Good Saturday morning!
I posted a favorite pic of Josh and Roxie this morning. Nothing you haven't seen before, but I wanted to "add" something to the Gallery... because I always do.
As I told you yesterday, it may be Saturday, but as far as today's post is concerned, it is THURSDAY. That means Blog Linkage and a Date!
It will be a little shorter than usual. Randomness seems a little frivolous right now in Alabama with so many people hurting. There's a time and place for everything, and today we're just sticking to the facts.
Blog Linkage - I only have two this week... one practical and one very interesting (to me at least). I'm also checking out a new blog to add to My Blog List. I have a little more reading to do, but I think you'll like it. Maybe next week.
1. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and scroll down to the post entitled "Thanks a 'Latte'" posted April 27. This is a very, very cute idea for that coffee-lovin' teacher in your life. It's useful AND enjoyable.
2. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com and read the Mom's post entitled simply "6" dated April 29. This is the family with four little ones who recently adopted a three year-old from Ethiopia. I am enjoying her blog very, very much. It leaves me feeling exhausted (five chicks under the age of seven), but I find most days I feel exhausted anyway.
Maybe five chicks under the age of seven EQUALS two teenagers and one "practically-an-adult" male. Hmmm. I may be on to something here.
Volunteer Date
For today's date, here are just a few simple ideas for you and your child, tween or teen to help with the all the needs following the devastation and destruction caused by Wednesday's tornadoes in Alabama.
1. Bake muffins together and take them to families in the area who are still without power for breakfast or snacks.
2. Go to a local distribution center and get a list of items needed. Take your date shopping for the items and drop them off at the center together.
3. Get up early in the morning and "sneak" into an elderly neighbor's yard. Pick up and/or rake any debris you find, and take it away before they ever come outside.
4. Dads... take your teenage son with you to help remove limbs and fallen trees from a yard.
5. Dads... take your teenage son or daughter with you to help distribute supplies to the families and workers who are helping with clean-up efforts. (You will need to check with distribution centers to see if and when they need help with this task.)
These aren't just "fun" dates. They are much more important than that. Working as a family or one-on-one with your children teaching them the importance of being a good neighbor is a monumental lesson. Hopefully, one they will never forget.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12.
It's time to teach the young people in our lives how to dress themselves... again. With "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" toward others.
I'll be back Monday morning with a short and sweet Mindless Monday. April will be a memory, and I'll begin sharing "end-of-the-school-year" ideas, dates and traditions. May is always an EXTREMELY busy month on A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I've only added one pic to the Gallery. Our "basement time" was brief, and thankfully, uneventful. We still had power at this point, but as the storm left Fultondale (which is only two or three miles from our home) we lost power the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday until around 8:00 p.m.
Last night, Roxie spent the night with a friend (AND a generator), and the brothers and I headed to Center Point to eat at Cici's Pizza (Josh's request). After dinner, we headed to Trussville to watch television at my Mom's house.
I was anxious to see the news, and after an hour of "catching up," I was totally overwhelmed by the devastation. So many places I've visited AND lived are damaged or completely destroyed this morning.
But the heartbreaking part continues to be the loss of life... and the people who are still looking for loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine.
Weekend Happenings
As of now, most of our plans have been cancelled or postponed this weekend. Mike is still due home from Chicago this evening. Thankfully, that has not been delayed.
I think we'll spend our weekend praying and looking for ways to help... now and in the future.
I hope you have a good Friday. If you are reading this little blog, I pray your family and homes were spared.
I'll be posting Thursday's post (Blog Linkage and Dates) in the morning (Saturday, April 30)... just to keep on schedule.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I've only added one pic to the Gallery. Our "basement time" was brief, and thankfully, uneventful. We still had power at this point, but as the storm left Fultondale (which is only two or three miles from our home) we lost power the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday until around 8:00 p.m.
Last night, Roxie spent the night with a friend (AND a generator), and the brothers and I headed to Center Point to eat at Cici's Pizza (Josh's request). After dinner, we headed to Trussville to watch television at my Mom's house.
I was anxious to see the news, and after an hour of "catching up," I was totally overwhelmed by the devastation. So many places I've visited AND lived are damaged or completely destroyed this morning.
But the heartbreaking part continues to be the loss of life... and the people who are still looking for loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine.
Weekend Happenings
As of now, most of our plans have been cancelled or postponed this weekend. Mike is still due home from Chicago this evening. Thankfully, that has not been delayed.
I think we'll spend our weekend praying and looking for ways to help... now and in the future.
I hope you have a good Friday. If you are reading this little blog, I pray your family and homes were spared.
I'll be posting Thursday's post (Blog Linkage and Dates) in the morning (Saturday, April 30)... just to keep on schedule.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Mother's Day Traditions
Good Wednesday morning!
I guess it depends on where you live if this is a good Wednesday morning or not. We woke up around 5:30 to the sound of tornado sirens... and while our little part of the world wasn't affected too badly, families north and south of us had significant damage. And it isn't over yet. We are now waiting six hours for the next line of storms to come through. And we are praying.
The Gallery Pic is an old one of The Boy taken the first of the year. I was so tired after Body Pump last night, I was unable to hold a camera. (I'm not kidding.)
RANDOMNESS #1 - Mikie is on his way to Chicago for a business trip this morning (in between storms). As always, we'll miss him terribly, but homecomings are very sweet. (Especially if he remembers to bring me a present.)
RANDOMNESS #2 - Since the kids are going to be home at 10:30 today (again, because of the storms), I think we'll treat the part of the day without storms as a Faulkner Family Movie Day (minus Mikie). I'm also thinking I will be ordering our Wednesday night pizza at lunch (because of the storms).
It sounds like a plan to me. A good plan!
Wednesday Wisdom - I decided to go with some C. S. Lewis quotes this morning. He definitely was a wise, wise man. It was hard to pick, but the following are a few of my favorites.
"God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." (This is my favorite. I really believe this, too. When you stop setting goals and/or dreaming dreams, life gets monotonous... and a little sad, I think.)
Mother's Day Traditions
I know it is still April, but May 8 will be here before you know it. I found some of these ideas on the Parent Magazine website.
A few years ago, Mike and the kids started doing the "same" thing for me every Mother's Day.
1. The Faulkner Five celebrate Mother's Day the third Sunday in May instead of the second Sunday. We visit Grandmother and Grandma on the original Mother's Day, and we have more time to spend with them since we are not rushed to celebrate my Mother's Day, too.
2. I always get the same gift. The three kids give me three beautiful hanging baskets of flowers for my front porch... and they take me out to lunch (my choice).
It doesn't bother me to wait a week to celebrate. It doesn't bother me it is always the same gift. I look forward to my flowers and going out to eat with my family.
Because of the "tradition," my kids will never be able to say, "I don't know what to get Mother for Mother's Day." It's pretty much set in stone!
The following ideas could also be used year after year after year... making it enjoyable for you, but easy for your husband and kiddos.
TAKE AN EXOTIC VACATION
Even if you can't afford to go to Paris for the weekend, you can still enjoy a little taste of France (or any other destination that intrigues you). Get some croissants for breakfast, pack a picnic lunch of French bread, cheese and fruit, or order a meal from your favorite deli or restaurant (quiche, etc.). Get into the flavor of the country. For an added touch, adorn your kitchen or dining room table with a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and fresh flowers, put on some French music, and teach your kids a few basic words in French, such as "bonjour" (good morning) and "merci" (thank you).
NOTE - Your husband and kids could work together and pick a different country every year.
GO TO THE MOVIES
One good way to share family memories is to look at old photographs or home movies. If you live near Grandma or Grandpa, ask them to pull out old photos and movies of you as a child, and take a trip together down memory lane. Your kids will get a kick out of the styles of clothes you wore... not to mention the fact that you were once a baby, toddler or teen.
NOTE - You could also spend time together each year looking at the videos of your own children. It could be anything from their early videos to the videos you took of them during the past year. Kids love watching movies... especially if they are the stars!
GET PAMPERED
At some point on Mother's Day, you may want some time alone or a chance for a little rest and relaxation. Make sure you get what you need and deserve by asking for it in advance.
For instance, a few days before Mother's Day, give your husband and kids a list of five "services" you desire. The list could include:
An hour alone so I can call a friend or soak in the tub.
A chance to sleep in until 9 a.m.
A manicure at my favorite nail salon.
No sibling squabbles for an hour.
A home-cooked meal made by the family. (Clean-up included!)
Have your husband and kids make coupons for each of these services, and be sure to redeem them throughout Mother's Day weekend.
NOTE - This would be a great tradition. Again, the kids would NEVER have to ask, "What can I get Mom for Mother's Day?" Mom can just give them her list of desired "services" year after year after year.
Have a safe Wednesday. Assuming I have power, I'll be back tomorrow morning with Blog Linkage and a date. And if I don't have power... Well, I'll post as soon as I possibly can!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Thursday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I guess it depends on where you live if this is a good Wednesday morning or not. We woke up around 5:30 to the sound of tornado sirens... and while our little part of the world wasn't affected too badly, families north and south of us had significant damage. And it isn't over yet. We are now waiting six hours for the next line of storms to come through. And we are praying.
The Gallery Pic is an old one of The Boy taken the first of the year. I was so tired after Body Pump last night, I was unable to hold a camera. (I'm not kidding.)
RANDOMNESS #1 - Mikie is on his way to Chicago for a business trip this morning (in between storms). As always, we'll miss him terribly, but homecomings are very sweet. (Especially if he remembers to bring me a present.)
RANDOMNESS #2 - Since the kids are going to be home at 10:30 today (again, because of the storms), I think we'll treat the part of the day without storms as a Faulkner Family Movie Day (minus Mikie). I'm also thinking I will be ordering our Wednesday night pizza at lunch (because of the storms).
It sounds like a plan to me. A good plan!
Wednesday Wisdom - I decided to go with some C. S. Lewis quotes this morning. He definitely was a wise, wise man. It was hard to pick, but the following are a few of my favorites.
"God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." (This is my favorite. I really believe this, too. When you stop setting goals and/or dreaming dreams, life gets monotonous... and a little sad, I think.)
Mother's Day Traditions
I know it is still April, but May 8 will be here before you know it. I found some of these ideas on the Parent Magazine website.
A few years ago, Mike and the kids started doing the "same" thing for me every Mother's Day.
1. The Faulkner Five celebrate Mother's Day the third Sunday in May instead of the second Sunday. We visit Grandmother and Grandma on the original Mother's Day, and we have more time to spend with them since we are not rushed to celebrate my Mother's Day, too.
2. I always get the same gift. The three kids give me three beautiful hanging baskets of flowers for my front porch... and they take me out to lunch (my choice).
It doesn't bother me to wait a week to celebrate. It doesn't bother me it is always the same gift. I look forward to my flowers and going out to eat with my family.
Because of the "tradition," my kids will never be able to say, "I don't know what to get Mother for Mother's Day." It's pretty much set in stone!
The following ideas could also be used year after year after year... making it enjoyable for you, but easy for your husband and kiddos.
TAKE AN EXOTIC VACATION
Even if you can't afford to go to Paris for the weekend, you can still enjoy a little taste of France (or any other destination that intrigues you). Get some croissants for breakfast, pack a picnic lunch of French bread, cheese and fruit, or order a meal from your favorite deli or restaurant (quiche, etc.). Get into the flavor of the country. For an added touch, adorn your kitchen or dining room table with a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and fresh flowers, put on some French music, and teach your kids a few basic words in French, such as "bonjour" (good morning) and "merci" (thank you).
NOTE - Your husband and kids could work together and pick a different country every year.
GO TO THE MOVIES
One good way to share family memories is to look at old photographs or home movies. If you live near Grandma or Grandpa, ask them to pull out old photos and movies of you as a child, and take a trip together down memory lane. Your kids will get a kick out of the styles of clothes you wore... not to mention the fact that you were once a baby, toddler or teen.
NOTE - You could also spend time together each year looking at the videos of your own children. It could be anything from their early videos to the videos you took of them during the past year. Kids love watching movies... especially if they are the stars!
GET PAMPERED
At some point on Mother's Day, you may want some time alone or a chance for a little rest and relaxation. Make sure you get what you need and deserve by asking for it in advance.
For instance, a few days before Mother's Day, give your husband and kids a list of five "services" you desire. The list could include:
An hour alone so I can call a friend or soak in the tub.
A chance to sleep in until 9 a.m.
A manicure at my favorite nail salon.
No sibling squabbles for an hour.
A home-cooked meal made by the family. (Clean-up included!)
Have your husband and kids make coupons for each of these services, and be sure to redeem them throughout Mother's Day weekend.
NOTE - This would be a great tradition. Again, the kids would NEVER have to ask, "What can I get Mom for Mother's Day?" Mom can just give them her list of desired "services" year after year after year.
Have a safe Wednesday. Assuming I have power, I'll be back tomorrow morning with Blog Linkage and a date. And if I don't have power... Well, I'll post as soon as I possibly can!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Thursday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Lemon-Lime Punch
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from a little experiment I tried late yesterday afternoon. I love taking pics of kids jumping on a trampoline. The flying hair... the flailing arms... the naturally big smiles. Let's just say the results are different on 49 year-old women.
RANDOMNESS #1 - Austin and Melia were talking about Mark Twain last week, and an essay he had written about Adam and Eve... from Adam's perspective. It is most definitely a work of humorous fiction and not Biblical truth, but I wanted to share some of it with you today. It made me smile.
Excerpt from Diary of Adam by Mark Twain
MONDAY - This new creature with the long hair is a good deal in the way. It is always hanging around and following me about. I don't like this. I am not used to company. I wish it would stay with the other animals.
TUESDAY - Been examining the great waterfall. It is the finest thing on the estate, I think. The new creature calls it Niagara Falls. Why, I am sure I do not know. Says it LOOKS like Niagara Falls. That is not a reason. I get no chance to name anything myself. The new creature names everything that comes along before I can get in a protest. And always that same pretext is offered... it LOOKS like the thing. There is a dodo, for instance. Says the moment one looks at it one sees at a glance that it "looks like a dodo." It will have to keep that name, no doubt. It wearies me to fret about it, and it does no good, anyway. Dodo! It looks no more like a dodo than I do.
FRIDAY - The naming goes recklessly on, in spite of anything I can do. I had a very good name for the estate, and it was musical and pretty... GARDEN OF EDEN. Privately, I continue to call it that, but not any longer publicly. The new creature says it is all woods and rocks and scenery, and therefore has no resemblance to a garden. Says it LOOKS like a park, and does not look like anything BUT a park. Consequently, without consulting me, it has been new-named NIAGARA FALLS PARK. This is sufficiently high-handed, it seems to me. And already there is a sign up:
KEEP OFF THE GRASS
My life is not as happy as it was.
SATURDAY - The new creature eats too much fruit. We are going to run short, most likely. "We" again... That is IT'S word. Mine, too, from hearing it so much.
SUNDAY - Pulled through. This day is getting to be more and more trying. It was selected and set apart last November as a day of rest. I had already six of them per week before.
MONDAY - The new creature says it's name is Eve. That is all right. I have no objections. Says it is to call it by when I want it to come. I said it was superfluous. The word evidently raised me in it's respect; and indeed it is a large, good word and will bear repetition. It says it is not an "It." It is a "She." This is probably doubtful; yet it is all one to me.
TUESDAY - She has littered the whole estate with names and offensive signs:
THIS WAY TO THE WHIRLPOOL
THIS WAY WAY TO GOAT ISLAND
THIS WAY TO CAVE OF THE WINDS
She says this park would make a tidy summer resort if there was any custom for it. Summer resort... another invention of her's. Just words without any meaning. What is a summer resort? But it is best not to ask her. She has such a rage for explaining.
FRIDAY - She has taken to beseeching me to stop going over the Falls. What harm does it do? Says it makes her shudder. I wonder why. I have always done it... always liked the plunge and coolness. I supposed it was what the Falls were for. They have no other use that I can see, and they must have been made for something. She says they were only made for scenery... like the rhinoceros and the mastodon.
SUNDAY - Pulled through.
Interesting and humorous (and very fictional)... those words definitely describe Mr. Twain! (And he seemed to have a pretty good handle on what made a chick tick... even though I don't think his description of Eve is even remotely accurate.)
RANDOMNESS #2 - I found someone to go with me to see African Cats this week. It's not a 14 year-old chick kind of movie... and a 17 year-old guy would rather cut grass than be seen at a movie with his Mom (I didn't even ask Josh). But Austin... Well, Austin is another story entirely. He's my Zoo/Animal Boy. And at 20 years of age, he is secure enough in his own skin to be seen in public with his Mom. (That, and I offered to buy lunch AND popcorn.)
I was so excited. We were going to go out to eat and catch the 1:30 show TOMORROW. But, alas... He was offered an eight-hour shift at the Chick. I was beyond sad until I thought, "We could go next Monday. He doesn't have to go back to JSU for Maymester until May 4." So Monday it is... or maybe Tuesday. I'll be flexible, and HOPE the Chick doesn't call.
Lemon-Lime Punch
I made this punch for the Time of Day Shower I helped host last weekend. Since one of the bride's colors was green, I used Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid, but you can also use Strawberry Kool-Aid for pink, Lemonade Kool-Aid for yellow, etc., etc. It is simple, refreshing and EASY to mix at the shower.
You will need the following:
2 packages unsweetened Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid drink mix powder
1 (46 ounce) can pineapple juice
1 cup white sugar
2 quarts water
1 liter ginger ale
1. Keep pineapple juice can and ginger ale in refrigerator overnight.
2. In a large punch bowl, combine drink mix, pineapple juice, sugar and water. Stir until dissolved. Add in the ginger ale.
NOTE - I used one quart cold tap water and one quart ice cubes. The pineapple juice and ginger ale were already cold. The ice cubes kept the punch cold throughout the two hour shower.
Have a terrific Tuesday. I have tons of info to post Wednesday, so be sure and check it out if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from a little experiment I tried late yesterday afternoon. I love taking pics of kids jumping on a trampoline. The flying hair... the flailing arms... the naturally big smiles. Let's just say the results are different on 49 year-old women.
RANDOMNESS #1 - Austin and Melia were talking about Mark Twain last week, and an essay he had written about Adam and Eve... from Adam's perspective. It is most definitely a work of humorous fiction and not Biblical truth, but I wanted to share some of it with you today. It made me smile.
Excerpt from Diary of Adam by Mark Twain
MONDAY - This new creature with the long hair is a good deal in the way. It is always hanging around and following me about. I don't like this. I am not used to company. I wish it would stay with the other animals.
TUESDAY - Been examining the great waterfall. It is the finest thing on the estate, I think. The new creature calls it Niagara Falls. Why, I am sure I do not know. Says it LOOKS like Niagara Falls. That is not a reason. I get no chance to name anything myself. The new creature names everything that comes along before I can get in a protest. And always that same pretext is offered... it LOOKS like the thing. There is a dodo, for instance. Says the moment one looks at it one sees at a glance that it "looks like a dodo." It will have to keep that name, no doubt. It wearies me to fret about it, and it does no good, anyway. Dodo! It looks no more like a dodo than I do.
FRIDAY - The naming goes recklessly on, in spite of anything I can do. I had a very good name for the estate, and it was musical and pretty... GARDEN OF EDEN. Privately, I continue to call it that, but not any longer publicly. The new creature says it is all woods and rocks and scenery, and therefore has no resemblance to a garden. Says it LOOKS like a park, and does not look like anything BUT a park. Consequently, without consulting me, it has been new-named NIAGARA FALLS PARK. This is sufficiently high-handed, it seems to me. And already there is a sign up:
KEEP OFF THE GRASS
My life is not as happy as it was.
SATURDAY - The new creature eats too much fruit. We are going to run short, most likely. "We" again... That is IT'S word. Mine, too, from hearing it so much.
SUNDAY - Pulled through. This day is getting to be more and more trying. It was selected and set apart last November as a day of rest. I had already six of them per week before.
MONDAY - The new creature says it's name is Eve. That is all right. I have no objections. Says it is to call it by when I want it to come. I said it was superfluous. The word evidently raised me in it's respect; and indeed it is a large, good word and will bear repetition. It says it is not an "It." It is a "She." This is probably doubtful; yet it is all one to me.
TUESDAY - She has littered the whole estate with names and offensive signs:
THIS WAY TO THE WHIRLPOOL
THIS WAY WAY TO GOAT ISLAND
THIS WAY TO CAVE OF THE WINDS
She says this park would make a tidy summer resort if there was any custom for it. Summer resort... another invention of her's. Just words without any meaning. What is a summer resort? But it is best not to ask her. She has such a rage for explaining.
FRIDAY - She has taken to beseeching me to stop going over the Falls. What harm does it do? Says it makes her shudder. I wonder why. I have always done it... always liked the plunge and coolness. I supposed it was what the Falls were for. They have no other use that I can see, and they must have been made for something. She says they were only made for scenery... like the rhinoceros and the mastodon.
SUNDAY - Pulled through.
Interesting and humorous (and very fictional)... those words definitely describe Mr. Twain! (And he seemed to have a pretty good handle on what made a chick tick... even though I don't think his description of Eve is even remotely accurate.)
RANDOMNESS #2 - I found someone to go with me to see African Cats this week. It's not a 14 year-old chick kind of movie... and a 17 year-old guy would rather cut grass than be seen at a movie with his Mom (I didn't even ask Josh). But Austin... Well, Austin is another story entirely. He's my Zoo/Animal Boy. And at 20 years of age, he is secure enough in his own skin to be seen in public with his Mom. (That, and I offered to buy lunch AND popcorn.)
I was so excited. We were going to go out to eat and catch the 1:30 show TOMORROW. But, alas... He was offered an eight-hour shift at the Chick. I was beyond sad until I thought, "We could go next Monday. He doesn't have to go back to JSU for Maymester until May 4." So Monday it is... or maybe Tuesday. I'll be flexible, and HOPE the Chick doesn't call.
Lemon-Lime Punch
I made this punch for the Time of Day Shower I helped host last weekend. Since one of the bride's colors was green, I used Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid, but you can also use Strawberry Kool-Aid for pink, Lemonade Kool-Aid for yellow, etc., etc. It is simple, refreshing and EASY to mix at the shower.
You will need the following:
2 packages unsweetened Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid drink mix powder
1 (46 ounce) can pineapple juice
1 cup white sugar
2 quarts water
1 liter ginger ale
1. Keep pineapple juice can and ginger ale in refrigerator overnight.
2. In a large punch bowl, combine drink mix, pineapple juice, sugar and water. Stir until dissolved. Add in the ginger ale.
NOTE - I used one quart cold tap water and one quart ice cubes. The pineapple juice and ginger ale were already cold. The ice cubes kept the punch cold throughout the two hour shower.
Have a terrific Tuesday. I have tons of info to post Wednesday, so be sure and check it out if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, April 25, 2011
Mindless Monday
Good Monday morning!
The Gallery pics will tell our Easter story this morning. Today, I am a woman of few words. Well, except to say...
1. I didn't take a ton of pics at Grandmother's house Friday night. I just enjoyed the time I got to spend with six teenagers... And I was very thankful the three dishes I prepared turned out okay. It's the little things.
2. I didn't take ANY pictures of the wedding I attended Saturday evening since I wasn't the hired photographer, but it was a lovely wedding on a lovely day. I smiled through the entire ceremony because the bride and groom looked so happy and excited and thrilled. NOTE - If I HAD taken my camera, I would have 100 pictures of the four year-old flower girl. She had curly red hair and was barefoot. She was so precious it almost hurt.
3. I was extremely disappointed Yucatan Trading was out of Butt Naked Candles. I do not understand how that happened. The sentence, "We had a run on Butt Naked Candles this week," still sounds so strange to me. But that is exactly what happened. After apologizing to Dawn (who won the Butt Naked Candle in last week's Candle Contest), and after she accepted my apology, I was still deeply saddened to leave the store empty-handed. NOTE - I'm going back tomorrow!
4. Watching teenagers go through their "teenage" Easter baskets was fun. I still enjoy filling up their baskets... and they definitely still enjoy receiving them.
5. Easter Sunday services were wonderful, and we arrived early enough to get seats. Our little Easter miracle.
6. Easter lunch at Grandma and Grandpa's was delicious. I was once again thankful my two dishes turned out okay.
7. Seeing my great-nephew, Matthew, was a highlight. He knows I have a "brown bag surprise" for him every time I see him now, and he comes up to me to check out his little bag of goodies. Yes, I have bought his love... but I prefer the term "bonded."
8. Hiding Easter eggs with a three year-old was very enjoyable. Especially when the three year-old squealed EVERY time he spotted an egg. Did I mention I LOVE three year-olds?
9. Coming home and watching Celebrity Apprentice with my beloved (Mikie) was a nice way to end the weekend.
10. Having the Faulkner Five together for another holiday... priceless!
Have a great Monday. I have a very good recipe to share with you tomorrow. I'll give you a hint. It's green! I also have a little Randomness going on in my head as I type this post. (Actually, I have a LOT of Randomness going on in my head ALL the time, but tomorrow I'll actually tell you about some of it!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery pics will tell our Easter story this morning. Today, I am a woman of few words. Well, except to say...
1. I didn't take a ton of pics at Grandmother's house Friday night. I just enjoyed the time I got to spend with six teenagers... And I was very thankful the three dishes I prepared turned out okay. It's the little things.
2. I didn't take ANY pictures of the wedding I attended Saturday evening since I wasn't the hired photographer, but it was a lovely wedding on a lovely day. I smiled through the entire ceremony because the bride and groom looked so happy and excited and thrilled. NOTE - If I HAD taken my camera, I would have 100 pictures of the four year-old flower girl. She had curly red hair and was barefoot. She was so precious it almost hurt.
3. I was extremely disappointed Yucatan Trading was out of Butt Naked Candles. I do not understand how that happened. The sentence, "We had a run on Butt Naked Candles this week," still sounds so strange to me. But that is exactly what happened. After apologizing to Dawn (who won the Butt Naked Candle in last week's Candle Contest), and after she accepted my apology, I was still deeply saddened to leave the store empty-handed. NOTE - I'm going back tomorrow!
4. Watching teenagers go through their "teenage" Easter baskets was fun. I still enjoy filling up their baskets... and they definitely still enjoy receiving them.
5. Easter Sunday services were wonderful, and we arrived early enough to get seats. Our little Easter miracle.
6. Easter lunch at Grandma and Grandpa's was delicious. I was once again thankful my two dishes turned out okay.
7. Seeing my great-nephew, Matthew, was a highlight. He knows I have a "brown bag surprise" for him every time I see him now, and he comes up to me to check out his little bag of goodies. Yes, I have bought his love... but I prefer the term "bonded."
8. Hiding Easter eggs with a three year-old was very enjoyable. Especially when the three year-old squealed EVERY time he spotted an egg. Did I mention I LOVE three year-olds?
9. Coming home and watching Celebrity Apprentice with my beloved (Mikie) was a nice way to end the weekend.
10. Having the Faulkner Five together for another holiday... priceless!
Have a great Monday. I have a very good recipe to share with you tomorrow. I'll give you a hint. It's green! I also have a little Randomness going on in my head as I type this post. (Actually, I have a LOT of Randomness going on in my head ALL the time, but tomorrow I'll actually tell you about some of it!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, April 22, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery pics are from last night's National Honor Society Tapping Ceremony at Josh's school. After years of stressing about what everyone was going to wear, charging camera batteries, getting "there" early enough to get good seats, etc., etc., I am happy to say I am now able to "enjoy the moment" without having to verbally (OUT LOUD) remind myself 20 minutes into the event to focus on the memory being made in front of me. We had a great time... before, during and after.
AUSTIN UPDATE - It's official. The Boy is now a Junior in college. He finished his finals yesterday, and is moving back home today!
Of course, he is starting "Maymester" on May 4 for five weeks, but he'll be staying with Mike's parents Monday night through Wednesday night so I don't really count that as "being away at college." That's just good family time... with some studying on the side.
I'm going to make a little list of "Where We Are Now."
1. He is still a Communications major, and he loves it. He was able to host his own sports radio program this Spring on campus with three friends, and he thoroughly enjoyed that process. He still loves writing, and has been asked by a JSU alum to be a guest blogger on his blog. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!)
2. He is currently trying to decide whether to minor in History or Creative Writing. I think he's leaning toward History, but he's still praying about which way to go.
3. He made several new friends this past year, and four of them will be in his dorm next year... two across the hall and two a couple of rooms down the hall.
4. He's still planning on going to England with the Marching Southerners to march in a parade on New Year's Day 2012 celebrating the Queen's 60th year on the throne and the upcoming Olympics. He will be in England a week with his friends.
5. I still miss him like crazy when he's gone, but I know he's happy and enjoying this time of his life. He still talks to one of the remaining Faulkner Four every day (so we know he is alive and kickin'). Even though that was a "first year" rule, it stuck. I'm hoping it will stick with Josh and Roxie, too, but only time will tell.
Oh, and did I mention he's coming home today? I think I did earlier, but just in case... THE BOY IS COMING HOME TODAY!
RANDOMNESS - Although there are dozens (nay, hundreds) of stories about my inadequacies in the "nursing department," I'll just share one more with you this week.
Josh was sick. He had a stomach virus AND a large "allergy" growth on his mouth and eye. (When I say "allergy" growth, there was a period of time in Josh's younger years when we would walk into Josh's room in the morning and it would look like a softball had grown in his body overnight. Sometimes it would be in his hands. Sometimes in his neck. Sometimes in his feet. It was bizarre... and a little scary.)
However, on this particular stomach virus/"allergy" growth day, his left eye was completely swollen shut AND his upper lip was touching his nose. Needless to say, he felt and looked lousy.
Now to make this day even more perfect, it was a "weather" day. A "weather" day in Alabama means to stay close to the TV and watch James Spann for severe weather updates.
Since the "allergy" growths were relatively new, the doctor wanted to see Josh... even with the light stomach virus AND "weather" day. So off we went with plastic garbage cans, plastic bags, crackers, Sprite and a prayer.
My goal was to make it home before the severe weather hit our area. And we did... kind of.
After meeting with the doctor, he made an appointment for us with a pediatric allergist... the next week. Since the stomach virus was pretty mild, he suggested Pepto Bismol for symptoms and Benadryl for the "allergy" growths. I had none of those medications at home, so I left the doctor's office and quickly made my way back to our little town... which was minutes away from getting hit by severe weather.
Josh was in the back seat, feeling bad and looking worse. Rain was POURING out of the sky. Wind was blowing. The sky was black. I couldn't leave him in the car to get the meds, and I couldn't very well skip getting the meds as "things" continued to swell on his face.
It was a conundrum, I tell you.
And then it hit me. Walgreens had a drive-thru window. I had never gone through a drive-thru window at a pharmacy before, but how hard could it be. I had driven through MILLIONS of fast-food drive-thrus. I was practically a drive-thru expert.
So I got in the car line at the drive-thru window at Walgreens.
The first thing I noticed was there was no speaker for me to place my order. "I need a small Coke, fries, tons of Benadryl and a bottle of Pepto, please!"
Instead, when I reached the window, I spoke face-to-face with a real pharmacist.
"What name is it under, please?" she asked.
"Excuse me?" I asked right back.
"What name is your prescription under?"
"Oh. I don't need a prescription. I don't even HAVE a prescription. I just need over-the-counter Benadryl and a small bottle of Pepto, please." This was great. I was going to use the drive-thru at the pharmacy from now on. Clariton, Sudafed, Immodium, Fish Oil supplements... the list went on and on.
"Ma'am. We don't shop for you. This is the pharmacy. We handle prescriptions for people who are too sick to come inside to pick them up."
"Well, we kind of qualify. We need OVER-THE-COUNTER drugs... and we ARE too sick to come inside and pick them up."
"Ma'am. I'm going to have to ask you to pull around to the front of the building and pick up your own medications, please."
The severe weather was upon us. Josh had gone over an hour without throwing up which meant only one thing... he was ready to blow. His RIGHT eye was now almost completely closed and his BOTTOM lip was now down to his chin. I knew then and there I had to pull out the big guns.
"Josh, sit up and smile at the nice lady, please."
That did it. One look at my sick little boy and the pharmacist said, "I'll be back in one second."
She quickly and efficiently picked up the drugs I needed. She then quickly and efficiently took my money, and we were on our way. She didn't even lecture me about NOT coming through the drive-thru again.
We made it home, safe and sound, just as the storm worsened. I medicated my puffy, sickly little boy and things slowly got back to normal.
Have I been to the pharmacy drive-thru again? No. But now I know the rules. If you don't have a prescription, at least have a bloody wound, a broken limb... or a puffy-faced little boy.
They'll be glad to help!
Weekend Happenings
It's Easter weekend so I know it's going to be a busy weekend for everyone! We alternate Easter with Mike's family and my family. This year, we'll be spending Easter Sunday with Mike's family. (Code for I GET TO SEE MY GREAT-NEPHEW MATTHEW ON SUNDAY!)
Tonight, we're meeting my sister and her family at Grandmother's for a big meal AND a Bunco night. I'm ready to win, Baby!
On Saturday, I'll be going here and there finishing up a little Easter shopping. Austin will be working at the Chick, and Mikie and Josh will be making our shaggy yard presentable. (Every time we had a chance to cut it this week, it rained. I've seen both kinds of yard on my ramblings through our little town... coiffed and shaggy. I know we're not the only ones who have had this problem!)
Easter Sunday morning, we'll be worshipping with friends and family at our church before heading to Grandma's house for lunch.
It's going to be a FAMILY, FAMILY, FAMILY weekend... which is the very best kind!
Have a marvelous Easter weekend. Enjoy special time with family and friends, but most importantly, remember the reason we celebrate. HE IS RISEN! HE IS ALIVE! I love a story with a happy ending, and the fact the Easter story isn't fiction just makes it all the better. IT IS TRUE!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery pics are from last night's National Honor Society Tapping Ceremony at Josh's school. After years of stressing about what everyone was going to wear, charging camera batteries, getting "there" early enough to get good seats, etc., etc., I am happy to say I am now able to "enjoy the moment" without having to verbally (OUT LOUD) remind myself 20 minutes into the event to focus on the memory being made in front of me. We had a great time... before, during and after.
AUSTIN UPDATE - It's official. The Boy is now a Junior in college. He finished his finals yesterday, and is moving back home today!
Of course, he is starting "Maymester" on May 4 for five weeks, but he'll be staying with Mike's parents Monday night through Wednesday night so I don't really count that as "being away at college." That's just good family time... with some studying on the side.
I'm going to make a little list of "Where We Are Now."
1. He is still a Communications major, and he loves it. He was able to host his own sports radio program this Spring on campus with three friends, and he thoroughly enjoyed that process. He still loves writing, and has been asked by a JSU alum to be a guest blogger on his blog. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!)
2. He is currently trying to decide whether to minor in History or Creative Writing. I think he's leaning toward History, but he's still praying about which way to go.
3. He made several new friends this past year, and four of them will be in his dorm next year... two across the hall and two a couple of rooms down the hall.
4. He's still planning on going to England with the Marching Southerners to march in a parade on New Year's Day 2012 celebrating the Queen's 60th year on the throne and the upcoming Olympics. He will be in England a week with his friends.
5. I still miss him like crazy when he's gone, but I know he's happy and enjoying this time of his life. He still talks to one of the remaining Faulkner Four every day (so we know he is alive and kickin'). Even though that was a "first year" rule, it stuck. I'm hoping it will stick with Josh and Roxie, too, but only time will tell.
Oh, and did I mention he's coming home today? I think I did earlier, but just in case... THE BOY IS COMING HOME TODAY!
RANDOMNESS - Although there are dozens (nay, hundreds) of stories about my inadequacies in the "nursing department," I'll just share one more with you this week.
Josh was sick. He had a stomach virus AND a large "allergy" growth on his mouth and eye. (When I say "allergy" growth, there was a period of time in Josh's younger years when we would walk into Josh's room in the morning and it would look like a softball had grown in his body overnight. Sometimes it would be in his hands. Sometimes in his neck. Sometimes in his feet. It was bizarre... and a little scary.)
However, on this particular stomach virus/"allergy" growth day, his left eye was completely swollen shut AND his upper lip was touching his nose. Needless to say, he felt and looked lousy.
Now to make this day even more perfect, it was a "weather" day. A "weather" day in Alabama means to stay close to the TV and watch James Spann for severe weather updates.
Since the "allergy" growths were relatively new, the doctor wanted to see Josh... even with the light stomach virus AND "weather" day. So off we went with plastic garbage cans, plastic bags, crackers, Sprite and a prayer.
My goal was to make it home before the severe weather hit our area. And we did... kind of.
After meeting with the doctor, he made an appointment for us with a pediatric allergist... the next week. Since the stomach virus was pretty mild, he suggested Pepto Bismol for symptoms and Benadryl for the "allergy" growths. I had none of those medications at home, so I left the doctor's office and quickly made my way back to our little town... which was minutes away from getting hit by severe weather.
Josh was in the back seat, feeling bad and looking worse. Rain was POURING out of the sky. Wind was blowing. The sky was black. I couldn't leave him in the car to get the meds, and I couldn't very well skip getting the meds as "things" continued to swell on his face.
It was a conundrum, I tell you.
And then it hit me. Walgreens had a drive-thru window. I had never gone through a drive-thru window at a pharmacy before, but how hard could it be. I had driven through MILLIONS of fast-food drive-thrus. I was practically a drive-thru expert.
So I got in the car line at the drive-thru window at Walgreens.
The first thing I noticed was there was no speaker for me to place my order. "I need a small Coke, fries, tons of Benadryl and a bottle of Pepto, please!"
Instead, when I reached the window, I spoke face-to-face with a real pharmacist.
"What name is it under, please?" she asked.
"Excuse me?" I asked right back.
"What name is your prescription under?"
"Oh. I don't need a prescription. I don't even HAVE a prescription. I just need over-the-counter Benadryl and a small bottle of Pepto, please." This was great. I was going to use the drive-thru at the pharmacy from now on. Clariton, Sudafed, Immodium, Fish Oil supplements... the list went on and on.
"Ma'am. We don't shop for you. This is the pharmacy. We handle prescriptions for people who are too sick to come inside to pick them up."
"Well, we kind of qualify. We need OVER-THE-COUNTER drugs... and we ARE too sick to come inside and pick them up."
"Ma'am. I'm going to have to ask you to pull around to the front of the building and pick up your own medications, please."
The severe weather was upon us. Josh had gone over an hour without throwing up which meant only one thing... he was ready to blow. His RIGHT eye was now almost completely closed and his BOTTOM lip was now down to his chin. I knew then and there I had to pull out the big guns.
"Josh, sit up and smile at the nice lady, please."
That did it. One look at my sick little boy and the pharmacist said, "I'll be back in one second."
She quickly and efficiently picked up the drugs I needed. She then quickly and efficiently took my money, and we were on our way. She didn't even lecture me about NOT coming through the drive-thru again.
We made it home, safe and sound, just as the storm worsened. I medicated my puffy, sickly little boy and things slowly got back to normal.
Have I been to the pharmacy drive-thru again? No. But now I know the rules. If you don't have a prescription, at least have a bloody wound, a broken limb... or a puffy-faced little boy.
They'll be glad to help!
Weekend Happenings
It's Easter weekend so I know it's going to be a busy weekend for everyone! We alternate Easter with Mike's family and my family. This year, we'll be spending Easter Sunday with Mike's family. (Code for I GET TO SEE MY GREAT-NEPHEW MATTHEW ON SUNDAY!)
Tonight, we're meeting my sister and her family at Grandmother's for a big meal AND a Bunco night. I'm ready to win, Baby!
On Saturday, I'll be going here and there finishing up a little Easter shopping. Austin will be working at the Chick, and Mikie and Josh will be making our shaggy yard presentable. (Every time we had a chance to cut it this week, it rained. I've seen both kinds of yard on my ramblings through our little town... coiffed and shaggy. I know we're not the only ones who have had this problem!)
Easter Sunday morning, we'll be worshipping with friends and family at our church before heading to Grandma's house for lunch.
It's going to be a FAMILY, FAMILY, FAMILY weekend... which is the very best kind!
Have a marvelous Easter weekend. Enjoy special time with family and friends, but most importantly, remember the reason we celebrate. HE IS RISEN! HE IS ALIVE! I love a story with a happy ending, and the fact the Easter story isn't fiction just makes it all the better. IT IS TRUE!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Living Social Dates
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery pic is borrowed from Belinda's Project Life. It's the only picture I took yesterday, and I decided to tell some of that story today. See below.
RANDOMNESS #1 - Roxie's finger is still healing. What was supposed to be a six- to eight-week "thing" has turned into a three month "thing," and the chick is not pleased. However, we did find out when the high school volleyball and basketball tryouts were being held... May 16 and May 19, respectively.
Roxie will have a little surgery to remove the pins from the finger May 2, and according to the surgeon she can start practicing with that hand the next day.
I hope for his sake, he's right.
RANDOMNESS #2 - After church last night, Roxie and I claimed the den and settled down to watch Tangled. Roxie had already seen this movie with some friends, but she was nice enough to watch it with me one more time.
I LOVE a good Disney movie... and this is such a good Disney movie.
Did you know out of the Top Ten Biggest Grossing Movies of 2010, SIX of them were family/kid movies? SIX. (Seven if you count Iron Man 2.) I think that should be a huge indicator of what America wants to watch with their families. HUGE!
RANDOMNESS #3 - I'll finish yesterday's "stitch" story this morning, and tomorrow I'll be sharing a new one with you regarding my inadequacies in the "nursing back to health" department.
With Austin settled in the car holding a clean dressing to his still bleeding eyelid and Roxie buckled in her car seat, we headed to the Emergency Room. I called the doctor, Mikie and the grandparents... in that order. We headed to Montclair Hospital. (It has a new name now, but I can't keep up with all the changes.)
When we pulled into the parking lot, Mikie and the grandparents were waiting. We walked into the EMPTY waiting room with my bloody little boy, and we were told to sit down. So we sat. And we sat. And we sat some more.
We sat so long, the bleeding finally stopped. We looked around. We were still the only ones in the waiting room.
Since Austin was calm and no longer losing massive amounts of blood, the grandparents left to pick up Josh from preschool and take Roxie and Josh home with them for lunch and a nap... and Mikie and I sat with The Boy some more.
After a while, we questioned the medical professionals about stitching Austin up so we could make it home before bedtime. After this line of questioning, they put us in a room. Out of sight, out of mind.
Lunch came and went (peanut butter crackers for everyone), Mikie slipped out to attend a board meeting and planned on coming back in time for the stitches. It was just me and The Boy.
"When are they going to see me?" he asked.
"I don't know," I replied looking out the window at the nurses and doctors. "Soon, I think."
"I'm tired of being here," my wiggly little boy said.
"Me, too. But it's almost over," I reassured him.
What happened next caused me to jump a couple of feet off the floor... and run to the nearest bathroom. With my back turned to him, my hand on the doorknob, I was about to walk to the nurse's station to see if there was a problem.
"DOCTOR! DOCTOR! I NEED A DOCTOR IN HERE STAT! IT'S AN EMERGENCY! CALL 911!"
The Boy had some lungs on him. I spun around to see him sitting on the table grinning. "I saw that on a TV show. What does 'stat' mean?"
"If you don't know what it means, do NOT yell it at the top of your lungs," I retorted.
I hate to say it, but it worked. We had a nurse and doctor run in to check on us, and they decided to stitch him up and get him out of the hospital then and there.
"Where should I be?" I asked. You know... first time with stitches and everything.
"Oh. You'll need to hold his hand and talk to him. He can't jerk or move his head."
Great. I grabbed his little six year-old hand as they numbed the area. It was very unpleasant (for him, too, I am sure), but he didn't move.
They then put a covering over his face with just a hole open over his injured eyelid. I told him to close his eyes.
And then, with my face ever so close to Austin's little ear as I murmured comforting words to him, they started stitching him up. RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME! Sewing on my first-born!
"Do you have another one of those 'face covering' things?" I asked.
"He just needs the one," the nurse told me.
"No. I think I need one," I replied.
"You'll be fine. Just close your eyes. We're almost finished."
"Pass out, Belinda. Pass out. This would be a great time to just pass out," I thought to myself. But as I've stated before, I do not possess the "pass out" gift.
"Are you okay, Momma?" Austin asked.
"Yes, Babe. Momma's just trying not to throw up on the nice nurse and doctor." That worked pretty well. They finished up in record time and told us we could finally leave. (I have found that threatening to throw up on people usually does get some quick results. I don't use it often, but it has helped me on several occasions.)
And as a mother of three small children, I quickly learned to use whatever tools were at my disposal. A good gag reflex is just one of my many little tricks.
Tomorrow I'll share an experience I had at a drive-thru pharmacy. I found out it wasn't like going through the McDonald's drive-thru. There are RULES! Go figure.
Blog Linkage - Oh, my. You really don't have time to read A Simple Life today. I've got too many other sites for you to visit. And you really MUST visit them!
1. Click on eighteen25 under My Blog List. Scroll down to the post entitled "Past Teacher Appreciation Projects" for some great, creative, inexpensive ideas for teacher gifts.
2. Click on Nesting Place under My Blog List. Scroll ALL the way down, down, down to the post entitled "Lived in Chic: It's Beautiful" and look at the pictures of these homes which have small children. They are not perfect, but they are beautiful. They also have some "messiness" tips to share along the way. I liked it! (I really admire this woman because she has small children, a large black dog AND white sofas. I don't think I could ever do that. EVER!)
3. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Click on "Photography" at the top of her page and scroll down to see the finalists and winner of the "Brothers" photography contest dated April 17. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these pictures. I don't think I could have picked a winner.
4. Go the www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com. Read everything on the page... especially the post entitled "Adoption Questions." The pictures are beautiful of this little family and their new addition, Elsa.
5. Go to Nitty.Gritty. under my Blog List and read the post entitled "Not just a box..." dated April 19. That's the lesson this blog always leaves me with... Tell people you love them TODAY. Enjoy the little moments TODAY. Don't miss TODAY by thinking about yesterday, tomorrow or next week. "TODAY is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
It's the only April 21, 2011 we'll ever, ever have.
Get busy. You've got a lot of reading to do!
Living Social Dates
Okay. This is not one specific date, but it is a good way to stretch your dating dollars.
If you go to the website www.livingsocial.com, you will come to a page with a "deal." For example, this week's deal is for Smith's Variety Toy and Gift Shoppe in Mountain Brook. You will have to sign in if you are interested in buying this coupon.
After you sign in, you will be able to purchase a $10 coupon to this store. However, when you shop there, you will be able to buy $20 worth of products from the store. (Perfect for Easter shopping.)
This would not be a date, but it is what you will find on the website today as well as a deal for Johnny Ray's Barbecue (kid or spouse date for half the price), Vestavia Bowl (family date which includes shoe rentals for six, two hours of bowling, pizza and soda for $36... that's dinner AND entertainment, folks) and Pelham Civic Complex (another family date which includes skates and two hours of ice skating for four for $15, and it usually would cost $36).
Once you are signed in, you will receive e-mails when new deals appear.
Last week's special deal was a $20 coupon for Yolo's Dessert Bar, but you only had to pay $10. That would be a GREAT kid date. The expiration date is several months away, so if you purchase the coupon in April, you can still plan the date in the summer months. No pressure.
I am sitting on a $20 coupon I purchased for $10 for O'Carr's Deli in Homewood for a Saturday lunch date with Mikie. Ten dollars for a meal and some window shopping in Homewood is a cheap, but fun date.
Check it out. It really works, and the different coupons they offer each week may give you some new date ideas.
Have a lovely Thursday. Friday will be full of Weekend Happenings, Randomness and pics from tonight's festivities... something I haven't talked about yet on A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery pic is borrowed from Belinda's Project Life. It's the only picture I took yesterday, and I decided to tell some of that story today. See below.
RANDOMNESS #1 - Roxie's finger is still healing. What was supposed to be a six- to eight-week "thing" has turned into a three month "thing," and the chick is not pleased. However, we did find out when the high school volleyball and basketball tryouts were being held... May 16 and May 19, respectively.
Roxie will have a little surgery to remove the pins from the finger May 2, and according to the surgeon she can start practicing with that hand the next day.
I hope for his sake, he's right.
RANDOMNESS #2 - After church last night, Roxie and I claimed the den and settled down to watch Tangled. Roxie had already seen this movie with some friends, but she was nice enough to watch it with me one more time.
I LOVE a good Disney movie... and this is such a good Disney movie.
Did you know out of the Top Ten Biggest Grossing Movies of 2010, SIX of them were family/kid movies? SIX. (Seven if you count Iron Man 2.) I think that should be a huge indicator of what America wants to watch with their families. HUGE!
RANDOMNESS #3 - I'll finish yesterday's "stitch" story this morning, and tomorrow I'll be sharing a new one with you regarding my inadequacies in the "nursing back to health" department.
With Austin settled in the car holding a clean dressing to his still bleeding eyelid and Roxie buckled in her car seat, we headed to the Emergency Room. I called the doctor, Mikie and the grandparents... in that order. We headed to Montclair Hospital. (It has a new name now, but I can't keep up with all the changes.)
When we pulled into the parking lot, Mikie and the grandparents were waiting. We walked into the EMPTY waiting room with my bloody little boy, and we were told to sit down. So we sat. And we sat. And we sat some more.
We sat so long, the bleeding finally stopped. We looked around. We were still the only ones in the waiting room.
Since Austin was calm and no longer losing massive amounts of blood, the grandparents left to pick up Josh from preschool and take Roxie and Josh home with them for lunch and a nap... and Mikie and I sat with The Boy some more.
After a while, we questioned the medical professionals about stitching Austin up so we could make it home before bedtime. After this line of questioning, they put us in a room. Out of sight, out of mind.
Lunch came and went (peanut butter crackers for everyone), Mikie slipped out to attend a board meeting and planned on coming back in time for the stitches. It was just me and The Boy.
"When are they going to see me?" he asked.
"I don't know," I replied looking out the window at the nurses and doctors. "Soon, I think."
"I'm tired of being here," my wiggly little boy said.
"Me, too. But it's almost over," I reassured him.
What happened next caused me to jump a couple of feet off the floor... and run to the nearest bathroom. With my back turned to him, my hand on the doorknob, I was about to walk to the nurse's station to see if there was a problem.
"DOCTOR! DOCTOR! I NEED A DOCTOR IN HERE STAT! IT'S AN EMERGENCY! CALL 911!"
The Boy had some lungs on him. I spun around to see him sitting on the table grinning. "I saw that on a TV show. What does 'stat' mean?"
"If you don't know what it means, do NOT yell it at the top of your lungs," I retorted.
I hate to say it, but it worked. We had a nurse and doctor run in to check on us, and they decided to stitch him up and get him out of the hospital then and there.
"Where should I be?" I asked. You know... first time with stitches and everything.
"Oh. You'll need to hold his hand and talk to him. He can't jerk or move his head."
Great. I grabbed his little six year-old hand as they numbed the area. It was very unpleasant (for him, too, I am sure), but he didn't move.
They then put a covering over his face with just a hole open over his injured eyelid. I told him to close his eyes.
And then, with my face ever so close to Austin's little ear as I murmured comforting words to him, they started stitching him up. RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME! Sewing on my first-born!
"Do you have another one of those 'face covering' things?" I asked.
"He just needs the one," the nurse told me.
"No. I think I need one," I replied.
"You'll be fine. Just close your eyes. We're almost finished."
"Pass out, Belinda. Pass out. This would be a great time to just pass out," I thought to myself. But as I've stated before, I do not possess the "pass out" gift.
"Are you okay, Momma?" Austin asked.
"Yes, Babe. Momma's just trying not to throw up on the nice nurse and doctor." That worked pretty well. They finished up in record time and told us we could finally leave. (I have found that threatening to throw up on people usually does get some quick results. I don't use it often, but it has helped me on several occasions.)
And as a mother of three small children, I quickly learned to use whatever tools were at my disposal. A good gag reflex is just one of my many little tricks.
Tomorrow I'll share an experience I had at a drive-thru pharmacy. I found out it wasn't like going through the McDonald's drive-thru. There are RULES! Go figure.
Blog Linkage - Oh, my. You really don't have time to read A Simple Life today. I've got too many other sites for you to visit. And you really MUST visit them!
1. Click on eighteen25 under My Blog List. Scroll down to the post entitled "Past Teacher Appreciation Projects" for some great, creative, inexpensive ideas for teacher gifts.
2. Click on Nesting Place under My Blog List. Scroll ALL the way down, down, down to the post entitled "Lived in Chic: It's Beautiful" and look at the pictures of these homes which have small children. They are not perfect, but they are beautiful. They also have some "messiness" tips to share along the way. I liked it! (I really admire this woman because she has small children, a large black dog AND white sofas. I don't think I could ever do that. EVER!)
3. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Click on "Photography" at the top of her page and scroll down to see the finalists and winner of the "Brothers" photography contest dated April 17. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these pictures. I don't think I could have picked a winner.
4. Go the www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com. Read everything on the page... especially the post entitled "Adoption Questions." The pictures are beautiful of this little family and their new addition, Elsa.
5. Go to Nitty.Gritty. under my Blog List and read the post entitled "Not just a box..." dated April 19. That's the lesson this blog always leaves me with... Tell people you love them TODAY. Enjoy the little moments TODAY. Don't miss TODAY by thinking about yesterday, tomorrow or next week. "TODAY is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
It's the only April 21, 2011 we'll ever, ever have.
Get busy. You've got a lot of reading to do!
Living Social Dates
Okay. This is not one specific date, but it is a good way to stretch your dating dollars.
If you go to the website www.livingsocial.com, you will come to a page with a "deal." For example, this week's deal is for Smith's Variety Toy and Gift Shoppe in Mountain Brook. You will have to sign in if you are interested in buying this coupon.
After you sign in, you will be able to purchase a $10 coupon to this store. However, when you shop there, you will be able to buy $20 worth of products from the store. (Perfect for Easter shopping.)
This would not be a date, but it is what you will find on the website today as well as a deal for Johnny Ray's Barbecue (kid or spouse date for half the price), Vestavia Bowl (family date which includes shoe rentals for six, two hours of bowling, pizza and soda for $36... that's dinner AND entertainment, folks) and Pelham Civic Complex (another family date which includes skates and two hours of ice skating for four for $15, and it usually would cost $36).
Once you are signed in, you will receive e-mails when new deals appear.
Last week's special deal was a $20 coupon for Yolo's Dessert Bar, but you only had to pay $10. That would be a GREAT kid date. The expiration date is several months away, so if you purchase the coupon in April, you can still plan the date in the summer months. No pressure.
I am sitting on a $20 coupon I purchased for $10 for O'Carr's Deli in Homewood for a Saturday lunch date with Mikie. Ten dollars for a meal and some window shopping in Homewood is a cheap, but fun date.
Check it out. It really works, and the different coupons they offer each week may give you some new date ideas.
Have a lovely Thursday. Friday will be full of Weekend Happenings, Randomness and pics from tonight's festivities... something I haven't talked about yet on A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Good Deed Jar
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery pics are from a late afternoon walk I took around the neighborhood yesterday. There is a lot of bloomin' going on around here!
RANDOMNESS #1 - This morning, Roxie and I are headed to the doctor's office to see if the "floating bone" in her finger has finally healed. Today marks the tenth week. When she had her surgery, the doctor told us it would take six to eight weeks. After looking at the X-ray at the six-week mark, he quickly changed the timeline to ten or 12 weeks.
It's a little thing, but with high school volleyball and basketball tryouts looming in the not-so-distant future, Roxie's ready for the pins to be removed. She wants to serve, set, dribble and shoot.
Although she has been running and doing crunches galore, that's not going to get the ball over the net OR in the basket.
Today I am praying for proper bone placement, pin removal and good sedation... for me AND Roxie.
RANDOMNESS #2 - After hearing what a bad job I did nursing Mikie back to health after we got married, I'm sure you're wondering if I'm any better when it comes to the children.
I think I am.
However, I'm not a very calming influence. I'm still working on that one.
When Austin was in first grade, I dropped him off at school. I then went on my way to take Josh to preschool before returning home with 18 month-old Roxie in tow.
Before I pulled into the preschool parking lot, I received a phone call from Mikie. The school had called him, told him Austin had been involved in a little running accident and would probably need a stitch or two.
I think the fact they called the Daddy first is HUGE. They knew I had to be told in a very gentle way they had broken my child.
I dropped Josh off at the preschool, and Roxie and I headed back to Austin's school to assess the damage.
We had never had stitches before, so I prepared myself for a gash, a little blood and a few tears. Let's just say I was a little unprepared.
As I walked into the school with Roxie on my hip, a teacher met me at the door. "Austin is FINE. Anytime there is a cut on the head it bleeds a little more than other places."
"Oh. It's on his head? What happened?" At this point, I was VERY calm, and I walked with the teacher toward the office with Roxie still on my hip.
"He ran around the teacher's desk, slipped and hit the corner of a metal filing cabinet."
Ouch!
"Well, he shouldn't have been running in the classroom, but boys run everywhere. Am I right?" I asked, still calm... still smiling.
"Oh, yes. Austin didn't do anything wrong. They were all hurrying to their desks because the bell rang."
As we turned the corner, I saw Austin sitting in a chair holding a dressing over the right side of his face. A dressing covered in BLOOD! When he saw me, he stood up and immediately removed the dressing so I could see the little cut that might need a little stitch.
Let's just say his face was still bleeding enough I couldn't even tell where the cut was.
"You said his head! He cut his face? Where is all this blood coming from?" I asked. "Calm" was quickly leaving my body.
"He has a little cut on the corner of his eyelid. Can you see?" the teacher asked, as she pulled me toward the bloody little boy.
Keep in mind, Austin was not crying or upset. Well, not yet.
When "calm" starts to leave the body, your hearing may or may not be affected. My hearing was definitely affected.
"HIS EYE? HIS EYE? HE CUT HIS EYE?! DO THEY PUT STITCHES IN EYES?" Hysteria was quickly taking over my body.
"MY EYE? MY EYE? I HAVE TO HAVE A STITCH IN MY EYE?" Austin totally reacted to my BAD reaction. (NOTE - Roxie remained totally calm. She may be the nurse in our family.)
One teacher comforted Austin and another teacher began rubbing my arm... and talking very loudly. "Eyelid," she said slowly. "Eyelid."
"Oh. Okay. Eyelid," I repeated, once again breathing.
I stooped down and comforted the now-panicked Austin, and we headed to the Emergency Room... which is another story for another day.
Tomorrow, I think.
Wednesday Wisdom - For some reason I don't recall, Melia and Austin were talking about Mark Twain last weekend, so I thought, "Hmmm. I may use him for Wednesday Wisdom." And I did.
"A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way."
"A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation." (I love adjectives... even more than nouns, I think. I'm going to have to listen to what I say... which would probably be a good thing for a lot of reasons.)
"Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often."
"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." (This is SO true.)
There are over 11 more pages of Mark Twain quotes. He may be a Wednesday Wisdom guest again... and again. (He loved adjectives, too!)
The Good Deed Jar
As always, Family Fun Magazine delivers. I love this tradition!
This idea comes from Mary Purpura who lives in California with her husband and NINE kiddos. The following is an explanation of the tradition in her words.
This tradition reminds us of a simple truth... You never have control over whether someone does something nice for you, but you always have control over whether you do something kind for someone else.
Every year on Ash Wednesday, we put a jar on the kitchen counter next to a bowl of dried black-eyed peas. Between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, any family member who performs a good deed (folding someone else's laundry or making their bed, etc.) moves a pea into the jar. On Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny replaces the peas with jelly beans, and all of us get to enjoy the sweet rewards of being kind.
The Good Deed Jar encourages us to act kindly in a genuine way without any fanfare. The focus is on giving, rather than the reward.
During Easter dinner, everyone is invited to talk about one of the nice things they did for someone else.
We just learned that several years ago during the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, one of our sons forgot to make dinner both times it was his turn. But his lapses went thoroughly undetected by his parents because his sisters covered for him. (Quietly and cheerfully.)
It's heartwarming to hear that the children actually enjoy doing things for their brothers, sisters, parents, neighbors and friends.
Teaching kids to think about acts of kindness they can perform for others using a little colored jelly bean... BRILLIANT!
NOTE - As always, if you want more Spring or Easter recipes, traditions, ideas, dates, etc., spend a little time in the Archives. Click on 2009 and/or 2010. You can then click on the months March and April of those years. Those months are FULL of ideas for you and your family during this wonderful season.
Have a wonderful, wet Wednesday. Stay dry if at all possible. Thursday's Date and Blog Linkage is looking pretty good... and you never know what else I might throw in the Randomness section. I'll have pictures from Roxie's doctor visit in the Gallery. (The amount of pictures will depend on how long I'm able to stay in the exam room with her without causing a scene.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery pics are from a late afternoon walk I took around the neighborhood yesterday. There is a lot of bloomin' going on around here!
RANDOMNESS #1 - This morning, Roxie and I are headed to the doctor's office to see if the "floating bone" in her finger has finally healed. Today marks the tenth week. When she had her surgery, the doctor told us it would take six to eight weeks. After looking at the X-ray at the six-week mark, he quickly changed the timeline to ten or 12 weeks.
It's a little thing, but with high school volleyball and basketball tryouts looming in the not-so-distant future, Roxie's ready for the pins to be removed. She wants to serve, set, dribble and shoot.
Although she has been running and doing crunches galore, that's not going to get the ball over the net OR in the basket.
Today I am praying for proper bone placement, pin removal and good sedation... for me AND Roxie.
RANDOMNESS #2 - After hearing what a bad job I did nursing Mikie back to health after we got married, I'm sure you're wondering if I'm any better when it comes to the children.
I think I am.
However, I'm not a very calming influence. I'm still working on that one.
When Austin was in first grade, I dropped him off at school. I then went on my way to take Josh to preschool before returning home with 18 month-old Roxie in tow.
Before I pulled into the preschool parking lot, I received a phone call from Mikie. The school had called him, told him Austin had been involved in a little running accident and would probably need a stitch or two.
I think the fact they called the Daddy first is HUGE. They knew I had to be told in a very gentle way they had broken my child.
I dropped Josh off at the preschool, and Roxie and I headed back to Austin's school to assess the damage.
We had never had stitches before, so I prepared myself for a gash, a little blood and a few tears. Let's just say I was a little unprepared.
As I walked into the school with Roxie on my hip, a teacher met me at the door. "Austin is FINE. Anytime there is a cut on the head it bleeds a little more than other places."
"Oh. It's on his head? What happened?" At this point, I was VERY calm, and I walked with the teacher toward the office with Roxie still on my hip.
"He ran around the teacher's desk, slipped and hit the corner of a metal filing cabinet."
Ouch!
"Well, he shouldn't have been running in the classroom, but boys run everywhere. Am I right?" I asked, still calm... still smiling.
"Oh, yes. Austin didn't do anything wrong. They were all hurrying to their desks because the bell rang."
As we turned the corner, I saw Austin sitting in a chair holding a dressing over the right side of his face. A dressing covered in BLOOD! When he saw me, he stood up and immediately removed the dressing so I could see the little cut that might need a little stitch.
Let's just say his face was still bleeding enough I couldn't even tell where the cut was.
"You said his head! He cut his face? Where is all this blood coming from?" I asked. "Calm" was quickly leaving my body.
"He has a little cut on the corner of his eyelid. Can you see?" the teacher asked, as she pulled me toward the bloody little boy.
Keep in mind, Austin was not crying or upset. Well, not yet.
When "calm" starts to leave the body, your hearing may or may not be affected. My hearing was definitely affected.
"HIS EYE? HIS EYE? HE CUT HIS EYE?! DO THEY PUT STITCHES IN EYES?" Hysteria was quickly taking over my body.
"MY EYE? MY EYE? I HAVE TO HAVE A STITCH IN MY EYE?" Austin totally reacted to my BAD reaction. (NOTE - Roxie remained totally calm. She may be the nurse in our family.)
One teacher comforted Austin and another teacher began rubbing my arm... and talking very loudly. "Eyelid," she said slowly. "Eyelid."
"Oh. Okay. Eyelid," I repeated, once again breathing.
I stooped down and comforted the now-panicked Austin, and we headed to the Emergency Room... which is another story for another day.
Tomorrow, I think.
Wednesday Wisdom - For some reason I don't recall, Melia and Austin were talking about Mark Twain last weekend, so I thought, "Hmmm. I may use him for Wednesday Wisdom." And I did.
"A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way."
"A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation." (I love adjectives... even more than nouns, I think. I'm going to have to listen to what I say... which would probably be a good thing for a lot of reasons.)
"Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often."
"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." (This is SO true.)
There are over 11 more pages of Mark Twain quotes. He may be a Wednesday Wisdom guest again... and again. (He loved adjectives, too!)
The Good Deed Jar
As always, Family Fun Magazine delivers. I love this tradition!
This idea comes from Mary Purpura who lives in California with her husband and NINE kiddos. The following is an explanation of the tradition in her words.
This tradition reminds us of a simple truth... You never have control over whether someone does something nice for you, but you always have control over whether you do something kind for someone else.
Every year on Ash Wednesday, we put a jar on the kitchen counter next to a bowl of dried black-eyed peas. Between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, any family member who performs a good deed (folding someone else's laundry or making their bed, etc.) moves a pea into the jar. On Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny replaces the peas with jelly beans, and all of us get to enjoy the sweet rewards of being kind.
The Good Deed Jar encourages us to act kindly in a genuine way without any fanfare. The focus is on giving, rather than the reward.
During Easter dinner, everyone is invited to talk about one of the nice things they did for someone else.
We just learned that several years ago during the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, one of our sons forgot to make dinner both times it was his turn. But his lapses went thoroughly undetected by his parents because his sisters covered for him. (Quietly and cheerfully.)
It's heartwarming to hear that the children actually enjoy doing things for their brothers, sisters, parents, neighbors and friends.
Teaching kids to think about acts of kindness they can perform for others using a little colored jelly bean... BRILLIANT!
NOTE - As always, if you want more Spring or Easter recipes, traditions, ideas, dates, etc., spend a little time in the Archives. Click on 2009 and/or 2010. You can then click on the months March and April of those years. Those months are FULL of ideas for you and your family during this wonderful season.
Have a wonderful, wet Wednesday. Stay dry if at all possible. Thursday's Date and Blog Linkage is looking pretty good... and you never know what else I might throw in the Randomness section. I'll have pictures from Roxie's doctor visit in the Gallery. (The amount of pictures will depend on how long I'm able to stay in the exam room with her without causing a scene.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Good Tuesday morning!
I've posted more Shower pics in the Gallery today... along with a step-by-step Pinwheel Sandwich tutorial. If I can make them, anyone can!
RANDOMNESS #1 - In yesterday's TRUE story, we left off with me having just thrown a very wet rag toward Mikie in the bathroom for him to hold on his forehead. (Not my finest moment, I must admit.)
It was Day Five of the Ten-Day Illness, and Mikie had cheated by starting a whole new set of symptoms... throwing up, etc., etc. (Some of the new symptoms seem inconsequential compared to the first one mentioned, so I won't specifically address those.)
When I arrived home at the end of Day Five, Mikie had assumed his position on the sofa. I poked and prodded him until he took a shower. I fixed the obligatory Ten-Day Illness meal... soup and cheese toast.
When he came back from his shower, he smiled weakly and said, "Only five days left."
For some reason, that totally infuriated me. "No," I said. "No. In the real world, you could actually feel better tomorrow. You never know. This could be the end of your illness. Things could be looking up for us. YOU ARE NOT EVEN TRYING!"
He shook his head, slightly patronizing, and said, "The next five days will fly by. You'll see."
"You've lost your job, haven't you? You don't have the will to get better because you know you don't have anywhere to go, and you are no longer able to support me in the manner in which I've become accustomed. You know. The two bedroom apartment/tiny kitchen/brown shag carpet 'manner.'"
Mikie just looked at me.
"And you know I'm not just talking anymore. When you go to sleep tonight, I'm going to hit you with the baseball bat."
Finally, he spoke. "I get this two or three times a year. It lasts ten days. No more, no less. I still have a job." Here's the kicker. "And if you were sick, I would not threaten to hit you with a baseball bat when you finally fell asleep after a miserable day of sitting on the couch watching TV, eating stale crackers and drinking flat Sprite. I just wouldn't."
I should have been totally ashamed. I should have become a better spouse then and there. However, all I heard of that little speech was the first sentence. "I get this two or three times a year."
"I thought you said you only got this twice a year. There's a chance you're going to get it three times a year? Are you kidding me?"
He wasn't. Mikie had his Ten-Day Illness two or three times a year until Roxie's first Christmas. He got sick five days before the big day... so on Day Six of the Ten-Day Illness he actually HAD to get up, shower, get dressed and have Christmas with his three kids... two of them being in the throes of Christmas hysteria (ages three and five) and one of them being brand-spankin' new.
Did he feel great that Christmas Day? No. He was weak and tired, and he napped off and on all day.
Did he get worse on Day Seven of the Ten-Day Illness? No. He was actually a little stronger, and felt a little better.
Has he had a Ten-Day Illness in the past 13 years? Nope. He cut it down to a Five-Day Illness... which he has once or twice every year.
Am I a better caregiver than I was 23 years ago? I would have to say, "Yes. Yes I am."
If Mikie answers that question differently, I may have to hit him with a baseball bat after he goes to sleep tonight.
RANDOMNESS #2 - Sorry. I went a little long finishing that sad, sad tale. I'll tell the story about Austin's first (and only) stitches tomorrow. I was a rock, I tell you! A rock!
Pinwheel Sandwiches
My Mom and I first made these for my MamMa's 90th Birthday Celebration in February. It's not rocket science, but new things tend to intimidate me. Fun fact for you... Anything I have to roll or stuff intimidates me. (Homemade cinnamon rolls, chicken cordon bleu, etc., etc.)
As you will see below, I have conquered my fear of Pinwheel Sandwiches!
You will need the following:
10 large flour tortillas
1 (8 ounce) container of whipped cream cheese
1/2 packet of dry Ranch Dressing
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or blend)
1 (16 ounce) package of ham or turkey sandwich meat
1 small package of spinach leaves
Wax paper
1. Mix dry Ranch Dressing and whipped cream cheese together.
2. On a tortilla, spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the entire surface.
3. Sprinkle a light amount of shredded cheese on top of cream cheese.
4. Place and slightly overlap four pieces of sandwich meat in the middle of the tortilla. (The sandwich meat should NOT touch the outer edge of the tortilla.)
5. Wash and place spinach leaves (6 to 8 depending on size) on the outer edge of the sandwich meat in a circle. (Be sure to tear off any stems attached to the spinach leaves.)
6. TIGHTLY roll the tortilla into a thin tube. You will need to "tuck" the meat and spinach leaves in as you roll. If you do not "tuck," the meat and leaves will be pushed to the edge of the tortilla. (That would be BAD.)
7. After you have made a very tight roll, place the pinwheel sandwich tube on a sheet of wax paper. Once again, you will TIGHTLY roll the wax paper around the sandwich tube. Twist the ends of the wax paper, and place it in the refrigerator.
8. The sandwich rolls need to be refrigerated at least 24 hours to set.
9. Prior to serving, unroll the tube from the wax paper and cut into 1/2" to 3/4" slices. Place the slices on wax paper side by side. You should be able to get 10 or 11 sandwiches per roll. When you fill a piece of wax paper, place a sheet of wax paper on top of the already cut sandwiches and start a second layer.
10. Seal and refrigerate until time to serve.
I know. Ten steps. It looks like too much, but believe me... it isn't.
Oh. I forgot to mention they are SO good! Even the kids love them. Spinach and all!
Have a blessed Tuesday. Wednesday I have some wisdom to bestow upon you. As always, it is from someone much wiser than The Enchanting Belinda. But you already knew that, didn't you? I also have an Easter tradition for you to try with your family this season. I will have another "Reason I'm Not in Nursing" story, more Randomness and some new pics to share, too.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I've posted more Shower pics in the Gallery today... along with a step-by-step Pinwheel Sandwich tutorial. If I can make them, anyone can!
RANDOMNESS #1 - In yesterday's TRUE story, we left off with me having just thrown a very wet rag toward Mikie in the bathroom for him to hold on his forehead. (Not my finest moment, I must admit.)
It was Day Five of the Ten-Day Illness, and Mikie had cheated by starting a whole new set of symptoms... throwing up, etc., etc. (Some of the new symptoms seem inconsequential compared to the first one mentioned, so I won't specifically address those.)
When I arrived home at the end of Day Five, Mikie had assumed his position on the sofa. I poked and prodded him until he took a shower. I fixed the obligatory Ten-Day Illness meal... soup and cheese toast.
When he came back from his shower, he smiled weakly and said, "Only five days left."
For some reason, that totally infuriated me. "No," I said. "No. In the real world, you could actually feel better tomorrow. You never know. This could be the end of your illness. Things could be looking up for us. YOU ARE NOT EVEN TRYING!"
He shook his head, slightly patronizing, and said, "The next five days will fly by. You'll see."
"You've lost your job, haven't you? You don't have the will to get better because you know you don't have anywhere to go, and you are no longer able to support me in the manner in which I've become accustomed. You know. The two bedroom apartment/tiny kitchen/brown shag carpet 'manner.'"
Mikie just looked at me.
"And you know I'm not just talking anymore. When you go to sleep tonight, I'm going to hit you with the baseball bat."
Finally, he spoke. "I get this two or three times a year. It lasts ten days. No more, no less. I still have a job." Here's the kicker. "And if you were sick, I would not threaten to hit you with a baseball bat when you finally fell asleep after a miserable day of sitting on the couch watching TV, eating stale crackers and drinking flat Sprite. I just wouldn't."
I should have been totally ashamed. I should have become a better spouse then and there. However, all I heard of that little speech was the first sentence. "I get this two or three times a year."
"I thought you said you only got this twice a year. There's a chance you're going to get it three times a year? Are you kidding me?"
He wasn't. Mikie had his Ten-Day Illness two or three times a year until Roxie's first Christmas. He got sick five days before the big day... so on Day Six of the Ten-Day Illness he actually HAD to get up, shower, get dressed and have Christmas with his three kids... two of them being in the throes of Christmas hysteria (ages three and five) and one of them being brand-spankin' new.
Did he feel great that Christmas Day? No. He was weak and tired, and he napped off and on all day.
Did he get worse on Day Seven of the Ten-Day Illness? No. He was actually a little stronger, and felt a little better.
Has he had a Ten-Day Illness in the past 13 years? Nope. He cut it down to a Five-Day Illness... which he has once or twice every year.
Am I a better caregiver than I was 23 years ago? I would have to say, "Yes. Yes I am."
If Mikie answers that question differently, I may have to hit him with a baseball bat after he goes to sleep tonight.
RANDOMNESS #2 - Sorry. I went a little long finishing that sad, sad tale. I'll tell the story about Austin's first (and only) stitches tomorrow. I was a rock, I tell you! A rock!
Pinwheel Sandwiches
My Mom and I first made these for my MamMa's 90th Birthday Celebration in February. It's not rocket science, but new things tend to intimidate me. Fun fact for you... Anything I have to roll or stuff intimidates me. (Homemade cinnamon rolls, chicken cordon bleu, etc., etc.)
As you will see below, I have conquered my fear of Pinwheel Sandwiches!
You will need the following:
10 large flour tortillas
1 (8 ounce) container of whipped cream cheese
1/2 packet of dry Ranch Dressing
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or blend)
1 (16 ounce) package of ham or turkey sandwich meat
1 small package of spinach leaves
Wax paper
1. Mix dry Ranch Dressing and whipped cream cheese together.
2. On a tortilla, spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the entire surface.
3. Sprinkle a light amount of shredded cheese on top of cream cheese.
4. Place and slightly overlap four pieces of sandwich meat in the middle of the tortilla. (The sandwich meat should NOT touch the outer edge of the tortilla.)
5. Wash and place spinach leaves (6 to 8 depending on size) on the outer edge of the sandwich meat in a circle. (Be sure to tear off any stems attached to the spinach leaves.)
6. TIGHTLY roll the tortilla into a thin tube. You will need to "tuck" the meat and spinach leaves in as you roll. If you do not "tuck," the meat and leaves will be pushed to the edge of the tortilla. (That would be BAD.)
7. After you have made a very tight roll, place the pinwheel sandwich tube on a sheet of wax paper. Once again, you will TIGHTLY roll the wax paper around the sandwich tube. Twist the ends of the wax paper, and place it in the refrigerator.
8. The sandwich rolls need to be refrigerated at least 24 hours to set.
9. Prior to serving, unroll the tube from the wax paper and cut into 1/2" to 3/4" slices. Place the slices on wax paper side by side. You should be able to get 10 or 11 sandwiches per roll. When you fill a piece of wax paper, place a sheet of wax paper on top of the already cut sandwiches and start a second layer.
10. Seal and refrigerate until time to serve.
I know. Ten steps. It looks like too much, but believe me... it isn't.
Oh. I forgot to mention they are SO good! Even the kids love them. Spinach and all!
Have a blessed Tuesday. Wednesday I have some wisdom to bestow upon you. As always, it is from someone much wiser than The Enchanting Belinda. But you already knew that, didn't you? I also have an Easter tradition for you to try with your family this season. I will have another "Reason I'm Not in Nursing" story, more Randomness and some new pics to share, too.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, April 18, 2011
Mindless Monday
Good Monday morning!
What a weekend! After spring storms Friday, the rest of the weekend was, in a word, "glorious." Cool, beautiful and spring-like. The Gallery Pics this morning begin and end with the Time of Day Shower I helped host for Cam's son and her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. To have gone so long with no showers taking place in my day-to-day life, I am so happy this season of life is going to be full of parties. That almost makes turning 50 worth it... almost!
RANDOMNESS #1 - In case you haven't heard, the Pioneer Woman will soon be cooking on a regular basis on the Food Network Channel. She's going to have her very own show. I'll let you know when it's going to air. I'm pretty sure I'll be adding it to my "must watch shows."
RANDOMNESS #2 - I left off Friday with Part One of a story about me and Mikie and how we survived his first illness as husband and wife. I guess I should say how HE survived his first illness with me as his wife and primary caretaker. NOTE - I was surprised to discover I was NOT a good primary caretaker. Mikie was a little shocked, too.
After he had informed me he would be sick TEN days (no more, no less), I couldn't help thinking days five through ten were in his head. There was no hard and set rule about being sick for ten days... no matter what. Sometimes people are sick just one or two days. I know. I'm one of them!
So as my role of loving new wife, I decided to give him five days. FIVE.
Every night I would come home. Every night he would be on the couch... wheezing and coughing.
Every night I would make him crawl to the shower. Every night I would make him soup and cheese toast.
Every night I would try to make him go to bed early. Every night he would tell me he was "tired, but not sleepy."
Every night I would try not to hit him with a baseball bat when he finally did drift off.
This is how I reacted to fever and a raging sinus infection. Little did I know, on Day Five of his Ten-Day Illness, Mikie usually started throwing up.
This was a test. Would I become more compassionate because my mate was huddled on the bathroom floor hugging the toilet... or less compassionate? I wasn't sure myself until it happened.
I'm not going to go into great detail because I know some of you eat breakfast while you read A Simple Life. However, Mikie is EXTREMELY loud when he is sick. I was getting ready to leave for work (since it appeared I was now the sole breadwinner of the family) when I heard a terrible scream and other sounds coming from what became that day "Mike's Bathroom."
I stood outside the door listening and cringing. "Are you okay?" I asked.
"No. I'm dying. I need a cold, wet rag," he replied.
I quickly ran to the other bathroom (which was named "Belinda's Bathroom" from that day forward), wet a rag and ran to the Mikie's bathroom.
"What do you want me to do with it?" I asked.
"I need it on my forehead," he instructed.
Hmmm. I had NO desire to walk in that bathroom, much less hold a wet rag on his forehead. This was a WHOLE different set of symptoms, and if only one of us was currently working, I didn't need a stomach virus. I had to bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan... You get the idea.
I cracked open the door, and tossed the very wet rag toward the horrible sounds. When I heard the "WHOP" sound, I knew I had found my target. I set out Sprite and crackers on the counter, checked with Mikie to see if he needed anything else before I left for work and I headed to the car.
In answer to the question I asked above, I was upset to find I was even less compassionate on Day Five of the Ten-Day Illness.
I'll finish this little story tomorrow, and I'll share another one with you to show you I've improved greatly over the years. The main reason I'm a better caregiver is because Mikie has shown by example over the years "how it's done."
I will say, 15 days into my marriage I was not enjoying the "self-discovery" portion of the journey. It was making me look bad. Real bad!
It's Mindless Monday, so enjoy the short post and the pics. I'll have the Pinwheel Sandwich recipe for you tomorrow (along with how-to pics), and a little more Randomness.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Tuesday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
What a weekend! After spring storms Friday, the rest of the weekend was, in a word, "glorious." Cool, beautiful and spring-like. The Gallery Pics this morning begin and end with the Time of Day Shower I helped host for Cam's son and her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. To have gone so long with no showers taking place in my day-to-day life, I am so happy this season of life is going to be full of parties. That almost makes turning 50 worth it... almost!
RANDOMNESS #1 - In case you haven't heard, the Pioneer Woman will soon be cooking on a regular basis on the Food Network Channel. She's going to have her very own show. I'll let you know when it's going to air. I'm pretty sure I'll be adding it to my "must watch shows."
RANDOMNESS #2 - I left off Friday with Part One of a story about me and Mikie and how we survived his first illness as husband and wife. I guess I should say how HE survived his first illness with me as his wife and primary caretaker. NOTE - I was surprised to discover I was NOT a good primary caretaker. Mikie was a little shocked, too.
After he had informed me he would be sick TEN days (no more, no less), I couldn't help thinking days five through ten were in his head. There was no hard and set rule about being sick for ten days... no matter what. Sometimes people are sick just one or two days. I know. I'm one of them!
So as my role of loving new wife, I decided to give him five days. FIVE.
Every night I would come home. Every night he would be on the couch... wheezing and coughing.
Every night I would make him crawl to the shower. Every night I would make him soup and cheese toast.
Every night I would try to make him go to bed early. Every night he would tell me he was "tired, but not sleepy."
Every night I would try not to hit him with a baseball bat when he finally did drift off.
This is how I reacted to fever and a raging sinus infection. Little did I know, on Day Five of his Ten-Day Illness, Mikie usually started throwing up.
This was a test. Would I become more compassionate because my mate was huddled on the bathroom floor hugging the toilet... or less compassionate? I wasn't sure myself until it happened.
I'm not going to go into great detail because I know some of you eat breakfast while you read A Simple Life. However, Mikie is EXTREMELY loud when he is sick. I was getting ready to leave for work (since it appeared I was now the sole breadwinner of the family) when I heard a terrible scream and other sounds coming from what became that day "Mike's Bathroom."
I stood outside the door listening and cringing. "Are you okay?" I asked.
"No. I'm dying. I need a cold, wet rag," he replied.
I quickly ran to the other bathroom (which was named "Belinda's Bathroom" from that day forward), wet a rag and ran to the Mikie's bathroom.
"What do you want me to do with it?" I asked.
"I need it on my forehead," he instructed.
Hmmm. I had NO desire to walk in that bathroom, much less hold a wet rag on his forehead. This was a WHOLE different set of symptoms, and if only one of us was currently working, I didn't need a stomach virus. I had to bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan... You get the idea.
I cracked open the door, and tossed the very wet rag toward the horrible sounds. When I heard the "WHOP" sound, I knew I had found my target. I set out Sprite and crackers on the counter, checked with Mikie to see if he needed anything else before I left for work and I headed to the car.
In answer to the question I asked above, I was upset to find I was even less compassionate on Day Five of the Ten-Day Illness.
I'll finish this little story tomorrow, and I'll share another one with you to show you I've improved greatly over the years. The main reason I'm a better caregiver is because Mikie has shown by example over the years "how it's done."
I will say, 15 days into my marriage I was not enjoying the "self-discovery" portion of the journey. It was making me look bad. Real bad!
It's Mindless Monday, so enjoy the short post and the pics. I'll have the Pinwheel Sandwich recipe for you tomorrow (along with how-to pics), and a little more Randomness.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Tuesday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, April 15, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I have a pic of some of Roxie's tennis buds in the Gallery today, and two more Morris Avenue shots. Although Roxie likes most sports which involve a ball, tennis isn't her thing. However, she doesn't mind watching her friends play.
RANDOMNESS #1 - CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! The winner of the Butt Naked Candle Contest from Yucatan Trading is... DAWN! Dawn, I'll be going to Bluff Park the middle of next week, so by next weekend your house is going to be smelling good! Congratulations... and thanks to everyone who entered.
Don't worry. There may be another Candle Contest in the future.
RANDOMNESS #2 - DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! If you have a chance this weekend to see Soul Surfer with your family, please do so. It's a great "faith-based" movie. (NOTE - I took kids 13 years and older. This may not be a movie for smaller kids because of the shark attack, so if you have a younger family, you may want to see it with your spouse before taking the kiddos.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Many people KNOW what they are supposed to "be when they grow up" at a very early age. I knew I was supposed to work with young children. Of course, I veered off course a little, but that's a different story... and it involves a pigeon.
Because of my love of EVERYTHING preschool, I have ALWAYS known I was not "nurse" material. ALWAYS.
Today, Tuesday and Wednesday, I'll be sharing a few stories which support the above fact.
I knew Mikie over three years before we became a couple. In those three years, I vaguely recall Mike being ill every now and again. When we began dating, became engaged and then married in less than a year, the fact he had been sick a couple of times a year during our friendship was not a huge concern... for him or me.
Soon after we became husband and wife, Mikie became ill. In fact, the day after we returned home from our honeymoon, he woke up with a horrible sinus infection. He couldn't breathe. He had a fever. He was achy. (He was more than a little whiny.)
While he stayed home to recuperate, I went to work. I called to check on him a couple of times during the day, and he sounded horrible. I felt sorry for him, and I planned on feeding him chicken noodle soup and hydrating him as soon as I returned home.
When I walked through the door later that evening, he was on the sofa. He had obviously not moved ALL day long except to eat and drink a little. He looked miserable... and unshaven... and unshowered.
I asked him how he felt, and he told me something that would haunt me for the next five years of our marriage. "I'll be okay. When I get this it lasts ten days... so one down and nine to go."
"What do you mean this lasts ten days? Why does it have to last ten days? Why can't you take some kind of medicine to knock it out in two or three days?" I asked.
"I do take medicine... and it takes ten days for me to feel better."
"Does that mean you're off work for ten days... not counting weekends?" I asked again.
"Yes. Yes, it does."
"How often does this happen?" I was not liking this illness AT ALL.
"Twice a year, every year," he replied.
Hmmm. Twenty days out of 365 days. Hmmm. Every year until "death do us part." Hmmm.
"Okay. Well, I think you would feel better if you had a nice, hot shower," I said, as I threw back the blankets. "Come on. Let's get you well."
"No. No. I'm too weak." Wheeze, wheeze, cough, cough.
"You have got to wash some of those germs off. We're going to try to shave off a few days of your 'ten-day illness.' Let's try to get it down to five days, shall we?" I was using my matter-of-fact, business-like voice. It was very annoying... even to me.
While Mikie crawled to the shower, I made chicken noodle soup and cheese toast. When he crawled back into the living room, he was clean, but much, much weaker. He ate a little, took a little medicine and sat on the couch... very, very sick.
Around 8:00 that night, I made a suggestion. "Why don't you go ahead and go to bed? Extra sleep should help you feel better sooner, too."
He then said the six words I was destined to hear over and over again during our marriage... "I'm tired, but I'm not sleepy."
"What does that mean? If you're tired, you can sleep."
"No. I have to be sleepy AND tired to sleep."
Who was this man I had been married to for ten days? Had I ever even met him? Was I going to have to go the Young Married Sunday School Class by myself for the first time EVER? Did I have any compassion in my body? It appeared I did not. I have to admit, I was a little surprised... and worried.
Mikie later admitted he was asking himself some of the same questions. Who is this woman I have been married to for ten days? Does she have an ounce of compassion in her body? Will she be able to be the mother of my children? Children get sick. Will she take care of them, or insist a nice, hot shower will cure them of all their ills? What is wrong with her?
The story continues... but not today. Be assured, Mikie survived... but just barely. I'll finish next week.
Weekend Happenings
It's another weekend of here, there and everywhere for the Faulkner Five. Austin is staying in Jacksonville for the A-Day Game Friday night (unless it is cancelled because of weather). If it is cancelled because of weather, he may still stay in Jacksonville because it will be safer than traveling.
Josh was supposed to sing at the Magnolia Festival tonight... cancelled. Roxie was supposed to spend the night with her grandmother tonight... might be cancelled. I'm pretty sure Friday is going to be a weather-watching day and night.
However, James Spann said the remainder of the weekend in our great state was going to be cool and beautiful.
For Roxie, this means she gets to go to Alabama's A-Day Game.
For Josh, this means he gets to go to a biology study session at UAB and the high school production of Grease Saturday night.
For Austin, this means he gets to come home!
Sunday at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) has everyone home, but me. For the first time in over 20 years, I'm helping host a shower for a friend's child who is getting married. I am so excited. I miss showers, and one of the few good things about kids becoming adults is they get engaged, get married and have babies. I liked that season of life when I was in my 20s and early 30s. I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it again!
We have a late Sunday night Faulkner Family Nerf War planned. This will be a good one because there are going to be prizes. Really good prizes. Can you say Cadbury Eggs... all flavors? The stakes just went up!
Have a safe weekend. Spend time with family and friends. Date one of your kids. Date your spouse. Make some memories!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I have a pic of some of Roxie's tennis buds in the Gallery today, and two more Morris Avenue shots. Although Roxie likes most sports which involve a ball, tennis isn't her thing. However, she doesn't mind watching her friends play.
RANDOMNESS #1 - CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! The winner of the Butt Naked Candle Contest from Yucatan Trading is... DAWN! Dawn, I'll be going to Bluff Park the middle of next week, so by next weekend your house is going to be smelling good! Congratulations... and thanks to everyone who entered.
Don't worry. There may be another Candle Contest in the future.
RANDOMNESS #2 - DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! If you have a chance this weekend to see Soul Surfer with your family, please do so. It's a great "faith-based" movie. (NOTE - I took kids 13 years and older. This may not be a movie for smaller kids because of the shark attack, so if you have a younger family, you may want to see it with your spouse before taking the kiddos.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Many people KNOW what they are supposed to "be when they grow up" at a very early age. I knew I was supposed to work with young children. Of course, I veered off course a little, but that's a different story... and it involves a pigeon.
Because of my love of EVERYTHING preschool, I have ALWAYS known I was not "nurse" material. ALWAYS.
Today, Tuesday and Wednesday, I'll be sharing a few stories which support the above fact.
I knew Mikie over three years before we became a couple. In those three years, I vaguely recall Mike being ill every now and again. When we began dating, became engaged and then married in less than a year, the fact he had been sick a couple of times a year during our friendship was not a huge concern... for him or me.
Soon after we became husband and wife, Mikie became ill. In fact, the day after we returned home from our honeymoon, he woke up with a horrible sinus infection. He couldn't breathe. He had a fever. He was achy. (He was more than a little whiny.)
While he stayed home to recuperate, I went to work. I called to check on him a couple of times during the day, and he sounded horrible. I felt sorry for him, and I planned on feeding him chicken noodle soup and hydrating him as soon as I returned home.
When I walked through the door later that evening, he was on the sofa. He had obviously not moved ALL day long except to eat and drink a little. He looked miserable... and unshaven... and unshowered.
I asked him how he felt, and he told me something that would haunt me for the next five years of our marriage. "I'll be okay. When I get this it lasts ten days... so one down and nine to go."
"What do you mean this lasts ten days? Why does it have to last ten days? Why can't you take some kind of medicine to knock it out in two or three days?" I asked.
"I do take medicine... and it takes ten days for me to feel better."
"Does that mean you're off work for ten days... not counting weekends?" I asked again.
"Yes. Yes, it does."
"How often does this happen?" I was not liking this illness AT ALL.
"Twice a year, every year," he replied.
Hmmm. Twenty days out of 365 days. Hmmm. Every year until "death do us part." Hmmm.
"Okay. Well, I think you would feel better if you had a nice, hot shower," I said, as I threw back the blankets. "Come on. Let's get you well."
"No. No. I'm too weak." Wheeze, wheeze, cough, cough.
"You have got to wash some of those germs off. We're going to try to shave off a few days of your 'ten-day illness.' Let's try to get it down to five days, shall we?" I was using my matter-of-fact, business-like voice. It was very annoying... even to me.
While Mikie crawled to the shower, I made chicken noodle soup and cheese toast. When he crawled back into the living room, he was clean, but much, much weaker. He ate a little, took a little medicine and sat on the couch... very, very sick.
Around 8:00 that night, I made a suggestion. "Why don't you go ahead and go to bed? Extra sleep should help you feel better sooner, too."
He then said the six words I was destined to hear over and over again during our marriage... "I'm tired, but I'm not sleepy."
"What does that mean? If you're tired, you can sleep."
"No. I have to be sleepy AND tired to sleep."
Who was this man I had been married to for ten days? Had I ever even met him? Was I going to have to go the Young Married Sunday School Class by myself for the first time EVER? Did I have any compassion in my body? It appeared I did not. I have to admit, I was a little surprised... and worried.
Mikie later admitted he was asking himself some of the same questions. Who is this woman I have been married to for ten days? Does she have an ounce of compassion in her body? Will she be able to be the mother of my children? Children get sick. Will she take care of them, or insist a nice, hot shower will cure them of all their ills? What is wrong with her?
The story continues... but not today. Be assured, Mikie survived... but just barely. I'll finish next week.
Weekend Happenings
It's another weekend of here, there and everywhere for the Faulkner Five. Austin is staying in Jacksonville for the A-Day Game Friday night (unless it is cancelled because of weather). If it is cancelled because of weather, he may still stay in Jacksonville because it will be safer than traveling.
Josh was supposed to sing at the Magnolia Festival tonight... cancelled. Roxie was supposed to spend the night with her grandmother tonight... might be cancelled. I'm pretty sure Friday is going to be a weather-watching day and night.
However, James Spann said the remainder of the weekend in our great state was going to be cool and beautiful.
For Roxie, this means she gets to go to Alabama's A-Day Game.
For Josh, this means he gets to go to a biology study session at UAB and the high school production of Grease Saturday night.
For Austin, this means he gets to come home!
Sunday at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) has everyone home, but me. For the first time in over 20 years, I'm helping host a shower for a friend's child who is getting married. I am so excited. I miss showers, and one of the few good things about kids becoming adults is they get engaged, get married and have babies. I liked that season of life when I was in my 20s and early 30s. I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it again!
We have a late Sunday night Faulkner Family Nerf War planned. This will be a good one because there are going to be prizes. Really good prizes. Can you say Cadbury Eggs... all flavors? The stakes just went up!
Have a safe weekend. Spend time with family and friends. Date one of your kids. Date your spouse. Make some memories!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Easter Sound, Light and Water Show Date
Good Thursday morning!
Well, Sparkle made it into the Gallery this week. Hopefully, things will begin picking up "excitement-wise" at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) in the next day or so... but don't hold your breath.
RANDOMNESS #1 - CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! I greatly underestimated the number of people who really, really want a Butt Naked Candle. The list continued to grow in the Comment Section AND Facebook until 11:30 last night.
I will be purchasing two Butt Naked candles next week from Yucatan Trading in Bluff Park... one for me and one for the WINNER of this contest. The scent is non-negotiable. Believe it or not, it is wonderful. (NOTE - The name of the candle does not appear anywhere ON the candle. That makes it even more perfect.)
All you have to do is leave your name in the Comment Section. Put the word "CANDLE" somewhere in the comment. This is a short contest. Today is the last day to enter. (The contest ends midnight, Thursday, April 14.)
I will be drawing the name of the winner Friday morning. Go ahead. You know you want that candle!
ANOTHER NOTE - You can also enter via e-mail and Facebook.
RANDOMNESS #2 - My "sweet" friend, Jonella, sent the following to me yesterday. It is very... Hmmm. What's the word? Timely! That's it. Timely!
RULES OF CHOCOLATE EASTER EGGS
1. If you get melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.
2. Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
3. Diet tip - Eat a chocolate Easter egg before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite, and that way you'll eat less.
4. If you cannot eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate, what's wrong with you? (That's a very good question.)
5. If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves. (Oh, if only this were true.)
6. Money talks. Chocolate sings. (Hallelujah!)
7. Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger. (I should look 13 years-old.)
8. The problem - How to get two pounds of chocolate eggs home from the store in a hot car. The solution - If you eat them now, they won't melt. (I love creative problem-solving.)
9. Why is there no such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous? Because no one wants to quit. (Amen, and AMEN!)
Blog Linkage - Okay. I've got crafty linkage and "tug at your heartstrings" linkage. Take your pick!
1. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and scroll down to the post entitled "You Gotta See This" dated April 8. I liked everything, but ESPECIALLY the Rice Krispie/Peep bars. Easy, festive and delicious.
2. Since you are already there, scroll UP to the post entitled "Bunny Tails" dated April 13. Oh, to have preschoolers again. I would totally send a bag of Bunny Tails to my child's class.
3. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com and scroll down to the post entitled "The Elsa Questions" dated April 13. This is the family of five who recently (very recently) adopted a three year-old girl from Ethiopia. The mom answers a ton of questions about how Miss Elsa is doing these days. Sweet, sweet family.
4. I saved the best for last, I think. Please go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and click on "Photography" at the top of her page. The assignment was simply called "Brothers." Enjoy all of these beautiful pictures. If you're a "Boy Mama," expect to be a little emotional here and there. Also, if the Pioneer Woman tells you to click on the picture to read the caption... click on the picture to read the caption. Trust me.
Enjoy!
Easter Sound, Light and Water Show Date
I have not taken a child to DeSoto Caverns for this event, but it does sound fun. More importantly, it tells the story of Jesus' life, death and resurrection in a different way.
The Childersburg Easter Sound, Light and Water Show will be held at DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park, April 11 through April 24. This special show commemorates the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The show is presented on every hour long cavern tour.
For more information call 256-378-7252 or visit their website at www.desotocavernspark.com.
Admission will be charged. Desoto Caverns is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Think of all the one-on-one conversation time you would have with your child... talking about anything and everything on the drive to DeSoto Caverns, and talking about the true meaning of Easter on your way home. Priceless!
Have a great Thursday. Don't forget to enter the Candle Contest. The winner will be announced in the morning.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Friday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Well, Sparkle made it into the Gallery this week. Hopefully, things will begin picking up "excitement-wise" at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) in the next day or so... but don't hold your breath.
RANDOMNESS #1 - CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! I greatly underestimated the number of people who really, really want a Butt Naked Candle. The list continued to grow in the Comment Section AND Facebook until 11:30 last night.
I will be purchasing two Butt Naked candles next week from Yucatan Trading in Bluff Park... one for me and one for the WINNER of this contest. The scent is non-negotiable. Believe it or not, it is wonderful. (NOTE - The name of the candle does not appear anywhere ON the candle. That makes it even more perfect.)
All you have to do is leave your name in the Comment Section. Put the word "CANDLE" somewhere in the comment. This is a short contest. Today is the last day to enter. (The contest ends midnight, Thursday, April 14.)
I will be drawing the name of the winner Friday morning. Go ahead. You know you want that candle!
ANOTHER NOTE - You can also enter via e-mail and Facebook.
RANDOMNESS #2 - My "sweet" friend, Jonella, sent the following to me yesterday. It is very... Hmmm. What's the word? Timely! That's it. Timely!
RULES OF CHOCOLATE EASTER EGGS
1. If you get melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.
2. Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
3. Diet tip - Eat a chocolate Easter egg before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite, and that way you'll eat less.
4. If you cannot eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate, what's wrong with you? (That's a very good question.)
5. If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves. (Oh, if only this were true.)
6. Money talks. Chocolate sings. (Hallelujah!)
7. Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger. (I should look 13 years-old.)
8. The problem - How to get two pounds of chocolate eggs home from the store in a hot car. The solution - If you eat them now, they won't melt. (I love creative problem-solving.)
9. Why is there no such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous? Because no one wants to quit. (Amen, and AMEN!)
Blog Linkage - Okay. I've got crafty linkage and "tug at your heartstrings" linkage. Take your pick!
1. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and scroll down to the post entitled "You Gotta See This" dated April 8. I liked everything, but ESPECIALLY the Rice Krispie/Peep bars. Easy, festive and delicious.
2. Since you are already there, scroll UP to the post entitled "Bunny Tails" dated April 13. Oh, to have preschoolers again. I would totally send a bag of Bunny Tails to my child's class.
3. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com and scroll down to the post entitled "The Elsa Questions" dated April 13. This is the family of five who recently (very recently) adopted a three year-old girl from Ethiopia. The mom answers a ton of questions about how Miss Elsa is doing these days. Sweet, sweet family.
4. I saved the best for last, I think. Please go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and click on "Photography" at the top of her page. The assignment was simply called "Brothers." Enjoy all of these beautiful pictures. If you're a "Boy Mama," expect to be a little emotional here and there. Also, if the Pioneer Woman tells you to click on the picture to read the caption... click on the picture to read the caption. Trust me.
Enjoy!
Easter Sound, Light and Water Show Date
I have not taken a child to DeSoto Caverns for this event, but it does sound fun. More importantly, it tells the story of Jesus' life, death and resurrection in a different way.
The Childersburg Easter Sound, Light and Water Show will be held at DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park, April 11 through April 24. This special show commemorates the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The show is presented on every hour long cavern tour.
For more information call 256-378-7252 or visit their website at www.desotocavernspark.com.
Admission will be charged. Desoto Caverns is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Think of all the one-on-one conversation time you would have with your child... talking about anything and everything on the drive to DeSoto Caverns, and talking about the true meaning of Easter on your way home. Priceless!
Have a great Thursday. Don't forget to enter the Candle Contest. The winner will be announced in the morning.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Friday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Easter Nature Walk
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pic is not of the beagles as planned, but Josh... leaving for school wearing A TUX! He had choir competition this morning, and he looked marvelous. He's the second Faulkner male to wear a tux this week. Austin had a symphony concert Monday evening. I may make Mikie wear his tux to breakfast Saturday morning. I love my guys in the penguin suit!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Contest! Contest! Contest! Does anyone out there want a new candle from Yucatan Trading? I will be purchasing said candle next week. The scent is non-negotiable. It is called Butt Naked, and it is wonderful. (NOTE - The name of the candle does not appear anywhere ON the candle. That makes it even more perfect.)
All you have to do is leave your name in the Comment Section. Put the word "CANDLE" somewhere in the comment. This is a short contest. You only have today and tomorrow to enter. (The contest ends midnight, Thursday, April 14.)
I will be drawing the name of the winner Friday morning. Go ahead. You know you want that candle!
ANOTHER NOTE - You can also enter via e-mail and Facebook.
RANDOMNESS #2 - In case you missed it, I borrowed Martha Stewart's Party-Planning Guide yesterday, and posted half of it for everyone's benefit. As promised, here is the last half.
4 Days Before:
Purchase all remaining nonperishables.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "I can purchase them, but because of the amount of roaming and hungry teenagers, I will also have to hide them."
2 Days Before:
Wash serving pieces, plates, flatware and glasses.
If using cloth napkins or tablecloths, iron them.
Place frozen food in the refrigerator to defrost overnight.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "Okay. I can TOTALLY skip '2 Days Before.' As previously stated, I'm borrowing paper products from a unsuspecting neighbor... and it seems a shame to use cloth napkins and tablecloths with paper products. Since I opted for a potluck, I didn't freeze anything because everyone else will be supplying most of the food. I admit it. I am a genius."
1 Day Before:
Purchase any perishables, such as salad greens and fresh bread.
Pick up fresh flowers.
Assemble any foods that can be made in advance.
Wash and prepare salad greens and other vegetables.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "It's time to send the teenagers away for the weekend. If I don't, there will not be any bread or assembled food in the house the day of the party. I like the idea of fresh flowers. I will use Gerber daisies, I think. Yes. Definitely Gerber daisies."
4 to 7 Hours Before:
Place flower arrangements.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "I will place the daisies right in the middle of the table surrounded by tons of brightly colored paper products."
Up to 1 Hour Before:
Finish preparing food.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "When does Martha get dolled up for the party? Hmmm. That's a pretty important piece of information left off the ol' timeline. I'm thinking I might hop in the shower right after I strategically place the flower arrangement."
Again, this is all very good advice, and I've put a copy of this Guide with the my cookbooks to keep for reference. As with all things "Martha," this list is another "good thing."
RANDOMNESS #3 - If you have time and want more Easter ideas, be sure to click on March and April in the 2009 and 2010 Archives on my sidebar. You might find something you could use.
Wednesday Wisdom - I just saw Katie Couric on The Today Show, and she has a new book out about Good Advice. I decided to see what I could find on the subject.
“If you have a lot of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle: 'Take two aspirin' and 'Keep away from children.'" Anonymous (Brilliant!)
"A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones who need the advice.” Bill Cosby (Again... Brilliant!)
“Give advice to your children while they're young enough to believe you know what you're talking about.” Anonymous
“Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that's no reason not to give it.”
Agatha Christie (She sounds like a good mother.)
Easter Nature Walk
Go on a walk in your neighborhood and have an Easter "nature" hunt.
Give each child a colored paper bag to decorate with crayons, stickers and markers. When the bags are decorated, lead the children through the neighborhood and let them gather anything that interests them.
When you arrive home, sit down in a circle with the kids and have them empty the contents of their bags in front of them.
Ask for the following items, and as the children put the item in the middle of the circle, tell them why it is significant to the Easter story.
"Did anyone find a branch?" The week before His crucifixion as Christ entered the city, the people waved branches from palm trees welcoming Him.
"Did anyone find a piece of wood?" Jesus' cross was made from wood.
"Did anyone find something prickly?" His crown was made of thorns.
"Did anyone find something that is no longer alive?" Jesus did die on the cross.
"Did anyone find anything dark in color?" Pick up three "dark" things and talk about the three days of darkness following the crucifixion. Light could not be found following His death.
"Did anyone find a stone?" There was a huge stone at the opening of the grave of Jesus that the angel removed.
"Did anyone find something living." This reminds us that Jesus Christ died, was resurrected and He lives today.
NOTE - Since you want the children to collect anything and everything that interests them, make sure you have at least one item in YOUR bag to represent the Easter story told above. A child might not pick up a prickly object or a dead object, etc.
ANOTHER NOTE - This would be a great time to read The Three Trees to your little circle of friends. Pass out a treat and a juice box for them to nibble on while you read the book.
End your Easter Nature Walk with a prayer thanking God for the amazing gift of his Son.
Have a lovely Wednesday. Enter the contest. Encourage someone. Come back tomorrow. (Have I ever been so bossy before? Yes. Yes, I have.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting (But Bossy) Belinda
The Gallery Pic is not of the beagles as planned, but Josh... leaving for school wearing A TUX! He had choir competition this morning, and he looked marvelous. He's the second Faulkner male to wear a tux this week. Austin had a symphony concert Monday evening. I may make Mikie wear his tux to breakfast Saturday morning. I love my guys in the penguin suit!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Contest! Contest! Contest! Does anyone out there want a new candle from Yucatan Trading? I will be purchasing said candle next week. The scent is non-negotiable. It is called Butt Naked, and it is wonderful. (NOTE - The name of the candle does not appear anywhere ON the candle. That makes it even more perfect.)
All you have to do is leave your name in the Comment Section. Put the word "CANDLE" somewhere in the comment. This is a short contest. You only have today and tomorrow to enter. (The contest ends midnight, Thursday, April 14.)
I will be drawing the name of the winner Friday morning. Go ahead. You know you want that candle!
ANOTHER NOTE - You can also enter via e-mail and Facebook.
RANDOMNESS #2 - In case you missed it, I borrowed Martha Stewart's Party-Planning Guide yesterday, and posted half of it for everyone's benefit. As promised, here is the last half.
4 Days Before:
Purchase all remaining nonperishables.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "I can purchase them, but because of the amount of roaming and hungry teenagers, I will also have to hide them."
2 Days Before:
Wash serving pieces, plates, flatware and glasses.
If using cloth napkins or tablecloths, iron them.
Place frozen food in the refrigerator to defrost overnight.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "Okay. I can TOTALLY skip '2 Days Before.' As previously stated, I'm borrowing paper products from a unsuspecting neighbor... and it seems a shame to use cloth napkins and tablecloths with paper products. Since I opted for a potluck, I didn't freeze anything because everyone else will be supplying most of the food. I admit it. I am a genius."
1 Day Before:
Purchase any perishables, such as salad greens and fresh bread.
Pick up fresh flowers.
Assemble any foods that can be made in advance.
Wash and prepare salad greens and other vegetables.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "It's time to send the teenagers away for the weekend. If I don't, there will not be any bread or assembled food in the house the day of the party. I like the idea of fresh flowers. I will use Gerber daisies, I think. Yes. Definitely Gerber daisies."
4 to 7 Hours Before:
Place flower arrangements.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "I will place the daisies right in the middle of the table surrounded by tons of brightly colored paper products."
Up to 1 Hour Before:
Finish preparing food.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "When does Martha get dolled up for the party? Hmmm. That's a pretty important piece of information left off the ol' timeline. I'm thinking I might hop in the shower right after I strategically place the flower arrangement."
Again, this is all very good advice, and I've put a copy of this Guide with the my cookbooks to keep for reference. As with all things "Martha," this list is another "good thing."
RANDOMNESS #3 - If you have time and want more Easter ideas, be sure to click on March and April in the 2009 and 2010 Archives on my sidebar. You might find something you could use.
Wednesday Wisdom - I just saw Katie Couric on The Today Show, and she has a new book out about Good Advice. I decided to see what I could find on the subject.
“If you have a lot of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle: 'Take two aspirin' and 'Keep away from children.'" Anonymous (Brilliant!)
"A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones who need the advice.” Bill Cosby (Again... Brilliant!)
“Give advice to your children while they're young enough to believe you know what you're talking about.” Anonymous
“Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that's no reason not to give it.”
Agatha Christie (She sounds like a good mother.)
Easter Nature Walk
Go on a walk in your neighborhood and have an Easter "nature" hunt.
Give each child a colored paper bag to decorate with crayons, stickers and markers. When the bags are decorated, lead the children through the neighborhood and let them gather anything that interests them.
When you arrive home, sit down in a circle with the kids and have them empty the contents of their bags in front of them.
Ask for the following items, and as the children put the item in the middle of the circle, tell them why it is significant to the Easter story.
"Did anyone find a branch?" The week before His crucifixion as Christ entered the city, the people waved branches from palm trees welcoming Him.
"Did anyone find a piece of wood?" Jesus' cross was made from wood.
"Did anyone find something prickly?" His crown was made of thorns.
"Did anyone find something that is no longer alive?" Jesus did die on the cross.
"Did anyone find anything dark in color?" Pick up three "dark" things and talk about the three days of darkness following the crucifixion. Light could not be found following His death.
"Did anyone find a stone?" There was a huge stone at the opening of the grave of Jesus that the angel removed.
"Did anyone find something living." This reminds us that Jesus Christ died, was resurrected and He lives today.
NOTE - Since you want the children to collect anything and everything that interests them, make sure you have at least one item in YOUR bag to represent the Easter story told above. A child might not pick up a prickly object or a dead object, etc.
ANOTHER NOTE - This would be a great time to read The Three Trees to your little circle of friends. Pass out a treat and a juice box for them to nibble on while you read the book.
End your Easter Nature Walk with a prayer thanking God for the amazing gift of his Son.
Have a lovely Wednesday. Enter the contest. Encourage someone. Come back tomorrow. (Have I ever been so bossy before? Yes. Yes, I have.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting (But Bossy) Belinda
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Easy Breezy Beef Stew
Good Tuesday morning!
I've added a couple more pics of Roxie and friend in the Gallery. I have over 100 left over from Saturday, but I promise I'll take beagle photos this afternoon to give you something different to look forward to tomorrow!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Tune in tomorrow. I'm announcing a new contest, and you will definitely want to be a part of this one. My wonderful Cranberry Spice candle from Yucatan Trading is almost gone. That means I will be making the trek to Bluff Park sometime next week to purchase a new candle. A Butt Naked candle. And for one of you lucky readers of A Simple Life, I'll be giving away a second Butt Naked candle I plan on purchasing while at the store.
You may think you do not want a candle named Butt Naked... but you would be so wrong.
I'll have the rules posted tomorrow.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I found a Martha Stewart Party-Planning Guide this morning. I thought it was pretty interesting. She never ceases to amaze me... in a good way. I'll share some of it with you today.
1 Month Before:
Choose the type of party you want to throw.
Set the date.
Prepare your guest list.
Mail or e-mail invitations, or call guests to invite them.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "Okay. The above is very doable for me. I like planning a month ahead. I could easily do the '1 Month Before' part. Just call me 'Martha.'"
3 Weeks Before:
Choose the menu. Organize recipes for easy reference.
Create a timeline for preparing your chosen recipes.
Read through recipes and make lists of the ingredients you need to buy.
Try out any new recipes you want to troubleshoot.
Prepare any items that can be frozen.
Arrange to borrow, rent or buy serving pieces and other items you might need.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "All righty. I can definitely choose the menu. No problem there. I can also eliminate the 'troubleshooting' part of the above by using my already vast knowledge of tried and true recipes I've made over the years. I can also borrow paper plates, etc. from one of my neighbors one hour before the party. Been there, done that."
2 Weeks Before:
If you're throwing a potluck, let guests know what to make.
Practice setting your table.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "Uh, yeah. We're having a potluck. I can totally notify the guests. I may or may not practice setting my table. Wait. We all know I will NOT practice setting my table. I've cut down on this part of the process considerably."
1 Week Before:
Call or e-mail guests who have not RSVP'd to see if they plan to attend.
Make space in refrigerator so you'll have room to store groceries.
Prepare recipes that keep well up to a week.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "I have foraging teenagers living in my house. Nothing keeps well up to a week. I barely have time to get it off the stove top or out of the microwave. This could present a problem."
I'll post the rest of the Guide tomorrow. Just so you know, I am keeping this with my cookbooks, because (even though I'm poking a little fun) it really is a very useful organization tool.
And that's why I'm here. To borrow ideas from others to make your life (and mine) more SIMPLE!
Easy Breezy Beef Stew
I decided to make beef stew for last Sunday's lunch. I THOUGHT I had the stew meat, the beef stew seasoning packet, carrots, potatoes, extra gravy, etc., etc.
However, on Saturday night as I was throwing everything into the slow cooker, I couldn't find the gravy OR the seasoning packet. Hmmm. I could very well have left that bag at the grocery store.
I was already extremely comfortable in my pajamas, and I had no desire to make a Wal-Mart run... or to ask Mikie to make a Wal-Mart run. I decided to raid the pantry.
I found a package of Bear Creek Vegetable Beef Soup Mix. After reading the back of the package, I discovered a beef stew recipe. Eureka! But it wasn't a slow cooker recipe. Sadness!
I decided to experiment, and since 35 percent of all of my cooking experiments succeed, I was very hopeful. Guess what? I can now say 36 percent of my cooking experiments succeed!
You will need the following:
1 to 1 1/2 pounds stew meat
1 package Bear Creek Vegetable Beef Soup Mix
6 cups water
1 handful of baby carrots (optional)
1 container of fresh mushrooms, washed (optional)
1 yellow onion (peeled, but still whole)
1. Add all of the above in the slow cooker.
2. Cook overnight on Low Setting. (I started the slow cooker at 11:00 p.m. and turned it to warm at 6:00 a.m. It was just right.)
3. Serve with cornbread, salad, Milo's Sweet Tea, etc.
It was very good. The package instructions tell you to add 8 cups of water. While the 6 cups of water made a thick stew, if you want the gravy a little thin, you can add up to 8 cups.
An easier Sunday dinner has yet to be made. Enjoy!
Have a terrific Tuesday. It is so beautiful in Central Alabama today. I have a bunch of Easter ideas to share tomorrow and Thursday, so don't forget to visit if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I've added a couple more pics of Roxie and friend in the Gallery. I have over 100 left over from Saturday, but I promise I'll take beagle photos this afternoon to give you something different to look forward to tomorrow!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Tune in tomorrow. I'm announcing a new contest, and you will definitely want to be a part of this one. My wonderful Cranberry Spice candle from Yucatan Trading is almost gone. That means I will be making the trek to Bluff Park sometime next week to purchase a new candle. A Butt Naked candle. And for one of you lucky readers of A Simple Life, I'll be giving away a second Butt Naked candle I plan on purchasing while at the store.
You may think you do not want a candle named Butt Naked... but you would be so wrong.
I'll have the rules posted tomorrow.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I found a Martha Stewart Party-Planning Guide this morning. I thought it was pretty interesting. She never ceases to amaze me... in a good way. I'll share some of it with you today.
1 Month Before:
Choose the type of party you want to throw.
Set the date.
Prepare your guest list.
Mail or e-mail invitations, or call guests to invite them.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "Okay. The above is very doable for me. I like planning a month ahead. I could easily do the '1 Month Before' part. Just call me 'Martha.'"
3 Weeks Before:
Choose the menu. Organize recipes for easy reference.
Create a timeline for preparing your chosen recipes.
Read through recipes and make lists of the ingredients you need to buy.
Try out any new recipes you want to troubleshoot.
Prepare any items that can be frozen.
Arrange to borrow, rent or buy serving pieces and other items you might need.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "All righty. I can definitely choose the menu. No problem there. I can also eliminate the 'troubleshooting' part of the above by using my already vast knowledge of tried and true recipes I've made over the years. I can also borrow paper plates, etc. from one of my neighbors one hour before the party. Been there, done that."
2 Weeks Before:
If you're throwing a potluck, let guests know what to make.
Practice setting your table.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "Uh, yeah. We're having a potluck. I can totally notify the guests. I may or may not practice setting my table. Wait. We all know I will NOT practice setting my table. I've cut down on this part of the process considerably."
1 Week Before:
Call or e-mail guests who have not RSVP'd to see if they plan to attend.
Make space in refrigerator so you'll have room to store groceries.
Prepare recipes that keep well up to a week.
The Enchanting Belinda says, "I have foraging teenagers living in my house. Nothing keeps well up to a week. I barely have time to get it off the stove top or out of the microwave. This could present a problem."
I'll post the rest of the Guide tomorrow. Just so you know, I am keeping this with my cookbooks, because (even though I'm poking a little fun) it really is a very useful organization tool.
And that's why I'm here. To borrow ideas from others to make your life (and mine) more SIMPLE!
Easy Breezy Beef Stew
I decided to make beef stew for last Sunday's lunch. I THOUGHT I had the stew meat, the beef stew seasoning packet, carrots, potatoes, extra gravy, etc., etc.
However, on Saturday night as I was throwing everything into the slow cooker, I couldn't find the gravy OR the seasoning packet. Hmmm. I could very well have left that bag at the grocery store.
I was already extremely comfortable in my pajamas, and I had no desire to make a Wal-Mart run... or to ask Mikie to make a Wal-Mart run. I decided to raid the pantry.
I found a package of Bear Creek Vegetable Beef Soup Mix. After reading the back of the package, I discovered a beef stew recipe. Eureka! But it wasn't a slow cooker recipe. Sadness!
I decided to experiment, and since 35 percent of all of my cooking experiments succeed, I was very hopeful. Guess what? I can now say 36 percent of my cooking experiments succeed!
You will need the following:
1 to 1 1/2 pounds stew meat
1 package Bear Creek Vegetable Beef Soup Mix
6 cups water
1 handful of baby carrots (optional)
1 container of fresh mushrooms, washed (optional)
1 yellow onion (peeled, but still whole)
1. Add all of the above in the slow cooker.
2. Cook overnight on Low Setting. (I started the slow cooker at 11:00 p.m. and turned it to warm at 6:00 a.m. It was just right.)
3. Serve with cornbread, salad, Milo's Sweet Tea, etc.
It was very good. The package instructions tell you to add 8 cups of water. While the 6 cups of water made a thick stew, if you want the gravy a little thin, you can add up to 8 cups.
An easier Sunday dinner has yet to be made. Enjoy!
Have a terrific Tuesday. It is so beautiful in Central Alabama today. I have a bunch of Easter ideas to share tomorrow and Thursday, so don't forget to visit if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, April 11, 2011
Mindless Monday
Good Monday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from our "Birthday Book" excursion with Roxie's friend, Kendall. Makeovers, lunch at Flip Burger and a photo shoot at Morris Avenue was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. It was a little muggy for an April day, but again and again we said we were thankful we weren't in prom dresses and tuxedos... like the other 1,000 people who showed up on Morris Avenue for photo shoots that day. It was crowded, but it was very festive.
I guess you could add "Fashion Show" to our itinerary, because I assure you we saw almost every prom dress imaginable during our time on Morris Avenue.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I didn't take any pics, but Bev and I took several of the cousins to see Soul Surfer Sunday afternoon. GREAT movie. I encourage everyone to make an effort to support this movie about the young girl in Hawaii who lost her arm in a shark attack. Scripture, faith, family, church, missions... all of these things are prominent throughout the movie.
You will run the gamut of emotions. You will cry, laugh, cry again and, at the end, leave feeling inspired.
You also get to see the real Hamilton family in home movies during the final credits.
I don't know about taking young children because of the attack and the immediate aftermath of the attack. The youngest cousin with us was 13, and he was fine. You'll have to use your judgment as a parent, but I would see it first if I was thinking about taking pre-teens or younger kids.
Wonderful, wonderful movie.
For what it's worth, that's my editorial for the day!
RANDOMNESS #2 - Roxie had two friends who went to the Indy Race and had their picture made with PATRICK DEMPSEY! Can you believe it? They really didn't even know who he was when they walked up for the photo op. Such a waste!
I bet they won't even blow it up to an 8" x 10" and frame it... like I would. Heavy sigh.
Have a great Monday. As with all Mindless Mondays, short post and plenty of pics. Enjoy the break.
I'll be back tomorrow with "useful" information! Visit if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from our "Birthday Book" excursion with Roxie's friend, Kendall. Makeovers, lunch at Flip Burger and a photo shoot at Morris Avenue was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. It was a little muggy for an April day, but again and again we said we were thankful we weren't in prom dresses and tuxedos... like the other 1,000 people who showed up on Morris Avenue for photo shoots that day. It was crowded, but it was very festive.
I guess you could add "Fashion Show" to our itinerary, because I assure you we saw almost every prom dress imaginable during our time on Morris Avenue.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I didn't take any pics, but Bev and I took several of the cousins to see Soul Surfer Sunday afternoon. GREAT movie. I encourage everyone to make an effort to support this movie about the young girl in Hawaii who lost her arm in a shark attack. Scripture, faith, family, church, missions... all of these things are prominent throughout the movie.
You will run the gamut of emotions. You will cry, laugh, cry again and, at the end, leave feeling inspired.
You also get to see the real Hamilton family in home movies during the final credits.
I don't know about taking young children because of the attack and the immediate aftermath of the attack. The youngest cousin with us was 13, and he was fine. You'll have to use your judgment as a parent, but I would see it first if I was thinking about taking pre-teens or younger kids.
Wonderful, wonderful movie.
For what it's worth, that's my editorial for the day!
RANDOMNESS #2 - Roxie had two friends who went to the Indy Race and had their picture made with PATRICK DEMPSEY! Can you believe it? They really didn't even know who he was when they walked up for the photo op. Such a waste!
I bet they won't even blow it up to an 8" x 10" and frame it... like I would. Heavy sigh.
Have a great Monday. As with all Mindless Mondays, short post and plenty of pics. Enjoy the break.
I'll be back tomorrow with "useful" information! Visit if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, April 8, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
Wow! This week has just flown by, hasn't it? And it only took me four days to record "A Day in the Life... of ME!" The finished product is in the Gallery below.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I saw a commercial this morning. Crayola has invented COLORED bubbles. Oh, the gazillions of clear bubbles I have blown. Oh, how I wish I had a little one to blow COLORED bubbles with now.
I did notice they leave colored spots on the kids' clothing, but the commercial covered that, too. They say the bubble marks are completely washable.
I think I'm going to get some today just to have on hand. Maybe the beagles would like them.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I am fascinated by the fact Donald Trump is thinking about running for President. I don't know what to make of it. I stay away from politics on A Simple Life... which is one reason it remains "simple." But this is an interesting turn of events, isn't it?
I wish Tom Selleck would run. I would definitely vote for Tom Selleck.
RANDOMNESS #3 - After regaling you with my old work stories this week, you would not believe how many job offers came rolling in. It was amazing! I'm fielding offers as we speak!
Weekend Happenings
Mikie took Josh and Roxie to breakfast this morning, so their weekend started a little early. I was invited, but since I'm meeting Mom and Bev in Trussville at 10:00 a.m. sharp, I needed to stay home and get some things done. Plus, Austin is home, so I wanted to visit with him a little before he heads to work.
I know Austin has plans with Melia tonight, but the rest of us are up for grabs. We'll just have to see.
While Friday is pretty quiet (so far), Saturday is FULL. Austin is working (school work, as well as Chick work). Josh is taking the ACT, and then deciding between afternoon paintball OR the 3:00 p.m. Indy race with Mikie. He has a hard decision to make.
Roxie, Kendall and I are finally getting around to fulfilling Kendall's birthday book. Roxie and Kendall have been doing this since they were four or five. They make each other a book for their birthday describing page by page what will take place on a special fun-filled day.
Roxie and Kendall are getting makeovers, and then we're having a photo shoot. After the shoot, we're eating cupcakes at Yolo's before heading over to Hobby Lobby to pick out frames for their favorite pics.
We'll finish Saturday evening with movies and dinner at the house. I'm looking forward to our outing.
After church Sunday, Roxie and I are meeting the chick cousins and watching Soul Surfer.
Mikie and the guys are on their own for the afternoon... which they love. Guys relax a little better when the womenfolk are out of the house, I think.
I hope you have a fantastic Friday, and an even better weekend. Easter, Easter, Easter is what the next two weeks are ALL about on A Simple Life. I have tons and tons of new ideas to share.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wow! This week has just flown by, hasn't it? And it only took me four days to record "A Day in the Life... of ME!" The finished product is in the Gallery below.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I saw a commercial this morning. Crayola has invented COLORED bubbles. Oh, the gazillions of clear bubbles I have blown. Oh, how I wish I had a little one to blow COLORED bubbles with now.
I did notice they leave colored spots on the kids' clothing, but the commercial covered that, too. They say the bubble marks are completely washable.
I think I'm going to get some today just to have on hand. Maybe the beagles would like them.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I am fascinated by the fact Donald Trump is thinking about running for President. I don't know what to make of it. I stay away from politics on A Simple Life... which is one reason it remains "simple." But this is an interesting turn of events, isn't it?
I wish Tom Selleck would run. I would definitely vote for Tom Selleck.
RANDOMNESS #3 - After regaling you with my old work stories this week, you would not believe how many job offers came rolling in. It was amazing! I'm fielding offers as we speak!
Weekend Happenings
Mikie took Josh and Roxie to breakfast this morning, so their weekend started a little early. I was invited, but since I'm meeting Mom and Bev in Trussville at 10:00 a.m. sharp, I needed to stay home and get some things done. Plus, Austin is home, so I wanted to visit with him a little before he heads to work.
I know Austin has plans with Melia tonight, but the rest of us are up for grabs. We'll just have to see.
While Friday is pretty quiet (so far), Saturday is FULL. Austin is working (school work, as well as Chick work). Josh is taking the ACT, and then deciding between afternoon paintball OR the 3:00 p.m. Indy race with Mikie. He has a hard decision to make.
Roxie, Kendall and I are finally getting around to fulfilling Kendall's birthday book. Roxie and Kendall have been doing this since they were four or five. They make each other a book for their birthday describing page by page what will take place on a special fun-filled day.
Roxie and Kendall are getting makeovers, and then we're having a photo shoot. After the shoot, we're eating cupcakes at Yolo's before heading over to Hobby Lobby to pick out frames for their favorite pics.
We'll finish Saturday evening with movies and dinner at the house. I'm looking forward to our outing.
After church Sunday, Roxie and I are meeting the chick cousins and watching Soul Surfer.
Mikie and the guys are on their own for the afternoon... which they love. Guys relax a little better when the womenfolk are out of the house, I think.
I hope you have a fantastic Friday, and an even better weekend. Easter, Easter, Easter is what the next two weeks are ALL about on A Simple Life. I have tons and tons of new ideas to share.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Farmer's Market Date
Good Thursday morning!
I've added a few more pics to the Gallery for the "A Day in the Life... of ME!" segment. I'm changing the name of the blog to A Mundane Life. I had no idea until I saw it in picture form how simple my life had actually become. And the sad part is I really, really like it that way. A lot.
RANDOMNESS - During my legal secretary days, clothes were a top priority. I loved to shop, and since my hey-day as a legal secretary took place in the 1980s, most of my clothing had HUGE shoulder pads, HUGE belts, every color imaginable matching pumps (even yellow and green), etc., etc. It goes without saying my hair was HUGE, too.
Clothing malfunctions were not unusual. Runs in hose... broken heels from stepping on grates or cracks... too full skirts flying over your head on a windy day... wandering giant shoulder pads which took most of the day to locate.
However, my worst faux pas (or one of them) occurred in a hallway waiting for an elevator.
I was all alone in the hallway. It was totally and completely deserted. I was delivering files to a client, and as always, it was URGENT. I didn't have time to go to the restroom to "adjust" things, so I looked around once more, and in the privacy of that very quiet hallway I put the files and my purse on the floor, reached up the side of my skirt and discreetly pulled my blouse down on each side so it would be smooth and properly tucked.
Before you judge me, remember this was a time when slips, pantyhose AND giant granny panties were not just acceptable attire. They were REQUIRED attire. I was more than decently covered, believe me.
I had successfully pulled my blouse down neatly on one side, and I had just started pulling it down on the opposite side when the office door behind me burst open!
Now, if I had been a calm person, I would have simply smoothed my skirt down, picked up my files and purse and walked onto the elevator. No one would have ever known what I had been doing.
But, I wasn't calm back then. In fact, I was fairly jumpy. So when MY attorney burst through the office doors, and I screamed in his face (and he screamed because, of course, he wasn't expecting me to be adjusting my blouse and skirt in a main hallway of a busy office building), I took the defensive.
"WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU MEAN SNEAKING UP ON ME LIKE THAT?" I demanded.
"I'm just going down the hall. What were you doing?" He was laughing now.
"I was making myself presentable. Everything is always so URGENT, I don't have time to go to the restroom and re-tuck... and stuff." I indignantly replied. "I don't appreciate you scaring me like that either."
And then, with my HUGE hair covered head held high, I walked onto the elevator, delivered the files and contemplated turning in my notice via telephone. I did NOT want to go back to the office.
Thankfully, he didn't say anything until the end of the day when he stopped by my cubicle to tell me he and the partners had declared the hallway in front of the elevators a "No Slip Showing Zone."
And that, my friends, was the last time I ever wore anything "tucked in." In case you're wondering, I'm solely responsible for the long tunic movement that began in the early 1990s. You can thank me later.
Blog Linkage - Okay. For all of you crafty people out there, I have some Easter goodness listed below. And for all of you who enjoy a sweet story about a growing family, I have that, too!
1. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List, and scroll down until you come to the post entitled "You Gotta See This" dated April 1. They have several Easter ideas, but the one that caught my eye was Bunny Nails. What a cute way to decorate your little girl's nails for Easter. (I may do mine, too.)
2. Since you are already reading eighteen25, stay there. Scroll up to the post entitled "Pickle Jar Project" dated April 4. Once again, too cute for words and it looks very easy. Festive and simple. Love it.
3. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com to read about this sweet family and their new addition, Elsa. They adopted Elsa from Ethiopia and she has been with them for a few days now. It is fun to watch their family grow literally overnight, and with THREE boys and TWO girls, they are going to be having a lot of fun and a lot of adventures. It's a good thing this mom looks like she has a ton of energy. She's going to need it!
Farmer's Market Date
Back in the day... Once upon a time... A few years ago, I participated in a Food Co-Op. There were several women involved, and once a week, one of us would go the Finley Avenue Farmer's Market early in the morning and buy fresh vegetables and fruit for the group, divide it up and set it outside for the other women to pick up sometime during the day.
I love the Farmer's Market. Especially in the fall when the pumpkins come in!
But I was reading about this place, and it seems like it has a little more going on, and it might make a very good date. Read on!
Visit our region's farming families at the Pepper Place Saturday Market. They grow vegetables and flowers, bake breads and cookies, cakes and pies, tend the bees and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham to sell the fruits of their labor.
In addition to farmers, bakers and beekeepers, you can enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. There is a cooking demonstration at 9:00 a.m. every Saturday morning by Birmingham's finest chefs.
The Pepper Place Saturday Market season begins April 16 and ends December 17, 2011.
For more information, visit their website at www.pepperplacemarket.com. They are located at 2829 2nd Avenue South in Birmingham, and their phone number is 205-802-2100.
Whether you go with a child or a spouse, this sounds like something fun to try. In fact, I think Mikie and I may go in a couple of weeks, and I'll report back to you.
Have a tremendous Thursday. I hope you have a VERY productive day. I'll be back tomorrow to finish off the week with Weekend Happenings, Randomness and a couple more pics.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I've added a few more pics to the Gallery for the "A Day in the Life... of ME!" segment. I'm changing the name of the blog to A Mundane Life. I had no idea until I saw it in picture form how simple my life had actually become. And the sad part is I really, really like it that way. A lot.
RANDOMNESS - During my legal secretary days, clothes were a top priority. I loved to shop, and since my hey-day as a legal secretary took place in the 1980s, most of my clothing had HUGE shoulder pads, HUGE belts, every color imaginable matching pumps (even yellow and green), etc., etc. It goes without saying my hair was HUGE, too.
Clothing malfunctions were not unusual. Runs in hose... broken heels from stepping on grates or cracks... too full skirts flying over your head on a windy day... wandering giant shoulder pads which took most of the day to locate.
However, my worst faux pas (or one of them) occurred in a hallway waiting for an elevator.
I was all alone in the hallway. It was totally and completely deserted. I was delivering files to a client, and as always, it was URGENT. I didn't have time to go to the restroom to "adjust" things, so I looked around once more, and in the privacy of that very quiet hallway I put the files and my purse on the floor, reached up the side of my skirt and discreetly pulled my blouse down on each side so it would be smooth and properly tucked.
Before you judge me, remember this was a time when slips, pantyhose AND giant granny panties were not just acceptable attire. They were REQUIRED attire. I was more than decently covered, believe me.
I had successfully pulled my blouse down neatly on one side, and I had just started pulling it down on the opposite side when the office door behind me burst open!
Now, if I had been a calm person, I would have simply smoothed my skirt down, picked up my files and purse and walked onto the elevator. No one would have ever known what I had been doing.
But, I wasn't calm back then. In fact, I was fairly jumpy. So when MY attorney burst through the office doors, and I screamed in his face (and he screamed because, of course, he wasn't expecting me to be adjusting my blouse and skirt in a main hallway of a busy office building), I took the defensive.
"WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU MEAN SNEAKING UP ON ME LIKE THAT?" I demanded.
"I'm just going down the hall. What were you doing?" He was laughing now.
"I was making myself presentable. Everything is always so URGENT, I don't have time to go to the restroom and re-tuck... and stuff." I indignantly replied. "I don't appreciate you scaring me like that either."
And then, with my HUGE hair covered head held high, I walked onto the elevator, delivered the files and contemplated turning in my notice via telephone. I did NOT want to go back to the office.
Thankfully, he didn't say anything until the end of the day when he stopped by my cubicle to tell me he and the partners had declared the hallway in front of the elevators a "No Slip Showing Zone."
And that, my friends, was the last time I ever wore anything "tucked in." In case you're wondering, I'm solely responsible for the long tunic movement that began in the early 1990s. You can thank me later.
Blog Linkage - Okay. For all of you crafty people out there, I have some Easter goodness listed below. And for all of you who enjoy a sweet story about a growing family, I have that, too!
1. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List, and scroll down until you come to the post entitled "You Gotta See This" dated April 1. They have several Easter ideas, but the one that caught my eye was Bunny Nails. What a cute way to decorate your little girl's nails for Easter. (I may do mine, too.)
2. Since you are already reading eighteen25, stay there. Scroll up to the post entitled "Pickle Jar Project" dated April 4. Once again, too cute for words and it looks very easy. Festive and simple. Love it.
3. Go to www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com to read about this sweet family and their new addition, Elsa. They adopted Elsa from Ethiopia and she has been with them for a few days now. It is fun to watch their family grow literally overnight, and with THREE boys and TWO girls, they are going to be having a lot of fun and a lot of adventures. It's a good thing this mom looks like she has a ton of energy. She's going to need it!
Farmer's Market Date
Back in the day... Once upon a time... A few years ago, I participated in a Food Co-Op. There were several women involved, and once a week, one of us would go the Finley Avenue Farmer's Market early in the morning and buy fresh vegetables and fruit for the group, divide it up and set it outside for the other women to pick up sometime during the day.
I love the Farmer's Market. Especially in the fall when the pumpkins come in!
But I was reading about this place, and it seems like it has a little more going on, and it might make a very good date. Read on!
Visit our region's farming families at the Pepper Place Saturday Market. They grow vegetables and flowers, bake breads and cookies, cakes and pies, tend the bees and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham to sell the fruits of their labor.
In addition to farmers, bakers and beekeepers, you can enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. There is a cooking demonstration at 9:00 a.m. every Saturday morning by Birmingham's finest chefs.
The Pepper Place Saturday Market season begins April 16 and ends December 17, 2011.
For more information, visit their website at www.pepperplacemarket.com. They are located at 2829 2nd Avenue South in Birmingham, and their phone number is 205-802-2100.
Whether you go with a child or a spouse, this sounds like something fun to try. In fact, I think Mikie and I may go in a couple of weeks, and I'll report back to you.
Have a tremendous Thursday. I hope you have a VERY productive day. I'll be back tomorrow to finish off the week with Weekend Happenings, Randomness and a couple more pics.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Countdown to the Wedding Fun
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics continue to tell the story of "A Day in the Life... of ME!" I stopped at 9:00 a.m. yesterday, so I think I'll take you through lunch today. As you can already see, it's not easy being ME!
RANDOMNESS - I've come to realize my "back in the day" office stories can all begin with the phrase, "Once upon a time... ." Realizing I'm in the Autumn season of life has put a new perspective on everything I do.
However, let's move on with today's "How on earth did Belinda ever hold down a job" story.
My attorney was a corporate/estate attorney. Lots of meetings. Lots of documents. Some deadlines. It was not an extremely high stress job. However, after a few years, he decided he wanted to try a little litigation.
Oh... my... word! Lots of meetings. Lots of documents. LOTS of deadlines. Deadlines that could not be missed! Needless to say, it became a little more stressful.
When a lawsuit finally goes to trial, it is a BIG deal. Boxes full of documents in perfect order are taken by clerks to the courtroom. Briefcases of each attorney working on the case are filled with other documents in perfect order. The secretaries of the attorneys involved in the case are running to and fro the morning of the first day of court checking and double-checking to make sure everything needed is walking out the door with the attorneys and clients.
When the last attorney gets on the elevator, a huge sigh of relief is heard by everyone in the office, and the stress level significantly drops. Business as usual becomes the order of the day. And as someone who loves the mundane day-to-day tasks of life... as someone who thinks the more boring a task is, the better... as someone who has no adrenaline in her body to speak of... "business as usual" is a sweet, sweet phrase.
NOTE - You've heard of those women who have actually picked cars up and rescued their loved ones, haven't you? Or beat an attacker with their purse until he just gave up? Well, I'm someone who has to FIND one of those women to help me out in a crises... Because of the absence of adrenaline in my body, you see. There's probably a supplement for that. NOTE TO SELF - Check about adrenaline supplements today... or tomorrow.
Okay. Back to the story. I was sitting at my desk about to start dictation when the receptionist's voice came over my intercom. "Belinda. Pick up Line 1. It's an emergency."
"Hello! Hello!" I yelled into the phone.
"Quick. Look in my left bottom drawer and bring me the binder with the (FILL IN THE BLANK). RUN to the courthouse and bring it to me," my boss instructed. Click.
Hmmm. Not even a "please." I ran into his office, grabbed the binder, ran to the elevator, ran out of the building, ran the two blocks to the courthouse, ran into the courthouse, ran down the corridor to the courtroom and stood at the door... breathing heavily. I was dressed in a pretty floral dress with a full skirt and matching pumps. Not my normal running attire.
My attorney was waiting for me outside the door. "Did you even run?" he asked as I handed him the binder.
"Look at me!" I demanded. My hair was no longer coiffed, my cheeks were flushed and I had massive flop sweat.
"Okay. Okay. I just figured you would be faster. Thanks." And with that he disappeared into the courtroom.
I WALKED back to the office, and as I exited the elevator, another secretary was standing there with a piece of paper. "My attorney needs this ASAP, and I can't take it because he's dictating something over the phone, and all the clerks are gone. Your attorney said you knew exactly where they were. He said RUN!" It wasn't her fault. She was my friend, and if she was taking dictation over the phone, I knew how stressful that could be, too.
I turned around, and once again RAN to the courtroom. But this time was a little different. This time there was no attorney waiting for me outside the courtroom. Hmmm. I wasn't up to speed on courtroom etiquette. Was it okay for a secretary to just walk into a courtroom with testimony taking place and hand her attorney something? Was that allowed?
Remember, this was back in the days of the dinosaurs (Code for NO CELL PHONES). I decided to just step inside the door and see what would happen.
Horror of horrors, as soon as I stepped inside the courtroom doors, a silence fell. EVERYONE was looking at me. Wild-eyed, wild-hair, sweaty me. The Judge said one word... "Yes?" And then my attorney jumped up to get the piece of paper.
He had just enough time to mumble, "Fix your hair next time," and I had just enough time to mumble, "There's not going to be a next time!" (NOTE - My boss and I got along very well, so please do not think he was being over-critical or I was being disrespectful. It was quite simply the way we communicated under duress. And believe me... duress we WERE under!)
Once again, I walked back to the office. The other secretary, my friend, had finished typing the over-the-phone dictation, and she was now running to the courthouse. However, she was a litigation secretary, so she was not surprised in the least about the "getting papers to the courtroom" drama. She was a pro.
When I returned to the office, I made a bathroom visit to assess damage. I definitely needed some work done in the hair department. I had sweated off all of my make-up, but my flushed cheeks worked for me. I was going to have to get a stronger men's deodorant because it was obvious mine wasn't going to hold. And my shoes... oh, my pretty Connie pumps. I had stepped in cracks along the way, and I had messed up the heels on both shoes. I decided they would be my "running pumps," and I would keep them in a bag under my desk for just such emergencies. I could do this. I was just going to have to tweak a few things.
The days and weeks rolled on. I got a new haircut which could withstand running in humidity, rain and heat. I carried a lipstick with me at all times to apply in the elevator on the way to the courtroom. I BOLDLY walked into the courtroom and across the room to hand attorneys what they needed when they needed it. I bought a popular men's deodorant to help me with the flop sweat problem. I stopped wearing dresses with full skirts... because full skirts tend to blow up on windy days, you see. I became an expert sprinter in my scarred Connie running pumps.
And the day we won the case... Well, let's just say it was a very good day. (Almost worth the sacrifice of my favorite shoes. Almost.)
Wednesday Wisdom - I'm in a wedding kind of mood today, so the quotes below are about engagements, marriage and love.
"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction." Anonymous
"Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that." Michael Leunig
"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." Dr. Seuss (Ahhh. Who knew Dr. Seuss was a romantic?)
"All love that has not friendship for its base, is like a mansion built upon the sand." Ella Wheeler Wilcox (I SO agree with this. Mikie and I were best friends for almost three years before we started dating. It worked for us.
"True love stories never have endings." Anonymous (Love, love love this one!)
Countdown to the Wedding Fun
My friend, Cam, has a wedding in her near future. Her oldest son is getting married. It is VERY exciting. Today, I wanted to share one of her ideas with you. It may or may not apply right now... but maybe one day!
Since her son and his fiance' have been engaged over a year (and a year is a long time), she wanted to do something each month to make the time pass more quickly. Here is what she came up with.
Exactly 11 months before the wedding, she had her husband put a wrapped gift on her front porch knowing her son and her future daughter-in-law would be arriving shortly. On the top of the gift, she had written "11 more to go."
As luck would have it, her son and future daughter-in-law walked right past the box, not thinking it was for them, so Cam had to point it out toward the end of the evening. "Did you put this on the porch, Mom?" her son asked.
And she truthfully answered, "No," because she had made her husband set the box on the porch.
Exactly ten months before the wedding, another gift "showed up" with a note attached "10 more to go." By this time, the couple realized it was a countdown gift... and they figured out Cam was behind the gift giving.
And so the countdown has continued. On the 25th of each month (the day they are to be married in June), the couple has received a gift.
I think this is a WONDERFUL way to celebrate the upcoming wedding... especially when it is a long engagement. And it doesn't have to be an extravagant gift. It can be a book you want the couple to read together or a gift card for them to use for a coffee date one night. It can be something off their gift registry. It can be a special note or a memory from your own engagement time.
The ideas are limitless. As always, if you decide to do this one day, make it your own!
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Encourage someone today. Never get too busy to give a word of encouragement. Thursday's Blog Linkage is good reading, and the date is too much fun.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics continue to tell the story of "A Day in the Life... of ME!" I stopped at 9:00 a.m. yesterday, so I think I'll take you through lunch today. As you can already see, it's not easy being ME!
RANDOMNESS - I've come to realize my "back in the day" office stories can all begin with the phrase, "Once upon a time... ." Realizing I'm in the Autumn season of life has put a new perspective on everything I do.
However, let's move on with today's "How on earth did Belinda ever hold down a job" story.
My attorney was a corporate/estate attorney. Lots of meetings. Lots of documents. Some deadlines. It was not an extremely high stress job. However, after a few years, he decided he wanted to try a little litigation.
Oh... my... word! Lots of meetings. Lots of documents. LOTS of deadlines. Deadlines that could not be missed! Needless to say, it became a little more stressful.
When a lawsuit finally goes to trial, it is a BIG deal. Boxes full of documents in perfect order are taken by clerks to the courtroom. Briefcases of each attorney working on the case are filled with other documents in perfect order. The secretaries of the attorneys involved in the case are running to and fro the morning of the first day of court checking and double-checking to make sure everything needed is walking out the door with the attorneys and clients.
When the last attorney gets on the elevator, a huge sigh of relief is heard by everyone in the office, and the stress level significantly drops. Business as usual becomes the order of the day. And as someone who loves the mundane day-to-day tasks of life... as someone who thinks the more boring a task is, the better... as someone who has no adrenaline in her body to speak of... "business as usual" is a sweet, sweet phrase.
NOTE - You've heard of those women who have actually picked cars up and rescued their loved ones, haven't you? Or beat an attacker with their purse until he just gave up? Well, I'm someone who has to FIND one of those women to help me out in a crises... Because of the absence of adrenaline in my body, you see. There's probably a supplement for that. NOTE TO SELF - Check about adrenaline supplements today... or tomorrow.
Okay. Back to the story. I was sitting at my desk about to start dictation when the receptionist's voice came over my intercom. "Belinda. Pick up Line 1. It's an emergency."
"Hello! Hello!" I yelled into the phone.
"Quick. Look in my left bottom drawer and bring me the binder with the (FILL IN THE BLANK). RUN to the courthouse and bring it to me," my boss instructed. Click.
Hmmm. Not even a "please." I ran into his office, grabbed the binder, ran to the elevator, ran out of the building, ran the two blocks to the courthouse, ran into the courthouse, ran down the corridor to the courtroom and stood at the door... breathing heavily. I was dressed in a pretty floral dress with a full skirt and matching pumps. Not my normal running attire.
My attorney was waiting for me outside the door. "Did you even run?" he asked as I handed him the binder.
"Look at me!" I demanded. My hair was no longer coiffed, my cheeks were flushed and I had massive flop sweat.
"Okay. Okay. I just figured you would be faster. Thanks." And with that he disappeared into the courtroom.
I WALKED back to the office, and as I exited the elevator, another secretary was standing there with a piece of paper. "My attorney needs this ASAP, and I can't take it because he's dictating something over the phone, and all the clerks are gone. Your attorney said you knew exactly where they were. He said RUN!" It wasn't her fault. She was my friend, and if she was taking dictation over the phone, I knew how stressful that could be, too.
I turned around, and once again RAN to the courtroom. But this time was a little different. This time there was no attorney waiting for me outside the courtroom. Hmmm. I wasn't up to speed on courtroom etiquette. Was it okay for a secretary to just walk into a courtroom with testimony taking place and hand her attorney something? Was that allowed?
Remember, this was back in the days of the dinosaurs (Code for NO CELL PHONES). I decided to just step inside the door and see what would happen.
Horror of horrors, as soon as I stepped inside the courtroom doors, a silence fell. EVERYONE was looking at me. Wild-eyed, wild-hair, sweaty me. The Judge said one word... "Yes?" And then my attorney jumped up to get the piece of paper.
He had just enough time to mumble, "Fix your hair next time," and I had just enough time to mumble, "There's not going to be a next time!" (NOTE - My boss and I got along very well, so please do not think he was being over-critical or I was being disrespectful. It was quite simply the way we communicated under duress. And believe me... duress we WERE under!)
Once again, I walked back to the office. The other secretary, my friend, had finished typing the over-the-phone dictation, and she was now running to the courthouse. However, she was a litigation secretary, so she was not surprised in the least about the "getting papers to the courtroom" drama. She was a pro.
When I returned to the office, I made a bathroom visit to assess damage. I definitely needed some work done in the hair department. I had sweated off all of my make-up, but my flushed cheeks worked for me. I was going to have to get a stronger men's deodorant because it was obvious mine wasn't going to hold. And my shoes... oh, my pretty Connie pumps. I had stepped in cracks along the way, and I had messed up the heels on both shoes. I decided they would be my "running pumps," and I would keep them in a bag under my desk for just such emergencies. I could do this. I was just going to have to tweak a few things.
The days and weeks rolled on. I got a new haircut which could withstand running in humidity, rain and heat. I carried a lipstick with me at all times to apply in the elevator on the way to the courtroom. I BOLDLY walked into the courtroom and across the room to hand attorneys what they needed when they needed it. I bought a popular men's deodorant to help me with the flop sweat problem. I stopped wearing dresses with full skirts... because full skirts tend to blow up on windy days, you see. I became an expert sprinter in my scarred Connie running pumps.
And the day we won the case... Well, let's just say it was a very good day. (Almost worth the sacrifice of my favorite shoes. Almost.)
Wednesday Wisdom - I'm in a wedding kind of mood today, so the quotes below are about engagements, marriage and love.
"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction." Anonymous
"Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that." Michael Leunig
"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." Dr. Seuss (Ahhh. Who knew Dr. Seuss was a romantic?)
"All love that has not friendship for its base, is like a mansion built upon the sand." Ella Wheeler Wilcox (I SO agree with this. Mikie and I were best friends for almost three years before we started dating. It worked for us.
"True love stories never have endings." Anonymous (Love, love love this one!)
Countdown to the Wedding Fun
My friend, Cam, has a wedding in her near future. Her oldest son is getting married. It is VERY exciting. Today, I wanted to share one of her ideas with you. It may or may not apply right now... but maybe one day!
Since her son and his fiance' have been engaged over a year (and a year is a long time), she wanted to do something each month to make the time pass more quickly. Here is what she came up with.
Exactly 11 months before the wedding, she had her husband put a wrapped gift on her front porch knowing her son and her future daughter-in-law would be arriving shortly. On the top of the gift, she had written "11 more to go."
As luck would have it, her son and future daughter-in-law walked right past the box, not thinking it was for them, so Cam had to point it out toward the end of the evening. "Did you put this on the porch, Mom?" her son asked.
And she truthfully answered, "No," because she had made her husband set the box on the porch.
Exactly ten months before the wedding, another gift "showed up" with a note attached "10 more to go." By this time, the couple realized it was a countdown gift... and they figured out Cam was behind the gift giving.
And so the countdown has continued. On the 25th of each month (the day they are to be married in June), the couple has received a gift.
I think this is a WONDERFUL way to celebrate the upcoming wedding... especially when it is a long engagement. And it doesn't have to be an extravagant gift. It can be a book you want the couple to read together or a gift card for them to use for a coffee date one night. It can be something off their gift registry. It can be a special note or a memory from your own engagement time.
The ideas are limitless. As always, if you decide to do this one day, make it your own!
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Encourage someone today. Never get too busy to give a word of encouragement. Thursday's Blog Linkage is good reading, and the date is too much fun.
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!