Good Monday morning!
Welcome to Birthday Central! I've posted MamMa's birthday pics today, and I'll post Austin's party pics tomorrow. There were just too, too many for one day.
Enjoy the lack of wordiness in today's post. It only happens once a week!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I saw a news article entitled "Tips for Safe Travels for 50 Year-Olds and Older." I've said it before... I'm okay with being 50 in August, but I had no idea it would automatically mean I would be unable to travel safely (without special tips, of course). All I'm asking for as a gift for my birthday is a taser. I'm pretty sure that's the only "tip" I need.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I would love to host an Oscar party one day. I've seen so many great "theme" ideas for food and decorations to go along with your favorite Oscar movie. However, I RARELY see any of the nominated films. Most of them are "thinking" films, or "artsy" films, or "rated-R" films, or "non-animated" films... none of which are on my list of "must see" movies.
NOTE - I did branch out this year. I saw not one, BUT TWO, documentaries. Remember? I told you all about Babies. I loved that movie. Well... parts of it. And then I took Roxie to see the Justin Bieber, Never Say Never documentary. (YES! It was a documentary! Very educational!)
I guess I could have had a Toy Story 3 Oscar Party. That's right up my alley... but for some reason, I didn't realize it was nominated until last night! Oh, and I do plan on seeing True Grit. I didn't want to before because I'm a John Wayne fan, and I was afraid Jeff Bridges wouldn't do a good job playing Rooster Cogburn. However, Mikie and the boys assure me he was wonderful, and I would love it.
Maybe next year!
Have a safe Monday. Things are going to be a little stormy around here this afternoon, I think. Tuesday's recipe is ready and waiting to be posted first thing tomorrow morning. I hope you'll add it to your recipe collection!
Take care, I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from Austin's birthday dinner Wednesday night. The food and service was great at Golden Rule (Austin's choice), but I have to say the restaurant has the WORST lighting EVER. And as you'll notice in the pics, I did NOT coordinate everyone's clothing. We look very hodge-podge... but happy.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I've been going to Body Pump for awhile now. This is just my opinion, but I like Body Pump better than Zumba because for the most part, I can actually DO all that is required of me in that class. I was always one or two (or 20) steps behind in Zumba.
However, as I have always said, exercise seems to have an opposite effect on me. People talk about endorphins and adrenaline being released into your system during and after exercise... which should make you feel better. I think I am endorphin and adrenaline-free.
After an hour of Body Pump, I just want to crawl into a nice soft bed and sleep until the next class. (And I would if it wasn't for the other people living in my house who want food, clean clothes, etc., etc. Sometimes they get on my last nerve!)
I'm thinking it may be too late for me. I'll continue to Body Pump, but I don't think you'll ever see me skipping out the door ready to take on the world. It's more of a "drag myself to the van" kind of thing.
But I'm good with that.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I just found out today that Ken (of Barbie and Ken fame) will turn 50 this year, too. His birthday is March 11. For some reason, that actually made me feel better. (I am now beyond pathetic.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Josh begins a new job next week. After a lot of searching, he will start working at Classic Gardens & Landscape next Thursday. He is very excited. For some reason, unlike his Mom, he likes the "outdoor/manual labor" thing. I'm just hoping he can get me a discount on a Japaneses maple tree. (I love those!)
RANDOMNESS #4 - Did you notice anything different about A Simple Life today? It was time for a change.
I tried changing Belinda's Project Life, too, but I had a little trouble with my widgets. I cannot get yesterday's picture in the right column, but I'm working on it. Please be patient with me. Remember, I am technologically-challenged. Really, really bad.
Weekend Happenings
It's Party Central for our family this weekend! My MamMa will be 90 years-old tomorrow! NINETY! So my Mom and Aunt Connie have planned a big reception for her on her birthday. It's going to be a big party with friends and family. MamMa is excited, and I'm excited for her. It's going to be one of those "once in a lifetime" moments, and I'm proud to be a part of the festivities.
On Sunday afternoon, we'll be celebrating Austin's 20th birthday. Another huge milestone in our family. He's still young enough he celebrates all week long. We took him to dinner Wednesday, Melia has plans for him today and we'll finish with his party Sunday. The Boy has a good reason to be happy!
Other smaller, but still significant, parts of our weekend are as follows:
Josh will be attending an all-day Biology class at UAB with fellow students and his Biology teacher. He'll leave in time to attend the last hour of MamMa's party.
Roxie and Mikie are going on their February Father/Daughter date to Bonefish Grill Saturday night. Both are looking forward to their time together.
Josh and I are going to be watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail Saturday evening. Josh assures me I will love this movie. I'm thinking NOT. But I'm willing to try it for my child. (It better be good, or next week I'm making him watch Sleepless in Seattle!)
And just so you don't think we leave The Boy completely out of the picture, he's working at the Chick Saturday evening.
I think that's it. I hope so, because IT has turned into a busy, busy weekend.
I hope you and yours have a fabulous weekend filled with memories, family and friends.
Remember...
Plan those kid dates... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those spouse dates... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family movie nights... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family game nights... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family devotions... and DON'T let anything interfere with your plans.
Those "things" are MORE important than any business meeting, doctor's appointment or errand you will ever have to run.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Party Animal Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from Austin's birthday dinner Wednesday night. The food and service was great at Golden Rule (Austin's choice), but I have to say the restaurant has the WORST lighting EVER. And as you'll notice in the pics, I did NOT coordinate everyone's clothing. We look very hodge-podge... but happy.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I've been going to Body Pump for awhile now. This is just my opinion, but I like Body Pump better than Zumba because for the most part, I can actually DO all that is required of me in that class. I was always one or two (or 20) steps behind in Zumba.
However, as I have always said, exercise seems to have an opposite effect on me. People talk about endorphins and adrenaline being released into your system during and after exercise... which should make you feel better. I think I am endorphin and adrenaline-free.
After an hour of Body Pump, I just want to crawl into a nice soft bed and sleep until the next class. (And I would if it wasn't for the other people living in my house who want food, clean clothes, etc., etc. Sometimes they get on my last nerve!)
I'm thinking it may be too late for me. I'll continue to Body Pump, but I don't think you'll ever see me skipping out the door ready to take on the world. It's more of a "drag myself to the van" kind of thing.
But I'm good with that.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I just found out today that Ken (of Barbie and Ken fame) will turn 50 this year, too. His birthday is March 11. For some reason, that actually made me feel better. (I am now beyond pathetic.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Josh begins a new job next week. After a lot of searching, he will start working at Classic Gardens & Landscape next Thursday. He is very excited. For some reason, unlike his Mom, he likes the "outdoor/manual labor" thing. I'm just hoping he can get me a discount on a Japaneses maple tree. (I love those!)
RANDOMNESS #4 - Did you notice anything different about A Simple Life today? It was time for a change.
I tried changing Belinda's Project Life, too, but I had a little trouble with my widgets. I cannot get yesterday's picture in the right column, but I'm working on it. Please be patient with me. Remember, I am technologically-challenged. Really, really bad.
Weekend Happenings
It's Party Central for our family this weekend! My MamMa will be 90 years-old tomorrow! NINETY! So my Mom and Aunt Connie have planned a big reception for her on her birthday. It's going to be a big party with friends and family. MamMa is excited, and I'm excited for her. It's going to be one of those "once in a lifetime" moments, and I'm proud to be a part of the festivities.
On Sunday afternoon, we'll be celebrating Austin's 20th birthday. Another huge milestone in our family. He's still young enough he celebrates all week long. We took him to dinner Wednesday, Melia has plans for him today and we'll finish with his party Sunday. The Boy has a good reason to be happy!
Other smaller, but still significant, parts of our weekend are as follows:
Josh will be attending an all-day Biology class at UAB with fellow students and his Biology teacher. He'll leave in time to attend the last hour of MamMa's party.
Roxie and Mikie are going on their February Father/Daughter date to Bonefish Grill Saturday night. Both are looking forward to their time together.
Josh and I are going to be watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail Saturday evening. Josh assures me I will love this movie. I'm thinking NOT. But I'm willing to try it for my child. (It better be good, or next week I'm making him watch Sleepless in Seattle!)
And just so you don't think we leave The Boy completely out of the picture, he's working at the Chick Saturday evening.
I think that's it. I hope so, because IT has turned into a busy, busy weekend.
I hope you and yours have a fabulous weekend filled with memories, family and friends.
Remember...
Plan those kid dates... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those spouse dates... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family movie nights... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family game nights... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family devotions... and DON'T let anything interfere with your plans.
Those "things" are MORE important than any business meeting, doctor's appointment or errand you will ever have to run.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Party Animal Belinda
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tween/Teen Foundation Building Date
Good Thursday morning!
Another day, another set of Mountain Trip photos. (Don't worry. We were only gone three days. It's almost over.)
RANDOMNESS #1 - Since The Boy turned 20 yesterday, Mike, Josh, Roxie and I made the trip to Jacksonville to take him out to eat (his choice), give him a gift to hold him until the official family birthday party Sunday afternoon and fill his truck up with gas (a surprise gift... and probably his favorite).
He looked exactly the same as he did Monday when we dropped him off at his dorm coming home from our trip. He was only 19 then. Ahhh. Nineteen. I miss 19. For him AND for me!
RANDOMNESS #2 - A friend forwarded this to me yesterday. I love it for several reasons. I LOVED Paul Harvey. I like people with common sense, and he had a lot of common sense. I love LeAnna, the friend who forwarded it to me, and knew I would enjoy reading it.
Being a simple person who writes a blog called A Simple Life... this appealed to me very much.
We try so hard to make things better for our kids that we have made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.
I want you to know about hand-me-down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches.
I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.
I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.
And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.
It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.
I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.
I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.
When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.
I hope you have to walk up a hill to school with your friends, and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.
On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.
If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.
I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.
When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.
I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy/girl, and when you talk back to your Mother that you learn what soap tastes like.
May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.
If a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he/she is not your friend.
I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.
May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.
I hope your Mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window, and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.
These things I wish for you... tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.
Thank you, Mr. Harvey!
Blog Linkage - I have a few links for you to check out today.
1. Go to Nesting Place under My Blog List and read today's post entitled "Final Thoughts on Thrifting." Be sure to click on "Read More" at the bottom of the post. She has some very good ideas about shopping and saving.
2. If you want a new and improved Nacho Cheese Dip recipe, go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and read today's post. It's the basic Nacho Cheese Dip I've had 100 times, but she adds a little extra... and it looks pretty good!
3. If you didn't see all of the "Love" photos submitted in Confessions of a Pioneer Woman's Photography contest, check those out today. They are beautiful. Remember, just click on "Photography" at the top of her main page.
Tween/Teen Foundation Building Date
Since I spoke about this yesterday, I thought today's date should come from one of the sources I shared (www.rickandbubba.com).
Plan today to take your tween or teen to StadiumFest at Spain Park High School, April 2, 2011. You will find all the information you need below.
The gates open at 11:00 a.m.
You will need to bring the following:
A blanket for sitting on the playing field area
A seat pad for sitting in the bleachers
Sunscreen
Do NOT bring the following:
Folding chairs
Fireworks
Firearms
Alcohol
Tobacco
Backpacks and large containers
Admission to StadiumFest is FREE. No tickets or registration are required. You can make a donation if you like.
The following is the schedule for the day. Pick and choose which events you will want to attend:
Bronner Burgess Playground - Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Children's Activities
Jump Zone
Veggie Tales' Bob and Larry
James Spann
Bello the "Worlds Only Comic Stuntman" - 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Main Stage - 3:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Kevin Derryberry
Rick Burgess
TobyMac
Bill "Bubba" Bussey
Scott Dawson
Casting Crowns
Fireworks - 9:00 - 9:15 p.m.
(That's a pretty good line-up, guys.)
Parking will be on-site at Spain Park High School. If overflow is needed, a free shuttle will be provided from Oak Mountain High School.
Go ahead and plan this date in ink with your tween or teen. It's "foundation building," and it would be a wonderful experience to share with your "aging" child!
Have a very blessed Thursday! On Friday, I will have Weekend Happenings, Austin's Birthday photos, Randomness and a little more. (Always... a little more.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Another day, another set of Mountain Trip photos. (Don't worry. We were only gone three days. It's almost over.)
RANDOMNESS #1 - Since The Boy turned 20 yesterday, Mike, Josh, Roxie and I made the trip to Jacksonville to take him out to eat (his choice), give him a gift to hold him until the official family birthday party Sunday afternoon and fill his truck up with gas (a surprise gift... and probably his favorite).
He looked exactly the same as he did Monday when we dropped him off at his dorm coming home from our trip. He was only 19 then. Ahhh. Nineteen. I miss 19. For him AND for me!
RANDOMNESS #2 - A friend forwarded this to me yesterday. I love it for several reasons. I LOVED Paul Harvey. I like people with common sense, and he had a lot of common sense. I love LeAnna, the friend who forwarded it to me, and knew I would enjoy reading it.
Being a simple person who writes a blog called A Simple Life... this appealed to me very much.
We try so hard to make things better for our kids that we have made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.
I want you to know about hand-me-down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches.
I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.
I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.
And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.
It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.
I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.
I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.
When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.
I hope you have to walk up a hill to school with your friends, and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.
On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.
If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.
I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.
When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.
I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy/girl, and when you talk back to your Mother that you learn what soap tastes like.
May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.
If a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he/she is not your friend.
I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.
May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.
I hope your Mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window, and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.
These things I wish for you... tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.
Thank you, Mr. Harvey!
Blog Linkage - I have a few links for you to check out today.
1. Go to Nesting Place under My Blog List and read today's post entitled "Final Thoughts on Thrifting." Be sure to click on "Read More" at the bottom of the post. She has some very good ideas about shopping and saving.
2. If you want a new and improved Nacho Cheese Dip recipe, go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and read today's post. It's the basic Nacho Cheese Dip I've had 100 times, but she adds a little extra... and it looks pretty good!
3. If you didn't see all of the "Love" photos submitted in Confessions of a Pioneer Woman's Photography contest, check those out today. They are beautiful. Remember, just click on "Photography" at the top of her main page.
Tween/Teen Foundation Building Date
Since I spoke about this yesterday, I thought today's date should come from one of the sources I shared (www.rickandbubba.com).
Plan today to take your tween or teen to StadiumFest at Spain Park High School, April 2, 2011. You will find all the information you need below.
The gates open at 11:00 a.m.
You will need to bring the following:
A blanket for sitting on the playing field area
A seat pad for sitting in the bleachers
Sunscreen
Do NOT bring the following:
Folding chairs
Fireworks
Firearms
Alcohol
Tobacco
Backpacks and large containers
Admission to StadiumFest is FREE. No tickets or registration are required. You can make a donation if you like.
The following is the schedule for the day. Pick and choose which events you will want to attend:
Bronner Burgess Playground - Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Children's Activities
Jump Zone
Veggie Tales' Bob and Larry
James Spann
Bello the "Worlds Only Comic Stuntman" - 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Main Stage - 3:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Kevin Derryberry
Rick Burgess
TobyMac
Bill "Bubba" Bussey
Scott Dawson
Casting Crowns
Fireworks - 9:00 - 9:15 p.m.
(That's a pretty good line-up, guys.)
Parking will be on-site at Spain Park High School. If overflow is needed, a free shuttle will be provided from Oak Mountain High School.
Go ahead and plan this date in ink with your tween or teen. It's "foundation building," and it would be a wonderful experience to share with your "aging" child!
Have a very blessed Thursday! On Friday, I will have Weekend Happenings, Austin's Birthday photos, Randomness and a little more. (Always... a little more.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Continue to Build a Strong Foundation for Tweens and Teens
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics continue to tell the story of our weekend Mountain Trip. Enjoy... or endure! I guess it depends on your attitude today!
RANDOMNESS #1 - The Boy (Austin) is 20 years-old today. This is significant for several reasons.
1. I have now been a mother for two decades. I feel I should be full of wisdom, but alas, that does not appear to be the case.
2. Austin is excited about being 20. Some might say ecstatic. I remember being excited about turning 20. It was almost 30 years ago.
3. Because my firstborn is now 20 years-old, it means I am now officially older than most dirt. It's a very sobering thought.
4. I am also older than the wheel and fire.
5. Even though I forget many things, and I'm distracted beyond measure most days, I can remember that day 20 years ago like it was yesterday. I remember his face, his little hands, the way his head smelled after his first bath... EVERYTHING! I miss that tiny little human... but I like the 6'4" giant he has become, too.
Happy Birthday, Austin! I'm coming to see you tonight... You lucky, lucky 20 year-old! And when I see you, I'm going to give you a big, fat "Happy Birthday" KISS! (Something to look forward to... or not.)
RANDOMNESS #2 - I know you thought I would NEVER finish the Mikie and Belinda story, but I'm going to go ahead and share the Engagement Story with you today. It's a little shorter, and since we're still in the midst of the Love Month, I feel I must.
Mikie and Belinda - The Engagement
As I told you a few days ago, Mike and I began dating in March of 1987, and we were engaged by August of that same year. It seems fast, doesn't it?
When we met with Dr. Carter for counseling two months into our "courtship," his advice to us was to date and be together for four seasons (an entire year) before becoming engaged. And he believed in a fairly long engagement, too. I think those were extremely wise words. It was his way of saying we needed to know each other, to become best friends, to see not only the good, but the bad as well.
Mike and I didn't dismiss his words, but we had already put in three years of being best friends. (That's 12 seasons!) We had seen each other's "ugly" side several times. We had both been in relationships with the wrong people, and we had no doubt we were with the person God wanted us to marry. No doubt at all.
That being said, Mike went ahead and spoke with my Dad in early August. I knew he had talked to him, and I knew Dad had given his blessing. Now, I just needed my ring.
Little birdies told me Mike had decided to forego the jewelry store engagement ring. Instead, he designed my ring himself. Little birdies also told me when the ring was ready, and that he had it in his possession. (Aren't girlfriends wonderful?)
Did I mention my birthday is in August. August 26. Considering it was only 22 days from the day he spoke to my Dad, it was a no-brainer. I should have gotten my ring on my birthday. But that was not how Mikie's mind worked. Birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day... too obvious. He wanted the surprise.
Every day for two weeks when he stopped by the apartment coming home from work, I was dressed to the nines. Make-up... totally redone. Hair... totally redone. Outfit... totally different from the one I had worn to work that day. Deodorant... totally reapplied. (I was a little nervous, and was having some flop sweat problems.)
Every day I would greet him at the door looking for ring box bulges. Nothing. Nada. Let's just say I was getting a little frustrated.
One night, he came in and I just pinned him to the door. "I want my ring. I have all the bridal magazines. I want to start making plans. I want to try on dresses. I want to pick out cakes. I want to register for china. AND I CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT THE RING!" I had totally lost it.
"I wouldn't give you the ring tonight if I did have it," he responded. "You're going to have to settle down a little." He smiled, gave me a peck and slipped out the door. (He had just seen a new "ugly" I had never revealed before. He had just seen a new "ugly" I didn't even know I had!)
After that night, I stopped dressing up every day. In fact, when I got home from work, I put on t-shirts and jeans, and didn't even brush my teeth or comb my hair before he arrived. I had lost the will to groom.
"How about coming over for dinner Saturday night before we go to the Sunday School party? I'll fix everything." I knew he was just trying to soften the blow that I wasn't going to get my ring until some time after my birthday... you know, for the surprise factor.
"Okay," I agreed half-heartedly.
I arrived wearing a T-shirt and jeans, minimal make-up and combed hair. I was clean. "Hey. I ran out of milk, and I need it for the mac and cheese. Do you mind running to the corner store and getting half a gallon for me?" Okay. This was a sure sign the ring wasn't in the picture. Mac and cheese? I had to get the milk?
"Okay," I agreed again half-heartedly.
When I returned, the table was set nicely, but not with candles. We sat down to eat, and I took the napkin off the center of the plate (which for some reason had a napkin ring around it), and in one swift movement slipped the napkin ring off and snapped my napkin and put it in my lap.
"NOOOOO!" Mike screamed.
"AHHHHH!" I screamed back, terrified. And then I heard it. A little ping, ping, ping sound. Mikie was on his knees covering the air conditioning vent on the floor beside the table. I was on my feet. "What's wrong? What's wrong?"
"You shot the ring out of the napkin. It kept ricocheting off of things, and I don't know if it went down the vent or not."
"AHHHHH!" I screamed again. By now, we were both on the floor looking for the ring and praying the last ping we had heard was not the ring bouncing it's way down the vent.
"I FOUND IT!" he yelled.
"LET ME HAVE IT!" I yelled back.
He wasn't actually on one knee as much as collapsed in a heap at my feet sweating profusely. "Belinda, will you please marry me? Just say 'Yes.' I can't take much more of this."
And that, my friends, is my ultra-romantic engagement story. The ring was (and is) beautiful, and I was thrilled. Mikie done good! (I know that's grammatically incorrect, by the way.)
And I never eat macaroni and cheese without smiling to myself and remembering that night a little over 22 years ago when I yelled, "Yes!"
Wednesday Wisdom - I heard some people quoting Ronald Reagan yesterday, and I liked what I heard. Here are some quotes from (in my opinion) a very wise President.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged. (Amen!)
Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They're just braver five minutes longer.
I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the United States Congress.
If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.
Continue to Build a Strong Foundation for Tweens and Teens
Over the last 600 or so posts, I've talked about having devotion time with your kiddos on a daily basis, in odd places, at birthday parties, etc., etc. Today I want to give you three specific resources to help you continue to add a strong spiritual foundation for your tween or teen to stand on during this difficult time in their lives. (And it is a very difficult time!)
Last night, our church hosted Tailgating With Pam Tebow, Celebrating God's Team: Faith, Family & Friends. I spoke with a couple of mothers this morning who attended this event with their teenage daughters. I've heard the word "amazing" describe this event by several friends on Facebook. Roxie and I were unable to attend the event, but as usual, it "got me to thinking."
As a Mom, my job is far from over. Even though Austin is 20, Josh is 17 and Roxie is 14, I have a lot of HARD work left to do, and now is not the time to get lazy or "zone out."
I'm going to urge all parents of tweens and teens out there (myself and Mikie included) to diligently look for and attend as many Christ-centered events as possible in the years to come.
And I'm not going to leave you hanging either. I'm going to tell you where these events can be found!
One excellent resource is the Birmingham Christian Family Magazine. Not only does it advertise special events like the one mentioned above, but it also has a monthly calendar with activities which may interest you and yours. The magazine is free and available at libraries, churches, etc. in the Birmingham area. There may not be something every month, but you can always check.
Another good resource is www.rickandbubba.com. Click on Events at the top of their website, and they have a list of activities which may interest you.
One more, and I'm done. We are blessed to have MANY large churches in our immediate area. You can contact any of these churches and ask if they have any concerts, conferences, special speakers, etc. in the coming months which would appeal to your tween or teen. (Shades Mountain Baptist, Church of the Highlands, etc., etc.)
As I have reminded myself just this morning, now is NOT the time to relax... now is the time to keep adding spiritual bricks to our children's foundation!
On Thursday, A Simple Life will have Blog Linkage, a date for you and your tween or teen (see above), more photos from the mountain trip and even more Randomness. Fascinating, I know!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics continue to tell the story of our weekend Mountain Trip. Enjoy... or endure! I guess it depends on your attitude today!
RANDOMNESS #1 - The Boy (Austin) is 20 years-old today. This is significant for several reasons.
1. I have now been a mother for two decades. I feel I should be full of wisdom, but alas, that does not appear to be the case.
2. Austin is excited about being 20. Some might say ecstatic. I remember being excited about turning 20. It was almost 30 years ago.
3. Because my firstborn is now 20 years-old, it means I am now officially older than most dirt. It's a very sobering thought.
4. I am also older than the wheel and fire.
5. Even though I forget many things, and I'm distracted beyond measure most days, I can remember that day 20 years ago like it was yesterday. I remember his face, his little hands, the way his head smelled after his first bath... EVERYTHING! I miss that tiny little human... but I like the 6'4" giant he has become, too.
Happy Birthday, Austin! I'm coming to see you tonight... You lucky, lucky 20 year-old! And when I see you, I'm going to give you a big, fat "Happy Birthday" KISS! (Something to look forward to... or not.)
RANDOMNESS #2 - I know you thought I would NEVER finish the Mikie and Belinda story, but I'm going to go ahead and share the Engagement Story with you today. It's a little shorter, and since we're still in the midst of the Love Month, I feel I must.
Mikie and Belinda - The Engagement
As I told you a few days ago, Mike and I began dating in March of 1987, and we were engaged by August of that same year. It seems fast, doesn't it?
When we met with Dr. Carter for counseling two months into our "courtship," his advice to us was to date and be together for four seasons (an entire year) before becoming engaged. And he believed in a fairly long engagement, too. I think those were extremely wise words. It was his way of saying we needed to know each other, to become best friends, to see not only the good, but the bad as well.
Mike and I didn't dismiss his words, but we had already put in three years of being best friends. (That's 12 seasons!) We had seen each other's "ugly" side several times. We had both been in relationships with the wrong people, and we had no doubt we were with the person God wanted us to marry. No doubt at all.
That being said, Mike went ahead and spoke with my Dad in early August. I knew he had talked to him, and I knew Dad had given his blessing. Now, I just needed my ring.
Little birdies told me Mike had decided to forego the jewelry store engagement ring. Instead, he designed my ring himself. Little birdies also told me when the ring was ready, and that he had it in his possession. (Aren't girlfriends wonderful?)
Did I mention my birthday is in August. August 26. Considering it was only 22 days from the day he spoke to my Dad, it was a no-brainer. I should have gotten my ring on my birthday. But that was not how Mikie's mind worked. Birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day... too obvious. He wanted the surprise.
Every day for two weeks when he stopped by the apartment coming home from work, I was dressed to the nines. Make-up... totally redone. Hair... totally redone. Outfit... totally different from the one I had worn to work that day. Deodorant... totally reapplied. (I was a little nervous, and was having some flop sweat problems.)
Every day I would greet him at the door looking for ring box bulges. Nothing. Nada. Let's just say I was getting a little frustrated.
One night, he came in and I just pinned him to the door. "I want my ring. I have all the bridal magazines. I want to start making plans. I want to try on dresses. I want to pick out cakes. I want to register for china. AND I CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT THE RING!" I had totally lost it.
"I wouldn't give you the ring tonight if I did have it," he responded. "You're going to have to settle down a little." He smiled, gave me a peck and slipped out the door. (He had just seen a new "ugly" I had never revealed before. He had just seen a new "ugly" I didn't even know I had!)
After that night, I stopped dressing up every day. In fact, when I got home from work, I put on t-shirts and jeans, and didn't even brush my teeth or comb my hair before he arrived. I had lost the will to groom.
"How about coming over for dinner Saturday night before we go to the Sunday School party? I'll fix everything." I knew he was just trying to soften the blow that I wasn't going to get my ring until some time after my birthday... you know, for the surprise factor.
"Okay," I agreed half-heartedly.
I arrived wearing a T-shirt and jeans, minimal make-up and combed hair. I was clean. "Hey. I ran out of milk, and I need it for the mac and cheese. Do you mind running to the corner store and getting half a gallon for me?" Okay. This was a sure sign the ring wasn't in the picture. Mac and cheese? I had to get the milk?
"Okay," I agreed again half-heartedly.
When I returned, the table was set nicely, but not with candles. We sat down to eat, and I took the napkin off the center of the plate (which for some reason had a napkin ring around it), and in one swift movement slipped the napkin ring off and snapped my napkin and put it in my lap.
"NOOOOO!" Mike screamed.
"AHHHHH!" I screamed back, terrified. And then I heard it. A little ping, ping, ping sound. Mikie was on his knees covering the air conditioning vent on the floor beside the table. I was on my feet. "What's wrong? What's wrong?"
"You shot the ring out of the napkin. It kept ricocheting off of things, and I don't know if it went down the vent or not."
"AHHHHH!" I screamed again. By now, we were both on the floor looking for the ring and praying the last ping we had heard was not the ring bouncing it's way down the vent.
"I FOUND IT!" he yelled.
"LET ME HAVE IT!" I yelled back.
He wasn't actually on one knee as much as collapsed in a heap at my feet sweating profusely. "Belinda, will you please marry me? Just say 'Yes.' I can't take much more of this."
And that, my friends, is my ultra-romantic engagement story. The ring was (and is) beautiful, and I was thrilled. Mikie done good! (I know that's grammatically incorrect, by the way.)
And I never eat macaroni and cheese without smiling to myself and remembering that night a little over 22 years ago when I yelled, "Yes!"
Wednesday Wisdom - I heard some people quoting Ronald Reagan yesterday, and I liked what I heard. Here are some quotes from (in my opinion) a very wise President.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged. (Amen!)
Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They're just braver five minutes longer.
I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the United States Congress.
If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.
Continue to Build a Strong Foundation for Tweens and Teens
Over the last 600 or so posts, I've talked about having devotion time with your kiddos on a daily basis, in odd places, at birthday parties, etc., etc. Today I want to give you three specific resources to help you continue to add a strong spiritual foundation for your tween or teen to stand on during this difficult time in their lives. (And it is a very difficult time!)
Last night, our church hosted Tailgating With Pam Tebow, Celebrating God's Team: Faith, Family & Friends. I spoke with a couple of mothers this morning who attended this event with their teenage daughters. I've heard the word "amazing" describe this event by several friends on Facebook. Roxie and I were unable to attend the event, but as usual, it "got me to thinking."
As a Mom, my job is far from over. Even though Austin is 20, Josh is 17 and Roxie is 14, I have a lot of HARD work left to do, and now is not the time to get lazy or "zone out."
I'm going to urge all parents of tweens and teens out there (myself and Mikie included) to diligently look for and attend as many Christ-centered events as possible in the years to come.
And I'm not going to leave you hanging either. I'm going to tell you where these events can be found!
One excellent resource is the Birmingham Christian Family Magazine. Not only does it advertise special events like the one mentioned above, but it also has a monthly calendar with activities which may interest you and yours. The magazine is free and available at libraries, churches, etc. in the Birmingham area. There may not be something every month, but you can always check.
Another good resource is www.rickandbubba.com. Click on Events at the top of their website, and they have a list of activities which may interest you.
One more, and I'm done. We are blessed to have MANY large churches in our immediate area. You can contact any of these churches and ask if they have any concerts, conferences, special speakers, etc. in the coming months which would appeal to your tween or teen. (Shades Mountain Baptist, Church of the Highlands, etc., etc.)
As I have reminded myself just this morning, now is NOT the time to relax... now is the time to keep adding spiritual bricks to our children's foundation!
On Thursday, A Simple Life will have Blog Linkage, a date for you and your tween or teen (see above), more photos from the mountain trip and even more Randomness. Fascinating, I know!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Easy Chicken Parmigiana
Good Tuesday morning!
This week, The Gallery Pics are going to tell the story of our 14th Annual Mountain Trip... one long, long day at a time.
RANDOMNESS - As promised, below you will find the last installment of The Mikie and Belinda Story. Tomorrow I'll go straight into The Engagement Story... you lucky dogs!
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Five
Mikie's dating commitments were finished. He was sitting beside me on a packed pew at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. He smelled really, really good. But I digress. He wanted to talk to me for just a few minutes after the service. Hmmm. What could he possibly want to talk about?
All of our friends scattered, and he walked me to my car. "Would you be interested in going out to eat and to a movie this Friday night?" he asked almost immediately.
"Are you sure you can afford it? You've spent a huge amount of money these past three weeks. I don't want to put a strain on your savings account!" I hate playing games, but I was still more than a little miffed.
"Friday's payday. And even if it wasn't, I am more than able to afford dinner and a movie with my best friend."
Okay. Now he wasn't just smelling good... he was talking good, too. I accepted.
Friday night finally came, and I wore my new blue and white striped jumpsuit with huge shoulder pads and new Connie flats. (Trust me. It was the 80s. I looked great.) Mike showed up a few minutes early and we went on our first date... dinner at Milo's and a movie. I didn't mind the fast food dinner. Milo's has always been one of Mikie's favorites, and as long as we were seeing a movie (one of my favorites), I knew he had covered all the bases.
As you can imagine, having been the best of friends for over three years, conversation never lagged, hand holding was very natural, and I can honestly say it was the first "first date" I had ever been on where I wasn't so nervous beforehand I was sick to my stomach. Easy breezy. That's how I would describe our first date.
After it was over and he was walking me to the door of the apartment, he asked me a couple of questions. "How many kids do you want?"
"Three. Two boys and a girl."
"Yeah. Me, too."
"Do I get to kiss you good night?" (Just for clarification... Mikie asked me!)
"Nope. Not on the first date."
"Well, technically... ," he started to whine.
"Nope. There's nothing technical about it. Third date, buddy."
Then I had a question for him.
"Did you kiss the girls you dated the last three weeks?"
"No. And I told them I wouldn't be calling them back for another date. However, I said it nicer."
All right. As they say in all the astronaut movies, "We were clear for take-off." And take-off we did. To finish this long, long story, I'll give you the rest of our courtship tale in the form of a timeline.
March, 1987 - First date.
March, 1987 - Third date (Mikie says, "I love you," and I agree.)
April, 1987 - I meet Mikie's family for Easter lunch. (Mikie has already met my family in the three years we had been friends.)
May, 1987 - We meet with Dr. Charles Carter for counseling. We know we want to get married, but we also know how "fast" this will seem for our families. He gives us very good advice. We sort of take it.
August, 1987 - After Mike has talked to my Dad and asked for my hand in marriage, we become engaged.
January, 1988 - Mikie and I become husband and wife. I married my best friend. And he smelled really, really good!
Easy Chicken Parmigiana
When we go on our mountain trip, Bev is in charge of one dinner, and I am in charge of the other. (Friday night, everyone is on their own!) Katie picked the menu for our Sunday night dinner, and I will now share this super simple and delicious recipe with you today.
You will need the following:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/3 cup dry Italian bread crumbs
1 large egg (beaten)
1 (12-ounce) Ragu (or your favorite sauce)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Flatten chicken breasts with kitchen mallet between two sheets of plastic.
3. Dip chicken cutlets into egg and then bread crumbs.
4. Place coated chicken in a lightly greased 9 x 13 baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Remove pan from oven and pour the marinara sauce over chicken.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top and bake in oven for 15 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
You can serve this over noodles if you like. (That's how Katie prefers it. Guess who forgot the noodles?)
Have a grand Tuesday! Wednesday's Wisdom, a Seasonal Tradition, The Engagement Story, more Mountain Trip pics and Randomness, Randomness, Randomness await your visit Wednesday morning!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
This week, The Gallery Pics are going to tell the story of our 14th Annual Mountain Trip... one long, long day at a time.
RANDOMNESS - As promised, below you will find the last installment of The Mikie and Belinda Story. Tomorrow I'll go straight into The Engagement Story... you lucky dogs!
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Five
Mikie's dating commitments were finished. He was sitting beside me on a packed pew at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. He smelled really, really good. But I digress. He wanted to talk to me for just a few minutes after the service. Hmmm. What could he possibly want to talk about?
All of our friends scattered, and he walked me to my car. "Would you be interested in going out to eat and to a movie this Friday night?" he asked almost immediately.
"Are you sure you can afford it? You've spent a huge amount of money these past three weeks. I don't want to put a strain on your savings account!" I hate playing games, but I was still more than a little miffed.
"Friday's payday. And even if it wasn't, I am more than able to afford dinner and a movie with my best friend."
Okay. Now he wasn't just smelling good... he was talking good, too. I accepted.
Friday night finally came, and I wore my new blue and white striped jumpsuit with huge shoulder pads and new Connie flats. (Trust me. It was the 80s. I looked great.) Mike showed up a few minutes early and we went on our first date... dinner at Milo's and a movie. I didn't mind the fast food dinner. Milo's has always been one of Mikie's favorites, and as long as we were seeing a movie (one of my favorites), I knew he had covered all the bases.
As you can imagine, having been the best of friends for over three years, conversation never lagged, hand holding was very natural, and I can honestly say it was the first "first date" I had ever been on where I wasn't so nervous beforehand I was sick to my stomach. Easy breezy. That's how I would describe our first date.
After it was over and he was walking me to the door of the apartment, he asked me a couple of questions. "How many kids do you want?"
"Three. Two boys and a girl."
"Yeah. Me, too."
"Do I get to kiss you good night?" (Just for clarification... Mikie asked me!)
"Nope. Not on the first date."
"Well, technically... ," he started to whine.
"Nope. There's nothing technical about it. Third date, buddy."
Then I had a question for him.
"Did you kiss the girls you dated the last three weeks?"
"No. And I told them I wouldn't be calling them back for another date. However, I said it nicer."
All right. As they say in all the astronaut movies, "We were clear for take-off." And take-off we did. To finish this long, long story, I'll give you the rest of our courtship tale in the form of a timeline.
March, 1987 - First date.
March, 1987 - Third date (Mikie says, "I love you," and I agree.)
April, 1987 - I meet Mikie's family for Easter lunch. (Mikie has already met my family in the three years we had been friends.)
May, 1987 - We meet with Dr. Charles Carter for counseling. We know we want to get married, but we also know how "fast" this will seem for our families. He gives us very good advice. We sort of take it.
August, 1987 - After Mike has talked to my Dad and asked for my hand in marriage, we become engaged.
January, 1988 - Mikie and I become husband and wife. I married my best friend. And he smelled really, really good!
Easy Chicken Parmigiana
When we go on our mountain trip, Bev is in charge of one dinner, and I am in charge of the other. (Friday night, everyone is on their own!) Katie picked the menu for our Sunday night dinner, and I will now share this super simple and delicious recipe with you today.
You will need the following:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/3 cup dry Italian bread crumbs
1 large egg (beaten)
1 (12-ounce) Ragu (or your favorite sauce)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Flatten chicken breasts with kitchen mallet between two sheets of plastic.
3. Dip chicken cutlets into egg and then bread crumbs.
4. Place coated chicken in a lightly greased 9 x 13 baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Remove pan from oven and pour the marinara sauce over chicken.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top and bake in oven for 15 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
You can serve this over noodles if you like. (That's how Katie prefers it. Guess who forgot the noodles?)
Have a grand Tuesday! Wednesday's Wisdom, a Seasonal Tradition, The Engagement Story, more Mountain Trip pics and Randomness, Randomness, Randomness await your visit Wednesday morning!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, February 21, 2011
Mindless Monday
Good Monday evening!
I just wanted to remind you I'll be back first thing in the morning with Tuesday's Recipe, Randomness, the last installment of the Mikie and Belinda Story and a Gallery FULL of pictures from our Mountain Trip.
You may have better things to do on a Tuesday, but just in case you don't, stop by for a few minutes and visit awhile.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I just wanted to remind you I'll be back first thing in the morning with Tuesday's Recipe, Randomness, the last installment of the Mikie and Belinda Story and a Gallery FULL of pictures from our Mountain Trip.
You may have better things to do on a Tuesday, but just in case you don't, stop by for a few minutes and visit awhile.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, February 18, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
AND THE WINNER IS... Evelyn! Evelyn sent me an e-mail at 9:46 with the correct answers for today's contest... and my wonderful friend, LeAnna, left me a comment at 9:55 with the correct answers.
Evelyn, I'll call you and deliver your Gift Certificate to you at a convenient time. LeAnna, I'll be dropping a consolation prize off at your house the first of the week. Thanks for playing!
The Gallery Pics are of a SUCCESSFUL fondue dessert. Roxie and Mikie declared it VERY GOOD! Josh is waiting for the chocolate fondue with strawberries. Austin was not in attendance, but I have a feeling he would have been very happy with how the caramel fondue turned out. Oh... And there's a picture of Roxie with one of her "post-surgery" gifts.
I have pictures of Roxie with this kind of sucker from the time she was two... until now. Whenever we go on a trip, this is the souvenir she buys first. We have had Tennessee suckers, Florida suckers, Alabama suckers, Georgia suckers and Mikie and I brought her a Texas sucker from one of our trips. We haven't decided for sure, but I think this summer she'll have a Kentucky sucker OR a Louisiana sucker.
And they all come from China. Go figure!
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
Today is the day! After you find today's color word in the post, leave a comment in the Comment Section, e-mail me or talk to me on Facebook.
Remember, the words must be in the correct order! If there were several color words in one post, you only have to name one of them for it to count!
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
Hurry up! That Gift Certificate to Outback Steakhouse is waiting for a good home!
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - I will NOT be posting Saturday, Sunday or Monday on A Simple Life. I am taking a little three-day break, but I will be back bright and early TUESDAY MORNING with a new recipe AND tons of pics for The Gallery!
I will not be posting a Picture a Day on Belinda's Project Life Friday, Saturday or Sunday. I will play catch up Monday evening. There will be FOUR new pics on Belinda's Project Life Monday night. Something to look forward to, I hope!
If you are new to A Simple Life, this would be a great time to a read a few things which are near and dear to my heart. Please read Josh's Journey, Camp Week and City Adventures under Labels on my sidebar... but only if you want to. I'm not trying to be pushy.
RANDOMNESS - Ahh! Part Four of our courtship. It has gone on and on and on, hasn't it? And there is still ONE MORE PART! Guess what? Since it's still the LOVE month, after we finish Part Five Tuesday, I'm going to share my Engagement Story beginning Wednesday of next week. The good news just keeps coming! (I bet a lot of you have totally switched blogs by now, haven't you?)
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Four
The ball was now in Mike's court. We had discussed the situation calmly and rationally... while I was in the kitchen and he was in the den. We had agreed to begin dating. He had been told how the friend/church division would play out if the dating did not work. (In case you forgot, I would retain custody of all the friends AND the church... but I had found another fine church for Mike to attend IF everything fell apart.) All the bases had been covered. Or so I thought.
I saw Mike at church that very night. We always sat in a big group and whoever you sat beside was usually luck of the draw. Mike and I did not sit together. The group went out to eat after church that night. Mike and I were comfortable with each other... except for the stupid grin he wouldn't wipe off his face. The same stupid grin was on Kerry's face, too, so I knew he was "in the loop."
We all said our big group good-bye in the parking lot of the restaurant, and each of us went our separate ways.
Kerry called when I walked in the door of the apartment to say he thought everything went very well, and Mike was excited about the prospect of us dating. Okay. A little more confirmation. I needed that little bit of encouragement very, very badly. Now I would wait.
And wait I did. I waited Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday was the last possible day he could ask me out for a date for the upcoming weekend. I would not accept an invitation from him on Thursday or later. It was just not done.
Wednesday nights we were in different sections of the church. I worked with Children's Choir, and he went to the regular service. It was not unusual for us not to see each other on a Wednesday night. But it was HIGHLY unusual for us not to talk for three days in a row. It was unheard of. Hmmm.
I saw him a couple of times the next weekend, and things were starting to get a little awkward. No stupid grin. Maybe a little avoidance. I decided the following Monday morning I was making a call to Dawson Memorial to get their service schedule and New Member Package. It looked like Mikie was going to need it!
The next week was more of the same. I didn't hear from him. I saw him the following Sunday (two WEEKS after our initial agreement), and things were more awkward still.
I received another phone call from Kerry. "Just be patient. Mike has to take care of a couple of commitments before he asks you out."
Well, you didn't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that one out. He had to finish dating. Three weeks of pre-arranged dating with three different girls. Hmmm. I told Kerry to tell Mike he could pick up his New Member Package any time. In fact, next Sunday looked like a great time to start!
One more week of no calls... nothing... nada. And then came the third Sunday morning since our infamous "agreement." I was sitting in a pew in between my chicks when I heard a voice say, "Could you scoot over just a little, please?" I looked up to see Mike standing in front of my friend. She looked at me to see if it was okay. Technically, Mike was supposed to be sitting in a pew ALONE at Dawson Memorial at that particular moment, but I nodded my head and she scooted over... and he sat down.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Fine," I replied. And as everyone in the entire world knows, when a girl says "Fine," it means "You are SO dead."
"I need to talk to you a minute in private after the service today, please. Would you like to go to lunch?"
"I already have plans, but we can talk before I meet the girls." I wasn't changing my plans... but he did have a lot of explaining to do.
I'll finish the tale next week. Needless to say, things became much easier after our talk, and luckily for you, the rest of this story goes by much more quickly.
Weekend Happenings
Our big plans this weekend revolve around yet another February birthday. My nephew, Zac, will become a teenager tomorrow. For exactly four days, we will have SIX teenagers in our immediate family. SIX! But next Wednesday, Austin changes everything and turns 20. Be still my heart!
Bev has big plans for an X-Box Birthday Party for Zac, so I'll have pictures of a pretty unique cake and what would appear to be the BEST TEENAGE BOY PARTY THEME IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Have a glorious weekend. Enjoy your family and friends... and the weather! I'll be back Tuesday morning with a fantastic recipe, Part Five of the Mikie and Belinda Story AND photos galore.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Tuesday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
P.S. PURPLE, PURPLE, PURPLE!
AND THE WINNER IS... Evelyn! Evelyn sent me an e-mail at 9:46 with the correct answers for today's contest... and my wonderful friend, LeAnna, left me a comment at 9:55 with the correct answers.
Evelyn, I'll call you and deliver your Gift Certificate to you at a convenient time. LeAnna, I'll be dropping a consolation prize off at your house the first of the week. Thanks for playing!
The Gallery Pics are of a SUCCESSFUL fondue dessert. Roxie and Mikie declared it VERY GOOD! Josh is waiting for the chocolate fondue with strawberries. Austin was not in attendance, but I have a feeling he would have been very happy with how the caramel fondue turned out. Oh... And there's a picture of Roxie with one of her "post-surgery" gifts.
I have pictures of Roxie with this kind of sucker from the time she was two... until now. Whenever we go on a trip, this is the souvenir she buys first. We have had Tennessee suckers, Florida suckers, Alabama suckers, Georgia suckers and Mikie and I brought her a Texas sucker from one of our trips. We haven't decided for sure, but I think this summer she'll have a Kentucky sucker OR a Louisiana sucker.
And they all come from China. Go figure!
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
Today is the day! After you find today's color word in the post, leave a comment in the Comment Section, e-mail me or talk to me on Facebook.
Remember, the words must be in the correct order! If there were several color words in one post, you only have to name one of them for it to count!
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
Hurry up! That Gift Certificate to Outback Steakhouse is waiting for a good home!
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - I will NOT be posting Saturday, Sunday or Monday on A Simple Life. I am taking a little three-day break, but I will be back bright and early TUESDAY MORNING with a new recipe AND tons of pics for The Gallery!
I will not be posting a Picture a Day on Belinda's Project Life Friday, Saturday or Sunday. I will play catch up Monday evening. There will be FOUR new pics on Belinda's Project Life Monday night. Something to look forward to, I hope!
If you are new to A Simple Life, this would be a great time to a read a few things which are near and dear to my heart. Please read Josh's Journey, Camp Week and City Adventures under Labels on my sidebar... but only if you want to. I'm not trying to be pushy.
RANDOMNESS - Ahh! Part Four of our courtship. It has gone on and on and on, hasn't it? And there is still ONE MORE PART! Guess what? Since it's still the LOVE month, after we finish Part Five Tuesday, I'm going to share my Engagement Story beginning Wednesday of next week. The good news just keeps coming! (I bet a lot of you have totally switched blogs by now, haven't you?)
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Four
The ball was now in Mike's court. We had discussed the situation calmly and rationally... while I was in the kitchen and he was in the den. We had agreed to begin dating. He had been told how the friend/church division would play out if the dating did not work. (In case you forgot, I would retain custody of all the friends AND the church... but I had found another fine church for Mike to attend IF everything fell apart.) All the bases had been covered. Or so I thought.
I saw Mike at church that very night. We always sat in a big group and whoever you sat beside was usually luck of the draw. Mike and I did not sit together. The group went out to eat after church that night. Mike and I were comfortable with each other... except for the stupid grin he wouldn't wipe off his face. The same stupid grin was on Kerry's face, too, so I knew he was "in the loop."
We all said our big group good-bye in the parking lot of the restaurant, and each of us went our separate ways.
Kerry called when I walked in the door of the apartment to say he thought everything went very well, and Mike was excited about the prospect of us dating. Okay. A little more confirmation. I needed that little bit of encouragement very, very badly. Now I would wait.
And wait I did. I waited Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday was the last possible day he could ask me out for a date for the upcoming weekend. I would not accept an invitation from him on Thursday or later. It was just not done.
Wednesday nights we were in different sections of the church. I worked with Children's Choir, and he went to the regular service. It was not unusual for us not to see each other on a Wednesday night. But it was HIGHLY unusual for us not to talk for three days in a row. It was unheard of. Hmmm.
I saw him a couple of times the next weekend, and things were starting to get a little awkward. No stupid grin. Maybe a little avoidance. I decided the following Monday morning I was making a call to Dawson Memorial to get their service schedule and New Member Package. It looked like Mikie was going to need it!
The next week was more of the same. I didn't hear from him. I saw him the following Sunday (two WEEKS after our initial agreement), and things were more awkward still.
I received another phone call from Kerry. "Just be patient. Mike has to take care of a couple of commitments before he asks you out."
Well, you didn't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that one out. He had to finish dating. Three weeks of pre-arranged dating with three different girls. Hmmm. I told Kerry to tell Mike he could pick up his New Member Package any time. In fact, next Sunday looked like a great time to start!
One more week of no calls... nothing... nada. And then came the third Sunday morning since our infamous "agreement." I was sitting in a pew in between my chicks when I heard a voice say, "Could you scoot over just a little, please?" I looked up to see Mike standing in front of my friend. She looked at me to see if it was okay. Technically, Mike was supposed to be sitting in a pew ALONE at Dawson Memorial at that particular moment, but I nodded my head and she scooted over... and he sat down.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Fine," I replied. And as everyone in the entire world knows, when a girl says "Fine," it means "You are SO dead."
"I need to talk to you a minute in private after the service today, please. Would you like to go to lunch?"
"I already have plans, but we can talk before I meet the girls." I wasn't changing my plans... but he did have a lot of explaining to do.
I'll finish the tale next week. Needless to say, things became much easier after our talk, and luckily for you, the rest of this story goes by much more quickly.
Weekend Happenings
Our big plans this weekend revolve around yet another February birthday. My nephew, Zac, will become a teenager tomorrow. For exactly four days, we will have SIX teenagers in our immediate family. SIX! But next Wednesday, Austin changes everything and turns 20. Be still my heart!
Bev has big plans for an X-Box Birthday Party for Zac, so I'll have pictures of a pretty unique cake and what would appear to be the BEST TEENAGE BOY PARTY THEME IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Have a glorious weekend. Enjoy your family and friends... and the weather! I'll be back Tuesday morning with a fantastic recipe, Part Five of the Mikie and Belinda Story AND photos galore.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Tuesday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
P.S. PURPLE, PURPLE, PURPLE!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Favorite Date
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery pic is Austin and Melia's Valentine's Day photo taken by her Dad. Good looking couple, aren't they?
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day this week, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post.
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
NOTE! NOTE! NOTE! - I accidentally had TWO color words in Wednesday's post. You may use either word in your answer, and it will be counted as CORRECT! Don't worry. It was my mistake. It was not a trick. I promise... I'll be much more careful today!
RANDOMNESS - The saga continues. Most people could probably tell their courtship/engagement story in a day. However, what should have been so simple and natural was complicated by Mikie's refusal to see the obvious! (I know I sound bitter, but I'm not. Really. Well, maybe just a tad.)
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Three
Yes. Mike was very... hmmm... what's the term? Enamored? Besotted? Crazy about? Anyway, he really, really liked this chick... and I was getting really, really tired of hearing about their dates, etc. So I kind of backed out of the picture. Not in a bad way. I just went about my business... without Mikie.
A month or so later when the relationship ended because (EXCUSE ME) he wasn't dating the person God wanted him to date, we were able to pick up where we left off in our friendship. But, I was no longer happy JUST being Mikie's friend. It was pretty frustrating.
During this "frustrating" time, Mike's best "guy" friend and roommate (who was also a good friend of mine) called me. Kerry had talked to Mike about dating me. It was apparent to all of our friends that Mike and I were supposed to be "together," and Kerry wanted to know what I thought. I agreed. Then Kerry told me some unsettling news. He had already to talked to Mike about asking me out... and Mike had said no. "We are best friends. If something goes wrong, it will mess up everything."
I told Kerry I would handle the situation.
I called Mike and asked him over for Sunday dinner. I cooked a slow cooker pot roast with all the fixings. (I loved my slow cooker even back in my single chick days.) I set the table and had a flower centerpiece. I had candles even though it was in the middle of the day. My presentation was dead on!
This wasn't Mike's first pot roast Sunday dinner at my apartment, but I made sure it had a little extra! As he sat in the den watching the races on TV, I fixed the glasses, etc. and worked up my courage to talk to him. My roommate was due back from church any minute, so what I had to say had to be said quickly and succinctly.
"Mike. Stay on the couch. Do not get up," I yelled from the kitchen.
"Uh. Okay." I could hear the confusion in his voice.
"Why don't you ask me out on a date?" I yelled again.
I heard the couch squeak. A sure sign someone was getting up when he had been told NOT to move.
"Do NOT come in here," I repeated.
The couch squeaked again. He had sat down. "Well. What if it didn't work out? It would ruin everything. It would make everything awkward at church. It would make everything awkward with our friends. It would just be awful."
"You're wasting a lot of time and money dating a bunch of girls you are NOT supposed to be with. If it doesn't work out, we'll deal with it, but we both know we're supposed to be dating each other."
Another squeak. "I'm not telling you again. Sit down! Do not come in here."
And then I put his mind at ease. "I've thought about the church thing. If for some reason we're wrong and we're not supposed to be together, you will have to go to Dawson. They have a good Singles Department and their pastor is wonderful. I know several people who go there, and I will introduce you to them if it gets to that point."
He started laughing then, so I had to add, "I am NOT kidding."
And then he was at the kitchen door. "Okay. You're right. We need to be dating." And he was smiling and looking amused, and instead of feeling happy and triumphant, I was just mad.
"Since you didn't handle this part well, I expect you to take over from here, and I'll be waiting for your call. I'm not supposed to ask you to ask me out. You're going to have to man-up!" (I may not have used that exact term, but you get the idea!)
"So I don't get Sunday lunch?"
"You may have Sunday lunch, but then you must leave, and we will never speak of this again."
In walked my roommate, and we sat down to pot roast and fixings and one of the strangest meals I've ever shared with Mike Faulkner.
When I walked him to the door, he smiled and said, "I'll be calling you soon."
To which I replied, "Whatever."
You would think with that auspicious beginning, everything would just fall into place, wouldn't you? We still had to overcome a few bumps in the road, but we'll talk about those tomorrow.
Oh, and the only reason I'm telling this story after I specifically told Mikie we "would never speak of this again" is because... Well, he told everyone!
Blog Linkage - Beautiful photographs, housekeeping tips and crafts! Oh, my!
1. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Click on Photography at the top of her page and take a gander through all of the pictures which represent "Love." She is having another photo contest, and the entries are breathtaking. I've enjoyed looking at them this week... and there's more to come!
2. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and scroll down to the entry entitled "Keeping House." I love her house, but I also love her attitude. Check out the word on the chalkboard in the family room. What a sweet word for "home."
3. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com and scroll down to the post entitled "Emily did something crafty. Holla." dated February 15. These Valentine's Day mailboxes are precious and would make a wonderful family tradition for years and years to come. Love the idea!
Favorite Date
Today is your day to share YOUR favorite date ever with your special someone. It may have been a once in a lifetime date, or it may be the date you look forward to again and again and again.
Either way, SHARE, SHARE, SHARE and give the rest of us some great spouse date ideas!
MY FAVORITE DATE EVER - My first date with Mikie was my favorite date. We went to Milo's and I dribbled Milo's sauce all over my brand new, way too expensive, blue and white striped outfit... and then a movie. There are two reasons it was my favorite date.
1. I was with Mikie... my future husband and best friend.
2. I love going out to eat and then watching a movie in a dark movie theater. Future husband or not, I've always ENJOYED those two things. (Mikie was a definite bonus.)
MY FAVORITE "DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN" DATE - If and when all the kids are out of the house at the same time (very rare), Mikie grills a rib-eye for him and a tuna steak for me. I bake potatoes. We have a very nice, simple, quiet meal together. We play backgammon. We go to Books-A-Million and wander through the books and magazines before sitting down for coffee/hot chocolate, etc.
MY WORST DATE EVER - I had a blind date with a nice young man I had absolutely NOTHING in common with. He picked me up at 7:00 a.m. (IN THE MORNING, PEOPLE), and we spent the day at the lake with his family and friends. I returned home at 10:00 p.m. (IN THE EVENING, PEOPLE). There were multiple reasons this was my WORST DATE EVER.
1. It wasn't with Mikie.
2. My date didn't speak. I mean, he could speak. He just chose to ride in unbearable, uncomfortable silence all the way to the lake and all the way home.
3. Did I mention the drive to the lake was over two hours long? Yeah. That's right. That's over 240 minutes of my life I'll never get back!
4. A 15-hour date (unless it's with Mikie) is usually going to be a huge mistake. HUGE!
5. A blind date at the lake where at least part of the time you are required to wear a bathing suit... in front of strangers... Need I say more? Shoot me now!
6. After a few minutes in the boat, you have boat hair. Nothing you can do about it. Boat hair is there to stay!
MY FUNNIEST DATE EVER - I had the boys put the tent up in the backyard. Each night, a different group of people spent the night in the tent.
1. Austin and Josh
2. Austin, Josh and Roxie
3. Josh and friends
4. Roxie and friends
5. Me and Roxie
6. Mike, Austin and Josh
And then I had a brilliant idea. How fun would it be for me and Mikie to have an all-night date in the tent? We could pretend we were in the woods camping... just the two of us. The kids were old enough to stay in the house alone. It would be fun. NOT!
We ate, watched movies on the computer, talked and talked and talked, checked on the kids and got ready to go to bed on the nice, comfy air mattress.
We were almost asleep when Mikie said, "I think we're on a slant. I feel like my head is lower than my feet."
"Mike. You're imagining things. This is a perfectly level part of the yard. We're fine. It's your imagination."
The next morning (when we were fortunate enough to wake up), I looked over at Mikie and was shocked at how red his face was. I asked him if he was okay. "I have a killer headache, and my feet are freezing."
Hmmm. I also had a killer headache, AND my feet were freezing. Sitting up had a dizzying effect on both of us. It appears Mikie was right about the slant situation. All the blood had flowed to our heads during the night... and our lily white feet were lacking the red stuff. A few minutes later, we were all good... kind of.
I've learned when Mikie thinks we're on a slant, we are most definitely on a slant!
So share. The good, the bad and the ugly. What's your story?
Have a fun Thursday. Find the color word in today's post. Hopefully, there is only one, but if I've slipped in another one, you know the drill. Just make sure you mention at least one for Thursday's post in your Contest answer.
Tomorrow's post will have Weekend Happenings, the last part of the Mikie and Belinda Story AND the last color word. Be sure to put them in the correct order. I'll announce the winner of the Outback Gift Certificate before noon!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery pic is Austin and Melia's Valentine's Day photo taken by her Dad. Good looking couple, aren't they?
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day this week, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post.
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
NOTE! NOTE! NOTE! - I accidentally had TWO color words in Wednesday's post. You may use either word in your answer, and it will be counted as CORRECT! Don't worry. It was my mistake. It was not a trick. I promise... I'll be much more careful today!
RANDOMNESS - The saga continues. Most people could probably tell their courtship/engagement story in a day. However, what should have been so simple and natural was complicated by Mikie's refusal to see the obvious! (I know I sound bitter, but I'm not. Really. Well, maybe just a tad.)
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Three
Yes. Mike was very... hmmm... what's the term? Enamored? Besotted? Crazy about? Anyway, he really, really liked this chick... and I was getting really, really tired of hearing about their dates, etc. So I kind of backed out of the picture. Not in a bad way. I just went about my business... without Mikie.
A month or so later when the relationship ended because (EXCUSE ME) he wasn't dating the person God wanted him to date, we were able to pick up where we left off in our friendship. But, I was no longer happy JUST being Mikie's friend. It was pretty frustrating.
During this "frustrating" time, Mike's best "guy" friend and roommate (who was also a good friend of mine) called me. Kerry had talked to Mike about dating me. It was apparent to all of our friends that Mike and I were supposed to be "together," and Kerry wanted to know what I thought. I agreed. Then Kerry told me some unsettling news. He had already to talked to Mike about asking me out... and Mike had said no. "We are best friends. If something goes wrong, it will mess up everything."
I told Kerry I would handle the situation.
I called Mike and asked him over for Sunday dinner. I cooked a slow cooker pot roast with all the fixings. (I loved my slow cooker even back in my single chick days.) I set the table and had a flower centerpiece. I had candles even though it was in the middle of the day. My presentation was dead on!
This wasn't Mike's first pot roast Sunday dinner at my apartment, but I made sure it had a little extra! As he sat in the den watching the races on TV, I fixed the glasses, etc. and worked up my courage to talk to him. My roommate was due back from church any minute, so what I had to say had to be said quickly and succinctly.
"Mike. Stay on the couch. Do not get up," I yelled from the kitchen.
"Uh. Okay." I could hear the confusion in his voice.
"Why don't you ask me out on a date?" I yelled again.
I heard the couch squeak. A sure sign someone was getting up when he had been told NOT to move.
"Do NOT come in here," I repeated.
The couch squeaked again. He had sat down. "Well. What if it didn't work out? It would ruin everything. It would make everything awkward at church. It would make everything awkward with our friends. It would just be awful."
"You're wasting a lot of time and money dating a bunch of girls you are NOT supposed to be with. If it doesn't work out, we'll deal with it, but we both know we're supposed to be dating each other."
Another squeak. "I'm not telling you again. Sit down! Do not come in here."
And then I put his mind at ease. "I've thought about the church thing. If for some reason we're wrong and we're not supposed to be together, you will have to go to Dawson. They have a good Singles Department and their pastor is wonderful. I know several people who go there, and I will introduce you to them if it gets to that point."
He started laughing then, so I had to add, "I am NOT kidding."
And then he was at the kitchen door. "Okay. You're right. We need to be dating." And he was smiling and looking amused, and instead of feeling happy and triumphant, I was just mad.
"Since you didn't handle this part well, I expect you to take over from here, and I'll be waiting for your call. I'm not supposed to ask you to ask me out. You're going to have to man-up!" (I may not have used that exact term, but you get the idea!)
"So I don't get Sunday lunch?"
"You may have Sunday lunch, but then you must leave, and we will never speak of this again."
In walked my roommate, and we sat down to pot roast and fixings and one of the strangest meals I've ever shared with Mike Faulkner.
When I walked him to the door, he smiled and said, "I'll be calling you soon."
To which I replied, "Whatever."
You would think with that auspicious beginning, everything would just fall into place, wouldn't you? We still had to overcome a few bumps in the road, but we'll talk about those tomorrow.
Oh, and the only reason I'm telling this story after I specifically told Mikie we "would never speak of this again" is because... Well, he told everyone!
Blog Linkage - Beautiful photographs, housekeeping tips and crafts! Oh, my!
1. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Click on Photography at the top of her page and take a gander through all of the pictures which represent "Love." She is having another photo contest, and the entries are breathtaking. I've enjoyed looking at them this week... and there's more to come!
2. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and scroll down to the entry entitled "Keeping House." I love her house, but I also love her attitude. Check out the word on the chalkboard in the family room. What a sweet word for "home."
3. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com and scroll down to the post entitled "Emily did something crafty. Holla." dated February 15. These Valentine's Day mailboxes are precious and would make a wonderful family tradition for years and years to come. Love the idea!
Favorite Date
Today is your day to share YOUR favorite date ever with your special someone. It may have been a once in a lifetime date, or it may be the date you look forward to again and again and again.
Either way, SHARE, SHARE, SHARE and give the rest of us some great spouse date ideas!
MY FAVORITE DATE EVER - My first date with Mikie was my favorite date. We went to Milo's and I dribbled Milo's sauce all over my brand new, way too expensive, blue and white striped outfit... and then a movie. There are two reasons it was my favorite date.
1. I was with Mikie... my future husband and best friend.
2. I love going out to eat and then watching a movie in a dark movie theater. Future husband or not, I've always ENJOYED those two things. (Mikie was a definite bonus.)
MY FAVORITE "DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN" DATE - If and when all the kids are out of the house at the same time (very rare), Mikie grills a rib-eye for him and a tuna steak for me. I bake potatoes. We have a very nice, simple, quiet meal together. We play backgammon. We go to Books-A-Million and wander through the books and magazines before sitting down for coffee/hot chocolate, etc.
MY WORST DATE EVER - I had a blind date with a nice young man I had absolutely NOTHING in common with. He picked me up at 7:00 a.m. (IN THE MORNING, PEOPLE), and we spent the day at the lake with his family and friends. I returned home at 10:00 p.m. (IN THE EVENING, PEOPLE). There were multiple reasons this was my WORST DATE EVER.
1. It wasn't with Mikie.
2. My date didn't speak. I mean, he could speak. He just chose to ride in unbearable, uncomfortable silence all the way to the lake and all the way home.
3. Did I mention the drive to the lake was over two hours long? Yeah. That's right. That's over 240 minutes of my life I'll never get back!
4. A 15-hour date (unless it's with Mikie) is usually going to be a huge mistake. HUGE!
5. A blind date at the lake where at least part of the time you are required to wear a bathing suit... in front of strangers... Need I say more? Shoot me now!
6. After a few minutes in the boat, you have boat hair. Nothing you can do about it. Boat hair is there to stay!
MY FUNNIEST DATE EVER - I had the boys put the tent up in the backyard. Each night, a different group of people spent the night in the tent.
1. Austin and Josh
2. Austin, Josh and Roxie
3. Josh and friends
4. Roxie and friends
5. Me and Roxie
6. Mike, Austin and Josh
And then I had a brilliant idea. How fun would it be for me and Mikie to have an all-night date in the tent? We could pretend we were in the woods camping... just the two of us. The kids were old enough to stay in the house alone. It would be fun. NOT!
We ate, watched movies on the computer, talked and talked and talked, checked on the kids and got ready to go to bed on the nice, comfy air mattress.
We were almost asleep when Mikie said, "I think we're on a slant. I feel like my head is lower than my feet."
"Mike. You're imagining things. This is a perfectly level part of the yard. We're fine. It's your imagination."
The next morning (when we were fortunate enough to wake up), I looked over at Mikie and was shocked at how red his face was. I asked him if he was okay. "I have a killer headache, and my feet are freezing."
Hmmm. I also had a killer headache, AND my feet were freezing. Sitting up had a dizzying effect on both of us. It appears Mikie was right about the slant situation. All the blood had flowed to our heads during the night... and our lily white feet were lacking the red stuff. A few minutes later, we were all good... kind of.
I've learned when Mikie thinks we're on a slant, we are most definitely on a slant!
So share. The good, the bad and the ugly. What's your story?
Have a fun Thursday. Find the color word in today's post. Hopefully, there is only one, but if I've slipped in another one, you know the drill. Just make sure you mention at least one for Thursday's post in your Contest answer.
Tomorrow's post will have Weekend Happenings, the last part of the Mikie and Belinda Story AND the last color word. Be sure to put them in the correct order. I'll announce the winner of the Outback Gift Certificate before noon!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Winter Day Activities
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery photos once again show my major imperfections in the kitchen department. We were supposed to have Caramel Fondue last night for dessert. I had skewers. I had angel food cake (not homemade). I had all FOUR ingredients for the fondue. As I put the fondue mixture on the stove eye, Mikie yelled for me to come to the bedroom to listen to The Boy on his radio show. I RACED to the back of the house, only to find out he had signed off earlier than normal because of a basketball game which was being aired. Heavy, heavy sigh.
I've said all of the above to let you know... I BURNED THE EASIEST FONDUE RECIPE IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. I am so ashamed. So embarrassed. So determined to try it again tonight after church! Don't worry! Tomorrow's Gallery Pics are going to be SO much better... and the fondue will not be dark brown!
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I watched Oprah yesterday. This is not an everyday event for me. However, yesterday she was interviewing Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. (I love Debbie Reynolds. Roxie and I are going to have a movie date in a week or so and watch Tammy and the Bachelor. Do you remember that old movie? Love it.)
Okay. Focus, Enchanting Belinda! I assumed the interview was going to be about Carrie Fisher's weight, the difficulty of being a movie star's child, etc., etc., but much of the interview was about her mental illness. She was diagnosed with manic depression when she was a young woman. Today the diagnosis would be bipolar, but that wasn't an option several years ago. She talked about her mental breakdown and the times she spent in rehab.
I loved how incredibly open they both were about her mental illness. Even Debbie Reynolds at 78 years of age spoke about it intelligently and without shame.
I'm always so excited when a discussion about mental illness is brought to the forefront of a conversation and discussed with compassion, empathy and, in this instance, such poise, grace and love from Carrie's mother.
There was no shame. You could see how proud Debbie Reynolds was of her girl... her courage... her ability to continue to live a life which at times is extremely difficult.
They did a wonderful thing yesterday, and I appreciate their words. (I hope Oprah had 10,000,000 viewers. I really, really do.)
RANDOMNESS #2 - Yes. There is more, more, more to the story of how Mikie and I came to be the Faulkner Two. As always, skip ahead if you've heard it all before!
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Two
Let's see. Where did I leave off? Oh, yes. I was in the balcony of Shades Mountain Baptist Church with my friend, Kelley. She had just pointed out Mike, as well as her friend, Alesia, who we were to meet after the service.
Alesia turned out to be very established in the Singles Department at the church, and we met literally dozens of people our first two Sundays visiting there. Kelley, Alesia, and another girl, Celeste, and I became close friends, and it wasn't long until we were doing EVERYTHING together. Beach trips, shopping, movies, more shopping, out to eat, and even more shopping. Many of our activities were "group" activities, and along with Kelley, Alesia and Celeste, we had many other friends (male and female) in our core group. Mikie was one of our guy friends.
Mike and I hit it off immediately. He was incredibly easy to talk to, and he was fun to be around. He was considerate and sweet. He was a good listener... and I was a good talker.
Over our next three years together at Shades Mountain, he became my best male friend. Also, during our next three years together at Shades Mountain, it became obvious Mike's one and only goal was to date as many nice, Christian women as possible. And this was a goal he met!
It honestly did not bother me. Many times after a date, Mike would call and we would talk about anything and everything. I knew his story from beginning to present, and he knew mine. Because we were going on trips and retreats with the Singles Department, he had definitely seen me with no make-up, little sleep, and very grumpy, and I could say the same of him. Well, except the no make-up part. As far as I know, Mike has never worn make-up. (That would have been a deal breaker.) It didn't matter. We were friends.
I can remember the first time it bothered me when he called after a date. The girl he was dating at the time was wonderful, and she was a friend of mine. (Not close, but a friend.) Mike really enjoyed dating this particular girl, and she obviously, enjoyed his company, too.
At the time, I wouldn't have said I was jealous, but looking back, I'm sure I was. I was not livid or pouty or incredibly sad, but it definitely DID bother me... and up to this point, who Mike chose to date had never bothered me at all.
He, of course, was oblivious, and when he asked me my opinion of whether they should continue to date, I found myself hesitant to answer honestly... because I had to admit, the honest answer would have been, "NO! Are you insane? Open your eyes, man!"
Instead, I deferred and asked him what he thought. HUGE mistake. Having to listen to him go on and on and on for an hour or so about how this girl was SO wonderful and SO sweet and SO funny and SO cute was pure torture. And it was only made worse because she was definitely all of those things and more. I even thought so!
It was probably the first time I was happy when he said, "Well, good-bye," and we were able to end that very one-sided conversation.
Tomorrow, things turn around a little, but only because I took matters into my own hands (which, by the way, I do NOT recommend).
Wednesday Wisdom - Since we're still in LOVE mode around here, I decided to share some funny wisdom about the great institution of marriage!
"I married the first man I ever kissed. When I tell this to my children they just about throw up." Barbara Bush (Maybe it bothers her kids, but I think it's very sweet.)
"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." Rita Rudner (I don't think this is especially funny, but I bet Mikie will.)
"Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half-shut afterwards." Benjamin Franklin (Wise, wise man.)
Winter Day Activities
We've had a lot of cold weather in Alabama this year... and we'll probably have a little more before Spring arrives. Here are some fun activities (from various websites) to keep your young kiddos entertained and happy during those long winter afternoons.
I've also added a schedule to help moms get some things done, too. You know... like laundry and dinner. Little things like that!
1. Ice Fishing - You will need a blue sheet or cardboard painted blue, dowel sticks, string and clothes pins.
Hang the sheet or cardboard from ceiling. Construct a fishing pole by tying one end of the string to the dowel, and tying the other end of the string around the clothes pin.
A parent stands behind the sheet/cardboard with a basket full of little dollar store goodies to attach to the clothes pins. Kids cast their fishing lines over the "ice" and know they've caught something when they feel a tug on their line.
2. Psychic Scavenger Hunt - This variation of the classic game has a mind-blowing twist... Competitors have to guess which items they're supposed to find.
You will need 5 to 10 objects that can easily be found in a specific room (bowl, brush, bottle, etc.).
One player writes out a secret list of 5 to 10 objects that can easily be found in a room, such as a bowl, a brush and a bottle.
He then announces the number of objects he's looking for, and the other family members have one minute to gather that same number of items.
If anyone brings an object that's on the list, he/she gets a point. And, of course, players have to put their items away before the next round.
You can also change the game by limiting the objects to things that begin with the same letter or are a certain shape.
3. Bouncing Raisins - You will need 6 raisins, a glass tumbler, vinegar and baking soda (or an Alka Seltzer tablet).
Pour a cup of water into the glass jar. Add one teaspoon of baking soda and stir until dissolved. Gently add one-fourth cup of vinegar and wait until it stops fizzing.
Drop in three or four raisins. Watch and see what happens (it takes about 10 to 15 minutes).
Note - The gas, carbon dioxide, that forms when you add vinegar to the baking soda forms bubbles all over the raisins. The raisins start to rise as the bubbles of carbon dioxide carry the raisins upwards and then they fall back to the bottom... again and again.
(I did this several times when the kids were little. It's fun and it keeps their attention for about 15 to 20 minutes. Each child can have their own glass. You can also let them add food coloring. We called it Dancing Raisins, and I had their favorite kiddie music playing. When the raisins danced, so did the kids. It released a little energy.)
4. Build a Fort - You can't go wrong with this classic. Building a fort can be as simple as throwing a blanket over a card table. Make sure to build the fort close to the TV so the kids can get comfortable later in the day and watch a video from their special fort.
5. Bring the Snow Inside - When the weather is simply too cold to go sledding or build snow forts in the great outdoors, bring the snow inside. Use a large bucket or bin, and fill the bathtub with snow. Put mittens on the children, and let them shovel and stack snow in the tub. Clean-up is SO easy. As the snow melts, it simply goes down the drain!
6. Rotate the Toys - Split your child's toy collection into different bins. Take some of the bins and stow them in the basement, and let the kids play with the current bin of toys. Every two days or so, swap out the bin of current toys for one in the basement. The kids will have an entirely "new" set of toys to entertain them on a cold winter day!
(I did this a lot, too. One day would be "dinosaur" day. One day would be "Lego" day. One day would be "puzzle" day. You get the idea!)
Okay. Here is your Winter Afternoon Schedule.
1:00 - 1:30 - If the kids are getting up from their nap, let them have 30 minutes with the "new" bin of toys. (You can get some laundry done during this time!)
1:30 - 1:50 - Help the kids build a fort. Use blankets and pillows from all over the house and expect to keep the fort in place for several cold weather days.
1:50 - 2:30 - Let the kids watch an age appropriate video from the fort... complete with non-messy snacks (Goldfish, juice boxes, etc. Make sure the fort has a nice big blanket or beach towels as the floor.)
(Once again, you have a few minutes to get something done. Maybe set the table for dinner!)
2:30 - 2:50 - It's time for Dancing Raisins. Crank up the music and help the kids get started making their raisins DANCE.
2:50 - 3:00 - Head to the Ice Fishing Station. Let each child have a turn to "catch" one prize. Keep the Ice Fishing Station in place for the next few cold days. You'll want to use it once a day for fun OR a reward system for good behavior.
3:00 - 3:30 - If there is indeed snow on the ground, now is the time to bring it in. Let the kids play with the snow in the bathtub while you fold clothes and put them away.
3:30 - 3:45 - Snuggle up under the fort OR on the couch and read for a little while. If one of your older children can already read, let them "practice" this skill by reading to the younger children while you continue getting ready for dinner.
3:45 - 4:15 - Let the kids have some coloring time on the floor in the dining room or the kitchen while you finish getting dinner ready.
Or during this time, you can also involve the kids in an age-appropriate cooking activity for dinner.
4:15 - 4:30 - This is clean-up time. Instruct the children to put away colors, books, toys, etc., etc. and put on some peppy music during this time to keep them moving.
4:30 - 5:00 - Free time. They can play in their rooms, in the play room, etc. They can play by themselves or with their siblings. They can play in the fort or look at books.
5:00 - 5:30 - Bath time and pajama time!
I saved the Scavenger Hunt for something Daddy could do with Mom and the kids AFTER dinner.
Of course, this is just a go-by and you can get PLENTY of new ideas from websites and other books. It's structured time, but it doesn't necessarily feel structured.
NOTE - If the kids are happy playing in the fort (or some other activity) for more than 30 minutes, by all means, LET THEM PLAY!
Thursday's Blog Linkage is HUGE and the date is FANTASTIC... even if I do say so myself. Visit again, won't you?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery photos once again show my major imperfections in the kitchen department. We were supposed to have Caramel Fondue last night for dessert. I had skewers. I had angel food cake (not homemade). I had all FOUR ingredients for the fondue. As I put the fondue mixture on the stove eye, Mikie yelled for me to come to the bedroom to listen to The Boy on his radio show. I RACED to the back of the house, only to find out he had signed off earlier than normal because of a basketball game which was being aired. Heavy, heavy sigh.
I've said all of the above to let you know... I BURNED THE EASIEST FONDUE RECIPE IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. I am so ashamed. So embarrassed. So determined to try it again tonight after church! Don't worry! Tomorrow's Gallery Pics are going to be SO much better... and the fondue will not be dark brown!
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I watched Oprah yesterday. This is not an everyday event for me. However, yesterday she was interviewing Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. (I love Debbie Reynolds. Roxie and I are going to have a movie date in a week or so and watch Tammy and the Bachelor. Do you remember that old movie? Love it.)
Okay. Focus, Enchanting Belinda! I assumed the interview was going to be about Carrie Fisher's weight, the difficulty of being a movie star's child, etc., etc., but much of the interview was about her mental illness. She was diagnosed with manic depression when she was a young woman. Today the diagnosis would be bipolar, but that wasn't an option several years ago. She talked about her mental breakdown and the times she spent in rehab.
I loved how incredibly open they both were about her mental illness. Even Debbie Reynolds at 78 years of age spoke about it intelligently and without shame.
I'm always so excited when a discussion about mental illness is brought to the forefront of a conversation and discussed with compassion, empathy and, in this instance, such poise, grace and love from Carrie's mother.
There was no shame. You could see how proud Debbie Reynolds was of her girl... her courage... her ability to continue to live a life which at times is extremely difficult.
They did a wonderful thing yesterday, and I appreciate their words. (I hope Oprah had 10,000,000 viewers. I really, really do.)
RANDOMNESS #2 - Yes. There is more, more, more to the story of how Mikie and I came to be the Faulkner Two. As always, skip ahead if you've heard it all before!
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Two
Let's see. Where did I leave off? Oh, yes. I was in the balcony of Shades Mountain Baptist Church with my friend, Kelley. She had just pointed out Mike, as well as her friend, Alesia, who we were to meet after the service.
Alesia turned out to be very established in the Singles Department at the church, and we met literally dozens of people our first two Sundays visiting there. Kelley, Alesia, and another girl, Celeste, and I became close friends, and it wasn't long until we were doing EVERYTHING together. Beach trips, shopping, movies, more shopping, out to eat, and even more shopping. Many of our activities were "group" activities, and along with Kelley, Alesia and Celeste, we had many other friends (male and female) in our core group. Mikie was one of our guy friends.
Mike and I hit it off immediately. He was incredibly easy to talk to, and he was fun to be around. He was considerate and sweet. He was a good listener... and I was a good talker.
Over our next three years together at Shades Mountain, he became my best male friend. Also, during our next three years together at Shades Mountain, it became obvious Mike's one and only goal was to date as many nice, Christian women as possible. And this was a goal he met!
It honestly did not bother me. Many times after a date, Mike would call and we would talk about anything and everything. I knew his story from beginning to present, and he knew mine. Because we were going on trips and retreats with the Singles Department, he had definitely seen me with no make-up, little sleep, and very grumpy, and I could say the same of him. Well, except the no make-up part. As far as I know, Mike has never worn make-up. (That would have been a deal breaker.) It didn't matter. We were friends.
I can remember the first time it bothered me when he called after a date. The girl he was dating at the time was wonderful, and she was a friend of mine. (Not close, but a friend.) Mike really enjoyed dating this particular girl, and she obviously, enjoyed his company, too.
At the time, I wouldn't have said I was jealous, but looking back, I'm sure I was. I was not livid or pouty or incredibly sad, but it definitely DID bother me... and up to this point, who Mike chose to date had never bothered me at all.
He, of course, was oblivious, and when he asked me my opinion of whether they should continue to date, I found myself hesitant to answer honestly... because I had to admit, the honest answer would have been, "NO! Are you insane? Open your eyes, man!"
Instead, I deferred and asked him what he thought. HUGE mistake. Having to listen to him go on and on and on for an hour or so about how this girl was SO wonderful and SO sweet and SO funny and SO cute was pure torture. And it was only made worse because she was definitely all of those things and more. I even thought so!
It was probably the first time I was happy when he said, "Well, good-bye," and we were able to end that very one-sided conversation.
Tomorrow, things turn around a little, but only because I took matters into my own hands (which, by the way, I do NOT recommend).
Wednesday Wisdom - Since we're still in LOVE mode around here, I decided to share some funny wisdom about the great institution of marriage!
"I married the first man I ever kissed. When I tell this to my children they just about throw up." Barbara Bush (Maybe it bothers her kids, but I think it's very sweet.)
"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." Rita Rudner (I don't think this is especially funny, but I bet Mikie will.)
"Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half-shut afterwards." Benjamin Franklin (Wise, wise man.)
Winter Day Activities
We've had a lot of cold weather in Alabama this year... and we'll probably have a little more before Spring arrives. Here are some fun activities (from various websites) to keep your young kiddos entertained and happy during those long winter afternoons.
I've also added a schedule to help moms get some things done, too. You know... like laundry and dinner. Little things like that!
1. Ice Fishing - You will need a blue sheet or cardboard painted blue, dowel sticks, string and clothes pins.
Hang the sheet or cardboard from ceiling. Construct a fishing pole by tying one end of the string to the dowel, and tying the other end of the string around the clothes pin.
A parent stands behind the sheet/cardboard with a basket full of little dollar store goodies to attach to the clothes pins. Kids cast their fishing lines over the "ice" and know they've caught something when they feel a tug on their line.
2. Psychic Scavenger Hunt - This variation of the classic game has a mind-blowing twist... Competitors have to guess which items they're supposed to find.
You will need 5 to 10 objects that can easily be found in a specific room (bowl, brush, bottle, etc.).
One player writes out a secret list of 5 to 10 objects that can easily be found in a room, such as a bowl, a brush and a bottle.
He then announces the number of objects he's looking for, and the other family members have one minute to gather that same number of items.
If anyone brings an object that's on the list, he/she gets a point. And, of course, players have to put their items away before the next round.
You can also change the game by limiting the objects to things that begin with the same letter or are a certain shape.
3. Bouncing Raisins - You will need 6 raisins, a glass tumbler, vinegar and baking soda (or an Alka Seltzer tablet).
Pour a cup of water into the glass jar. Add one teaspoon of baking soda and stir until dissolved. Gently add one-fourth cup of vinegar and wait until it stops fizzing.
Drop in three or four raisins. Watch and see what happens (it takes about 10 to 15 minutes).
Note - The gas, carbon dioxide, that forms when you add vinegar to the baking soda forms bubbles all over the raisins. The raisins start to rise as the bubbles of carbon dioxide carry the raisins upwards and then they fall back to the bottom... again and again.
(I did this several times when the kids were little. It's fun and it keeps their attention for about 15 to 20 minutes. Each child can have their own glass. You can also let them add food coloring. We called it Dancing Raisins, and I had their favorite kiddie music playing. When the raisins danced, so did the kids. It released a little energy.)
4. Build a Fort - You can't go wrong with this classic. Building a fort can be as simple as throwing a blanket over a card table. Make sure to build the fort close to the TV so the kids can get comfortable later in the day and watch a video from their special fort.
5. Bring the Snow Inside - When the weather is simply too cold to go sledding or build snow forts in the great outdoors, bring the snow inside. Use a large bucket or bin, and fill the bathtub with snow. Put mittens on the children, and let them shovel and stack snow in the tub. Clean-up is SO easy. As the snow melts, it simply goes down the drain!
6. Rotate the Toys - Split your child's toy collection into different bins. Take some of the bins and stow them in the basement, and let the kids play with the current bin of toys. Every two days or so, swap out the bin of current toys for one in the basement. The kids will have an entirely "new" set of toys to entertain them on a cold winter day!
(I did this a lot, too. One day would be "dinosaur" day. One day would be "Lego" day. One day would be "puzzle" day. You get the idea!)
Okay. Here is your Winter Afternoon Schedule.
1:00 - 1:30 - If the kids are getting up from their nap, let them have 30 minutes with the "new" bin of toys. (You can get some laundry done during this time!)
1:30 - 1:50 - Help the kids build a fort. Use blankets and pillows from all over the house and expect to keep the fort in place for several cold weather days.
1:50 - 2:30 - Let the kids watch an age appropriate video from the fort... complete with non-messy snacks (Goldfish, juice boxes, etc. Make sure the fort has a nice big blanket or beach towels as the floor.)
(Once again, you have a few minutes to get something done. Maybe set the table for dinner!)
2:30 - 2:50 - It's time for Dancing Raisins. Crank up the music and help the kids get started making their raisins DANCE.
2:50 - 3:00 - Head to the Ice Fishing Station. Let each child have a turn to "catch" one prize. Keep the Ice Fishing Station in place for the next few cold days. You'll want to use it once a day for fun OR a reward system for good behavior.
3:00 - 3:30 - If there is indeed snow on the ground, now is the time to bring it in. Let the kids play with the snow in the bathtub while you fold clothes and put them away.
3:30 - 3:45 - Snuggle up under the fort OR on the couch and read for a little while. If one of your older children can already read, let them "practice" this skill by reading to the younger children while you continue getting ready for dinner.
3:45 - 4:15 - Let the kids have some coloring time on the floor in the dining room or the kitchen while you finish getting dinner ready.
Or during this time, you can also involve the kids in an age-appropriate cooking activity for dinner.
4:15 - 4:30 - This is clean-up time. Instruct the children to put away colors, books, toys, etc., etc. and put on some peppy music during this time to keep them moving.
4:30 - 5:00 - Free time. They can play in their rooms, in the play room, etc. They can play by themselves or with their siblings. They can play in the fort or look at books.
5:00 - 5:30 - Bath time and pajama time!
I saved the Scavenger Hunt for something Daddy could do with Mom and the kids AFTER dinner.
Of course, this is just a go-by and you can get PLENTY of new ideas from websites and other books. It's structured time, but it doesn't necessarily feel structured.
NOTE - If the kids are happy playing in the fort (or some other activity) for more than 30 minutes, by all means, LET THEM PLAY!
Thursday's Blog Linkage is HUGE and the date is FANTASTIC... even if I do say so myself. Visit again, won't you?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Fondue Recipes
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery Pic is of something Roxie found in her locker yesterday. I thought it was pretty funny. The explanation is under the photo.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day this week, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post.
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
COMMENCE READING!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Mikie took me to the movies last night for a Valentine's Day date, and it was delightful. We saw Just Go With It... the new Jennifer Aniston/Adam Sandler movie. It fell into the "light romantic comedy" category, and for the most part it was a good movie. As usual, there were several things which were added for... Well, I don't know why they were added. They most definitely could have been left out. But all in all, it was a good date movie for me and Mikie.
I am always so amazed how blue Jennifer Aniston's eyes are on the big screen. So pretty.
RANDOMNESS #2 - In honor of the Love Month, I'm re-posting the story of how Mikie and I came to be. Feel free to skip ahead if you remember it from last year, or the other times I've told the story. It will not offend me in the least... as long as you don't tell me you skipped it! Remember the rules. What I don't know, won't hurt me! (Words I try to live by!)
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part One
Mikie and I met at Shades Mountain Baptist Church when we were both 22 years-old. I had recently moved to Hoover into an apartment with a roommate, was working as a legal secretary downtown, and I was looking for a new church home.
I had grown up in a smaller church in Trussville, so leaving the familiar and comfortable behind was exciting, but also terrifying. Thankfully, I had a friend from my law firm who was also looking for a church home, and she was more than willing to accompany me to Shades.
Our first Sunday morning there, my friend, Kelley, and I sat on the front row of the balcony overlooking what was then the largest church I had EVER seen in my life. How would we ever meet people? The Sunday School classes must have at least 100 people or more in each class. It was just too big. It was just too scary. It was just too... interesting. My goodness. It was a people-watcher's dream!
Kelley already knew some people who attended the church. Her childhood friend, Alesia, was a member of the Singles Department at Shades, and we were supposed to meet her as soon as the service was over. As we were waiting for the service to start, Kelley leaned over and whispered, "There he is." She had recently been on a date with a young man from Shades, but they both knew after the date they were supposed to be "just friends."
"Which one?" I asked, and she pointed out a very nicely-dressed guy with a mustache talking to a group of people below us. I watched as he threw his head back laughing and took a seat with several other people.
"He's cute," I whispered back.
"He's really sweet, too," she said. "Oh, and he's sitting a few seats down from Alesia." I then turned my attention to Alesia and the other people sitting next to her. Little did I know, that packed pew of people would impact the rest of my life in such a sweet and wonderful way.
And little did I know, I would one day be writing a little story about meeting a cute guy with a mustache who threw his head back while laughing that very Sunday morning.
Because, you see, I met my husband that day... as well as several of my groomsmen and bridesmaids. It's pretty wonderful how God works, isn't it?
I wish I could say we met, dated and married within a year, but our storybook wedding was almost four years away from that first meeting. And I'll share more details tomorrow.
Fondue Recipes - My friend, Lori Burrow, mentioned her family was having fondue for Valentine's Day, and I loved that idea. I told her she had her own little Burrow's Melting Pot! (Much more affordable than the real deal, I'm sure!) Thanks to Lori's idea, I've copied several fondue recipes from my 101 Things To Do With a Slow Cooker recipe book for us to try together!
Chocolate Fondue
You will need the following:
2 cups milk chocolate chips
2/3 cup half-and-half
1. Stir chocolate chips and half-and-half together in greased 1 to 2-quart slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
3. Stir halfway through cooking time and again when fondue is finished.
4. Dip fresh strawberries or chunks of angel food cake.
Caramel Fondue
You will need the following:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1. In a saucepan, mix together all ingredients and bring to boil.
2. Transfer to greased 1 to 2-quart slow cooker and set on low heat to serve.
3. Dip apple slices or chunks of angel food cake. Or spoon over apple-spice cake.
Peanut Butter Fondue
You will need the following:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
1. In a saucepan, mix together all ingredients and bring to boil.
2. Transfer to greased 1 to 2 1/2-quart slow cooker and set on low heat to serve.
3. Serve with slices of cake, apples or bananas for dipping.
Pizza Fondue
You will need the following:
1 jar (26 to 28 ounces) spaghetti sauce with meat
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon cornstarch or instant tapioca
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1. Combine all ingredients (except mozzarella cheese) in greased 2 to 3 1/2-quart slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Add cheese the last hour of cooking.
4. Dip bread sticks, pita bread or chunks of crusty Italian bread.
Well, what do you think? Anybody ready for some fondue tonight? We're going to have the Caramel Fondue for dessert this evening. I'll have a play-by-play in The Gallery tomorrow morning, but I'm thinking it will be a big hit.
Wednesday Wisdom, a Seasonal Tradition AND massive Randomness awaits your return Wednesday morning.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is of something Roxie found in her locker yesterday. I thought it was pretty funny. The explanation is under the photo.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day this week, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post.
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
COMMENCE READING!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Mikie took me to the movies last night for a Valentine's Day date, and it was delightful. We saw Just Go With It... the new Jennifer Aniston/Adam Sandler movie. It fell into the "light romantic comedy" category, and for the most part it was a good movie. As usual, there were several things which were added for... Well, I don't know why they were added. They most definitely could have been left out. But all in all, it was a good date movie for me and Mikie.
I am always so amazed how blue Jennifer Aniston's eyes are on the big screen. So pretty.
RANDOMNESS #2 - In honor of the Love Month, I'm re-posting the story of how Mikie and I came to be. Feel free to skip ahead if you remember it from last year, or the other times I've told the story. It will not offend me in the least... as long as you don't tell me you skipped it! Remember the rules. What I don't know, won't hurt me! (Words I try to live by!)
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part One
Mikie and I met at Shades Mountain Baptist Church when we were both 22 years-old. I had recently moved to Hoover into an apartment with a roommate, was working as a legal secretary downtown, and I was looking for a new church home.
I had grown up in a smaller church in Trussville, so leaving the familiar and comfortable behind was exciting, but also terrifying. Thankfully, I had a friend from my law firm who was also looking for a church home, and she was more than willing to accompany me to Shades.
Our first Sunday morning there, my friend, Kelley, and I sat on the front row of the balcony overlooking what was then the largest church I had EVER seen in my life. How would we ever meet people? The Sunday School classes must have at least 100 people or more in each class. It was just too big. It was just too scary. It was just too... interesting. My goodness. It was a people-watcher's dream!
Kelley already knew some people who attended the church. Her childhood friend, Alesia, was a member of the Singles Department at Shades, and we were supposed to meet her as soon as the service was over. As we were waiting for the service to start, Kelley leaned over and whispered, "There he is." She had recently been on a date with a young man from Shades, but they both knew after the date they were supposed to be "just friends."
"Which one?" I asked, and she pointed out a very nicely-dressed guy with a mustache talking to a group of people below us. I watched as he threw his head back laughing and took a seat with several other people.
"He's cute," I whispered back.
"He's really sweet, too," she said. "Oh, and he's sitting a few seats down from Alesia." I then turned my attention to Alesia and the other people sitting next to her. Little did I know, that packed pew of people would impact the rest of my life in such a sweet and wonderful way.
And little did I know, I would one day be writing a little story about meeting a cute guy with a mustache who threw his head back while laughing that very Sunday morning.
Because, you see, I met my husband that day... as well as several of my groomsmen and bridesmaids. It's pretty wonderful how God works, isn't it?
I wish I could say we met, dated and married within a year, but our storybook wedding was almost four years away from that first meeting. And I'll share more details tomorrow.
Fondue Recipes - My friend, Lori Burrow, mentioned her family was having fondue for Valentine's Day, and I loved that idea. I told her she had her own little Burrow's Melting Pot! (Much more affordable than the real deal, I'm sure!) Thanks to Lori's idea, I've copied several fondue recipes from my 101 Things To Do With a Slow Cooker recipe book for us to try together!
Chocolate Fondue
You will need the following:
2 cups milk chocolate chips
2/3 cup half-and-half
1. Stir chocolate chips and half-and-half together in greased 1 to 2-quart slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
3. Stir halfway through cooking time and again when fondue is finished.
4. Dip fresh strawberries or chunks of angel food cake.
Caramel Fondue
You will need the following:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1. In a saucepan, mix together all ingredients and bring to boil.
2. Transfer to greased 1 to 2-quart slow cooker and set on low heat to serve.
3. Dip apple slices or chunks of angel food cake. Or spoon over apple-spice cake.
Peanut Butter Fondue
You will need the following:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
1. In a saucepan, mix together all ingredients and bring to boil.
2. Transfer to greased 1 to 2 1/2-quart slow cooker and set on low heat to serve.
3. Serve with slices of cake, apples or bananas for dipping.
Pizza Fondue
You will need the following:
1 jar (26 to 28 ounces) spaghetti sauce with meat
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon cornstarch or instant tapioca
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1. Combine all ingredients (except mozzarella cheese) in greased 2 to 3 1/2-quart slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Add cheese the last hour of cooking.
4. Dip bread sticks, pita bread or chunks of crusty Italian bread.
Well, what do you think? Anybody ready for some fondue tonight? We're going to have the Caramel Fondue for dessert this evening. I'll have a play-by-play in The Gallery tomorrow morning, but I'm thinking it will be a big hit.
Wednesday Wisdom, a Seasonal Tradition AND massive Randomness awaits your return Wednesday morning.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, February 14, 2011
Mindless Monday
Good Monday morning!
The Gallery Pics will tell the Faulkner Five Weekend Story... a story of danger, romance and international intrigue. Yeah, right! I wish!
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - THE CONTEST BEGINS TODAY!
All you have to do is read A Simple Life TODAY through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day this week, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post.
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
COMMENCE READING!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I went to a "regular" Body Pump class this morning with my exercise buddy, Cam. We have been going to the "express" Body Pump Class on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons which lasts 45 minutes. This class lasts 60 minutes. And there aren't many breaks. And it's harder. Much, much harder.
Just between you and me, I almost walked into the light this morning!
RANDOMNESS #2 - This is the last Top Ten List of the season... and I've left the best for last.
Top Ten Reasons I Love Mikie
10. Plain and simple, he is my very best friend in the whole world.
9. He spends ENORMOUS amounts of one-on-one time time with each of the kids.
8. He spends ENORMOUS amounts of time with the family.
7. He is graying at the temples (which I LOVE)... and it makes his blue eyes bluer. They POP! (He hates it when I say that, but it's true.)
6. We laugh a lot together.
5. He tells me at least once a week he wants to spend time alone with just me, and although we have three "forces" working against us at all times (Code for THE TEENAGERS), we try really hard to do this.
4. He thinks logically. I do not have this gift. I think emotionally. We are a good match because when I think the world is coming to an end, he can reassure me it is not. And then he looks for (AND FINDS) my "Austin is in College, Josh is Driving and Roxie is a Teenager" medicine.
3. He comes home every day. (That's a biggie. I'm not sure I would come home every day, but he does.)
2. During the absolute worst moments of my life in the 25 years I have known and loved Mikie, I have never had to call him or find him or wonder where he was... he was right beside me.
1. Plain and simple, he is my best friend in the whole world.
I love you, Mikie!
Have a lovely Valentine's Day! I'm wearing RED on my date with Mikie tonight. I think we're doing my favorite... dinner and a movie. (Oh. And I tried to get Mikie to commit to Never Say Never starring JUSTIN BIEBER, but he declined.) And to be honest, I don't like wearing the big, dorky black glasses when I'm on a date. They work against me!
Tuesday's recipe is melt-in-your-mouth good! I also have some more Randomness to share and, of course, some pics.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics will tell the Faulkner Five Weekend Story... a story of danger, romance and international intrigue. Yeah, right! I wish!
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - THE CONTEST BEGINS TODAY!
All you have to do is read A Simple Life TODAY through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day this week, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post.
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
COMMENCE READING!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I went to a "regular" Body Pump class this morning with my exercise buddy, Cam. We have been going to the "express" Body Pump Class on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons which lasts 45 minutes. This class lasts 60 minutes. And there aren't many breaks. And it's harder. Much, much harder.
Just between you and me, I almost walked into the light this morning!
RANDOMNESS #2 - This is the last Top Ten List of the season... and I've left the best for last.
Top Ten Reasons I Love Mikie
10. Plain and simple, he is my very best friend in the whole world.
9. He spends ENORMOUS amounts of one-on-one time time with each of the kids.
8. He spends ENORMOUS amounts of time with the family.
7. He is graying at the temples (which I LOVE)... and it makes his blue eyes bluer. They POP! (He hates it when I say that, but it's true.)
6. We laugh a lot together.
5. He tells me at least once a week he wants to spend time alone with just me, and although we have three "forces" working against us at all times (Code for THE TEENAGERS), we try really hard to do this.
4. He thinks logically. I do not have this gift. I think emotionally. We are a good match because when I think the world is coming to an end, he can reassure me it is not. And then he looks for (AND FINDS) my "Austin is in College, Josh is Driving and Roxie is a Teenager" medicine.
3. He comes home every day. (That's a biggie. I'm not sure I would come home every day, but he does.)
2. During the absolute worst moments of my life in the 25 years I have known and loved Mikie, I have never had to call him or find him or wonder where he was... he was right beside me.
1. Plain and simple, he is my best friend in the whole world.
I love you, Mikie!
Have a lovely Valentine's Day! I'm wearing RED on my date with Mikie tonight. I think we're doing my favorite... dinner and a movie. (Oh. And I tried to get Mikie to commit to Never Say Never starring JUSTIN BIEBER, but he declined.) And to be honest, I don't like wearing the big, dorky black glasses when I'm on a date. They work against me!
Tuesday's recipe is melt-in-your-mouth good! I also have some more Randomness to share and, of course, some pics.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, February 11, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
As promised, The Gallery pics are from Roxie's surgery day Thursday... with a few snow photos thrown in for good measure.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - In only one short week, I will post my 600th post. SIX HUNDRED! WOW! On the day I post my 600th post (Friday, February 18), I will announce the winner of the Contest.
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day during the week of February 14, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post. (I imagine the word "red" will probably be in Monday's post... because of Valentine's Day and all).
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
Remember! The CONTEST begins THIS Monday, February 14!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Only two more Top Ten Lists to go. Are you relieved? (I think I am.) I thought about doing a Top Ten List entitled "Top Ten Reasons I Love Anesthesia," but I could only come up with nine before I fell into a deep, deep sleep. So today, my Top Ten List has to do with THE BLOG!
Top Ten Reasons I Love to Blog
10. I love to be able to share as many stories and thoughts as I want and KNOW I'm not boring anyone. FREEDOM!
9. I love the people I have personally met through the blog. People I would never, ever have known otherwise.
8. The closer I get to 50, the more scrambled my thoughts are. I love being able to "organize" the way I think in written form. I don't think I would do it in a written journal. (I know I wouldn't.)
7. I love to share my passion with others who are interested in the same thing (traditions, trying new recipes, sharing ideas about how to spend more purposeful time with family, etc.). With the blog, I know others share my passion because why else would they waste their time visiting A Simple Life?
6. I love having contests. I think it's fun. (I keep entering different contests here and there, too, you know. However, as of this time, I haven't won anything. Nothing. Nada!)
5. I love seeing a comment in the Comment section of the blog. (I'm like Julie in the movie Julie & Julia when she receives her first comment. It's a thrill, I tell you! A thrill! Which once again puts me in the "pathetic" category. I know.)
4. I love taking a Picture a Day. I thought it would be a chore, but it's really kind of fun. It makes me look at my day a little differently. The mundane suddenly becomes photo-worthy!
3. I love winning blog awards. I've only been awarded the one award, but it was VERY exciting.
2. I love having the "blog" schedule. I love structure, and although I have three teenagers, two beagles and a husband (which screams "NO STRUCTURE... EVER"), having the blog helps me maintain a little of the structure I long for and enjoy.
1. I love being able to share my faith, Josh's story, my panic attack stories, my "kids are growing up and leaving the nest" stories, etc. Things I normally would just hold inside forever are shared... and not wasted. (I've been able to talk to many women who are "in the same boat." However, I would never have known that if it had not been for the blog!)
I'm pretty sure you can guess what Monday's Top Ten List will be. Think, think, think. Who have I left out? Hmmm.
RANDOMNESS #2 - As promised, below you will find Roxie's First Surgery story. (Enjoy! Mikie and I certainly did!)
Roxie's First (and Hopefully Last) Surgery
Roxie's first surgery was not major in any way, shape or form. A piece of the bone from the top joint of her middle finger had broken away from the joint during a game of middle school basketball in December. Painful, yes. But she was given permission by the doctors to continue playing basketball until the last week of January before they "fixed" the break with wires (pins).
Yesterday was the day.
As with most "procedures," the unknown is the scariest part. Roxie was beyond calm on the way to the hospital, and said several times she was just ready to get it over with and start the healing process.
She didn't want to be awake during the surgery. She didn't want to feel anything during the surgery, so the anesthesia was her main concern. Would there be enough to knock her out? (What can I say? She is her mother's daughter.)
She didn't flinch during the insertion of the IV, but as soon as the nurse left, she made sure Mike and I knew she didn't like the IV, OR the nurse who put it in her hand.
Next came the "loopy" meds. Austin had told her in great detail how great this med was, and she had heard his "Wisdom Teeth Removal" story many, many times.
Let's just say, Roxie on "loopy" meds did not disappoint.
Within a minute or two of the medicine being inserted into her IV she was giggling uncontrollably. As soon as the nurse left the room, she informed us it was NOT working.
She then proceeded to play with her IV tubes... over and over and over again. We would tell her to put her arm down, she would roll her eyes and then look away from us. She played with her IV tubes several more times before she finally gave up looking at the "snakes on her arm" and moved on to her next odd behavior of choice... eating her blankets.
She started putting the sheets and blankets in her mouth. We continued to remove them. She informed us for the 100th time, "The meds are NOT working. I'm going to be awake during the surgery. I'm going to feel EVERYTHING!"
"Close your eyes, Roxie. Close your eyes and be still. You'll go to sleep," I instructed.
She closed her eyes and for several seconds it seemed she had indeed fallen asleep. Until her eyes flew open wide and she said, "THIS... IS... NOT... WORKING!"
The nurse came back into the room and gave her the second half of the "loopy" medication.
Within seconds, she was slurring... and sticking her tongue out as far as it would go. Her eyes crossed as she tried to see her tongue.
"Roxie, what are you doing with your tongue?" Mike asked.
She sighed heavily, looked at us and said, "It lives in the bottom of my mouth, you know. I'm trying to find a new place for it to live."
She quickly changed gears again and told us she was going to count backward from 100 to go to sleep. She had seen that on TV and it had worked. She started the countdown and other than getting stuck on 96 a few times, she made it to 80 before she sat up, looked at us and announced for the last time, "THIS... IS... NOT... WORKING!"
To maintain A Simple Life's G-rating, I have omitted some of the things Roxie said during the pre-op period. Let's just say The Boy and Roxie have some colorful language choices when under the influence of "loopy" meds. Very colorful, indeed. I will say she is much quieter than her brother. (The "loopy" meds also affected Austin's volume control when he had his wisdom teeth removed. They had the opposite effect on Roxie... she almost whispered. And for that, I was very, very thankful.)
She is doing very well today. She is in some pain, but it is manageable, and we are planning on taking it easy!
She has decided to keep her tongue, not chew on blankets... and never have an IV or surgery again. And I am in total agreement!
Weekend Happenings
We have plans galore this weekend, but a lot depends on how Roxie is feeling.
Josh is in a choir show tonight and tomorrow night at the high school, so with Austin taking over the Parental Unit duties for the evening, Mikie, Grandmother and I will be attending the show.
Josh is doing the ACT "thing" tomorrow, as well as the choir performance. Austin is working tomorrow, as well as sleeping (a lot). Mikie is going to the office to play a little catch up for part of the day. As for me and Roxie... we're hoping she feels well enough to attend Mr. Bieber's new movie.
Yes, Saturday is definitely a scattered day.
After church Sunday, we're planning on celebrating Mr. Faulkner's birthday with Mike's family. In case you didn't know, February is our family's BIG birthday month. We have FIVE birthdays we celebrate during this month. And, of course, we have Valentine's Day celebrations, too. It's a pretty fun month, and because of all the parties, we tend to see a lot of family. It is second only to Christmas in the "time spent with family" department.
That's our weekend. A little up-in-the-air. A little busy. As always, anything could happen... and it usually does!
I hope you have a lovely pre-Valentine's Day weekend. Remember the Contest begins Monday. I'll have the LAST Top Ten List, as well as many other February ideas to share. The entire month of February is the LOVE month on A Simple Life, so that theme will continue.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
As promised, The Gallery pics are from Roxie's surgery day Thursday... with a few snow photos thrown in for good measure.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - In only one short week, I will post my 600th post. SIX HUNDRED! WOW! On the day I post my 600th post (Friday, February 18), I will announce the winner of the Contest.
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day during the week of February 14, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post. (I imagine the word "red" will probably be in Monday's post... because of Valentine's Day and all).
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
Remember! The CONTEST begins THIS Monday, February 14!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Only two more Top Ten Lists to go. Are you relieved? (I think I am.) I thought about doing a Top Ten List entitled "Top Ten Reasons I Love Anesthesia," but I could only come up with nine before I fell into a deep, deep sleep. So today, my Top Ten List has to do with THE BLOG!
Top Ten Reasons I Love to Blog
10. I love to be able to share as many stories and thoughts as I want and KNOW I'm not boring anyone. FREEDOM!
9. I love the people I have personally met through the blog. People I would never, ever have known otherwise.
8. The closer I get to 50, the more scrambled my thoughts are. I love being able to "organize" the way I think in written form. I don't think I would do it in a written journal. (I know I wouldn't.)
7. I love to share my passion with others who are interested in the same thing (traditions, trying new recipes, sharing ideas about how to spend more purposeful time with family, etc.). With the blog, I know others share my passion because why else would they waste their time visiting A Simple Life?
6. I love having contests. I think it's fun. (I keep entering different contests here and there, too, you know. However, as of this time, I haven't won anything. Nothing. Nada!)
5. I love seeing a comment in the Comment section of the blog. (I'm like Julie in the movie Julie & Julia when she receives her first comment. It's a thrill, I tell you! A thrill! Which once again puts me in the "pathetic" category. I know.)
4. I love taking a Picture a Day. I thought it would be a chore, but it's really kind of fun. It makes me look at my day a little differently. The mundane suddenly becomes photo-worthy!
3. I love winning blog awards. I've only been awarded the one award, but it was VERY exciting.
2. I love having the "blog" schedule. I love structure, and although I have three teenagers, two beagles and a husband (which screams "NO STRUCTURE... EVER"), having the blog helps me maintain a little of the structure I long for and enjoy.
1. I love being able to share my faith, Josh's story, my panic attack stories, my "kids are growing up and leaving the nest" stories, etc. Things I normally would just hold inside forever are shared... and not wasted. (I've been able to talk to many women who are "in the same boat." However, I would never have known that if it had not been for the blog!)
I'm pretty sure you can guess what Monday's Top Ten List will be. Think, think, think. Who have I left out? Hmmm.
RANDOMNESS #2 - As promised, below you will find Roxie's First Surgery story. (Enjoy! Mikie and I certainly did!)
Roxie's First (and Hopefully Last) Surgery
Roxie's first surgery was not major in any way, shape or form. A piece of the bone from the top joint of her middle finger had broken away from the joint during a game of middle school basketball in December. Painful, yes. But she was given permission by the doctors to continue playing basketball until the last week of January before they "fixed" the break with wires (pins).
Yesterday was the day.
As with most "procedures," the unknown is the scariest part. Roxie was beyond calm on the way to the hospital, and said several times she was just ready to get it over with and start the healing process.
She didn't want to be awake during the surgery. She didn't want to feel anything during the surgery, so the anesthesia was her main concern. Would there be enough to knock her out? (What can I say? She is her mother's daughter.)
She didn't flinch during the insertion of the IV, but as soon as the nurse left, she made sure Mike and I knew she didn't like the IV, OR the nurse who put it in her hand.
Next came the "loopy" meds. Austin had told her in great detail how great this med was, and she had heard his "Wisdom Teeth Removal" story many, many times.
Let's just say, Roxie on "loopy" meds did not disappoint.
Within a minute or two of the medicine being inserted into her IV she was giggling uncontrollably. As soon as the nurse left the room, she informed us it was NOT working.
She then proceeded to play with her IV tubes... over and over and over again. We would tell her to put her arm down, she would roll her eyes and then look away from us. She played with her IV tubes several more times before she finally gave up looking at the "snakes on her arm" and moved on to her next odd behavior of choice... eating her blankets.
She started putting the sheets and blankets in her mouth. We continued to remove them. She informed us for the 100th time, "The meds are NOT working. I'm going to be awake during the surgery. I'm going to feel EVERYTHING!"
"Close your eyes, Roxie. Close your eyes and be still. You'll go to sleep," I instructed.
She closed her eyes and for several seconds it seemed she had indeed fallen asleep. Until her eyes flew open wide and she said, "THIS... IS... NOT... WORKING!"
The nurse came back into the room and gave her the second half of the "loopy" medication.
Within seconds, she was slurring... and sticking her tongue out as far as it would go. Her eyes crossed as she tried to see her tongue.
"Roxie, what are you doing with your tongue?" Mike asked.
She sighed heavily, looked at us and said, "It lives in the bottom of my mouth, you know. I'm trying to find a new place for it to live."
She quickly changed gears again and told us she was going to count backward from 100 to go to sleep. She had seen that on TV and it had worked. She started the countdown and other than getting stuck on 96 a few times, she made it to 80 before she sat up, looked at us and announced for the last time, "THIS... IS... NOT... WORKING!"
To maintain A Simple Life's G-rating, I have omitted some of the things Roxie said during the pre-op period. Let's just say The Boy and Roxie have some colorful language choices when under the influence of "loopy" meds. Very colorful, indeed. I will say she is much quieter than her brother. (The "loopy" meds also affected Austin's volume control when he had his wisdom teeth removed. They had the opposite effect on Roxie... she almost whispered. And for that, I was very, very thankful.)
She is doing very well today. She is in some pain, but it is manageable, and we are planning on taking it easy!
She has decided to keep her tongue, not chew on blankets... and never have an IV or surgery again. And I am in total agreement!
Weekend Happenings
We have plans galore this weekend, but a lot depends on how Roxie is feeling.
Josh is in a choir show tonight and tomorrow night at the high school, so with Austin taking over the Parental Unit duties for the evening, Mikie, Grandmother and I will be attending the show.
Josh is doing the ACT "thing" tomorrow, as well as the choir performance. Austin is working tomorrow, as well as sleeping (a lot). Mikie is going to the office to play a little catch up for part of the day. As for me and Roxie... we're hoping she feels well enough to attend Mr. Bieber's new movie.
Yes, Saturday is definitely a scattered day.
After church Sunday, we're planning on celebrating Mr. Faulkner's birthday with Mike's family. In case you didn't know, February is our family's BIG birthday month. We have FIVE birthdays we celebrate during this month. And, of course, we have Valentine's Day celebrations, too. It's a pretty fun month, and because of all the parties, we tend to see a lot of family. It is second only to Christmas in the "time spent with family" department.
That's our weekend. A little up-in-the-air. A little busy. As always, anything could happen... and it usually does!
I hope you have a lovely pre-Valentine's Day weekend. Remember the Contest begins Monday. I'll have the LAST Top Ten List, as well as many other February ideas to share. The entire month of February is the LOVE month on A Simple Life, so that theme will continue.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Bieber Fever Date
Good Thursday afternoon!
The Gallery Pics are from last night. Sparkle and Copper couldn't decide whether they wanted "in" or "out" (which is always fun for us). Don't worry. They slept in their room in the basement... nice and warm.
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - Roxie did great before, during and after her hand surgery. She is home and resting. I have a "surgery" story to share tomorrow... and pics. However, we will stick to Blog Linkage and Date today. We must stay on schedule!
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - In only two weeks, I will post my 600th post. SIX HUNDRED! WOW! On the day I post my 600th post (Friday, February 18), I will announce the winner of the Contest. It will be so easy to win it is embarrassing, I tell you.
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day during the week of February 14, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post. (I imagine the word "red" will probably be somewhere in Monday's post... because of Valentine's Day and all).
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
Remember! The CONTEST begins Monday, February 14!
Blog Linkage - Okay. Okay. Here are the links I want you to enjoy sometime today.
1. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com and scroll down to the post entitled, "A Peek" dated February 7. (You'll have to click on "Older Posts" at the bottom.) I love the picture of this mom's "dirty" sink and how she explains why she is thankful for all the things in and around the sink. Love it!
2. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and scroll down to "Our Valentine's Day Dinner." I love the pictures, and I love the ideas.
3. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and click on "Home & Garden" at the top of her page. She is on a book tour, and she is staying at some NICE hotels. As a lover of nice hotels everywhere, I am interested in shows about hotels and pictures of hotels. This may not interest you, but I cannot imagine why not!
4. Go to Big Mama under My Blog List and read "Jambalaya and crawfish pie and file' gumbo" dated February 10. Not only does this post include a hilarious story about jambalaya, but it also has a really good-looking jambalaya recipe at the end. (A twofer!)
Bieber Fever Date
Admit it! If you have a tween or young teen female in your house, you know ALL the words to "Baby" AND "Never Say Never." You know you do!
Plan on taking your chick to see the G-rated Justin Bieber movie "Never Say Never" which opens tomorrow, February 11. (I love that it is G-rated!)
Have a Justin Bieber CD playing All the way to the theater and ALL the way home. Share an ice cream or other snack on the way home. Talk about which singer was your favorite when you were 13 or 14 years-old. (For me it was David Cassidy and Bobby Sherman.) Google an old picture of your faves and show them to your child sometime during the date. Chances are, she'll laugh hysterically, but if I remember correctly, Bobby Sherman and Justin Bieber have the same hair... only Bobby wore it BETTER!
Will you leave with a headache? Probably. But will it will be fun, memorable and special. Uh, YES! (I'll be looking for you!)
Have a beautiful Thursday. Enjoy the snow while it lasts, and be very safe. I will have a "surgery" story, "surgery" pics and Weekend Happenings to share with you Friday.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow!
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from last night. Sparkle and Copper couldn't decide whether they wanted "in" or "out" (which is always fun for us). Don't worry. They slept in their room in the basement... nice and warm.
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - Roxie did great before, during and after her hand surgery. She is home and resting. I have a "surgery" story to share tomorrow... and pics. However, we will stick to Blog Linkage and Date today. We must stay on schedule!
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - In only two weeks, I will post my 600th post. SIX HUNDRED! WOW! On the day I post my 600th post (Friday, February 18), I will announce the winner of the Contest. It will be so easy to win it is embarrassing, I tell you.
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day during the week of February 14, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post. (I imagine the word "red" will probably be somewhere in Monday's post... because of Valentine's Day and all).
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
Remember! The CONTEST begins Monday, February 14!
Blog Linkage - Okay. Okay. Here are the links I want you to enjoy sometime today.
1. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com and scroll down to the post entitled, "A Peek" dated February 7. (You'll have to click on "Older Posts" at the bottom.) I love the picture of this mom's "dirty" sink and how she explains why she is thankful for all the things in and around the sink. Love it!
2. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and scroll down to "Our Valentine's Day Dinner." I love the pictures, and I love the ideas.
3. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and click on "Home & Garden" at the top of her page. She is on a book tour, and she is staying at some NICE hotels. As a lover of nice hotels everywhere, I am interested in shows about hotels and pictures of hotels. This may not interest you, but I cannot imagine why not!
4. Go to Big Mama under My Blog List and read "Jambalaya and crawfish pie and file' gumbo" dated February 10. Not only does this post include a hilarious story about jambalaya, but it also has a really good-looking jambalaya recipe at the end. (A twofer!)
Bieber Fever Date
Admit it! If you have a tween or young teen female in your house, you know ALL the words to "Baby" AND "Never Say Never." You know you do!
Plan on taking your chick to see the G-rated Justin Bieber movie "Never Say Never" which opens tomorrow, February 11. (I love that it is G-rated!)
Have a Justin Bieber CD playing All the way to the theater and ALL the way home. Share an ice cream or other snack on the way home. Talk about which singer was your favorite when you were 13 or 14 years-old. (For me it was David Cassidy and Bobby Sherman.) Google an old picture of your faves and show them to your child sometime during the date. Chances are, she'll laugh hysterically, but if I remember correctly, Bobby Sherman and Justin Bieber have the same hair... only Bobby wore it BETTER!
Will you leave with a headache? Probably. But will it will be fun, memorable and special. Uh, YES! (I'll be looking for you!)
Have a beautiful Thursday. Enjoy the snow while it lasts, and be very safe. I will have a "surgery" story, "surgery" pics and Weekend Happenings to share with you Friday.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow!
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Valentine's Day Service Project
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are once again... not much! Although things are "happening," they aren't necessarily Gallery-worthy. I could cook a complicated dish and take some food pics, but we all know that ain't happening today. With Roxie's hand surgery coming up tomorrow, I'm expecting some "medical" pics... and maybe some doc pics. Things will pick up around here. You'll see.
RANDOMNESS #1 - My "Top Ten Reasons I Love..." Lists are making me stop and think about the good stuff in life. I'm in a "Pooh" kind of mood today, so my Top Ten List is a no-brainer. Think, think, think.
Top Ten Reasons I Love Disney
10. I love the bathrooms. Not only are they always clean, but there are so many stalls. Walt Disney understood so much more than just a child's imagination... he understood a woman's HUGE desire for LARGE, CLEAN public restrooms. He really was a Renaissance Man!
9. I love Cinderella's Castle. I could sit on a bench and look at it for hours. It is every little girl's dream to live in a castle. Fun fact for you... I've always wanted a moat... and a turret... and a horse-drawn carriage in the shape of a pumpkin. (That must be the Autumn Nut coming out in me!)
8. I love the way my towels are folded when I come back to the room after a long day of having fun. (I had a towel folded into the shape of Eeyore once. Genius! Pure genius!)
7. I love all the characters, and even though I know deep down (as an adult) the characters are really sweaty, dehydrated humans in heavy, hot costumes, I still get a thrill when I see Baloo from Jungle Book or Tigger or... Oh, just name a character!
6. I love Space Mountain. It is by far the "most fun" roller coaster ever invented. I'm not arguing with anyone. It's a fact.
5. I love being in a place that believes the perfect ending to each and every day is a huge fireworks show.
4. I love Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream on a stick. It just tastes better.
3. I love the parades. I don't mind waiting an hour until the parade starts. I don't care they don't throw candy to the spectators. I don't care if it is 100 degrees, raining, windy or a little brisk. A Disney parade is worth any and all discomfort.
2. I love Animal Kingdom the best. I think it's because I am such a fan of African music and trees. No other park at Disney has as much African music playing or as many trees. I feel at home there.
1. I loved our two family vacations there. I love the memories we made... and I love that Mikie said, "It was worth every cent!"
I have a feeling after Roxie's surgery tomorrow, I may do a Top Ten List on why I love pain medication. We'll see!
RANDOMNESS #2 - I have a "scattered" kind of day today. I have to be here and there and everywhere. I do not care for "scattered" days because I tend to get less done at home... which means the next day is a little more hectic because I have to play catch up. It's not just me. I know every woman has days like this.
However, today I'm trying something a little different. I've determined in my heart (starting today) to perform each task with excellence. I may not finish my To Do List, but the items I do get to mark off at the end of the day will be done to the very best of my ability.
The phone calls I have to make to doctors' offices regarding appointments, insurance and lab work will be done cheerfully.
I will be on time for the two doctors' appointments I have today, and I will take something productive to do or read while I wait (and wait and wait) so MY valuable time will not be wasted.
I will serve dinner to five teenagers before church... and enjoy the time I get to spend with them.
I will not just sit in church tonight, but I will try to take it all in... even though I have a feeling I will be more than a little tired.
Instead of thinking of all the things which will not get done today, I will strive to do what must be done to the best of my ability.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!" Ecclesiastes 9:10.
That is my goal for today. I'll let you know if I succeeded (or failed) tomorrow!
Wednesday's Wisdom - Oh, for the love of babies! I cannot stop thinking about all those young moms in one room talking about tiny humans. Needless to say, today's Wisdom is centered around one word... "BABIES."
"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.” Anonymous (So true!)
“Babies are such a nice way to start people.” Don Herold (I love this one.)
“A two-year old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it.” Jerry Seinfeld (I love this one more!)
"My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.” Stephen Wright
Valentine's Day Service Project
Valentine's Day is a great time for families to focus on serving and loving others.
Create handmade Valentine's Day cards or craft items for people in nursing homes or hospitals. The family can go together to deliver these items. (Be sure to contact the facility first to make arrangements. You can't just drop in.)
Nursing homes residents receive a lot of attention and extra visitors during the Christmas season, but making sure the residents received a little extra love during February would be a wonderful way to teach your children that "giving" and showing love is something we should do ALL year long.
If it seems like the project is TOO big, you can also involve another family (or two), and each family could deliver to a specific hall or section of the nursing home.
Always, always encourage your kiddos to give a big hug when handing out gifts to the elderly. Remember, a hug is part of the gift!
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself." Leviticus 19:18.
Have a nice, snowy Wednesday! I have such wonderful Linkage to share Thursday... and, of course, the equally wonderful date! You must visit again! You simply must!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are once again... not much! Although things are "happening," they aren't necessarily Gallery-worthy. I could cook a complicated dish and take some food pics, but we all know that ain't happening today. With Roxie's hand surgery coming up tomorrow, I'm expecting some "medical" pics... and maybe some doc pics. Things will pick up around here. You'll see.
RANDOMNESS #1 - My "Top Ten Reasons I Love..." Lists are making me stop and think about the good stuff in life. I'm in a "Pooh" kind of mood today, so my Top Ten List is a no-brainer. Think, think, think.
Top Ten Reasons I Love Disney
10. I love the bathrooms. Not only are they always clean, but there are so many stalls. Walt Disney understood so much more than just a child's imagination... he understood a woman's HUGE desire for LARGE, CLEAN public restrooms. He really was a Renaissance Man!
9. I love Cinderella's Castle. I could sit on a bench and look at it for hours. It is every little girl's dream to live in a castle. Fun fact for you... I've always wanted a moat... and a turret... and a horse-drawn carriage in the shape of a pumpkin. (That must be the Autumn Nut coming out in me!)
8. I love the way my towels are folded when I come back to the room after a long day of having fun. (I had a towel folded into the shape of Eeyore once. Genius! Pure genius!)
7. I love all the characters, and even though I know deep down (as an adult) the characters are really sweaty, dehydrated humans in heavy, hot costumes, I still get a thrill when I see Baloo from Jungle Book or Tigger or... Oh, just name a character!
6. I love Space Mountain. It is by far the "most fun" roller coaster ever invented. I'm not arguing with anyone. It's a fact.
5. I love being in a place that believes the perfect ending to each and every day is a huge fireworks show.
4. I love Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream on a stick. It just tastes better.
3. I love the parades. I don't mind waiting an hour until the parade starts. I don't care they don't throw candy to the spectators. I don't care if it is 100 degrees, raining, windy or a little brisk. A Disney parade is worth any and all discomfort.
2. I love Animal Kingdom the best. I think it's because I am such a fan of African music and trees. No other park at Disney has as much African music playing or as many trees. I feel at home there.
1. I loved our two family vacations there. I love the memories we made... and I love that Mikie said, "It was worth every cent!"
I have a feeling after Roxie's surgery tomorrow, I may do a Top Ten List on why I love pain medication. We'll see!
RANDOMNESS #2 - I have a "scattered" kind of day today. I have to be here and there and everywhere. I do not care for "scattered" days because I tend to get less done at home... which means the next day is a little more hectic because I have to play catch up. It's not just me. I know every woman has days like this.
However, today I'm trying something a little different. I've determined in my heart (starting today) to perform each task with excellence. I may not finish my To Do List, but the items I do get to mark off at the end of the day will be done to the very best of my ability.
The phone calls I have to make to doctors' offices regarding appointments, insurance and lab work will be done cheerfully.
I will be on time for the two doctors' appointments I have today, and I will take something productive to do or read while I wait (and wait and wait) so MY valuable time will not be wasted.
I will serve dinner to five teenagers before church... and enjoy the time I get to spend with them.
I will not just sit in church tonight, but I will try to take it all in... even though I have a feeling I will be more than a little tired.
Instead of thinking of all the things which will not get done today, I will strive to do what must be done to the best of my ability.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!" Ecclesiastes 9:10.
That is my goal for today. I'll let you know if I succeeded (or failed) tomorrow!
Wednesday's Wisdom - Oh, for the love of babies! I cannot stop thinking about all those young moms in one room talking about tiny humans. Needless to say, today's Wisdom is centered around one word... "BABIES."
"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.” Anonymous (So true!)
“Babies are such a nice way to start people.” Don Herold (I love this one.)
“A two-year old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it.” Jerry Seinfeld (I love this one more!)
"My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.” Stephen Wright
Valentine's Day Service Project
Valentine's Day is a great time for families to focus on serving and loving others.
Create handmade Valentine's Day cards or craft items for people in nursing homes or hospitals. The family can go together to deliver these items. (Be sure to contact the facility first to make arrangements. You can't just drop in.)
Nursing homes residents receive a lot of attention and extra visitors during the Christmas season, but making sure the residents received a little extra love during February would be a wonderful way to teach your children that "giving" and showing love is something we should do ALL year long.
If it seems like the project is TOO big, you can also involve another family (or two), and each family could deliver to a specific hall or section of the nursing home.
Always, always encourage your kiddos to give a big hug when handing out gifts to the elderly. Remember, a hug is part of the gift!
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself." Leviticus 19:18.
Have a nice, snowy Wednesday! I have such wonderful Linkage to share Thursday... and, of course, the equally wonderful date! You must visit again! You simply must!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Party Meatballs
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are a bit of this and that today. I don't really expect to have anything "subject-worthy" unless it snows or until Roxie's hand surgery Thursday. However, you never know around Faulkner Farms (circa 1842). You never know.
RANDOMNESS #1 - The Top Ten Lists continue the rest of this week and end Monday, Valentine's Day.
Top Ten Reasons I Love Josh
10. I love him because of all my kiddos, he is the one most like me... personality-wise. I kind of "get him."
9. I love him because he has ALWAYS been able to wait his turn. Since The Boy is the oldest, Josh knows what is going to happen (birthdays, special gifts, car rules, dating, etc.), but he never says a word until it is his turn. (Roxie is 14 and already wants the car, the special gifts and the dating rules changed. She doesn't like to wait until it is her turn.)
8. I love him because he is incredibly courageous. What he does on a daily basis can sometimes be totally overwhelming, and it would be so much easier to just stay put... but he doesn't. He faces the world every day, and I admire him so much for continuing to do so.
7. I love him because he is extremely independent, and very good at figuring out things for himself. He has done this ever since he was a little guy.
6. I love him because he loves family. When Roxie was a newborn, I would feed her and put her down for an evening nap while we ate dinner... until Josh insisted we eat as a family. So for three months (until she dropped her late evening nap), she slept in her pumpkin seat in the middle of our dining room table while we ate and whispered around her.
5. I love him because he does things with gusto.
4. I love him because he knows better than to ask if he can order TWO entrees' when we go out to eat. (The Boy still asks!)
3. I love him because when you least expect it, he says the funniest thing at the dinner table... and two days later I'm still laughing.
2. I love him because his first job was a Christmas Tree lumberjack... and I think that is such a cool first job to have.
1. I love him because he never, ever gives up. I wish I was more like him (tenacity-wise).
What (or who) will I "love" tomorrow? Who knows!
RANDOMNESS #2 - I had a wonderful time last night getting to know some of the younger women from our church a little better. I was invited to do a "Christ-Centered Traditions" talk at a Girls' Night Out, and a nicer bunch of girls I have yet to meet.
They have young children, so I'm automatically a little jealous. (There! I admitted it!) They talk about baby names and baby doctors and toddler birthday parties and play dates. They have ultrasound pictures of their babies, and we tried to guess if it was going to be a boy or a girl. I was Baby/Toddler/Preschool Heaven, I tell you! I just soaked it all in... And I have to admit, it made me want that fourth baby, Mikie! It really, really did!
They are in the midst of one of the sweetest seasons of life, and I hope they enjoy every minute of it.
They were very interactive and asked a lot of questions, which is always fun because you get input from other people in the room, too. For any of them visiting A Simple Life today, I did want to share one last thing. We were so busy toward the end, I didn't get to read something I try to share during all my talks.
This was written by Jody (see Nitty.Gritty. under My Blog List). If you've been visiting A Simple Life for awhile, I have referred you to Jody's blog many, many times. Jody lost her four year-old daughter in a horrible tragedy, and another daughter's life (who was only a baby at the time) was forever changed. Her story is one of hope, forgiveness, trust in God and so much more.
I wrote to Jody two years ago, and asked her if I could share the following paragraph she had written, and she gave me her permission.
"There are moments in life where the very thing we hold in our hands is the only thing that really matters. These little moments can get lost so easily unless we stop and take them in and soak them up as they happen. Life is fleeting. I know not to take a minute for granted. We cannot turn back time, but we can always save the here and now. Moments matter."
I loved her words then, and I love them now. Moments do matter!
RANDOMNESS #3 - Yesterday I was behind a car and the owner had the words "Personal Trainer" on the back windshield with a phone number. I thought that was pretty cool. Technically, you could put anything on the back of your windshield. I'm thinking of putting something on my back windshield. So far, I like the following:
1. FORMER MISS AMERICA
2. PRESENT MISS AMERICA
3. I AM BEST FRIENDS WITH JUSTIN BIEBER'S MOM
I'm going to think about it a little more before I commit.
RANDOMNESS #4 - After the Faulkner Frat House weekend, I was a little tired yesterday. (Major understatement!) I took a little nap. (Shock!)
I usually try to sleep on my back to avoid what happened yesterday, but in my exhausted state, I must have chosen comfort over beauty... because I woke up face down on a ruffled pillow.
Two words... PILLOW MARKS! Three words... DEEP PILLOW MARKS! Four words... DEEP RUFFLED PILLOW MARKS!
I had to pick something up at the high school, and I had a two-inch crease which went from my forehead, down my cheek to the side of my mouth. It was bad. It was real bad. (Kind of my like my grammar in that last sentence.)
I had heard if you drink a lot of water, it will plump up your skin. I quickly drank a liter of water. This story has a good news/bad news ending. Are you ready?
Bad news... It didn't help my two-inch deep ruffled pillow mark on the side of my face.
Good news... At 49 years of age, my kidneys still work great!
Party Meatballs
I'm still in Super Bowl Mode, so here is a quick AND easy recipe I borrowed from www.the-country-cook.blogspot.com.
You will need the following:
1 bag (32 ounce) frozen meatballs (She used Great Value from Wal-Mart.)
1 jar (18 ounce) grape jelly
1 bottle (18 ounce) barbecue sauce (Use your favorite.)
1. Pour the meatballs, grape jelly and barbecue sauce into your slow cooker and stir well until combined.
2. Cook the mixture on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until completely cooked through (stirring occasionally).
3. When they are ready, set your crock pot to the “Warm” setting and let guests serve themselves. Just place small bowls and toothpicks next to the meatballs.
When you ask yourself the questions, "What do men like to eat?" and "What will fill a man up?" the answer is always "MEAT!" This is a twofer, Chicks!
Have a glorious Tuesday. It's the only kind to have (I believe). It's hard for me not to go ahead and give you Blog Linkage today because I already have two VERY, VERY good websites for you to check out... but we'll wait until Thursday to see what else I can find. Wednesday's Wisdom, Seasonal Tradition/Party and Randomness are all worth a minute of your time. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are a bit of this and that today. I don't really expect to have anything "subject-worthy" unless it snows or until Roxie's hand surgery Thursday. However, you never know around Faulkner Farms (circa 1842). You never know.
RANDOMNESS #1 - The Top Ten Lists continue the rest of this week and end Monday, Valentine's Day.
Top Ten Reasons I Love Josh
10. I love him because of all my kiddos, he is the one most like me... personality-wise. I kind of "get him."
9. I love him because he has ALWAYS been able to wait his turn. Since The Boy is the oldest, Josh knows what is going to happen (birthdays, special gifts, car rules, dating, etc.), but he never says a word until it is his turn. (Roxie is 14 and already wants the car, the special gifts and the dating rules changed. She doesn't like to wait until it is her turn.)
8. I love him because he is incredibly courageous. What he does on a daily basis can sometimes be totally overwhelming, and it would be so much easier to just stay put... but he doesn't. He faces the world every day, and I admire him so much for continuing to do so.
7. I love him because he is extremely independent, and very good at figuring out things for himself. He has done this ever since he was a little guy.
6. I love him because he loves family. When Roxie was a newborn, I would feed her and put her down for an evening nap while we ate dinner... until Josh insisted we eat as a family. So for three months (until she dropped her late evening nap), she slept in her pumpkin seat in the middle of our dining room table while we ate and whispered around her.
5. I love him because he does things with gusto.
4. I love him because he knows better than to ask if he can order TWO entrees' when we go out to eat. (The Boy still asks!)
3. I love him because when you least expect it, he says the funniest thing at the dinner table... and two days later I'm still laughing.
2. I love him because his first job was a Christmas Tree lumberjack... and I think that is such a cool first job to have.
1. I love him because he never, ever gives up. I wish I was more like him (tenacity-wise).
What (or who) will I "love" tomorrow? Who knows!
RANDOMNESS #2 - I had a wonderful time last night getting to know some of the younger women from our church a little better. I was invited to do a "Christ-Centered Traditions" talk at a Girls' Night Out, and a nicer bunch of girls I have yet to meet.
They have young children, so I'm automatically a little jealous. (There! I admitted it!) They talk about baby names and baby doctors and toddler birthday parties and play dates. They have ultrasound pictures of their babies, and we tried to guess if it was going to be a boy or a girl. I was Baby/Toddler/Preschool Heaven, I tell you! I just soaked it all in... And I have to admit, it made me want that fourth baby, Mikie! It really, really did!
They are in the midst of one of the sweetest seasons of life, and I hope they enjoy every minute of it.
They were very interactive and asked a lot of questions, which is always fun because you get input from other people in the room, too. For any of them visiting A Simple Life today, I did want to share one last thing. We were so busy toward the end, I didn't get to read something I try to share during all my talks.
This was written by Jody (see Nitty.Gritty. under My Blog List). If you've been visiting A Simple Life for awhile, I have referred you to Jody's blog many, many times. Jody lost her four year-old daughter in a horrible tragedy, and another daughter's life (who was only a baby at the time) was forever changed. Her story is one of hope, forgiveness, trust in God and so much more.
I wrote to Jody two years ago, and asked her if I could share the following paragraph she had written, and she gave me her permission.
"There are moments in life where the very thing we hold in our hands is the only thing that really matters. These little moments can get lost so easily unless we stop and take them in and soak them up as they happen. Life is fleeting. I know not to take a minute for granted. We cannot turn back time, but we can always save the here and now. Moments matter."
I loved her words then, and I love them now. Moments do matter!
RANDOMNESS #3 - Yesterday I was behind a car and the owner had the words "Personal Trainer" on the back windshield with a phone number. I thought that was pretty cool. Technically, you could put anything on the back of your windshield. I'm thinking of putting something on my back windshield. So far, I like the following:
1. FORMER MISS AMERICA
2. PRESENT MISS AMERICA
3. I AM BEST FRIENDS WITH JUSTIN BIEBER'S MOM
I'm going to think about it a little more before I commit.
RANDOMNESS #4 - After the Faulkner Frat House weekend, I was a little tired yesterday. (Major understatement!) I took a little nap. (Shock!)
I usually try to sleep on my back to avoid what happened yesterday, but in my exhausted state, I must have chosen comfort over beauty... because I woke up face down on a ruffled pillow.
Two words... PILLOW MARKS! Three words... DEEP PILLOW MARKS! Four words... DEEP RUFFLED PILLOW MARKS!
I had to pick something up at the high school, and I had a two-inch crease which went from my forehead, down my cheek to the side of my mouth. It was bad. It was real bad. (Kind of my like my grammar in that last sentence.)
I had heard if you drink a lot of water, it will plump up your skin. I quickly drank a liter of water. This story has a good news/bad news ending. Are you ready?
Bad news... It didn't help my two-inch deep ruffled pillow mark on the side of my face.
Good news... At 49 years of age, my kidneys still work great!
Party Meatballs
I'm still in Super Bowl Mode, so here is a quick AND easy recipe I borrowed from www.the-country-cook.blogspot.com.
You will need the following:
1 bag (32 ounce) frozen meatballs (She used Great Value from Wal-Mart.)
1 jar (18 ounce) grape jelly
1 bottle (18 ounce) barbecue sauce (Use your favorite.)
1. Pour the meatballs, grape jelly and barbecue sauce into your slow cooker and stir well until combined.
2. Cook the mixture on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until completely cooked through (stirring occasionally).
3. When they are ready, set your crock pot to the “Warm” setting and let guests serve themselves. Just place small bowls and toothpicks next to the meatballs.
When you ask yourself the questions, "What do men like to eat?" and "What will fill a man up?" the answer is always "MEAT!" This is a twofer, Chicks!
Have a glorious Tuesday. It's the only kind to have (I believe). It's hard for me not to go ahead and give you Blog Linkage today because I already have two VERY, VERY good websites for you to check out... but we'll wait until Thursday to see what else I can find. Wednesday's Wisdom, Seasonal Tradition/Party and Randomness are all worth a minute of your time. I promise you won't be disappointed.
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!