much this bothered me. "What did you do? Did you wear your black uniform socks?"
"Oh, man. I wish I had thought about that."
I was getting bothered more by the minute. "What did you wear?" I asked, bracing myself.
"Don't worry. I wore my dress shoes and no socks."
Ugh!!! "Well, at least tell me you didn't sit down where people could see your hairy white ankles."
"Of course I sat down. I didn't know how long it was going to last, and I don't like to write standing up."
Oh, Austin... Throw me a bone here! "Did you at least sit in the back?"
"No. Closer to the front."
I stopped. I didn't want to know if he sat on the front row. It would be more than I could take.
This Monday when he leaves he's taking four pair of brown socks... FOUR PAIR. (And I know if that's the worse thing that ever happens at college, I will consider myself very, very fortunate.)
Weekend Happenings
We have a lot of "what ifs" this weekend. NO MATTER WHAT, Roxie begins the county volleyball tournament tonight. THE BIG ONE! IF they win at least one of the two games, they will play Saturday and continue to play until they are eliminated OR WIN IT ALL!
IF it rains out the Gadsden Band Expo Saturday, Austin will get to come home early (Friday night or Saturday morning), and he will watch Roxie play at least one or two of her tournament games. IF if doesn't rain, he will be home Saturday night after the band performs.
IF Auburn is on a channel we have, Josh will watch the game from home Saturday night. IF we don't have the channel, he's hoping to watch from Grandmother's house. IF Austin does get to come home earlier than planned, he will probably be watching the game with his brother.
Roxie's family birthday party WILL DEFINITELY BE Sunday. There are no "what ifs" associated with her celebration. Also a "definite-do" will be the watching of The Amazing Race by the Faulkner Five Sunday night after church. I'M DECLARING IT! (Declaring something can sometimes backfire on you. I'm very brave to have done so!)
We'll see if this weekend goes according to plan!
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Five
Well, the time finally arrived to schedule a C-Section. The table we called my stomach was now measuring around 50 weeks... and growing daily. Uncomfortable doesn't seem to be an adequate word to describe the way I felt. And trying not to be fearful was very, very difficult.
The day of the scheduled C-Section, September 25, 1996, we arrived at the hospital. Everything was in place. The plan had not changed. Mike and Mom were to stay with Roxie NO MATTER WHAT, and Daddy would stay with me.
At noon, we went to the operating room to get Roxie. In a matter of a few minutes, Mike and I heard crying. Crying with gusto, actually. And then we met Roxie. Fat, angry, red cheeks, a little auburn hair... she didn't look like her esophagus wasn't attached to her stomach.
The nurse cleaned her and right before they took her away for her tests, she gave her to me one more time to kiss. The nurse leaned down and whispered in my ear, "What did you name this baby?"
"Roxie," I replied.
"Perfect," the nurse said... and then after a quick kiss and an "I love you" from Mikie, they were gone.
I was later taken to a semi-dark room. No one was there. I looked at the clock on the wall. It had been an hour since I had went into the operating room. I picked up the phone, but it wasn't connected. Very, very strange.
Of all things, a workman came in to work on the thermostat. I asked him to turn on a light and to keep the door open. I then asked him if he could find a nurse. He kindly did so.
When the nurse arrived, she asked if I needed pain meds which I refused. Although I knew the epidural was wearing off, when I take pain meds I am out for the count. I didn't want to be unconscious if they had to take Roxie to Children's. I asked her if she had seen my Dad. She said no, but she would watch for him. Again, very, very strange.
The clock kept ticking. I had now been in the room over 30 minutes by myself. Where was Daddy? Something was wrong. The only reason for him to not be with me would be because something was not right with Roxie. About that time, I saw him walking past the door. I yelled for him, and he came and sat down beside me... his assigned post for the day. He said he had been looking for me for over 30 minutes, but no one knew where I was. He had been going into rooms (containing new mothers) for the last half hour just looking. It was a wonder he wasn't arrested!
We sat in a very comfortable silence, holding hands and waiting. He didn't know to ask about pain medication, and I didn't tell him what I was doing, but my epidural was wearing off pretty fast.
We received a couple of phone calls during the long day from my Mom and Mike giving us updates on the testing and we continued to wait.
My Aunt Connie and my mom's best friend, Mrs. Davis, came in to check on me. They knew pretty soon into the conversation I was not taking meds. If I remember correctly (and I probably don't), they really jumped Daddy about not taking care of that little issue. But again, being a man who had never given birth, he was totally oblivious.
Needless to say, the nurse and I had to come to an agreement on what I could take that would take the edge off the pain, but would allow me to stay awake enough to know what was going on with Miss Roxie. That taken care of, we waited some more.
When Mom came in several hours later, she gave us the news everything in Roxie was "connected." No surgery needed. They were going to move me to a room and then Mikie and Roxie were coming to see me. I held her again at 7:00 p.m. that night. Seven hours after she was born. And then I had the nurse bring me some really, really strong pain meds!
And that's Roxie's Birth Day Story. Again, not to compare or complain to other women who have been through so much more. It is simply her story... her beginning... our beginning as the Faulkner Five.
I wrote this in her baby book while I was in the hospital 13 years ago (on heavy, heavy pain meds), but it's still true today...
"September 25, 1996 - When Austin was born, I was amazed at how much I loved him. He was my total obsession. When Joshua was born, I was amazed I could love another child as much as my first. He was my heart. When Roxie was born, I was amazed God had blessed me yet again with this beautiful little girl. She was (and is) my heart's desire."
I know you're glad this week is finally over. Remember, we're going to Disney next week... on the blog, I mean. No more baby stories until October 5. (Sorry. Josh's birthday is October 4.)
TV Review - Survivor was very good. There is a villain on the show... a short, squatty guy who is causing all kinds of havoc. Unfortunately, I think I like him. He's very cocky. He lies. And then he bullies all the other survivors to make them do his bidding. (He's what Roxie would be like if she ever played Survivor. I'm kidding! Sort of!) It's anyone's game, but Roxie and the boys seemed to have picked the ones who could go to the end. (My Rocket Scientist guy is not good... not good at all!)
Book - Since I've run late posting today because of Internet problems yesterday, the book of the week will show up some time later in the day.
Have a great weekend... wet or not. Do something simple with your family sometime during these next two days (or something big). Whatever you have the energy for. (We've talked about my energy level... We're going the simple route!) Next week will be Disney week on the blog. I'll be sharing stories and pictures from the most wonderful place ever created for kids of all ages. Feel free to share some of your stories, too.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Yes! The weekend is here, and that means something different for everyone out there reading this today. It may mean football, band competitions, birthday celebrations, volleyball tournaments, family gatherings, or sleeping late on a rainy Saturday morning (that would be heavenly). Every family is going to have a different weekend. Every family has it's own unique rhythm. Every family has it's own way of doing things.
I love that. I love hearing about different things different families do... whether for special occasions or just the every day stuff. Being a "copier," this info is where I get MUCH of my "material." So if you ever have an idea or something you want to share, as I've said before, feel free. I don't think I've ever taken credit for something that wasn't mine (and if I have it is only because I had a momentary brain malfunction.) I'm having more and more and more of those lately. The bad news is it's not bothering me as much as when I first noticed it happening.
A COUPLE OF REMINDERS - Project 365 is still going strong. So far, I haven't missed a day, but of course, I haven't even hit my 31st picture yet. I don't want to brag too much since I still have over 320 pictures to go. (Gee, I wish I hadn't written that. It's a little depressing.) I'll be posting Friday, Saturday and Sunday Project 365 pics, and you can click on Belinda's Project 365 on the sidebar this weekend to take a look if you're interested.
Also, if you are a Newbie to the blog, you can now go to the sidebar and click on Newbie Information which will give you all the info you need to master the intricacies of A Simple Life. If you only read one thing, I would ask you to read Josh's Journey since it is the main reason I started this blog in the first place.
Okay. Let's get on with the Friday "stuff."
AUSTIN UPDATE - Austin is still doing very well living away from home. He's experiencing many new exciting things, and because he's always been a "talker," he shares many of those "things" with us. He had two articles in the school paper this week... one about the game, and one from attending the press conference with the coach. Next week, he's doing a player bio and the press conference articles while another student writes about the game.
When he left Monday morning, I mentioned to him to make sure he had time to change clothes before he went to the press conference. "Why? I'm just going straight from class," he responded.
"Well, I'm not sure, but since the 'real' newspapers are going to be there, no one is going to be dressed in plaid shorts and a JSU t-shirt with flip flops."
"Ahh. They know I'm a student. It will be fine." I didn't say another word.
Around 11:15 I received a call. At first I thought it was a heavy breather (I love those), but then I realized it was just Austin running across the quad. "Problem?" I asked sweetly.
"I showed up at the press conference a few minutes early and everyone was dressed up. Some even had ties. I'll be fine with my brown slacks and polo shirt though," he puffed. I didn't say I told you so... Oh, how I wanted to, but I refrained.
"Good luck," I said as I hung up.
At 12:30 I received another call. "It was great!" he said. "They gave me a sheet of statements from the coach so I would know what questions NOT to ask. I loved it."
"Wonderful. And were you dressed okay?" I asked.
"Yeah. But I couldn't find my brown socks."
You would only have to know me a minute to realize how much this bothered me. "What did you do? Did you wear your black uniform socks?"
"Oh, man. I wish I had thought about that."
I was getting bothered more by the minute. "What did you wear?" I asked, bracing myself.
"Don't worry. I wore my dress shoes and no socks."
Ugh!!! "Well, at least tell me you didn't sit down where people could see your hairy white ankles."
"Of course I sat down. I didn't know how long it was going to last, and I don't like to write standing up."
Oh, Austin... Throw me a bone here! "Did you at least sit in the back?"
"No. Closer to the front."
I stopped. I didn't want to know if he sat on the front row. It would be more than I could take.
This Monday when he leaves he's taking four pair of brown socks... FOUR PAIR. (And I know if that's the worse thing that ever happens at college, I will consider myself very, very fortunate.)
Weekend Happenings
We have a lot of "what ifs" this weekend. NO MATTER WHAT, Roxie begins the county volleyball tournament tonight. THE BIG ONE! IF they win at least one of the two games, they will play Saturday and continue to play until they are eliminated OR WIN IT ALL!
IF it rains out the Gadsden Band Expo Saturday, Austin will get to come home early (Friday night or Saturday morning), and he will watch Roxie play at least one or two of her tournament games. IF if doesn't rain, he will be home Saturday night after the band performs.
IF Auburn is on a channel we have, Josh will watch the game from home Saturday night. IF we don't have the channel, he's hoping to watch from Grandmother's house. IF Austin does get to come home earlier than planned, he will probably be watching the game with his brother.
Roxie's family birthday party WILL DEFINITELY BE Sunday. There are no "what ifs" associated with her celebration. Also a "definite-do" will be the watching of The Amazing Race by the Faulkner Five Sunday night after church. I'M DECLARING IT! (Declaring something can sometimes backfire on you. I'm very brave to have done so!)
We'll see if this weekend goes according to plan!
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Five
Well, the time finally arrived to schedule a C-Section. The table we called my stomach was now measuring around 50 weeks... and growing daily. Uncomfortable doesn't seem to be an adequate word to describe the way I felt. And trying not to be fearful was very, very difficult.
The day of the scheduled C-Section, September 25, 1996, we arrived at the hospital. Everything was in place. The plan had not changed. Mike and Mom were to stay with Roxie NO MATTER WHAT, and Daddy would stay with me.
At noon, we went to the operating room to get Roxie. In a matter of a few minutes, Mike and I heard crying. Crying with gusto, actually. And then we met Roxie. Fat, angry, red cheeks, a little auburn hair... she didn't look like her esophagus wasn't attached to her stomach.
The nurse cleaned her and right before they took her away for her tests, she gave her to me one more time to kiss. The nurse leaned down and whispered in my ear, "What did you name this baby?"
"Roxie," I replied.
"Perfect," the nurse said... and then after a quick kiss and an "I love you" from Mikie, they were gone.
I was later taken to a semi-dark room. No one was there. I looked at the clock on the wall. It had been an hour since I had went into the operating room. I picked up the phone, but it wasn't connected. Very, very strange.
Of all things, a workman came in to work on the thermostat. I asked him to turn on a light and to keep the door open. I then asked him if he could find a nurse. He kindly did so.
When the nurse arrived, she asked if I needed pain meds which I refused. Although I knew the epidural was wearing off, when I take pain meds I am out for the count. I didn't want to be unconscious if they had to take Roxie to Children's. I asked her if she had seen my Dad. She said no, but she would watch for him. Again, very, very strange.
The clock kept ticking. I had now been in the room over 30 minutes by myself. Where was Daddy? Something was wrong. The only reason for him to not be with me would be because something was not right with Roxie. About that time, I saw him walking past the door. I yelled for him, and he came and sat down beside me... his assigned post for the day. He said he had been looking for me for over 30 minutes, but no one knew where I was. He had been going into rooms (containing new mothers) for the last half hour just looking. It was a wonder he wasn't arrested!
We sat in a very comfortable silence, holding hands and waiting. He didn't know to ask about pain medication, and I didn't tell him what I was doing, but my epidural was wearing off pretty fast.
We received a couple of phone calls during the long day from my Mom and Mike giving us updates on the testing and we continued to wait.
My Aunt Connie and my mom's best friend, Mrs. Davis, came in to check on me. They knew pretty soon into the conversation I was not taking meds. If I remember correctly (and I probably don't), they really jumped Daddy about not taking care of that little issue. But again, being a man who had never given birth, he was totally oblivious.
Needless to say, the nurse and I had to come to an agreement on what I could take that would take the edge off the pain, but would allow me to stay awake enough to know what was going on with Miss Roxie. That taken care of, we waited some more.
When Mom came in several hours later, she gave us the news everything in Roxie was "connected." No surgery needed. They were going to move me to a room and then Mikie and Roxie were coming to see me. I held her again at 7:00 p.m. that night. Seven hours after she was born. And then I had the nurse bring me some really, really strong pain meds!
And that's Roxie's Birth Day Story. Again, not to compare or complain to other women who have been through so much more. It is simply her story... her beginning... our beginning as the Faulkner Five.
I wrote this in her baby book while I was in the hospital 13 years ago (on heavy, heavy pain meds), but it's still true today...
"September 25, 1996 - When Austin was born, I was amazed at how much I loved him. He was my total obsession. When Joshua was born, I was amazed I could love another child as much as my first. He was my heart. When Roxie was born, I was amazed God had blessed me yet again with this beautiful little girl. She was (and is) my heart's desire."
I know you're glad this week is finally over. Remember, we're going to Disney next week... on the blog, I mean. No more baby stories until October 5. (Sorry. Josh's birthday is October 4.)
TV Review - Survivor was very good. There is a villain on the show... a short, squatty guy who is causing all kinds of havoc. Unfortunately, I think I like him. He's very cocky. He lies. And then he bullies all the other survivors to make them do his bidding. (He's what Roxie would be like if she ever played Survivor. I'm kidding! Sort of!) It's anyone's game, but Roxie and the boys seemed to have picked the ones who could go to the end. (My Rocket Scientist guy is not good... not good at all!)
Book - Since I've run late posting today because of Internet problems yesterday, the book of the week will show up some time later in the day.
Have a great weekend... wet or not. Do something simple with your family sometime during these next two days (or something big). Whatever you have the energy for. (We've talked about my energy level... We're going the simple route!) Next week will be Disney week on the blog. I'll be sharing stories and pictures from the most wonderful place ever created for kids of all ages. Feel free to share some of your stories, too.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Letter Hunt
Good Thursday morning!
My favorite day is finally here. And it's going to be a good one, too. I can just feel it in my bones.
We're going to get right to it today. We have a lot to talk about, and a lot of material to cover, so there's no time to dilly dally.
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Four
As the weeks slowly went by (as they so often do in the last trimester of pregnancy), my numbers went up. It took a long time, but three weeks before Roxie was due, I had reached the "borderline number." It wasn't my goal number, but the doctor was much more confident of a safe delivery at this point of the pregnancy.
However, as I stated before, we were about to hit Incident #4 of this pregnancy. I was now going to the doctor weekly. A sure sign you are going to have the baby sooner than later. I was huge. And I don't mean huge from eating powdered doughnuts and Sneaky Pete's hotdogs thrice daily (see Austin's Birth Day Story). I mean huge as in Kate Gosselin! However, we knew because of multiple ultrasounds, there was only one little baby in there. Hmmm.
"You're measuring over 44 weeks," the doctor told me.
"I thought when you measured 40 weeks, it was pretty much time for the baby," I said.
"That is correct. Let's do another ultrasound and try to figure out what's going on," he said.
Now, I'm okay with ultrasounds. Except for a little cold jelly on the belly, it isn't painful, and because it is basically taking pictures of the baby, it's right up my alley.
"The baby is a normal size for 37 weeks. However, there is a very large amount of fluid," he told me. Fluid. That didn't sound bad. I could set a two-piece place setting of china and a pot roast on top of my belly and still have room for the dessert tray, but as long as it was just fluid causing my enormity, I could deal with that.
"What causes extra fluid? Am I drinking too much?" I asked.
"No. There is a 50-50 chance that the baby's esophagus is not attached to the stomach. That means instead of the fluid going completely through the baby, it is backing up." He let that sink in a little.
"That doesn't sound good," I finally said. "How do we get the esophagus to attach to the stomach?"
He then went on to explain that after Roxie was born, she would be whisked away to NICU for testing. They would have to give her a dye and X-ray her to make sure it went through her entire digestive tract. It would show if the esophagus wasn't attached.
I thought about that information for a little while. "What if it isn't attached?"
"We transport her to Children's and she'll have surgery that day to correct the problem. It's a pretty basic surgery," he reassured me.
"Can I go with her?" I asked.
"No. We won't transport you, because unless you go into labor before we schedule this birth, you'll have to stay put and recover from your C-Section."
Okay. This man was getting on my last nerve. He was nothing but a big fat bad news bearer from beginning to end.
"That's not acceptable. If one of my kids is having surgery, I will need to be there," I said stubbornly.
"You're not understanding," he said just as stubbornly. "This will have to be taken care of quickly. As soon as we see a blockage, she'll be transported immediately."
After asking a few more questions, I waddled out to the waiting room where Mike was waiting to drive me home. Everything had happened so fast in the doctor's office, I hadn't even had time to call him back. We talked about this latest development on the drive home.
"Okay. Here's the deal. I want you to stay with Roxie from the minute she's born until we know what's going on. I want you to ride in the ambulance with her, and be outside the operating room waiting for her, and I don't want you to leave her side until you know she's okay. Mom will go with you, too. And Daddy will stay with me until we hear something."
"I'm not going to like leaving you after you have surgery, but that's what we'll have to do," he agreed.
With a plan in place, we prepared ourselves for the birth of our third (and final) child. We were to wait two weeks for the scheduled C-Section. (The ultrasound indicated she was a little small, and if she was to have surgery, they wanted her to be a little heavier.) Needless to say, it was going to be a long two weeks.
You'll be glad to know, Roxie will be born tomorrow as far as this story is concerned (which is actually her real 13th birthday). How's that for good timing?
You've gone this long, you might as well come back tomorrow and finish the story. You know you want to!
Weekend Family Fun
As always, most of these were taken from http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom. Check her website throughout the week... Not only for things to do, but for great bargains, freebies, etc.
Southern Women's Show - The Southern Women's Show is scheduled for today through Sunday. You'll want to know about these great offers the Show has scheduled.
To celebrate the Show's 25th birthday they are planning deals for each day of the show...
The first 100 guests on each day will get a reusable tote.
On Thursday, it is Chick-Fil-A Day. The first 500 guests will receive a stuffed cow, plus there will be opportunities to win great Chick-Fil-A prizes including party trays and calendars.
On Friday, watch the Firefighter Fashion Show on the Best Buy stage at 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, you receive free admission if you were born in 1984. Bring your driver's license to prove your birth date and get free admission on Saturday.
On Sunday, Panera Bread is offering the first 150 guests to the Show that day breakfast bites.
Pumpkin Patches - Let's get ready to pick pumpkins. Most of the state's pumpkin patches will open this weekend and close on Halloween. From mazes, inflatables and wagon rides to selecting the perfect pumpkin, let the season begin.
Here's a round up of some of the patches in the Birmingham area opening soon:
The Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden (Blount County) opens September 26 through October 31. They are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to dark; and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until dark.
Old Baker Farm Pumpkin Patch in Harpersville (Shelby County) opens September 26 through October 31. Admission includes all activities except for food and vendor purchases.
They are open Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to dark; Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to dark; and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to dark.
Sloss Furnaces Fall Festival is October 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5. Advance ticket purchase is strongly advised. You can get them by phone or in person at Sloss Museum Store.
There will be carnival games, hay rides, peanut boil, a pumpkin patch and decorating.
Call (205) 324-1911 for more information.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a different pumpkin patch. Burnette Farms in Thorsby, Alabama looks inviting. I've never been, but I looked at their website (www.BurnetteFarms.com). If you end up giving them a try, let me know what you think!
There's a lot more coming up for next week, too. I'll have a farm a week for you to research and maybe visit during the month of October. The farms will make a great day trip for the family.
Letter Hunt
This idea was also on the aforementioned website. However, I thought it would make a great date for a parent and child. Read how (and why) the Letter Hunt began...
The family and I took off in our family truck one recent Sunday, and gave the older kids an assignment. They were told to spot the letters in our last name.
We drove around downtown on a Sunday afternoon. From the north side to the south side it was empty and perfect for slowing down and stopping.
We were looking for cool Ds, Es, Ms, As and Ns. It could be a shape on a building, a letter in a sign. If it was cool, we took the picture.
Why were we doing this?
We've created a snapshot wall with gallery style lighting at home. It's painted dark gray. I got a cool vintage frame at the thrift store. I refinished it and created my own matte and placed all six 5 x 7 pictures in the frame.
I also spent less than $15 on the whole project (not counting the gas we used driving around town).
The point is, we'll continue to look for cool letters on vacations, etc. If we see something worth snapping and framing we can easily replace our name on the wall.
The kids loved the mini-scavenger hunt.
VARIATION - We LIKE urban and vintage themes. You may like rural and natural themes. You can mix the two. It's perfectly acceptable. Document where you found your letters.
We like color. You may like black and white or sepia.
You can do this for a gift too. New baby, couple getting married, house-warming gift.
Doesn't that sound like fun? She's not only smart about saving money... she loves planning unique things to do as a family. I love her! I think Roxie and I are going to try this in November on a gray day downtown. Great idea!
Have a dry Thursday. It's going to be a good day because there will be NO storms that knock out our power and make it impossible to see the entirety of Survivor! I DECLARE IT! And that means tomorrow I'll have a TV Review. Also, I am pleased to announce Amazing Race starts this Sunday, so next week, I'll have not one, but two TV Reviews. Yes. Things are finally cranking back up. We'll finish up the week with a book, a look at Weekend Happenings and the final chapter in Roxie's Birth Day Story. I bet you thought she'd never get here... I certainly didn't!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
My favorite day is finally here. And it's going to be a good one, too. I can just feel it in my bones.
We're going to get right to it today. We have a lot to talk about, and a lot of material to cover, so there's no time to dilly dally.
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Four
As the weeks slowly went by (as they so often do in the last trimester of pregnancy), my numbers went up. It took a long time, but three weeks before Roxie was due, I had reached the "borderline number." It wasn't my goal number, but the doctor was much more confident of a safe delivery at this point of the pregnancy.
However, as I stated before, we were about to hit Incident #4 of this pregnancy. I was now going to the doctor weekly. A sure sign you are going to have the baby sooner than later. I was huge. And I don't mean huge from eating powdered doughnuts and Sneaky Pete's hotdogs thrice daily (see Austin's Birth Day Story). I mean huge as in Kate Gosselin! However, we knew because of multiple ultrasounds, there was only one little baby in there. Hmmm.
"You're measuring over 44 weeks," the doctor told me.
"I thought when you measured 40 weeks, it was pretty much time for the baby," I said.
"That is correct. Let's do another ultrasound and try to figure out what's going on," he said.
Now, I'm okay with ultrasounds. Except for a little cold jelly on the belly, it isn't painful, and because it is basically taking pictures of the baby, it's right up my alley.
"The baby is a normal size for 37 weeks. However, there is a very large amount of fluid," he told me. Fluid. That didn't sound bad. I could set a two-piece place setting of china and a pot roast on top of my belly and still have room for the dessert tray, but as long as it was just fluid causing my enormity, I could deal with that.
"What causes extra fluid? Am I drinking too much?" I asked.
"No. There is a 50-50 chance that the baby's esophagus is not attached to the stomach. That means instead of the fluid going completely through the baby, it is backing up." He let that sink in a little.
"That doesn't sound good," I finally said. "How do we get the esophagus to attach to the stomach?"
He then went on to explain that after Roxie was born, she would be whisked away to NICU for testing. They would have to give her a dye and X-ray her to make sure it went through her entire digestive tract. It would show if the esophagus wasn't attached.
I thought about that information for a little while. "What if it isn't attached?"
"We transport her to Children's and she'll have surgery that day to correct the problem. It's a pretty basic surgery," he reassured me.
"Can I go with her?" I asked.
"No. We won't transport you, because unless you go into labor before we schedule this birth, you'll have to stay put and recover from your C-Section."
Okay. This man was getting on my last nerve. He was nothing but a big fat bad news bearer from beginning to end.
"That's not acceptable. If one of my kids is having surgery, I will need to be there," I said stubbornly.
"You're not understanding," he said just as stubbornly. "This will have to be taken care of quickly. As soon as we see a blockage, she'll be transported immediately."
After asking a few more questions, I waddled out to the waiting room where Mike was waiting to drive me home. Everything had happened so fast in the doctor's office, I hadn't even had time to call him back. We talked about this latest development on the drive home.
"Okay. Here's the deal. I want you to stay with Roxie from the minute she's born until we know what's going on. I want you to ride in the ambulance with her, and be outside the operating room waiting for her, and I don't want you to leave her side until you know she's okay. Mom will go with you, too. And Daddy will stay with me until we hear something."
"I'm not going to like leaving you after you have surgery, but that's what we'll have to do," he agreed.
With a plan in place, we prepared ourselves for the birth of our third (and final) child. We were to wait two weeks for the scheduled C-Section. (The ultrasound indicated she was a little small, and if she was to have surgery, they wanted her to be a little heavier.) Needless to say, it was going to be a long two weeks.
You'll be glad to know, Roxie will be born tomorrow as far as this story is concerned (which is actually her real 13th birthday). How's that for good timing?
You've gone this long, you might as well come back tomorrow and finish the story. You know you want to!
Weekend Family Fun
As always, most of these were taken from http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom. Check her website throughout the week... Not only for things to do, but for great bargains, freebies, etc.
Southern Women's Show - The Southern Women's Show is scheduled for today through Sunday. You'll want to know about these great offers the Show has scheduled.
To celebrate the Show's 25th birthday they are planning deals for each day of the show...
The first 100 guests on each day will get a reusable tote.
On Thursday, it is Chick-Fil-A Day. The first 500 guests will receive a stuffed cow, plus there will be opportunities to win great Chick-Fil-A prizes including party trays and calendars.
On Friday, watch the Firefighter Fashion Show on the Best Buy stage at 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, you receive free admission if you were born in 1984. Bring your driver's license to prove your birth date and get free admission on Saturday.
On Sunday, Panera Bread is offering the first 150 guests to the Show that day breakfast bites.
Pumpkin Patches - Let's get ready to pick pumpkins. Most of the state's pumpkin patches will open this weekend and close on Halloween. From mazes, inflatables and wagon rides to selecting the perfect pumpkin, let the season begin.
Here's a round up of some of the patches in the Birmingham area opening soon:
The Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden (Blount County) opens September 26 through October 31. They are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to dark; and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until dark.
Old Baker Farm Pumpkin Patch in Harpersville (Shelby County) opens September 26 through October 31. Admission includes all activities except for food and vendor purchases.
They are open Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to dark; Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to dark; and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to dark.
Sloss Furnaces Fall Festival is October 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5. Advance ticket purchase is strongly advised. You can get them by phone or in person at Sloss Museum Store.
There will be carnival games, hay rides, peanut boil, a pumpkin patch and decorating.
Call (205) 324-1911 for more information.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a different pumpkin patch. Burnette Farms in Thorsby, Alabama looks inviting. I've never been, but I looked at their website (www.BurnetteFarms.com). If you end up giving them a try, let me know what you think!
There's a lot more coming up for next week, too. I'll have a farm a week for you to research and maybe visit during the month of October. The farms will make a great day trip for the family.
Letter Hunt
This idea was also on the aforementioned website. However, I thought it would make a great date for a parent and child. Read how (and why) the Letter Hunt began...
The family and I took off in our family truck one recent Sunday, and gave the older kids an assignment. They were told to spot the letters in our last name.
We drove around downtown on a Sunday afternoon. From the north side to the south side it was empty and perfect for slowing down and stopping.
We were looking for cool Ds, Es, Ms, As and Ns. It could be a shape on a building, a letter in a sign. If it was cool, we took the picture.
Why were we doing this?
We've created a snapshot wall with gallery style lighting at home. It's painted dark gray. I got a cool vintage frame at the thrift store. I refinished it and created my own matte and placed all six 5 x 7 pictures in the frame.
I also spent less than $15 on the whole project (not counting the gas we used driving around town).
The point is, we'll continue to look for cool letters on vacations, etc. If we see something worth snapping and framing we can easily replace our name on the wall.
The kids loved the mini-scavenger hunt.
VARIATION - We LIKE urban and vintage themes. You may like rural and natural themes. You can mix the two. It's perfectly acceptable. Document where you found your letters.
We like color. You may like black and white or sepia.
You can do this for a gift too. New baby, couple getting married, house-warming gift.
Doesn't that sound like fun? She's not only smart about saving money... she loves planning unique things to do as a family. I love her! I think Roxie and I are going to try this in November on a gray day downtown. Great idea!
Have a dry Thursday. It's going to be a good day because there will be NO storms that knock out our power and make it impossible to see the entirety of Survivor! I DECLARE IT! And that means tomorrow I'll have a TV Review. Also, I am pleased to announce Amazing Race starts this Sunday, so next week, I'll have not one, but two TV Reviews. Yes. Things are finally cranking back up. We'll finish up the week with a book, a look at Weekend Happenings and the final chapter in Roxie's Birth Day Story. I bet you thought she'd never get here... I certainly didn't!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
More Birthday Ideas and Memory Builders
Good Wednesday morning!
Two more Gallery Pics of Roxie... But wait! There's more.
Many of Roxie's friends turned out for the final home game before the tournament, and cheered the team to VICTORY! Thank you, girls.
But wait! There's even more! Turnip green soup and Mexican cornbread! You have to admit, like it or not, the turnip green soup is very colorful and pretty, isn't it? And you'll also have to admit, if you make it, the house smells wonderful and very fallish while it's cooking (because of the sausage, I think). Loved it! Very, very good soup. Mexican cornbread... LOVED IT, TOO! Try some today, please!
NOTE TO JOAN - Hi, Joan. I left you a response to your comment IN yesterday's comment section. Check it out, please.
NOTE TO MICHELLE - Hi, Michelle. I also left you a response to your comment IN yesterday's comment section. I need you to check it out, too, please.
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Three
I told you it was a very loooong pregnancy. I also told you there were two more incidences before Roxie's arrival. The first two had to do with Roxie, but the third was all me.
In July, two months after our UAB appointment, I began to feel more tired than normal. Now this is tricky, because I am, and have been as long as I can remember, always very, very tired. It's who I am. I have NEVER had insomnia. I sleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. (Don't hate me because I'm well-rested. I would say, "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful," but the sheet marks embedded in my face 24/7 take away from my natural prettiness.)
This was different. I even talked to my doctor about my exhaustion. He said, "Well, you're three months away from delivering a new baby, and you're taking care of two very active little boys. Of course you're tired."
No kidding, Sherlock. "I'm telling you. This is different. This is 'If you walk out of the room to get a chart, when you come back I'll be zonked out on this comfortable table with the stirrups and the paper sheet-tired.' This is 'If Barry Manilow were to walk in your waiting room, I would have to wave weakly from where I was sitting because I don't have the energy to get up and go meet him-tired.' This is SO MUCH MORE than 'running after two little boys with a watermelon strapped around my waist-tired.'"
He looked at me. Then he looked at my chart. "Well, when we tested your iron last month it was close to being borderline. Let's check that again."
Thank you, Sherlock! Another blood test. Another day of waiting by the phone. (Well, actually I was asleep on the couch, but mentally, I was pacing the floor). Finally, a phone call. "You are EXTREMELY anemic. I'm talking 'blood transfusion' anemic. I'm talking we've got to get your levels up and soon!"
All right. An explanation. And now a solution. "You're going to bottom out before your levels begin to rise." To this day, this does not make sense to me, but recently I talked to someone who said the same thing happened to her. You have to get worse before you get better.
"Well, I'm pretty much wiped out 20 out of 24 hours a day now. What are we talking about here?" I asked.
"You don't need to drive for a week because you could pass out behind the wheel. And if you go to sleep, and no one is able to wake you up, you'll need to call the paramedics."
Hmmm. I didn't like the sound of that. Mikie had to get up at 6:00 and leave for work around 7:00, so he could make sure I got up from my night-time sleep, but it would be up to the boys to make sure I got up after their naptime. But in my heart of hearts, I am a teacher! It was time for a little lesson.
"Austin. Do you know what to do if there is an emergency?" I asked.
"Call 9-1-1!" he responded correctly.
"That's right," I said. "Now, what is an emergency?"
"FIRE!" both of the boys said in one voice, both smiling ear-to-ear.
Okay. That was a little disturbing. "Well, yes. That is definitely an emergency. But I'm going to talk to you about something else that is an emergency. Mommy has something called 'anemia.' Can you say 'anemia?'"
"A-men-ia," they said.
"Close enough," I said in my best teacher voice. "Anemia means Mommy might go to sleep, and it would be very hard to wake me up. I'm okay, but I need a little help to wake up. This is only going to last for one week. So, if you come in Mommy's room (or see Mommy on the floor), if I don't wake up from my nap, you will need to call 9-1-1. Okay?"
Big grins. "All right!" they shouted with gusto. Okay. I was a little disturbed again.
"But you have to try to wake Mommy up. Do not see me taking a nap and just assume I need help from the paramedics. You have to try first. Promise?" I had visions of waking up and having three paramedics standing over my bed. (Not a bad vision, but not how you want the local paramedics spending their precious time either.)
Needless to say, we spent several minutes practicing "waking" me up, and the boys did a very good job. I felt we had the anemia-thing under control.
And in fact, seven days later when I went for another blood test, I had indeed bottomed-out. I had no where else to go but up. But the doctor said I had to be at a certain number (there are those numbers I don't understand again) before Roxie was born for it to be "safe delivery."
Now we were talking. A goal. And a specific "number" I was trying to reach in a certain number of days. You know. Like 75 Christmas cards this year. This I could do. In fact, I was born to do this.
Tomorrow, I'll tell you how Incident Number Three turned out, and we'll talk about our final complication before Roxie arrived. Sorry. This story is going to last all week. However, there is some good news. I don't start telling Josh's Birth Day Story until Monday, October 5, so there's a little break in there for the womb-weary!
Maybe next week we could talk about Disney! I absolutely LOVE Disney, and that would be a light, happy little story comparatively, wouldn't it? Okay. Hang with me two more days, and next week we'll talk about Disney! I promise.
Wednesday Wisdom
This is a quote from a young lady I've known for many, many years. She is my Josh's age (almost 16), and she is a beautiful, graceful, award-winning dancer. You might say, "dancing is her thing!" She said something that became the saying on the back of Roxie's dance t-shirt, and I just loved it. "Life is not a dress rehearsal, but a performance. And the best part of the performance is the encore." Well said, Victoria Niblett. Well said!
More Birthday Ideas
These are just a few more ideas from 15 Minute Family Traditions and Memories (many of which you have probably already heard of or thought about... but just in case!).
1. Birthday flag or banner - You've seen our Winnie the Pooh flag. That is an EASY and fun way to start the celebration.
2. A song at 9:02 a.m. - On June 8, a friend of ours was born at 9:02 a.m., and at the exact time each year her family sings "Happy Birthday" to her. Even today, though married and living in another state, she still looks forward to that traditional call.
3. Weekend celebration - Try to celebrate your children's birthdays at a hotel that has a pool, game room, and nearby restaurants.
4. Birthday outings - Birthdays are a great time to plan a trip to the park, a beach or the mountains. Or you might go boating or sailing. Use your imagination to create that most unusual birthday theme. Don't get in a rut of doing the same thing each year.
Memory Builders
A memory-builder doesn't have to be limited to one season of the year or a certain holiday. It can be any event that later becomes a happy memory -- a family ritual, a season, a tradition, or even the creation of a memorable event out of the ordinary day.
1. Having a "Bowl Game Party" each New Year's Day.
2. Going on a mission trip each summer on the church's work trip.
3. Helping feed the homeless at the Jimmie Hale Mission on Thanksgiving (or some other day that isn't a holiday).
4. Spending a week with your extended family once a year at the lake, the mountains or the beach.
As I've said before, this book is a good tool to get you thinking about ways to make memories with your own family. Take an idea and make it your own today!
Have a fun Wednesday. Supposedly, the rain will be diminishing in Alabama today. As always, anything can (and will) happen in Alabama! Tomorrow we'll have some Weekend Family Fun ideas, a fun date and a little more of Miss Roxie's Birth Day Story. I may even go into labor!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Well-Rested and Enchanting Belinda
Two more Gallery Pics of Roxie... But wait! There's more.
Many of Roxie's friends turned out for the final home game before the tournament, and cheered the team to VICTORY! Thank you, girls.
But wait! There's even more! Turnip green soup and Mexican cornbread! You have to admit, like it or not, the turnip green soup is very colorful and pretty, isn't it? And you'll also have to admit, if you make it, the house smells wonderful and very fallish while it's cooking (because of the sausage, I think). Loved it! Very, very good soup. Mexican cornbread... LOVED IT, TOO! Try some today, please!
NOTE TO JOAN - Hi, Joan. I left you a response to your comment IN yesterday's comment section. Check it out, please.
NOTE TO MICHELLE - Hi, Michelle. I also left you a response to your comment IN yesterday's comment section. I need you to check it out, too, please.
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Three
I told you it was a very loooong pregnancy. I also told you there were two more incidences before Roxie's arrival. The first two had to do with Roxie, but the third was all me.
In July, two months after our UAB appointment, I began to feel more tired than normal. Now this is tricky, because I am, and have been as long as I can remember, always very, very tired. It's who I am. I have NEVER had insomnia. I sleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. (Don't hate me because I'm well-rested. I would say, "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful," but the sheet marks embedded in my face 24/7 take away from my natural prettiness.)
This was different. I even talked to my doctor about my exhaustion. He said, "Well, you're three months away from delivering a new baby, and you're taking care of two very active little boys. Of course you're tired."
No kidding, Sherlock. "I'm telling you. This is different. This is 'If you walk out of the room to get a chart, when you come back I'll be zonked out on this comfortable table with the stirrups and the paper sheet-tired.' This is 'If Barry Manilow were to walk in your waiting room, I would have to wave weakly from where I was sitting because I don't have the energy to get up and go meet him-tired.' This is SO MUCH MORE than 'running after two little boys with a watermelon strapped around my waist-tired.'"
He looked at me. Then he looked at my chart. "Well, when we tested your iron last month it was close to being borderline. Let's check that again."
Thank you, Sherlock! Another blood test. Another day of waiting by the phone. (Well, actually I was asleep on the couch, but mentally, I was pacing the floor). Finally, a phone call. "You are EXTREMELY anemic. I'm talking 'blood transfusion' anemic. I'm talking we've got to get your levels up and soon!"
All right. An explanation. And now a solution. "You're going to bottom out before your levels begin to rise." To this day, this does not make sense to me, but recently I talked to someone who said the same thing happened to her. You have to get worse before you get better.
"Well, I'm pretty much wiped out 20 out of 24 hours a day now. What are we talking about here?" I asked.
"You don't need to drive for a week because you could pass out behind the wheel. And if you go to sleep, and no one is able to wake you up, you'll need to call the paramedics."
Hmmm. I didn't like the sound of that. Mikie had to get up at 6:00 and leave for work around 7:00, so he could make sure I got up from my night-time sleep, but it would be up to the boys to make sure I got up after their naptime. But in my heart of hearts, I am a teacher! It was time for a little lesson.
"Austin. Do you know what to do if there is an emergency?" I asked.
"Call 9-1-1!" he responded correctly.
"That's right," I said. "Now, what is an emergency?"
"FIRE!" both of the boys said in one voice, both smiling ear-to-ear.
Okay. That was a little disturbing. "Well, yes. That is definitely an emergency. But I'm going to talk to you about something else that is an emergency. Mommy has something called 'anemia.' Can you say 'anemia?'"
"A-men-ia," they said.
"Close enough," I said in my best teacher voice. "Anemia means Mommy might go to sleep, and it would be very hard to wake me up. I'm okay, but I need a little help to wake up. This is only going to last for one week. So, if you come in Mommy's room (or see Mommy on the floor), if I don't wake up from my nap, you will need to call 9-1-1. Okay?"
Big grins. "All right!" they shouted with gusto. Okay. I was a little disturbed again.
"But you have to try to wake Mommy up. Do not see me taking a nap and just assume I need help from the paramedics. You have to try first. Promise?" I had visions of waking up and having three paramedics standing over my bed. (Not a bad vision, but not how you want the local paramedics spending their precious time either.)
Needless to say, we spent several minutes practicing "waking" me up, and the boys did a very good job. I felt we had the anemia-thing under control.
And in fact, seven days later when I went for another blood test, I had indeed bottomed-out. I had no where else to go but up. But the doctor said I had to be at a certain number (there are those numbers I don't understand again) before Roxie was born for it to be "safe delivery."
Now we were talking. A goal. And a specific "number" I was trying to reach in a certain number of days. You know. Like 75 Christmas cards this year. This I could do. In fact, I was born to do this.
Tomorrow, I'll tell you how Incident Number Three turned out, and we'll talk about our final complication before Roxie arrived. Sorry. This story is going to last all week. However, there is some good news. I don't start telling Josh's Birth Day Story until Monday, October 5, so there's a little break in there for the womb-weary!
Maybe next week we could talk about Disney! I absolutely LOVE Disney, and that would be a light, happy little story comparatively, wouldn't it? Okay. Hang with me two more days, and next week we'll talk about Disney! I promise.
Wednesday Wisdom
This is a quote from a young lady I've known for many, many years. She is my Josh's age (almost 16), and she is a beautiful, graceful, award-winning dancer. You might say, "dancing is her thing!" She said something that became the saying on the back of Roxie's dance t-shirt, and I just loved it. "Life is not a dress rehearsal, but a performance. And the best part of the performance is the encore." Well said, Victoria Niblett. Well said!
More Birthday Ideas
These are just a few more ideas from 15 Minute Family Traditions and Memories (many of which you have probably already heard of or thought about... but just in case!).
1. Birthday flag or banner - You've seen our Winnie the Pooh flag. That is an EASY and fun way to start the celebration.
2. A song at 9:02 a.m. - On June 8, a friend of ours was born at 9:02 a.m., and at the exact time each year her family sings "Happy Birthday" to her. Even today, though married and living in another state, she still looks forward to that traditional call.
3. Weekend celebration - Try to celebrate your children's birthdays at a hotel that has a pool, game room, and nearby restaurants.
4. Birthday outings - Birthdays are a great time to plan a trip to the park, a beach or the mountains. Or you might go boating or sailing. Use your imagination to create that most unusual birthday theme. Don't get in a rut of doing the same thing each year.
Memory Builders
A memory-builder doesn't have to be limited to one season of the year or a certain holiday. It can be any event that later becomes a happy memory -- a family ritual, a season, a tradition, or even the creation of a memorable event out of the ordinary day.
1. Having a "Bowl Game Party" each New Year's Day.
2. Going on a mission trip each summer on the church's work trip.
3. Helping feed the homeless at the Jimmie Hale Mission on Thanksgiving (or some other day that isn't a holiday).
4. Spending a week with your extended family once a year at the lake, the mountains or the beach.
As I've said before, this book is a good tool to get you thinking about ways to make memories with your own family. Take an idea and make it your own today!
Have a fun Wednesday. Supposedly, the rain will be diminishing in Alabama today. As always, anything can (and will) happen in Alabama! Tomorrow we'll have some Weekend Family Fun ideas, a fun date and a little more of Miss Roxie's Birth Day Story. I may even go into labor!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Well-Rested and Enchanting Belinda
Monday, September 21, 2009
Turnip Green Soup
Good Tuesday morning!
More Gallery Pics of Roxie... no surprise there! It's officially her week, you know.
Josh's JV game was cancelled (again), and disappointment does not even begin to describe his mood. This was the third week in a row he hasn't played... twice because of rain and once because of Labor Day. It is very frustrating for all of the boys.
Roxie played her next-to-last volleyball match last night and we were victorious both matches. We play one more tonight and then the tournament Friday and Saturday. It is a short, but very intense season. It's been fun, and Roxie has done very well for her first official "school" sport.
Austin made it back to school Monday morning. He wrote another article for the school newspaper which will come out Thursday, AND he got to attend a press conference with the coach which may result in a second article in the same paper. (I told Mikie I need a laminator, but not as a Christmas present. I'm afraid I wouldn't be very happy if I got a laminator for Christmas. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to contain my disappointment... or disapproval. Hmmm. Which one would it be? Probably a little of both. If you see him out and about the next few days, put the "laminator bug" in his ear, please.)
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Two
Now where did we leave off... Oh, yes. Mike and I were scheduled for testing at UAB. It was scheduled for May 1.
Bear with me just a moment while I share something that happened before the May 1 appointment. (It is relevant, I promise. God's hand at work.) Joshua was invited to a birthday party at the local park in town, and he and I ran/waddled (respectively) into the park gates. He ran to his friends and began playing, and I looked for a comfortable bench to rest my weary, but as yet, unswollen feet.
I found myself sitting next to a young woman named Laura, and we began a conversation. At the time, she was working with families with Downs' children, as well as other disabilities. I began asking her many, many questions, and she answered them all calmly and in a wonderful matter-of-fact tone. I told her about my test, and she reassured me... not necessarily that the test was probably wrong, but about how our family would be able to handle a special baby. I came to the party anxious, sad, unsure of my abilities as a mother, but thanks to Laura, I left with a peace and reassurance that the Faulkner Five (to be) would not only survive, but thrive. It was my first of many, many lessons in living one day at a time. (Regarding that lesson, I am such a SLOW learner.)
If you have read Josh's Journey, I would now like to mention the Laura I sat with on that park bench a little over 13 years ago is the same Laura I called when Josh was at his worst. The same Laura who told me she loved me, and then put me with the doctor God wanted us to be with. Coincidence... I think not! God's sure and steady hand in an unsure and unsteady world... I know so!
Okay. Back to May 1. Mikie and I dropped the boys off with Grandmother and headed to UAB for the special ultrasound which looks for ten signs of a Downs' baby. We sat for a few minutes holding hands before they called us back. We prayed, stood up and walked into the ultrasound room. A wonderful ultrasound tech named Michelle started the ultrasound. (I later met Michelle again at church... We have sons the same age, and I am proud to say she is a friend to me. She and her husband have lifted our family up in prayer these past almost four years, and they have never NOT stopped to talk to me or Mike to ask how Josh is doing. She's a very special person. Once again... Coincidence that a wonderful Christian woman was performing this stressful test for me and Mikie... I think not! God's sure and steady hand in an unsure and unsteady world... I know so!)
The test went quickly. One, two, three, four... Nothing was showing up on the ultrasound as being abnormal. Five, six, seven, eight... Still nothing. Nine and ten. Nothing. Nada. The things they look for on an ultrasound to determine if the baby has Downs' were not there. The blood test had been a false/positive. As far as they could tell, the baby did not have Downs'.
We were very calm. Then Michelle leaned down and said, "Did you want to know the sex of the baby today?"
Up until that time, if anyone had asked me what we wanted, I was honest. I consider myself a little boy mom, but I would have loved to have a little girl. When we were worried about the health of this baby, the boy/girl thing literally flew out the window. I answered, "It doesn't matter either way, but we have always found out."
"Well, it is definitely a little girl," she said.
"Are you 100% sure?" I asked.
"Pretty sure," Michelle responded.
"Wow," Mike and I said. But let it be known, we would have said "Wow" if it had been a precious little boy, too.
I didn't mention it before, but we had four "incidences" during Roxie's pregnancy. It was May 1, and we had already had two. We thought the rest of the pregnancy would be smooth sailing. However, we had two more obstacles to overcome before Roxie was considered "okay." I'll talk about those a little bit tomorrow!
DISCLAIMER - Please know I am not comparing this pregnancy to other women who have been through so much more in terms of having difficulty conceiving, having special need babies, having extremely difficult labors, having babies in NICU and many, many other hardships. This is very simply Roxie's Birth Day Story. This is her beginning. She knows this story backward and forward, and I tell her this story every year because I want her to see God's hand in her life from the very, very beginning.
Remember, everyone has a story to tell, and that is all this is meant to be... Roxie's Story.
Turnip Green Soup
I bet I know what you just did. I bet you just made a funny face, didn't you? I bet you thought, "I will not like Turnip Green Soup." Well, you and I are just going to have to try it! My friend, Julie Tuggle, has said it is wonderful and all three of her children (even the seven year-old son) LOVE it! So stop turning up your nose and get to cooking!
You will need the following:
1 16-ounce bag of frozen turnip greens
2 cans northern beans (undrained)
2 packages Knorr Vegetable mix
2 packages smoked sausage (cut into small sections and browned)
4 cups water
1 pinch of sugar (Julie says the sugar helps "get rid of the wang." I don't know what that means, but it sounds important, so add the sugar!)
Hot sauce (optional and for taste)
Put all the ingredients in the crock pot for four hours on high. (For some reason, this is always better the next day.)
Julie also agreed to share her Mexican Cornbread recipe with us that goes with the soup.
Mexican Cornbread
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
2 eggs
8 ounces sour cream
1 small can of cream corn
2/3 cup oil
Shredded cheese
Chopped jalapenos (to taste)
Chopped 1/4 to 1/2 onion (to taste)
1. Mix cornmeal, eggs, sour cream, corn, oil, jalapenos and onion.
2. Add handful of cheese to mix.
3. Pour a little jalapeno juice in mix (for taste).
4. Pour batter into muffin tins (1/2 to 2/3 full). Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. This recipe makes about 24 cornbread muffins.
Okay. That's it! A "twofer." I'm making it today for Wednesday night's meal, and I'll be giving the Faulkner Five review Thursday morning (minus Austin until he has his leftovers this coming weekend).
Have a great Tuesday. Although my favorite kind of day is a "gray day," I have to admit I wouldn't mind just a little bit of the sunny stuff peeking through a cloud or two sometime today. Tomorrow we have Wednesday Wisdom from the young friend I told you about last week. I got in touch with her Mom and got the okay to use her quote and name. We'll also have another Seasonal Tradition from my favorite Emilie Barnes' book. Part Three of Roxie's Birth Day Story will be coming up, also. You don't want to miss that, do you?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Extremely Wet and Enchanting Belinda
More Gallery Pics of Roxie... no surprise there! It's officially her week, you know.
Josh's JV game was cancelled (again), and disappointment does not even begin to describe his mood. This was the third week in a row he hasn't played... twice because of rain and once because of Labor Day. It is very frustrating for all of the boys.
Roxie played her next-to-last volleyball match last night and we were victorious both matches. We play one more tonight and then the tournament Friday and Saturday. It is a short, but very intense season. It's been fun, and Roxie has done very well for her first official "school" sport.
Austin made it back to school Monday morning. He wrote another article for the school newspaper which will come out Thursday, AND he got to attend a press conference with the coach which may result in a second article in the same paper. (I told Mikie I need a laminator, but not as a Christmas present. I'm afraid I wouldn't be very happy if I got a laminator for Christmas. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to contain my disappointment... or disapproval. Hmmm. Which one would it be? Probably a little of both. If you see him out and about the next few days, put the "laminator bug" in his ear, please.)
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Two
Now where did we leave off... Oh, yes. Mike and I were scheduled for testing at UAB. It was scheduled for May 1.
Bear with me just a moment while I share something that happened before the May 1 appointment. (It is relevant, I promise. God's hand at work.) Joshua was invited to a birthday party at the local park in town, and he and I ran/waddled (respectively) into the park gates. He ran to his friends and began playing, and I looked for a comfortable bench to rest my weary, but as yet, unswollen feet.
I found myself sitting next to a young woman named Laura, and we began a conversation. At the time, she was working with families with Downs' children, as well as other disabilities. I began asking her many, many questions, and she answered them all calmly and in a wonderful matter-of-fact tone. I told her about my test, and she reassured me... not necessarily that the test was probably wrong, but about how our family would be able to handle a special baby. I came to the party anxious, sad, unsure of my abilities as a mother, but thanks to Laura, I left with a peace and reassurance that the Faulkner Five (to be) would not only survive, but thrive. It was my first of many, many lessons in living one day at a time. (Regarding that lesson, I am such a SLOW learner.)
If you have read Josh's Journey, I would now like to mention the Laura I sat with on that park bench a little over 13 years ago is the same Laura I called when Josh was at his worst. The same Laura who told me she loved me, and then put me with the doctor God wanted us to be with. Coincidence... I think not! God's sure and steady hand in an unsure and unsteady world... I know so!
Okay. Back to May 1. Mikie and I dropped the boys off with Grandmother and headed to UAB for the special ultrasound which looks for ten signs of a Downs' baby. We sat for a few minutes holding hands before they called us back. We prayed, stood up and walked into the ultrasound room. A wonderful ultrasound tech named Michelle started the ultrasound. (I later met Michelle again at church... We have sons the same age, and I am proud to say she is a friend to me. She and her husband have lifted our family up in prayer these past almost four years, and they have never NOT stopped to talk to me or Mike to ask how Josh is doing. She's a very special person. Once again... Coincidence that a wonderful Christian woman was performing this stressful test for me and Mikie... I think not! God's sure and steady hand in an unsure and unsteady world... I know so!)
The test went quickly. One, two, three, four... Nothing was showing up on the ultrasound as being abnormal. Five, six, seven, eight... Still nothing. Nine and ten. Nothing. Nada. The things they look for on an ultrasound to determine if the baby has Downs' were not there. The blood test had been a false/positive. As far as they could tell, the baby did not have Downs'.
We were very calm. Then Michelle leaned down and said, "Did you want to know the sex of the baby today?"
Up until that time, if anyone had asked me what we wanted, I was honest. I consider myself a little boy mom, but I would have loved to have a little girl. When we were worried about the health of this baby, the boy/girl thing literally flew out the window. I answered, "It doesn't matter either way, but we have always found out."
"Well, it is definitely a little girl," she said.
"Are you 100% sure?" I asked.
"Pretty sure," Michelle responded.
"Wow," Mike and I said. But let it be known, we would have said "Wow" if it had been a precious little boy, too.
I didn't mention it before, but we had four "incidences" during Roxie's pregnancy. It was May 1, and we had already had two. We thought the rest of the pregnancy would be smooth sailing. However, we had two more obstacles to overcome before Roxie was considered "okay." I'll talk about those a little bit tomorrow!
DISCLAIMER - Please know I am not comparing this pregnancy to other women who have been through so much more in terms of having difficulty conceiving, having special need babies, having extremely difficult labors, having babies in NICU and many, many other hardships. This is very simply Roxie's Birth Day Story. This is her beginning. She knows this story backward and forward, and I tell her this story every year because I want her to see God's hand in her life from the very, very beginning.
Remember, everyone has a story to tell, and that is all this is meant to be... Roxie's Story.
Turnip Green Soup
I bet I know what you just did. I bet you just made a funny face, didn't you? I bet you thought, "I will not like Turnip Green Soup." Well, you and I are just going to have to try it! My friend, Julie Tuggle, has said it is wonderful and all three of her children (even the seven year-old son) LOVE it! So stop turning up your nose and get to cooking!
You will need the following:
1 16-ounce bag of frozen turnip greens
2 cans northern beans (undrained)
2 packages Knorr Vegetable mix
2 packages smoked sausage (cut into small sections and browned)
4 cups water
1 pinch of sugar (Julie says the sugar helps "get rid of the wang." I don't know what that means, but it sounds important, so add the sugar!)
Hot sauce (optional and for taste)
Put all the ingredients in the crock pot for four hours on high. (For some reason, this is always better the next day.)
Julie also agreed to share her Mexican Cornbread recipe with us that goes with the soup.
Mexican Cornbread
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
2 eggs
8 ounces sour cream
1 small can of cream corn
2/3 cup oil
Shredded cheese
Chopped jalapenos (to taste)
Chopped 1/4 to 1/2 onion (to taste)
1. Mix cornmeal, eggs, sour cream, corn, oil, jalapenos and onion.
2. Add handful of cheese to mix.
3. Pour a little jalapeno juice in mix (for taste).
4. Pour batter into muffin tins (1/2 to 2/3 full). Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. This recipe makes about 24 cornbread muffins.
Okay. That's it! A "twofer." I'm making it today for Wednesday night's meal, and I'll be giving the Faulkner Five review Thursday morning (minus Austin until he has his leftovers this coming weekend).
Have a great Tuesday. Although my favorite kind of day is a "gray day," I have to admit I wouldn't mind just a little bit of the sunny stuff peeking through a cloud or two sometime today. Tomorrow we have Wednesday Wisdom from the young friend I told you about last week. I got in touch with her Mom and got the okay to use her quote and name. We'll also have another Seasonal Tradition from my favorite Emilie Barnes' book. Part Three of Roxie's Birth Day Story will be coming up, also. You don't want to miss that, do you?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Extremely Wet and Enchanting Belinda
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Bible Alphabet
Good Monday morning!
Whew! If you happen to live in Alabama, have you EVER seen so much rain in the months of August and September? Unbelievable!
The Showcase Pic, as well as some of the Gallery Pics, are of Roxie in two different stages of babyhood. Since this is her Birth Day Story week, I'll have one or two of her each day... along with any and everything else that might come up.
The other Gallery Pic is of one my FAVORITE things (other than pumpkins) in the whole world... The new Sandra Lee magazine... The Special Christmas Edition... From my friend, LANA, who bought it for no other reason than because she knew I would LOVE it! That's the best kind of gift you can ever give. No special occasion except "Just Because." Thank you, Lana.
I'm having to change my name from The Enchanting Belinda to The Incredibly Flexible Belinda... and I don't mean "flexible" as in backbends or cartwheels or yoga. EVERYTHING changed this weekend due to the rain.
Mike and I did start off at the high school football game, but left before halftime because of... rain.
They rescheduled the rest of the high school game for 2:00 Saturday... the exact time Mike and I were supposed to leave with Austin to go to the Huntsville Alabama A & M game. Mikie went and I stayed home to be able to pick Josh up when the game was over. (Roxie and I didn't go to the high school game because of extreme wetness and because Josh is on the sidelines. Believe me, if there was a chance he would play, we would most definitely have been there.)
Roxie and Josh were unable to spend the night at Mom's because of all the difficulties caused by... rain. However, Roxie, Josh and I did go to Trussville and eat dinner Saturday evening. We were going to let Josh watch the Auburn game until halftime, and then hurry home so Josh could watch the remainder, but because of... RAIN, the kickoff was delayed, so we had to hurry home an hour earlier than planned to get to Gardendale for the beginning of the game. We didn't quite make it, but we listened on the radio. (War Eagle, by the way!)
I have to say, I didn't have much hope that Sunday would go as planned. It was such a simple plan, too. Church, family lunch and a movie at 7:00. Surely rain couldn't mess that up, too. AND IT DIDN'T! In fact, except for a cloudy Sunday morning, it was actually sunny the rest of the day! We had a great time... check out the movie review below.
TV Review - IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. I wish I could blame it on the rain, but we were all unable to gather around Mikie's computer to play catch up. If we don't see it by Wednesday, all will be lost, and we'll just pretend Survivor is really starting THIS THURSDAY!
Movie Review - The Secret of Jonathan Sperry is like many of the Christian movies that have been released in recent years... even though it doesn't have Oscar-worthy acting, the message is strong and the story is good. There were several things I loved about the movie, and I would strongly recommend your family supporting it... whether at the theater or on DVD when it comes out. Some of the themes in the movie are how to treat your enemies, being a bold witness, studying your Bibles, working together, respecting the elderly... the list goes on and on.
No, there wasn't a great car chase, or a light saber fight, or cars that turned into giant good guys or bad guys, or women with tight, low-cut shirts, or loud music that people will spend a ton of money to buy the soundtrack for their I-Pod. It was just a good, Christian film that actually taught Biblical truths in a sweet, entertaining way. I liked it, as did Mikie, Austin, Melia, Josh and Roxie. It's a good movie.
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part One
It was the day of our eighth anniversary. I was at Mom and Dad's dropping the boys off, and Mike and I were going out to eat and spend the night at Embassy Suites as was our tradition. I was visiting with Mom for a few minutes when her phone rang. It was Mikie. The doctor hadn't been able to reach me, and had called him. They needed to talk to me right away.
Hmmm. That didn't sound good. I had been to the doctor earlier in the week for my annual doctor's appointment. I hung up with Mike (who told me he was on the way to Mom's), and dialed the number. A nurse answered the phone, and when I told her who I was she immediately put me through to the doctor. Hmmm. That didn't sound good, either.
"Mrs. Faulkner?" the doctor verified.
"Yes," I responded a little louder than normal.
"Well, we have good news and bad news," she went on. That's it. She didn't ask me which one I wanted to hear first. She didn't ask me if I wanted to hear any of it at all. She just kept on talking. (If you've known me for more than a minute, you know when given the choice, I will hear the good news and totally disregard the bad news. It's a defense mechanism, I am sure.)
"You are pregnant," she said. I was surprised because even though we were planning on trying for a third child, I hadn't thought I was actually pregnant. Before that could sink in and I could be thrilled, she gave me the bad news. "However, your numbers are not good, and you will probably miscarry this baby."
The only thing I heard was the "pregnant" part. I didn't understand the "numbers" part. I didn't comprehend the "miscarriage" part.
"Well, okay then. That's wonderful," I answered. She paused, then repeated the other stuff until she was sure I had grasped what she was talking about.
"Call the office over the weekend if anything happens. Otherwise, I'll see you in my office next Wednesday for some more tests." And that's how the call ended. Mike arrived, and I told him what was going on. Anniversary plans were now very irrelevant compared to the news we had just received. However, two little boys had made plans to spend the night with Grandmother and Granddaddy, and that was NOT going to change.
Mike and I left with heavy hearts and made it through the weekend. We then made it through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon found us at the doctor's office having more blood tests. Friday morning we received a telephone call saying we were not out of the woods, but the numbers were better. (To this day, I don't know what numbers they were talking about... nor did I ask.)
Two weeks later, we received an "all clear" on the baby. We were expecting baby number three. The numbers were good, and the due date was the first week of October. Mike and I were both very excited.
Everything went well (extremely well) until the middle of April when I received yet another call from the doctor. A blood test I had given permission for them to take indicated our baby was at high risk of being a Downs' baby. I knew which blood test they were talking about, and I knew I had NOT signed the permission slip. Several of my friends had false/positives from this same test, and I had not wanted it... EVER. I told them I had not signed the permission slip, but it didn't change the fact the test had indeed been given, and the results were not good. They wanted me to come in for another test, and if the results were better, they would disregard the first test. I agreed on that condition.
I went in for the test, and a few days later received a call from the doctor (again, a very bad sign). If anything, the results were worse. Much worse. While I tried to absorb this new information, they made an appointment for me and Mikie to come to UAB for a special ultrasound test which would help determine if the baby was Downs'. They also wanted to know if I wanted amniocentesis, but I immediately declined. If God was giving us a Downs' baby, we would absolutely welcome him/her into our family and love him/her and take care of him/her just as we had our boys. Nothing would change that... ever.
After all, we were talking about the baby which would one day make us the Faulkner Five. This baby was always going to be special... no matter what.
Tune in for Part Two tomorrow... It gets a little more complicated!
The Bible Alphabet
Again, we're going to use this family devotion under the Party/Event section. This is no little devotion. This goes on for 26 weeks. Wait, wait, wait. Don't stop reading. It is an EASY 26 weeks. Read on, please.
To do this activity/event/devotion, choose a special day of the week that will suit your family.
Have each member of the family choose a Bible verse that begins with the letter "A." The verse that is chosen must be a complete sentence.
At a certain time of day (breakfast, supper, bedtime, or whatever time the family chooses) have each person share their verse.
The next week, learn verses beginning with "B," and the following week learn verses beginning with "C," and so on.
Continue this activity until everyone can complete the alphabet. The REAL fun begins with letters like "X" and "Z."
Examples:
A - All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
B - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31)
C - Choose ye this day whom ye will serve (Joshua 24:15)
D - Delight thyself also in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
Hopefully, you will not have many duplicate verses. This will be a weekly "event" which will also serve as a tool for children to learn to use their Bibles more easily.
Again, this idea comes from Let's Make a Memory. Great book!
Have a stupendous Monday (if there is such a thing). Tomorrow I have a VERY good recipe (or so I am told) by a guest to the blog. I am going to make it, and I am going to try it, and I am going to like it better than parsnips. I just know it! And you will, too. Also, we'll have Part Two of Roxie's Birth Day Story. It's going to be a busy week on the blog, but hopefully, it will be fun, too. Check back in if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Incredibly Flexible and Enchanting Belinda
Whew! If you happen to live in Alabama, have you EVER seen so much rain in the months of August and September? Unbelievable!
The Showcase Pic, as well as some of the Gallery Pics, are of Roxie in two different stages of babyhood. Since this is her Birth Day Story week, I'll have one or two of her each day... along with any and everything else that might come up.
The other Gallery Pic is of one my FAVORITE things (other than pumpkins) in the whole world... The new Sandra Lee magazine... The Special Christmas Edition... From my friend, LANA, who bought it for no other reason than because she knew I would LOVE it! That's the best kind of gift you can ever give. No special occasion except "Just Because." Thank you, Lana.
I'm having to change my name from The Enchanting Belinda to The Incredibly Flexible Belinda... and I don't mean "flexible" as in backbends or cartwheels or yoga. EVERYTHING changed this weekend due to the rain.
Mike and I did start off at the high school football game, but left before halftime because of... rain.
They rescheduled the rest of the high school game for 2:00 Saturday... the exact time Mike and I were supposed to leave with Austin to go to the Huntsville Alabama A & M game. Mikie went and I stayed home to be able to pick Josh up when the game was over. (Roxie and I didn't go to the high school game because of extreme wetness and because Josh is on the sidelines. Believe me, if there was a chance he would play, we would most definitely have been there.)
Roxie and Josh were unable to spend the night at Mom's because of all the difficulties caused by... rain. However, Roxie, Josh and I did go to Trussville and eat dinner Saturday evening. We were going to let Josh watch the Auburn game until halftime, and then hurry home so Josh could watch the remainder, but because of... RAIN, the kickoff was delayed, so we had to hurry home an hour earlier than planned to get to Gardendale for the beginning of the game. We didn't quite make it, but we listened on the radio. (War Eagle, by the way!)
I have to say, I didn't have much hope that Sunday would go as planned. It was such a simple plan, too. Church, family lunch and a movie at 7:00. Surely rain couldn't mess that up, too. AND IT DIDN'T! In fact, except for a cloudy Sunday morning, it was actually sunny the rest of the day! We had a great time... check out the movie review below.
TV Review - IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. I wish I could blame it on the rain, but we were all unable to gather around Mikie's computer to play catch up. If we don't see it by Wednesday, all will be lost, and we'll just pretend Survivor is really starting THIS THURSDAY!
Movie Review - The Secret of Jonathan Sperry is like many of the Christian movies that have been released in recent years... even though it doesn't have Oscar-worthy acting, the message is strong and the story is good. There were several things I loved about the movie, and I would strongly recommend your family supporting it... whether at the theater or on DVD when it comes out. Some of the themes in the movie are how to treat your enemies, being a bold witness, studying your Bibles, working together, respecting the elderly... the list goes on and on.
No, there wasn't a great car chase, or a light saber fight, or cars that turned into giant good guys or bad guys, or women with tight, low-cut shirts, or loud music that people will spend a ton of money to buy the soundtrack for their I-Pod. It was just a good, Christian film that actually taught Biblical truths in a sweet, entertaining way. I liked it, as did Mikie, Austin, Melia, Josh and Roxie. It's a good movie.
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part One
It was the day of our eighth anniversary. I was at Mom and Dad's dropping the boys off, and Mike and I were going out to eat and spend the night at Embassy Suites as was our tradition. I was visiting with Mom for a few minutes when her phone rang. It was Mikie. The doctor hadn't been able to reach me, and had called him. They needed to talk to me right away.
Hmmm. That didn't sound good. I had been to the doctor earlier in the week for my annual doctor's appointment. I hung up with Mike (who told me he was on the way to Mom's), and dialed the number. A nurse answered the phone, and when I told her who I was she immediately put me through to the doctor. Hmmm. That didn't sound good, either.
"Mrs. Faulkner?" the doctor verified.
"Yes," I responded a little louder than normal.
"Well, we have good news and bad news," she went on. That's it. She didn't ask me which one I wanted to hear first. She didn't ask me if I wanted to hear any of it at all. She just kept on talking. (If you've known me for more than a minute, you know when given the choice, I will hear the good news and totally disregard the bad news. It's a defense mechanism, I am sure.)
"You are pregnant," she said. I was surprised because even though we were planning on trying for a third child, I hadn't thought I was actually pregnant. Before that could sink in and I could be thrilled, she gave me the bad news. "However, your numbers are not good, and you will probably miscarry this baby."
The only thing I heard was the "pregnant" part. I didn't understand the "numbers" part. I didn't comprehend the "miscarriage" part.
"Well, okay then. That's wonderful," I answered. She paused, then repeated the other stuff until she was sure I had grasped what she was talking about.
"Call the office over the weekend if anything happens. Otherwise, I'll see you in my office next Wednesday for some more tests." And that's how the call ended. Mike arrived, and I told him what was going on. Anniversary plans were now very irrelevant compared to the news we had just received. However, two little boys had made plans to spend the night with Grandmother and Granddaddy, and that was NOT going to change.
Mike and I left with heavy hearts and made it through the weekend. We then made it through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon found us at the doctor's office having more blood tests. Friday morning we received a telephone call saying we were not out of the woods, but the numbers were better. (To this day, I don't know what numbers they were talking about... nor did I ask.)
Two weeks later, we received an "all clear" on the baby. We were expecting baby number three. The numbers were good, and the due date was the first week of October. Mike and I were both very excited.
Everything went well (extremely well) until the middle of April when I received yet another call from the doctor. A blood test I had given permission for them to take indicated our baby was at high risk of being a Downs' baby. I knew which blood test they were talking about, and I knew I had NOT signed the permission slip. Several of my friends had false/positives from this same test, and I had not wanted it... EVER. I told them I had not signed the permission slip, but it didn't change the fact the test had indeed been given, and the results were not good. They wanted me to come in for another test, and if the results were better, they would disregard the first test. I agreed on that condition.
I went in for the test, and a few days later received a call from the doctor (again, a very bad sign). If anything, the results were worse. Much worse. While I tried to absorb this new information, they made an appointment for me and Mikie to come to UAB for a special ultrasound test which would help determine if the baby was Downs'. They also wanted to know if I wanted amniocentesis, but I immediately declined. If God was giving us a Downs' baby, we would absolutely welcome him/her into our family and love him/her and take care of him/her just as we had our boys. Nothing would change that... ever.
After all, we were talking about the baby which would one day make us the Faulkner Five. This baby was always going to be special... no matter what.
Tune in for Part Two tomorrow... It gets a little more complicated!
The Bible Alphabet
Again, we're going to use this family devotion under the Party/Event section. This is no little devotion. This goes on for 26 weeks. Wait, wait, wait. Don't stop reading. It is an EASY 26 weeks. Read on, please.
To do this activity/event/devotion, choose a special day of the week that will suit your family.
Have each member of the family choose a Bible verse that begins with the letter "A." The verse that is chosen must be a complete sentence.
At a certain time of day (breakfast, supper, bedtime, or whatever time the family chooses) have each person share their verse.
The next week, learn verses beginning with "B," and the following week learn verses beginning with "C," and so on.
Continue this activity until everyone can complete the alphabet. The REAL fun begins with letters like "X" and "Z."
Examples:
A - All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
B - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31)
C - Choose ye this day whom ye will serve (Joshua 24:15)
D - Delight thyself also in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
Hopefully, you will not have many duplicate verses. This will be a weekly "event" which will also serve as a tool for children to learn to use their Bibles more easily.
Again, this idea comes from Let's Make a Memory. Great book!
Have a stupendous Monday (if there is such a thing). Tomorrow I have a VERY good recipe (or so I am told) by a guest to the blog. I am going to make it, and I am going to try it, and I am going to like it better than parsnips. I just know it! And you will, too. Also, we'll have Part Two of Roxie's Birth Day Story. It's going to be a busy week on the blog, but hopefully, it will be fun, too. Check back in if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Incredibly Flexible and Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
DON'T FORGET! - If you are new to A Simple Life, go to my sidebar and click on "Newbie" under the Labels category. That post will give you the information you need to navigate your way through this most complicated blog!
Another week down, a new weekend to GO! As it stands now, football will rule once again in the Faulkner household. Some or all will attend the Varsity game this Friday night... (Mikie and Austin for sure). Some or all will attend the JSU game in Huntsville Saturday night (Belinda and Mikie for sure).
And right now, it looks like we're going to see The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry as the Faulkner Five on Sunday night. Classes at church have started back on Sunday nights, but I think we're going to support this Christian movie as a family this one time, and start back with classes next Sunday evening. I'll give a rare movie review on Monday, but I've heard some wonderful things about the film.
I wanted to post a little more of the excerpt I started in the Emilie Barnes' book yesterday. I love all of her books... her devotionals, her books for children, etc., but what she says in this book really hits the nail on the head (to me).
"You don't need money to create memories; you just need a desire. As adults, many of our memories are from our childhood or from when we were first married. Looking back to our early married life, Bob and I had very little money, but we have many fond memories. Now we have much more financial independence, but our early memories are still very vivid. Someone shared with me once, 'Successful people do what unsuccessful people aren't willing to do.' That statement had a real impact on my life. From that day on, I began to identify what those things were. One that was brought to mind was that successful people planned their lives. I wasn't planning my life very well at the time. Since then, I have learned to create treasured memories."
Of course, being a planner doesn't always work either. I found that out the hard way. So the last few years have found me trying to be a "flexible planner." Plan, plan, plan, but if things do not work out as you plan, do NOT be upset. Flexibility is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to learn... and I'm still not very good at it! It's not a natural skill for me. (Surprise to all those who have known me for more than one minute!)
But when plans fall apart or just totally disappear, I trust in God's Word. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
And since I know He has plans for me, it gives me the desire to try again.
How many days just melt away, and we look back at the week that has just passed and wonder where the time went? Did we have dinner together as a family? Did we spend one-on-one time with one or more of the kids? Did we plan something special to do with our husband as a couple? But more importantly, did we go somewhere to "be still" and spend time with God? If I'm honest here, I would have to answer "no" to several of those questions on a weekly basis. But if I can say "yes" to even one... or two... or three, then that's a good week because it means I'm planning. I'm trying. And as I have said before, that's what A Simple Life is all about... striving.
TV Review
Survivor - This is a perfect example of being flexible. The lightning storm messed up our satellite and we were unable to see more than 15 minutes of Survivor. Did we cry? Did we get upset? Did we pitch a fit? Well, only one of us did... but like I said, I'm working on it! (We'll all be gathered around Mike's computer this weekend watching the 45 minutes we didn't get to see.) I will say in the 15 minutes we saw, it was very apparent the Rocket Scientist I picked to win the $1,000,000 just by looking at his picture will soon be gone. Austin and Josh's pick is looking pretty good (Eric, the bartender). Roxie's pic (the doctor) was pretty impressive, but Mikie's pick (the pretty blonde named Natalie) won't make the cut.
Tune in Monday for my Survivor review and my movie review... I hope.
Book
Big surprise! The book for this week is 15 Minutes of Peace With God by Emilie Barnes. (Don't you love the way she spells "Emilie?")
This book is specifically designed for busy women and each devotion lasts 15 minutes OR less.
Ms. Barnes says in the introduction of her book, "I've written this devotional book for every busy woman who wants to get in touch with her Lord and her life. Each quiet time is designed to take 15 minutes or less. That's not a huge commitment, but it's an important one. You'll spend some time in God's Word, and you'll find helps and direction for your everyday life."
Wow. That's a lot for just 15 minutes a day, isn't it?
Each devotion is three to four pages long. There is a Scripture Reading, a Key Verse and then a story or thought regarding the scripture. She ends the devotion with a prayer and a section called Taking Action. Taking Action gives you specific ideas of things to DO to implement the devotion. She also adds extra scripture and a quote from a famous person in history, all relating to that day's devotion.
I highly recommend any book by Ms. Barnes, but this one is especially good.
NEW BLOG! NEW BLOG! - My friend, Joni, has started a new devotion blog for her high school Sunday School girls, and if you want to follow along, it is simple, well-done and very "doable." (Don't think it is just for teenagers. Any age person would come away with something from this material.) It comes from the book KNOWN, and information is given about where you can find the materials to follow this devotional blog on a weekly basis. You can find the blog at www.gfbcgirls.blogspot.com. Check it out. It's a good thing. (And that was taken directly from Martha. As always, giving credit where it is due!)
Have a fabulous weekend whatever you may be doing. Plan, plan, plan for successful, purposeful, meaningful time with your family, and have a great time making memories. Don't forget... Next week is Roxie's birthday week which means I will be sharing her Birth Day story three or four of the days next week. (It was a very loooong pregnancy!) We'll also have more of the usual Monday through Friday topics. Check the sidebar for Belinda's Project 365. I'll be posting pictures of something Saturday and Sunday. You just never know! (I know I don't!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
DON'T FORGET! - If you are new to A Simple Life, go to my sidebar and click on "Newbie" under the Labels category. That post will give you the information you need to navigate your way through this most complicated blog!
Another week down, a new weekend to GO! As it stands now, football will rule once again in the Faulkner household. Some or all will attend the Varsity game this Friday night... (Mikie and Austin for sure). Some or all will attend the JSU game in Huntsville Saturday night (Belinda and Mikie for sure).
And right now, it looks like we're going to see The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry as the Faulkner Five on Sunday night. Classes at church have started back on Sunday nights, but I think we're going to support this Christian movie as a family this one time, and start back with classes next Sunday evening. I'll give a rare movie review on Monday, but I've heard some wonderful things about the film.
I wanted to post a little more of the excerpt I started in the Emilie Barnes' book yesterday. I love all of her books... her devotionals, her books for children, etc., but what she says in this book really hits the nail on the head (to me).
"You don't need money to create memories; you just need a desire. As adults, many of our memories are from our childhood or from when we were first married. Looking back to our early married life, Bob and I had very little money, but we have many fond memories. Now we have much more financial independence, but our early memories are still very vivid. Someone shared with me once, 'Successful people do what unsuccessful people aren't willing to do.' That statement had a real impact on my life. From that day on, I began to identify what those things were. One that was brought to mind was that successful people planned their lives. I wasn't planning my life very well at the time. Since then, I have learned to create treasured memories."
Of course, being a planner doesn't always work either. I found that out the hard way. So the last few years have found me trying to be a "flexible planner." Plan, plan, plan, but if things do not work out as you plan, do NOT be upset. Flexibility is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to learn... and I'm still not very good at it! It's not a natural skill for me. (Surprise to all those who have known me for more than one minute!)
But when plans fall apart or just totally disappear, I trust in God's Word. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
And since I know He has plans for me, it gives me the desire to try again.
How many days just melt away, and we look back at the week that has just passed and wonder where the time went? Did we have dinner together as a family? Did we spend one-on-one time with one or more of the kids? Did we plan something special to do with our husband as a couple? But more importantly, did we go somewhere to "be still" and spend time with God? If I'm honest here, I would have to answer "no" to several of those questions on a weekly basis. But if I can say "yes" to even one... or two... or three, then that's a good week because it means I'm planning. I'm trying. And as I have said before, that's what A Simple Life is all about... striving.
TV Review
Survivor - This is a perfect example of being flexible. The lightning storm messed up our satellite and we were unable to see more than 15 minutes of Survivor. Did we cry? Did we get upset? Did we pitch a fit? Well, only one of us did... but like I said, I'm working on it! (We'll all be gathered around Mike's computer this weekend watching the 45 minutes we didn't get to see.) I will say in the 15 minutes we saw, it was very apparent the Rocket Scientist I picked to win the $1,000,000 just by looking at his picture will soon be gone. Austin and Josh's pick is looking pretty good (Eric, the bartender). Roxie's pic (the doctor) was pretty impressive, but Mikie's pick (the pretty blonde named Natalie) won't make the cut.
Tune in Monday for my Survivor review and my movie review... I hope.
Book
Big surprise! The book for this week is 15 Minutes of Peace With God by Emilie Barnes. (Don't you love the way she spells "Emilie?")
This book is specifically designed for busy women and each devotion lasts 15 minutes OR less.
Ms. Barnes says in the introduction of her book, "I've written this devotional book for every busy woman who wants to get in touch with her Lord and her life. Each quiet time is designed to take 15 minutes or less. That's not a huge commitment, but it's an important one. You'll spend some time in God's Word, and you'll find helps and direction for your everyday life."
Wow. That's a lot for just 15 minutes a day, isn't it?
Each devotion is three to four pages long. There is a Scripture Reading, a Key Verse and then a story or thought regarding the scripture. She ends the devotion with a prayer and a section called Taking Action. Taking Action gives you specific ideas of things to DO to implement the devotion. She also adds extra scripture and a quote from a famous person in history, all relating to that day's devotion.
I highly recommend any book by Ms. Barnes, but this one is especially good.
NEW BLOG! NEW BLOG! - My friend, Joni, has started a new devotion blog for her high school Sunday School girls, and if you want to follow along, it is simple, well-done and very "doable." (Don't think it is just for teenagers. Any age person would come away with something from this material.) It comes from the book KNOWN, and information is given about where you can find the materials to follow this devotional blog on a weekly basis. You can find the blog at www.gfbcgirls.blogspot.com. Check it out. It's a good thing. (And that was taken directly from Martha. As always, giving credit where it is due!)
Have a fabulous weekend whatever you may be doing. Plan, plan, plan for successful, purposeful, meaningful time with your family, and have a great time making memories. Don't forget... Next week is Roxie's birthday week which means I will be sharing her Birth Day story three or four of the days next week. (It was a very loooong pregnancy!) We'll also have more of the usual Monday through Friday topics. Check the sidebar for Belinda's Project 365. I'll be posting pictures of something Saturday and Sunday. You just never know! (I know I don't!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Disney On Ice
Good Thursday morning!
THE LEAVES ARE STARTING TO FALL! THE LEAVES ARE STARTING TO FALL! Seriously, folks. If you don't need me announcing the obvious, just let me know. I just get so excited every time I see anything that means AUTUMN is almost here. The most wonderful season of all. And it's just around the corner... and I can't wait much longer because I will be able to wear my pumpkin shirt.
That's right. I have a Barry Manilow shirt AND a pumpkin shirt. And I'm getting a 24/Jack Bauer shirt. I'm also going to start wearing a Survivor buff. Pretty soon, I'll be the nutty woman down the street who wears nothing but "theme" clothing. That will make my job of totally humiliating Roxie for life complete... And that (according to her) is what I live for!
I wanted to reiterate (good word) once again why family time is so important to me. I've shared several things the last two weeks out of my favorite books (Let's Make a Memory and 15 Minute Family Traditions and Memories). These were the first two books I bought when I began searching for ways to spend more "meaningful and purposeful" time with Mike and the kids. The following excerpt comes from Emilie Barnes' Family Traditions and Memories:
"In our hectic efforts to make a living and meet all the demands upon our 24 hours per day, we are often too exhausted to spend quality time together as a family to create treasured memories. When a slower day comes, we just want to lay back and do nothing. It becomes a catch-up day so we can be ready to start again. We continually ask, 'How do I get off this treadmill?' We have to do it on purpose. Learn to create treasured memories! They don't happen by chance. For the family to endure today, we have to plan for success. Let's take time to live life with a purpose." I love it, love it, love it! Have truer words ever been spoken?
At this particular time in my life, keeping our family "connected" is very important to me. With Austin living on campus 90 minutes away from home, I am purposefully and continuously thinking of new and different ways for the Faulkner Five to NOT disconnect. That's where the years of traditions will hopefully come into play. Right now, holidays are a given... birthdays are a given... watching Survivor together as a family (although 90 minutes apart) and talking about it afterward is a given... camping at least once a year is a given... the annual mountain trip is a given... going to the movies the day AFTER Christmas is a given.
These things are "set" in place. Now it's time to think of new ways to spend time together. Facebook is a good way for Roxie and Josh to communicate with Austin (as is texting). Quick telephone calls when something exciting happens (like winning a volleyball game or making a tackle in a football game) are good ways to stay connected, too.
Right now, I'm doing a lot of reminding (also known as "teaching") because we've never been here before. (And I don't care what the mean old lady at orientation said. He's still an 18 year-old kid, and there are still some lessons to be taught.)
And I won't be "reminding/teaching" forever. Actually, it's starting to work. Austin called a couple of days ago to see what size shirt Roxie wears because she wants a JSU hoody for her birthday coming up soon. And when I quizzed him on when her actual birthday was... Well, let's just say "class isn't over" quite yet.
Weekend Family Fun
As always, several of these ideas came from http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom. I always want to give credit where credit is due!
Leed's Folk Festival - This weekend you'll want to swing by Leeds for the Folk Festival. It is free admission and free parking. It's 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6:00 p.m. Sunday. There are so many things to do at this Festival.
1. There will be a strolling tortoise (Saturday morning only until the temperature gets too hot for him).
2. There will be a clay tent Saturday only 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3. Attend the Mobile Dairy Classroom Saturday only with demonstrations at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
4. There will be a Whistle Maker Saturday only from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
5. Auntie Litter will be there on Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m.
6. A food court and a farmers' market will be open Saturday AND Sunday.
There will also be performances from Act of Congress, Rick Long and Ringing Strings, After Class, Voices of Autumn and more.
And if that isn't enough, in the kid's corner, children ages 4 to 12 can make crafts to take home (including corn shuck dolls, wooden whistles, clay sculptures and more).
Directions:
From Birmingham or Atlanta take Exit 140 off I-20 and follow AL 78 East into downtown Leeds for approximately 2 miles. Leeds is located 15 minutes from downtown Birmingham. Also, parking is free and available on Parkway Drive and around the city.
Michael's - This Saturday Michael's is having a free craft project that is sure to be a hit with your little girl. There will be three different crafts for your child to create.
It's part of Michael's new American Girl Department which will feature a new collection of creative supplies and fun projects available in November.
Every girl can make her own gifts inspired by American Girl books. Join us for a free craft event to create three American Girl projects.
It will only be held while supplies last. The time is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All Michael's locations should be participating, but always call just to be sure.
Trussville Public Library - If you have an American Girl fan, the Library has an American Girl reading club that meets once a month. It's designed for girls in kindergarten through fifth-grade. The next meeting is September 28. They will discuss Felicity. The club discusses books, makes crafts and eats a snack.
The meeting is from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Department.
Wings & Wheels - The Wings & Wheels 75th Anniversary Air Show & Car Show will be held at the Bessemer Airport on September 20 and 21. They will showcase the famous Aeroshell Aerobatic Team. Suzanne Oliver will be skywriting over the Birmingham skies. Greg Koontz will do his daring aerobatics. The P51 Mustang and other warbirds will gather to create a day of thrilling entertainment for all. In addition to the great car expo and airplanes, there will be a children’s area, climbing wall, vendors, military and civilian aircraft on display and plenty of activities, fun and food for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12. Under 6 will be admitted free.
Directions:
Take Exit 6 from I-459 and follow the signs for a great day of fun! Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. Come early and bring your lawn chair. NO pets or coolers, please. For more information go to http://www.bhmairshow.com.
Disney on Ice
This November 4 through November 7, make plans to take your oldest child to Disney on Ice. Tickets run between $15 to $32.
Sometimes when you have several children, it is more affordable to take only one on a date that costs this much. The next year, you could take the next oldest child, and so on and so on. Also, although it is fun to enjoy this event as a family, both you and the child will get a lot of enjoyment making this memory with just the two of you. Without the entire family, you would probably be able to spring for snacks and a souvenir, too.
It will be something you AND your child would remember for years and years to come.
NOTE - When the kids were small, Mike did this with the Broadway Series that comes to Birmingham every year. He took Austin to see Bill Cosby one year. Josh and Roxie both saw different plays the next two years. Although it was pricey, it was doable and fun, and all three kids can tell you which play they saw with their Dad.
Have a great Thursday. Don't forget about Survivor tonight (if you're a fan). Tomorrow we'll have the book of the week, Weekend Happenings and the first TV Review of the season. I don't know about you, but I'm EXCITED the weekend is almost here.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
THE LEAVES ARE STARTING TO FALL! THE LEAVES ARE STARTING TO FALL! Seriously, folks. If you don't need me announcing the obvious, just let me know. I just get so excited every time I see anything that means AUTUMN is almost here. The most wonderful season of all. And it's just around the corner... and I can't wait much longer because I will be able to wear my pumpkin shirt.
That's right. I have a Barry Manilow shirt AND a pumpkin shirt. And I'm getting a 24/Jack Bauer shirt. I'm also going to start wearing a Survivor buff. Pretty soon, I'll be the nutty woman down the street who wears nothing but "theme" clothing. That will make my job of totally humiliating Roxie for life complete... And that (according to her) is what I live for!
I wanted to reiterate (good word) once again why family time is so important to me. I've shared several things the last two weeks out of my favorite books (Let's Make a Memory and 15 Minute Family Traditions and Memories). These were the first two books I bought when I began searching for ways to spend more "meaningful and purposeful" time with Mike and the kids. The following excerpt comes from Emilie Barnes' Family Traditions and Memories:
"In our hectic efforts to make a living and meet all the demands upon our 24 hours per day, we are often too exhausted to spend quality time together as a family to create treasured memories. When a slower day comes, we just want to lay back and do nothing. It becomes a catch-up day so we can be ready to start again. We continually ask, 'How do I get off this treadmill?' We have to do it on purpose. Learn to create treasured memories! They don't happen by chance. For the family to endure today, we have to plan for success. Let's take time to live life with a purpose." I love it, love it, love it! Have truer words ever been spoken?
At this particular time in my life, keeping our family "connected" is very important to me. With Austin living on campus 90 minutes away from home, I am purposefully and continuously thinking of new and different ways for the Faulkner Five to NOT disconnect. That's where the years of traditions will hopefully come into play. Right now, holidays are a given... birthdays are a given... watching Survivor together as a family (although 90 minutes apart) and talking about it afterward is a given... camping at least once a year is a given... the annual mountain trip is a given... going to the movies the day AFTER Christmas is a given.
These things are "set" in place. Now it's time to think of new ways to spend time together. Facebook is a good way for Roxie and Josh to communicate with Austin (as is texting). Quick telephone calls when something exciting happens (like winning a volleyball game or making a tackle in a football game) are good ways to stay connected, too.
Right now, I'm doing a lot of reminding (also known as "teaching") because we've never been here before. (And I don't care what the mean old lady at orientation said. He's still an 18 year-old kid, and there are still some lessons to be taught.)
And I won't be "reminding/teaching" forever. Actually, it's starting to work. Austin called a couple of days ago to see what size shirt Roxie wears because she wants a JSU hoody for her birthday coming up soon. And when I quizzed him on when her actual birthday was... Well, let's just say "class isn't over" quite yet.
Weekend Family Fun
As always, several of these ideas came from http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom. I always want to give credit where credit is due!
Leed's Folk Festival - This weekend you'll want to swing by Leeds for the Folk Festival. It is free admission and free parking. It's 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6:00 p.m. Sunday. There are so many things to do at this Festival.
1. There will be a strolling tortoise (Saturday morning only until the temperature gets too hot for him).
2. There will be a clay tent Saturday only 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3. Attend the Mobile Dairy Classroom Saturday only with demonstrations at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
4. There will be a Whistle Maker Saturday only from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
5. Auntie Litter will be there on Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m.
6. A food court and a farmers' market will be open Saturday AND Sunday.
There will also be performances from Act of Congress, Rick Long and Ringing Strings, After Class, Voices of Autumn and more.
And if that isn't enough, in the kid's corner, children ages 4 to 12 can make crafts to take home (including corn shuck dolls, wooden whistles, clay sculptures and more).
Directions:
From Birmingham or Atlanta take Exit 140 off I-20 and follow AL 78 East into downtown Leeds for approximately 2 miles. Leeds is located 15 minutes from downtown Birmingham. Also, parking is free and available on Parkway Drive and around the city.
Michael's - This Saturday Michael's is having a free craft project that is sure to be a hit with your little girl. There will be three different crafts for your child to create.
It's part of Michael's new American Girl Department which will feature a new collection of creative supplies and fun projects available in November.
Every girl can make her own gifts inspired by American Girl books. Join us for a free craft event to create three American Girl projects.
It will only be held while supplies last. The time is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All Michael's locations should be participating, but always call just to be sure.
Trussville Public Library - If you have an American Girl fan, the Library has an American Girl reading club that meets once a month. It's designed for girls in kindergarten through fifth-grade. The next meeting is September 28. They will discuss Felicity. The club discusses books, makes crafts and eats a snack.
The meeting is from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Department.
Wings & Wheels - The Wings & Wheels 75th Anniversary Air Show & Car Show will be held at the Bessemer Airport on September 20 and 21. They will showcase the famous Aeroshell Aerobatic Team. Suzanne Oliver will be skywriting over the Birmingham skies. Greg Koontz will do his daring aerobatics. The P51 Mustang and other warbirds will gather to create a day of thrilling entertainment for all. In addition to the great car expo and airplanes, there will be a children’s area, climbing wall, vendors, military and civilian aircraft on display and plenty of activities, fun and food for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12. Under 6 will be admitted free.
Directions:
Take Exit 6 from I-459 and follow the signs for a great day of fun! Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. Come early and bring your lawn chair. NO pets or coolers, please. For more information go to http://www.bhmairshow.com.
Disney on Ice
This November 4 through November 7, make plans to take your oldest child to Disney on Ice. Tickets run between $15 to $32.
Sometimes when you have several children, it is more affordable to take only one on a date that costs this much. The next year, you could take the next oldest child, and so on and so on. Also, although it is fun to enjoy this event as a family, both you and the child will get a lot of enjoyment making this memory with just the two of you. Without the entire family, you would probably be able to spring for snacks and a souvenir, too.
It will be something you AND your child would remember for years and years to come.
NOTE - When the kids were small, Mike did this with the Broadway Series that comes to Birmingham every year. He took Austin to see Bill Cosby one year. Josh and Roxie both saw different plays the next two years. Although it was pricey, it was doable and fun, and all three kids can tell you which play they saw with their Dad.
Have a great Thursday. Don't forget about Survivor tonight (if you're a fan). Tomorrow we'll have the book of the week, Weekend Happenings and the first TV Review of the season. I don't know about you, but I'm EXCITED the weekend is almost here.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
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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!