Good Friday morning!
Home, Sweet Home! We arrived home at exactly 3:00... just in time for Josh to make it to a friend's birthday party. It was a miracle, I tell you!
Friday's pics are posted in the Gallery! I've added a few more pics since we arrived home for your perusal, too! (Just a bonus because you've been so patient!)
A FEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. I'll share some stories from our week at the beach beginning Monday, August 2. (I know! It's almost too good to be true, isn't it?)
2. I'll be posting on Project 365 today, Saturday and Sunday (as usual).
3. Next week's post will be centered on Back to School parties, recipes, traditions, dates, etc., so you will want visit A Simple Life EVERY SINGLE DAY without fail!
4. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, our Special Guest for August will be making an appearance. More fun!
5. My favorite show of all time (at the moment) is iCarly. I know it is meant for tweens and teens, but it makes me (and Mikie) LOL... a lot. I just thought you should know things are getting more simple around here by the minute!
5. I think that is all. My mind is a little less sharp than usual for various reasons... and it's rarely as sharp as a butter knife on a good day!
HINTS FOR AUGUST SPECIAL GUEST - Three more hints and you're on your own! Guess away this weekend, and see if you were correct Monday morning!
7. She has had more hospital visits than most women MY age.
8. She likes firemen. (I'm sorry. Most women I know DO like firemen, so this may or may not be a big clue.)
9. Her nose crinkles a little when she smiles. Very cute.
Of course, there's no prize for the guessing correctly... except for bragging rights!
Weekend Happenings
I would love to have the most laid-back weekend ever, but since Sunday is AUGUST 1 and school starts back AUGUST 11, there's no time for laid-back, is there? No, sir!
Austin will be spending time with the lovely Melia AND working at the Chick before heading back to JSU Friday, August 6. (There will be a great amount of whining in next week's posts, too. Just so you know.)
Josh will be spending time with friends, and watching the last of the summer movies on his list.
Roxie will be shopping for that all-important FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL outfit ALL WEEKEND LONG (which means I will be shopping for the all-important FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL outfit with her)! Hopefully, we'll both fall in love with the first thing she tries. Hey! It could happen!
Mikie, Roxie and I are having dinner with friends Saturday evening. They are grilling, and we are supplying the dessert. (By the way, I'm trying a new Apple Crisp recipe tomorrow, and if it is any good it will be featured next Tuesday!)
Other than church Sunday, that is it for the Faulkner Five. In between all of the other Weekend Happenings, I will be attempting to empty and put away 22 duffel bags, suitcases and coolers.
That is the goal!
I hope you have a terrific weekend. Make at least one memory with family and/or friends. Just one! That's not too much to ask, is it? Nah! I didn't think so.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Finally Home Belinda
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Beach Dates
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from the pool AND a photo shoot I had with Roxie last night. She actually BEGGED me to take beach pictures of her, so we slipped away before dinner and had a really good time. I told the boys it was their vacation, and they could sleep late, play X-Box, be lazy, and NOT participate in the photo shoot. I am their favorite person right now... Well, until Mike and Roxie get back from the Donut Hole with breakfast. Food is ultimately the key to their hearts.
NOTE - I've decided to recap our Sandestin trip next Monday. It's easier for me to "think back" than write about it as it is happening. And this makes no sense whatsoever since I am quickly losing my memory (and what's left of my mind) raising teenagers. Maybe I think a little better when three of them aren't in the same room. Yeah. That's probably the answer. I need them to be far, far away to be able to remember the "good" times!
HINTS FOR AUGUST SPECIAL GUEST - I don't think many of you will be able to guess our Special Guest for August, but most of you have probably known her FOREVER! Here are a few more hints.
4. She has a heart for sick people.
5. She's not wrinkly... yet.
6. She's a homebody.
Maybe that will help a little!
Blog Linkage - I only have one link to share with you today. However, it is the perfect website to check out because it goes with our "Beach" theme so well.
Click on Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. When her NEW AND IMPROVED webpage appears, click on Photography. She had a contest and the theme was "water." These photographs are just beautiful.
I would have entered myself, but I'm on vacation, you know.
Beach Dates
Again, this is a no-brainer. Beach dates are quick, easy and fun.
Let's say you have three kiddos. Roll your early riser out of bed one morning and take them to breakfast at a local joint or a restaurant overlooking the beach. You can be back before the other family members are up and moving around.
Do you have a chick in the bunch? Plan a photo shoot on the beach with only one child this year (unless you're trying to do the Christmas card thing). Spend 30 or 45 minutes one-on-one with your young lady and enjoy those pictures for years to come.
Go on an early morning walk on the beach and talk, talk, talk.
Go on a late evening walk on the beach with flashlights... and talk, talk, talk.
After lunch each day, take one child souvenir shopping. Shopping with one is always more enjoyable than shopping with a herd!
Don't take away from family time, but by all means steal away 30 or 45 minutes here and there and enjoy your children one-on-one. They may not remember it forever, but I bet you will.
Have a glorious Thursday! The weekend is upon us, but it isn't too late to make date plans with one or more of your kids OR your spouse. Get that Sharpie out and mark it on your calendar NOW! Friday I'll share some Weekend Happenings and a few more photos from beautiful Sandestin.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Incredibly Tan Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from the pool AND a photo shoot I had with Roxie last night. She actually BEGGED me to take beach pictures of her, so we slipped away before dinner and had a really good time. I told the boys it was their vacation, and they could sleep late, play X-Box, be lazy, and NOT participate in the photo shoot. I am their favorite person right now... Well, until Mike and Roxie get back from the Donut Hole with breakfast. Food is ultimately the key to their hearts.
NOTE - I've decided to recap our Sandestin trip next Monday. It's easier for me to "think back" than write about it as it is happening. And this makes no sense whatsoever since I am quickly losing my memory (and what's left of my mind) raising teenagers. Maybe I think a little better when three of them aren't in the same room. Yeah. That's probably the answer. I need them to be far, far away to be able to remember the "good" times!
HINTS FOR AUGUST SPECIAL GUEST - I don't think many of you will be able to guess our Special Guest for August, but most of you have probably known her FOREVER! Here are a few more hints.
4. She has a heart for sick people.
5. She's not wrinkly... yet.
6. She's a homebody.
Maybe that will help a little!
Blog Linkage - I only have one link to share with you today. However, it is the perfect website to check out because it goes with our "Beach" theme so well.
Click on Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. When her NEW AND IMPROVED webpage appears, click on Photography. She had a contest and the theme was "water." These photographs are just beautiful.
I would have entered myself, but I'm on vacation, you know.
Beach Dates
Again, this is a no-brainer. Beach dates are quick, easy and fun.
Let's say you have three kiddos. Roll your early riser out of bed one morning and take them to breakfast at a local joint or a restaurant overlooking the beach. You can be back before the other family members are up and moving around.
Do you have a chick in the bunch? Plan a photo shoot on the beach with only one child this year (unless you're trying to do the Christmas card thing). Spend 30 or 45 minutes one-on-one with your young lady and enjoy those pictures for years to come.
Go on an early morning walk on the beach and talk, talk, talk.
Go on a late evening walk on the beach with flashlights... and talk, talk, talk.
After lunch each day, take one child souvenir shopping. Shopping with one is always more enjoyable than shopping with a herd!
Don't take away from family time, but by all means steal away 30 or 45 minutes here and there and enjoy your children one-on-one. They may not remember it forever, but I bet you will.
Have a glorious Thursday! The weekend is upon us, but it isn't too late to make date plans with one or more of your kids OR your spouse. Get that Sharpie out and mark it on your calendar NOW! Friday I'll share some Weekend Happenings and a few more photos from beautiful Sandestin.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Incredibly Tan Belinda
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Beach Tradition
Good Wednesday morning!
There are more beach pics in the Gallery. I was stuck in "bird" mode for awhile. Oh, and volleyball. Today I feel I am in a "portrait" state of mind.
This is indeed the shortest post I've ever had on A Simple Life. However, it will not stay that way. Roxie and I are on our way to the beach for an hour or so. Mikie had meetings today, so we're on our own. We're meeting the guys at the pool for lunch, and then we're back at the beach late this afternoon.
This is SO different from our usual schedule of beach/pool/pool/out-to-eat. I am such a free spirit!
However, I will be posting throughout the day. SO the headings you see below will be "filled in" by midnight tonight. Thus, I will NOT be off my usual blog schedule for long.
HINTS FOR AUGUST SPECIAL GUEST
- Our Special Guest for the month of August will be making her appearance Monday, August 2. As is my practice on A Simple Life, here are a few hints to keep you guessing until then!
1. I have a very hot job.
2. I'm a spitting image of someone in my family.
3. I am VERY family-oriented.
A few more clues tomorrow. Any guesses, folks?
Wednesday Wisdom
- Think, think, think. What should Wednesday Wisdom be about today?
The cure for anything is salt water -- sweat, tears, or the sea. Isak Dinesen
To love, and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. Anonymous
You never know how many friends you have until you rent a house on the beach.
Sponges grow in the ocean. That just "gets" me. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be if that didn't happen? Stephen Wright
Beach Tradition
This is a no-brainer, and most people I know actually do this year after year after year. But just in case...
If you go to the beach once, twice or even three times a year, try to find a "special" restaurant everyone in your family enjoys. Once the restaurant has been chosen, plan on going at least once each and every time you visit the beach. A special place to eat at the beach (or the mountains) will give you something to look forward to for years and years to come!
NOTE - At Sandestin, we've been to Acme Oyster House the last two years. I think this may be our "special" restaurant of choice in this particular town!
Have a lovely Wednesday. In the words of California's famous governor, "I'll be back."
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
There are more beach pics in the Gallery. I was stuck in "bird" mode for awhile. Oh, and volleyball. Today I feel I am in a "portrait" state of mind.
This is indeed the shortest post I've ever had on A Simple Life. However, it will not stay that way. Roxie and I are on our way to the beach for an hour or so. Mikie had meetings today, so we're on our own. We're meeting the guys at the pool for lunch, and then we're back at the beach late this afternoon.
This is SO different from our usual schedule of beach/pool/pool/out-to-eat. I am such a free spirit!
However, I will be posting throughout the day. SO the headings you see below will be "filled in" by midnight tonight. Thus, I will NOT be off my usual blog schedule for long.
HINTS FOR AUGUST SPECIAL GUEST
- Our Special Guest for the month of August will be making her appearance Monday, August 2. As is my practice on A Simple Life, here are a few hints to keep you guessing until then!
1. I have a very hot job.
2. I'm a spitting image of someone in my family.
3. I am VERY family-oriented.
A few more clues tomorrow. Any guesses, folks?
Wednesday Wisdom
- Think, think, think. What should Wednesday Wisdom be about today?
The cure for anything is salt water -- sweat, tears, or the sea. Isak Dinesen
To love, and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. Anonymous
You never know how many friends you have until you rent a house on the beach.
Sponges grow in the ocean. That just "gets" me. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be if that didn't happen? Stephen Wright
Beach Tradition
This is a no-brainer, and most people I know actually do this year after year after year. But just in case...
If you go to the beach once, twice or even three times a year, try to find a "special" restaurant everyone in your family enjoys. Once the restaurant has been chosen, plan on going at least once each and every time you visit the beach. A special place to eat at the beach (or the mountains) will give you something to look forward to for years and years to come!
NOTE - At Sandestin, we've been to Acme Oyster House the last two years. I think this may be our "special" restaurant of choice in this particular town!
Have a lovely Wednesday. In the words of California's famous governor, "I'll be back."
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, July 26, 2010
Refreshing Lemon Water
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery pics are from our first day at Sandestin. Beautiful day. Amazing pictures. I had so much fun with the new camera. Life is good.
Sandestin - Day One - Tar Balls, Tropical Storm Bonnie and Seaweed... Oh, My!
Our trip down was as uneventful as uneventful could be. And since our last road trip a couple of weeks ago was ten hours long, the ride to Sandestin was absolutely painless.
We arrived late afternoon to beautiful blue skies, yellow flags (Code for TONS OF WAVES), and the most gorgeous ocean I have ever seen (Code for NO TAR BALLS).
The yellow flags and waves were there because of Tropical Storm Bonnie's recent departure. I assume the excess seaweed may have been there for the same reason. However, today is another day, and as anyone who has ever been to the beach knows, the whole seaweed/wave/yellow flag thing could be history.
I'm not a seaweed person, as you might imagine. And with my new camera, I excused myself from body surfing and took 1,021 pictures instead. (I even pretended I was a real photographer and took pictures of other people's children... until a few parents asked me to stop. Oops!)
We then headed to the pool to rinse the green stuff off our bodies. The pool was not huge, but it could definitely hold the Faulkner Five. However, it could not hold the Faulkner Five and three other families with small children when THREE of the Faulkner Five started "water wrestling." We needed the whole pool to ourselves for that activity. (And I pretended it was acceptable pool behavior... until a few parents asked me to get my family out of the pool. Oops, again!)
Finally, it was dinner time. Instead of trying something new, we headed to Acme Oyster House. We had eaten there last year, and enjoyed it very much. It didn't disappoint last night either.
Oh, and NEWS FLASH! There is a zip line in this little entertainment district. A real zip line. It doesn't go over a canopy of trees in the rainforest though. Actually, your bottom is fastened into an unflattering harness, and you're sent sailing over the heads of poor people trying to eat a nice dinner. The week isn't over, but I don't think I'll be truly happy unless I zip line in a real rain forest. I have very high standards, you know.
We finished the evening with a Faulkner Family Movie Night. Actually, Mikie and I finished the night with a Faulkner Family Movie night. The kids opted to stay up a little longer.
We are anxious to see what today will bring. Only one thing is certain. I won't be taking pictures of other people's kids playing in the waves... no matter how carried away I get with my new camera and my new unbelievable photography skills!
DISCLAIMER - Please tell me you know me well enough to know I did NOT take pictures of strange children on the beach? Please? (I was tempted, but their parents were standing right there!) Unfortunately, the "water wrestling" part totally happened... but I was the parent who sent the Faulkner Five to their room! (It's really hard when all three of your kids look just like you! Mikie can walk away, but when it's all said and done, it's pretty evident those kids are MINE!)
Refreshing Lemon Water
I found this simple recipe on a blog a couple of weeks ago. Since I have recently started adding a bag or two (or four) of Splenda to my lemon water when I order it in a restaurant, this caught my eye.
1 gallon water
2 1/2 teaspoons citric acid (found in the pharmacy section of the grocery store or health food stores)
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
1 3/4 cups sugar
Mix all ingredients. Serve over ice. Add sliced lemons for garnish.
Sounds lovely, doesn't it? I'm making a pitcher when I get home... or maybe I'll make it here at the beach. Hmmm.
Have a terrific Tuesday. Wednesday's Wisdom and Traditions are all about the beach! I will also be sharing a couple of hints about our August Special Guest. That's right. It's that time again... and this chick will be a BIG surprise.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting (and Semi-Professional Photographer Extraordinaire) Belinda
The Gallery pics are from our first day at Sandestin. Beautiful day. Amazing pictures. I had so much fun with the new camera. Life is good.
Sandestin - Day One - Tar Balls, Tropical Storm Bonnie and Seaweed... Oh, My!
Our trip down was as uneventful as uneventful could be. And since our last road trip a couple of weeks ago was ten hours long, the ride to Sandestin was absolutely painless.
We arrived late afternoon to beautiful blue skies, yellow flags (Code for TONS OF WAVES), and the most gorgeous ocean I have ever seen (Code for NO TAR BALLS).
The yellow flags and waves were there because of Tropical Storm Bonnie's recent departure. I assume the excess seaweed may have been there for the same reason. However, today is another day, and as anyone who has ever been to the beach knows, the whole seaweed/wave/yellow flag thing could be history.
I'm not a seaweed person, as you might imagine. And with my new camera, I excused myself from body surfing and took 1,021 pictures instead. (I even pretended I was a real photographer and took pictures of other people's children... until a few parents asked me to stop. Oops!)
We then headed to the pool to rinse the green stuff off our bodies. The pool was not huge, but it could definitely hold the Faulkner Five. However, it could not hold the Faulkner Five and three other families with small children when THREE of the Faulkner Five started "water wrestling." We needed the whole pool to ourselves for that activity. (And I pretended it was acceptable pool behavior... until a few parents asked me to get my family out of the pool. Oops, again!)
Finally, it was dinner time. Instead of trying something new, we headed to Acme Oyster House. We had eaten there last year, and enjoyed it very much. It didn't disappoint last night either.
Oh, and NEWS FLASH! There is a zip line in this little entertainment district. A real zip line. It doesn't go over a canopy of trees in the rainforest though. Actually, your bottom is fastened into an unflattering harness, and you're sent sailing over the heads of poor people trying to eat a nice dinner. The week isn't over, but I don't think I'll be truly happy unless I zip line in a real rain forest. I have very high standards, you know.
We finished the evening with a Faulkner Family Movie Night. Actually, Mikie and I finished the night with a Faulkner Family Movie night. The kids opted to stay up a little longer.
We are anxious to see what today will bring. Only one thing is certain. I won't be taking pictures of other people's kids playing in the waves... no matter how carried away I get with my new camera and my new unbelievable photography skills!
DISCLAIMER - Please tell me you know me well enough to know I did NOT take pictures of strange children on the beach? Please? (I was tempted, but their parents were standing right there!) Unfortunately, the "water wrestling" part totally happened... but I was the parent who sent the Faulkner Five to their room! (It's really hard when all three of your kids look just like you! Mikie can walk away, but when it's all said and done, it's pretty evident those kids are MINE!)
Refreshing Lemon Water
I found this simple recipe on a blog a couple of weeks ago. Since I have recently started adding a bag or two (or four) of Splenda to my lemon water when I order it in a restaurant, this caught my eye.
1 gallon water
2 1/2 teaspoons citric acid (found in the pharmacy section of the grocery store or health food stores)
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
1 3/4 cups sugar
Mix all ingredients. Serve over ice. Add sliced lemons for garnish.
Sounds lovely, doesn't it? I'm making a pitcher when I get home... or maybe I'll make it here at the beach. Hmmm.
Have a terrific Tuesday. Wednesday's Wisdom and Traditions are all about the beach! I will also be sharing a couple of hints about our August Special Guest. That's right. It's that time again... and this chick will be a BIG surprise.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting (and Semi-Professional Photographer Extraordinaire) Belinda
"At the Beach" Beach Party
Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic is of Roxie and friends completing the 5K at the Pink Ribbon Run Friday night. They had an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction... and heat exhaustion. However, there are HUGE grins on all of the faces. It was a Friday night well spent.
The Gallery Pics are more of the same... the Pink Ribbon Run. It was a very well-documented event!
RANDOMNESS #1 - We're headed to the beach in a couple of hours (more like FOUR), so I was mistaken when I said all of this week's posts would be coming to you live from Sandestin. Sorry. I got a little ahead of myself.
RANDOMNESS #2 - Wouldn't it be a "kick in the pants" if I saw a manatee swimming in the Gulf this week? Wouldn't it? Or if a dolphin swam up to me and playfully nudged me with it's nose? (I have to be honest. Both of these events would probably be the end of me... literally. I don't think my heart could take it!)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Why don't we have Baywatch lifeguards on the Gulf Coast? They do a great job. In only three days, they assisted us TWICE. They aren't an eyesore. (Just the contrary!) And even though they don't run in slow motion up and down the beach, they are still a comfort to have. Is there someone we could talk to or write? I think I'll start with David Hasselhoff. He probably knows the right "people."
Beach Party
I've used my new "friends" at www.passion-for-parties.com once again. Being on vacation is the perfect time to use some of the ideas they have listed in their Beach Party Plan (and I've thrown in a couple of my own for good measure).
Plan a specific time to have an "At the Beach" Beach Party with your immediate family during your vacation.
Decorate Flip Flops - Have the kids decorate flip flops with fake flowers, fuzzy yarns, rhinestones, foam shapes, or anything else your imagination can come up with! (If you have guys, have yarn or ribbon in their favorite team colors for them to use.)
Festive Lunch - Break away from seafood and plan a lunch with theme plates, napkins, etc. Serve submarine sandwiches, Goldfish crackers and have fresh fruit kabobs with fruit dip. To stay with the theme, use coolers or ice buckets to serve the drinks from. You can use this as a centerpiece with two or three brightly colored balloons tied to the handle.
NOTE - You can even take it a step further and serve the food from frisbees lined with paper plates! The frisbees could then be used for another party activity.
Music - Have "beach" music (Beach Boys, etc.) playing throughout the festivities.
Beach Volleyball or Ultimate Frisbee - Get a little volleyball game (or Ultimate Frisbee challenge) going on in classic beach fashion!
Sand Castles Competition - Mom and Dad participate, too. When you are finished with your creations, stop a "beach walker" and ask them to pick the winner.
Cupcakes - Go to the website and look at their cupcake ideas. Pick one and decorate the cupcakes as a family!
Okay... The evening after your "At the Beach" Beach Party, have everyone throw on their pajamas and have a Family Movie Night with a theme movie (Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid, Swiss Family Robinson, etc.).
Switch things up a bit. Let the girls sleep together in one room (Mom, too), and let the guys do the same (including Dad). Or, you can all sleep in one room as a family!
Have a great Monday. Hopefully, I'll have pictures posted Tuesday using my NEW camera... and if I haven't figured it out by then, I'm taking the point and shoot (just in case)!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Showcase Pic is of Roxie and friends completing the 5K at the Pink Ribbon Run Friday night. They had an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction... and heat exhaustion. However, there are HUGE grins on all of the faces. It was a Friday night well spent.
The Gallery Pics are more of the same... the Pink Ribbon Run. It was a very well-documented event!
RANDOMNESS #1 - We're headed to the beach in a couple of hours (more like FOUR), so I was mistaken when I said all of this week's posts would be coming to you live from Sandestin. Sorry. I got a little ahead of myself.
RANDOMNESS #2 - Wouldn't it be a "kick in the pants" if I saw a manatee swimming in the Gulf this week? Wouldn't it? Or if a dolphin swam up to me and playfully nudged me with it's nose? (I have to be honest. Both of these events would probably be the end of me... literally. I don't think my heart could take it!)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Why don't we have Baywatch lifeguards on the Gulf Coast? They do a great job. In only three days, they assisted us TWICE. They aren't an eyesore. (Just the contrary!) And even though they don't run in slow motion up and down the beach, they are still a comfort to have. Is there someone we could talk to or write? I think I'll start with David Hasselhoff. He probably knows the right "people."
Beach Party
I've used my new "friends" at www.passion-for-parties.com once again. Being on vacation is the perfect time to use some of the ideas they have listed in their Beach Party Plan (and I've thrown in a couple of my own for good measure).
Plan a specific time to have an "At the Beach" Beach Party with your immediate family during your vacation.
Decorate Flip Flops - Have the kids decorate flip flops with fake flowers, fuzzy yarns, rhinestones, foam shapes, or anything else your imagination can come up with! (If you have guys, have yarn or ribbon in their favorite team colors for them to use.)
Festive Lunch - Break away from seafood and plan a lunch with theme plates, napkins, etc. Serve submarine sandwiches, Goldfish crackers and have fresh fruit kabobs with fruit dip. To stay with the theme, use coolers or ice buckets to serve the drinks from. You can use this as a centerpiece with two or three brightly colored balloons tied to the handle.
NOTE - You can even take it a step further and serve the food from frisbees lined with paper plates! The frisbees could then be used for another party activity.
Music - Have "beach" music (Beach Boys, etc.) playing throughout the festivities.
Beach Volleyball or Ultimate Frisbee - Get a little volleyball game (or Ultimate Frisbee challenge) going on in classic beach fashion!
Sand Castles Competition - Mom and Dad participate, too. When you are finished with your creations, stop a "beach walker" and ask them to pick the winner.
Cupcakes - Go to the website and look at their cupcake ideas. Pick one and decorate the cupcakes as a family!
Okay... The evening after your "At the Beach" Beach Party, have everyone throw on their pajamas and have a Family Movie Night with a theme movie (Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid, Swiss Family Robinson, etc.).
Switch things up a bit. Let the girls sleep together in one room (Mom, too), and let the guys do the same (including Dad). Or, you can all sleep in one room as a family!
Have a great Monday. Hopefully, I'll have pictures posted Tuesday using my NEW camera... and if I haven't figured it out by then, I'm taking the point and shoot (just in case)!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, July 23, 2010
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from our annual Cousin Get-Together. This year we had a "P" Party! Papa John's Pizza by the Pool... Pajamas... Pepsi and Dr. Pepper... Popcorn... Pictionary... and some of my favorite Peeps! (And look what Papa John's put in our pizza box! A Pepper!) We had a really fun evening, and since this is the third year in a row we've had a Cousin Get-Together, it is now officially a Tradition!
ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION! - Beginning next Monday (July 26) and ending Friday (July 30), A Simple Life will be on location! That's right. I'll be blogging from the beautiful white sand beaches of Sandestin... during Tropical Storm Bonnie. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is we didn't know we were going to be able to tag along with Mikie on his business trip, and last week we found out it was indeed a possibility. And now we are going on an unexpected beach trip!
And since everyone sleeps late at the beach, I decided I would just take the computer and keep you updated on the comings and goings of the Faulkner Five during the trip.
This is unprecedented, folks. Another first for A Simple Life! Join me next week as I (along with meteorologists everywhere) report from the beautiful, rainy beaches of Sandestin!
RANDOMNESS - In lieu of a NEW story, I've borrowed one from last July when the kids and I drove to Sandestin to meet Mikie. I love this story because it showcases my excellent parenting skills. NOT!
We were headed to the beach to meet Mikie in the Big Gold Van when I spied what I now believe was a steel cable in the middle of the road. When I first saw the cable, it looked more like a harmless shiny jump rope. I centered it with the van, and we all heard and felt the impact of metal on metal. I asked Roxie to watch out the back window to make sure I hadn't punctured something beneath the van and some kind of useful "van" liquid wasn't pouring out. No liquid. Everything seemed okay. We drove for another 15 to 20 minutes to the Greenville Exit. (Time for a potty break, you know.)
Once on the exit ramp, I sat at a red light for a few seconds and then turned left to drive to the McDonald's across the bridge. It took all of two seconds for me to realize we had a very flat tire. I slowed to one mile per hour and pulled into a gas station (whose name I didn't recognize). We found the flat tire in question. This led me to believe the steel cable in the middle of the road had made contact with more than just the bottom of the big gold van. I called Mikie and Austin began to get the jack and accessories out of our Big Gold Van Tire Changing Bag. While he started the tire changing process, Mikie told me to see if there was anyone (meaning "tire changing company") who would change it for me since we have insurance. Austin would probably have been able to change it, but it was different from anything he had worked on before. (I'm going to have to start calling it the Big OLD Gold Van. Because of it's advanced age, everything about it is a "little" different from other vehicles... including tire changing paraphernalia.)
I left the kids working on the van and went inside to ask for some phone numbers. Lisa, the girl behind the counter, was very helpful and after six calls found an actual person willing to help me. She handed me the phone. After I explained the situation, the woman on the other end said, "Well, we'll see what we can do," and I could tell as far as she was concerned it was the end of the conversation.
"Whoa, whoa! What does that mean exactly?" I asked. (I wasn't being rude when I yelled "Whoa, whoa!" I was just trying to stop her before she hung up.)
"It means someone will be there within 20 minutes," she huffed.
"Huff away, Lady," I thought to myself. "We'll see what we can do" and "Someone will be there within 20 minutes" are definitely two VERY DIFFERENT THINGS!
It was at the end of the phone conversation I looked out the window of the gas station to see not two, but all three of my children engaged in a loud argument. Now usually, I don't talk about such things... because talking about such things would mean they really happen... and that would mean that my children aren't perfect... and that would mean I wasn't the perfect mother. But there were many witnesses, so I feel I must confess... my children aren't perfect... and it isn't my fault I'm not a perfect mother. I've had to work with what the good Lord gave me.
I couldn't hear what they were saying, but the body language was definitely there. Roxie had both hands on her hips, and she was leaning forward, and her pony-tail was flipping so hard it looked like it had a life of it's own. Austin and Josh stood "discussing" the best way to proceed, but each was holding a large metal crowbar-type tire-changing tool, and I knew one bonk on the head or poke in the chest with one of those things would cause us an even longer delay as an emergency room visit would probably be required.
So I did what any perfect mother of imperfect children would do in the same situation... I went outside, gave Austin my debit card and told all of them to walk to the McDonald's and get whatever they wanted. (REMINDER: My kids are 18, 15 and 12. I would not have settled this problem in the same manner if they had been 10, 7 and 4. Just wanted to make sure new readers didn't think I had totally lost my mind. Old readers know I have. New readers might still be under the impression I have a mind to lose!)
Long story short, the kids made it across two major highways to McDonald's and the man came to fix my tire within ten minutes... not 20. And he was a great guy. Very professional and fast. His name was Derrick. And when I asked him if the spare was safe to travel on, he answered the question exactly how I wanted him to answer. "The tire is very safe. I would have no problem with my wife driving to the beach on that tire." Of course, I'm assuming Derrick had a good relationship with his wife, but that would be another story!
I drove to McDonald's and picked up my now-happy, non-fighting children and off to the beach we went... again.
I hope our trip down THIS YEAR is a little more uneventful!
Weekend Happenings
Tonight, Roxie and I will be participating in the Pink Ribbon Run being held at the Gardendale Soccer Complex. My friend, Tonya Brown, has worked long and hard to organize this event. Roxie is a Team Captain and has 12 people walking/running on her Team. (I'm one of Roxie's walkers!)
If you're interested in participating, check-in begins at 5:30, the 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 6:10 and the 5K Walk starts at 6:30. There will be live music, concessions, a Balloon Release and REAL BATHROOMS (very, very important).
Roxie and I have never done anything like this before, so we're looking forward to a new life experience!
I think the rest of the weekend will be spent getting ready for the beach trip, and doing this and that with family and friends. Austin, Josh and Roxie all have some "definite" plans. However, Mike and I will be a little more "go with the flow" since I try not to plan anything too big before a trip. Repeat after me... "Stress is not my friend!"
I hope you and yours have a wonderful, safe, fun, memory-filled weekend. I'll be posting photos today, Saturday and Sunday on Project 365 (as always). Beginning Monday, I'll be sharing BEACH parties, BEACH recipes, BEACH traditions, BEACH dates, etc., etc. I think you get the idea!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday!
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from our annual Cousin Get-Together. This year we had a "P" Party! Papa John's Pizza by the Pool... Pajamas... Pepsi and Dr. Pepper... Popcorn... Pictionary... and some of my favorite Peeps! (And look what Papa John's put in our pizza box! A Pepper!) We had a really fun evening, and since this is the third year in a row we've had a Cousin Get-Together, it is now officially a Tradition!
ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION! - Beginning next Monday (July 26) and ending Friday (July 30), A Simple Life will be on location! That's right. I'll be blogging from the beautiful white sand beaches of Sandestin... during Tropical Storm Bonnie. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is we didn't know we were going to be able to tag along with Mikie on his business trip, and last week we found out it was indeed a possibility. And now we are going on an unexpected beach trip!
And since everyone sleeps late at the beach, I decided I would just take the computer and keep you updated on the comings and goings of the Faulkner Five during the trip.
This is unprecedented, folks. Another first for A Simple Life! Join me next week as I (along with meteorologists everywhere) report from the beautiful, rainy beaches of Sandestin!
RANDOMNESS - In lieu of a NEW story, I've borrowed one from last July when the kids and I drove to Sandestin to meet Mikie. I love this story because it showcases my excellent parenting skills. NOT!
We were headed to the beach to meet Mikie in the Big Gold Van when I spied what I now believe was a steel cable in the middle of the road. When I first saw the cable, it looked more like a harmless shiny jump rope. I centered it with the van, and we all heard and felt the impact of metal on metal. I asked Roxie to watch out the back window to make sure I hadn't punctured something beneath the van and some kind of useful "van" liquid wasn't pouring out. No liquid. Everything seemed okay. We drove for another 15 to 20 minutes to the Greenville Exit. (Time for a potty break, you know.)
Once on the exit ramp, I sat at a red light for a few seconds and then turned left to drive to the McDonald's across the bridge. It took all of two seconds for me to realize we had a very flat tire. I slowed to one mile per hour and pulled into a gas station (whose name I didn't recognize). We found the flat tire in question. This led me to believe the steel cable in the middle of the road had made contact with more than just the bottom of the big gold van. I called Mikie and Austin began to get the jack and accessories out of our Big Gold Van Tire Changing Bag. While he started the tire changing process, Mikie told me to see if there was anyone (meaning "tire changing company") who would change it for me since we have insurance. Austin would probably have been able to change it, but it was different from anything he had worked on before. (I'm going to have to start calling it the Big OLD Gold Van. Because of it's advanced age, everything about it is a "little" different from other vehicles... including tire changing paraphernalia.)
I left the kids working on the van and went inside to ask for some phone numbers. Lisa, the girl behind the counter, was very helpful and after six calls found an actual person willing to help me. She handed me the phone. After I explained the situation, the woman on the other end said, "Well, we'll see what we can do," and I could tell as far as she was concerned it was the end of the conversation.
"Whoa, whoa! What does that mean exactly?" I asked. (I wasn't being rude when I yelled "Whoa, whoa!" I was just trying to stop her before she hung up.)
"It means someone will be there within 20 minutes," she huffed.
"Huff away, Lady," I thought to myself. "We'll see what we can do" and "Someone will be there within 20 minutes" are definitely two VERY DIFFERENT THINGS!
It was at the end of the phone conversation I looked out the window of the gas station to see not two, but all three of my children engaged in a loud argument. Now usually, I don't talk about such things... because talking about such things would mean they really happen... and that would mean that my children aren't perfect... and that would mean I wasn't the perfect mother. But there were many witnesses, so I feel I must confess... my children aren't perfect... and it isn't my fault I'm not a perfect mother. I've had to work with what the good Lord gave me.
I couldn't hear what they were saying, but the body language was definitely there. Roxie had both hands on her hips, and she was leaning forward, and her pony-tail was flipping so hard it looked like it had a life of it's own. Austin and Josh stood "discussing" the best way to proceed, but each was holding a large metal crowbar-type tire-changing tool, and I knew one bonk on the head or poke in the chest with one of those things would cause us an even longer delay as an emergency room visit would probably be required.
So I did what any perfect mother of imperfect children would do in the same situation... I went outside, gave Austin my debit card and told all of them to walk to the McDonald's and get whatever they wanted. (REMINDER: My kids are 18, 15 and 12. I would not have settled this problem in the same manner if they had been 10, 7 and 4. Just wanted to make sure new readers didn't think I had totally lost my mind. Old readers know I have. New readers might still be under the impression I have a mind to lose!)
Long story short, the kids made it across two major highways to McDonald's and the man came to fix my tire within ten minutes... not 20. And he was a great guy. Very professional and fast. His name was Derrick. And when I asked him if the spare was safe to travel on, he answered the question exactly how I wanted him to answer. "The tire is very safe. I would have no problem with my wife driving to the beach on that tire." Of course, I'm assuming Derrick had a good relationship with his wife, but that would be another story!
I drove to McDonald's and picked up my now-happy, non-fighting children and off to the beach we went... again.
I hope our trip down THIS YEAR is a little more uneventful!
Weekend Happenings
Tonight, Roxie and I will be participating in the Pink Ribbon Run being held at the Gardendale Soccer Complex. My friend, Tonya Brown, has worked long and hard to organize this event. Roxie is a Team Captain and has 12 people walking/running on her Team. (I'm one of Roxie's walkers!)
If you're interested in participating, check-in begins at 5:30, the 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 6:10 and the 5K Walk starts at 6:30. There will be live music, concessions, a Balloon Release and REAL BATHROOMS (very, very important).
Roxie and I have never done anything like this before, so we're looking forward to a new life experience!
I think the rest of the weekend will be spent getting ready for the beach trip, and doing this and that with family and friends. Austin, Josh and Roxie all have some "definite" plans. However, Mike and I will be a little more "go with the flow" since I try not to plan anything too big before a trip. Repeat after me... "Stress is not my friend!"
I hope you and yours have a wonderful, safe, fun, memory-filled weekend. I'll be posting photos today, Saturday and Sunday on Project 365 (as always). Beginning Monday, I'll be sharing BEACH parties, BEACH recipes, BEACH traditions, BEACH dates, etc., etc. I think you get the idea!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday!
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Park Hop Date
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pics are of The Pups. Copper and Sparkle have become quite the experts at ignoring me and my camera when they so choose. It's very annoying. Photo sessions with them now have to include some sort of fresh meat. Come to think of it, that might work with Austin and Josh, too!
RANDOMNESS - Austin has recently started attending X-Box basketball tournaments with several of his friends. He loves it. However, because of work schedules (some of which do not end until 10:30 at night), the tournaments usually begin around 11:00 p.m. and last until the wee hours of the morning.
It's not a bad activity. It's just a very, very late activity. The first night he participated, Mike and I just told him we wanted a call when he left his friend's house and we would still be awake when he arrived home since it is less than five minutes away. (We didn't want to wake up at 6:30 a.m. and find he had never made it home because of an accident or something.)
Fair enough. However, being the Mother Unit, I put a kink in the plan the first night. I set the clock at 3:30 a.m. You know... in the event he forgot to call. (Bad Mother Unit. Bad!)
Before the 3:30 alarm, we were awakened at 1:45 a.m. by Josh. Since Josh was having friends over for the night to play X-Box, too, we had failed to fill him in on his brother's whereabouts.
"Do you realize it's 1:45, and Austin isn't home yet?" he hissed.
I explained the situation. Satisfied, he left to join his friends.
At 3:30 a.m., the alarm went off. I crawled out of bed and checked the driveway. No truck. That was fine. He hadn't called. The tournament was still going strong, so I went back to bed.
"Do you think it would be okay if I sent him a text, or is that too "hovering?" I asked a comatose Mikie.
"Go ahead," he mumbled.
I grabbed his phone, because I had NO idea where mine was and sent the message. "How's it going?"
He responded, "I lost, but the tournament isn't over yet."
I typed, "Sorry. So when do you think you'll be leaving?" I accidentally sent that message to one of Mike's co-workers at 3:35 a.m. Once I realized what I had done, I sent the message to Austin and hoped, hoped, hoped Mike's co-worker kept his phone on vibrate during the night and hadn't been awakened by a weird message.
Austin answered, "Around 4:30, I guess."
Okay. So I re-set the the clock for 4:45 a.m., and crawled back into bed for another hour's beauty rest.
At 4:30 a.m., I received a call from Austin. He was on his way. Mike and I fell asleep almost immediately. At 4:40 a.m., I was awakened by a 6'4" boy/man leaning over my bed telling me about his night... every tiny detail.
"Go away. I'm glad you're home, but go away," I moaned.
He obliged, but not before telling me, "There's another tournament tomorrow night. I can't wait."
Mikie got out of bed to reset the clock for 5:30, and plopped back on his pillow with a heavy, heavy sigh. Only 45 minutes until time to get ready for work.
At 6:45, I rolled over, called my walking buddy and cancelled walking for the morning. I felt like I had been hit by a truck.
At 7:00, Mike kissed me on my head and left for work. As he walked into the den, I heard him say, "What on earth are y'all doing up so early?" Teenage boys easily sleep until 10:00 in the morning. EASILY! But Josh and his crew were up with the sun and finishing their own tournament of sorts.
Mike looked back at me as I started crawling out of bed. "Tomorrow night, we're going to tweak this thing a little." I nodded in agreement.
The last two tournaments, Austin has called and walked in the door five minutes later. If I'm not mistaken, that was the original plan... and it works brilliantly.
I'm telling you... Being a Mother Unit isn't always the glamorous job you might think. You can tell by the dark, dark circles under our eyes.
And Mikie would probably tell you being a Father Unit doesn't have a lot of perks either... especially when the Mother Unit he's married to is a "worrier."
You understand, don't you? We're the Parental Units of teenagers... and just like Parental Units of newborns, we're just trying to survive on two to three hours of sleep each night! And it's beginning to show!
Blog Linkage - I have only one link to share today. I promised a "hilarious" link, and I'm pretty sure this one will not disappoint.
Go to www.coalcreekfarm.com. Read AND watch the post entitled "Yes, I'm dancing in my kitchen... again," dated July 19. This woman is such a free spirit. I watched it once and laughed at her. I watched it twice and laughed at her kids. Enjoy!
Park Hop Date
Plan a date with one of your little ones to park hop. Pick two, three or four parks within 30 to 40 minutes from your house. Try to pick parks your child has never visited.
When you arrive at your first park, plan to stay 30 minutes. Ask your child what he/she wants to do first (swing, merry-go-round, climbing wall, feed the ducks, etc.). At the end of 30 minutes, race to the car, jump in and drive to the next park.
Upon arriving at the next park, take a moment to look things over. Again ask your child what he/she wants to do first, and play, play, play fast and furious for 30 minutes.
Repeat the process!
Be sure to pack a small cooler with water bottles and a few snacks for the travel time from park to park.
This would not be a short and quick date, but it would be fun, memorable and exciting. It would also give you a great deal of talking time with your child... and that's what a good date is all about, isn't it?
Have a fantastic Thursday. Friday's post will be brief and to the point. (Yeah. Like that's ever happened.) Well, as of right now, it will be brief. By tomorrow, it could be the longest post ever written!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are of The Pups. Copper and Sparkle have become quite the experts at ignoring me and my camera when they so choose. It's very annoying. Photo sessions with them now have to include some sort of fresh meat. Come to think of it, that might work with Austin and Josh, too!
RANDOMNESS - Austin has recently started attending X-Box basketball tournaments with several of his friends. He loves it. However, because of work schedules (some of which do not end until 10:30 at night), the tournaments usually begin around 11:00 p.m. and last until the wee hours of the morning.
It's not a bad activity. It's just a very, very late activity. The first night he participated, Mike and I just told him we wanted a call when he left his friend's house and we would still be awake when he arrived home since it is less than five minutes away. (We didn't want to wake up at 6:30 a.m. and find he had never made it home because of an accident or something.)
Fair enough. However, being the Mother Unit, I put a kink in the plan the first night. I set the clock at 3:30 a.m. You know... in the event he forgot to call. (Bad Mother Unit. Bad!)
Before the 3:30 alarm, we were awakened at 1:45 a.m. by Josh. Since Josh was having friends over for the night to play X-Box, too, we had failed to fill him in on his brother's whereabouts.
"Do you realize it's 1:45, and Austin isn't home yet?" he hissed.
I explained the situation. Satisfied, he left to join his friends.
At 3:30 a.m., the alarm went off. I crawled out of bed and checked the driveway. No truck. That was fine. He hadn't called. The tournament was still going strong, so I went back to bed.
"Do you think it would be okay if I sent him a text, or is that too "hovering?" I asked a comatose Mikie.
"Go ahead," he mumbled.
I grabbed his phone, because I had NO idea where mine was and sent the message. "How's it going?"
He responded, "I lost, but the tournament isn't over yet."
I typed, "Sorry. So when do you think you'll be leaving?" I accidentally sent that message to one of Mike's co-workers at 3:35 a.m. Once I realized what I had done, I sent the message to Austin and hoped, hoped, hoped Mike's co-worker kept his phone on vibrate during the night and hadn't been awakened by a weird message.
Austin answered, "Around 4:30, I guess."
Okay. So I re-set the the clock for 4:45 a.m., and crawled back into bed for another hour's beauty rest.
At 4:30 a.m., I received a call from Austin. He was on his way. Mike and I fell asleep almost immediately. At 4:40 a.m., I was awakened by a 6'4" boy/man leaning over my bed telling me about his night... every tiny detail.
"Go away. I'm glad you're home, but go away," I moaned.
He obliged, but not before telling me, "There's another tournament tomorrow night. I can't wait."
Mikie got out of bed to reset the clock for 5:30, and plopped back on his pillow with a heavy, heavy sigh. Only 45 minutes until time to get ready for work.
At 6:45, I rolled over, called my walking buddy and cancelled walking for the morning. I felt like I had been hit by a truck.
At 7:00, Mike kissed me on my head and left for work. As he walked into the den, I heard him say, "What on earth are y'all doing up so early?" Teenage boys easily sleep until 10:00 in the morning. EASILY! But Josh and his crew were up with the sun and finishing their own tournament of sorts.
Mike looked back at me as I started crawling out of bed. "Tomorrow night, we're going to tweak this thing a little." I nodded in agreement.
The last two tournaments, Austin has called and walked in the door five minutes later. If I'm not mistaken, that was the original plan... and it works brilliantly.
I'm telling you... Being a Mother Unit isn't always the glamorous job you might think. You can tell by the dark, dark circles under our eyes.
And Mikie would probably tell you being a Father Unit doesn't have a lot of perks either... especially when the Mother Unit he's married to is a "worrier."
You understand, don't you? We're the Parental Units of teenagers... and just like Parental Units of newborns, we're just trying to survive on two to three hours of sleep each night! And it's beginning to show!
Blog Linkage - I have only one link to share today. I promised a "hilarious" link, and I'm pretty sure this one will not disappoint.
Go to www.coalcreekfarm.com. Read AND watch the post entitled "Yes, I'm dancing in my kitchen... again," dated July 19. This woman is such a free spirit. I watched it once and laughed at her. I watched it twice and laughed at her kids. Enjoy!
Park Hop Date
Plan a date with one of your little ones to park hop. Pick two, three or four parks within 30 to 40 minutes from your house. Try to pick parks your child has never visited.
When you arrive at your first park, plan to stay 30 minutes. Ask your child what he/she wants to do first (swing, merry-go-round, climbing wall, feed the ducks, etc.). At the end of 30 minutes, race to the car, jump in and drive to the next park.
Upon arriving at the next park, take a moment to look things over. Again ask your child what he/she wants to do first, and play, play, play fast and furious for 30 minutes.
Repeat the process!
Be sure to pack a small cooler with water bottles and a few snacks for the travel time from park to park.
This would not be a short and quick date, but it would be fun, memorable and exciting. It would also give you a great deal of talking time with your child... and that's what a good date is all about, isn't it?
Have a fantastic Thursday. Friday's post will be brief and to the point. (Yeah. Like that's ever happened.) Well, as of right now, it will be brief. By tomorrow, it could be the longest post ever written!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
History Mystery
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are a couple of not-so-good Ultimate Frisbee shots of Josh and friends. My new camera will be arriving soon (I hope! I hope!) Until then, my point and shoot will have to do! (I'm just sorry you're the ones who have to suffer!)
RANDOMNESS - Sunday morning, Bro. Mark preached an excellent sermon on "Grace." However, the scripture he used struck me as EXCELLENT verses to give to college students everywhere! I've already "given" it to Austin, and will continue to remind him of this verse throughout his college career. (I'm printing this verse on 3" x 5" cards for his truck, desk, bathroom mirror, closet door, etc., etc.)
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." Titus 2:11-12.
Am I right? Is this a great college verse, or what? I LOVE IT!
Wednesday Wisdom - On the way to Amelia Island, the kids watched Mikie's set of Johnny Carson videos. I wasn't sure if they would enjoy them or not, but they watched all three videos... one right after the other. So, in honor of Mr. Carson, I'm sharing some quotes from Mr. Late Night himself!
"If life were fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead.”
“Married men live longer than single men. But married men are a lot more willing to die.” (I don't agree... But you have to admit, it is funny!)
“Happiness is your dentist telling you it won't hurt, and then having him catch his hand in the drill.” (This could be my favorite quote of all time!)
“I was so naive as a kid I used to sneak behind the barn and do nothing.”
I remember Johnny Carson's last show. Robin Williams and Bette Midler were his special guests that night, and they were wonderful... And late night television has never been the same. I miss him.
History Mystery
This would be a fun summer tradition to try. Google a few historical places close to your home. Once every two weeks or so, wake the kids up, load them into the van with snacks and clues and head for a new adventure. (Depending on the age of the kids, you can give them a map with the destination route highlighted. They can follow along and try to guess where the map will take them.)
Here are some ideas.
1. Go to the oldest restaurant in your local town (or a nearby city) for a special lunch. For example, LaCocina Mexican Restaurant is Birmingham's Oldest Mexican Restaurant. It is located at 2111 7th Avenue South. (I haven't been to this particular restaurant, so you may want to check it out before you take the kiddos.)
2. The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama would make an excellent History Mystery destination. If the kids are middle school age children, you can read The Watsons Go To Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis aloud a few days before you take this little field trip. It's a very good book (and interesting) about a family who was visiting relatives the day of the bombing.
3. Visit the oldest church in Cullman, and then eat at the oldest restaurant in that fair city.
4. Visit Vulcan. Pack a picnic lunch and take time to walk through the museum. Make sure you get a Scavenger Hunt sheet before you take the tour.
5. If you have baseball fans, pack peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jacks and head to Rickwood Field for pictures. It's the oldest ballpark in America.
6. Watch a movie at the Alabama Theater. Across from the Alabama, you can show the kids the Lyric Theater marquee. The Lyric is actually the oldest theater in Alabama. However, it has been vacant for over 50 years.
History, history, history. It is all around us. Summer could be a time when you have several History Mystery mini-trips each and every year. Use your imagination. Use your computer. Make it fun. Make it memorable. Your kids won't even know they're learning!
Have a fun Wednesday. Thursday I have some hilarious Blog Linkage and a fun date. Visit again if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are a couple of not-so-good Ultimate Frisbee shots of Josh and friends. My new camera will be arriving soon (I hope! I hope!) Until then, my point and shoot will have to do! (I'm just sorry you're the ones who have to suffer!)
RANDOMNESS - Sunday morning, Bro. Mark preached an excellent sermon on "Grace." However, the scripture he used struck me as EXCELLENT verses to give to college students everywhere! I've already "given" it to Austin, and will continue to remind him of this verse throughout his college career. (I'm printing this verse on 3" x 5" cards for his truck, desk, bathroom mirror, closet door, etc., etc.)
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." Titus 2:11-12.
Am I right? Is this a great college verse, or what? I LOVE IT!
Wednesday Wisdom - On the way to Amelia Island, the kids watched Mikie's set of Johnny Carson videos. I wasn't sure if they would enjoy them or not, but they watched all three videos... one right after the other. So, in honor of Mr. Carson, I'm sharing some quotes from Mr. Late Night himself!
"If life were fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead.”
“Married men live longer than single men. But married men are a lot more willing to die.” (I don't agree... But you have to admit, it is funny!)
“Happiness is your dentist telling you it won't hurt, and then having him catch his hand in the drill.” (This could be my favorite quote of all time!)
“I was so naive as a kid I used to sneak behind the barn and do nothing.”
I remember Johnny Carson's last show. Robin Williams and Bette Midler were his special guests that night, and they were wonderful... And late night television has never been the same. I miss him.
History Mystery
This would be a fun summer tradition to try. Google a few historical places close to your home. Once every two weeks or so, wake the kids up, load them into the van with snacks and clues and head for a new adventure. (Depending on the age of the kids, you can give them a map with the destination route highlighted. They can follow along and try to guess where the map will take them.)
Here are some ideas.
1. Go to the oldest restaurant in your local town (or a nearby city) for a special lunch. For example, LaCocina Mexican Restaurant is Birmingham's Oldest Mexican Restaurant. It is located at 2111 7th Avenue South. (I haven't been to this particular restaurant, so you may want to check it out before you take the kiddos.)
2. The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama would make an excellent History Mystery destination. If the kids are middle school age children, you can read The Watsons Go To Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis aloud a few days before you take this little field trip. It's a very good book (and interesting) about a family who was visiting relatives the day of the bombing.
3. Visit the oldest church in Cullman, and then eat at the oldest restaurant in that fair city.
4. Visit Vulcan. Pack a picnic lunch and take time to walk through the museum. Make sure you get a Scavenger Hunt sheet before you take the tour.
5. If you have baseball fans, pack peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jacks and head to Rickwood Field for pictures. It's the oldest ballpark in America.
6. Watch a movie at the Alabama Theater. Across from the Alabama, you can show the kids the Lyric Theater marquee. The Lyric is actually the oldest theater in Alabama. However, it has been vacant for over 50 years.
History, history, history. It is all around us. Summer could be a time when you have several History Mystery mini-trips each and every year. Use your imagination. Use your computer. Make it fun. Make it memorable. Your kids won't even know they're learning!
Have a fun Wednesday. Thursday I have some hilarious Blog Linkage and a fun date. Visit again if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Three Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
Good Tuesday morning!
I lied. I said the Amelia Island narrative was finished... over... done! And I meant every word. Really. I did... But I didn't get any new photos yesterday, so I had to use a few more in the Gallery so I would have something new and refreshing for you to gaze upon this morning. I did it all for you!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I copied this from Big Mama's post yesterday. Her little girl attended a summer camp this past week, and at the end of the week her friends had to come up with four words which described her. The four words were "happy," "caring," "silly" and "genius." Big Mama wrote this...
"I told her I was so proud of her for being happy and caring and asked for a little clarity about the genius part. She said, 'Oh, I told them all I was a genius, and they saw I was right.'"
I thought that was very sweet and funny. It reminded me of myself back in the day. "Oh, I told them I was enchanting, and they saw I was right."
Of course, she's only five... and I was 48 years-old when I started the "enchanting" business. Whatever!
RANDOMNESS #2 - Yesterday I called an old friend of mine who had just returned home from an extended family cruise. I wanted to hear all about it... or so I thought.
"We swam with dolphins and stingrays. Oh, and we zip lined across Haiti. And there was a chocolate buffet... ." Her words started to run together.
What? What? In a five-day period, she marked off THREE major things from MY "100 Things To Do Before I'm 90" List. (1) Cruise; (2) swim with dolphins; AND (3) zip line! (I have since added "chocolate buffet" to my list.)
"I'm so happy for you. No. Really. I am," I mumbled as the green-eyed monster took over my ENTIRE body.
But then, she added this little piece of info. "And can you guess one of my favorite parts of the trip? We went to a turtle farm. I'm telling you, Belinda, I have never seen so many giant turtles in my entire life. It was fascinating!"
Ahhh. The knife in the heart.
"If you tell me you saw a manatee, a feral horse or Tom Selleck, we can no longer be friends," I whispered softly.
"What's a feral horse?" she asked.
"It no longer matters," I responded. "I'm very, very glad you had such a good vacation. I have to go. I'll send you a Christmas card." And I ended the call.
You would think being almost 49 years-old I would be much more mature... but not so much. Hmmm.
Three Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
My friend, Julie Tuggle, loaned me her recipe book. Girls, we have enough material for YEARS, I tell you.
The words "three minute" and "chocolate" intrigued me, so I made a few of these mug cakes, and I'm glad I did.
You will need the following:
1 coffee mug
4 tablespoons flour (PLAIN flour... not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips
Nuts (optional)
Splash of vanilla
1. Add dry ingredients to mug. Mix well.
2. Add the egg, milk and oil. Mix well.
3. Add chocolate chips and vanilla. Mix again.
4. Put the mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high.
5. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but do not be alarmed. It doesn't cause a mess.
6. Add hot fudge sauce or whipped cream when you remove from the microwave, and dig in!
This is a fun, yummy little cake to QUICKLY make for dessert. I will admit, it is very good as soon as it comes out of the microwave, but not as moist the next day. Thus, if I made them for dessert, I would wait until the family had eaten their meal, and have the pre-mixed Chocolate Mug Cakes ready to pop into the microwave as soon as they were finished.
Enjoy... and if you see Julie out and about, be sure to thank her for loaning her favorite recipes to me (The World's Greatest Copier of Ideas)!
Have a great Tuesday. On Wednesday, A Simple Life will be filled with Wisdom, Traditions and more Randomness "than you can shake a stick at." (I know there are some grammatical errors going on in that last little phrase. I'm not saying it's okay... but I am aware!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I lied. I said the Amelia Island narrative was finished... over... done! And I meant every word. Really. I did... But I didn't get any new photos yesterday, so I had to use a few more in the Gallery so I would have something new and refreshing for you to gaze upon this morning. I did it all for you!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I copied this from Big Mama's post yesterday. Her little girl attended a summer camp this past week, and at the end of the week her friends had to come up with four words which described her. The four words were "happy," "caring," "silly" and "genius." Big Mama wrote this...
"I told her I was so proud of her for being happy and caring and asked for a little clarity about the genius part. She said, 'Oh, I told them all I was a genius, and they saw I was right.'"
I thought that was very sweet and funny. It reminded me of myself back in the day. "Oh, I told them I was enchanting, and they saw I was right."
Of course, she's only five... and I was 48 years-old when I started the "enchanting" business. Whatever!
RANDOMNESS #2 - Yesterday I called an old friend of mine who had just returned home from an extended family cruise. I wanted to hear all about it... or so I thought.
"We swam with dolphins and stingrays. Oh, and we zip lined across Haiti. And there was a chocolate buffet... ." Her words started to run together.
What? What? In a five-day period, she marked off THREE major things from MY "100 Things To Do Before I'm 90" List. (1) Cruise; (2) swim with dolphins; AND (3) zip line! (I have since added "chocolate buffet" to my list.)
"I'm so happy for you. No. Really. I am," I mumbled as the green-eyed monster took over my ENTIRE body.
But then, she added this little piece of info. "And can you guess one of my favorite parts of the trip? We went to a turtle farm. I'm telling you, Belinda, I have never seen so many giant turtles in my entire life. It was fascinating!"
Ahhh. The knife in the heart.
"If you tell me you saw a manatee, a feral horse or Tom Selleck, we can no longer be friends," I whispered softly.
"What's a feral horse?" she asked.
"It no longer matters," I responded. "I'm very, very glad you had such a good vacation. I have to go. I'll send you a Christmas card." And I ended the call.
You would think being almost 49 years-old I would be much more mature... but not so much. Hmmm.
Three Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
My friend, Julie Tuggle, loaned me her recipe book. Girls, we have enough material for YEARS, I tell you.
The words "three minute" and "chocolate" intrigued me, so I made a few of these mug cakes, and I'm glad I did.
You will need the following:
1 coffee mug
4 tablespoons flour (PLAIN flour... not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips
Nuts (optional)
Splash of vanilla
1. Add dry ingredients to mug. Mix well.
2. Add the egg, milk and oil. Mix well.
3. Add chocolate chips and vanilla. Mix again.
4. Put the mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high.
5. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but do not be alarmed. It doesn't cause a mess.
6. Add hot fudge sauce or whipped cream when you remove from the microwave, and dig in!
This is a fun, yummy little cake to QUICKLY make for dessert. I will admit, it is very good as soon as it comes out of the microwave, but not as moist the next day. Thus, if I made them for dessert, I would wait until the family had eaten their meal, and have the pre-mixed Chocolate Mug Cakes ready to pop into the microwave as soon as they were finished.
Enjoy... and if you see Julie out and about, be sure to thank her for loaning her favorite recipes to me (The World's Greatest Copier of Ideas)!
Have a great Tuesday. On Wednesday, A Simple Life will be filled with Wisdom, Traditions and more Randomness "than you can shake a stick at." (I know there are some grammatical errors going on in that last little phrase. I'm not saying it's okay... but I am aware!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, July 19, 2010
Polka Dot Party
Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic is of Roxie from our trip. It was a pretty picture which didn't get put in the mix, so I'm going to make you look at it ALL WEEK LONG.
The Gallery Pics are from the last day of our trip. Tomorrow on A Simple Life is a new day with all new "local" photos. Exciting, I know!
AMELIA ISLAND
Day Five - Oh, Miss Paula Deen... Have You Seen Tom Selleck?
Departure day. Yes. After three fun-filled, manatee-sea turtle-feral horse-Tom Selleck-FREE days, it was time to head home. As we watched the morning forecast, the local meteorologist informed us it was going to be between 105 and 110 with 100% humidity. If we didn't get off the Island soon, Mike and I were going to swell to twice our normal size!
We added over an hour to our drive home because we wanted to go through Savannah and have lunch with Paula Deen. That's right. I wanted to sit at her table and have a nice little chat to end my trip on a positive note. In reality, I knew the rules and the truth was we had little or no chance of getting a table for lunch at Paula Deen's. However, we did want to ride through Savannah and scope it out for a future "Me and Mikie" vacation.
We also had a Plan B. If Paula's was full (which we had been assured it would be), we would drive 9.2 miles to her brother's eatery (Uncle Bubba's Oyster House)... and we would eat with Bubba and he would tell us "Paula" stories.
Savannah was beautiful, and we found the restaurant easily. Were my eyes deceiving me? Where was the mile-long line? Where were all the hoards of hungry people? Could it be?
I hopped out of the Big Gold Van and ran to the outside hostess... and watched as she pointed at a large sign. "No Lunch Seating Available."
"Just tell me. Is Paula Deen in the restaurant today?" I asked the hostess.
"No, ma'am. She's not here today," she replied.
"Then I'm okay with this. I can fry my own chicken and bake my own pound cake using a pound of butter... and Paula's recipe," I said to myself as I climbed into our vehicle.
The kids were not disappointed about missing lunch at Paula's famous restaurant. They were disappointed about not eating... period.
"Don't worry. In ten minutes, we'll be at Uncle Bubba's," I told them, and off we went.
No one had ever told me if there were long lines at Bubba's, so I was a little worried about asking hungry teenagers to wait any length of time. However, as we pulled into the spacious parking lot, it was very evident who was famous in this family... and whose restaurant you could actually walk into and have a meal! Go Uncle Bubba!
Did I have my picture taken with Bubba, Brother of Famous Paula Deen? Nope. He didn't show up for work that day either. Was Tom Selleck among the lunch diners that day? Yeah. Right!
We were seated and eating cornbread with NO wait whatsoever. It was a big, sparkling clean Southern restaurant, and we were very satisfied.
The rest of our trip was uneventful... but very long. It had been a good five days, but as Dorothy says, "There's no place like home!" And she's right.
Will we one day return to Amelia Island? Uh... Yeah! We have some unfinished business to take care of... But unfinished business or not, it was a fun trip to a very different little place.
We loved the waves, the huge beaches, the cold Atlantic Ocean water, the Baywatch lifeguards, the different restaurants, the lazy afternoons by the pool, homemade ice cream and milkshakes, and the beautiful Historic District. It is definitely worth another trip. (But I think we'll wait until after the Heat Wave of 2010 ends!)
Weekend Review
Wow! Not planning a weekend can really take it out of you. (Just kidding!) I think we all needed a "come what may" kind of weekend.
Austin worked at the Chick and met up with a friend for an X-Box tournament late Sunday evening... He was happy.
Josh saw Karate Kid with a friend (for the second time), and participated in the X-Box tournament with Austin and friend... He was happy.
Roxie went shopping with one cousin, swam with some friends and spent the night with another cousin one night... She was happy.
Mikie worked Saturday to play a little catch up from our trip. We had a date Saturday evening. Sunday was spent piddling around the house... We were happy.
A little nothing can go a long way, and I think we are all feeling refreshed and ready for another week of summer! Will I have another "unplanned" weekend in the near future? Uh. I don't think so!
Polka Dot Party
I stumbled across a FANTASTIC website called www.passion-for-parties.com. It has ALL the information you need to throw an easy, wonderful and FUN party for your kids, tweens AND teens. I'm going to share a small part of their Polka Dot Party with you, but go to their website to see ideas for many, many more themes.
Also, they have pictures of the invitations, how the rooms should be decorated, the cakes, etc., etc. It is a very easy-to-follow website, and I will be visiting often!
How to Decorate
1. Use solid color paper plates that match your party theme to fill your party area with polka dots! Adhere them to door frames, windows, walls, and anywhere else you might like. They make a huge impact and look really great! (There are pictures on the website. It is SO cute.)
2. You can even make a birthday banner by stringing plates together and adding letters to the plates to spell out "Happy Birthday."
3. Another good idea is to hang balloons from the ceiling, so the "dots" are dangling down into the party area.
Polka Dot Games
1. Twister (our girls actually opted for Twister Moves...the dance version)
2. Bingo
3. Polka Dot Punch - Blow up about twice as many balloons as there are kids using two colors. (If you have 8 kids you would blow up 8 of one color and 8 of a second color). Divide the kids into teams and assign each team a color. On your go, the kids toss the balloons into the air. The object of the game is to keep all of your team's balloons in the air while trying to knock all of the other team's balloons to the ground. Once a balloon hits the ground it's out of play. The team that runs out of balloons first is out. The kids love this so they'll want to do it over and over again!
4. Polka Dot Pop - Same premise as above, but the kids try to sit on the balloons of the opposite team and pop them. The first team to pop all of the opposing team's balloons wins. You may want to increase the amount of balloons for this game.
Polka Dot Party Food
Dippin' Dots ice cream
Puffed cheese balls
Bagel Bite pizzas
Melon balls
M and M's
Dots candy
As I said before, this is just a sampling of some of their great ideas. If you are stumped about an upcoming party, this website is a must-see!
Have a magnificent Monday. Make this summer day count! I'll be sharing a fun recipe Tuesday, and a little Randomness. It will be an easy, breezy day on A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Showcase Pic is of Roxie from our trip. It was a pretty picture which didn't get put in the mix, so I'm going to make you look at it ALL WEEK LONG.
The Gallery Pics are from the last day of our trip. Tomorrow on A Simple Life is a new day with all new "local" photos. Exciting, I know!
AMELIA ISLAND
Day Five - Oh, Miss Paula Deen... Have You Seen Tom Selleck?
Departure day. Yes. After three fun-filled, manatee-sea turtle-feral horse-Tom Selleck-FREE days, it was time to head home. As we watched the morning forecast, the local meteorologist informed us it was going to be between 105 and 110 with 100% humidity. If we didn't get off the Island soon, Mike and I were going to swell to twice our normal size!
We added over an hour to our drive home because we wanted to go through Savannah and have lunch with Paula Deen. That's right. I wanted to sit at her table and have a nice little chat to end my trip on a positive note. In reality, I knew the rules and the truth was we had little or no chance of getting a table for lunch at Paula Deen's. However, we did want to ride through Savannah and scope it out for a future "Me and Mikie" vacation.
We also had a Plan B. If Paula's was full (which we had been assured it would be), we would drive 9.2 miles to her brother's eatery (Uncle Bubba's Oyster House)... and we would eat with Bubba and he would tell us "Paula" stories.
Savannah was beautiful, and we found the restaurant easily. Were my eyes deceiving me? Where was the mile-long line? Where were all the hoards of hungry people? Could it be?
I hopped out of the Big Gold Van and ran to the outside hostess... and watched as she pointed at a large sign. "No Lunch Seating Available."
"Just tell me. Is Paula Deen in the restaurant today?" I asked the hostess.
"No, ma'am. She's not here today," she replied.
"Then I'm okay with this. I can fry my own chicken and bake my own pound cake using a pound of butter... and Paula's recipe," I said to myself as I climbed into our vehicle.
The kids were not disappointed about missing lunch at Paula's famous restaurant. They were disappointed about not eating... period.
"Don't worry. In ten minutes, we'll be at Uncle Bubba's," I told them, and off we went.
No one had ever told me if there were long lines at Bubba's, so I was a little worried about asking hungry teenagers to wait any length of time. However, as we pulled into the spacious parking lot, it was very evident who was famous in this family... and whose restaurant you could actually walk into and have a meal! Go Uncle Bubba!
Did I have my picture taken with Bubba, Brother of Famous Paula Deen? Nope. He didn't show up for work that day either. Was Tom Selleck among the lunch diners that day? Yeah. Right!
We were seated and eating cornbread with NO wait whatsoever. It was a big, sparkling clean Southern restaurant, and we were very satisfied.
The rest of our trip was uneventful... but very long. It had been a good five days, but as Dorothy says, "There's no place like home!" And she's right.
Will we one day return to Amelia Island? Uh... Yeah! We have some unfinished business to take care of... But unfinished business or not, it was a fun trip to a very different little place.
We loved the waves, the huge beaches, the cold Atlantic Ocean water, the Baywatch lifeguards, the different restaurants, the lazy afternoons by the pool, homemade ice cream and milkshakes, and the beautiful Historic District. It is definitely worth another trip. (But I think we'll wait until after the Heat Wave of 2010 ends!)
Weekend Review
Wow! Not planning a weekend can really take it out of you. (Just kidding!) I think we all needed a "come what may" kind of weekend.
Austin worked at the Chick and met up with a friend for an X-Box tournament late Sunday evening... He was happy.
Josh saw Karate Kid with a friend (for the second time), and participated in the X-Box tournament with Austin and friend... He was happy.
Roxie went shopping with one cousin, swam with some friends and spent the night with another cousin one night... She was happy.
Mikie worked Saturday to play a little catch up from our trip. We had a date Saturday evening. Sunday was spent piddling around the house... We were happy.
A little nothing can go a long way, and I think we are all feeling refreshed and ready for another week of summer! Will I have another "unplanned" weekend in the near future? Uh. I don't think so!
Polka Dot Party
I stumbled across a FANTASTIC website called www.passion-for-parties.com. It has ALL the information you need to throw an easy, wonderful and FUN party for your kids, tweens AND teens. I'm going to share a small part of their Polka Dot Party with you, but go to their website to see ideas for many, many more themes.
Also, they have pictures of the invitations, how the rooms should be decorated, the cakes, etc., etc. It is a very easy-to-follow website, and I will be visiting often!
How to Decorate
1. Use solid color paper plates that match your party theme to fill your party area with polka dots! Adhere them to door frames, windows, walls, and anywhere else you might like. They make a huge impact and look really great! (There are pictures on the website. It is SO cute.)
2. You can even make a birthday banner by stringing plates together and adding letters to the plates to spell out "Happy Birthday."
3. Another good idea is to hang balloons from the ceiling, so the "dots" are dangling down into the party area.
Polka Dot Games
1. Twister (our girls actually opted for Twister Moves...the dance version)
2. Bingo
3. Polka Dot Punch - Blow up about twice as many balloons as there are kids using two colors. (If you have 8 kids you would blow up 8 of one color and 8 of a second color). Divide the kids into teams and assign each team a color. On your go, the kids toss the balloons into the air. The object of the game is to keep all of your team's balloons in the air while trying to knock all of the other team's balloons to the ground. Once a balloon hits the ground it's out of play. The team that runs out of balloons first is out. The kids love this so they'll want to do it over and over again!
4. Polka Dot Pop - Same premise as above, but the kids try to sit on the balloons of the opposite team and pop them. The first team to pop all of the opposing team's balloons wins. You may want to increase the amount of balloons for this game.
Polka Dot Party Food
Dippin' Dots ice cream
Puffed cheese balls
Bagel Bite pizzas
Melon balls
M and M's
Dots candy
As I said before, this is just a sampling of some of their great ideas. If you are stumped about an upcoming party, this website is a must-see!
Have a magnificent Monday. Make this summer day count! I'll be sharing a fun recipe Tuesday, and a little Randomness. It will be an easy, breezy day on A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, July 16, 2010
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
That's right... A few photos from Day 4 on Amelia Island awaits you in the Gallery. (It's almost over, guys!)
AMELIA ISLAND
Day Four - Will I Ever See a Manatee (or Tom Selleck)?
My story does not have a happy ending. I'll go ahead and warn you before you get too excited. In a few short paragraphs, you will probably be sobbing uncontrollably. And I will join you.
INTERESTING NOTE BEFORE THE STORY - We had been playing in the ocean for about 90 minutes when we decided to take a water break. We were sitting under our umbrella watching the waves when a Baywatch lifeguard started blowing an air horn, waving a red flag AND yelling for everyone to "RUN! GET OUT OF THE WATER! GREAT WHITE SHARK! GREAT WHITE SHARK!" (Actually, everything in that last little section was true except he yelled, "Everyone out of the water!" a few times.)
We watched as the ocean was efficiently evacuated, and an official Baywatch Lifeguard Vehicle with lights flashing rode down the beach to the next lifeguard station... and then to the next... and then to the next. We watched the ocean looking for the ominous fin of the Great White Shark.
We never saw anything, but we did decide the "ocean" part of our day was over, and we packed up and headed to the pool. As we were leaving, a retired Baywatch lifeguard stopped us and told us we would be able to go back into the water in 15 minutes. Baywatch Lifeguard Shark Protocol clearly states, "If a shark is spotted in the water, monitor the direction it is swimming and once 15 minutes has passed, everyone is allowed back into the water."
It's very similar to the Local Pool Thunder Protocol which also clearly states, "If it thunders, everyone must clear out of the pool for 20 minutes. If at the end of 20 minutes there has been no more thunder, everyone is allowed back into the water."
Does anyone else see a problem here? Shark... out of the water for ONLY 15 minutes. Thunder... out of the water for 20 minutes. Hmmm. What is wrong with this picture?
BACK TO THE ORIGINAL STORY - The temps at Amelia Island were a little mind boggling. We would watch the morning news to see the forecast. The meteorologist would inform us the high would be 98 for the day. The meteorologist would be wrong. At 8:00 p.m. each and every evening, the temp would be 98. During the "heat of the day," the temp would be well into the 100s. Monday morning when we left, the weather forecast called for a high of 105 to 110 with 100% humidity. (I'm not kidding. Really!)
Now you will understand why we chose not to take the morning river cruise from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. OR the mid-afternoon river cruise from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We would have DIED! We chose the sunset cruise from 7:30 p.m until 9:00 p.m. Our decision was a sound one based on scientific evidence we would not survive on a metal boat in the "heat of the day." Mike and I were practicing good, responsible parenting.
We rode into the Historic District to the marina. It was very cloudy, breezy and almost comfortably cool. My kind of weather. As we hopped out of the Big Gold Van, I walked to the booth to purchase my tickets.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am. The cruise has been cancelled," the Captain of the vessel told me.
"What do you mean cancelled? It's a beautiful night. It's cool. We won't die if we go out on the boat right now from heat stroke. WHAT... IS... THE... PROBLEM?" I asked in a sweet tone.
"Well, there is lightning all around you, and there has been a great deal of thunder. It's just not safe, Ma'am."
"You big wussy! What kind of sailor are you? Every boat in the world does not dock at a marina when there is a little storm at sea! There are hundreds... nay, thousands of boats out on the water right now. They aren't letting a little lightning and thunder scare them! You're a disgrace to sea-faring MEN everywhere! Do you hear me?"
That was my imaginary conversation. In reality I said, "Oh. Okay." (Who was the big wussy now?)
"I wish you had come earlier in the day," the Captain told me.
"Well, it's just so hot. We didn't want to sit on a metal boat for two hours in the heat. It just didn't sound the least bit enjoyable."
"It's different on the water. I tell people all the time. It's cool and refreshing on the water," the wussy Captain assured me.
I smiled and walked off. I had been standing waist deep in the ocean two to three hours each and every day we had been on Amelia Island. And after I left the ocean, I went directly to a pool where I stood waist deep in chlorinated water for one to two hours each and every day... and I had never felt "refreshed."
But arguing was futile. The decision was made. Our fate was sealed. We would not see manatees, sea turtles or feral horses (or Tom Selleck) during our stay on Amelia Island. I turned to deliver the sad, sad news to the remaining Faulkner Four. I knew it would break their hearts.
"Can we order pizza from Townie's again for supper?" Josh asked.
"Can we stop by the souvenir store. I want to pick out a t-shirt on the way back to the hotel?" Roxie asked.
"My toe hurts," Austin stated.
"I am so sorry." Mikie said the right thing, but I had seen him nod when Josh suggested Townie's Pizza for dinner.
And then it began to rain. And we went to the souvenir store. And we went to the hotel and ordered Townie's Pizza. And everyone was happy and content. Even me. I mean, I'm still only 48 years-old (for 42 days, 6 hours and 14 minutes). Technically, I have 41 more years before I have to finish my "100 Things to Do Before I'm 90" list. That's plenty of time! Right? Am I right?
There was still the tiniest chance I would get to meet Paula Deen on the way home. There was a glimmer of hope. Check back Monday for the final installment of this incredibly long tale!
Weekend Happenings
We have a very simple weekend "not" planned. Basically, it is a "whatever comes up" kind of weekend. I'm leaving it WIDE open, and we're going to see what happens.
Let it be known, I have only done this two other times in my entire adult life. I'm just a little nervous!
I'll let you know Monday if it works out!
Have a fantastic weekend. Excessive heat or not, there is ALWAYS something fun to do with family and friends. ALWAYS! If you need inspiration, Google Birmingham Bargain Mom and check out her website. It never disappoints.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Now Peeling Belinda
That's right... A few photos from Day 4 on Amelia Island awaits you in the Gallery. (It's almost over, guys!)
AMELIA ISLAND
Day Four - Will I Ever See a Manatee (or Tom Selleck)?
My story does not have a happy ending. I'll go ahead and warn you before you get too excited. In a few short paragraphs, you will probably be sobbing uncontrollably. And I will join you.
INTERESTING NOTE BEFORE THE STORY - We had been playing in the ocean for about 90 minutes when we decided to take a water break. We were sitting under our umbrella watching the waves when a Baywatch lifeguard started blowing an air horn, waving a red flag AND yelling for everyone to "RUN! GET OUT OF THE WATER! GREAT WHITE SHARK! GREAT WHITE SHARK!" (Actually, everything in that last little section was true except he yelled, "Everyone out of the water!" a few times.)
We watched as the ocean was efficiently evacuated, and an official Baywatch Lifeguard Vehicle with lights flashing rode down the beach to the next lifeguard station... and then to the next... and then to the next. We watched the ocean looking for the ominous fin of the Great White Shark.
We never saw anything, but we did decide the "ocean" part of our day was over, and we packed up and headed to the pool. As we were leaving, a retired Baywatch lifeguard stopped us and told us we would be able to go back into the water in 15 minutes. Baywatch Lifeguard Shark Protocol clearly states, "If a shark is spotted in the water, monitor the direction it is swimming and once 15 minutes has passed, everyone is allowed back into the water."
It's very similar to the Local Pool Thunder Protocol which also clearly states, "If it thunders, everyone must clear out of the pool for 20 minutes. If at the end of 20 minutes there has been no more thunder, everyone is allowed back into the water."
Does anyone else see a problem here? Shark... out of the water for ONLY 15 minutes. Thunder... out of the water for 20 minutes. Hmmm. What is wrong with this picture?
BACK TO THE ORIGINAL STORY - The temps at Amelia Island were a little mind boggling. We would watch the morning news to see the forecast. The meteorologist would inform us the high would be 98 for the day. The meteorologist would be wrong. At 8:00 p.m. each and every evening, the temp would be 98. During the "heat of the day," the temp would be well into the 100s. Monday morning when we left, the weather forecast called for a high of 105 to 110 with 100% humidity. (I'm not kidding. Really!)
Now you will understand why we chose not to take the morning river cruise from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. OR the mid-afternoon river cruise from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We would have DIED! We chose the sunset cruise from 7:30 p.m until 9:00 p.m. Our decision was a sound one based on scientific evidence we would not survive on a metal boat in the "heat of the day." Mike and I were practicing good, responsible parenting.
We rode into the Historic District to the marina. It was very cloudy, breezy and almost comfortably cool. My kind of weather. As we hopped out of the Big Gold Van, I walked to the booth to purchase my tickets.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am. The cruise has been cancelled," the Captain of the vessel told me.
"What do you mean cancelled? It's a beautiful night. It's cool. We won't die if we go out on the boat right now from heat stroke. WHAT... IS... THE... PROBLEM?" I asked in a sweet tone.
"Well, there is lightning all around you, and there has been a great deal of thunder. It's just not safe, Ma'am."
"You big wussy! What kind of sailor are you? Every boat in the world does not dock at a marina when there is a little storm at sea! There are hundreds... nay, thousands of boats out on the water right now. They aren't letting a little lightning and thunder scare them! You're a disgrace to sea-faring MEN everywhere! Do you hear me?"
That was my imaginary conversation. In reality I said, "Oh. Okay." (Who was the big wussy now?)
"I wish you had come earlier in the day," the Captain told me.
"Well, it's just so hot. We didn't want to sit on a metal boat for two hours in the heat. It just didn't sound the least bit enjoyable."
"It's different on the water. I tell people all the time. It's cool and refreshing on the water," the wussy Captain assured me.
I smiled and walked off. I had been standing waist deep in the ocean two to three hours each and every day we had been on Amelia Island. And after I left the ocean, I went directly to a pool where I stood waist deep in chlorinated water for one to two hours each and every day... and I had never felt "refreshed."
But arguing was futile. The decision was made. Our fate was sealed. We would not see manatees, sea turtles or feral horses (or Tom Selleck) during our stay on Amelia Island. I turned to deliver the sad, sad news to the remaining Faulkner Four. I knew it would break their hearts.
"Can we order pizza from Townie's again for supper?" Josh asked.
"Can we stop by the souvenir store. I want to pick out a t-shirt on the way back to the hotel?" Roxie asked.
"My toe hurts," Austin stated.
"I am so sorry." Mikie said the right thing, but I had seen him nod when Josh suggested Townie's Pizza for dinner.
And then it began to rain. And we went to the souvenir store. And we went to the hotel and ordered Townie's Pizza. And everyone was happy and content. Even me. I mean, I'm still only 48 years-old (for 42 days, 6 hours and 14 minutes). Technically, I have 41 more years before I have to finish my "100 Things to Do Before I'm 90" list. That's plenty of time! Right? Am I right?
There was still the tiniest chance I would get to meet Paula Deen on the way home. There was a glimmer of hope. Check back Monday for the final installment of this incredibly long tale!
Weekend Happenings
We have a very simple weekend "not" planned. Basically, it is a "whatever comes up" kind of weekend. I'm leaving it WIDE open, and we're going to see what happens.
Let it be known, I have only done this two other times in my entire adult life. I'm just a little nervous!
I'll let you know Monday if it works out!
Have a fantastic weekend. Excessive heat or not, there is ALWAYS something fun to do with family and friends. ALWAYS! If you need inspiration, Google Birmingham Bargain Mom and check out her website. It never disappoints.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Now Peeling Belinda
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Book and Movie Date
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from Day Three of our Amelia Island Va-Ca. I know! I know! The stories and photos just keep coming. (Aren't you glad I didn't go on a two week cruise?)
AMELIA ISLAND
Day Three - I Think I Met a Gypsy!
And then there were four... Austin's beach time was over. Because we had to keep the wound clean, walking on the sand or getting in the ocean was out of the question. But he was fine with the new situation. With book and laptop in hand, he made his way to a big, comfortable chair in the lobby (conveniently situated in front of the big screen television) to relax for a few hours. The plan was to play in the ocean for a little while and meet back at the pool. (All five of us could play in the pool!)
We had learned from our many mistakes made the day before.
We didn't try to park on the beach; thus, we saved $10 in towing fees.
We only brought ONE umbrella, FOUR boogie boards and THREE chairs. We knew if someone else sustained a massive injury, we could carry all of our paraphernalia back to the van in only ONE TRIP.
Beach time was uneventful, but fun, as was our pool time. That was good. We needed an uneventful day.
We drove into the Historic District of Amelia Island which was charming, beautiful and filled with interesting little shops. But we only had one destination in mind. The ice cream shop. Since it was 100 degrees (literally... NOT a heat index), we wanted homemade ice cream and milkshakes. We were not disappointed, and we made our way back to our hotel room refreshed and ready for a little rest before our major dining experience that evening.
In the last year or so, I've enjoyed visiting restaurants which have been featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Before this trip, I had visited five of these restaurants... and they were all very, very good.
I was pretty sure there wouldn't be a featured restaurant on the tiny, tiny island, but in nearby Jacksonville we hit the jackpot. It was called 13 Gypsies. It was described as an European Bistro which seated only 18 people at a time. I made my reservations, and started Googling info about this little eatery.
The word "tapas" kept coming up. Thankfully, Mikie was cosmopolitan and sophisticated enough to explain the concept to me. You are given a menu and you order two tapas per person. (A tapas dish costs between $2 to $10, is very small and is meant to be shared.) EVERYTHING on the menu was new to us. (Code for TWO YEARS AGO, NONE OF OUR KIDS WOULD HAVE EATEN ANYTHING!)
When we arrived at 13 Gypsies, we were pleasantly surprised. It was in a rundown part of town, but it was a charming establishment.
Guess what we ordered?
Street Style Pork Kabobs (Probably the second favorite dish of the evening.)
Garlic Shrimp
Coconut Mango Curry Chicken (It was the color of a BAD diaper, but it tasted delicious!)
Angry Bull (Pan seared beef, served with pacheco sauce and crowned with crushed raw garlic and peppercorns.)
Cod Loin Mariscana (Pieces of cod loin cooked in a spicy Parmesan sauce. Who knew cod had loins?)
Shrimp Piri-Piri (Large fresh shrimp sauteed in a traditional spicy Portuguese ginger-lemon sauce. Go Portugal!)
Blackened Octopus (JUST KIDDING!)
Jibneh Arabieh (Pan seared cheese, scallion oil, roasted red pepper coulis. I couldn't say it, but it tasted like pimento cheese. It was excellent!)
Bread (Most definitely the FAVORITE... and one of the few menu items we could actually pronounce!)
If you are ever in Jacksonville, Florida, the Faulkner Five (and Guy Fieri) highly recommend this fun restaurant!
Blog Linkage - I hope you enjoy today's little list. I have something for people with an APPETITE for travel, an APPETITE for Italian food and some FOOD for thought. (Can you tell I haven't had breakfast yet?)
1. Go to www.bing.com/travel. You will find yourself on their home "Travel" page. In the Search Box at the top of the page type "50 Awesome Vacations." You will be taken to a list of websites with vacation information. Several of them will begin with "50 Awesome Vacations." Just click on one of those links and it will take you to a very interesting list of one vacation per state. It was fun looking through the list to see if I agreed OR if I had ever been to any of the places they suggested. (If you have unlimited funds, wouldn't this make a great "to do" list?)
2. If you need a quick, easy and filling dinner for the weekend, you need to go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Click on Tasty Kitchen at the top of her home page. Look at the right-hand column of this page, and you will see the heading "A Tasty Recipe: Bowtie Lasagna." I made this last night, and it hit the spot. It received Five Faulkner Stars!
3. Go to Nitty.Gritty under My Blog List. Scroll down to Jody's post entitled "Because We Don't Know What to Expect" dated July 12. There is a lot of truth in this little post.
Book and Movie Date
The movie Ramona and Beezus will be hitting the theaters in a few short days, and for kids everywhere it will always be known as Ramona and Beezus... The Movie. But I remember Ramona and Beezus... The Book. Beverly Cleary was one of my favorite authors when I was growing up. I loved all of her books, but especially Ramona and Beezus.
If you are the mother of a young girl, buy or check this book out of your local library TODAY. Find a special place to curl up together for a little while each day to read this wonderful story aloud.
After you've finished this delightful book, plan a movie date and head to your local theater to watch the book come to life on the big screen. It will be time well spent!
Have a terrific Thursday. I'll end the week Friday with Weekend Happenings and more ramblings about our vacation which I have affectionately entitled Day Four - Will I Ever See a Manatee (or Tom Selleck)?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from Day Three of our Amelia Island Va-Ca. I know! I know! The stories and photos just keep coming. (Aren't you glad I didn't go on a two week cruise?)
AMELIA ISLAND
Day Three - I Think I Met a Gypsy!
And then there were four... Austin's beach time was over. Because we had to keep the wound clean, walking on the sand or getting in the ocean was out of the question. But he was fine with the new situation. With book and laptop in hand, he made his way to a big, comfortable chair in the lobby (conveniently situated in front of the big screen television) to relax for a few hours. The plan was to play in the ocean for a little while and meet back at the pool. (All five of us could play in the pool!)
We had learned from our many mistakes made the day before.
We didn't try to park on the beach; thus, we saved $10 in towing fees.
We only brought ONE umbrella, FOUR boogie boards and THREE chairs. We knew if someone else sustained a massive injury, we could carry all of our paraphernalia back to the van in only ONE TRIP.
Beach time was uneventful, but fun, as was our pool time. That was good. We needed an uneventful day.
We drove into the Historic District of Amelia Island which was charming, beautiful and filled with interesting little shops. But we only had one destination in mind. The ice cream shop. Since it was 100 degrees (literally... NOT a heat index), we wanted homemade ice cream and milkshakes. We were not disappointed, and we made our way back to our hotel room refreshed and ready for a little rest before our major dining experience that evening.
In the last year or so, I've enjoyed visiting restaurants which have been featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Before this trip, I had visited five of these restaurants... and they were all very, very good.
I was pretty sure there wouldn't be a featured restaurant on the tiny, tiny island, but in nearby Jacksonville we hit the jackpot. It was called 13 Gypsies. It was described as an European Bistro which seated only 18 people at a time. I made my reservations, and started Googling info about this little eatery.
The word "tapas" kept coming up. Thankfully, Mikie was cosmopolitan and sophisticated enough to explain the concept to me. You are given a menu and you order two tapas per person. (A tapas dish costs between $2 to $10, is very small and is meant to be shared.) EVERYTHING on the menu was new to us. (Code for TWO YEARS AGO, NONE OF OUR KIDS WOULD HAVE EATEN ANYTHING!)
When we arrived at 13 Gypsies, we were pleasantly surprised. It was in a rundown part of town, but it was a charming establishment.
Guess what we ordered?
Street Style Pork Kabobs (Probably the second favorite dish of the evening.)
Garlic Shrimp
Coconut Mango Curry Chicken (It was the color of a BAD diaper, but it tasted delicious!)
Angry Bull (Pan seared beef, served with pacheco sauce and crowned with crushed raw garlic and peppercorns.)
Cod Loin Mariscana (Pieces of cod loin cooked in a spicy Parmesan sauce. Who knew cod had loins?)
Shrimp Piri-Piri (Large fresh shrimp sauteed in a traditional spicy Portuguese ginger-lemon sauce. Go Portugal!)
Blackened Octopus (JUST KIDDING!)
Jibneh Arabieh (Pan seared cheese, scallion oil, roasted red pepper coulis. I couldn't say it, but it tasted like pimento cheese. It was excellent!)
Bread (Most definitely the FAVORITE... and one of the few menu items we could actually pronounce!)
If you are ever in Jacksonville, Florida, the Faulkner Five (and Guy Fieri) highly recommend this fun restaurant!
Blog Linkage - I hope you enjoy today's little list. I have something for people with an APPETITE for travel, an APPETITE for Italian food and some FOOD for thought. (Can you tell I haven't had breakfast yet?)
1. Go to www.bing.com/travel. You will find yourself on their home "Travel" page. In the Search Box at the top of the page type "50 Awesome Vacations." You will be taken to a list of websites with vacation information. Several of them will begin with "50 Awesome Vacations." Just click on one of those links and it will take you to a very interesting list of one vacation per state. It was fun looking through the list to see if I agreed OR if I had ever been to any of the places they suggested. (If you have unlimited funds, wouldn't this make a great "to do" list?)
2. If you need a quick, easy and filling dinner for the weekend, you need to go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Click on Tasty Kitchen at the top of her home page. Look at the right-hand column of this page, and you will see the heading "A Tasty Recipe: Bowtie Lasagna." I made this last night, and it hit the spot. It received Five Faulkner Stars!
3. Go to Nitty.Gritty under My Blog List. Scroll down to Jody's post entitled "Because We Don't Know What to Expect" dated July 12. There is a lot of truth in this little post.
Book and Movie Date
The movie Ramona and Beezus will be hitting the theaters in a few short days, and for kids everywhere it will always be known as Ramona and Beezus... The Movie. But I remember Ramona and Beezus... The Book. Beverly Cleary was one of my favorite authors when I was growing up. I loved all of her books, but especially Ramona and Beezus.
If you are the mother of a young girl, buy or check this book out of your local library TODAY. Find a special place to curl up together for a little while each day to read this wonderful story aloud.
After you've finished this delightful book, plan a movie date and head to your local theater to watch the book come to life on the big screen. It will be time well spent!
Have a terrific Thursday. I'll end the week Friday with Weekend Happenings and more ramblings about our vacation which I have affectionately entitled Day Four - Will I Ever See a Manatee (or Tom Selleck)?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Reconnect
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from Day Two of our Amelia Island "Adventure." Nuff said!
AMELIA ISLAND
Day Two - Injuries Galore
Ahhh! Our first day at the beach. We were ready. Our hotel was less than a block from the beach, but we loaded up the Big Gold Van with five beach chairs, two umbrellas and two more boogie boards which our concierge sweetly gave us. (Believe it or not, Mikie and I do not own our own boogie boards. Something which will soon be remedied because we became boogie board experts, I tell you!)
We drove the 15.5 seconds it took to get to the beach and noticed vehicles driving right onto the sand and parking. Perfect! The closer, the better. Off we went... and we immediately got stuck! As we emptied the van, and the boys began to push, I noticed how soft and powdery the sand was, and how far my feet and ankles sank immediately upon getting out of the van. Our tires were no exception.
Within seconds (no exaggeration), a man with a four-wheel drive truck came up to us and asked if we wanted a pull... which we did... and he did... and we were FREE to park in the parking lot. Mike gave him $10 for his trouble, and he left to help pull the next out-of-town sucker out of the sand. And the next. And the next. We saw him every day of our trip, so I'm assuming it was a quick and easy way to make a buck.
Roxie was furious. She called him a con artist, a crook, a low-life.
"Roxie. What is the problem? He's just trying to make a little money. AND he's helping people."
"Wouldn't it be more helpful if he stood at the gate and told people to back up because they were about the get stuck."
Hmmm. Good point. But I digress. We have to get to the "injury" part of this story.
We set up our tents and chairs on the nice hard, wet sand and saw the huge waves waiting for us. The kids went in right away, while Mikie and I took in our surroundings. The beaches were not as pretty as the Gulf of Mexico, but they were so far away from the water, and flat and hard. They were very easy to walk on and people could even ride bikes on the beach. Amazing!
It didn't take long before the Heat Wave of 2010 started having an adverse effect on us, so Mikie and I headed to the water, boogie boards in hand. The waves were big and constant, and once we got into the water we noticed immediately there was NO undertow. Very odd. The water was also VERY cold, but considering it was over 100 degrees (literally), it felt great.
We couldn't see anything in the water. It wasn't dirty. It was just the color of the Atlantic Ocean... again something very different from the Gulf. I stuck to my rule of thumb... stay close to a large group of people a little further out than your family. The sharks will get them first. (I'm sorry. I've never been the same since I saw Jaws.)
We had a ball. We played in the water for over two hours before we decided to head in and lay out by the pool. Austin led the way, and I was directly behind him. He started hopping on one foot and turned toward me. Blood was pouring off his foot.
By the time Mike made it to the shoreline, we couldn't even see where the blood was coming from because his foot was covered in the red stuff... more commonly known as "shark bait." Mike helped him to the chairs, and I got Josh and Roxie out of the water.
We determined it was his toe. We also determined it was still on his foot. Josh took matters into his own hands and fetched a lifeguard. (That's right! They have real Baywatch Lifeguards on the beaches. It was pretty cool.) He didn't run, but he did have a "kit." By pouring a whole bottle of peroxide on the toe, we were able to tell it was a deep slice... from a shell or piece of broken glass. His professional lifeguard advice was, "I don't know if you need to take him in for stitches or not. There's not really anything left to stitch." And he was right.
Mike helped Austin get to the van which was difficult. It was like hopping on one foot in snow drifts... very, very hot snow drifts. Josh, Roxie and I loaded up the chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc. and slowly plowed through the incredibly hot, soft sand. Then it happened.
I kind of toppled, kind of fell on my right side... on top of the chairs and cooler. Since it was very similar to sitting in FIRE, I immediately hopped up. And then I fell over again. Roxie was totally mortified. Not only had her mother fallen once, but TWICE... and not gracefully... and not quietly.
But the second time was a charm, and I was able to maintain my balance and make it to the van just a few feet away. I knew I had sustained quite a number of injuries, but because I wasn't dripping blood, I wasn't the main focus at the moment.
When we arrived at the hotel, we headed to the pool. We were quite a sight... Austin with his bloody foot wrapped in a bloody beach towel and his mother limping and covered with Fire Sand. After we situated Austin in the shade and Josh, Roxie and I rinsed off, we soaked in the pool until Mikie came back with $59.95 worth of medical supplies. I let Mikie handle the toe.
He has always called himself a health care professional, although the kids are quick to point out he takes care of the money and not the people where he works. When something like this happens, Mikie is "Johnny on the Spot!" He loves it! I, on the other hand, do not!
He worked very hard on the injury, declared it to be "unstitchable," and dressed the toe. It looked very professional.
When he finished with Austin, I limped over to him to show him my six bruises, skinned knee, sore elbow and the second degree burns I had up and down the right side of my body from landing in the Fire Sand. He was a little unimpressed.
There was one more injury during our trip, and although it happened on Day Three, I'm going to go ahead and throw it in the mix.
I was getting on the elevator, and I tripped on Austin's "overly" dressed toe... and fell right past Austin, Roxie and Josh into the back panel of the elevator. I hit the old elbow again. And I'm not really sure why three children (MY THREE CHILDREN) didn't even try to catch me.
Well, I know why Roxie didn't try. You can't catch a falling woman and be properly mortified at the same time. It just can't be done!
Wednesday Wisdom - After watching all the "young" families at the beach this past weekend, AND having my "Let's Talk About Menopause" dialogue with my doctor yesterday, I'm feeling a little older than usual (or necessary). I decided to share a few funnies to lighten my spirit. You know you're getting old when...
Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the guys with the Live Doppler 10,000.
People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
In a hostage situation, you are likely to be released first.
You know all the answers, but nobody asks you the questions.
You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them.
You sing along with the elevator music.
There's a million more, but I'm just too old and tired to sift through them all. Enjoy!
Reconnect
I did this yesterday. I had a three-hour lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in over 15 years. It was wonderful. We talked and played catch up and talked some more.
I would just like to encourage you to call that "old" friend sometime this summer when things are a little more slow-paced. Reconnect with someone from your past. It could easily be something you do at least once every summer... or during the holidays.
If the thought pops into your head, "I haven't seen __________ in years," do something about it... TODAY!
Have a fabulous Wednesday. Thursday's Blog Linkage and Date are worth revisiting A Simple Life... as well as Day Three of our Amelia Island trip... "I Think I Met a Gypsy!"
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from Day Two of our Amelia Island "Adventure." Nuff said!
AMELIA ISLAND
Day Two - Injuries Galore
Ahhh! Our first day at the beach. We were ready. Our hotel was less than a block from the beach, but we loaded up the Big Gold Van with five beach chairs, two umbrellas and two more boogie boards which our concierge sweetly gave us. (Believe it or not, Mikie and I do not own our own boogie boards. Something which will soon be remedied because we became boogie board experts, I tell you!)
We drove the 15.5 seconds it took to get to the beach and noticed vehicles driving right onto the sand and parking. Perfect! The closer, the better. Off we went... and we immediately got stuck! As we emptied the van, and the boys began to push, I noticed how soft and powdery the sand was, and how far my feet and ankles sank immediately upon getting out of the van. Our tires were no exception.
Within seconds (no exaggeration), a man with a four-wheel drive truck came up to us and asked if we wanted a pull... which we did... and he did... and we were FREE to park in the parking lot. Mike gave him $10 for his trouble, and he left to help pull the next out-of-town sucker out of the sand. And the next. And the next. We saw him every day of our trip, so I'm assuming it was a quick and easy way to make a buck.
Roxie was furious. She called him a con artist, a crook, a low-life.
"Roxie. What is the problem? He's just trying to make a little money. AND he's helping people."
"Wouldn't it be more helpful if he stood at the gate and told people to back up because they were about the get stuck."
Hmmm. Good point. But I digress. We have to get to the "injury" part of this story.
We set up our tents and chairs on the nice hard, wet sand and saw the huge waves waiting for us. The kids went in right away, while Mikie and I took in our surroundings. The beaches were not as pretty as the Gulf of Mexico, but they were so far away from the water, and flat and hard. They were very easy to walk on and people could even ride bikes on the beach. Amazing!
It didn't take long before the Heat Wave of 2010 started having an adverse effect on us, so Mikie and I headed to the water, boogie boards in hand. The waves were big and constant, and once we got into the water we noticed immediately there was NO undertow. Very odd. The water was also VERY cold, but considering it was over 100 degrees (literally), it felt great.
We couldn't see anything in the water. It wasn't dirty. It was just the color of the Atlantic Ocean... again something very different from the Gulf. I stuck to my rule of thumb... stay close to a large group of people a little further out than your family. The sharks will get them first. (I'm sorry. I've never been the same since I saw Jaws.)
We had a ball. We played in the water for over two hours before we decided to head in and lay out by the pool. Austin led the way, and I was directly behind him. He started hopping on one foot and turned toward me. Blood was pouring off his foot.
By the time Mike made it to the shoreline, we couldn't even see where the blood was coming from because his foot was covered in the red stuff... more commonly known as "shark bait." Mike helped him to the chairs, and I got Josh and Roxie out of the water.
We determined it was his toe. We also determined it was still on his foot. Josh took matters into his own hands and fetched a lifeguard. (That's right! They have real Baywatch Lifeguards on the beaches. It was pretty cool.) He didn't run, but he did have a "kit." By pouring a whole bottle of peroxide on the toe, we were able to tell it was a deep slice... from a shell or piece of broken glass. His professional lifeguard advice was, "I don't know if you need to take him in for stitches or not. There's not really anything left to stitch." And he was right.
Mike helped Austin get to the van which was difficult. It was like hopping on one foot in snow drifts... very, very hot snow drifts. Josh, Roxie and I loaded up the chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc. and slowly plowed through the incredibly hot, soft sand. Then it happened.
I kind of toppled, kind of fell on my right side... on top of the chairs and cooler. Since it was very similar to sitting in FIRE, I immediately hopped up. And then I fell over again. Roxie was totally mortified. Not only had her mother fallen once, but TWICE... and not gracefully... and not quietly.
But the second time was a charm, and I was able to maintain my balance and make it to the van just a few feet away. I knew I had sustained quite a number of injuries, but because I wasn't dripping blood, I wasn't the main focus at the moment.
When we arrived at the hotel, we headed to the pool. We were quite a sight... Austin with his bloody foot wrapped in a bloody beach towel and his mother limping and covered with Fire Sand. After we situated Austin in the shade and Josh, Roxie and I rinsed off, we soaked in the pool until Mikie came back with $59.95 worth of medical supplies. I let Mikie handle the toe.
He has always called himself a health care professional, although the kids are quick to point out he takes care of the money and not the people where he works. When something like this happens, Mikie is "Johnny on the Spot!" He loves it! I, on the other hand, do not!
He worked very hard on the injury, declared it to be "unstitchable," and dressed the toe. It looked very professional.
When he finished with Austin, I limped over to him to show him my six bruises, skinned knee, sore elbow and the second degree burns I had up and down the right side of my body from landing in the Fire Sand. He was a little unimpressed.
There was one more injury during our trip, and although it happened on Day Three, I'm going to go ahead and throw it in the mix.
I was getting on the elevator, and I tripped on Austin's "overly" dressed toe... and fell right past Austin, Roxie and Josh into the back panel of the elevator. I hit the old elbow again. And I'm not really sure why three children (MY THREE CHILDREN) didn't even try to catch me.
Well, I know why Roxie didn't try. You can't catch a falling woman and be properly mortified at the same time. It just can't be done!
Wednesday Wisdom - After watching all the "young" families at the beach this past weekend, AND having my "Let's Talk About Menopause" dialogue with my doctor yesterday, I'm feeling a little older than usual (or necessary). I decided to share a few funnies to lighten my spirit. You know you're getting old when...
Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the guys with the Live Doppler 10,000.
People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
In a hostage situation, you are likely to be released first.
You know all the answers, but nobody asks you the questions.
You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them.
You sing along with the elevator music.
There's a million more, but I'm just too old and tired to sift through them all. Enjoy!
Reconnect
I did this yesterday. I had a three-hour lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in over 15 years. It was wonderful. We talked and played catch up and talked some more.
I would just like to encourage you to call that "old" friend sometime this summer when things are a little more slow-paced. Reconnect with someone from your past. It could easily be something you do at least once every summer... or during the holidays.
If the thought pops into your head, "I haven't seen __________ in years," do something about it... TODAY!
Have a fabulous Wednesday. Thursday's Blog Linkage and Date are worth revisiting A Simple Life... as well as Day Three of our Amelia Island trip... "I Think I Met a Gypsy!"
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, July 12, 2010
Blue Cheese/Butter Rolls
Good Tuesday morning!
The Showcase Pic is of me and Mikie at Amelia Island. It will soon be my Profile Pic on Facebook, too. It was also on Project 365. That means I like it... a lot!
The Gallery Pic is from Day One - The Road Trip. I'll officially be adding Days Two through Five on Wednesday through Monday of next week. I have a whole week's worth of photos, people. There will be no appliance pictures in the foreseeable future!
AMELIA ISLAND
Day One - The Road Trip
Our long anticipated trip to Amelia Island was finally upon us. We left at 10:20 Thursday morning (Code for BRIGHT AND EARLY FOR THE FAULKNER FIVE), and drove 15 minutes before we realized we had left Mikie's breathing apparatus at home. We talked about going home to retrieve his breathing machine for another five minutes before we turned around. He was willing to "do without" for four nights, but I knew the ride home would be difficult. You know... with him sleeping and driving the entire time. We made an excellent decision.
We had videos, DVDs, music, pillows and books... everything a teenager needs to travel comfortably for nine or so hours. Oh! And food and drinks. We had plenty of food and drinks. Life was good.
We stopped for lunch at Golden Rule Barbecue an hour or so into our travels... and then we stopped every hour on the hour after that because I had a glass of tea with my sandwich. Usually when I travel long distances, I don't drink. I mean nothing. Nada. Not even a sip of water. Of course, I have to have IV fluids ready and waiting when I arrive at the hotel, but it cuts about two hours out of our driving time. Mike and I both know this, but I ordered the tea and he let me drink the tea, so whose fault is it really?
When we did finally reach the destination, we made ourselves at home in our little hotel room (Code for OUR SUITCASES EXPLODED AND WE USED NINE TOWELS WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OF WALKING INTO THE ROOM).
Now that we had the room to our liking (NOT!), it was time for dinner. Dinner is never my decision after a long road trip. I am much too busy replenishing fluids. During my fourth bottled water, I heard something about pizza. During my fifth bottled water, I saw Mikie calling and ordering The Chiz from a place called Townie's. By the end of my sixth bottled water, the pizza was delivered to our door.
Let it be known, I don't know what a "chiz" is, but it tastes very good on a large pizza. I highly recommend everyone trying a "chiz" before the day is over.
And Mike even ordered a small pineapple/Canadian bacon pizza for me... and I ate a piece while I drank my eighth and final bottled water.
We all changed into our sleeping gear and crawled into our respective beds. We were asleep by 11:00. Well, except for the three teenagers and Mikie. They found a movie they liked and were up until around 12:30 a.m.
NUMBER ONE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRAVELING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS... Teenagers do not go to sleep at a respectable hour. If your family is sharing one large room, be prepared to sleep while the TV is on.
(Not a problem! I can sleep anywhere, anytime, anyhow! On our honeymoon, I fell asleep on a bench beside the escalators in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History when Mikie went to the bathroom. I have a picture of it in my wedding scrapbook. My head is thrown back and my mouth is open and my eyes are closed. I imagine I was snoring pretty loudly, too. It's a gift, I tell you!)
On Wednesday, I'll tell you all about Day Two - Injuries Galore. That's right. More than one of the Faulkner Five received substantial injuries on this trip. And I have pictures!
Blue Cheese/Butter Rolls
Although I didn't get the "exact" recipe from my friend, Julie Tuggle, she mentioned these rolls her aunt makes a few weeks ago, and I went home and "played" with the idea a little. They are easy and delicious... even if you aren't a blue cheese fan!
You will need the following:
1 Pillsbury Crescent Rounds (or Rolls)
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1. Place Pillsbury Crescent Rounds (or Rolls) in a pan as per instructions on the package. Preheat the oven as per the instructions, also.
2. Place two tablespoons blue cheese and butter in a skillet and melt together. It will be a little stringy.
3. Brush the cheese/butter mixture on top of each roll.
4. Bake per instructions on package.
I am not a huge blue cheese fan, but these rolls are wonderful! They have a lot of flavor without being overly "blue cheesey," if you know what I mean. They only take a minute more prep, but they are a great addition to any meal.
NOTE - When Julie gives me the "real" recipe, I'll share that with you, too!
Have a great Tuesday. I'm meeting an old friend for lunch... I mean a friend I've known over 25 years. She's a young chick like myself. I haven't seen her in years and years, so I'm very excited.
On Wednesday, I'll be sharing Day Two - Injuries Galore, Wednesday Wisdom and a Seasonal Tradition. As always, Wednesday is full, full, full of useful info.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Incredibly Tan Belinda
The Showcase Pic is of me and Mikie at Amelia Island. It will soon be my Profile Pic on Facebook, too. It was also on Project 365. That means I like it... a lot!
The Gallery Pic is from Day One - The Road Trip. I'll officially be adding Days Two through Five on Wednesday through Monday of next week. I have a whole week's worth of photos, people. There will be no appliance pictures in the foreseeable future!
AMELIA ISLAND
Day One - The Road Trip
Our long anticipated trip to Amelia Island was finally upon us. We left at 10:20 Thursday morning (Code for BRIGHT AND EARLY FOR THE FAULKNER FIVE), and drove 15 minutes before we realized we had left Mikie's breathing apparatus at home. We talked about going home to retrieve his breathing machine for another five minutes before we turned around. He was willing to "do without" for four nights, but I knew the ride home would be difficult. You know... with him sleeping and driving the entire time. We made an excellent decision.
We had videos, DVDs, music, pillows and books... everything a teenager needs to travel comfortably for nine or so hours. Oh! And food and drinks. We had plenty of food and drinks. Life was good.
We stopped for lunch at Golden Rule Barbecue an hour or so into our travels... and then we stopped every hour on the hour after that because I had a glass of tea with my sandwich. Usually when I travel long distances, I don't drink. I mean nothing. Nada. Not even a sip of water. Of course, I have to have IV fluids ready and waiting when I arrive at the hotel, but it cuts about two hours out of our driving time. Mike and I both know this, but I ordered the tea and he let me drink the tea, so whose fault is it really?
When we did finally reach the destination, we made ourselves at home in our little hotel room (Code for OUR SUITCASES EXPLODED AND WE USED NINE TOWELS WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OF WALKING INTO THE ROOM).
Now that we had the room to our liking (NOT!), it was time for dinner. Dinner is never my decision after a long road trip. I am much too busy replenishing fluids. During my fourth bottled water, I heard something about pizza. During my fifth bottled water, I saw Mikie calling and ordering The Chiz from a place called Townie's. By the end of my sixth bottled water, the pizza was delivered to our door.
Let it be known, I don't know what a "chiz" is, but it tastes very good on a large pizza. I highly recommend everyone trying a "chiz" before the day is over.
And Mike even ordered a small pineapple/Canadian bacon pizza for me... and I ate a piece while I drank my eighth and final bottled water.
We all changed into our sleeping gear and crawled into our respective beds. We were asleep by 11:00. Well, except for the three teenagers and Mikie. They found a movie they liked and were up until around 12:30 a.m.
NUMBER ONE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRAVELING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS... Teenagers do not go to sleep at a respectable hour. If your family is sharing one large room, be prepared to sleep while the TV is on.
(Not a problem! I can sleep anywhere, anytime, anyhow! On our honeymoon, I fell asleep on a bench beside the escalators in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History when Mikie went to the bathroom. I have a picture of it in my wedding scrapbook. My head is thrown back and my mouth is open and my eyes are closed. I imagine I was snoring pretty loudly, too. It's a gift, I tell you!)
On Wednesday, I'll tell you all about Day Two - Injuries Galore. That's right. More than one of the Faulkner Five received substantial injuries on this trip. And I have pictures!
Blue Cheese/Butter Rolls
Although I didn't get the "exact" recipe from my friend, Julie Tuggle, she mentioned these rolls her aunt makes a few weeks ago, and I went home and "played" with the idea a little. They are easy and delicious... even if you aren't a blue cheese fan!
You will need the following:
1 Pillsbury Crescent Rounds (or Rolls)
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1. Place Pillsbury Crescent Rounds (or Rolls) in a pan as per instructions on the package. Preheat the oven as per the instructions, also.
2. Place two tablespoons blue cheese and butter in a skillet and melt together. It will be a little stringy.
3. Brush the cheese/butter mixture on top of each roll.
4. Bake per instructions on package.
I am not a huge blue cheese fan, but these rolls are wonderful! They have a lot of flavor without being overly "blue cheesey," if you know what I mean. They only take a minute more prep, but they are a great addition to any meal.
NOTE - When Julie gives me the "real" recipe, I'll share that with you, too!
Have a great Tuesday. I'm meeting an old friend for lunch... I mean a friend I've known over 25 years. She's a young chick like myself. I haven't seen her in years and years, so I'm very excited.
On Wednesday, I'll be sharing Day Two - Injuries Galore, Wednesday Wisdom and a Seasonal Tradition. As always, Wednesday is full, full, full of useful info.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Incredibly Tan Belinda
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Vacation Dates
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pic is one more Bunco pic of my sweet niece, Katie. She is the best sport of all six of the kids, and her infectious laugh makes any family gathering more fun. Win or lose, Katie has a good time!
RANDOMNESS - I'm taking a short break from A Simple Life and Project 365. I will not be posting Friday through Monday on either blog. I will RESUME posting Tuesday, July 13... without fail!
And when I resume posting Tuesday, July 13, you better believe I will have stories to tell and pictures to share! Manatees, turtles and horses... oh, my! (And don't forget The Mighty Tom Selleck. No, no, no. We can't forget him!)
As promised, I'm posting the remaining little story from the archives. (I have to get some new material!)
Part Two - "Having Something Removed"
Right before I was put under, the doctor said something that I probably should have questioned, but did not. (I'm notorious for not asking questions... always hoping it will just go away.) He said, "This could be a little tricky. It's very close to a salivary gland."
If I had been a question-asker, which we've already determined I am not, I guess I would have asked, "Does that mean I'll either be a 'spitter' or a 'dry mouth' if the tricky thing doesn't work out well?" Read on for the final result.
I awoke with Mikie beside me and my tongue feeling four sizes bigger than when the procedure had started. My first blurry thought was I was having a reaction to the anesthesia, and I tried to tell someone but I was impossible to understand. "This is worse than I imagined," I thought.
"I can't understand you, Belinda. You have a lot of gauze in your mouth," Mike told me. Well, that mystery was solved. So I sat quietly with my mouthful of gauze and listened to the post-operative instructions.
I heard words and phrases as I continued to go in and out of consciousness... or maybe I was just bored... or maybe it was too much like a meeting and I just totally zoned out. "Loritab." "Suture." "Don't brush teeth for 24 hours." (Yuck! I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that one.) "Loritab." "Don't chew." "Don't spit." (Eating doesn't sound like it's going to be part of my day!) "Loritab."
Hmmm. Maybe it was just me, but the word that kept coming up again and again seemed to be "Loritab." Which also meant, if taken correctly, I wouldn't necessarily care if I ate or brushed my teeth for 24 hours.
We made it home, removed my gauze and I had a nice warm bowl of... oatmeal. I hadn't necessarily heard that, but obviously oatmeal was going to be the food for the day. When I awoke from a much needed nap an hour later, Mikie checked my vitals... Well, actually he kind of patted me on top of my head and left Austin, Josh and Roxie in charge of their invalid mother. Josh quickly brought me another bowl of oatmeal.
I wondered when I would be needing my first Loritab. A little later, and the answer to the question was made known to me. Another nap. Another bowl of oatmeal. I think you can see how the rest of my day went.
At one point, Roxie came in and asked to see under my tongue. "Hmmm. It looks like only one stitch," she observed.
"Well, it is just one stitch, but it was obviously a very, very deep incision."
"I wonder why they thought you even needed just one little stitch there. It seems like a waste," she again observed.
Okay. That was enough of Miss Roxie until time for another Loritab.
Four more bowls of oatmeal and one Loritab later, and I was ready for bed. One more "Mikie-check" of my vitals (Code for ONE MORE PAT ON THE HEAD), and I was out for the count.
I awoke the next morning refreshed... and oh, so ready to brush my teeth. Simple pleasures, folks. Simple pleasures. And for those of you wondering, as of today, I am not a "dry mouth" OR a "spitter." My doctor obviously did well with the "tricky part."
I was supposed to have my one and only stitch removed this coming Thursday, but after careful investigation yesterday afternoon, I discovered my one and only stitch had removed itself. I'm going to see if my doctor will consider a "telephone appointment."
If not, I will drive to and from downtown Birmingham, cheerfully (NOT) pay a $30 co-pay and a $5 parking deck fee for a face-to-face consultation which I imagine will result in the doctor warning, "Next time, be sure the cap is on the end of the Sharpie before you put it in your mouth." (I can hardly wait!)
Blog Linkage - Short and sweet... I didn't have much time to look for extra reading material for you this week. I'll do better next week. I promise!
1. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and click on Photography. She had a contest call "America" photos. These are a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July week. Very patriotic. Very touching.
2. Go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidnelson2/journal. This is a journal kept by the wife of a young man who passed away a few days ago. She is the mother of two young children and has a baby on the way. Her courage will touch you. Her story will make you appreciate your family members each and every day you have them.
Vacation Dates
When your family goes on a vacation for five or more days, take a few minutes to plan a one-on-one date with one parent and one child for each night. Whether you go to the beach, Disney, Universal, the mountains, camping or some other exotic locale, spending time with one child while the other parent plays with the remaining kids at the pool or watches a movie in the room with them will give the "dating" parent the opportunity to do something VERY different from the usual dates at home.
We've done this when we've gone to Disney, Universal AND camping. While vacations are BIG "family time" experiences, a few hours riding thrill rides, fishing, shopping or having manicure and pedicures with the one child will be time well spent.
And remember, we did this during longer vacations. If you're going to be gone for only two or three days, you probably will not want to split up during a short stay. Being together as an entire family is just as important as dating, and not to be taken lightly!
Have a great weekend. Don't forget to check back Tuesday, July 13. I'll have stories galore AND a new recipe for you to try. (We'll get right back on schedule.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you soon.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is one more Bunco pic of my sweet niece, Katie. She is the best sport of all six of the kids, and her infectious laugh makes any family gathering more fun. Win or lose, Katie has a good time!
RANDOMNESS - I'm taking a short break from A Simple Life and Project 365. I will not be posting Friday through Monday on either blog. I will RESUME posting Tuesday, July 13... without fail!
And when I resume posting Tuesday, July 13, you better believe I will have stories to tell and pictures to share! Manatees, turtles and horses... oh, my! (And don't forget The Mighty Tom Selleck. No, no, no. We can't forget him!)
As promised, I'm posting the remaining little story from the archives. (I have to get some new material!)
Part Two - "Having Something Removed"
Right before I was put under, the doctor said something that I probably should have questioned, but did not. (I'm notorious for not asking questions... always hoping it will just go away.) He said, "This could be a little tricky. It's very close to a salivary gland."
If I had been a question-asker, which we've already determined I am not, I guess I would have asked, "Does that mean I'll either be a 'spitter' or a 'dry mouth' if the tricky thing doesn't work out well?" Read on for the final result.
I awoke with Mikie beside me and my tongue feeling four sizes bigger than when the procedure had started. My first blurry thought was I was having a reaction to the anesthesia, and I tried to tell someone but I was impossible to understand. "This is worse than I imagined," I thought.
"I can't understand you, Belinda. You have a lot of gauze in your mouth," Mike told me. Well, that mystery was solved. So I sat quietly with my mouthful of gauze and listened to the post-operative instructions.
I heard words and phrases as I continued to go in and out of consciousness... or maybe I was just bored... or maybe it was too much like a meeting and I just totally zoned out. "Loritab." "Suture." "Don't brush teeth for 24 hours." (Yuck! I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that one.) "Loritab." "Don't chew." "Don't spit." (Eating doesn't sound like it's going to be part of my day!) "Loritab."
Hmmm. Maybe it was just me, but the word that kept coming up again and again seemed to be "Loritab." Which also meant, if taken correctly, I wouldn't necessarily care if I ate or brushed my teeth for 24 hours.
We made it home, removed my gauze and I had a nice warm bowl of... oatmeal. I hadn't necessarily heard that, but obviously oatmeal was going to be the food for the day. When I awoke from a much needed nap an hour later, Mikie checked my vitals... Well, actually he kind of patted me on top of my head and left Austin, Josh and Roxie in charge of their invalid mother. Josh quickly brought me another bowl of oatmeal.
I wondered when I would be needing my first Loritab. A little later, and the answer to the question was made known to me. Another nap. Another bowl of oatmeal. I think you can see how the rest of my day went.
At one point, Roxie came in and asked to see under my tongue. "Hmmm. It looks like only one stitch," she observed.
"Well, it is just one stitch, but it was obviously a very, very deep incision."
"I wonder why they thought you even needed just one little stitch there. It seems like a waste," she again observed.
Okay. That was enough of Miss Roxie until time for another Loritab.
Four more bowls of oatmeal and one Loritab later, and I was ready for bed. One more "Mikie-check" of my vitals (Code for ONE MORE PAT ON THE HEAD), and I was out for the count.
I awoke the next morning refreshed... and oh, so ready to brush my teeth. Simple pleasures, folks. Simple pleasures. And for those of you wondering, as of today, I am not a "dry mouth" OR a "spitter." My doctor obviously did well with the "tricky part."
I was supposed to have my one and only stitch removed this coming Thursday, but after careful investigation yesterday afternoon, I discovered my one and only stitch had removed itself. I'm going to see if my doctor will consider a "telephone appointment."
If not, I will drive to and from downtown Birmingham, cheerfully (NOT) pay a $30 co-pay and a $5 parking deck fee for a face-to-face consultation which I imagine will result in the doctor warning, "Next time, be sure the cap is on the end of the Sharpie before you put it in your mouth." (I can hardly wait!)
Blog Linkage - Short and sweet... I didn't have much time to look for extra reading material for you this week. I'll do better next week. I promise!
1. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and click on Photography. She had a contest call "America" photos. These are a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July week. Very patriotic. Very touching.
2. Go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidnelson2/journal. This is a journal kept by the wife of a young man who passed away a few days ago. She is the mother of two young children and has a baby on the way. Her courage will touch you. Her story will make you appreciate your family members each and every day you have them.
Vacation Dates
When your family goes on a vacation for five or more days, take a few minutes to plan a one-on-one date with one parent and one child for each night. Whether you go to the beach, Disney, Universal, the mountains, camping or some other exotic locale, spending time with one child while the other parent plays with the remaining kids at the pool or watches a movie in the room with them will give the "dating" parent the opportunity to do something VERY different from the usual dates at home.
We've done this when we've gone to Disney, Universal AND camping. While vacations are BIG "family time" experiences, a few hours riding thrill rides, fishing, shopping or having manicure and pedicures with the one child will be time well spent.
And remember, we did this during longer vacations. If you're going to be gone for only two or three days, you probably will not want to split up during a short stay. Being together as an entire family is just as important as dating, and not to be taken lightly!
Have a great weekend. Don't forget to check back Tuesday, July 13. I'll have stories galore AND a new recipe for you to try. (We'll get right back on schedule.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you soon.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Celebrate the Month
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are the leftover photos from the 4th of July... our Bunco game... which I lost... again.
As promised for today and tomorrow, I am posting an old story from the Archives. As always, feel free to skip ahead if you've read it before!
A Little Story About "Having Things Removed"
Last week, Mikie took me downtown to have a little "pigmentation" removed from under my tongue. It looked like someone had lifted my tongue and drawn a little line with a Sharpie. "Hmmm. That's a little odd-looking, isn't it?" That's what my dentist said. That's also what the oral surgeon said one week later. Not what you really want to hear, is it?
"Oh, I've seen a million of those... and it's called a __________... and when you have one it usually makes you smarter!" That's what you want to hear.
But since I wasn't getting the correct responses, I decided to have it removed. "You'll need to have someone here to drive you home because we have to put you to sleep." Ahh, man. Anesthesia... really?
"I have to have major surgery," I told Mike as I left the doctor's office that day.
"You mean they have to put you to sleep for a few seconds while they remove your Sharpie mark?" he calmly responded.
"I have to have an IV and EVERYTHING... AND they called it an ODD PIGMENTATION! That's how I'd like for it to be referred to from now on, please." I responded a little bitterly.
"Be honest. They asked you if you had put an open Sharpie in your mouth recently, didn't they?"
"No," I lied.
Last Thursday, Mikie drove me to the doctor's office for my "major surgical procedure," and they took me back immediately. NOTE: I have to give a shout-out to a nurse whose name I don't remember for the best IV stick I've ever received IN MY WHOLE LIFE. She was amazing and I didn't feel a thing!
My nurse kept asking me questions, and for the most part I answered her honestly. Then my anesthesiologist came in. This is the guy you have to be careful with.
"Hello, Mrs. Faulkner. How are you today?" he asked.
"Fine," I answered as I braced myself for another onslaught of questions.
"Well, before we start your IV drip, Mrs. Faulkner, may I ask how much you weigh?"
I gave him my normal anesthesiologist answer. "I weigh 250 pounds."
Now this is a tricky one. Your main goal is to make sure you have enough anesthesia in your system to NOT wake up in the middle of the procedure. However, you do not want him to nod immediately and go to the next question taking your answer as the gospel truth.
"Really?" he said, glancing at me. "And how tall are you?"
"I'm about 6'5"... more or less," I responded with gusto.
"Really?" he said, again. Moving closer, he leaned down and said, "Mrs. Faulkner. It is evident you are NOT 6'5" OR 250 pounds. Now, do you want me to get your weight and height off your driver's license or do you want to start talking?"
Well, I DEFINITELY didn't want him to get my weight off my driver's license. There was no way he'd give me enough anesthesia to knock me out if he thought I was 5'3" and 130 pounds. (I always put my "enchanting" weight and height on my driver's license.)
In the end, he had the "correct" information and the procedure began. (Oh, did I mention this was a Two Parter? Sorry. I slipped a "blog teaser" in there, didn't I? You'll have to tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story.)
Wednesday Wisdom - Since I will soon be meeting The Mighty Tom Selleck in person, I decided today's Wisdom should come directly from one of his most memorable characters... Thomas Sullivan Magnum, III!
Hawaii is one of those places that keeps topping itself - just when you think you'll never see a sunset as beautiful, there comes a sunrise that even Gauguin can only imagine. It kind of makes unemployment easier to take.
One of the cliches of my profession is that to get information from a bartender you have to slip him bills of various denominations. Bills that you can't afford with pictures of unfamiliar presidents and usually for information that isn't worth it.
Okay. This isn't earth-shattering stuff, but I liked Magnum, P.I. back in the day. I've decided to add a few Tom Selleck quotes to the mix today, too.
I live a pretty simple life. (SO... DO... I!)
I've never reacted well to other people telling me what to do. (NEITHER... HAVE... I!)
If you buy an expensive thing and you never use it, I don't think there's a point to it. (Hmmm. I don't necessarily agree with this one... but I still like Tom!)
Celebrate the Month
This might be fun to try. Google "National Days Celebrated in July" (or any other month). Click on "July Special Days." You will then see THE LIST. Some of the days celebrated are serious, some are silly and some would be EASY to try!
The following is just a few of the many days celebrated in the month of July:
National Baked Bean Month
National Blueberry Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Ice Cream Month
National Picnic Month
National Recreation Month
July 1 - Build a Scarecrow Day (Build a scarecrow together as a family, and donate it to a neighbor or friend who has a summer garden.)
Canada Day
International Joke Day
July 4 - Independence Day
National Country Music Day
Tom Sawyer Fence Painting Day (Read a kid-friendly version of Tom Sawyer aloud each night the month of July.)
July 5 - Caribbean Day (Serve a Caribbean-style dinner.)
July 6 - Fried Chicken Day
July 7 - Macaroni Day
July 8 - Video Games Day
July 9 - Sugar Cookie Day
July 10 - Teddy Bear's Picnic Day (Plan a Teddy Bear Picnic with your daughter and her friends.)
July 11 - Cheer Up the Lonely Day (Call someone or take someone a small bouquet of flowers. Visit for at least ONE HOUR before you leave.)
July 12 - Paper Bag Day (Make paper bag puppets with the kids.)
July 13 - French Fries Day
July 18 - Cow Appreciation Day (Get in the car and go on a cow hunt. See how many real cows, cow pictures, cow billboards, etc. you can find in 30 minutes.)
July 19 - Stick Your Tongue Out Day
July 20 - Ice Cream Soda Day
July 21 - Junk Food Day
July 25 - Threading the Needle Day (Have a piece of thread and needle at everyone's plate at dinner. Count to three and see who can thread their needle first. Winner gets a candy bar!)
July 29 - Lasagna Day
July 30 - Cheesecake Day
See! How much fun would it be to celebrate some (or all) of these days? Pick a month this year and have a good time with your family celebrating some of the CRAZY things and events which have become "National Days."
I think I'm going to start with August!
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Visit again Thursday for the rest of the "tongue" story, Blog Linkage and a fun date or two.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are the leftover photos from the 4th of July... our Bunco game... which I lost... again.
As promised for today and tomorrow, I am posting an old story from the Archives. As always, feel free to skip ahead if you've read it before!
A Little Story About "Having Things Removed"
Last week, Mikie took me downtown to have a little "pigmentation" removed from under my tongue. It looked like someone had lifted my tongue and drawn a little line with a Sharpie. "Hmmm. That's a little odd-looking, isn't it?" That's what my dentist said. That's also what the oral surgeon said one week later. Not what you really want to hear, is it?
"Oh, I've seen a million of those... and it's called a __________... and when you have one it usually makes you smarter!" That's what you want to hear.
But since I wasn't getting the correct responses, I decided to have it removed. "You'll need to have someone here to drive you home because we have to put you to sleep." Ahh, man. Anesthesia... really?
"I have to have major surgery," I told Mike as I left the doctor's office that day.
"You mean they have to put you to sleep for a few seconds while they remove your Sharpie mark?" he calmly responded.
"I have to have an IV and EVERYTHING... AND they called it an ODD PIGMENTATION! That's how I'd like for it to be referred to from now on, please." I responded a little bitterly.
"Be honest. They asked you if you had put an open Sharpie in your mouth recently, didn't they?"
"No," I lied.
Last Thursday, Mikie drove me to the doctor's office for my "major surgical procedure," and they took me back immediately. NOTE: I have to give a shout-out to a nurse whose name I don't remember for the best IV stick I've ever received IN MY WHOLE LIFE. She was amazing and I didn't feel a thing!
My nurse kept asking me questions, and for the most part I answered her honestly. Then my anesthesiologist came in. This is the guy you have to be careful with.
"Hello, Mrs. Faulkner. How are you today?" he asked.
"Fine," I answered as I braced myself for another onslaught of questions.
"Well, before we start your IV drip, Mrs. Faulkner, may I ask how much you weigh?"
I gave him my normal anesthesiologist answer. "I weigh 250 pounds."
Now this is a tricky one. Your main goal is to make sure you have enough anesthesia in your system to NOT wake up in the middle of the procedure. However, you do not want him to nod immediately and go to the next question taking your answer as the gospel truth.
"Really?" he said, glancing at me. "And how tall are you?"
"I'm about 6'5"... more or less," I responded with gusto.
"Really?" he said, again. Moving closer, he leaned down and said, "Mrs. Faulkner. It is evident you are NOT 6'5" OR 250 pounds. Now, do you want me to get your weight and height off your driver's license or do you want to start talking?"
Well, I DEFINITELY didn't want him to get my weight off my driver's license. There was no way he'd give me enough anesthesia to knock me out if he thought I was 5'3" and 130 pounds. (I always put my "enchanting" weight and height on my driver's license.)
In the end, he had the "correct" information and the procedure began. (Oh, did I mention this was a Two Parter? Sorry. I slipped a "blog teaser" in there, didn't I? You'll have to tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story.)
Wednesday Wisdom - Since I will soon be meeting The Mighty Tom Selleck in person, I decided today's Wisdom should come directly from one of his most memorable characters... Thomas Sullivan Magnum, III!
Hawaii is one of those places that keeps topping itself - just when you think you'll never see a sunset as beautiful, there comes a sunrise that even Gauguin can only imagine. It kind of makes unemployment easier to take.
One of the cliches of my profession is that to get information from a bartender you have to slip him bills of various denominations. Bills that you can't afford with pictures of unfamiliar presidents and usually for information that isn't worth it.
Okay. This isn't earth-shattering stuff, but I liked Magnum, P.I. back in the day. I've decided to add a few Tom Selleck quotes to the mix today, too.
I live a pretty simple life. (SO... DO... I!)
I've never reacted well to other people telling me what to do. (NEITHER... HAVE... I!)
If you buy an expensive thing and you never use it, I don't think there's a point to it. (Hmmm. I don't necessarily agree with this one... but I still like Tom!)
Celebrate the Month
This might be fun to try. Google "National Days Celebrated in July" (or any other month). Click on "July Special Days." You will then see THE LIST. Some of the days celebrated are serious, some are silly and some would be EASY to try!
The following is just a few of the many days celebrated in the month of July:
National Baked Bean Month
National Blueberry Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Ice Cream Month
National Picnic Month
National Recreation Month
July 1 - Build a Scarecrow Day (Build a scarecrow together as a family, and donate it to a neighbor or friend who has a summer garden.)
Canada Day
International Joke Day
July 4 - Independence Day
National Country Music Day
Tom Sawyer Fence Painting Day (Read a kid-friendly version of Tom Sawyer aloud each night the month of July.)
July 5 - Caribbean Day (Serve a Caribbean-style dinner.)
July 6 - Fried Chicken Day
July 7 - Macaroni Day
July 8 - Video Games Day
July 9 - Sugar Cookie Day
July 10 - Teddy Bear's Picnic Day (Plan a Teddy Bear Picnic with your daughter and her friends.)
July 11 - Cheer Up the Lonely Day (Call someone or take someone a small bouquet of flowers. Visit for at least ONE HOUR before you leave.)
July 12 - Paper Bag Day (Make paper bag puppets with the kids.)
July 13 - French Fries Day
July 18 - Cow Appreciation Day (Get in the car and go on a cow hunt. See how many real cows, cow pictures, cow billboards, etc. you can find in 30 minutes.)
July 19 - Stick Your Tongue Out Day
July 20 - Ice Cream Soda Day
July 21 - Junk Food Day
July 25 - Threading the Needle Day (Have a piece of thread and needle at everyone's plate at dinner. Count to three and see who can thread their needle first. Winner gets a candy bar!)
July 29 - Lasagna Day
July 30 - Cheesecake Day
See! How much fun would it be to celebrate some (or all) of these days? Pick a month this year and have a good time with your family celebrating some of the CRAZY things and events which have become "National Days."
I think I'm going to start with August!
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Visit again Thursday for the rest of the "tongue" story, Blog Linkage and a fun date or two.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Peach Potpie
Good Tuesday morning!
The Showcase Pic is of the cake Katie made for Grandmother's birthday (celebrated each and every 4th of July... although her actual birthday is July 1). As you can tell, our family is very influenced by Cake Boss AND Family Fun Magazine!
The Gallery Pics are from our 4th of July celebration. I've extended the Weekend Review, so I'll describe our festivities in more detail below!
I'm going to be sharing parts and pieces of some "old" posts today, Wednesday and Thursday of this week. My brain isn't what it used to be in the "Come Up With Something New" Department, so if you've read it before, feel free to skip ahead!
It's Not An Option
I know I talk a good bit about calling people when they come to your mind, or encouraging others or complimenting people when they cross your path. I really, really believe it's one of the "little" things we could/should do as Christians to try to live a Christ-centered life. (I really, really do.) You just never know what pain someone might be going through, and a kind word or thoughtful comment would mean the world.
That being said, I will be the first to admit I fail miserably time and time again. It's not an automatic or necessarily easy thing to do sometimes. There's always the thought in the back of my mind, "What if I say the wrong thing?" In that sentence alone lies the problem. The word "I." When that thought goes through my head, it means I'm thinking more of myself than the person I'm supposed to speak with. I've decided you can never go wrong with the following: "I love you." "I'm praying for you." "I'm so sorry." Those three statements could not be taken the wrong way.
I met a two year-old boy a couple of weeks ago. He was everything a two year-old boy should be... sturdy legs, big eyes, ready smile. I'm a sucker for two year-old little boys. "Now what is your name?" I asked as I bent down to smile at this beautiful little guy.
Before his mom could tell me his name, he looked me in the eyes, ran up to me and wrapped his two fat little arms around my knees. "I love you," he said.
Overwhelmed, I replied, "I love you, too."
Several of the things "on my mind" that Sunday morning melted away, and I walked to my Sunday School Department smiling to myself. I doubt if my words have the same impact on people when I speak them, but you never know, do you?
I think one of the reasons this "topic" is ALWAYS in the back of my mind is because it isn't really an option. It's an obligation. An obligation that being too busy or too self-conscious or too "anything" doesn't really apply. If we truly believe that "life is but a vapor," and all we have is this one precious day because our future is unknown, what are we waiting for? What am I waiting for?
Call someone today... and then if we are given the precious gift of tomorrow, I think we should probably call someone then, too. It's that important!
Weekend Review
After we left Ronald McDonald House Saturday afternoon, it was the perfect time to stop by The Dollar Tree and purchase items for our Troop Box. I told everyone coming to the house for the 4th of July to bring two items, and I gave them a list of items to choose from. I also told them to buy things they would enjoy using themselves. The only other rule... it had to be a "name" brand. ("Energizer" batteries, "Twizzler" candy, "Eclipse" gum, etc.) I didn't want to send something overseas we had never used or eaten before just in case it wasn't up to my unbelievable high standards!
When everyone arrived, we had our picture taken with all the loot, everyone signed a card, and today I will be going to the Post Office to pick up my "Troop Box." Roxie and I will pack the box this afternoon and mail it first thing tomorrow. It's very exciting, I tell you! And since everyone contributed, it only cost $2 per person for 24 items. It is a very "doable" activity.
We had hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, etc. We ate birthday cake BEFORE we left to go to the pool. (Code for THE ADULTS WERE STUFFED AND WE FOUND COMFORTABLE CHAIRS UNDER THE PAVILION AND WATCHED THE KIDS SWIM.) It was a remarkably non-humid day in Alabama, and I didn't even break a sweat. Unheard of on the 4th!
After the pool, we returned to the house for our second summer Bunco party. It was even more fun the second time around because from where I was sitting, I was definitely a contender for the First Place Prize. Imagine my massive disappointment when once again I lost. And correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you think it's VERY odd Grandmother beat me by ONE game at her birthday party? Do you recall Beverly was the winner at her birthday party? Coincidence. I THINK NOT!
If we play at my birthday party, and I DON'T win... Well, let's just say it won't be pretty!
The day ended with big bowls of homemade ice cream (the vanilla kind), and the Faulkner Five watching National Treasure after everyone went home. Actually, Roxie and I crashed, but we were there physically (if not mentally).
Again, nothing earth shattering... but a good day nonetheless.
Peach Potpie
July will be filled with recipes of food I actually cooked in June. However, since June was homemade ice cream month, I couldn't very well put Peach Potpie, Chicken Spaghetti and Blue Cheese Rolls in the Tuesday Recipe section, could I? It just would not have been the right thing to do. But now it is July, and I am backtracking!
I made this for Mikie's birthday dessert, and it came straight from Martha herself!
You will need the following:
8 ripe peaches, sliced into 1/2" wedges
3 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Coarse salt
2/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Butter
Pie shells (thawed)
1 egg (lightly beaten)
NOTE - The original recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean, split and scraped. I sustituted the vanilla. I also did NOT make my crust from scratch, so I didn't add that to the recipe.
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine peaches, cornstarch, lemon juice and 3/4 teaspoon salt in large bowl.
3. Mix together brown sugar and vanilla. Stir into peach mixture and pour into a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Dot with butter.
4. I removed a thawed pie shell from the aluminum pie plate, and placed it on top of the peach mixture. Cut five 3" vents in the top of the pie crust. Brush top with egg and sprinkle with sugar.
5. Bake until juices are bubbling through vents and top is golden brown (about 1 hour).
Since I went the pre-fab route with the piecrust, this was a very easy and fast dessert to make. It was a little tart the first time I made it, so the second time around, I sprinkled a thin layer of sugar on top of the peach mixture before adding the pie crust. The second Potpie was a good combination of sweet AND tart.
If you like/love peaches, I think you might want to try this recipe pretty soon!
Have a fun-filled Tuesday. Wednesday will be filled with wisdom, traditions, pictures and a blast from the past... which simply means I'm using part of an "old" post tomorrow. It's gonna be great!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Showcase Pic is of the cake Katie made for Grandmother's birthday (celebrated each and every 4th of July... although her actual birthday is July 1). As you can tell, our family is very influenced by Cake Boss AND Family Fun Magazine!
The Gallery Pics are from our 4th of July celebration. I've extended the Weekend Review, so I'll describe our festivities in more detail below!
I'm going to be sharing parts and pieces of some "old" posts today, Wednesday and Thursday of this week. My brain isn't what it used to be in the "Come Up With Something New" Department, so if you've read it before, feel free to skip ahead!
It's Not An Option
I know I talk a good bit about calling people when they come to your mind, or encouraging others or complimenting people when they cross your path. I really, really believe it's one of the "little" things we could/should do as Christians to try to live a Christ-centered life. (I really, really do.) You just never know what pain someone might be going through, and a kind word or thoughtful comment would mean the world.
That being said, I will be the first to admit I fail miserably time and time again. It's not an automatic or necessarily easy thing to do sometimes. There's always the thought in the back of my mind, "What if I say the wrong thing?" In that sentence alone lies the problem. The word "I." When that thought goes through my head, it means I'm thinking more of myself than the person I'm supposed to speak with. I've decided you can never go wrong with the following: "I love you." "I'm praying for you." "I'm so sorry." Those three statements could not be taken the wrong way.
I met a two year-old boy a couple of weeks ago. He was everything a two year-old boy should be... sturdy legs, big eyes, ready smile. I'm a sucker for two year-old little boys. "Now what is your name?" I asked as I bent down to smile at this beautiful little guy.
Before his mom could tell me his name, he looked me in the eyes, ran up to me and wrapped his two fat little arms around my knees. "I love you," he said.
Overwhelmed, I replied, "I love you, too."
Several of the things "on my mind" that Sunday morning melted away, and I walked to my Sunday School Department smiling to myself. I doubt if my words have the same impact on people when I speak them, but you never know, do you?
I think one of the reasons this "topic" is ALWAYS in the back of my mind is because it isn't really an option. It's an obligation. An obligation that being too busy or too self-conscious or too "anything" doesn't really apply. If we truly believe that "life is but a vapor," and all we have is this one precious day because our future is unknown, what are we waiting for? What am I waiting for?
Call someone today... and then if we are given the precious gift of tomorrow, I think we should probably call someone then, too. It's that important!
Weekend Review
After we left Ronald McDonald House Saturday afternoon, it was the perfect time to stop by The Dollar Tree and purchase items for our Troop Box. I told everyone coming to the house for the 4th of July to bring two items, and I gave them a list of items to choose from. I also told them to buy things they would enjoy using themselves. The only other rule... it had to be a "name" brand. ("Energizer" batteries, "Twizzler" candy, "Eclipse" gum, etc.) I didn't want to send something overseas we had never used or eaten before just in case it wasn't up to my unbelievable high standards!
When everyone arrived, we had our picture taken with all the loot, everyone signed a card, and today I will be going to the Post Office to pick up my "Troop Box." Roxie and I will pack the box this afternoon and mail it first thing tomorrow. It's very exciting, I tell you! And since everyone contributed, it only cost $2 per person for 24 items. It is a very "doable" activity.
We had hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, etc. We ate birthday cake BEFORE we left to go to the pool. (Code for THE ADULTS WERE STUFFED AND WE FOUND COMFORTABLE CHAIRS UNDER THE PAVILION AND WATCHED THE KIDS SWIM.) It was a remarkably non-humid day in Alabama, and I didn't even break a sweat. Unheard of on the 4th!
After the pool, we returned to the house for our second summer Bunco party. It was even more fun the second time around because from where I was sitting, I was definitely a contender for the First Place Prize. Imagine my massive disappointment when once again I lost. And correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you think it's VERY odd Grandmother beat me by ONE game at her birthday party? Do you recall Beverly was the winner at her birthday party? Coincidence. I THINK NOT!
If we play at my birthday party, and I DON'T win... Well, let's just say it won't be pretty!
The day ended with big bowls of homemade ice cream (the vanilla kind), and the Faulkner Five watching National Treasure after everyone went home. Actually, Roxie and I crashed, but we were there physically (if not mentally).
Again, nothing earth shattering... but a good day nonetheless.
Peach Potpie
July will be filled with recipes of food I actually cooked in June. However, since June was homemade ice cream month, I couldn't very well put Peach Potpie, Chicken Spaghetti and Blue Cheese Rolls in the Tuesday Recipe section, could I? It just would not have been the right thing to do. But now it is July, and I am backtracking!
I made this for Mikie's birthday dessert, and it came straight from Martha herself!
You will need the following:
8 ripe peaches, sliced into 1/2" wedges
3 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Coarse salt
2/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Butter
Pie shells (thawed)
1 egg (lightly beaten)
NOTE - The original recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean, split and scraped. I sustituted the vanilla. I also did NOT make my crust from scratch, so I didn't add that to the recipe.
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine peaches, cornstarch, lemon juice and 3/4 teaspoon salt in large bowl.
3. Mix together brown sugar and vanilla. Stir into peach mixture and pour into a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Dot with butter.
4. I removed a thawed pie shell from the aluminum pie plate, and placed it on top of the peach mixture. Cut five 3" vents in the top of the pie crust. Brush top with egg and sprinkle with sugar.
5. Bake until juices are bubbling through vents and top is golden brown (about 1 hour).
Since I went the pre-fab route with the piecrust, this was a very easy and fast dessert to make. It was a little tart the first time I made it, so the second time around, I sprinkled a thin layer of sugar on top of the peach mixture before adding the pie crust. The second Potpie was a good combination of sweet AND tart.
If you like/love peaches, I think you might want to try this recipe pretty soon!
Have a fun-filled Tuesday. Wednesday will be filled with wisdom, traditions, pictures and a blast from the past... which simply means I'm using part of an "old" post tomorrow. It's gonna be great!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, July 5, 2010
Movie Devotions
Good Monday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from Saturday as the Faulkner Five prepared dinner for the Ronald McDonald House. It was a VERY rewarding experience, and I'll give you more details below under Weekend Review. (I'll have 4th of July pics tomorrow. We'll spread it out a little this week!)
JUNE SPECIAL GUEST - KIM MONTGOMERY - PART THREE - Alas, today is the last day Kim will be with us on A Simple Life. As much as I hate to see her go, I've enjoyed the last few days! (See you at the track tomorrow, Kim!)
17. What is your family's favorite meal you prepare?
Anything in the crock pot (also known as our "Chef"). Usually roast served with mashed potatoes and fried okra. (I, too, love the crock pot. It is my special "friend.)
18. What is your most difficult daily struggle (patience, time management, organization, road rage, etc.)?
Procrastination!!!
19. You are at home ALL day long by yourself with no car. Do you go stir crazy or thoroughly enjoy every minute of the day?
Enjoy it!! I put on some coffee, find a book, and I'm in heaven.
20. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Neither. I'm a middle-of-the-day person. (Me, too! If you want to see me at my very best, you need to be around at 2:00 p.m. each and every day! Right before nap time!)
21. If you could have any actress play you in a movie, who would it be?
Julia Roberts, I love her smile. (That's the perfect person to play you, Kim. You have the best smile.)
22. If money and family and friends were not an issue, where would you most like to live in the world?
Hawaii. No doubt about it. A modern day Garden of Eden.
23. What is your favorite spouse date?
Going out to eat and then to a bookstore for browsing and coffee. (That's my favorite spouse date, too... except I like to stick a movie in there. You and I should do that really soon!)
24. What instantly brings a smile to your face?
Absolutely my family, friends and church. I am a blessed woman surrounded by wonderful people.
I feel the same way when I am around Kim. I am a blessed woman to have such a sweet friend. Thanks again for helping me out, Kim. I appreciate it very much. (Your check is in the mail!)
Weekend Review
We had a very fun, action-packed (for us) weekend. The fishing thing never happened for Mikie and the boys. However, early Saturday morning, Mike called his Dad and they were able to go for a few hours. They had a good time visiting and catching up, but only one tiny fish was caught... and thrown back.
Everyone pitched in and cooked a dish for our Ronald McDonald House visit Saturday evening. Roxie made a Refreshing Cake. Austin made Wild Rice and Chicken Soup. Josh made another pot of Wild Rice and Chicken Soup. Mikie made two huge pans of his wonderful Barbecue Baked Beans, and I made crock pot Macaroni and Cheese. Sweet Melia brought tons and tons of cookies. (We also took a large tray of store-bought barbecue and buns for sandwiches. You know. Since it was the 4th of July weekend!)
We had to be there before 5:00 to deliver the food for dinner, so we left around 4:15 and arrived 15 minutes later. (I had no idea the House was so close.)
Inez, the live-in director, greeted us, gave us a tour and even let us see the one empty apartment in the House. It is a beautiful facility (only three years old), and it has 41 rooms. Families can stay in the house up to a year. I thought the Ronald McDonald House was only used for families with sick babies at Children's Hospital, but they house families from all area hospitals.
I also had the misconception the majority of families living in the House had children battling cancer. The Birmingham House averages one "cancer" family a month. The majority of the families living in this house have premature babies at UAB, St. Vincent's and Children's. The majority of families living at the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis have children suffering from cancer. (That House is in the same city as St. Jude's.)
It was a "slow" weekend, but a few people were starting to come in and help themselves to the food in the kitchen as we prepared to leave. We had forgotten all of our cardboard boxes we had used to bring the food into the House, and Roxie offered to hop out of the van and retrieve them. She came back to the van with the boxes, wearing a huge grin.
"See that man and those two women on the bench over there?" she asked.
We all nodded.
"One of the women is his wife, I think. When he came out of the house to talk to them he said, 'The food tonight is off the chain.'"
"What does that mean, Mike?" I asked, worried. "Is that bad? How can 'off the chain' mean anything good?"
"Mom. It means he LOVED the dinner," Roxie said. While I was relieved to know he enjoyed his meal, I was now worried how my 13 year-old daughter knows what "off the chain" means.
I can't keep up!
If you ever want to take a meal to the Ronald McDonald House, call Inez at 212-7255, or check out their website (www.rmhca.org) for more information. Inez told us one of the best times to bring a dinner is during the summer months... really May through September. It is by far one of the best things we've ever done as a family.
And because I'm a fanatic about giving credit where credit is due, this idea came to me from my friend, Tonya Brown! (Her family took taco salad!) Thanks, Tonya!
Movie Devotions
If you've known me two minutes, you know I LOVE movies. I've mentioned this book before (about 400 posts ago), but I wanted to talk about it one more time. It is called Movie Nights for Teens (25 More Movies to Spark Spiritual Discussions With Your Teen) by Bob Smithouser. Mr. Smithouser works for Plugged In Magazine so these "devotions" are written in the same style as Focus on the Family movie reviews. They are so easy to understand, even The Enchanting Belinda "gets" it!
I picked Father of the Bride to use for an example today. (SHOCK!) And I guess you also already know... this movie is to be watched with your teenage CHICKS!
The chapter begins by giving you the basic information... rating, theme, running time, actors and director.
The next section is entitled "Cautions." As the subtitle indicates, it talks about alcohol use, sexual and violence content, language, etc. (This section is always very detailed. It even gives you the number of times a curse word is used.)
Next, you receive a detailed "Story Summary." If you haven't seen the movie before, you can be confident you know what you're getting into before you sit down with your family!
One of my favorite sections is called "Before You Watch." For this particular movie, the author tells you to "buy a few bridal magazines and flip through them together. Find out what styles she finds appealing, and by extension some of her dreams for that special day. Cut out favorite photos and paste them in a notebook, or make a collage that you can reflect upon when she actually gets engaged. By looking at those magazines, gather a sense of what the editors consider important about weddings. Do you agree? Also, talk about why brides wear white, and relate that to previous discussions of sexual purity (1 Corinthians 6:8-20).
Now you go to "Bible Bookmarks." This section gives you multiple scriptures to use when discussing the movie when it is finished.
"Talking Points" has questions to ask after the movie. Scripture is used throughout. "George talks about life's surprises and how they can sneak up and grab hold of us. Have you encountered any surprises lately? Have circumstances challenged your expectations? Take comfort in scriptures such as Philippians 4:6-7, Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 26:3 and 43:2, which can keep us from overreacting as George did." And so on and so on.
You can read the questions ahead of time and pick the ones which are pertinent to you and your teenagers. You can also put them in your own words so conversation will flow more easily.
Mr. Smithouser always adds a "Follow-Up Activity." With this particular movie, it is, of course, your wedding album. "Help your teen understand that an elaborate, romantic ceremony and reception shouldn't be the ultimate goal, but rather a spiritually grounded beginning for a lifelong journey."
It is a great book, and it makes the parent think, as well as the kids. I've used the book and some of the questions for Secondhand Lions and That Thing You Do.
If you have little ones, I suggest the book Movie Nights for Kids.
As always, pick and choose how much you want to use from each chapter. You want to be careful to NOT make Family Movie Night a "school" event. You still need popcorn, pillows and a really good movie!
Have a remarkably good Monday. Since we've finished the ice cream theme on A Simple Life, Tuesday I'll have a "dinner" recipe. There will be pics in the Gallery from the 4th of July. There will be more thought-provoking topics. (Yeah! Right!) But there will be more... always. Come visit again.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from Saturday as the Faulkner Five prepared dinner for the Ronald McDonald House. It was a VERY rewarding experience, and I'll give you more details below under Weekend Review. (I'll have 4th of July pics tomorrow. We'll spread it out a little this week!)
JUNE SPECIAL GUEST - KIM MONTGOMERY - PART THREE - Alas, today is the last day Kim will be with us on A Simple Life. As much as I hate to see her go, I've enjoyed the last few days! (See you at the track tomorrow, Kim!)
17. What is your family's favorite meal you prepare?
Anything in the crock pot (also known as our "Chef"). Usually roast served with mashed potatoes and fried okra. (I, too, love the crock pot. It is my special "friend.)
18. What is your most difficult daily struggle (patience, time management, organization, road rage, etc.)?
Procrastination!!!
19. You are at home ALL day long by yourself with no car. Do you go stir crazy or thoroughly enjoy every minute of the day?
Enjoy it!! I put on some coffee, find a book, and I'm in heaven.
20. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Neither. I'm a middle-of-the-day person. (Me, too! If you want to see me at my very best, you need to be around at 2:00 p.m. each and every day! Right before nap time!)
21. If you could have any actress play you in a movie, who would it be?
Julia Roberts, I love her smile. (That's the perfect person to play you, Kim. You have the best smile.)
22. If money and family and friends were not an issue, where would you most like to live in the world?
Hawaii. No doubt about it. A modern day Garden of Eden.
23. What is your favorite spouse date?
Going out to eat and then to a bookstore for browsing and coffee. (That's my favorite spouse date, too... except I like to stick a movie in there. You and I should do that really soon!)
24. What instantly brings a smile to your face?
Absolutely my family, friends and church. I am a blessed woman surrounded by wonderful people.
I feel the same way when I am around Kim. I am a blessed woman to have such a sweet friend. Thanks again for helping me out, Kim. I appreciate it very much. (Your check is in the mail!)
Weekend Review
We had a very fun, action-packed (for us) weekend. The fishing thing never happened for Mikie and the boys. However, early Saturday morning, Mike called his Dad and they were able to go for a few hours. They had a good time visiting and catching up, but only one tiny fish was caught... and thrown back.
Everyone pitched in and cooked a dish for our Ronald McDonald House visit Saturday evening. Roxie made a Refreshing Cake. Austin made Wild Rice and Chicken Soup. Josh made another pot of Wild Rice and Chicken Soup. Mikie made two huge pans of his wonderful Barbecue Baked Beans, and I made crock pot Macaroni and Cheese. Sweet Melia brought tons and tons of cookies. (We also took a large tray of store-bought barbecue and buns for sandwiches. You know. Since it was the 4th of July weekend!)
We had to be there before 5:00 to deliver the food for dinner, so we left around 4:15 and arrived 15 minutes later. (I had no idea the House was so close.)
Inez, the live-in director, greeted us, gave us a tour and even let us see the one empty apartment in the House. It is a beautiful facility (only three years old), and it has 41 rooms. Families can stay in the house up to a year. I thought the Ronald McDonald House was only used for families with sick babies at Children's Hospital, but they house families from all area hospitals.
I also had the misconception the majority of families living in the House had children battling cancer. The Birmingham House averages one "cancer" family a month. The majority of the families living in this house have premature babies at UAB, St. Vincent's and Children's. The majority of families living at the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis have children suffering from cancer. (That House is in the same city as St. Jude's.)
It was a "slow" weekend, but a few people were starting to come in and help themselves to the food in the kitchen as we prepared to leave. We had forgotten all of our cardboard boxes we had used to bring the food into the House, and Roxie offered to hop out of the van and retrieve them. She came back to the van with the boxes, wearing a huge grin.
"See that man and those two women on the bench over there?" she asked.
We all nodded.
"One of the women is his wife, I think. When he came out of the house to talk to them he said, 'The food tonight is off the chain.'"
"What does that mean, Mike?" I asked, worried. "Is that bad? How can 'off the chain' mean anything good?"
"Mom. It means he LOVED the dinner," Roxie said. While I was relieved to know he enjoyed his meal, I was now worried how my 13 year-old daughter knows what "off the chain" means.
I can't keep up!
If you ever want to take a meal to the Ronald McDonald House, call Inez at 212-7255, or check out their website (www.rmhca.org) for more information. Inez told us one of the best times to bring a dinner is during the summer months... really May through September. It is by far one of the best things we've ever done as a family.
And because I'm a fanatic about giving credit where credit is due, this idea came to me from my friend, Tonya Brown! (Her family took taco salad!) Thanks, Tonya!
Movie Devotions
If you've known me two minutes, you know I LOVE movies. I've mentioned this book before (about 400 posts ago), but I wanted to talk about it one more time. It is called Movie Nights for Teens (25 More Movies to Spark Spiritual Discussions With Your Teen) by Bob Smithouser. Mr. Smithouser works for Plugged In Magazine so these "devotions" are written in the same style as Focus on the Family movie reviews. They are so easy to understand, even The Enchanting Belinda "gets" it!
I picked Father of the Bride to use for an example today. (SHOCK!) And I guess you also already know... this movie is to be watched with your teenage CHICKS!
The chapter begins by giving you the basic information... rating, theme, running time, actors and director.
The next section is entitled "Cautions." As the subtitle indicates, it talks about alcohol use, sexual and violence content, language, etc. (This section is always very detailed. It even gives you the number of times a curse word is used.)
Next, you receive a detailed "Story Summary." If you haven't seen the movie before, you can be confident you know what you're getting into before you sit down with your family!
One of my favorite sections is called "Before You Watch." For this particular movie, the author tells you to "buy a few bridal magazines and flip through them together. Find out what styles she finds appealing, and by extension some of her dreams for that special day. Cut out favorite photos and paste them in a notebook, or make a collage that you can reflect upon when she actually gets engaged. By looking at those magazines, gather a sense of what the editors consider important about weddings. Do you agree? Also, talk about why brides wear white, and relate that to previous discussions of sexual purity (1 Corinthians 6:8-20).
Now you go to "Bible Bookmarks." This section gives you multiple scriptures to use when discussing the movie when it is finished.
"Talking Points" has questions to ask after the movie. Scripture is used throughout. "George talks about life's surprises and how they can sneak up and grab hold of us. Have you encountered any surprises lately? Have circumstances challenged your expectations? Take comfort in scriptures such as Philippians 4:6-7, Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 26:3 and 43:2, which can keep us from overreacting as George did." And so on and so on.
You can read the questions ahead of time and pick the ones which are pertinent to you and your teenagers. You can also put them in your own words so conversation will flow more easily.
Mr. Smithouser always adds a "Follow-Up Activity." With this particular movie, it is, of course, your wedding album. "Help your teen understand that an elaborate, romantic ceremony and reception shouldn't be the ultimate goal, but rather a spiritually grounded beginning for a lifelong journey."
It is a great book, and it makes the parent think, as well as the kids. I've used the book and some of the questions for Secondhand Lions and That Thing You Do.
If you have little ones, I suggest the book Movie Nights for Kids.
As always, pick and choose how much you want to use from each chapter. You want to be careful to NOT make Family Movie Night a "school" event. You still need popcorn, pillows and a really good movie!
Have a remarkably good Monday. Since we've finished the ice cream theme on A Simple Life, Tuesday I'll have a "dinner" recipe. There will be pics in the Gallery from the 4th of July. There will be more thought-provoking topics. (Yeah! Right!) But there will be more... always. Come visit again.
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!