Good Friday morning!
I have had a ton of pictures in the Gallery recently, so I'll finish the week by just adding one. This is my MamMa's cupcake cake from Wal-Mart. Roxie, Josh and I took it to her house last night, and if she has any drop-ins today (her actual birthday), she'll be able to share her cake. I am loving the Wal-Mart cupcake cake. They are affordable, cute and everyone can serve themselves.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I'll share a few random things with you today. It's been a week of "re-living the past" on A Simple Life, and there have been a few "present day" things going on, also. For instance, I had not one, but two, doctor appointments this week. I'd like to give a shout out to Miss Sheila, the mammogram tech. She was excellent, and it was one of the least painful procedures I've had out of the 30 or so I've endured. I highly recommend her if it is "that" time of the year for you. I got her cell number off of her phone when she left me in the room to check my film, so I can call her any time to schedule! We're like best buds now... if you take away the rummaging through her purse to get her cell number part!
I was also very excited about going to the cardiologist to have my bi-yearly stress test... and I was extremely disappointed when he said WE could wait two more years. "WE" don't have panic attacks. "WE" don't need the reassurance of a bi-yearly stress test to make our life bearable. "WE" are about to be replaced! So I'll be shopping around for a new cardiologist. And when I find one, I'll probably be getting his/her cell number off his/her cell phone when he/she leaves the room for something. (I like having cell numbers of health care professionals on my speed dial. It's a comfort.)
Since this past week was already destined to be riddled with pain (physical and emotional), I tried to get my final appointment to have my temporary crown replaced with a permanent one. My thought process was to get everything over with in one five-day period. The dentist office wouldn't cooperate... even when I explained I needed them to bump someone else's cleaning so I could get this done. "But this is 'Pain Week,' and if I have to wait another week or more to get my crown it will be 'Pain Two Weeks,' and that just doesn't make sense."
Needless to say, none of it made sense to her. I go next week.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I am LOVING all of my shows. Two on Sunday (Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice), one on Monday (24), one on Tuesday (LOST) and one on Thursday (Survivor). I try not to think about the months of nothingness which will happen when all five of my shows end the same week. But it's hard. I really have to focus on the here and now.
Special Guest Hints - The last hint for my Special Guest is very descriptive of this woman and her walk with God. She is such a dedicated and faithful Christian, wife and mother. She is a joy to be around.
10. This is her motto... "If GOD says so, I can do it!!"
And she does, too.
Mikie and Belinda - The Engagement
As I told you a few days ago, Mike and I began dating in March of 1987, and we were engaged by August of that same year. It seems fast, doesn't it?
When we met with Dr. Carter for counseling two months into our "courtship," his advice to us was to date and be together for four seasons (an entire year) before becoming engaged. And he believed in a fairly long engagement, too. I think those were extremely wise words. It was his way of saying we needed to know each other, to become best friends, to see not only the good, but the bad as well.
Mike and I didn't dismiss his words, but we had already put in three years of being best friends. (That's 12 seasons!) We had seen each other's "ugly" side several times. We had both been in relationships with the wrong people, and we had no doubt we were with the person God wanted us to marry. No doubt at all.
That being said, Mike went ahead and spoke with my Dad in early August. I knew he had talked to him, and I knew Dad had given his blessing. Now, I just needed my ring.
Little birdies told me Mike had decided to forgo the jewelry store engagement ring. Instead, he designed my ring himself. Little birdies also told me when the ring was ready, and that he had it in his possession. (Aren't girlfriends wonderful?)
Did I mention my birthday is in August. August 26. Considering it was only 22 days from the day he spoke to my Dad, it was a no-brainer. I should have gotten my ring on my birthday. But that was not how Mikie's mind worked. Birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day... too obvious. He wanted the surprise.
Every day for two weeks when he stopped by the apartment coming home from work, I was dressed to the nines. Make-up... totally redone. Hair... totally redone. Outfit... totally different from the one I had worn to work that day. Deodorant... totally reapplied. (I was a little nervous, and was having some flop sweat problems.)
Every day I would greet him at the door looking for ring box bulges. Nothing. Nada. Let's just say I was getting a little frustrated.
One night, he came in and I just pinned him to the door. "I want my ring. I have all the bridal magazines. I want to start making plans. I want to try on dresses. I want to pick out cakes. I want to register for china. AND I CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT THE RING!" I had totally lost it.
"I wouldn't give you the ring tonight if I did have it," he responded. "You're going to have to settle down a little." He smiled, gave me a peck and slipped out the door. (He had just seen a new "ugly" I had never revealed before. He had just seen a new "ugly" I didn't even know I had!)
After that night, I stopped dressing up every day. In fact, when I got home from work, I put on t-shirts and jeans, and didn't even brush my teeth or comb my hair before he arrived. I had lost the will to groom.
"How about coming over for dinner Saturday night before we go to the Sunday School party? I'll fix everything." I knew he was just trying to soften the blow that I wasn't going to get my ring until some time after my birthday... you know, for the surprise factor.
"Okay," I agreed half-heartedly.
I arrived wearing a T-shirt and jeans, minimal make-up and combed hair. I was clean. "Hey. I ran out of milk, and I need it for the mac and cheese. Do you mind running to the corner store and getting half a gallon for me?" Okay. This was a sure sign the ring wasn't in the picture. Mac and cheese? I had to get the milk?
"Okay," I agreed again half-heartedly.
When I returned, the table was set nicely, but not with candles. We sat down to eat, and I took the napkin off the center of the plate (which for some reason had a napkin ring around it), and in one swift movement slipped the napkin ring off and snapped my napkin and put it in my lap.
"NOOOOO!" Mike screamed.
"AHHHHH!" I screamed back, terrified. And then I heard it. A little ping, ping, ping sound. Mikie was on his knees covering the air conditioning vent on the floor beside the table. I was on my feet. "What's wrong? What's wrong?"
"You shot the ring out of the napkin. It kept ricocheting off of things, and I don't know if it went down the vent or not."
"AHHHHH!" I screamed again. By now, we were both on the floor looking for the ring and praying the last ping we had heard was not the ring bouncing it's way down the vent.
"I FOUND IT!" he yelled.
"LET ME HAVE IT!" I yelled back.
He wasn't actually on one knee as much as collapsed in a heap at my feet sweating profusely. "Belinda, will you please marry me? Just say 'Yes.' I can't take much more of this."
And that, my friends, is my ultra-romantic engagement story. The ring was (and is) beautiful, and I was thrilled. Mikie done good! (I know that's grammatically incorrect, by the way.)
And I never eat macaroni and cheese without smiling to myself and remembering that night a little over 22 years ago when I yelled, "Yes!"
Books - I wanted to share a book with the parents out there with children still at home. It is called Faith Training, Raising Kids Who Love the Lord by Dr. Joe White. It is one of the best books I ever read because it gives you step-by-step ways to actually DO what the title suggests. It has resources, devotions and so much more. It even has a list of 365 Ways to Tell Your Child "I Love You," and I'll be sharing ten a day next week.
It is an "easy" read, and it will literally open your eyes to dozens of ways to teach your children (at any age) how to truly love the Lord.
Weekend Happenings
Our weekend has all the makings of a fun two days. Tonight, Mike and I are going on our date. So far, we haven't missed, but it is inevitable, isn't it? I mean with three teenagers and everything that goes on between August and January in our home, we may just be Spring and Summer weekly daters. We'll have to see if it continues.
Our date tonight is a no-money date. We're going to eat pizza at home with the guys, and then head over to the Galleria to window shop. (Because I'm a member of the Godiva Chocolate Club, I get a free piece of Godiva Chocolate each month. I'm thinking of giving Mikie my piece tonight. I'm not going to commit, because if today turns into a stinker, I may need that piece of Godiva!)
Tomorrow, we're taking Josh (and nine others) to Fort Red Rock for his 16th birthday celebration. I know his birthday was in October, but so was football, band and volleyball. I think we're going to have the perfect weather, and I'll have all the pictures and information about Fort Red Rock (located in Bessemer) for you on the blog Monday morning. The boys have been once before, and they LOVE that place.
Roxie has plans with a friend Friday night, so she is happy. She and Mike are still going on their date Saturday, and she's looking forward to getting all dolled up and eating steak at Bonefish Grill. (Who could blame her?)
Sunday we're having the traditional pot roast and fixins' for lunch. And I'm seriously thinking about writing NAP TIME in pen on my Sunday afternoon calendar. In fact, I just did!
Have a lovely weekend... the last in February. March is definitely here... and with this month we start concentrating on Spring Things on A Simple Life. Monday I will reveal our Special Guest, and the first three days of March will be spent getting to know her and her family a little better. I have a fun party to share on Monday, too.
Continue to check out Project 365 this weekend.
Take care, and I'll talk to you MONDAY!
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning AND Merry Christmas!
The Gallery Pics are from the Christmas Eve Service last night. It is one of my family's favorite Christmas activities, and it did not disappoint.
Of course, after the service, the Faulkner Five bought our traditional Chinese Chicken dinner and enjoyed Chinese take-out for our Christmas Eve dinner. The opening of sibling gifts, (I've included a couple of those pictures, too), a Christmas movie and the evening was considered a Christmas Eve success.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Thanks to Evelyn for a hand-delivered card, Robin for a wonderful musical e-mail card AND four cards in the mailbox yesterday, my total is 79!! Can you believe it? I have 79 Christmas cards! YEA!!!
So I guess my new goal for December 2010 will be... 100! I think we can do it! If not next year, then maybe the next. I don't mind if it takes more than one season to meet my goal. Not a bit!
And would the sweet family who sent me at least FOUR cards please step forward. I would like to thank you in person. Who knows? I might even bake you an eggnog pound cake to show my sincere appreciation!
Weekend Happenings
This weekend will be much like your weekend, I am sure. Last night found me in the floor working on Matthew's (my great-nephew) ABCs of Christmas Scrapbook. I am almost finished. (Thank goodness we see him Saturday instead of today!)
The kids will open their "Santa" gifts this morning. We can practically fit all of their gifts in a shoebox these days... but the price tag is not what it used to be when they were younger!
We will be at my Mom's for Christmas today, and Saturday we will celebrate with Mike's family (and my great-nephew). I'm trying a new recipe for Saturday's get-together, and I'm planning on posting it next Tuesday. (My friend, Melaney, shared it with me, and it sounds very good.)
Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, I will have lunch with three of my oldest girlfriends Sunday after church. (Not old in age, but old in length of friendships. I don't want to start off a great lunch having to apologize.) We usually have three out of four of us attend, but this year we are trying very hard for 100 percent. It's difficult since one of our group lives in Atlanta, but we work around her very busy family schedule when she comes home to visit to squeeze in a couple of hours of "girl time." We'll see.
Sunday night, the Faulkner Five (along with the lovely Melia) will be attending our annual Movie After Christmas. As of this minute, it is still up in the air which movie we'll be attending. I'll have to let you know for sure Monday.
As always, I'll see how everything I've carefully planned and orchestrated turns out. It's always interesting to see what REALLY HAPPENS.
Books - These are a few more Christmas favorites. (You can also look back in the December 2008 archives for more Christmas book ideas. There are more religious books in the 2008 posts.)
1. Christmas in the Big Woods (Little House) by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It will make your children really, really think about what is important at Christmas time, and to be happy with blessings such as God and family.
2. God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa T. Bergren and David Hohn. It's the book with the two polar bears on the cover. Excellent.
3. I Spy Little Christmas by Jean Marzolla and Walter Wick. My kids always loved the I Spy books, and this one is more of the same. If you have car traveling this season, this will occupy the guys for quite a while.
4. The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa by Stan and Jan Berenstain. What can I say? A classic.
5. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. This probably goes without saying, but it is one of the BEST secular Christmas books ever. Beautiful illustrations and beautiful story. Love it.
If you have favorites, share them in the comment section. You can never have enough Christmas books.
Have a wonderful, safe, Merry Christmas. Enjoy your time with family and friends. Take 1,000,000 pictures, tons of video and memorize as much of this special time with your little ones and other family members as you can.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Very Merry Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from the Christmas Eve Service last night. It is one of my family's favorite Christmas activities, and it did not disappoint.
Of course, after the service, the Faulkner Five bought our traditional Chinese Chicken dinner and enjoyed Chinese take-out for our Christmas Eve dinner. The opening of sibling gifts, (I've included a couple of those pictures, too), a Christmas movie and the evening was considered a Christmas Eve success.
CHRISTMAS CARD COUNT - Thanks to Evelyn for a hand-delivered card, Robin for a wonderful musical e-mail card AND four cards in the mailbox yesterday, my total is 79!! Can you believe it? I have 79 Christmas cards! YEA!!!
So I guess my new goal for December 2010 will be... 100! I think we can do it! If not next year, then maybe the next. I don't mind if it takes more than one season to meet my goal. Not a bit!
And would the sweet family who sent me at least FOUR cards please step forward. I would like to thank you in person. Who knows? I might even bake you an eggnog pound cake to show my sincere appreciation!
Weekend Happenings
This weekend will be much like your weekend, I am sure. Last night found me in the floor working on Matthew's (my great-nephew) ABCs of Christmas Scrapbook. I am almost finished. (Thank goodness we see him Saturday instead of today!)
The kids will open their "Santa" gifts this morning. We can practically fit all of their gifts in a shoebox these days... but the price tag is not what it used to be when they were younger!
We will be at my Mom's for Christmas today, and Saturday we will celebrate with Mike's family (and my great-nephew). I'm trying a new recipe for Saturday's get-together, and I'm planning on posting it next Tuesday. (My friend, Melaney, shared it with me, and it sounds very good.)
Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, I will have lunch with three of my oldest girlfriends Sunday after church. (Not old in age, but old in length of friendships. I don't want to start off a great lunch having to apologize.) We usually have three out of four of us attend, but this year we are trying very hard for 100 percent. It's difficult since one of our group lives in Atlanta, but we work around her very busy family schedule when she comes home to visit to squeeze in a couple of hours of "girl time." We'll see.
Sunday night, the Faulkner Five (along with the lovely Melia) will be attending our annual Movie After Christmas. As of this minute, it is still up in the air which movie we'll be attending. I'll have to let you know for sure Monday.
As always, I'll see how everything I've carefully planned and orchestrated turns out. It's always interesting to see what REALLY HAPPENS.
Books - These are a few more Christmas favorites. (You can also look back in the December 2008 archives for more Christmas book ideas. There are more religious books in the 2008 posts.)
1. Christmas in the Big Woods (Little House) by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It will make your children really, really think about what is important at Christmas time, and to be happy with blessings such as God and family.
2. God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa T. Bergren and David Hohn. It's the book with the two polar bears on the cover. Excellent.
3. I Spy Little Christmas by Jean Marzolla and Walter Wick. My kids always loved the I Spy books, and this one is more of the same. If you have car traveling this season, this will occupy the guys for quite a while.
4. The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa by Stan and Jan Berenstain. What can I say? A classic.
5. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. This probably goes without saying, but it is one of the BEST secular Christmas books ever. Beautiful illustrations and beautiful story. Love it.
If you have favorites, share them in the comment section. You can never have enough Christmas books.
Have a wonderful, safe, Merry Christmas. Enjoy your time with family and friends. Take 1,000,000 pictures, tons of video and memorize as much of this special time with your little ones and other family members as you can.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Very Merry Belinda
Friday, November 27, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday afternoon!
Black Friday was a huge success. I'll be posting more next Wednesday under Seasonal Traditions. If you enjoy shopping and there are women in your family, this is the tradition for you. I'll talk to you about the pros, cons and other fun things we experienced last night and early, early this morning, so check in next Wednesday, please.
The Gallery Pics are of Thanksgiving #2 at Mike's Mom and Dad's home and some Black Friday pictures. It has been a long day already (it began at 3:30 this morning and it is almost 1:00 p.m. as I type this post), so I will be keeping it brief today.
Weekend Happenings
I'm assuming we're doing the exact same thing everyone else is this Friday afternoon... taking a nap! Well, I'm taking a nap with Roxie and the guys are watching the Alabama/Auburn game. Of course, we're an Auburn family, so we have high hopes. Anything can happen, but we'll know for sure in just a few short hours, won't we?
Saturday is a "get the Christmas tree at the Christmas tree farm" kind of day. That's all I have planned. I'll begin decorating and we'll just hang out around the house. I need an easy day after such a busy Thursday and Friday.
Sunday will be more of the same. Church, Faulkner Five lunch, decorating, Amazing Race, etc., etc. And a lot of kicking and screaming as we go to bed Sunday night because we have school the next day. (Mostly from me!)
If everyone will forgive me, I'm going to leave the post for right now. I have several books I'll add this afternoon, but I'm about to fall asleep on the keyboard. I just wanted to be a blogger of my word and post by 2:00 p.m. The days when I could go, go, go on just five hour's sleep are over. (Actually, I've never been one who could go, go, go on just five hour's sleep. I've always been an 8 to 10 hours sleep kind of girl.)
SATURDAY EVENING - I lied. I am still too tired to add all the books I had planned, so I'll leave you with two very good ones from my list.
1. Magic Tree House - Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osborne. My kids loved the Magic Tree House books back in the day. They were fun, educational, and fairly easy to read... either alone or as a read-aloud chapter book to several kids at once. This would be a great book to read a few days prior to Thanksgiving.
2. Winnie the Pooh's Thanksgiving by Bruce Talkington. Two of my favorite things... Pooh and Thanksgiving. You can't go wrong here for reading material for your younger children.
I've kept my word (sort of), and now I am going to take yet another little nap. Black Friday takes a lot out of you!
In the words of California's famous body-building governor... "I'll be back!"
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and EXTREMELY TIRED Belinda
Black Friday was a huge success. I'll be posting more next Wednesday under Seasonal Traditions. If you enjoy shopping and there are women in your family, this is the tradition for you. I'll talk to you about the pros, cons and other fun things we experienced last night and early, early this morning, so check in next Wednesday, please.
The Gallery Pics are of Thanksgiving #2 at Mike's Mom and Dad's home and some Black Friday pictures. It has been a long day already (it began at 3:30 this morning and it is almost 1:00 p.m. as I type this post), so I will be keeping it brief today.
Weekend Happenings
I'm assuming we're doing the exact same thing everyone else is this Friday afternoon... taking a nap! Well, I'm taking a nap with Roxie and the guys are watching the Alabama/Auburn game. Of course, we're an Auburn family, so we have high hopes. Anything can happen, but we'll know for sure in just a few short hours, won't we?
Saturday is a "get the Christmas tree at the Christmas tree farm" kind of day. That's all I have planned. I'll begin decorating and we'll just hang out around the house. I need an easy day after such a busy Thursday and Friday.
Sunday will be more of the same. Church, Faulkner Five lunch, decorating, Amazing Race, etc., etc. And a lot of kicking and screaming as we go to bed Sunday night because we have school the next day. (Mostly from me!)
If everyone will forgive me, I'm going to leave the post for right now. I have several books I'll add this afternoon, but I'm about to fall asleep on the keyboard. I just wanted to be a blogger of my word and post by 2:00 p.m. The days when I could go, go, go on just five hour's sleep are over. (Actually, I've never been one who could go, go, go on just five hour's sleep. I've always been an 8 to 10 hours sleep kind of girl.)
SATURDAY EVENING - I lied. I am still too tired to add all the books I had planned, so I'll leave you with two very good ones from my list.
1. Magic Tree House - Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osborne. My kids loved the Magic Tree House books back in the day. They were fun, educational, and fairly easy to read... either alone or as a read-aloud chapter book to several kids at once. This would be a great book to read a few days prior to Thanksgiving.
2. Winnie the Pooh's Thanksgiving by Bruce Talkington. Two of my favorite things... Pooh and Thanksgiving. You can't go wrong here for reading material for your younger children.
I've kept my word (sort of), and now I am going to take yet another little nap. Black Friday takes a lot out of you!
In the words of California's famous body-building governor... "I'll be back!"
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and EXTREMELY TIRED Belinda
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pic is of Roxie... Basketball Player! Last night was the first scrimmage before the Tip-Off Tournament Monday and Tuesday nights. The team is pretty impressive. I can say that because I am totally objective.
NEWBIE ALERT - If you are a Newbie, please click on Newbie Information on my sidebar. It has all of the rules and regulations you will need to continue reading A Simple Life. Thank you.
The last three hints for the Special Guest are as follows...
18. She had a crush on Leif Garrett when she was a teenager.
19. When she was young, she wanted to be a police officer.
20. She was named after her Daddy.
Weekend Happenings
Finally... the weekend! Since the last high school football game was played Thursday night, Mikie and I will NOT have to sit on a bleacher Friday night. That sounds wonderful!
Josh and friends are going to a movie. Roxie is having a friend over. It is going to be an easy, breezy Friday night. We haven't had one of those in quite a while.
Saturday will be pretty similar, I think. Since it's supposed to rain all day, I hope we'll get to sleep late and be a little lazy.
For Halloween, Roxie is dressing up like Wilma Flintstone. Before you get impressed, please know someone donated the costume and even did alterations to make it fit just right. The word "costume" has always made me tremble with fear. I have the same reaction to the word "project." I want to spend $50 and just buy one, but I can't make myself do that, so Halloween has always been a source of major stress for me until everyone is happy with their costume choice.
Slightly Amusing Halloween Story - Whenever we go camping at Guntersville, we always stop at a place called Mike's Warehouse. This building has a little of anything and everything, and we enjoy browsing through the store before we head home. On this particular October Sunday, I noticed a rack of gold lame' Elvis jumpsuits with gigantic black belts and even bigger bell bottoms. There must have been 20 or 30 of these identical Elvis costumes... and they were only $10 apiece.
"Buy one. Buy one NOW," something inside me said.
"No. This is a stupid, stupid purchase... even for only $10," I replied to myself. And then we left Mike's and the rack of gold lame' Elvis jumpsuits on sale for $10 apiece.
Three days later, I was asking the kids what they wanted to be for Halloween. Josh wanted to be a Power Ranger (shocker), and Roxie wanted to be a princess (another shocker), and Austin... Well, Austin wanted to be Elvis.
"What do you mean you want to be Elvis?"
"I think it would be fun, and we already know where we can get a costume."
"Yeah. I'll just make a 2 1/2 hour round trip to pick up a $10 costume and everything will be just fine!" I thought to myself.
"Why didn't you say something three days ago while we were standing in front of the costumes?" I whined.
"I didn't want to be Elvis until today."
Of course. That made perfect sense. How many of us wake up one morning and suddenly want to be Elvis. It happens all the time.
I decided my best course of action would be to get on the phone and see how much it would cost for Mike's to ship me a costume. I spoke to a very nice young lady, and when I told her what I wanted and asked if there were any left on the rack, she started laughing. "Oh, there are plenty on the rack. We have to sell them as a set."
"What does that mean? You have to sell 20 identical gold lame' Elvis jumpsuits at the same time to the same person? What does that mean?" I repeated.
"I know. It doesn't make any sense, but that's what my boss told me."
I sat there quietly trying to figure out how to get her to work with me... and not get fired. Before I could come up with a solution to this ridiculous problem, she cleared her throat and whispered, "I'm going to send you one."
"What?" I couldn't believe my ears. I wasn't going to have to guilt her, or coerce her or bribe her.
"It's stupid to think someone is going to buy all 20 at the same time. Can you pay over the phone with your credit card?" she hissed.
"Yes, I can," I whispered back.
"I'm going to walk down the street to the Post Office at lunch and drop it in the mail for you. You should get it in a couple of days."
"But what about postage?" I asked.
"It's on me," she said. "The day after Halloween the other 19 Elvis jumpsuits are going to be marked down to $1.50 anyway."
Two days later, I held in my hands a beautiful gold lame' Elvis jumpsuit. We had gotten such a deal on the costume, I was able to spring for black hair paint AND an inflatable guitar.
It was one of Austin's finer Halloween memories. And mine, too. I love it when you run into an incredibly kind person. It doesn't happen often enough, does it?
Well, back to Weekend Happenings. Boy, did we (Code for I) get off track!
Austin will be in Atlanta all day Saturday for another Southerner Exhibition, but he'll be coming in Sunday for church and our traditional Hobo Lunch at Grandmother's with my sister and her family. It should be a lot of fun.
And I should have some really good pics for next week's Gallery.
Book List
The following are just some of my favorite Halloween books for children. You may already have all of them, but if not, I've read the following and love them all.
1. The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
2. The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
3. Disney's Boo to You, Winnie the Pooh! by Bruce Talkington and Robbin Cuddy
4. The Boxcar Children Halloween Special (Boxcar Children Mysteries) by Gertrude Chandler Warner
5. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz
6. The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson (This isn't as special as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, but it is a good chapter book to read aloud the week before Halloween. It is very enjoyable.)
7. The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs (This is my absolute favorite and should always be read before, during or after the carving of the pumpkin. It is wonderful.)
Have a Happy Halloween. Be safe, and enjoy your weekend with family and friends. Check in Monday for a Party, Event or Devotion, our Special Guest will be revealed and Monday Mayhem. Lots of stuff going on at A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is of Roxie... Basketball Player! Last night was the first scrimmage before the Tip-Off Tournament Monday and Tuesday nights. The team is pretty impressive. I can say that because I am totally objective.
NEWBIE ALERT - If you are a Newbie, please click on Newbie Information on my sidebar. It has all of the rules and regulations you will need to continue reading A Simple Life. Thank you.
The last three hints for the Special Guest are as follows...
18. She had a crush on Leif Garrett when she was a teenager.
19. When she was young, she wanted to be a police officer.
20. She was named after her Daddy.
Weekend Happenings
Finally... the weekend! Since the last high school football game was played Thursday night, Mikie and I will NOT have to sit on a bleacher Friday night. That sounds wonderful!
Josh and friends are going to a movie. Roxie is having a friend over. It is going to be an easy, breezy Friday night. We haven't had one of those in quite a while.
Saturday will be pretty similar, I think. Since it's supposed to rain all day, I hope we'll get to sleep late and be a little lazy.
For Halloween, Roxie is dressing up like Wilma Flintstone. Before you get impressed, please know someone donated the costume and even did alterations to make it fit just right. The word "costume" has always made me tremble with fear. I have the same reaction to the word "project." I want to spend $50 and just buy one, but I can't make myself do that, so Halloween has always been a source of major stress for me until everyone is happy with their costume choice.
Slightly Amusing Halloween Story - Whenever we go camping at Guntersville, we always stop at a place called Mike's Warehouse. This building has a little of anything and everything, and we enjoy browsing through the store before we head home. On this particular October Sunday, I noticed a rack of gold lame' Elvis jumpsuits with gigantic black belts and even bigger bell bottoms. There must have been 20 or 30 of these identical Elvis costumes... and they were only $10 apiece.
"Buy one. Buy one NOW," something inside me said.
"No. This is a stupid, stupid purchase... even for only $10," I replied to myself. And then we left Mike's and the rack of gold lame' Elvis jumpsuits on sale for $10 apiece.
Three days later, I was asking the kids what they wanted to be for Halloween. Josh wanted to be a Power Ranger (shocker), and Roxie wanted to be a princess (another shocker), and Austin... Well, Austin wanted to be Elvis.
"What do you mean you want to be Elvis?"
"I think it would be fun, and we already know where we can get a costume."
"Yeah. I'll just make a 2 1/2 hour round trip to pick up a $10 costume and everything will be just fine!" I thought to myself.
"Why didn't you say something three days ago while we were standing in front of the costumes?" I whined.
"I didn't want to be Elvis until today."
Of course. That made perfect sense. How many of us wake up one morning and suddenly want to be Elvis. It happens all the time.
I decided my best course of action would be to get on the phone and see how much it would cost for Mike's to ship me a costume. I spoke to a very nice young lady, and when I told her what I wanted and asked if there were any left on the rack, she started laughing. "Oh, there are plenty on the rack. We have to sell them as a set."
"What does that mean? You have to sell 20 identical gold lame' Elvis jumpsuits at the same time to the same person? What does that mean?" I repeated.
"I know. It doesn't make any sense, but that's what my boss told me."
I sat there quietly trying to figure out how to get her to work with me... and not get fired. Before I could come up with a solution to this ridiculous problem, she cleared her throat and whispered, "I'm going to send you one."
"What?" I couldn't believe my ears. I wasn't going to have to guilt her, or coerce her or bribe her.
"It's stupid to think someone is going to buy all 20 at the same time. Can you pay over the phone with your credit card?" she hissed.
"Yes, I can," I whispered back.
"I'm going to walk down the street to the Post Office at lunch and drop it in the mail for you. You should get it in a couple of days."
"But what about postage?" I asked.
"It's on me," she said. "The day after Halloween the other 19 Elvis jumpsuits are going to be marked down to $1.50 anyway."
Two days later, I held in my hands a beautiful gold lame' Elvis jumpsuit. We had gotten such a deal on the costume, I was able to spring for black hair paint AND an inflatable guitar.
It was one of Austin's finer Halloween memories. And mine, too. I love it when you run into an incredibly kind person. It doesn't happen often enough, does it?
Well, back to Weekend Happenings. Boy, did we (Code for I) get off track!
Austin will be in Atlanta all day Saturday for another Southerner Exhibition, but he'll be coming in Sunday for church and our traditional Hobo Lunch at Grandmother's with my sister and her family. It should be a lot of fun.
And I should have some really good pics for next week's Gallery.
Book List
The following are just some of my favorite Halloween books for children. You may already have all of them, but if not, I've read the following and love them all.
1. The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
2. The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
3. Disney's Boo to You, Winnie the Pooh! by Bruce Talkington and Robbin Cuddy
4. The Boxcar Children Halloween Special (Boxcar Children Mysteries) by Gertrude Chandler Warner
5. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz
6. The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson (This isn't as special as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, but it is a good chapter book to read aloud the week before Halloween. It is very enjoyable.)
7. The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs (This is my absolute favorite and should always be read before, during or after the carving of the pumpkin. It is wonderful.)
Have a Happy Halloween. Be safe, and enjoy your weekend with family and friends. Check in Monday for a Party, Event or Devotion, our Special Guest will be revealed and Monday Mayhem. Lots of stuff going on at A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
NOTE - If you get a chance this weekend, go the my sidebar and click on Nitty Gritty under the Blog Lists. Read Jody's post on "Wishing." It will give you a whole new outlook on fall.
Well, here it is... A Simple Life's one year anniversary. I've really enjoyed having a blog. I've even made new friends because of the blog. (Code for I AM GOING TO MEET MY CHRISTMAS CARD GOAL THIS YEAR!!!)
It has been a great release for me to be able to talk (and talk and talk) about the things that happen within our little family... good and bad. I have loved sharing ideas (mostly copied) regarding family, family, family.
Let's recap, shall we?
Austin was leading the band as Drum Major this time last year. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone enjoy his Senior year as much as Austin. From the very beginning, to the very end, he savored every minute as a Senior.
Today finds Austin a Freshman at JSU, and once again he is meeting challenges which would leave me in a heap on the bathroom floor. Satan lost no time in attacking him as Mike and I drove off campus in August... tempting him with alcohol, cigarettes, profanity and much more, and it will be a daily struggle for the rest of his time at college... any college. He'll make mistakes as we all do, but our daily prayers and God's guidance in his life, along with our role as his parents, accountability partners, and the two people on earth who love him the "mostest" will hopefully help him over the biggest obstacles. Today, October 16, 2009, he is well.
This time last year, Josh was only going to school partial days (until 1:15) taking honors academic classes. Some days he was unable to go at all, but unlike the three years prior, his bounce back time was greatly improved. Instead of having to miss a week or more at a time, if he had a "bad" day, he was back in school the next day.
He was attending church on a regular basis, but again had "bad" days and was unable to sit through an entire service.
This year, Josh goes to school anywhere from 6:45 to 7:30 each morning for "football stuff," and along with his full honors academic load, he stays until 5:30 to 6:30 five nights a week and works out a couple of hours one day during the weekend. He has played in every JV game that hasn't been cancelled by rain thus far.
He can now sit through an entire church service and is looking forward to things like BLAST Weekend and other youth activities he has never been able to participate in before this year. He is amazing, and we give God the glory for the strides he has made in only 12 short months. Today, October 16, 2009, he is well.
Roxie was in 6th grade last year. Middle school turned out to be a whole new world. Overnight she became a fashionista. Hair, clothes, make-up and accessories became the new "most important thing EVER," and she and her friends enjoyed their more grown-up status as "middle schoolers."
Already this year she has attempted new things... trying out for the school volleyball and basketball teams. And she made both. She is competitive and feisty and fiery all rolled up into a tiny, curly-headed package. Do NOT call her cute when she's on the court (but she really is). She's officially a teenager now (which can be good or bad depending on how her hair does that morning). Today, October 16, 2009, she is well.
Last year, Mikie and I were 47 years-old. Although Mikie is getting a little gray around the temples (I LOVE it), he has probably changed the least this past year. He is the constant and the voice of reason in the Faulkner Five... which with my highs and lows is very, very needed.
For me, this past year has been a year of catching up, keeping up, letting go (some), but not throwing away. I am fighting (and it really feels like a fight at times) to keep our family "together" in spite of college, football, middle school sports, etc. But I also feel (most of the time) like I'm up for the challenge. There are many, many ways to stay close as a family when a child goes away to college. You just have to be creative... and be willing to copy successful families who have done this before as you figure out what will work for your own family.
I think we've already established, I'm not afraid to copy!
Today is October 16, 2009, and Mikie and I are well. (Even though I'm still having panic attacks, and I've got that second tongue thing that WILL NOT go away, but other than that... we are well.)
Thanks to all of you who read the blog. Thanks to all of you who comment now and again. Thanks for helping me meet my goals (1,000+ hits in one month, and 75 Christmas cards this Christmas... I hope). I'm looking forward to another year of A Simple Life.
Weekend Happenings
The weekend looks pretty good. It's going to be cooler, more fallish. We are all hoping and praying in Alabama it will be a little dryer!
Mikie and I will be attending the high school game Friday night, but Saturday is going to be our busy/fun day.
Roxie is heading to Auburn this weekend with a friend (and the friend's mother) for the game. Josh and Brad, Cousin Extraordinaire, are hanging out Saturday evening, and Mikie and I are going on a night date. You know... where it is dark when you get home and not when you leave (unlike our breakfast dates).
The Boy will be arriving Sunday for church, and we'll gather once again to watch The Amazing Race together Sunday evening!
Good weekend... good weekend.
5 Things To Do When Kids Say, "I'm Bored!"
This section is strictly for older children.
21. Start a lunch club for your daughter's friends. Take turns preparing lunch with other moms and rotate houses. Concentrate on manners, menu planning and table setting.
22. Make an appointment to see a newspaper or magazine printing plant.
23. Set up a zoological scavenger hunt. Using encyclopedias (or the Internet), your children can create a list of animal riddles for each other to solve. Then take a trip to the zoo. Have them exchange lists and try to identify the animals by matching the riddle clues with the zoological information on the cages.
24. Build a model plane or car from a kit.
25. Start a coin collection. Check with a coin shop or bank for help.
And like I said... That's just the tip of the iceberg! It's a great little book.
Book
The book for this week changed TODAY. My friend, Melaney, gave me this cookbook, and it is just wonderful, so the original book for this week just got shelved! The new book is anything and everything food-wise you would ever want for fall (October AND November). It is the Taste of Home Halloween Party Favorites and it contains 294 "eerily easy recipes," plus 45 "frightfully fun crafts." I LOVE IT!
Not only does it have wonderful recipes you can use all year long, but it has beef stew served in a real pumpkin. Be still my autumnal heart!
It is divided into three different categories... Halloween Food and Fun; Spirited Shindigs; and Bewitching Bashes.
There are pictures to go with almost each recipe, and the crafts are for all ages.
As I said before, everything has a Halloween/Fall theme, but you can use these recipes all year long. Here are a few examples: Cranberry Cheese Spread, Ginger Squash Soup, Mini Mexican Quiches, Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins, Apple-Raisin Bundt Cake. See... It's a cookbook which can be used any season.
If you're a cookbook collector, you (and your kids) would really enjoy this one!
Have a magnificent weekend. Check back Monday for a list of the revisions which will be made on A Simple Life. Thanks for the input, and hopefully the changes will make it a better blog.
However, I will go ahead and tell you that the Party/Event section is staying put... so there won't be any major surprises on Monday!
Take care, and I'll talk to you next week.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
(Oh, and just so you know... the "Enchanting" is staying for a little while longer, too. I had some positive input about the name! YEA!!)
NOTE - If you get a chance this weekend, go the my sidebar and click on Nitty Gritty under the Blog Lists. Read Jody's post on "Wishing." It will give you a whole new outlook on fall.
Well, here it is... A Simple Life's one year anniversary. I've really enjoyed having a blog. I've even made new friends because of the blog. (Code for I AM GOING TO MEET MY CHRISTMAS CARD GOAL THIS YEAR!!!)
It has been a great release for me to be able to talk (and talk and talk) about the things that happen within our little family... good and bad. I have loved sharing ideas (mostly copied) regarding family, family, family.
Let's recap, shall we?
Austin was leading the band as Drum Major this time last year. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone enjoy his Senior year as much as Austin. From the very beginning, to the very end, he savored every minute as a Senior.
Today finds Austin a Freshman at JSU, and once again he is meeting challenges which would leave me in a heap on the bathroom floor. Satan lost no time in attacking him as Mike and I drove off campus in August... tempting him with alcohol, cigarettes, profanity and much more, and it will be a daily struggle for the rest of his time at college... any college. He'll make mistakes as we all do, but our daily prayers and God's guidance in his life, along with our role as his parents, accountability partners, and the two people on earth who love him the "mostest" will hopefully help him over the biggest obstacles. Today, October 16, 2009, he is well.
This time last year, Josh was only going to school partial days (until 1:15) taking honors academic classes. Some days he was unable to go at all, but unlike the three years prior, his bounce back time was greatly improved. Instead of having to miss a week or more at a time, if he had a "bad" day, he was back in school the next day.
He was attending church on a regular basis, but again had "bad" days and was unable to sit through an entire service.
This year, Josh goes to school anywhere from 6:45 to 7:30 each morning for "football stuff," and along with his full honors academic load, he stays until 5:30 to 6:30 five nights a week and works out a couple of hours one day during the weekend. He has played in every JV game that hasn't been cancelled by rain thus far.
He can now sit through an entire church service and is looking forward to things like BLAST Weekend and other youth activities he has never been able to participate in before this year. He is amazing, and we give God the glory for the strides he has made in only 12 short months. Today, October 16, 2009, he is well.
Roxie was in 6th grade last year. Middle school turned out to be a whole new world. Overnight she became a fashionista. Hair, clothes, make-up and accessories became the new "most important thing EVER," and she and her friends enjoyed their more grown-up status as "middle schoolers."
Already this year she has attempted new things... trying out for the school volleyball and basketball teams. And she made both. She is competitive and feisty and fiery all rolled up into a tiny, curly-headed package. Do NOT call her cute when she's on the court (but she really is). She's officially a teenager now (which can be good or bad depending on how her hair does that morning). Today, October 16, 2009, she is well.
Last year, Mikie and I were 47 years-old. Although Mikie is getting a little gray around the temples (I LOVE it), he has probably changed the least this past year. He is the constant and the voice of reason in the Faulkner Five... which with my highs and lows is very, very needed.
For me, this past year has been a year of catching up, keeping up, letting go (some), but not throwing away. I am fighting (and it really feels like a fight at times) to keep our family "together" in spite of college, football, middle school sports, etc. But I also feel (most of the time) like I'm up for the challenge. There are many, many ways to stay close as a family when a child goes away to college. You just have to be creative... and be willing to copy successful families who have done this before as you figure out what will work for your own family.
I think we've already established, I'm not afraid to copy!
Today is October 16, 2009, and Mikie and I are well. (Even though I'm still having panic attacks, and I've got that second tongue thing that WILL NOT go away, but other than that... we are well.)
Thanks to all of you who read the blog. Thanks to all of you who comment now and again. Thanks for helping me meet my goals (1,000+ hits in one month, and 75 Christmas cards this Christmas... I hope). I'm looking forward to another year of A Simple Life.
Weekend Happenings
The weekend looks pretty good. It's going to be cooler, more fallish. We are all hoping and praying in Alabama it will be a little dryer!
Mikie and I will be attending the high school game Friday night, but Saturday is going to be our busy/fun day.
Roxie is heading to Auburn this weekend with a friend (and the friend's mother) for the game. Josh and Brad, Cousin Extraordinaire, are hanging out Saturday evening, and Mikie and I are going on a night date. You know... where it is dark when you get home and not when you leave (unlike our breakfast dates).
The Boy will be arriving Sunday for church, and we'll gather once again to watch The Amazing Race together Sunday evening!
Good weekend... good weekend.
5 Things To Do When Kids Say, "I'm Bored!"
This section is strictly for older children.
21. Start a lunch club for your daughter's friends. Take turns preparing lunch with other moms and rotate houses. Concentrate on manners, menu planning and table setting.
22. Make an appointment to see a newspaper or magazine printing plant.
23. Set up a zoological scavenger hunt. Using encyclopedias (or the Internet), your children can create a list of animal riddles for each other to solve. Then take a trip to the zoo. Have them exchange lists and try to identify the animals by matching the riddle clues with the zoological information on the cages.
24. Build a model plane or car from a kit.
25. Start a coin collection. Check with a coin shop or bank for help.
And like I said... That's just the tip of the iceberg! It's a great little book.
Book
The book for this week changed TODAY. My friend, Melaney, gave me this cookbook, and it is just wonderful, so the original book for this week just got shelved! The new book is anything and everything food-wise you would ever want for fall (October AND November). It is the Taste of Home Halloween Party Favorites and it contains 294 "eerily easy recipes," plus 45 "frightfully fun crafts." I LOVE IT!
Not only does it have wonderful recipes you can use all year long, but it has beef stew served in a real pumpkin. Be still my autumnal heart!
It is divided into three different categories... Halloween Food and Fun; Spirited Shindigs; and Bewitching Bashes.
There are pictures to go with almost each recipe, and the crafts are for all ages.
As I said before, everything has a Halloween/Fall theme, but you can use these recipes all year long. Here are a few examples: Cranberry Cheese Spread, Ginger Squash Soup, Mini Mexican Quiches, Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins, Apple-Raisin Bundt Cake. See... It's a cookbook which can be used any season.
If you're a cookbook collector, you (and your kids) would really enjoy this one!
Have a magnificent weekend. Check back Monday for a list of the revisions which will be made on A Simple Life. Thanks for the input, and hopefully the changes will make it a better blog.
However, I will go ahead and tell you that the Party/Event section is staying put... so there won't be any major surprises on Monday!
Take care, and I'll talk to you next week.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
(Oh, and just so you know... the "Enchanting" is staying for a little while longer, too. I had some positive input about the name! YEA!!)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
REMINDERS - If you are a Newbie, click on Newbie Info under my sidebar for instructions about the blog.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - Don't forget to enter the Contest. The rules are under my sidebar. Look for Contest Info. It's easy to do and could be worth $20 if you are the lucky winner!
NOTE TO DAWN - You left a comment, but you have to tell me one thing you like about the blog for your name to be put in the bowl. YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE BOWL, DAWN! Hurry! Even if you have to make something up, what is the one thing you like about the blog?
ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT! ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT! Roxie made the basketball team. Several of her friends from the volleyball team also made it, so she's going into this new experience with some buddies. She's very excited since basketball has always been her favorite sport. Let's see. I'm going to need a lot of basketball stickers and more maroon and gray paper. When I had a little girl 13 years ago, I didn't know I was going to need so much maroon and gray paper for scrapbooking. It wouldn't have been my first pick!
Yesterday morning after walking, I went through the drive-thru at our local Chick-Fil-A to get my Diet Dr. Pepper, and there on the menu sign was a tiny pumpkin. One just big enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
No one was around. Just me and my car. It would have been so easy... But I resisted the temptation. Stealing is stealing no matter how small.
I went back through the drive-thru yesterday afternoon to buy Roxie some fries, and there it was. So instead of taking it to a loving home, I took a picture of it and used it for yesterday's Project 365 photo. I also used the last three paragraphs to explain why it's on my Project 365 blog. (Is that cheating? I wonder.)
I now feel the urge to go through the drive-thru even MORE often to check on the status of the tiny pumpkin sitting helplessly on top of the menu sign. I don't think everyone has my moral compass and amazing self-control. (I'll let you know Monday, if it made it through the weekend!)
Three more Gallery Pics of Josh and that finishes up his Birth Day Week. Thank you for bearing with me as we went down Memory Lane with Roxie and Josh whose birthdays are so close together. I happen to love looking at baby pictures... any baby pictures. But I've been told everyone is not like me. Hmmm. Go figure.
Weekend Happenings
Okay. This is the way our weekend is shaping up. EVERYTHING depends on the weather.
Scenario #1 - If the weather is good (Code for NO SOLID RAIN BEGINNING FRIDAY NIGHT AND ALL DAY SATURDAY), Austin will be in Georgia playing for two Band Competitions. Roxie and Josh will be attending the Homecoming game Friday night and parties afterward.
Saturday, no matter what the weather, Josh will be watching college football ALL DAY LONG. However, if the weather is good, he will be cutting some grass in between games. Roxie will be attending a birthday party Saturday evening.
Sunday finds the Faulkner Five having a lazy day. Again, everyone going in different directions and meeting Sunday night after church for Amazing Race.
Scenario #2 - If the weather is bad (Code for RAIN, RAIN, RAIN, RAIN, RAIN), Austin will come home Friday night and go to as much of the Homecoming game as the weather allows. He will join his Dad and brother in the all day watching of college games on Saturday. And on Sunday, he will do whatever he desires until Amazing Race that evening. Also, in Scenario #2, I will be doing a lot of college laundry. Scenario #1... not so much. (I'll take the laundry!)
That's it for us. We'll have to wait and see how correct James Spann is about the upcoming monsoon.
TV Reviews
Amazing Race - I will say after watching Amazing Race Sunday night, I have no desire to go to Vietnam. None! Nada! It was crowded and hot and sticky... and did I say crowded? The older couple were last to check in and so they were eliminated. I must say, even though they were an older couple, the woman didn't seem to get the concept of "race." They completed each task thoroughly, but speed never really entered into it. And with that being said, they didn't seem too disappointed about being eliminated. I mean, there were no tears or anything like that.
I'm still liking the guy friends (one has Asperger's) and the Harlem Globetrotters. I tend to like the teams who get along and don't fight along the way. I don't know why. I would definitely be one of the whiners/fighters if I were ever to race. I guess I admire people who are able to avoid that part of the race and just enjoy the moment... the adventure. Again, not me!
Survivor - Good show. My rocket scientist isn't exactly the smartest contestant on the show... and he's definitely not going to make it to the end, but he's going to be there for a little while longer, so I have nothing to be ashamed of by picking him on my first impression alone. I wish I had picked the short, balding villain. He is quickly becoming my fave to win, even though he is so very cocky. And if you've ever watched one episode of Survivor, you know the cocky guy RARELY wins. But this guy could do it because he's cocky AND smart. Killer combination.
Mike and I had to watch it by ourselves tonight because Roxie and Josh had a ton of homework. They'll catch it sometime this rainy weekend.
Oh, and the person they did vote off... I'll just say good choice. Very good choice! (And that way I won't give anything away for anyone who hasn't seen the show yet.)
Book
This week's book is A Mother's Manual for Summer Survival by Kathy Peel and Joy Mahaffey. I know it is no longer summer, but this paperback book is on sale on Amazon.com, and it is pretty wonderful. It is inexpensive and has a ton of ideas, so it would be something good to go ahead and order now, look through at your leisure and be ready to try some of the ideas in June (which will be here before you know it).
The beginning of the book has charts (which I LOVE). The charts include Summertime Developmental Objectives with columns for Intellectual, Physical, Spiritual and Social-Emotional objectives. There are Weekly and Monthly Planners for June, July and August. There are also examples of how to fill out these charts. It is all very self-explanatory.
After you get past the charts (did I mention I LOVE the charts), there are chapters such as 16 Hours in the Car Without Sedatives which gives you travel ideas (and a Trip Planner chart); Making the Most of TV; Reading Resources; Family Fitness; Fun Around the Table; etc., etc.
There is also a chapter called 300 Things to do When Kids Say, "I'm Bored!" I'm going to give you five of these each day next week to give you an idea of what this little book has to offer. (And after I've given you 25 things, there will still be 275 things left to do. Amazing!)
Order the book today and be one step ahead of the rest of the moms when summer rolls around in 2010.
Have the most fabulous weekend! Go Rockets! Go JSU! War Eagle! (Did I forget anyone?) Oh, yes. Go Steelers! (Do they play this weekend?) If it is going to rain all day Saturday where you live, I highly recommend sleeping late. I actually think we might be able to do this! Very, very exciting! Next week will be FALL, FALL, FALL all week on the blog. Don't forget to enter the contest. The bowl is quickly getting full, but you have until Thursday, October 15 at midnight to enter. I have a special guest recipe Tuesday. It's going to be pretty delicious! Also, I'll be posting pics in Belinda's Project 365 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Of what, I do not know!) Check in next week if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
REMINDERS - If you are a Newbie, click on Newbie Info under my sidebar for instructions about the blog.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - Don't forget to enter the Contest. The rules are under my sidebar. Look for Contest Info. It's easy to do and could be worth $20 if you are the lucky winner!
NOTE TO DAWN - You left a comment, but you have to tell me one thing you like about the blog for your name to be put in the bowl. YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE BOWL, DAWN! Hurry! Even if you have to make something up, what is the one thing you like about the blog?
ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT! ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT! Roxie made the basketball team. Several of her friends from the volleyball team also made it, so she's going into this new experience with some buddies. She's very excited since basketball has always been her favorite sport. Let's see. I'm going to need a lot of basketball stickers and more maroon and gray paper. When I had a little girl 13 years ago, I didn't know I was going to need so much maroon and gray paper for scrapbooking. It wouldn't have been my first pick!
Yesterday morning after walking, I went through the drive-thru at our local Chick-Fil-A to get my Diet Dr. Pepper, and there on the menu sign was a tiny pumpkin. One just big enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
No one was around. Just me and my car. It would have been so easy... But I resisted the temptation. Stealing is stealing no matter how small.
I went back through the drive-thru yesterday afternoon to buy Roxie some fries, and there it was. So instead of taking it to a loving home, I took a picture of it and used it for yesterday's Project 365 photo. I also used the last three paragraphs to explain why it's on my Project 365 blog. (Is that cheating? I wonder.)
I now feel the urge to go through the drive-thru even MORE often to check on the status of the tiny pumpkin sitting helplessly on top of the menu sign. I don't think everyone has my moral compass and amazing self-control. (I'll let you know Monday, if it made it through the weekend!)
Three more Gallery Pics of Josh and that finishes up his Birth Day Week. Thank you for bearing with me as we went down Memory Lane with Roxie and Josh whose birthdays are so close together. I happen to love looking at baby pictures... any baby pictures. But I've been told everyone is not like me. Hmmm. Go figure.
Weekend Happenings
Okay. This is the way our weekend is shaping up. EVERYTHING depends on the weather.
Scenario #1 - If the weather is good (Code for NO SOLID RAIN BEGINNING FRIDAY NIGHT AND ALL DAY SATURDAY), Austin will be in Georgia playing for two Band Competitions. Roxie and Josh will be attending the Homecoming game Friday night and parties afterward.
Saturday, no matter what the weather, Josh will be watching college football ALL DAY LONG. However, if the weather is good, he will be cutting some grass in between games. Roxie will be attending a birthday party Saturday evening.
Sunday finds the Faulkner Five having a lazy day. Again, everyone going in different directions and meeting Sunday night after church for Amazing Race.
Scenario #2 - If the weather is bad (Code for RAIN, RAIN, RAIN, RAIN, RAIN), Austin will come home Friday night and go to as much of the Homecoming game as the weather allows. He will join his Dad and brother in the all day watching of college games on Saturday. And on Sunday, he will do whatever he desires until Amazing Race that evening. Also, in Scenario #2, I will be doing a lot of college laundry. Scenario #1... not so much. (I'll take the laundry!)
That's it for us. We'll have to wait and see how correct James Spann is about the upcoming monsoon.
TV Reviews
Amazing Race - I will say after watching Amazing Race Sunday night, I have no desire to go to Vietnam. None! Nada! It was crowded and hot and sticky... and did I say crowded? The older couple were last to check in and so they were eliminated. I must say, even though they were an older couple, the woman didn't seem to get the concept of "race." They completed each task thoroughly, but speed never really entered into it. And with that being said, they didn't seem too disappointed about being eliminated. I mean, there were no tears or anything like that.
I'm still liking the guy friends (one has Asperger's) and the Harlem Globetrotters. I tend to like the teams who get along and don't fight along the way. I don't know why. I would definitely be one of the whiners/fighters if I were ever to race. I guess I admire people who are able to avoid that part of the race and just enjoy the moment... the adventure. Again, not me!
Survivor - Good show. My rocket scientist isn't exactly the smartest contestant on the show... and he's definitely not going to make it to the end, but he's going to be there for a little while longer, so I have nothing to be ashamed of by picking him on my first impression alone. I wish I had picked the short, balding villain. He is quickly becoming my fave to win, even though he is so very cocky. And if you've ever watched one episode of Survivor, you know the cocky guy RARELY wins. But this guy could do it because he's cocky AND smart. Killer combination.
Mike and I had to watch it by ourselves tonight because Roxie and Josh had a ton of homework. They'll catch it sometime this rainy weekend.
Oh, and the person they did vote off... I'll just say good choice. Very good choice! (And that way I won't give anything away for anyone who hasn't seen the show yet.)
Book
This week's book is A Mother's Manual for Summer Survival by Kathy Peel and Joy Mahaffey. I know it is no longer summer, but this paperback book is on sale on Amazon.com, and it is pretty wonderful. It is inexpensive and has a ton of ideas, so it would be something good to go ahead and order now, look through at your leisure and be ready to try some of the ideas in June (which will be here before you know it).
The beginning of the book has charts (which I LOVE). The charts include Summertime Developmental Objectives with columns for Intellectual, Physical, Spiritual and Social-Emotional objectives. There are Weekly and Monthly Planners for June, July and August. There are also examples of how to fill out these charts. It is all very self-explanatory.
After you get past the charts (did I mention I LOVE the charts), there are chapters such as 16 Hours in the Car Without Sedatives which gives you travel ideas (and a Trip Planner chart); Making the Most of TV; Reading Resources; Family Fitness; Fun Around the Table; etc., etc.
There is also a chapter called 300 Things to do When Kids Say, "I'm Bored!" I'm going to give you five of these each day next week to give you an idea of what this little book has to offer. (And after I've given you 25 things, there will still be 275 things left to do. Amazing!)
Order the book today and be one step ahead of the rest of the moms when summer rolls around in 2010.
Have the most fabulous weekend! Go Rockets! Go JSU! War Eagle! (Did I forget anyone?) Oh, yes. Go Steelers! (Do they play this weekend?) If it is going to rain all day Saturday where you live, I highly recommend sleeping late. I actually think we might be able to do this! Very, very exciting! Next week will be FALL, FALL, FALL all week on the blog. Don't forget to enter the contest. The bowl is quickly getting full, but you have until Thursday, October 15 at midnight to enter. I have a special guest recipe Tuesday. It's going to be pretty delicious! Also, I'll be posting pics in Belinda's Project 365 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Of what, I do not know!) Check in next week if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
A FEW REMINDERS - If you are a Newbie, go to my sidebar and click on Newbie Information. I know I keep repeating this, and the Oldies are getting tired of it, but I'm averaging at least one or two Newbies a week, and I want them to get with the program!
Also, Belinda's Project 365 is up and running. You'll never know how simple, ordinary and boring your life is until you take a picture every day for a month (much less a year). The phrase "I've got to get out more," keeps coming up again and again and again!
Josh's Birth Day Story will begin Monday. He will turn 16 Sunday and so next week will be a baby picture bonanza of my Josh. He's more than a little thrilled at the prospect, I'm sure (Code for DREADING IT MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE). Actually, he is a little worried about "naked baby pictures," as well he should be. I have hundreds of them. I knew they would come in handy during the teenage years, and just the threat of making one or two of them poster-sized and putting them on the side of the big gold van and driving past the school several times a day was one of my best parenting tools with Austin... and it's working pretty well with Josh, too.
Some people call it blackmail... I like to call it genius!
A Simple Life's one-year anniversary is coming up October 16, and you all know what that means... CONTEST! There will be more details regarding the CONTEST next week.
Weekend Happenings
Stop me now if you've heard this before... We're going to some football games this weekend. Oh, so you have heard this before. Sorry. This is our life.
Mikie is going to watch the high school game Friday night and Josh will be dressed out on the sidelines. I'll be with Roxie attending another function.
Saturday will find us once again going in different directions. Grandmother, Katie, Zac, Roxie and I are heading to Jacksonville to watch JSU's first home game (and try to spot Austin in the band one more time). After the game, Austin will pack up dirty laundry and head home while Roxie and I hopefully get to visit my niece, Brandi, and my great-nephew, Matthew, for a few minutes before we, too, head home.
Mike and Josh will be leaving Saturday morning to travel to Tennessee for the Auburn game Saturday night. This is a huge accomplishment for Josh. He hasn't gone out of town with only one parent overnight in over four years. He hasn't been able to because of his illness. The fact he is looking forward to it is something we weren't sure we'd ever see.
He and Mike will be coming in Sunday morning for his family birthday party Sunday afternoon.
Three teenagers and two drivers... If you look at me for five minutes straight, you can see me age right in front of your very eyes. It's my newest trick... That, and sitting in the corner drooling.
Man, it is getting harder and harder to get the Faulkner Five together on the weekends with Austin home, but we are coming together to watch Amazing Race Sunday night. I'M DECLARING IT!
All in all, a busy weekend, but full of wonderful possibilities and adventures with family and friends. Check in Monday to see how it all turns out!
TV Review
Survivor - So far, no one we picked at the beginning of the season has been kicked off the island... but it's just a matter of time. I'm still thinking Roxie's pick (the doctor) could go all the way, but the rest of us aren't very good at the "first impression" pick. I hate to say it, but I'm liking the villain more and more. He may have the best chance at the $1,000,000... even though as an oil company owner, I doubt he needs the cash. It was a pretty good show, but a little predictable. I didn't think the challenge was very difficult. I mean, I could never have made it, but I think it's pretty safe to say the only real "surviving" I'm ever going to do is when we are camping and they close the bathrooms for 15 minutes for cleaning. Talk about harrowing!
Amazing Race - Wow! In the first show alone, two teams were kicked off. It's hard to pick a winner right now. I LOVE the two male friends (one of whom has Asperger's Syndrome). Their relationship is wonderful to see, and I would love for them to win. But then you have the Harlem Globetrotter duo. Their attitude is wonderful. They are having a good time and they definitely know how to work a crowd. Very likable. There are other interesting teams. I'll have to wait another week or two to see who I think will win it all!
Again, this is all Roxie talks about. She just knows she could win this race. And as I've said before... "The day I let a camera follow any member of my family around 24/7 will be the end of my life as the 'perfect mother.'" I have a fake persona I've carefully maintained over the years, and I have no intention of letting a silly race ruin it! (Even though I'm pretty sure she'd win the $1,000,000.)
Disney Week - Part Five
NOTE - I've skipped three days of narrative from our trip. The following is the description of our last day at "The Happiest Place on Earth."
We awoke knowing it was our last day at Disney. We had a plan, but we were still saddened to think of leaving within a few hours. Mike and Austin were ready to try Rocking Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror. On the other hand, Roxie and I were bound and determined to meet Cinderella even though I had been unable to get reservations for Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfast. I had read if you arrived early (7:30 to 7:45 a.m.), Cinderella would take a few minutes and visit with the peasants in the lobby. When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom at 7:40, I was relieved to notice we were in a very small crowd. When we were let in the main gates, we quickly made our way to the castle where a maidservant informed us Cinderella no longer visited with people before breakfast. She had stopped doing it only weeks before. Roxie handled the disappointment a lot better than I did!!!
Joshua, on the other hand, wanted to ride Astro Orbiter one last time. It was his only request. We got next to the rope at Tommorowland and waited. I had read several accounts about the "lowering of the rope." You have to be ready to run to your attraction as soon as the Disney employees drop the rope. I turned and saw hundreds and hundreds of people behind us. I picked Roxie up. Three more minutes... I turned again and grabbed Joshua's shirt collar in my hand. The rope dropped. We were off. We ran as if our lives depended on it. Faster and faster, people breathing down our necks, shrieking children, sweat pouring down my back, my arm feeling as though it would fall off from the weight of carrying Roxie. We could see the sign!!! We were almost there. And then...
We waited. The person in charge of the ride would not let us get on until at least three more people came to ride Astro Orbiter. We waited five minutes and finally a man and his son walked up. They let us ride, not once, but three times in a row before anyone else even wandered over to the attraction. I later learned that everyone had run to Alien Encounter and Space Mountain. Astro Orbiter is not considered a major ride. At least not to anyone but Joshua.
We also enjoyed another spin on Buzz before we headed back to the hotel to finish packing. Austin and Mike were not far behind, and they had enjoyed Rocking Rollercoaster immensely. The Tower of Terror turned out to be something they felt they had to ride to show their manhood, so they were proud, but not especially excited about ever riding it again.
It was time to go. We were all very quiet as we drove out of the park. However, the fun wasn't over quite yet. We went to the World's Largest McDonald's to eat lunch, and the kids were appropriately impressed. We spent a little time playing video games before we began our long, but uneventful, trip back home. We talked endlessly about our favorite things during our time in the van, and I think we each had an unforgettable adventure.
Austin will always remember Disney for the thrill rides, the humor and the Luau. Josh was most impressed with the shows and the character breakfasts. Mike said he was just happy watching his family having so much fun day after day. As for me and Roxie, we experienced the magic of Disney. It is amazing to see things through your children's eyes. Watching the boys, I saw them trying things they would never have imagined possible days earlier (whether it was different foods or terrifying rides). They were so courageous. Watching Mikie, I was amazed at how relaxed he was concerning the spending of money. (We didn't go over budget, but we didn't come in under budget either.) Watching Roxie, I was a four year-old girl again who just wanted to look at Cinderella's Castle for hours and hours, and dance with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and meet Winnie the Pooh. I can't imagine we'll have an experience similar to Disney ever again.
As Tigger would so eloquently say, "It was TIGGERIFIC!!!!"
Book
The book I would recommend today is the Unofficial Guide to Disney World 2010 by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa. They update the book each year to add new rides, attractions, etc.
This is an easy book to read for your first trip. Each ride in each park is rated by age groups. This is wonderful when you are mapping out your day and you can know what to skip because of their star rating system. There are maps for every park and itineraries telling you exactly which attractions to go to first, which rides to skip, which attractions can wait until right before the park closes, etc., etc.
There is a section that gives you tip after tip after tip of how to make the most of your Disney experience. There is also a "Reader Review" section in the back of the book filled with letters (good and bad) from people who have been to Disney. They talk about anything and everything from transportation to restaurants to prices to best parks and why, etc., etc. (Take this section with a grain of salt. What is one man's worst nightmare might be your favorite thing in the park.)
The beginning of the book gives you all the information you would need to know for your stay in your park. For example, our van had to be serviced at Disney as soon as we pulled in. Because of the book, we knew a valet would follow Mike to the garage and then bring Mike back to the hotel. We received an estimate within a day, and were very surprised to find out it was affordable. (Yes, it could have been repaired a little cheaper at home, but it was still within reason.)
The book also gave us the number of the pharmacy which was not on Disney property, but delivered prescription drugs to the hotels on Disney property twice a day. Yes, there was a delivery charge, but it was not too high, and it was beyond wonderful to walk in and have our medications waiting for us at the front desk.
It's a good planning book. It's a good reference tool. It's something you need to read before you leave home, and it's a book that needs to be packed in your suitcase to refer to while you are staying at Disney.
I've loaned it to many, many different families, and because it is easy to read and understand (and you can pick the section you are most interested in and go to that part of the book in a matter of seconds), it is my pick as the ultimate Disney Guide Book.
Have a fantastic fall weekend. Don't miss one minute of October and November's beauty. I wait for these two months ALL year long, and they are gone in an instant. Fix a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate and sit on the deck, or on the porch, or in the driveway. Wherever there are leaves fluttering down around you and the air is crisp and cool, it's a good place. Have your daily quiet time in the beautiful outdoors. Have fun with your family and friends this weekend. Don't forget... next week is Josh's Birth Day Story. It's not quite as long (or dramatic) as Roxie's, but it is his story and it MUST BE TOLD!
We'll be starting new fall traditions, dates, books, recipes and parties. Please check back often.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
A FEW REMINDERS - If you are a Newbie, go to my sidebar and click on Newbie Information. I know I keep repeating this, and the Oldies are getting tired of it, but I'm averaging at least one or two Newbies a week, and I want them to get with the program!
Also, Belinda's Project 365 is up and running. You'll never know how simple, ordinary and boring your life is until you take a picture every day for a month (much less a year). The phrase "I've got to get out more," keeps coming up again and again and again!
Josh's Birth Day Story will begin Monday. He will turn 16 Sunday and so next week will be a baby picture bonanza of my Josh. He's more than a little thrilled at the prospect, I'm sure (Code for DREADING IT MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE). Actually, he is a little worried about "naked baby pictures," as well he should be. I have hundreds of them. I knew they would come in handy during the teenage years, and just the threat of making one or two of them poster-sized and putting them on the side of the big gold van and driving past the school several times a day was one of my best parenting tools with Austin... and it's working pretty well with Josh, too.
Some people call it blackmail... I like to call it genius!
A Simple Life's one-year anniversary is coming up October 16, and you all know what that means... CONTEST! There will be more details regarding the CONTEST next week.
Weekend Happenings
Stop me now if you've heard this before... We're going to some football games this weekend. Oh, so you have heard this before. Sorry. This is our life.
Mikie is going to watch the high school game Friday night and Josh will be dressed out on the sidelines. I'll be with Roxie attending another function.
Saturday will find us once again going in different directions. Grandmother, Katie, Zac, Roxie and I are heading to Jacksonville to watch JSU's first home game (and try to spot Austin in the band one more time). After the game, Austin will pack up dirty laundry and head home while Roxie and I hopefully get to visit my niece, Brandi, and my great-nephew, Matthew, for a few minutes before we, too, head home.
Mike and Josh will be leaving Saturday morning to travel to Tennessee for the Auburn game Saturday night. This is a huge accomplishment for Josh. He hasn't gone out of town with only one parent overnight in over four years. He hasn't been able to because of his illness. The fact he is looking forward to it is something we weren't sure we'd ever see.
He and Mike will be coming in Sunday morning for his family birthday party Sunday afternoon.
Three teenagers and two drivers... If you look at me for five minutes straight, you can see me age right in front of your very eyes. It's my newest trick... That, and sitting in the corner drooling.
Man, it is getting harder and harder to get the Faulkner Five together on the weekends with Austin home, but we are coming together to watch Amazing Race Sunday night. I'M DECLARING IT!
All in all, a busy weekend, but full of wonderful possibilities and adventures with family and friends. Check in Monday to see how it all turns out!
TV Review
Survivor - So far, no one we picked at the beginning of the season has been kicked off the island... but it's just a matter of time. I'm still thinking Roxie's pick (the doctor) could go all the way, but the rest of us aren't very good at the "first impression" pick. I hate to say it, but I'm liking the villain more and more. He may have the best chance at the $1,000,000... even though as an oil company owner, I doubt he needs the cash. It was a pretty good show, but a little predictable. I didn't think the challenge was very difficult. I mean, I could never have made it, but I think it's pretty safe to say the only real "surviving" I'm ever going to do is when we are camping and they close the bathrooms for 15 minutes for cleaning. Talk about harrowing!
Amazing Race - Wow! In the first show alone, two teams were kicked off. It's hard to pick a winner right now. I LOVE the two male friends (one of whom has Asperger's Syndrome). Their relationship is wonderful to see, and I would love for them to win. But then you have the Harlem Globetrotter duo. Their attitude is wonderful. They are having a good time and they definitely know how to work a crowd. Very likable. There are other interesting teams. I'll have to wait another week or two to see who I think will win it all!
Again, this is all Roxie talks about. She just knows she could win this race. And as I've said before... "The day I let a camera follow any member of my family around 24/7 will be the end of my life as the 'perfect mother.'" I have a fake persona I've carefully maintained over the years, and I have no intention of letting a silly race ruin it! (Even though I'm pretty sure she'd win the $1,000,000.)
Disney Week - Part Five
NOTE - I've skipped three days of narrative from our trip. The following is the description of our last day at "The Happiest Place on Earth."
We awoke knowing it was our last day at Disney. We had a plan, but we were still saddened to think of leaving within a few hours. Mike and Austin were ready to try Rocking Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror. On the other hand, Roxie and I were bound and determined to meet Cinderella even though I had been unable to get reservations for Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfast. I had read if you arrived early (7:30 to 7:45 a.m.), Cinderella would take a few minutes and visit with the peasants in the lobby. When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom at 7:40, I was relieved to notice we were in a very small crowd. When we were let in the main gates, we quickly made our way to the castle where a maidservant informed us Cinderella no longer visited with people before breakfast. She had stopped doing it only weeks before. Roxie handled the disappointment a lot better than I did!!!
Joshua, on the other hand, wanted to ride Astro Orbiter one last time. It was his only request. We got next to the rope at Tommorowland and waited. I had read several accounts about the "lowering of the rope." You have to be ready to run to your attraction as soon as the Disney employees drop the rope. I turned and saw hundreds and hundreds of people behind us. I picked Roxie up. Three more minutes... I turned again and grabbed Joshua's shirt collar in my hand. The rope dropped. We were off. We ran as if our lives depended on it. Faster and faster, people breathing down our necks, shrieking children, sweat pouring down my back, my arm feeling as though it would fall off from the weight of carrying Roxie. We could see the sign!!! We were almost there. And then...
We waited. The person in charge of the ride would not let us get on until at least three more people came to ride Astro Orbiter. We waited five minutes and finally a man and his son walked up. They let us ride, not once, but three times in a row before anyone else even wandered over to the attraction. I later learned that everyone had run to Alien Encounter and Space Mountain. Astro Orbiter is not considered a major ride. At least not to anyone but Joshua.
We also enjoyed another spin on Buzz before we headed back to the hotel to finish packing. Austin and Mike were not far behind, and they had enjoyed Rocking Rollercoaster immensely. The Tower of Terror turned out to be something they felt they had to ride to show their manhood, so they were proud, but not especially excited about ever riding it again.
It was time to go. We were all very quiet as we drove out of the park. However, the fun wasn't over quite yet. We went to the World's Largest McDonald's to eat lunch, and the kids were appropriately impressed. We spent a little time playing video games before we began our long, but uneventful, trip back home. We talked endlessly about our favorite things during our time in the van, and I think we each had an unforgettable adventure.
Austin will always remember Disney for the thrill rides, the humor and the Luau. Josh was most impressed with the shows and the character breakfasts. Mike said he was just happy watching his family having so much fun day after day. As for me and Roxie, we experienced the magic of Disney. It is amazing to see things through your children's eyes. Watching the boys, I saw them trying things they would never have imagined possible days earlier (whether it was different foods or terrifying rides). They were so courageous. Watching Mikie, I was amazed at how relaxed he was concerning the spending of money. (We didn't go over budget, but we didn't come in under budget either.) Watching Roxie, I was a four year-old girl again who just wanted to look at Cinderella's Castle for hours and hours, and dance with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and meet Winnie the Pooh. I can't imagine we'll have an experience similar to Disney ever again.
As Tigger would so eloquently say, "It was TIGGERIFIC!!!!"
Book
The book I would recommend today is the Unofficial Guide to Disney World 2010 by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa. They update the book each year to add new rides, attractions, etc.
This is an easy book to read for your first trip. Each ride in each park is rated by age groups. This is wonderful when you are mapping out your day and you can know what to skip because of their star rating system. There are maps for every park and itineraries telling you exactly which attractions to go to first, which rides to skip, which attractions can wait until right before the park closes, etc., etc.
There is a section that gives you tip after tip after tip of how to make the most of your Disney experience. There is also a "Reader Review" section in the back of the book filled with letters (good and bad) from people who have been to Disney. They talk about anything and everything from transportation to restaurants to prices to best parks and why, etc., etc. (Take this section with a grain of salt. What is one man's worst nightmare might be your favorite thing in the park.)
The beginning of the book gives you all the information you would need to know for your stay in your park. For example, our van had to be serviced at Disney as soon as we pulled in. Because of the book, we knew a valet would follow Mike to the garage and then bring Mike back to the hotel. We received an estimate within a day, and were very surprised to find out it was affordable. (Yes, it could have been repaired a little cheaper at home, but it was still within reason.)
The book also gave us the number of the pharmacy which was not on Disney property, but delivered prescription drugs to the hotels on Disney property twice a day. Yes, there was a delivery charge, but it was not too high, and it was beyond wonderful to walk in and have our medications waiting for us at the front desk.
It's a good planning book. It's a good reference tool. It's something you need to read before you leave home, and it's a book that needs to be packed in your suitcase to refer to while you are staying at Disney.
I've loaned it to many, many different families, and because it is easy to read and understand (and you can pick the section you are most interested in and go to that part of the book in a matter of seconds), it is my pick as the ultimate Disney Guide Book.
Have a fantastic fall weekend. Don't miss one minute of October and November's beauty. I wait for these two months ALL year long, and they are gone in an instant. Fix a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate and sit on the deck, or on the porch, or in the driveway. Wherever there are leaves fluttering down around you and the air is crisp and cool, it's a good place. Have your daily quiet time in the beautiful outdoors. Have fun with your family and friends this weekend. Don't forget... next week is Josh's Birth Day Story. It's not quite as long (or dramatic) as Roxie's, but it is his story and it MUST BE TOLD!
We'll be starting new fall traditions, dates, books, recipes and parties. Please check back often.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
Yes! The weekend is here, and that means something different for everyone out there reading this today. It may mean football, band competitions, birthday celebrations, volleyball tournaments, family gatherings, or sleeping late on a rainy Saturday morning (that would be heavenly). Every family is going to have a different weekend. Every family has it's own unique rhythm. Every family has it's own way of doing things.
I love that. I love hearing about different things different families do... whether for special occasions or just the every day stuff. Being a "copier," this info is where I get MUCH of my "material." So if you ever have an idea or something you want to share, as I've said before, feel free. I don't think I've ever taken credit for something that wasn't mine (and if I have it is only because I had a momentary brain malfunction.) I'm having more and more and more of those lately. The bad news is it's not bothering me as much as when I first noticed it happening.
A COUPLE OF REMINDERS - Project 365 is still going strong. So far, I haven't missed a day, but of course, I haven't even hit my 31st picture yet. I don't want to brag too much since I still have over 320 pictures to go. (Gee, I wish I hadn't written that. It's a little depressing.) I'll be posting Friday, Saturday and Sunday Project 365 pics, and you can click on Belinda's Project 365 on the sidebar this weekend to take a look if you're interested.
Also, if you are a Newbie to the blog, you can now go to the sidebar and click on Newbie Information which will give you all the info you need to master the intricacies of A Simple Life. If you only read one thing, I would ask you to read Josh's Journey since it is the main reason I started this blog in the first place.
Okay. Let's get on with the Friday "stuff."
AUSTIN UPDATE - Austin is still doing very well living away from home. He's experiencing many new exciting things, and because he's always been a "talker," he shares many of those "things" with us. He had two articles in the school paper this week... one about the game, and one from attending the press conference with the coach. Next week, he's doing a player bio and the press conference articles while another student writes about the game.
When he left Monday morning, I mentioned to him to make sure he had time to change clothes before he went to the press conference. "Why? I'm just going straight from class," he responded.
"Well, I'm not sure, but since the 'real' newspapers are going to be there, no one is going to be dressed in plaid shorts and a JSU t-shirt with flip flops."
"Ahh. They know I'm a student. It will be fine." I didn't say another word.
Around 11:15 I received a call. At first I thought it was a heavy breather (I love those), but then I realized it was just Austin running across the quad. "Problem?" I asked sweetly.
"I showed up at the press conference a few minutes early and everyone was dressed up. Some even had ties. I'll be fine with my brown slacks and polo shirt though," he puffed. I didn't say I told you so... Oh, how I wanted to, but I refrained.
"Good luck," I said as I hung up.
At 12:30 I received another call. "It was great!" he said. "They gave me a sheet of statements from the coach so I would know what questions NOT to ask. I loved it."
"Wonderful. And were you dressed okay?" I asked.
"Yeah. But I couldn't find my brown socks."
You would only have to know me a minute to realize how much this bothered me. "What did you do? Did you wear your black uniform socks?"
"Oh, man. I wish I had thought about that."
I was getting bothered more by the minute. "What did you wear?" I asked, bracing myself.
"Don't worry. I wore my dress shoes and no socks."
Ugh!!! "Well, at least tell me you didn't sit down where people could see your hairy white ankles."
"Of course I sat down. I didn't know how long it was going to last, and I don't like to write standing up."
Oh, Austin... Throw me a bone here! "Did you at least sit in the back?"
"No. Closer to the front."
I stopped. I didn't want to know if he sat on the front row. It would be more than I could take.
This Monday when he leaves he's taking four pair of brown socks... FOUR PAIR. (And I know if that's the worse thing that ever happens at college, I will consider myself very, very fortunate.)
Weekend Happenings
We have a lot of "what ifs" this weekend. NO MATTER WHAT, Roxie begins the county volleyball tournament tonight. THE BIG ONE! IF they win at least one of the two games, they will play Saturday and continue to play until they are eliminated OR WIN IT ALL!
IF it rains out the Gadsden Band Expo Saturday, Austin will get to come home early (Friday night or Saturday morning), and he will watch Roxie play at least one or two of her tournament games. IF if doesn't rain, he will be home Saturday night after the band performs.
IF Auburn is on a channel we have, Josh will watch the game from home Saturday night. IF we don't have the channel, he's hoping to watch from Grandmother's house. IF Austin does get to come home earlier than planned, he will probably be watching the game with his brother.
Roxie's family birthday party WILL DEFINITELY BE Sunday. There are no "what ifs" associated with her celebration. Also a "definite-do" will be the watching of The Amazing Race by the Faulkner Five Sunday night after church. I'M DECLARING IT! (Declaring something can sometimes backfire on you. I'm very brave to have done so!)
We'll see if this weekend goes according to plan!
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Five
Well, the time finally arrived to schedule a C-Section. The table we called my stomach was now measuring around 50 weeks... and growing daily. Uncomfortable doesn't seem to be an adequate word to describe the way I felt. And trying not to be fearful was very, very difficult.
The day of the scheduled C-Section, September 25, 1996, we arrived at the hospital. Everything was in place. The plan had not changed. Mike and Mom were to stay with Roxie NO MATTER WHAT, and Daddy would stay with me.
At noon, we went to the operating room to get Roxie. In a matter of a few minutes, Mike and I heard crying. Crying with gusto, actually. And then we met Roxie. Fat, angry, red cheeks, a little auburn hair... she didn't look like her esophagus wasn't attached to her stomach.
The nurse cleaned her and right before they took her away for her tests, she gave her to me one more time to kiss. The nurse leaned down and whispered in my ear, "What did you name this baby?"
"Roxie," I replied.
"Perfect," the nurse said... and then after a quick kiss and an "I love you" from Mikie, they were gone.
I was later taken to a semi-dark room. No one was there. I looked at the clock on the wall. It had been an hour since I had went into the operating room. I picked up the phone, but it wasn't connected. Very, very strange.
Of all things, a workman came in to work on the thermostat. I asked him to turn on a light and to keep the door open. I then asked him if he could find a nurse. He kindly did so.
When the nurse arrived, she asked if I needed pain meds which I refused. Although I knew the epidural was wearing off, when I take pain meds I am out for the count. I didn't want to be unconscious if they had to take Roxie to Children's. I asked her if she had seen my Dad. She said no, but she would watch for him. Again, very, very strange.
The clock kept ticking. I had now been in the room over 30 minutes by myself. Where was Daddy? Something was wrong. The only reason for him to not be with me would be because something was not right with Roxie. About that time, I saw him walking past the door. I yelled for him, and he came and sat down beside me... his assigned post for the day. He said he had been looking for me for over 30 minutes, but no one knew where I was. He had been going into rooms (containing new mothers) for the last half hour just looking. It was a wonder he wasn't arrested!
We sat in a very comfortable silence, holding hands and waiting. He didn't know to ask about pain medication, and I didn't tell him what I was doing, but my epidural was wearing off pretty fast.
We received a couple of phone calls during the long day from my Mom and Mike giving us updates on the testing and we continued to wait.
My Aunt Connie and my mom's best friend, Mrs. Davis, came in to check on me. They knew pretty soon into the conversation I was not taking meds. If I remember correctly (and I probably don't), they really jumped Daddy about not taking care of that little issue. But again, being a man who had never given birth, he was totally oblivious.
Needless to say, the nurse and I had to come to an agreement on what I could take that would take the edge off the pain, but would allow me to stay awake enough to know what was going on with Miss Roxie. That taken care of, we waited some more.
When Mom came in several hours later, she gave us the news everything in Roxie was "connected." No surgery needed. They were going to move me to a room and then Mikie and Roxie were coming to see me. I held her again at 7:00 p.m. that night. Seven hours after she was born. And then I had the nurse bring me some really, really strong pain meds!
And that's Roxie's Birth Day Story. Again, not to compare or complain to other women who have been through so much more. It is simply her story... her beginning... our beginning as the Faulkner Five.
I wrote this in her baby book while I was in the hospital 13 years ago (on heavy, heavy pain meds), but it's still true today...
"September 25, 1996 - When Austin was born, I was amazed at how much I loved him. He was my total obsession. When Joshua was born, I was amazed I could love another child as much as my first. He was my heart. When Roxie was born, I was amazed God had blessed me yet again with this beautiful little girl. She was (and is) my heart's desire."
I know you're glad this week is finally over. Remember, we're going to Disney next week... on the blog, I mean. No more baby stories until October 5. (Sorry. Josh's birthday is October 4.)
TV Review - Survivor was very good. There is a villain on the show... a short, squatty guy who is causing all kinds of havoc. Unfortunately, I think I like him. He's very cocky. He lies. And then he bullies all the other survivors to make them do his bidding. (He's what Roxie would be like if she ever played Survivor. I'm kidding! Sort of!) It's anyone's game, but Roxie and the boys seemed to have picked the ones who could go to the end. (My Rocket Scientist guy is not good... not good at all!)
Book - Since I've run late posting today because of Internet problems yesterday, the book of the week will show up some time later in the day.
Have a great weekend... wet or not. Do something simple with your family sometime during these next two days (or something big). Whatever you have the energy for. (We've talked about my energy level... We're going the simple route!) Next week will be Disney week on the blog. I'll be sharing stories and pictures from the most wonderful place ever created for kids of all ages. Feel free to share some of your stories, too.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Yes! The weekend is here, and that means something different for everyone out there reading this today. It may mean football, band competitions, birthday celebrations, volleyball tournaments, family gatherings, or sleeping late on a rainy Saturday morning (that would be heavenly). Every family is going to have a different weekend. Every family has it's own unique rhythm. Every family has it's own way of doing things.
I love that. I love hearing about different things different families do... whether for special occasions or just the every day stuff. Being a "copier," this info is where I get MUCH of my "material." So if you ever have an idea or something you want to share, as I've said before, feel free. I don't think I've ever taken credit for something that wasn't mine (and if I have it is only because I had a momentary brain malfunction.) I'm having more and more and more of those lately. The bad news is it's not bothering me as much as when I first noticed it happening.
A COUPLE OF REMINDERS - Project 365 is still going strong. So far, I haven't missed a day, but of course, I haven't even hit my 31st picture yet. I don't want to brag too much since I still have over 320 pictures to go. (Gee, I wish I hadn't written that. It's a little depressing.) I'll be posting Friday, Saturday and Sunday Project 365 pics, and you can click on Belinda's Project 365 on the sidebar this weekend to take a look if you're interested.
Also, if you are a Newbie to the blog, you can now go to the sidebar and click on Newbie Information which will give you all the info you need to master the intricacies of A Simple Life. If you only read one thing, I would ask you to read Josh's Journey since it is the main reason I started this blog in the first place.
Okay. Let's get on with the Friday "stuff."
AUSTIN UPDATE - Austin is still doing very well living away from home. He's experiencing many new exciting things, and because he's always been a "talker," he shares many of those "things" with us. He had two articles in the school paper this week... one about the game, and one from attending the press conference with the coach. Next week, he's doing a player bio and the press conference articles while another student writes about the game.
When he left Monday morning, I mentioned to him to make sure he had time to change clothes before he went to the press conference. "Why? I'm just going straight from class," he responded.
"Well, I'm not sure, but since the 'real' newspapers are going to be there, no one is going to be dressed in plaid shorts and a JSU t-shirt with flip flops."
"Ahh. They know I'm a student. It will be fine." I didn't say another word.
Around 11:15 I received a call. At first I thought it was a heavy breather (I love those), but then I realized it was just Austin running across the quad. "Problem?" I asked sweetly.
"I showed up at the press conference a few minutes early and everyone was dressed up. Some even had ties. I'll be fine with my brown slacks and polo shirt though," he puffed. I didn't say I told you so... Oh, how I wanted to, but I refrained.
"Good luck," I said as I hung up.
At 12:30 I received another call. "It was great!" he said. "They gave me a sheet of statements from the coach so I would know what questions NOT to ask. I loved it."
"Wonderful. And were you dressed okay?" I asked.
"Yeah. But I couldn't find my brown socks."
You would only have to know me a minute to realize how much this bothered me. "What did you do? Did you wear your black uniform socks?"
"Oh, man. I wish I had thought about that."
I was getting bothered more by the minute. "What did you wear?" I asked, bracing myself.
"Don't worry. I wore my dress shoes and no socks."
Ugh!!! "Well, at least tell me you didn't sit down where people could see your hairy white ankles."
"Of course I sat down. I didn't know how long it was going to last, and I don't like to write standing up."
Oh, Austin... Throw me a bone here! "Did you at least sit in the back?"
"No. Closer to the front."
I stopped. I didn't want to know if he sat on the front row. It would be more than I could take.
This Monday when he leaves he's taking four pair of brown socks... FOUR PAIR. (And I know if that's the worse thing that ever happens at college, I will consider myself very, very fortunate.)
Weekend Happenings
We have a lot of "what ifs" this weekend. NO MATTER WHAT, Roxie begins the county volleyball tournament tonight. THE BIG ONE! IF they win at least one of the two games, they will play Saturday and continue to play until they are eliminated OR WIN IT ALL!
IF it rains out the Gadsden Band Expo Saturday, Austin will get to come home early (Friday night or Saturday morning), and he will watch Roxie play at least one or two of her tournament games. IF if doesn't rain, he will be home Saturday night after the band performs.
IF Auburn is on a channel we have, Josh will watch the game from home Saturday night. IF we don't have the channel, he's hoping to watch from Grandmother's house. IF Austin does get to come home earlier than planned, he will probably be watching the game with his brother.
Roxie's family birthday party WILL DEFINITELY BE Sunday. There are no "what ifs" associated with her celebration. Also a "definite-do" will be the watching of The Amazing Race by the Faulkner Five Sunday night after church. I'M DECLARING IT! (Declaring something can sometimes backfire on you. I'm very brave to have done so!)
We'll see if this weekend goes according to plan!
Roxie's Birth Day Story - Part Five
Well, the time finally arrived to schedule a C-Section. The table we called my stomach was now measuring around 50 weeks... and growing daily. Uncomfortable doesn't seem to be an adequate word to describe the way I felt. And trying not to be fearful was very, very difficult.
The day of the scheduled C-Section, September 25, 1996, we arrived at the hospital. Everything was in place. The plan had not changed. Mike and Mom were to stay with Roxie NO MATTER WHAT, and Daddy would stay with me.
At noon, we went to the operating room to get Roxie. In a matter of a few minutes, Mike and I heard crying. Crying with gusto, actually. And then we met Roxie. Fat, angry, red cheeks, a little auburn hair... she didn't look like her esophagus wasn't attached to her stomach.
The nurse cleaned her and right before they took her away for her tests, she gave her to me one more time to kiss. The nurse leaned down and whispered in my ear, "What did you name this baby?"
"Roxie," I replied.
"Perfect," the nurse said... and then after a quick kiss and an "I love you" from Mikie, they were gone.
I was later taken to a semi-dark room. No one was there. I looked at the clock on the wall. It had been an hour since I had went into the operating room. I picked up the phone, but it wasn't connected. Very, very strange.
Of all things, a workman came in to work on the thermostat. I asked him to turn on a light and to keep the door open. I then asked him if he could find a nurse. He kindly did so.
When the nurse arrived, she asked if I needed pain meds which I refused. Although I knew the epidural was wearing off, when I take pain meds I am out for the count. I didn't want to be unconscious if they had to take Roxie to Children's. I asked her if she had seen my Dad. She said no, but she would watch for him. Again, very, very strange.
The clock kept ticking. I had now been in the room over 30 minutes by myself. Where was Daddy? Something was wrong. The only reason for him to not be with me would be because something was not right with Roxie. About that time, I saw him walking past the door. I yelled for him, and he came and sat down beside me... his assigned post for the day. He said he had been looking for me for over 30 minutes, but no one knew where I was. He had been going into rooms (containing new mothers) for the last half hour just looking. It was a wonder he wasn't arrested!
We sat in a very comfortable silence, holding hands and waiting. He didn't know to ask about pain medication, and I didn't tell him what I was doing, but my epidural was wearing off pretty fast.
We received a couple of phone calls during the long day from my Mom and Mike giving us updates on the testing and we continued to wait.
My Aunt Connie and my mom's best friend, Mrs. Davis, came in to check on me. They knew pretty soon into the conversation I was not taking meds. If I remember correctly (and I probably don't), they really jumped Daddy about not taking care of that little issue. But again, being a man who had never given birth, he was totally oblivious.
Needless to say, the nurse and I had to come to an agreement on what I could take that would take the edge off the pain, but would allow me to stay awake enough to know what was going on with Miss Roxie. That taken care of, we waited some more.
When Mom came in several hours later, she gave us the news everything in Roxie was "connected." No surgery needed. They were going to move me to a room and then Mikie and Roxie were coming to see me. I held her again at 7:00 p.m. that night. Seven hours after she was born. And then I had the nurse bring me some really, really strong pain meds!
And that's Roxie's Birth Day Story. Again, not to compare or complain to other women who have been through so much more. It is simply her story... her beginning... our beginning as the Faulkner Five.
I wrote this in her baby book while I was in the hospital 13 years ago (on heavy, heavy pain meds), but it's still true today...
"September 25, 1996 - When Austin was born, I was amazed at how much I loved him. He was my total obsession. When Joshua was born, I was amazed I could love another child as much as my first. He was my heart. When Roxie was born, I was amazed God had blessed me yet again with this beautiful little girl. She was (and is) my heart's desire."
I know you're glad this week is finally over. Remember, we're going to Disney next week... on the blog, I mean. No more baby stories until October 5. (Sorry. Josh's birthday is October 4.)
TV Review - Survivor was very good. There is a villain on the show... a short, squatty guy who is causing all kinds of havoc. Unfortunately, I think I like him. He's very cocky. He lies. And then he bullies all the other survivors to make them do his bidding. (He's what Roxie would be like if she ever played Survivor. I'm kidding! Sort of!) It's anyone's game, but Roxie and the boys seemed to have picked the ones who could go to the end. (My Rocket Scientist guy is not good... not good at all!)
Book - Since I've run late posting today because of Internet problems yesterday, the book of the week will show up some time later in the day.
Have a great weekend... wet or not. Do something simple with your family sometime during these next two days (or something big). Whatever you have the energy for. (We've talked about my energy level... We're going the simple route!) Next week will be Disney week on the blog. I'll be sharing stories and pictures from the most wonderful place ever created for kids of all ages. Feel free to share some of your stories, too.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
DON'T FORGET! - If you are new to A Simple Life, go to my sidebar and click on "Newbie" under the Labels category. That post will give you the information you need to navigate your way through this most complicated blog!
Another week down, a new weekend to GO! As it stands now, football will rule once again in the Faulkner household. Some or all will attend the Varsity game this Friday night... (Mikie and Austin for sure). Some or all will attend the JSU game in Huntsville Saturday night (Belinda and Mikie for sure).
And right now, it looks like we're going to see The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry as the Faulkner Five on Sunday night. Classes at church have started back on Sunday nights, but I think we're going to support this Christian movie as a family this one time, and start back with classes next Sunday evening. I'll give a rare movie review on Monday, but I've heard some wonderful things about the film.
I wanted to post a little more of the excerpt I started in the Emilie Barnes' book yesterday. I love all of her books... her devotionals, her books for children, etc., but what she says in this book really hits the nail on the head (to me).
"You don't need money to create memories; you just need a desire. As adults, many of our memories are from our childhood or from when we were first married. Looking back to our early married life, Bob and I had very little money, but we have many fond memories. Now we have much more financial independence, but our early memories are still very vivid. Someone shared with me once, 'Successful people do what unsuccessful people aren't willing to do.' That statement had a real impact on my life. From that day on, I began to identify what those things were. One that was brought to mind was that successful people planned their lives. I wasn't planning my life very well at the time. Since then, I have learned to create treasured memories."
Of course, being a planner doesn't always work either. I found that out the hard way. So the last few years have found me trying to be a "flexible planner." Plan, plan, plan, but if things do not work out as you plan, do NOT be upset. Flexibility is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to learn... and I'm still not very good at it! It's not a natural skill for me. (Surprise to all those who have known me for more than one minute!)
But when plans fall apart or just totally disappear, I trust in God's Word. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
And since I know He has plans for me, it gives me the desire to try again.
How many days just melt away, and we look back at the week that has just passed and wonder where the time went? Did we have dinner together as a family? Did we spend one-on-one time with one or more of the kids? Did we plan something special to do with our husband as a couple? But more importantly, did we go somewhere to "be still" and spend time with God? If I'm honest here, I would have to answer "no" to several of those questions on a weekly basis. But if I can say "yes" to even one... or two... or three, then that's a good week because it means I'm planning. I'm trying. And as I have said before, that's what A Simple Life is all about... striving.
TV Review
Survivor - This is a perfect example of being flexible. The lightning storm messed up our satellite and we were unable to see more than 15 minutes of Survivor. Did we cry? Did we get upset? Did we pitch a fit? Well, only one of us did... but like I said, I'm working on it! (We'll all be gathered around Mike's computer this weekend watching the 45 minutes we didn't get to see.) I will say in the 15 minutes we saw, it was very apparent the Rocket Scientist I picked to win the $1,000,000 just by looking at his picture will soon be gone. Austin and Josh's pick is looking pretty good (Eric, the bartender). Roxie's pic (the doctor) was pretty impressive, but Mikie's pick (the pretty blonde named Natalie) won't make the cut.
Tune in Monday for my Survivor review and my movie review... I hope.
Book
Big surprise! The book for this week is 15 Minutes of Peace With God by Emilie Barnes. (Don't you love the way she spells "Emilie?")
This book is specifically designed for busy women and each devotion lasts 15 minutes OR less.
Ms. Barnes says in the introduction of her book, "I've written this devotional book for every busy woman who wants to get in touch with her Lord and her life. Each quiet time is designed to take 15 minutes or less. That's not a huge commitment, but it's an important one. You'll spend some time in God's Word, and you'll find helps and direction for your everyday life."
Wow. That's a lot for just 15 minutes a day, isn't it?
Each devotion is three to four pages long. There is a Scripture Reading, a Key Verse and then a story or thought regarding the scripture. She ends the devotion with a prayer and a section called Taking Action. Taking Action gives you specific ideas of things to DO to implement the devotion. She also adds extra scripture and a quote from a famous person in history, all relating to that day's devotion.
I highly recommend any book by Ms. Barnes, but this one is especially good.
NEW BLOG! NEW BLOG! - My friend, Joni, has started a new devotion blog for her high school Sunday School girls, and if you want to follow along, it is simple, well-done and very "doable." (Don't think it is just for teenagers. Any age person would come away with something from this material.) It comes from the book KNOWN, and information is given about where you can find the materials to follow this devotional blog on a weekly basis. You can find the blog at www.gfbcgirls.blogspot.com. Check it out. It's a good thing. (And that was taken directly from Martha. As always, giving credit where it is due!)
Have a fabulous weekend whatever you may be doing. Plan, plan, plan for successful, purposeful, meaningful time with your family, and have a great time making memories. Don't forget... Next week is Roxie's birthday week which means I will be sharing her Birth Day story three or four of the days next week. (It was a very loooong pregnancy!) We'll also have more of the usual Monday through Friday topics. Check the sidebar for Belinda's Project 365. I'll be posting pictures of something Saturday and Sunday. You just never know! (I know I don't!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
DON'T FORGET! - If you are new to A Simple Life, go to my sidebar and click on "Newbie" under the Labels category. That post will give you the information you need to navigate your way through this most complicated blog!
Another week down, a new weekend to GO! As it stands now, football will rule once again in the Faulkner household. Some or all will attend the Varsity game this Friday night... (Mikie and Austin for sure). Some or all will attend the JSU game in Huntsville Saturday night (Belinda and Mikie for sure).
And right now, it looks like we're going to see The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry as the Faulkner Five on Sunday night. Classes at church have started back on Sunday nights, but I think we're going to support this Christian movie as a family this one time, and start back with classes next Sunday evening. I'll give a rare movie review on Monday, but I've heard some wonderful things about the film.
I wanted to post a little more of the excerpt I started in the Emilie Barnes' book yesterday. I love all of her books... her devotionals, her books for children, etc., but what she says in this book really hits the nail on the head (to me).
"You don't need money to create memories; you just need a desire. As adults, many of our memories are from our childhood or from when we were first married. Looking back to our early married life, Bob and I had very little money, but we have many fond memories. Now we have much more financial independence, but our early memories are still very vivid. Someone shared with me once, 'Successful people do what unsuccessful people aren't willing to do.' That statement had a real impact on my life. From that day on, I began to identify what those things were. One that was brought to mind was that successful people planned their lives. I wasn't planning my life very well at the time. Since then, I have learned to create treasured memories."
Of course, being a planner doesn't always work either. I found that out the hard way. So the last few years have found me trying to be a "flexible planner." Plan, plan, plan, but if things do not work out as you plan, do NOT be upset. Flexibility is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to learn... and I'm still not very good at it! It's not a natural skill for me. (Surprise to all those who have known me for more than one minute!)
But when plans fall apart or just totally disappear, I trust in God's Word. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
And since I know He has plans for me, it gives me the desire to try again.
How many days just melt away, and we look back at the week that has just passed and wonder where the time went? Did we have dinner together as a family? Did we spend one-on-one time with one or more of the kids? Did we plan something special to do with our husband as a couple? But more importantly, did we go somewhere to "be still" and spend time with God? If I'm honest here, I would have to answer "no" to several of those questions on a weekly basis. But if I can say "yes" to even one... or two... or three, then that's a good week because it means I'm planning. I'm trying. And as I have said before, that's what A Simple Life is all about... striving.
TV Review
Survivor - This is a perfect example of being flexible. The lightning storm messed up our satellite and we were unable to see more than 15 minutes of Survivor. Did we cry? Did we get upset? Did we pitch a fit? Well, only one of us did... but like I said, I'm working on it! (We'll all be gathered around Mike's computer this weekend watching the 45 minutes we didn't get to see.) I will say in the 15 minutes we saw, it was very apparent the Rocket Scientist I picked to win the $1,000,000 just by looking at his picture will soon be gone. Austin and Josh's pick is looking pretty good (Eric, the bartender). Roxie's pic (the doctor) was pretty impressive, but Mikie's pick (the pretty blonde named Natalie) won't make the cut.
Tune in Monday for my Survivor review and my movie review... I hope.
Book
Big surprise! The book for this week is 15 Minutes of Peace With God by Emilie Barnes. (Don't you love the way she spells "Emilie?")
This book is specifically designed for busy women and each devotion lasts 15 minutes OR less.
Ms. Barnes says in the introduction of her book, "I've written this devotional book for every busy woman who wants to get in touch with her Lord and her life. Each quiet time is designed to take 15 minutes or less. That's not a huge commitment, but it's an important one. You'll spend some time in God's Word, and you'll find helps and direction for your everyday life."
Wow. That's a lot for just 15 minutes a day, isn't it?
Each devotion is three to four pages long. There is a Scripture Reading, a Key Verse and then a story or thought regarding the scripture. She ends the devotion with a prayer and a section called Taking Action. Taking Action gives you specific ideas of things to DO to implement the devotion. She also adds extra scripture and a quote from a famous person in history, all relating to that day's devotion.
I highly recommend any book by Ms. Barnes, but this one is especially good.
NEW BLOG! NEW BLOG! - My friend, Joni, has started a new devotion blog for her high school Sunday School girls, and if you want to follow along, it is simple, well-done and very "doable." (Don't think it is just for teenagers. Any age person would come away with something from this material.) It comes from the book KNOWN, and information is given about where you can find the materials to follow this devotional blog on a weekly basis. You can find the blog at www.gfbcgirls.blogspot.com. Check it out. It's a good thing. (And that was taken directly from Martha. As always, giving credit where it is due!)
Have a fabulous weekend whatever you may be doing. Plan, plan, plan for successful, purposeful, meaningful time with your family, and have a great time making memories. Don't forget... Next week is Roxie's birthday week which means I will be sharing her Birth Day story three or four of the days next week. (It was a very loooong pregnancy!) We'll also have more of the usual Monday through Friday topics. Check the sidebar for Belinda's Project 365. I'll be posting pictures of something Saturday and Sunday. You just never know! (I know I don't!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I hope everyone had a nice Thursday. It's the weekend, folks. It came fast, didn't it? Thank goodness!
Weekend Happenings
Our weekend is going to be separate, but fun (I hope). Roxie and I will be going to her volleyball tournament Friday night AND Saturday. It should be/could be an all day event, so I'm packing my cushioned stadium seat and getting ready to sit on some bleachers! While we're at the tournament Friday night, Mikie and Josh will be at the GHS vs. Oak Mountain game which is away this week.
Saturday will revolve around Auburn football for Mike and Josh. Although they can't watch the game (we don't have the channel), I'm hoping the weather will be nice enough for an evening fishing trip and listening to the game on the radio. That sounds like a nice combo, doesn't it?
Sunday will find four out of five of the Faulkners at my Mom's church for a special Grandparents' Day Service, and dinner on the grounds. Sunday night we will begin our classes for the fall. Very busy weekend. Very little time to come together. I'll make the most of it, and enjoy moments, but I really like to have some time where we all spend some time together before the next week begins. Not going to happen this weekend! Time for The Enchanting Belinda to turn into The Flexible Belinda!
Austin Update
Austin will be traveling with the Southerners this weekend to Tallahassee, Florida for JSU's game. He's more than looking forward to the trip... especially since they get to stay overnight. I, on the other hand... not so much. But I think we're planning a Top of the River trip to Gadsden for Tuesday night (at least two of the Faulkners are going) to see The Boy and to take him sustenance (red devil's food cookies) and underwear!
He wrote his first sports' article for the JSU newspaper and it was published yesterday. He did a good job, and he'll be writing the article for this weekend's game as well. It may not stick, but as of this moment, Communications is a good fit in the major department.
He is enjoying the Baptist Campus Ministries, and attended Bible Study Tuesday night. His favorite part of campus life as far as I can tell are all the impromptu sports he gets to participate in. When he called last night at 11:00 p.m., he had just come back from playing racquetball with some of the BCM kids, and on the way back to the dorm, he was invited to play Ultimate Frisbee for a little while. He loves that part of living on campus.
This is the longest I've ever gone in my entire life as his mother without seeing The Boy. I'm not liking it very much. I will say that Roxie and Josh are doing their level best to keep me so entirely wrapped up in their lives and activities, they think I have no time to think about Austin... or my hair... or my second tongue... or my lack of hot flashes... or a 1,000,000 other things I would normally think about in day's time. But they're wrong. I do think about my second tongue... a lot! And I do think about my Austin... constantly.
He's still calling often, sometimes two or three times a day. He's not asking for money or advice. He's usually just telling us something exciting that happened during his day. So far, our favorite has been, "Did you know when you finish a test in college, you can just get up and walk out of class? If you finish in ten minutes, you can just leave? Did you know that?" Ahh. It's the little things in life that truly make us happy.
He's doing well.
I miss him.
RANDOMNESS - This was in the sidebar of my Bible during quiet time today. I liked it, so I assume anyone reading this will like it, too.
"All parents have visions of good things for their children. But few parents dream of the sacrifices that might be asked of their children. Most of us struggle to temper our dreams with the reality of who our children are and what God intends for them. We would choose all the good and none of the difficult. God has other plans."
Of course, I thought of Josh when I read that paragraph. I would NEVER have chosen for him to have an illness of any kind... EVER. My dreams for him never included the pain he's endured the past few years. But God has other plans. And sometimes, just sometimes, I can see a glimpse of the bigger picture. It might be something Josh says, or something I observe in him as he matures. Josh has made our very ordinary little family extraordinary in so many ways.
And who do I think I am to try to change God's perfect plan for my children? There was a time when I would have answered that question with hands on my hips wearing my spandex shirt with the giant "M" on it for "SUPER MOM" and declared, "I have the plans for my kids, and heartache, mental disorders, disappointments and other hardships are NOT in my plans."
I'm learning daily to die to my plans, and see what God has in store for The Faulkner Five. It's been a long journey. I like my plans. My plans are pretty good, if I do say so myself. But my plans are the plans of an earthly mother, not a heavenly, all-knowing Father.
It's hard, and if I was being totally honest, I would have to say I don't like it much right now. But the end result of the plan... Well, I must admit I'm excited to one day see the end result.
Book
The book for this week is a small devotional-type book called My Jesus Is... Everything by Anne Graham Lotz. It is written in such a way you could read two to four pages a day as a devotion, or sit down and read the entire book in about an hour. I'm going to give you a little sample.
"Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to have Someone with these attributes in your life?
"Are you distressed today? Then you need the Comforter.
"Are you facing a major decision? Then you need the Counselor.
"Do you need relief from, or support in, your responsibilities? Then you need the Helper.
"Are you being criticized, falsely accused, misunderstood? Then you need the Advocate.
"Are you constantly defeated by habits of sin? Then you need the Strengthener.
"Are you unprepared for an emergency? Then you need the Standby. The Holy Spirit is everything that Jesus is!"
It's one of those little books that can really make you think if you get somewhere and read it quietly and thoughtfully. (And again, if you're like me, in short spurts!) Enjoy!
Have a glorious weekend. Whether you are with your family as a whole or in pieces (like us), enjoy the one your with! (I think that's a song, isn't it?) Come back next week when we'll be talking about mud wrestling every single day... NOT. But do come back... please!
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday. I'll still be posting pictures on Belinda's Project 365 on Saturday and Sunday (NEISA) if you want to check on that little blog.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I hope everyone had a nice Thursday. It's the weekend, folks. It came fast, didn't it? Thank goodness!
Weekend Happenings
Our weekend is going to be separate, but fun (I hope). Roxie and I will be going to her volleyball tournament Friday night AND Saturday. It should be/could be an all day event, so I'm packing my cushioned stadium seat and getting ready to sit on some bleachers! While we're at the tournament Friday night, Mikie and Josh will be at the GHS vs. Oak Mountain game which is away this week.
Saturday will revolve around Auburn football for Mike and Josh. Although they can't watch the game (we don't have the channel), I'm hoping the weather will be nice enough for an evening fishing trip and listening to the game on the radio. That sounds like a nice combo, doesn't it?
Sunday will find four out of five of the Faulkners at my Mom's church for a special Grandparents' Day Service, and dinner on the grounds. Sunday night we will begin our classes for the fall. Very busy weekend. Very little time to come together. I'll make the most of it, and enjoy moments, but I really like to have some time where we all spend some time together before the next week begins. Not going to happen this weekend! Time for The Enchanting Belinda to turn into The Flexible Belinda!
Austin Update
Austin will be traveling with the Southerners this weekend to Tallahassee, Florida for JSU's game. He's more than looking forward to the trip... especially since they get to stay overnight. I, on the other hand... not so much. But I think we're planning a Top of the River trip to Gadsden for Tuesday night (at least two of the Faulkners are going) to see The Boy and to take him sustenance (red devil's food cookies) and underwear!
He wrote his first sports' article for the JSU newspaper and it was published yesterday. He did a good job, and he'll be writing the article for this weekend's game as well. It may not stick, but as of this moment, Communications is a good fit in the major department.
He is enjoying the Baptist Campus Ministries, and attended Bible Study Tuesday night. His favorite part of campus life as far as I can tell are all the impromptu sports he gets to participate in. When he called last night at 11:00 p.m., he had just come back from playing racquetball with some of the BCM kids, and on the way back to the dorm, he was invited to play Ultimate Frisbee for a little while. He loves that part of living on campus.
This is the longest I've ever gone in my entire life as his mother without seeing The Boy. I'm not liking it very much. I will say that Roxie and Josh are doing their level best to keep me so entirely wrapped up in their lives and activities, they think I have no time to think about Austin... or my hair... or my second tongue... or my lack of hot flashes... or a 1,000,000 other things I would normally think about in day's time. But they're wrong. I do think about my second tongue... a lot! And I do think about my Austin... constantly.
He's still calling often, sometimes two or three times a day. He's not asking for money or advice. He's usually just telling us something exciting that happened during his day. So far, our favorite has been, "Did you know when you finish a test in college, you can just get up and walk out of class? If you finish in ten minutes, you can just leave? Did you know that?" Ahh. It's the little things in life that truly make us happy.
He's doing well.
I miss him.
RANDOMNESS - This was in the sidebar of my Bible during quiet time today. I liked it, so I assume anyone reading this will like it, too.
"All parents have visions of good things for their children. But few parents dream of the sacrifices that might be asked of their children. Most of us struggle to temper our dreams with the reality of who our children are and what God intends for them. We would choose all the good and none of the difficult. God has other plans."
Of course, I thought of Josh when I read that paragraph. I would NEVER have chosen for him to have an illness of any kind... EVER. My dreams for him never included the pain he's endured the past few years. But God has other plans. And sometimes, just sometimes, I can see a glimpse of the bigger picture. It might be something Josh says, or something I observe in him as he matures. Josh has made our very ordinary little family extraordinary in so many ways.
And who do I think I am to try to change God's perfect plan for my children? There was a time when I would have answered that question with hands on my hips wearing my spandex shirt with the giant "M" on it for "SUPER MOM" and declared, "I have the plans for my kids, and heartache, mental disorders, disappointments and other hardships are NOT in my plans."
I'm learning daily to die to my plans, and see what God has in store for The Faulkner Five. It's been a long journey. I like my plans. My plans are pretty good, if I do say so myself. But my plans are the plans of an earthly mother, not a heavenly, all-knowing Father.
It's hard, and if I was being totally honest, I would have to say I don't like it much right now. But the end result of the plan... Well, I must admit I'm excited to one day see the end result.
Book
The book for this week is a small devotional-type book called My Jesus Is... Everything by Anne Graham Lotz. It is written in such a way you could read two to four pages a day as a devotion, or sit down and read the entire book in about an hour. I'm going to give you a little sample.
"Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to have Someone with these attributes in your life?
"Are you distressed today? Then you need the Comforter.
"Are you facing a major decision? Then you need the Counselor.
"Do you need relief from, or support in, your responsibilities? Then you need the Helper.
"Are you being criticized, falsely accused, misunderstood? Then you need the Advocate.
"Are you constantly defeated by habits of sin? Then you need the Strengthener.
"Are you unprepared for an emergency? Then you need the Standby. The Holy Spirit is everything that Jesus is!"
It's one of those little books that can really make you think if you get somewhere and read it quietly and thoughtfully. (And again, if you're like me, in short spurts!) Enjoy!
Have a glorious weekend. Whether you are with your family as a whole or in pieces (like us), enjoy the one your with! (I think that's a song, isn't it?) Come back next week when we'll be talking about mud wrestling every single day... NOT. But do come back... please!
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday. I'll still be posting pictures on Belinda's Project 365 on Saturday and Sunday (NEISA) if you want to check on that little blog.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
CHECK THIS OUT - Don't forget to check out Belinda's Project 365 under My Blog List on the sidebar. So far, I'm keeping up! Nine down, 356 to go. It should be a breeze!
NOTE TO BOOSHY - Thanks for commenting. I clicked on your blog today, and I now have some reading to do this long holiday weekend. I love reading new blogs!
AUSTIN UPDATE - It's been a few days since I gave an update on "The Boy," so for anyone interested, here is what's happening in Austin World. He's enjoying all of his classes and so far has straight As. (Also, so far he hasn't had a test or turned in any work, so the straight A thing has been a pretty easy accomplishment.)
He went to the school newspaper the first of the week to see about doing some sports writing after football season, but since he's in the band and he's going to most of the away games, they hired him on the spot to write 250 to 350 word articles about the games. He is thrilled. His first article is due this Monday, and he's going to e-mail it to "his editor" from the house. (Can anyone say, "Everybody Loves Raymond"?)
His first pep rally was last night and he loved it (although it was a little on the small side). His first game is in Atlanta this weekend against Georgia Tech and he's excited. But he's really looking forward to next weekend when he gets to go to Tallahassee for the JSU vs. Florida game. He'll be marching in front of 98,000 people.
He and his roommate, Kristopher, are getting along well. To help with the roommate bonding process, I'm baking a couple of pound cakes this weekend to take back to school. They seem very compatible, and I think they are going to be fine for the rest of the school year. Kristopher has introduced him to CSI which has almost become Austin's favorite show now... Don't worry! He assured me 24 is still number one!
He calls everyday (sometimes several times), but assures us he isn't homesick. Mikie went to Gadsden Tuesday to have dinner with him, and he met his two cousins, Jared and Jared, for dinner Wednesday night. (They live in Oxford... only a 30 minute drive away.)
All in all, except for an occasional bump in the road here and there, he has done very well. I'm proud of him. And I still miss him. And I wish he was still six years-old starting first grade instead of JSU.
But that's a story for another time... between me and my psychiatrist!
Weekend Happenings
Well, like many of you out there, Friday night will be football for Josh and Mikie. We have an away game, but Roxie and I are sitting this one out because of exhaustion (and the fact Josh will not be playing). Instead, Roxie and I are renting Enchanted (with Amy Adams) and scrapbooking for two or three hours before getting to bed early for our big day on Saturday.
The big gold van is leaving Gardendale at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning headed to Atlanta to watch JSU beat the socks off Georgia Tech. HA! Gotcha! We're going just to watch "The Boy" in the 400-member Marching Southerners band. And to eat afterward at The Varsity. If JSU happens to win, it will be nice, but not necessary to our overall enjoyment of the day!
A quick trip to JSU to pick up Austin's pick-up truck (AND LAUNDRY) and we'll head home for the Labor Day Weekend. (Melia is going to the game with us, so she'll be riding back with "The Boy.")
Once home, we'll go to church, rest a little bit, and maybe cook out and eat on the deck Sunday evening. That sounds good, doesn't it?
Monday will be the last day our community pool is open, and we are contemplating some or all of the Faulkner Five taking advantage of the cool, blue waters once more before fall and winter officially arrive. (I'm being very "laid back." Did you notice?)
And that is pretty much it for us, folks. I will be adding a picture a day on Saturday AND Sunday to Belinda's Project 365... because it is the law, you know. I've made a commitment and I must see it through. (If I start running out of day-to-day Faulkner Five pictures to put on the Project blog, I'm going to have to start coming to some of your homes. Be afraid... be very afraid!
Book
This week's book hasn't been released yet. However, I KNOW it is going to be a great book everyone needs to buy. It is called The Pioneer Woman Cooks, Recipes From an Accidental Country Girl by Ree Drummond. She starts her book tour soon, so the cookbook will be available for purchase in the very near future.
If you have never gone to her website, please do so NOW. Go to My Blog List and click on Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. Although her story, posts and pictures are wonderful, funny, beautiful, etc., the woman also cooks. Just click on "Cooking" at the top of her blog to see some of her recipes. I think you'll agree this would be a great book to add to your cookbook collection. I can't wait to get mine.
NOTE TO KARMEN - I left her a note to come to Birmingham during her book tour. I was number 387 or something like that on her comment list, but I just KNOW she'll read it and schedule a book signing in Fultondale! If she does, you and I are getting pictures and autographs... Okay?
Have a wonderful weekend. Next week we'll be back with football stories (does anyone know where I can get some of those?), as well as more of the same. Make sure you spend TONS of meaningful, purposeful time with family and friends over the next four days. Check back next week for more ideas, and always remember... If you have ideas to add to the mix, I always like to hear from you (AND YOU WILL GET THE CREDIT).
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
CHECK THIS OUT - Don't forget to check out Belinda's Project 365 under My Blog List on the sidebar. So far, I'm keeping up! Nine down, 356 to go. It should be a breeze!
NOTE TO BOOSHY - Thanks for commenting. I clicked on your blog today, and I now have some reading to do this long holiday weekend. I love reading new blogs!
AUSTIN UPDATE - It's been a few days since I gave an update on "The Boy," so for anyone interested, here is what's happening in Austin World. He's enjoying all of his classes and so far has straight As. (Also, so far he hasn't had a test or turned in any work, so the straight A thing has been a pretty easy accomplishment.)
He went to the school newspaper the first of the week to see about doing some sports writing after football season, but since he's in the band and he's going to most of the away games, they hired him on the spot to write 250 to 350 word articles about the games. He is thrilled. His first article is due this Monday, and he's going to e-mail it to "his editor" from the house. (Can anyone say, "Everybody Loves Raymond"?)
His first pep rally was last night and he loved it (although it was a little on the small side). His first game is in Atlanta this weekend against Georgia Tech and he's excited. But he's really looking forward to next weekend when he gets to go to Tallahassee for the JSU vs. Florida game. He'll be marching in front of 98,000 people.
He and his roommate, Kristopher, are getting along well. To help with the roommate bonding process, I'm baking a couple of pound cakes this weekend to take back to school. They seem very compatible, and I think they are going to be fine for the rest of the school year. Kristopher has introduced him to CSI which has almost become Austin's favorite show now... Don't worry! He assured me 24 is still number one!
He calls everyday (sometimes several times), but assures us he isn't homesick. Mikie went to Gadsden Tuesday to have dinner with him, and he met his two cousins, Jared and Jared, for dinner Wednesday night. (They live in Oxford... only a 30 minute drive away.)
All in all, except for an occasional bump in the road here and there, he has done very well. I'm proud of him. And I still miss him. And I wish he was still six years-old starting first grade instead of JSU.
But that's a story for another time... between me and my psychiatrist!
Weekend Happenings
Well, like many of you out there, Friday night will be football for Josh and Mikie. We have an away game, but Roxie and I are sitting this one out because of exhaustion (and the fact Josh will not be playing). Instead, Roxie and I are renting Enchanted (with Amy Adams) and scrapbooking for two or three hours before getting to bed early for our big day on Saturday.
The big gold van is leaving Gardendale at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning headed to Atlanta to watch JSU beat the socks off Georgia Tech. HA! Gotcha! We're going just to watch "The Boy" in the 400-member Marching Southerners band. And to eat afterward at The Varsity. If JSU happens to win, it will be nice, but not necessary to our overall enjoyment of the day!
A quick trip to JSU to pick up Austin's pick-up truck (AND LAUNDRY) and we'll head home for the Labor Day Weekend. (Melia is going to the game with us, so she'll be riding back with "The Boy.")
Once home, we'll go to church, rest a little bit, and maybe cook out and eat on the deck Sunday evening. That sounds good, doesn't it?
Monday will be the last day our community pool is open, and we are contemplating some or all of the Faulkner Five taking advantage of the cool, blue waters once more before fall and winter officially arrive. (I'm being very "laid back." Did you notice?)
And that is pretty much it for us, folks. I will be adding a picture a day on Saturday AND Sunday to Belinda's Project 365... because it is the law, you know. I've made a commitment and I must see it through. (If I start running out of day-to-day Faulkner Five pictures to put on the Project blog, I'm going to have to start coming to some of your homes. Be afraid... be very afraid!
Book
This week's book hasn't been released yet. However, I KNOW it is going to be a great book everyone needs to buy. It is called The Pioneer Woman Cooks, Recipes From an Accidental Country Girl by Ree Drummond. She starts her book tour soon, so the cookbook will be available for purchase in the very near future.
If you have never gone to her website, please do so NOW. Go to My Blog List and click on Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. Although her story, posts and pictures are wonderful, funny, beautiful, etc., the woman also cooks. Just click on "Cooking" at the top of her blog to see some of her recipes. I think you'll agree this would be a great book to add to your cookbook collection. I can't wait to get mine.
NOTE TO KARMEN - I left her a note to come to Birmingham during her book tour. I was number 387 or something like that on her comment list, but I just KNOW she'll read it and schedule a book signing in Fultondale! If she does, you and I are getting pictures and autographs... Okay?
Have a wonderful weekend. Next week we'll be back with football stories (does anyone know where I can get some of those?), as well as more of the same. Make sure you spend TONS of meaningful, purposeful time with family and friends over the next four days. Check back next week for more ideas, and always remember... If you have ideas to add to the mix, I always like to hear from you (AND YOU WILL GET THE CREDIT).
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
ANNOUNCEMENT - I'm having MASSIVE server problems. I'll have the rest of the post up some time today or this weekend (I HOPE!).
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT! NEW ANNOUNCEMENT! - My Server is up! My Server is up! I've finished this post and updated Belinda's Project 365. Ahhhh! Now I can enjoy my weekend!
Have you planned a great family weekend? Are you doing at least ONE special thing with the people you love most? (And by special, I mean eating a meal or two together, worshipping together, watching a movie together, having a date with one or more of the kids... You know. Special!)
CHALLENGE - I'd like to issue a challenge for everyone reading this blog Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call just one person who has been on your mind or heart these last few days. Just check in. Just say hi. Just tell them you were thinking of them. As Nike would say, "JUST DO IT!" Write it in pen on your calendar for sometime this weekend and spend 15 minutes or so connecting with that person. I'll do it if you do it!
Weekend Happenings - This next phrase will describe our weekends for the next three months... "Are you ready for some football?" Well, ready or not, here we go.
We're playing Hoover this Friday night. Josh is on the JV team, and although the JV games are on Monday nights, he still dresses out and stands on the sidelines. Austin is coming home from college Friday night to see the band play (Melia will be marching), and watch football, and connect with some of his buddies.
Saturday, Mikie and the kids are taking me out for my birthday lunch (hopefully at Brio's... one of my favorite restaurants), and I will receive gifts. Many, many gifts. Or at least one or two. It doesn't matter. I'll be with the Faulkner Five and we'll be having a good time.
Sunday finds us going hither and yon. I'm not sure of Austin's plans yet, but we'll have a meal together (lunch or dinner). Roxie has a birthday party to attend and Josh has football workouts from 3:00 until 5:00. Church has not started on Sunday nights yet, so we'll have one more Sunday night at home as a family before the weekly grind begins again.
Books
Remember, this is a continuation from last week's Book section. These are books for your little girl (around 3rd grade and up) by one of my favorite authors, Emilie Barnes.
Cooking Up Fun in the Kitchen is exactly what the title suggests... simple recipes, how-tos and all of the basics. Again, there are six chapters full of information and fun for your daughter and friends. Nothing is too difficult, but everything is too good.
Making My Room Special is not only a how-to book for creatively teaching your daughter how to decorate her own room, but it is full of craft projects for the two of you to work on together. It even talks about the importance of having a clean, uncluttered space. This book only contains five chapters, but like the other books, they are divided into sections for easy reading.
The last book on today's list is Let's Have a Tea Party. Emilie Barnes is famous for her love of tea parties. She has written several books for adults, but this is a book for young girls. It will teach them about etiquette, preparation of the tea, recipes, setting the table, etc. It also has several "themed" tea parties the girls can host. (Garden Tea Party, Musical Tea Party, etc.)
These books are useful, readable, doable and beautiful. I highly recommend buying the set TODAY!
Coming up next week... lots and lots of good, good stuff. I'll have pictures galore, a theme for the week (it popped in my head Friday), parties, recipes, traditions, dates, books, Wednesday Wisdom, Weekend Family Fun and Belinda's Project 365. The list is just endless, isn't it? (I'll go ahead and tell you I went to a Power Cooking Party Friday, so the pictures and story behind that particular Weekend Happening will be here first thing Monday morning. You won't want to miss a day!)
Have the most wonderful weekend! Can you tell how happy I am today... The Boy is on his way home and life is good again! (That's why there are so many of these !!!!! in the blog today!)
Sincerely,
The Enchanting (and No Longer Frustrated) Belinda
ANNOUNCEMENT - I'm having MASSIVE server problems. I'll have the rest of the post up some time today or this weekend (I HOPE!).
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT! NEW ANNOUNCEMENT! - My Server is up! My Server is up! I've finished this post and updated Belinda's Project 365. Ahhhh! Now I can enjoy my weekend!
Have you planned a great family weekend? Are you doing at least ONE special thing with the people you love most? (And by special, I mean eating a meal or two together, worshipping together, watching a movie together, having a date with one or more of the kids... You know. Special!)
CHALLENGE - I'd like to issue a challenge for everyone reading this blog Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call just one person who has been on your mind or heart these last few days. Just check in. Just say hi. Just tell them you were thinking of them. As Nike would say, "JUST DO IT!" Write it in pen on your calendar for sometime this weekend and spend 15 minutes or so connecting with that person. I'll do it if you do it!
Weekend Happenings - This next phrase will describe our weekends for the next three months... "Are you ready for some football?" Well, ready or not, here we go.
We're playing Hoover this Friday night. Josh is on the JV team, and although the JV games are on Monday nights, he still dresses out and stands on the sidelines. Austin is coming home from college Friday night to see the band play (Melia will be marching), and watch football, and connect with some of his buddies.
Saturday, Mikie and the kids are taking me out for my birthday lunch (hopefully at Brio's... one of my favorite restaurants), and I will receive gifts. Many, many gifts. Or at least one or two. It doesn't matter. I'll be with the Faulkner Five and we'll be having a good time.
Sunday finds us going hither and yon. I'm not sure of Austin's plans yet, but we'll have a meal together (lunch or dinner). Roxie has a birthday party to attend and Josh has football workouts from 3:00 until 5:00. Church has not started on Sunday nights yet, so we'll have one more Sunday night at home as a family before the weekly grind begins again.
Books
Remember, this is a continuation from last week's Book section. These are books for your little girl (around 3rd grade and up) by one of my favorite authors, Emilie Barnes.
Cooking Up Fun in the Kitchen is exactly what the title suggests... simple recipes, how-tos and all of the basics. Again, there are six chapters full of information and fun for your daughter and friends. Nothing is too difficult, but everything is too good.
Making My Room Special is not only a how-to book for creatively teaching your daughter how to decorate her own room, but it is full of craft projects for the two of you to work on together. It even talks about the importance of having a clean, uncluttered space. This book only contains five chapters, but like the other books, they are divided into sections for easy reading.
The last book on today's list is Let's Have a Tea Party. Emilie Barnes is famous for her love of tea parties. She has written several books for adults, but this is a book for young girls. It will teach them about etiquette, preparation of the tea, recipes, setting the table, etc. It also has several "themed" tea parties the girls can host. (Garden Tea Party, Musical Tea Party, etc.)
These books are useful, readable, doable and beautiful. I highly recommend buying the set TODAY!
Coming up next week... lots and lots of good, good stuff. I'll have pictures galore, a theme for the week (it popped in my head Friday), parties, recipes, traditions, dates, books, Wednesday Wisdom, Weekend Family Fun and Belinda's Project 365. The list is just endless, isn't it? (I'll go ahead and tell you I went to a Power Cooking Party Friday, so the pictures and story behind that particular Weekend Happening will be here first thing Monday morning. You won't want to miss a day!)
Have the most wonderful weekend! Can you tell how happy I am today... The Boy is on his way home and life is good again! (That's why there are so many of these !!!!! in the blog today!)
Sincerely,
The Enchanting (and No Longer Frustrated) Belinda
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I've added a pic of Roxie after her volleyball scrimmage this week. Volleyball begins in earnest Monday of next week. It's going to be hectic, but very exciting. We've never had a volleyball player before!
Weekend Happenings - I hope your weekend is shaping up nicely. Ours will be fun, I think. Roxie has not one, but two, birthday parties to attend Friday and Saturday, so her weekend will be full of friends and fun.
Friday night, Mike and I will be attending our football jamboree and watching Josh play for the JV team if the weather permits.
The Boy is due home Saturday morning, so Mike and the guys are planning on fishing late Saturday evening. During this time, I will be working on my second college laundry basket. (Don't worry. I'm not going to keep counting them over the years... or maybe I will. It would be interesting to know how many baskets of college laundry I do before Roxie finishes up, wouldn't it? Or maybe that would just interest me. Yeah. I'm thinking I'm the only one who would care a lick about that one.)
Sunday we're have a family dinner after church at my mom's house, and then Austin will be taking the lovely Melia out and about Sunday evening before heading back to JSU Monday morning.
Nothing terribly exciting, but it makes me happy all the same. It's just the kind of weekend I love before the football/volleyball seasons get totally cranked up.
I told you I'd post another story about how well I react in the event of an emergency, so we'll go ahead and get that out of the way. I've got to get ready for the weekend, you know!
I had met my sister, niece and nephews at the ice skating rink at Oak Mountain. While most of the kids were enjoying the ice, my nephew, Zac, was not. He tried, but ice skating was not his thing at the time. He preferred playing at the top of the stadium with a little girl he had met there who was around his age (6 or 7). Beverly and I sat below watching the other kids skate and looked up to see Zac and his little friend standing on the bottom rung of the railing. It was a perfectly normal thing for kids to do, but in this situation it was dangerous because of the height and the cement floor beneath them. Beverly told both of the children to get down, which they immediately did.
Seconds later, we heard the awful thud or pop or thud-pop of a child's head hitting cement. (You've probably heard it before at Wal-Mart. I know I have.) It is a sickening sound. Whirling around, we immediately saw Zac standing looking down. By process of elimination, we knew it was the little girl he had been playing with who had fallen.
We took the steps two at a time and we found her face down on the cement crying. When we lifted her to her feet, blood started pouring from her mouth... pouring, gushing. You get the picture. "Oooh, oooh. That looks bad," I said.
Beverly put her hand under the little girl's chin catching the majority of blood. "Zac, what is her name?" we asked him.
"I don't know. We were just playing together. She got back up on the railing after you told her to get down," he told us... but we had already figured that one out.
We started walking to the entrance of the ice skating rink, Beverly holding her hand under the little girl's chin, Zac walking a few steps behind us, and me trying to think of the best way to help.
That's when my extensive CPR training came into play once again. "MOTHER OF A LITTLE GIRL WEARING A PINK SHIRT AND BLEEDING! MOTHER OF A LITTLE GIRL WEARING A PINK SHIRT AND BLEEDING!" I started yelling at the top of my lungs.
"What are you doing?" my sister asked.
"We have to find her mother so she can take her to the hospital," I replied.
"Am I going to have to go to the hospital?" the little girl asked.
"No, no. You're going to be just fine. It's just a little cut," my sister replied.
"Are you kidding me? She's going to need stitches and from the looks of things, a blood transfusion, too," I said, stating what I thought was the obvious.
Beverly glared at me. Since I wasn't getting a good response from my first announcement, I quickly fell back to my old tried and true way of getting help quickly.
"PARAMEDIC! PARAMEDIC!" I started bellowing.
"Now what are you doing?" Beverly asked. She was getting a little exasperated by now.
"This really works. I've had to do this before in a CPR situation," I told her.
"What's a paramedic?" the little girl asked.
"It's like a doctor," Beverly replied.
"Do I need a doctor?" she asked, sounding a little panicky.
"No. You're going to be fine," Beverly again reassured her.
"She needs an ambulance driver," I mumbled. Again, glaring from Beverly. And again, I used my CPR training until finally her mother appeared.
Surprisingly, her mother was much like Beverly... although unlike Beverly who was just trying to keep the child calm, the mother really didn't think she needed to go to the hospital, or the doctor, or the plastic surgeon, or the dentist, or the blood bank.
I disagreed, so I went up to someone who worked at the rink and pointed out the little bloody girl, and guess what? They called the paramedics... but they used the phone. And I was right. They said she needed a stitch. And guess what else? You bleed more with a head or mouth injury than other places on your body, so she didn't end up needing that blood transfusion after all.
Yep. I was a hero, all right. I think I missed my calling. I definitely should have gone into the medical field doing something. My "bedside manner" is second to none!
Topic of the Week - Passing Down the Formula For a Virtuous Wife
Last excerpt for the week from Vicki Courtney's Your Boy. Enjoy.
"'She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.' (Proverbs 31:20).
"This woman is kind and compassionate. She is attentive to the needs of those less fortunate. She is not so self-absorbed that she turns a blind eye to suffering.
"Key questions for your son: What is her attitude about mission work? Has she been involved in a mission trip or project that helps those who are less fortunate? Or is she focused on her own needs?"
The questions get better and better. If our boys asked themselves these questions before they began dating a young lady (or even soon after they started), I think it would make a huge difference in the type of young lady they brought home for the parents to meet.
Again, this is just a good, solid book for parents to read when raising sons. Be ready for my call this weekend... You better have bought this book by the time I call!
Book
Actually, this is a series of books by one of my favorite authors, Emilie Barnes. The books are written with young girls in mind. (I would start the books in the 3rd grade and use them until your little chick outgrows them.)
I have five of these books, but today I'll just talk about two of them... My Best Friends and Me (Fun Things to Do Together) and A Little Book of Manners (Courtesy and Kindness for Young Ladies).
In My Best Friends and Me, Ms. Barnes writes a book with six chapters that celebrate the friendships of young girls. The book includes activities and crafts to do together as friends, advice for how to be a good friend, advice on how to handle problems in a friendship, etc. The chapters deal with everything from "Why Friendships Are Good to Have" to "Sharing and Caring With Friends" and everything in between. There is even a chapter which lists 50 things you can do with your friends.
The second book for today (A Little Book of Manners) is also excellent. Again, six chapters make up this book and it covers telephone manners, party time manners, mealtime manners, etc. It isn't boring (at all), and could be used in conjunction with your devotion time with your daughter. The chapters are very easy to divide into smaller sections to keep them short, simple and easily memorable for your daughter(s).
All five of these books are beautifully illustrated, also. The cover on each one has a different colored gingham checked border, but you can easily see they are a set.
Next week, I'll give you the names of the other three books in the set, and tell you a little about each one of them. Another "must have" for your parental library.
Have a special weekend. Make sure somewhere on your calendar you've marked in pen a time set aside for family or spouse or friends (or all of them if you can manage). Next week, I'll be back with more of the same. If I'm anything, it is unbearably consistent!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I've added a pic of Roxie after her volleyball scrimmage this week. Volleyball begins in earnest Monday of next week. It's going to be hectic, but very exciting. We've never had a volleyball player before!
Weekend Happenings - I hope your weekend is shaping up nicely. Ours will be fun, I think. Roxie has not one, but two, birthday parties to attend Friday and Saturday, so her weekend will be full of friends and fun.
Friday night, Mike and I will be attending our football jamboree and watching Josh play for the JV team if the weather permits.
The Boy is due home Saturday morning, so Mike and the guys are planning on fishing late Saturday evening. During this time, I will be working on my second college laundry basket. (Don't worry. I'm not going to keep counting them over the years... or maybe I will. It would be interesting to know how many baskets of college laundry I do before Roxie finishes up, wouldn't it? Or maybe that would just interest me. Yeah. I'm thinking I'm the only one who would care a lick about that one.)
Sunday we're have a family dinner after church at my mom's house, and then Austin will be taking the lovely Melia out and about Sunday evening before heading back to JSU Monday morning.
Nothing terribly exciting, but it makes me happy all the same. It's just the kind of weekend I love before the football/volleyball seasons get totally cranked up.
I told you I'd post another story about how well I react in the event of an emergency, so we'll go ahead and get that out of the way. I've got to get ready for the weekend, you know!
I had met my sister, niece and nephews at the ice skating rink at Oak Mountain. While most of the kids were enjoying the ice, my nephew, Zac, was not. He tried, but ice skating was not his thing at the time. He preferred playing at the top of the stadium with a little girl he had met there who was around his age (6 or 7). Beverly and I sat below watching the other kids skate and looked up to see Zac and his little friend standing on the bottom rung of the railing. It was a perfectly normal thing for kids to do, but in this situation it was dangerous because of the height and the cement floor beneath them. Beverly told both of the children to get down, which they immediately did.
Seconds later, we heard the awful thud or pop or thud-pop of a child's head hitting cement. (You've probably heard it before at Wal-Mart. I know I have.) It is a sickening sound. Whirling around, we immediately saw Zac standing looking down. By process of elimination, we knew it was the little girl he had been playing with who had fallen.
We took the steps two at a time and we found her face down on the cement crying. When we lifted her to her feet, blood started pouring from her mouth... pouring, gushing. You get the picture. "Oooh, oooh. That looks bad," I said.
Beverly put her hand under the little girl's chin catching the majority of blood. "Zac, what is her name?" we asked him.
"I don't know. We were just playing together. She got back up on the railing after you told her to get down," he told us... but we had already figured that one out.
We started walking to the entrance of the ice skating rink, Beverly holding her hand under the little girl's chin, Zac walking a few steps behind us, and me trying to think of the best way to help.
That's when my extensive CPR training came into play once again. "MOTHER OF A LITTLE GIRL WEARING A PINK SHIRT AND BLEEDING! MOTHER OF A LITTLE GIRL WEARING A PINK SHIRT AND BLEEDING!" I started yelling at the top of my lungs.
"What are you doing?" my sister asked.
"We have to find her mother so she can take her to the hospital," I replied.
"Am I going to have to go to the hospital?" the little girl asked.
"No, no. You're going to be just fine. It's just a little cut," my sister replied.
"Are you kidding me? She's going to need stitches and from the looks of things, a blood transfusion, too," I said, stating what I thought was the obvious.
Beverly glared at me. Since I wasn't getting a good response from my first announcement, I quickly fell back to my old tried and true way of getting help quickly.
"PARAMEDIC! PARAMEDIC!" I started bellowing.
"Now what are you doing?" Beverly asked. She was getting a little exasperated by now.
"This really works. I've had to do this before in a CPR situation," I told her.
"What's a paramedic?" the little girl asked.
"It's like a doctor," Beverly replied.
"Do I need a doctor?" she asked, sounding a little panicky.
"No. You're going to be fine," Beverly again reassured her.
"She needs an ambulance driver," I mumbled. Again, glaring from Beverly. And again, I used my CPR training until finally her mother appeared.
Surprisingly, her mother was much like Beverly... although unlike Beverly who was just trying to keep the child calm, the mother really didn't think she needed to go to the hospital, or the doctor, or the plastic surgeon, or the dentist, or the blood bank.
I disagreed, so I went up to someone who worked at the rink and pointed out the little bloody girl, and guess what? They called the paramedics... but they used the phone. And I was right. They said she needed a stitch. And guess what else? You bleed more with a head or mouth injury than other places on your body, so she didn't end up needing that blood transfusion after all.
Yep. I was a hero, all right. I think I missed my calling. I definitely should have gone into the medical field doing something. My "bedside manner" is second to none!
Topic of the Week - Passing Down the Formula For a Virtuous Wife
Last excerpt for the week from Vicki Courtney's Your Boy. Enjoy.
"'She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.' (Proverbs 31:20).
"This woman is kind and compassionate. She is attentive to the needs of those less fortunate. She is not so self-absorbed that she turns a blind eye to suffering.
"Key questions for your son: What is her attitude about mission work? Has she been involved in a mission trip or project that helps those who are less fortunate? Or is she focused on her own needs?"
The questions get better and better. If our boys asked themselves these questions before they began dating a young lady (or even soon after they started), I think it would make a huge difference in the type of young lady they brought home for the parents to meet.
Again, this is just a good, solid book for parents to read when raising sons. Be ready for my call this weekend... You better have bought this book by the time I call!
Book
Actually, this is a series of books by one of my favorite authors, Emilie Barnes. The books are written with young girls in mind. (I would start the books in the 3rd grade and use them until your little chick outgrows them.)
I have five of these books, but today I'll just talk about two of them... My Best Friends and Me (Fun Things to Do Together) and A Little Book of Manners (Courtesy and Kindness for Young Ladies).
In My Best Friends and Me, Ms. Barnes writes a book with six chapters that celebrate the friendships of young girls. The book includes activities and crafts to do together as friends, advice for how to be a good friend, advice on how to handle problems in a friendship, etc. The chapters deal with everything from "Why Friendships Are Good to Have" to "Sharing and Caring With Friends" and everything in between. There is even a chapter which lists 50 things you can do with your friends.
The second book for today (A Little Book of Manners) is also excellent. Again, six chapters make up this book and it covers telephone manners, party time manners, mealtime manners, etc. It isn't boring (at all), and could be used in conjunction with your devotion time with your daughter. The chapters are very easy to divide into smaller sections to keep them short, simple and easily memorable for your daughter(s).
All five of these books are beautifully illustrated, also. The cover on each one has a different colored gingham checked border, but you can easily see they are a set.
Next week, I'll give you the names of the other three books in the set, and tell you a little about each one of them. Another "must have" for your parental library.
Have a special weekend. Make sure somewhere on your calendar you've marked in pen a time set aside for family or spouse or friends (or all of them if you can manage). Next week, I'll be back with more of the same. If I'm anything, it is unbearably consistent!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
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!