Good Friday morning!
Could there be a more uneventful week at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842)? I mean, REALLY! I feel it necessary to apologize for the Gallery once again. Well, old pics are better than no pics!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Mikie's 50th birthday celebration is starting to shape up. I think this is going to be one he'll remember always. I just hope he remembers it fondly.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I checked my "counter" and I'm approaching the big 700. That's right. Seven hundred "can't-tear-my-eyes-away-from-the-page" posts... in less than three years.
I've decided to have another Butt Naked Candle Contest in a few weeks. Be watching for Dawn's testimonial to the "wonderfulness" that IS a Butt Naked Candle. (In case you have forgotten, Dawn won the last contest... And although she had to wait several weeks to receive her prize, it is now in her home doing what only a Butt Naked Candle can do!)
NOTE TO DAWN - I'm assuming you will indeed give me a testimonial on how much you love your candle. I know I haven't asked you in private, and by asking you in this manner, I'm putting you on the spot. Since I have PUT YOU ON THE SPOT, I'm going to let you enter the Contest again. There. I fixed it!
Watch for details in a few weeks. I'll give you plenty of time to put your name in the "pot."
Weekend Happenings
Everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) will be revolving around Mikie this weekend. Well, I guess I should say EVERYTHING happening Sunday and part of Monday will revolve around Mikie. I mean, COME ON! The rest of us have a life, too, you know!
Josh and Austin are Chick-Fil-A bound Friday and Saturday. They've got to earn that paycheck so they can help pay for Daddy's HUGE 50th BIRTHDAY GIFT! (They are NOT aware of the cost at this point, and if you bump into them I would appreciate it if you would not mention it. They tend to get very upset when you talk about spending their money before they cash their paychecks. Very upset, indeed.)
On top of his very exciting work schedule, Josh will also be taking the ACT. This does not fit into his definition of "Epic Summer," but it is a necessary evil.
Yard work is also rearing it's ugly head. I caught both of the guys doing their "rain dance" yesterday. I didn't stop them, because as of this date, the "rain dance" has NEVER worked.
Roxie and I are planning on spending time with Monica Saturday. Time well spent, I might add!
Sunday is officially Mikie's Day (AFTER church, of course)! We'll be diving into his birthday cake and homemade ice cream Sunday afternoon with family from all over this great state. (Actually, just two other towns will be represented, but it sounded more festive AND BIGGER the other way.)
There are several surprises I cannot mention in the post because Mikie stops by from time to time... and leaves inappropriate comments I have to delete.
Oh, and did I mention I'll be taking PICTURES! Yes, sir. TONS OF PICTURES!
Have an exciting weekend. Do something different. Do something crazy. Do something spontaneous. And please send me the photos to put in the Gallery Monday morning!
Take care, and I'll see you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Beyond Boring Belinda
Showing posts with label Weekend Happenings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekend Happenings. Show all posts
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pic is a leftover from this past week. I could have taken a picture of my registration outfit, but I'm afraid that would have offended some of you (LeAnna).
RANDOMNESS - I'm rethinking our New Orleans' train trip. Since the temps have been in the 100s the past few days (with no end in sight), I KNOW New Orleans' in July is going to be one big Sweat Fest.
I went over our itinerary and very few of the activities planned would be inside. Of course, we were going to eat inside, but by the time lunch rolls around and we've been walking the steamy streets for three or more hours... Well, let's just say the chances of a nice eating establishment allowing five sweat-soaked, wet-headed Faulkners INSIDE are little to none.
And I don't blame them. I really don't.
For that reason alone (HEAT INDEX OF 120), I've decided to change the date of our train trip to the Spring of 2012. After talking with Mikie last night, he was in total agreement. The idea of spending a day on a Swamp Tour feeding alligators
melted marshmallows (on a boat with no bathroom) put both of us over the edge. (Alligators still eat marshmallows in April, don't they?)
I've got something else brewing for this summer. I'll let you in on the details Monday... I hope. It's something I've been wanting us to do as a family for several years now, and this might be the summer to try!
I am so excited... and the kids are SO nervous.
Weekend Happenings
I don't know. I just don't know.
I'm getting worse and worse at planning weekend events, but teenagers can be difficult to pin down.
Mikie - Because it is his busy time of year at the office, he will be working some time during the weekend.
Austin - I know he has plans with the lovely Melia and a shift or two at the Chick.
Josh - Right now, the Chick is taking up a lot of his weekend time, too.
Roxie - She's not working, but she has quite a few plans up her sleeve.
Belinda - I will be walking aimlessly throughout the house doing laundry (three loads a day even though no one is actually home), emptying and filling the dishwasher (three loads a day even though no one is actually home) and putting ice cubes in the dogs' water bowl every hour on the hour. (It is hot out there!)
We were able to mark off several items on the Epic Summer of 2011 list this week. Since the weekend is shaping up to be a little "hit or miss" at best, I've decided to concentrate on "Dates" during the next 72 hours. Each kid has a number "3" beside their name (meaning three dates apiece this summer... probably fishing for the boys with their Dad and more shopping dates for me and Roxie). Lucky Mikie has a big ol' number "5" beside his name for some unknown reason. Hmmm. I think we might be able to squeeze in a date or two.
As always, I'll have to let you know Monday!
Have a fantastic Summer weekend. Stay cool if at all possible, and enjoy the time with family and friends... or maybe a good book! Next week's ideas, recipes, dates, etc. have already been decided. Let's just say it's going to be a good week on A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is a leftover from this past week. I could have taken a picture of my registration outfit, but I'm afraid that would have offended some of you (LeAnna).
RANDOMNESS - I'm rethinking our New Orleans' train trip. Since the temps have been in the 100s the past few days (with no end in sight), I KNOW New Orleans' in July is going to be one big Sweat Fest.
I went over our itinerary and very few of the activities planned would be inside. Of course, we were going to eat inside, but by the time lunch rolls around and we've been walking the steamy streets for three or more hours... Well, let's just say the chances of a nice eating establishment allowing five sweat-soaked, wet-headed Faulkners INSIDE are little to none.
And I don't blame them. I really don't.
For that reason alone (HEAT INDEX OF 120), I've decided to change the date of our train trip to the Spring of 2012. After talking with Mikie last night, he was in total agreement. The idea of spending a day on a Swamp Tour feeding alligators
melted marshmallows (on a boat with no bathroom) put both of us over the edge. (Alligators still eat marshmallows in April, don't they?)
I've got something else brewing for this summer. I'll let you in on the details Monday... I hope. It's something I've been wanting us to do as a family for several years now, and this might be the summer to try!
I am so excited... and the kids are SO nervous.
Weekend Happenings
I don't know. I just don't know.
I'm getting worse and worse at planning weekend events, but teenagers can be difficult to pin down.
Mikie - Because it is his busy time of year at the office, he will be working some time during the weekend.
Austin - I know he has plans with the lovely Melia and a shift or two at the Chick.
Josh - Right now, the Chick is taking up a lot of his weekend time, too.
Roxie - She's not working, but she has quite a few plans up her sleeve.
Belinda - I will be walking aimlessly throughout the house doing laundry (three loads a day even though no one is actually home), emptying and filling the dishwasher (three loads a day even though no one is actually home) and putting ice cubes in the dogs' water bowl every hour on the hour. (It is hot out there!)
We were able to mark off several items on the Epic Summer of 2011 list this week. Since the weekend is shaping up to be a little "hit or miss" at best, I've decided to concentrate on "Dates" during the next 72 hours. Each kid has a number "3" beside their name (meaning three dates apiece this summer... probably fishing for the boys with their Dad and more shopping dates for me and Roxie). Lucky Mikie has a big ol' number "5" beside his name for some unknown reason. Hmmm. I think we might be able to squeeze in a date or two.
As always, I'll have to let you know Monday!
Have a fantastic Summer weekend. Stay cool if at all possible, and enjoy the time with family and friends... or maybe a good book! Next week's ideas, recipes, dates, etc. have already been decided. Let's just say it's going to be a good week on A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, May 20, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from yesterday... when Roxie found out she made the JV BASKETBALL TEAM! YEA! The "try-out" week is over... finished... done! And we are happy today.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I thought about my "blah" week. You know. This past week when the most exciting thing I could possibly post about was baking Strawberries and Cream Muffins and the beagles... eating breakfast. And I forgot something. Something I found interesting (and painful) at the time.
I had used cleaning products to clean Roxie's bathroom (Pine-Sol and Windex). After I finished, I went downstairs to light my kitchen candles. The match I was using bent when I struck the box. The match ignited and touched the tip of my finger. A little poof of fire shot out from my Pine-Sol and Windex soaked finger... and then my fingernail kind of caught on fire. Not a big blaze (like when your hair catches on fire... another story, another time), but fire just the same.
I blew out my finger (no-brainer), and surveyed the damage. Fingernails obviously burn slowly. My fingernail looked like the edge of The Declaration of Independence... old and brown and brittle.
No major harm done. I just cut the sucker off. However, I did find this mildly interesting (and sort of cool) that I was now able to shoot fire from my fingertips. Kind of like a superhero power.
If you want to hire me for your kid's birthday party, you know where to reach me.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I finished reading my Mother's Day gift (Pioneer Woman, From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels). It reads just like an old Harlequin Romance novel. Lots of kissin' and melting when you hear "his voice." I enjoyed it, but it was definitely a throw-back to my older teenage years.
I especially loved the chapter about their honeymoon. If ever there was a honeymoon disaster story, this book contains it. If you thought you had a bad honeymoon experience where everything went wrong, I encourage you to borrow my book and read that chapter alone. It will make your honeymoon seem like a "dream come true."
It was a fun read. Nothing mind-blowing or deep. Just a good old-fashioned love story between a cowboy and a city girl.
It makes me want to get a horse for Faulkner Family Farms (circa 1842). Hey, Mikie. Are you out there? What do you think? A horse would be way better than a chicken. Don't you think?
Weekend Happenings
My favorite word this week is "frenetic." I like saying it, and it kind of fits my mood. That is the word I'm going to use to describe this coming weekend. Frenetic. "Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way." That's me in a nutshell. (If you see the Big Gold Van out and about this weekend, stay clear!)
Tonight is the Pink Ribbon Run organized by Tonya, my friend and two-time cancer survivor. Roxie is going to be proudly representing the Faulkner Five at this event. If anyone is interested, you can sign up at the Gardendale Soccer Complex around 5:00 this evening. It is for a wonderful cause... raising money to help find a cure for breast cancer.
Saturday is a Chick-Fil-A kind of day for Austin... and maybe a fishin' kind of day for Roxie and Josh. (I have to talk to Mikie to see if that is a possibility.)
Saturday night, Mike and I will be attending the Garden Art Party (Live and Silent Auction) benefiting Alzheimer's of Central Alabama. We attended this event last year, and we had a ball.
We bid on a few things (dinners at nice restaurants in town, a painting, etc.), but this year I know how it works. I'm not going to be passive. I'm going to be the Aggressive Enchanting Belinda, so watch out. I'm going to get something really, really good. I don't know what, but tune in next Monday to see. (I mean REALLY, REALLY GOOD!)
Sunday, of course, we have church, and what Sunday afternoon and evening will hold we rarely know.
That's the weekend as I know it, but I'm almost positive the remaining four of the Faulkner Five have failed to let me in on some plans. "But I thought I told you about that a month ago." Life with teenagers... gotta love it!
Have a beautiful weekend. I hope you get to enjoy the warm, spring-like weather with friends and family surrounding you. I'll be back Monday with pictures galore... I hope.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from yesterday... when Roxie found out she made the JV BASKETBALL TEAM! YEA! The "try-out" week is over... finished... done! And we are happy today.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I thought about my "blah" week. You know. This past week when the most exciting thing I could possibly post about was baking Strawberries and Cream Muffins and the beagles... eating breakfast. And I forgot something. Something I found interesting (and painful) at the time.
I had used cleaning products to clean Roxie's bathroom (Pine-Sol and Windex). After I finished, I went downstairs to light my kitchen candles. The match I was using bent when I struck the box. The match ignited and touched the tip of my finger. A little poof of fire shot out from my Pine-Sol and Windex soaked finger... and then my fingernail kind of caught on fire. Not a big blaze (like when your hair catches on fire... another story, another time), but fire just the same.
I blew out my finger (no-brainer), and surveyed the damage. Fingernails obviously burn slowly. My fingernail looked like the edge of The Declaration of Independence... old and brown and brittle.
No major harm done. I just cut the sucker off. However, I did find this mildly interesting (and sort of cool) that I was now able to shoot fire from my fingertips. Kind of like a superhero power.
If you want to hire me for your kid's birthday party, you know where to reach me.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I finished reading my Mother's Day gift (Pioneer Woman, From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels). It reads just like an old Harlequin Romance novel. Lots of kissin' and melting when you hear "his voice." I enjoyed it, but it was definitely a throw-back to my older teenage years.
I especially loved the chapter about their honeymoon. If ever there was a honeymoon disaster story, this book contains it. If you thought you had a bad honeymoon experience where everything went wrong, I encourage you to borrow my book and read that chapter alone. It will make your honeymoon seem like a "dream come true."
It was a fun read. Nothing mind-blowing or deep. Just a good old-fashioned love story between a cowboy and a city girl.
It makes me want to get a horse for Faulkner Family Farms (circa 1842). Hey, Mikie. Are you out there? What do you think? A horse would be way better than a chicken. Don't you think?
Weekend Happenings
My favorite word this week is "frenetic." I like saying it, and it kind of fits my mood. That is the word I'm going to use to describe this coming weekend. Frenetic. "Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way." That's me in a nutshell. (If you see the Big Gold Van out and about this weekend, stay clear!)
Tonight is the Pink Ribbon Run organized by Tonya, my friend and two-time cancer survivor. Roxie is going to be proudly representing the Faulkner Five at this event. If anyone is interested, you can sign up at the Gardendale Soccer Complex around 5:00 this evening. It is for a wonderful cause... raising money to help find a cure for breast cancer.
Saturday is a Chick-Fil-A kind of day for Austin... and maybe a fishin' kind of day for Roxie and Josh. (I have to talk to Mikie to see if that is a possibility.)
Saturday night, Mike and I will be attending the Garden Art Party (Live and Silent Auction) benefiting Alzheimer's of Central Alabama. We attended this event last year, and we had a ball.
We bid on a few things (dinners at nice restaurants in town, a painting, etc.), but this year I know how it works. I'm not going to be passive. I'm going to be the Aggressive Enchanting Belinda, so watch out. I'm going to get something really, really good. I don't know what, but tune in next Monday to see. (I mean REALLY, REALLY GOOD!)
Sunday, of course, we have church, and what Sunday afternoon and evening will hold we rarely know.
That's the weekend as I know it, but I'm almost positive the remaining four of the Faulkner Five have failed to let me in on some plans. "But I thought I told you about that a month ago." Life with teenagers... gotta love it!
Have a beautiful weekend. I hope you get to enjoy the warm, spring-like weather with friends and family surrounding you. I'll be back Monday with pictures galore... I hope.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, May 13, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday AFTERNOON!
GUESS WHAT? My server was down this morning, and I couldn't post today's Weekend Happenings until now.
GUESS WHAT ELSE? My server has informed me they had to remove yesterday's post (entitled Civil War Date), but they will "return" it very, very soon.
AND GUESS WHAT ELSE (LAST ONE)? Two and a half years ago, I had no idea what a widget, server, disabled cookie or post was, but today I know the meaning of the word "post." I'm hoping in the next three to five years to totally understand the meaning of the other three terms.
The Gallery Pic is a leftover from Roxie's Basketball Banquet.
DON'T FORGET - Remember to check out Confessions of a Pioneer Woman (Photography) to see the rest of the photographs which have been entered in the "Action" contest (today and tomorrow). They are really wonderful.
ALSO, DON'T FORGET - I'll be posting a picture a day on Belinda's Project Life tonight, tomorrow and Sunday. (Since my server was down last night, too, I didn't get to post yesterday's Picture of the Day. I'll take care of that in just a little while.)
Weekend Happenings
Today has been extremely busy so far. I had two back-to-back doctor appointments for Josh and Roxie, and in my travels I missed TWO wonderful photo opportunities.
While turning the Big Gold Van around because I had gotten lost looking for Josh's new doctor's office off Highway 280, I had to stop to let two geese and their baby goslings cross the busy side street in front of me. So sweet.
And when Roxie received the "all clear" sign from her surgeon (meaning she could FINALLY touch a volleyball and basketball three days before high school tryouts), I would have loved to have taken a picture of her face. Pure joy!
But, I missed both of those shots. Sorry.
I've got two boys working at different Chicks tomorrow, and a Mikie working at his office for a little while, too. Roxie and I are going to clean (in between her practice schedule). She has invited some volleyball chicks over tomorrow night for a cookout and some setting, serving and passing drills. It should be fun.
As far as Sunday goes, I will be celebrating my Mother's Day. Hopefully, I will receive three hanging baskets (a tradition), the Pioneer Woman's new book (a must-have) and a trip to the zoo. Again, we'll see if anyone in the family really reads my blog.
I hope you have a good weekend. Spend tons of time with family and friends. Date, date, date your spouse and kids. Eat together. Watch TV together. Read together. Worship together. Family time is precious, and not something to be taken lightly.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
GUESS WHAT? My server was down this morning, and I couldn't post today's Weekend Happenings until now.
GUESS WHAT ELSE? My server has informed me they had to remove yesterday's post (entitled Civil War Date), but they will "return" it very, very soon.
AND GUESS WHAT ELSE (LAST ONE)? Two and a half years ago, I had no idea what a widget, server, disabled cookie or post was, but today I know the meaning of the word "post." I'm hoping in the next three to five years to totally understand the meaning of the other three terms.
The Gallery Pic is a leftover from Roxie's Basketball Banquet.
DON'T FORGET - Remember to check out Confessions of a Pioneer Woman (Photography) to see the rest of the photographs which have been entered in the "Action" contest (today and tomorrow). They are really wonderful.
ALSO, DON'T FORGET - I'll be posting a picture a day on Belinda's Project Life tonight, tomorrow and Sunday. (Since my server was down last night, too, I didn't get to post yesterday's Picture of the Day. I'll take care of that in just a little while.)
Weekend Happenings
Today has been extremely busy so far. I had two back-to-back doctor appointments for Josh and Roxie, and in my travels I missed TWO wonderful photo opportunities.
While turning the Big Gold Van around because I had gotten lost looking for Josh's new doctor's office off Highway 280, I had to stop to let two geese and their baby goslings cross the busy side street in front of me. So sweet.
And when Roxie received the "all clear" sign from her surgeon (meaning she could FINALLY touch a volleyball and basketball three days before high school tryouts), I would have loved to have taken a picture of her face. Pure joy!
But, I missed both of those shots. Sorry.
I've got two boys working at different Chicks tomorrow, and a Mikie working at his office for a little while, too. Roxie and I are going to clean (in between her practice schedule). She has invited some volleyball chicks over tomorrow night for a cookout and some setting, serving and passing drills. It should be fun.
As far as Sunday goes, I will be celebrating my Mother's Day. Hopefully, I will receive three hanging baskets (a tradition), the Pioneer Woman's new book (a must-have) and a trip to the zoo. Again, we'll see if anyone in the family really reads my blog.
I hope you have a good weekend. Spend tons of time with family and friends. Date, date, date your spouse and kids. Eat together. Watch TV together. Read together. Worship together. Family time is precious, and not something to be taken lightly.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, May 6, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I owe you an apology... again. I didn't post yesterday evening as I said I would. That is TOTALLY unheard of on A Simple Life, and there is no excuse. I mean, I have excuses galore, but none of them justify the BIG, FAT LIE I told. (Except I would like to say, when I said I would post yesterday evening, I did have every intention of doing so. Life happens. Some days, life happens... a lot!)
Okay. That part is over. On with today's post!
The Gallery Pics are of Roxie's Honors Tapping Day. It was a good day, and as always, it was an excuse to check out of school early. Even though we have missed 1,000 days of school this year, we felt the need to check out ONE MORE TIME!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I totally missed my opportunity to share 432 great ideas on celebrating Cinco De Mayo... which means next May 5 is going to be really, really great! (Was I the ONLY one who thought Cinco De Mayo had something to do with mayonnaise? Mayonnaise... the best condiment on the face of the earth! I was sorely disappointed.)
Cinco De Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862... and has nothing to do with the discovery of mayonnaise. I just wanted to clear up that huge misconception.
RANDOMNESS #2 - Since I'm already apologizing today, I'll add my friend, Dawn, to the list.
Dawn, if you remember, won the Butt Naked Candle Contest two weeks ago. I did go to Yucatan Trading to purchase the candle, but they were out of that particular scent. They told me they would be getting more Butt Naked Candles Wednesday.
As we all know, the storms hit Wednesday, and Cahaba Heights, where Yucatan Trading is located, was hit hard.
I don't know if Yucatan Trading was directly hit, but I've called several times and all I get is the machine.
Dawn... I want you to know my one and only goal at this moment is to buy you a Butt Naked Candle... very, very soon. It's all I think about. It's all I dream about. My life will not be totally complete until I hand you a Butt Naked Candle.
That being said, I think we all know where I'll be going sometime this weekend.
Blog Linkage - I will be sharing a few websites with you today. I had several more, but because we passed Teacher's Appreciation Day AND Cinco De Mayo, I've decided to skip those.
1. Go to Nesting Place under My Blog List. Read the post entitled "Sick of Your Stuff? How to Change Everything." This woman SOLD everything in her house, painted it totally white and started over. I couldn't do that, but I admire someone who can. Great "before and after" pictures.
2. Go to www.1000awesomethings.com for light reading on the simple things of life that make people happy. It's a very fun blog.
3. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and read "Walter's Night in Hail" dated May 5. The Pioneer Woman's new three-month old basset hound survived his first Oklahoma hailstorm, and, as always, it is funny stuff.
4. When you finish reading Walter's story, click on Tasty Kitchen at the top of the page. It will take you to a new site with a Featured Recipe. Ignore the first Featured Recipe (unless you think you would like it) and hit number 3 directly below it. You will then go directly to the recipe for Banana Split Cake. Yum! It looks delicious.
Weekend Happenings
I have a date with The Boy today. We've been planning it for two or three weeks now, and it's actually going to happen. We're supposed to see a movie. It will be so much fun for me... and I hope for him. (Don't worry. He'll be fine. A giant tub of buttered popcorn and a $15 Coke and he's happy. Who wouldn't be?)
Tonight we're celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday. Tommy is a year and a half younger than me, and it delights him so. I don't even have to buy him a present. He's happy just because I'm older! (We do exchange mean cards though. It's a tradition.)
Saturday is WAY up in the air for everyone except Mikie and Austin. They will be a-workin'. I'm sure the rest of us will find something constructive to do. (I'm working on a list as this goes to press!)
As you all know by now, this Sunday is Mother's Day! As is our custom, the Faulkner Five will be visiting Mike's Mom and my Mom during the day Sunday. I will be wearing my HUGE purple orchid corsage all day long. However, we will be celebrating my Mother's Day next Sunday, May 14.
Don't tell anyone, but all I really want is to go see the new "12 Tons of Fun" Birmingham Zoo Exhibit with the new elephants, etc. with my teenagers and 20 year-old (and, of course, Mikie). I know. My huge kids! We'll see if anyone in the Faulkner Five actually reads my blog to get this BIG, FAT HINT!
I hope all the Moms out there have a wonderful Mother's Day. I hope you make tons of memories with family and friends this weekend. Love on those who need lovin' and encourage those who need encouraging. Kind words and deeds are never a waste.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I owe you an apology... again. I didn't post yesterday evening as I said I would. That is TOTALLY unheard of on A Simple Life, and there is no excuse. I mean, I have excuses galore, but none of them justify the BIG, FAT LIE I told. (Except I would like to say, when I said I would post yesterday evening, I did have every intention of doing so. Life happens. Some days, life happens... a lot!)
Okay. That part is over. On with today's post!
The Gallery Pics are of Roxie's Honors Tapping Day. It was a good day, and as always, it was an excuse to check out of school early. Even though we have missed 1,000 days of school this year, we felt the need to check out ONE MORE TIME!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I totally missed my opportunity to share 432 great ideas on celebrating Cinco De Mayo... which means next May 5 is going to be really, really great! (Was I the ONLY one who thought Cinco De Mayo had something to do with mayonnaise? Mayonnaise... the best condiment on the face of the earth! I was sorely disappointed.)
Cinco De Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862... and has nothing to do with the discovery of mayonnaise. I just wanted to clear up that huge misconception.
RANDOMNESS #2 - Since I'm already apologizing today, I'll add my friend, Dawn, to the list.
Dawn, if you remember, won the Butt Naked Candle Contest two weeks ago. I did go to Yucatan Trading to purchase the candle, but they were out of that particular scent. They told me they would be getting more Butt Naked Candles Wednesday.
As we all know, the storms hit Wednesday, and Cahaba Heights, where Yucatan Trading is located, was hit hard.
I don't know if Yucatan Trading was directly hit, but I've called several times and all I get is the machine.
Dawn... I want you to know my one and only goal at this moment is to buy you a Butt Naked Candle... very, very soon. It's all I think about. It's all I dream about. My life will not be totally complete until I hand you a Butt Naked Candle.
That being said, I think we all know where I'll be going sometime this weekend.
Blog Linkage - I will be sharing a few websites with you today. I had several more, but because we passed Teacher's Appreciation Day AND Cinco De Mayo, I've decided to skip those.
1. Go to Nesting Place under My Blog List. Read the post entitled "Sick of Your Stuff? How to Change Everything." This woman SOLD everything in her house, painted it totally white and started over. I couldn't do that, but I admire someone who can. Great "before and after" pictures.
2. Go to www.1000awesomethings.com for light reading on the simple things of life that make people happy. It's a very fun blog.
3. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and read "Walter's Night in Hail" dated May 5. The Pioneer Woman's new three-month old basset hound survived his first Oklahoma hailstorm, and, as always, it is funny stuff.
4. When you finish reading Walter's story, click on Tasty Kitchen at the top of the page. It will take you to a new site with a Featured Recipe. Ignore the first Featured Recipe (unless you think you would like it) and hit number 3 directly below it. You will then go directly to the recipe for Banana Split Cake. Yum! It looks delicious.
Weekend Happenings
I have a date with The Boy today. We've been planning it for two or three weeks now, and it's actually going to happen. We're supposed to see a movie. It will be so much fun for me... and I hope for him. (Don't worry. He'll be fine. A giant tub of buttered popcorn and a $15 Coke and he's happy. Who wouldn't be?)
Tonight we're celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday. Tommy is a year and a half younger than me, and it delights him so. I don't even have to buy him a present. He's happy just because I'm older! (We do exchange mean cards though. It's a tradition.)
Saturday is WAY up in the air for everyone except Mikie and Austin. They will be a-workin'. I'm sure the rest of us will find something constructive to do. (I'm working on a list as this goes to press!)
As you all know by now, this Sunday is Mother's Day! As is our custom, the Faulkner Five will be visiting Mike's Mom and my Mom during the day Sunday. I will be wearing my HUGE purple orchid corsage all day long. However, we will be celebrating my Mother's Day next Sunday, May 14.
Don't tell anyone, but all I really want is to go see the new "12 Tons of Fun" Birmingham Zoo Exhibit with the new elephants, etc. with my teenagers and 20 year-old (and, of course, Mikie). I know. My huge kids! We'll see if anyone in the Faulkner Five actually reads my blog to get this BIG, FAT HINT!
I hope all the Moms out there have a wonderful Mother's Day. I hope you make tons of memories with family and friends this weekend. Love on those who need lovin' and encourage those who need encouraging. Kind words and deeds are never a waste.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, April 29, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I've only added one pic to the Gallery. Our "basement time" was brief, and thankfully, uneventful. We still had power at this point, but as the storm left Fultondale (which is only two or three miles from our home) we lost power the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday until around 8:00 p.m.
Last night, Roxie spent the night with a friend (AND a generator), and the brothers and I headed to Center Point to eat at Cici's Pizza (Josh's request). After dinner, we headed to Trussville to watch television at my Mom's house.
I was anxious to see the news, and after an hour of "catching up," I was totally overwhelmed by the devastation. So many places I've visited AND lived are damaged or completely destroyed this morning.
But the heartbreaking part continues to be the loss of life... and the people who are still looking for loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine.
Weekend Happenings
As of now, most of our plans have been cancelled or postponed this weekend. Mike is still due home from Chicago this evening. Thankfully, that has not been delayed.
I think we'll spend our weekend praying and looking for ways to help... now and in the future.
I hope you have a good Friday. If you are reading this little blog, I pray your family and homes were spared.
I'll be posting Thursday's post (Blog Linkage and Dates) in the morning (Saturday, April 30)... just to keep on schedule.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I've only added one pic to the Gallery. Our "basement time" was brief, and thankfully, uneventful. We still had power at this point, but as the storm left Fultondale (which is only two or three miles from our home) we lost power the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday until around 8:00 p.m.
Last night, Roxie spent the night with a friend (AND a generator), and the brothers and I headed to Center Point to eat at Cici's Pizza (Josh's request). After dinner, we headed to Trussville to watch television at my Mom's house.
I was anxious to see the news, and after an hour of "catching up," I was totally overwhelmed by the devastation. So many places I've visited AND lived are damaged or completely destroyed this morning.
But the heartbreaking part continues to be the loss of life... and the people who are still looking for loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine.
Weekend Happenings
As of now, most of our plans have been cancelled or postponed this weekend. Mike is still due home from Chicago this evening. Thankfully, that has not been delayed.
I think we'll spend our weekend praying and looking for ways to help... now and in the future.
I hope you have a good Friday. If you are reading this little blog, I pray your family and homes were spared.
I'll be posting Thursday's post (Blog Linkage and Dates) in the morning (Saturday, April 30)... just to keep on schedule.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, April 22, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery pics are from last night's National Honor Society Tapping Ceremony at Josh's school. After years of stressing about what everyone was going to wear, charging camera batteries, getting "there" early enough to get good seats, etc., etc., I am happy to say I am now able to "enjoy the moment" without having to verbally (OUT LOUD) remind myself 20 minutes into the event to focus on the memory being made in front of me. We had a great time... before, during and after.
AUSTIN UPDATE - It's official. The Boy is now a Junior in college. He finished his finals yesterday, and is moving back home today!
Of course, he is starting "Maymester" on May 4 for five weeks, but he'll be staying with Mike's parents Monday night through Wednesday night so I don't really count that as "being away at college." That's just good family time... with some studying on the side.
I'm going to make a little list of "Where We Are Now."
1. He is still a Communications major, and he loves it. He was able to host his own sports radio program this Spring on campus with three friends, and he thoroughly enjoyed that process. He still loves writing, and has been asked by a JSU alum to be a guest blogger on his blog. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!)
2. He is currently trying to decide whether to minor in History or Creative Writing. I think he's leaning toward History, but he's still praying about which way to go.
3. He made several new friends this past year, and four of them will be in his dorm next year... two across the hall and two a couple of rooms down the hall.
4. He's still planning on going to England with the Marching Southerners to march in a parade on New Year's Day 2012 celebrating the Queen's 60th year on the throne and the upcoming Olympics. He will be in England a week with his friends.
5. I still miss him like crazy when he's gone, but I know he's happy and enjoying this time of his life. He still talks to one of the remaining Faulkner Four every day (so we know he is alive and kickin'). Even though that was a "first year" rule, it stuck. I'm hoping it will stick with Josh and Roxie, too, but only time will tell.
Oh, and did I mention he's coming home today? I think I did earlier, but just in case... THE BOY IS COMING HOME TODAY!
RANDOMNESS - Although there are dozens (nay, hundreds) of stories about my inadequacies in the "nursing department," I'll just share one more with you this week.
Josh was sick. He had a stomach virus AND a large "allergy" growth on his mouth and eye. (When I say "allergy" growth, there was a period of time in Josh's younger years when we would walk into Josh's room in the morning and it would look like a softball had grown in his body overnight. Sometimes it would be in his hands. Sometimes in his neck. Sometimes in his feet. It was bizarre... and a little scary.)
However, on this particular stomach virus/"allergy" growth day, his left eye was completely swollen shut AND his upper lip was touching his nose. Needless to say, he felt and looked lousy.
Now to make this day even more perfect, it was a "weather" day. A "weather" day in Alabama means to stay close to the TV and watch James Spann for severe weather updates.
Since the "allergy" growths were relatively new, the doctor wanted to see Josh... even with the light stomach virus AND "weather" day. So off we went with plastic garbage cans, plastic bags, crackers, Sprite and a prayer.
My goal was to make it home before the severe weather hit our area. And we did... kind of.
After meeting with the doctor, he made an appointment for us with a pediatric allergist... the next week. Since the stomach virus was pretty mild, he suggested Pepto Bismol for symptoms and Benadryl for the "allergy" growths. I had none of those medications at home, so I left the doctor's office and quickly made my way back to our little town... which was minutes away from getting hit by severe weather.
Josh was in the back seat, feeling bad and looking worse. Rain was POURING out of the sky. Wind was blowing. The sky was black. I couldn't leave him in the car to get the meds, and I couldn't very well skip getting the meds as "things" continued to swell on his face.
It was a conundrum, I tell you.
And then it hit me. Walgreens had a drive-thru window. I had never gone through a drive-thru window at a pharmacy before, but how hard could it be. I had driven through MILLIONS of fast-food drive-thrus. I was practically a drive-thru expert.
So I got in the car line at the drive-thru window at Walgreens.
The first thing I noticed was there was no speaker for me to place my order. "I need a small Coke, fries, tons of Benadryl and a bottle of Pepto, please!"
Instead, when I reached the window, I spoke face-to-face with a real pharmacist.
"What name is it under, please?" she asked.
"Excuse me?" I asked right back.
"What name is your prescription under?"
"Oh. I don't need a prescription. I don't even HAVE a prescription. I just need over-the-counter Benadryl and a small bottle of Pepto, please." This was great. I was going to use the drive-thru at the pharmacy from now on. Clariton, Sudafed, Immodium, Fish Oil supplements... the list went on and on.
"Ma'am. We don't shop for you. This is the pharmacy. We handle prescriptions for people who are too sick to come inside to pick them up."
"Well, we kind of qualify. We need OVER-THE-COUNTER drugs... and we ARE too sick to come inside and pick them up."
"Ma'am. I'm going to have to ask you to pull around to the front of the building and pick up your own medications, please."
The severe weather was upon us. Josh had gone over an hour without throwing up which meant only one thing... he was ready to blow. His RIGHT eye was now almost completely closed and his BOTTOM lip was now down to his chin. I knew then and there I had to pull out the big guns.
"Josh, sit up and smile at the nice lady, please."
That did it. One look at my sick little boy and the pharmacist said, "I'll be back in one second."
She quickly and efficiently picked up the drugs I needed. She then quickly and efficiently took my money, and we were on our way. She didn't even lecture me about NOT coming through the drive-thru again.
We made it home, safe and sound, just as the storm worsened. I medicated my puffy, sickly little boy and things slowly got back to normal.
Have I been to the pharmacy drive-thru again? No. But now I know the rules. If you don't have a prescription, at least have a bloody wound, a broken limb... or a puffy-faced little boy.
They'll be glad to help!
Weekend Happenings
It's Easter weekend so I know it's going to be a busy weekend for everyone! We alternate Easter with Mike's family and my family. This year, we'll be spending Easter Sunday with Mike's family. (Code for I GET TO SEE MY GREAT-NEPHEW MATTHEW ON SUNDAY!)
Tonight, we're meeting my sister and her family at Grandmother's for a big meal AND a Bunco night. I'm ready to win, Baby!
On Saturday, I'll be going here and there finishing up a little Easter shopping. Austin will be working at the Chick, and Mikie and Josh will be making our shaggy yard presentable. (Every time we had a chance to cut it this week, it rained. I've seen both kinds of yard on my ramblings through our little town... coiffed and shaggy. I know we're not the only ones who have had this problem!)
Easter Sunday morning, we'll be worshipping with friends and family at our church before heading to Grandma's house for lunch.
It's going to be a FAMILY, FAMILY, FAMILY weekend... which is the very best kind!
Have a marvelous Easter weekend. Enjoy special time with family and friends, but most importantly, remember the reason we celebrate. HE IS RISEN! HE IS ALIVE! I love a story with a happy ending, and the fact the Easter story isn't fiction just makes it all the better. IT IS TRUE!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery pics are from last night's National Honor Society Tapping Ceremony at Josh's school. After years of stressing about what everyone was going to wear, charging camera batteries, getting "there" early enough to get good seats, etc., etc., I am happy to say I am now able to "enjoy the moment" without having to verbally (OUT LOUD) remind myself 20 minutes into the event to focus on the memory being made in front of me. We had a great time... before, during and after.
AUSTIN UPDATE - It's official. The Boy is now a Junior in college. He finished his finals yesterday, and is moving back home today!
Of course, he is starting "Maymester" on May 4 for five weeks, but he'll be staying with Mike's parents Monday night through Wednesday night so I don't really count that as "being away at college." That's just good family time... with some studying on the side.
I'm going to make a little list of "Where We Are Now."
1. He is still a Communications major, and he loves it. He was able to host his own sports radio program this Spring on campus with three friends, and he thoroughly enjoyed that process. He still loves writing, and has been asked by a JSU alum to be a guest blogger on his blog. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!)
2. He is currently trying to decide whether to minor in History or Creative Writing. I think he's leaning toward History, but he's still praying about which way to go.
3. He made several new friends this past year, and four of them will be in his dorm next year... two across the hall and two a couple of rooms down the hall.
4. He's still planning on going to England with the Marching Southerners to march in a parade on New Year's Day 2012 celebrating the Queen's 60th year on the throne and the upcoming Olympics. He will be in England a week with his friends.
5. I still miss him like crazy when he's gone, but I know he's happy and enjoying this time of his life. He still talks to one of the remaining Faulkner Four every day (so we know he is alive and kickin'). Even though that was a "first year" rule, it stuck. I'm hoping it will stick with Josh and Roxie, too, but only time will tell.
Oh, and did I mention he's coming home today? I think I did earlier, but just in case... THE BOY IS COMING HOME TODAY!
RANDOMNESS - Although there are dozens (nay, hundreds) of stories about my inadequacies in the "nursing department," I'll just share one more with you this week.
Josh was sick. He had a stomach virus AND a large "allergy" growth on his mouth and eye. (When I say "allergy" growth, there was a period of time in Josh's younger years when we would walk into Josh's room in the morning and it would look like a softball had grown in his body overnight. Sometimes it would be in his hands. Sometimes in his neck. Sometimes in his feet. It was bizarre... and a little scary.)
However, on this particular stomach virus/"allergy" growth day, his left eye was completely swollen shut AND his upper lip was touching his nose. Needless to say, he felt and looked lousy.
Now to make this day even more perfect, it was a "weather" day. A "weather" day in Alabama means to stay close to the TV and watch James Spann for severe weather updates.
Since the "allergy" growths were relatively new, the doctor wanted to see Josh... even with the light stomach virus AND "weather" day. So off we went with plastic garbage cans, plastic bags, crackers, Sprite and a prayer.
My goal was to make it home before the severe weather hit our area. And we did... kind of.
After meeting with the doctor, he made an appointment for us with a pediatric allergist... the next week. Since the stomach virus was pretty mild, he suggested Pepto Bismol for symptoms and Benadryl for the "allergy" growths. I had none of those medications at home, so I left the doctor's office and quickly made my way back to our little town... which was minutes away from getting hit by severe weather.
Josh was in the back seat, feeling bad and looking worse. Rain was POURING out of the sky. Wind was blowing. The sky was black. I couldn't leave him in the car to get the meds, and I couldn't very well skip getting the meds as "things" continued to swell on his face.
It was a conundrum, I tell you.
And then it hit me. Walgreens had a drive-thru window. I had never gone through a drive-thru window at a pharmacy before, but how hard could it be. I had driven through MILLIONS of fast-food drive-thrus. I was practically a drive-thru expert.
So I got in the car line at the drive-thru window at Walgreens.
The first thing I noticed was there was no speaker for me to place my order. "I need a small Coke, fries, tons of Benadryl and a bottle of Pepto, please!"
Instead, when I reached the window, I spoke face-to-face with a real pharmacist.
"What name is it under, please?" she asked.
"Excuse me?" I asked right back.
"What name is your prescription under?"
"Oh. I don't need a prescription. I don't even HAVE a prescription. I just need over-the-counter Benadryl and a small bottle of Pepto, please." This was great. I was going to use the drive-thru at the pharmacy from now on. Clariton, Sudafed, Immodium, Fish Oil supplements... the list went on and on.
"Ma'am. We don't shop for you. This is the pharmacy. We handle prescriptions for people who are too sick to come inside to pick them up."
"Well, we kind of qualify. We need OVER-THE-COUNTER drugs... and we ARE too sick to come inside and pick them up."
"Ma'am. I'm going to have to ask you to pull around to the front of the building and pick up your own medications, please."
The severe weather was upon us. Josh had gone over an hour without throwing up which meant only one thing... he was ready to blow. His RIGHT eye was now almost completely closed and his BOTTOM lip was now down to his chin. I knew then and there I had to pull out the big guns.
"Josh, sit up and smile at the nice lady, please."
That did it. One look at my sick little boy and the pharmacist said, "I'll be back in one second."
She quickly and efficiently picked up the drugs I needed. She then quickly and efficiently took my money, and we were on our way. She didn't even lecture me about NOT coming through the drive-thru again.
We made it home, safe and sound, just as the storm worsened. I medicated my puffy, sickly little boy and things slowly got back to normal.
Have I been to the pharmacy drive-thru again? No. But now I know the rules. If you don't have a prescription, at least have a bloody wound, a broken limb... or a puffy-faced little boy.
They'll be glad to help!
Weekend Happenings
It's Easter weekend so I know it's going to be a busy weekend for everyone! We alternate Easter with Mike's family and my family. This year, we'll be spending Easter Sunday with Mike's family. (Code for I GET TO SEE MY GREAT-NEPHEW MATTHEW ON SUNDAY!)
Tonight, we're meeting my sister and her family at Grandmother's for a big meal AND a Bunco night. I'm ready to win, Baby!
On Saturday, I'll be going here and there finishing up a little Easter shopping. Austin will be working at the Chick, and Mikie and Josh will be making our shaggy yard presentable. (Every time we had a chance to cut it this week, it rained. I've seen both kinds of yard on my ramblings through our little town... coiffed and shaggy. I know we're not the only ones who have had this problem!)
Easter Sunday morning, we'll be worshipping with friends and family at our church before heading to Grandma's house for lunch.
It's going to be a FAMILY, FAMILY, FAMILY weekend... which is the very best kind!
Have a marvelous Easter weekend. Enjoy special time with family and friends, but most importantly, remember the reason we celebrate. HE IS RISEN! HE IS ALIVE! I love a story with a happy ending, and the fact the Easter story isn't fiction just makes it all the better. IT IS TRUE!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, April 15, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I have a pic of some of Roxie's tennis buds in the Gallery today, and two more Morris Avenue shots. Although Roxie likes most sports which involve a ball, tennis isn't her thing. However, she doesn't mind watching her friends play.
RANDOMNESS #1 - CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! The winner of the Butt Naked Candle Contest from Yucatan Trading is... DAWN! Dawn, I'll be going to Bluff Park the middle of next week, so by next weekend your house is going to be smelling good! Congratulations... and thanks to everyone who entered.
Don't worry. There may be another Candle Contest in the future.
RANDOMNESS #2 - DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! If you have a chance this weekend to see Soul Surfer with your family, please do so. It's a great "faith-based" movie. (NOTE - I took kids 13 years and older. This may not be a movie for smaller kids because of the shark attack, so if you have a younger family, you may want to see it with your spouse before taking the kiddos.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Many people KNOW what they are supposed to "be when they grow up" at a very early age. I knew I was supposed to work with young children. Of course, I veered off course a little, but that's a different story... and it involves a pigeon.
Because of my love of EVERYTHING preschool, I have ALWAYS known I was not "nurse" material. ALWAYS.
Today, Tuesday and Wednesday, I'll be sharing a few stories which support the above fact.
I knew Mikie over three years before we became a couple. In those three years, I vaguely recall Mike being ill every now and again. When we began dating, became engaged and then married in less than a year, the fact he had been sick a couple of times a year during our friendship was not a huge concern... for him or me.
Soon after we became husband and wife, Mikie became ill. In fact, the day after we returned home from our honeymoon, he woke up with a horrible sinus infection. He couldn't breathe. He had a fever. He was achy. (He was more than a little whiny.)
While he stayed home to recuperate, I went to work. I called to check on him a couple of times during the day, and he sounded horrible. I felt sorry for him, and I planned on feeding him chicken noodle soup and hydrating him as soon as I returned home.
When I walked through the door later that evening, he was on the sofa. He had obviously not moved ALL day long except to eat and drink a little. He looked miserable... and unshaven... and unshowered.
I asked him how he felt, and he told me something that would haunt me for the next five years of our marriage. "I'll be okay. When I get this it lasts ten days... so one down and nine to go."
"What do you mean this lasts ten days? Why does it have to last ten days? Why can't you take some kind of medicine to knock it out in two or three days?" I asked.
"I do take medicine... and it takes ten days for me to feel better."
"Does that mean you're off work for ten days... not counting weekends?" I asked again.
"Yes. Yes, it does."
"How often does this happen?" I was not liking this illness AT ALL.
"Twice a year, every year," he replied.
Hmmm. Twenty days out of 365 days. Hmmm. Every year until "death do us part." Hmmm.
"Okay. Well, I think you would feel better if you had a nice, hot shower," I said, as I threw back the blankets. "Come on. Let's get you well."
"No. No. I'm too weak." Wheeze, wheeze, cough, cough.
"You have got to wash some of those germs off. We're going to try to shave off a few days of your 'ten-day illness.' Let's try to get it down to five days, shall we?" I was using my matter-of-fact, business-like voice. It was very annoying... even to me.
While Mikie crawled to the shower, I made chicken noodle soup and cheese toast. When he crawled back into the living room, he was clean, but much, much weaker. He ate a little, took a little medicine and sat on the couch... very, very sick.
Around 8:00 that night, I made a suggestion. "Why don't you go ahead and go to bed? Extra sleep should help you feel better sooner, too."
He then said the six words I was destined to hear over and over again during our marriage... "I'm tired, but I'm not sleepy."
"What does that mean? If you're tired, you can sleep."
"No. I have to be sleepy AND tired to sleep."
Who was this man I had been married to for ten days? Had I ever even met him? Was I going to have to go the Young Married Sunday School Class by myself for the first time EVER? Did I have any compassion in my body? It appeared I did not. I have to admit, I was a little surprised... and worried.
Mikie later admitted he was asking himself some of the same questions. Who is this woman I have been married to for ten days? Does she have an ounce of compassion in her body? Will she be able to be the mother of my children? Children get sick. Will she take care of them, or insist a nice, hot shower will cure them of all their ills? What is wrong with her?
The story continues... but not today. Be assured, Mikie survived... but just barely. I'll finish next week.
Weekend Happenings
It's another weekend of here, there and everywhere for the Faulkner Five. Austin is staying in Jacksonville for the A-Day Game Friday night (unless it is cancelled because of weather). If it is cancelled because of weather, he may still stay in Jacksonville because it will be safer than traveling.
Josh was supposed to sing at the Magnolia Festival tonight... cancelled. Roxie was supposed to spend the night with her grandmother tonight... might be cancelled. I'm pretty sure Friday is going to be a weather-watching day and night.
However, James Spann said the remainder of the weekend in our great state was going to be cool and beautiful.
For Roxie, this means she gets to go to Alabama's A-Day Game.
For Josh, this means he gets to go to a biology study session at UAB and the high school production of Grease Saturday night.
For Austin, this means he gets to come home!
Sunday at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) has everyone home, but me. For the first time in over 20 years, I'm helping host a shower for a friend's child who is getting married. I am so excited. I miss showers, and one of the few good things about kids becoming adults is they get engaged, get married and have babies. I liked that season of life when I was in my 20s and early 30s. I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it again!
We have a late Sunday night Faulkner Family Nerf War planned. This will be a good one because there are going to be prizes. Really good prizes. Can you say Cadbury Eggs... all flavors? The stakes just went up!
Have a safe weekend. Spend time with family and friends. Date one of your kids. Date your spouse. Make some memories!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I have a pic of some of Roxie's tennis buds in the Gallery today, and two more Morris Avenue shots. Although Roxie likes most sports which involve a ball, tennis isn't her thing. However, she doesn't mind watching her friends play.
RANDOMNESS #1 - CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! The winner of the Butt Naked Candle Contest from Yucatan Trading is... DAWN! Dawn, I'll be going to Bluff Park the middle of next week, so by next weekend your house is going to be smelling good! Congratulations... and thanks to everyone who entered.
Don't worry. There may be another Candle Contest in the future.
RANDOMNESS #2 - DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET! If you have a chance this weekend to see Soul Surfer with your family, please do so. It's a great "faith-based" movie. (NOTE - I took kids 13 years and older. This may not be a movie for smaller kids because of the shark attack, so if you have a younger family, you may want to see it with your spouse before taking the kiddos.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Many people KNOW what they are supposed to "be when they grow up" at a very early age. I knew I was supposed to work with young children. Of course, I veered off course a little, but that's a different story... and it involves a pigeon.
Because of my love of EVERYTHING preschool, I have ALWAYS known I was not "nurse" material. ALWAYS.
Today, Tuesday and Wednesday, I'll be sharing a few stories which support the above fact.
I knew Mikie over three years before we became a couple. In those three years, I vaguely recall Mike being ill every now and again. When we began dating, became engaged and then married in less than a year, the fact he had been sick a couple of times a year during our friendship was not a huge concern... for him or me.
Soon after we became husband and wife, Mikie became ill. In fact, the day after we returned home from our honeymoon, he woke up with a horrible sinus infection. He couldn't breathe. He had a fever. He was achy. (He was more than a little whiny.)
While he stayed home to recuperate, I went to work. I called to check on him a couple of times during the day, and he sounded horrible. I felt sorry for him, and I planned on feeding him chicken noodle soup and hydrating him as soon as I returned home.
When I walked through the door later that evening, he was on the sofa. He had obviously not moved ALL day long except to eat and drink a little. He looked miserable... and unshaven... and unshowered.
I asked him how he felt, and he told me something that would haunt me for the next five years of our marriage. "I'll be okay. When I get this it lasts ten days... so one down and nine to go."
"What do you mean this lasts ten days? Why does it have to last ten days? Why can't you take some kind of medicine to knock it out in two or three days?" I asked.
"I do take medicine... and it takes ten days for me to feel better."
"Does that mean you're off work for ten days... not counting weekends?" I asked again.
"Yes. Yes, it does."
"How often does this happen?" I was not liking this illness AT ALL.
"Twice a year, every year," he replied.
Hmmm. Twenty days out of 365 days. Hmmm. Every year until "death do us part." Hmmm.
"Okay. Well, I think you would feel better if you had a nice, hot shower," I said, as I threw back the blankets. "Come on. Let's get you well."
"No. No. I'm too weak." Wheeze, wheeze, cough, cough.
"You have got to wash some of those germs off. We're going to try to shave off a few days of your 'ten-day illness.' Let's try to get it down to five days, shall we?" I was using my matter-of-fact, business-like voice. It was very annoying... even to me.
While Mikie crawled to the shower, I made chicken noodle soup and cheese toast. When he crawled back into the living room, he was clean, but much, much weaker. He ate a little, took a little medicine and sat on the couch... very, very sick.
Around 8:00 that night, I made a suggestion. "Why don't you go ahead and go to bed? Extra sleep should help you feel better sooner, too."
He then said the six words I was destined to hear over and over again during our marriage... "I'm tired, but I'm not sleepy."
"What does that mean? If you're tired, you can sleep."
"No. I have to be sleepy AND tired to sleep."
Who was this man I had been married to for ten days? Had I ever even met him? Was I going to have to go the Young Married Sunday School Class by myself for the first time EVER? Did I have any compassion in my body? It appeared I did not. I have to admit, I was a little surprised... and worried.
Mikie later admitted he was asking himself some of the same questions. Who is this woman I have been married to for ten days? Does she have an ounce of compassion in her body? Will she be able to be the mother of my children? Children get sick. Will she take care of them, or insist a nice, hot shower will cure them of all their ills? What is wrong with her?
The story continues... but not today. Be assured, Mikie survived... but just barely. I'll finish next week.
Weekend Happenings
It's another weekend of here, there and everywhere for the Faulkner Five. Austin is staying in Jacksonville for the A-Day Game Friday night (unless it is cancelled because of weather). If it is cancelled because of weather, he may still stay in Jacksonville because it will be safer than traveling.
Josh was supposed to sing at the Magnolia Festival tonight... cancelled. Roxie was supposed to spend the night with her grandmother tonight... might be cancelled. I'm pretty sure Friday is going to be a weather-watching day and night.
However, James Spann said the remainder of the weekend in our great state was going to be cool and beautiful.
For Roxie, this means she gets to go to Alabama's A-Day Game.
For Josh, this means he gets to go to a biology study session at UAB and the high school production of Grease Saturday night.
For Austin, this means he gets to come home!
Sunday at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) has everyone home, but me. For the first time in over 20 years, I'm helping host a shower for a friend's child who is getting married. I am so excited. I miss showers, and one of the few good things about kids becoming adults is they get engaged, get married and have babies. I liked that season of life when I was in my 20s and early 30s. I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it again!
We have a late Sunday night Faulkner Family Nerf War planned. This will be a good one because there are going to be prizes. Really good prizes. Can you say Cadbury Eggs... all flavors? The stakes just went up!
Have a safe weekend. Spend time with family and friends. Date one of your kids. Date your spouse. Make some memories!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, April 8, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
Wow! This week has just flown by, hasn't it? And it only took me four days to record "A Day in the Life... of ME!" The finished product is in the Gallery below.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I saw a commercial this morning. Crayola has invented COLORED bubbles. Oh, the gazillions of clear bubbles I have blown. Oh, how I wish I had a little one to blow COLORED bubbles with now.
I did notice they leave colored spots on the kids' clothing, but the commercial covered that, too. They say the bubble marks are completely washable.
I think I'm going to get some today just to have on hand. Maybe the beagles would like them.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I am fascinated by the fact Donald Trump is thinking about running for President. I don't know what to make of it. I stay away from politics on A Simple Life... which is one reason it remains "simple." But this is an interesting turn of events, isn't it?
I wish Tom Selleck would run. I would definitely vote for Tom Selleck.
RANDOMNESS #3 - After regaling you with my old work stories this week, you would not believe how many job offers came rolling in. It was amazing! I'm fielding offers as we speak!
Weekend Happenings
Mikie took Josh and Roxie to breakfast this morning, so their weekend started a little early. I was invited, but since I'm meeting Mom and Bev in Trussville at 10:00 a.m. sharp, I needed to stay home and get some things done. Plus, Austin is home, so I wanted to visit with him a little before he heads to work.
I know Austin has plans with Melia tonight, but the rest of us are up for grabs. We'll just have to see.
While Friday is pretty quiet (so far), Saturday is FULL. Austin is working (school work, as well as Chick work). Josh is taking the ACT, and then deciding between afternoon paintball OR the 3:00 p.m. Indy race with Mikie. He has a hard decision to make.
Roxie, Kendall and I are finally getting around to fulfilling Kendall's birthday book. Roxie and Kendall have been doing this since they were four or five. They make each other a book for their birthday describing page by page what will take place on a special fun-filled day.
Roxie and Kendall are getting makeovers, and then we're having a photo shoot. After the shoot, we're eating cupcakes at Yolo's before heading over to Hobby Lobby to pick out frames for their favorite pics.
We'll finish Saturday evening with movies and dinner at the house. I'm looking forward to our outing.
After church Sunday, Roxie and I are meeting the chick cousins and watching Soul Surfer.
Mikie and the guys are on their own for the afternoon... which they love. Guys relax a little better when the womenfolk are out of the house, I think.
I hope you have a fantastic Friday, and an even better weekend. Easter, Easter, Easter is what the next two weeks are ALL about on A Simple Life. I have tons and tons of new ideas to share.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wow! This week has just flown by, hasn't it? And it only took me four days to record "A Day in the Life... of ME!" The finished product is in the Gallery below.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I saw a commercial this morning. Crayola has invented COLORED bubbles. Oh, the gazillions of clear bubbles I have blown. Oh, how I wish I had a little one to blow COLORED bubbles with now.
I did notice they leave colored spots on the kids' clothing, but the commercial covered that, too. They say the bubble marks are completely washable.
I think I'm going to get some today just to have on hand. Maybe the beagles would like them.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I am fascinated by the fact Donald Trump is thinking about running for President. I don't know what to make of it. I stay away from politics on A Simple Life... which is one reason it remains "simple." But this is an interesting turn of events, isn't it?
I wish Tom Selleck would run. I would definitely vote for Tom Selleck.
RANDOMNESS #3 - After regaling you with my old work stories this week, you would not believe how many job offers came rolling in. It was amazing! I'm fielding offers as we speak!
Weekend Happenings
Mikie took Josh and Roxie to breakfast this morning, so their weekend started a little early. I was invited, but since I'm meeting Mom and Bev in Trussville at 10:00 a.m. sharp, I needed to stay home and get some things done. Plus, Austin is home, so I wanted to visit with him a little before he heads to work.
I know Austin has plans with Melia tonight, but the rest of us are up for grabs. We'll just have to see.
While Friday is pretty quiet (so far), Saturday is FULL. Austin is working (school work, as well as Chick work). Josh is taking the ACT, and then deciding between afternoon paintball OR the 3:00 p.m. Indy race with Mikie. He has a hard decision to make.
Roxie, Kendall and I are finally getting around to fulfilling Kendall's birthday book. Roxie and Kendall have been doing this since they were four or five. They make each other a book for their birthday describing page by page what will take place on a special fun-filled day.
Roxie and Kendall are getting makeovers, and then we're having a photo shoot. After the shoot, we're eating cupcakes at Yolo's before heading over to Hobby Lobby to pick out frames for their favorite pics.
We'll finish Saturday evening with movies and dinner at the house. I'm looking forward to our outing.
After church Sunday, Roxie and I are meeting the chick cousins and watching Soul Surfer.
Mikie and the guys are on their own for the afternoon... which they love. Guys relax a little better when the womenfolk are out of the house, I think.
I hope you have a fantastic Friday, and an even better weekend. Easter, Easter, Easter is what the next two weeks are ALL about on A Simple Life. I have tons and tons of new ideas to share.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, April 1, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are PROOF I really did find a meter parking space at the END of a row yesterday. I just slid the Big Gold Van in the space reserved just for me!
RANDOMNESS #1 - It was almost too easy. Finding my perfect parking space for the Big Gold Van only TWO blocks away from the building at lunchtime used to be unheard of... but there it was! Right beside the bus station.
I worked downtown for at least eight years out of the almost ten years I was a legal secretary. Except for the occasional bird falling on my head, I liked working downtown.
I loved wearing dresses and suits. I loved wearing Connie pumps in every color to match my dresses and suits. I loved the energy... the hustle and bustle. It was a very "Mary Tyler Moore" type environment... without the hat.
I enjoyed having lunch with my friend, Sue, in the food court I had eaten in so many times before (over 23 years ago). I almost felt like I was in my 20s again... footloose and fancy free. But then reality set in as I listened to Sue talk about learning the new computer system, etc. in her new environment. She had done so in less than a month. She is very smart.
Twenty-three years is a long time to be "out of the loop." I don't understand the lingo any longer. Thankfully, my friend is bi-lingual, so when we started talking about kids and family, I began to understand and contribute to the conversation.
Nothing compares to catching up with old friends, does it? It was so enjoyable, we're going to do it again in two weeks.
And I know just where to park!
RANDOMNESS #2 - The Faulkner Five had our church directory picture taken last night. Everyone had clothes matching the colors in Roxie's skirt, but not necessarily matching each other. (It's tricky to match young adults' clothing without being too obvious... but I think I pulled it off.)
I was so engrossed in making sure we blended, hair was combed, etc., it wasn't until we were about to go into the room for the actual picture taking I noticed Austin hadn't shaved. WHAT? (That's how I handled it, too. ALL CAPS!)
"Why on earth didn't you shave? You had a haircut at 5:30 this afternoon. You have a new ironed shirt the exact color of the leaves in Roxie's skirt. Your shoes match. Your sock match. Your pants match. Even your underwear matches. What were you thinking?"
"I was wondering if you would notice," he replied, grinning.
And like all good mothers everywhere, I reminded myself, "Hit him where it won't leave a mark for the picture!"
Before I completely lost it and kicked my 20 year-old in the shins, Mike walked up beside me and stated the obvious. "I don't think it will show up in the picture at all."
He had a point. Austin's beard is scraggly at best, but it IS light-colored. Thankfully, it was only two or three days' worth of growth. With good lighting and no close-ups, we had a very good chance of it not showing up at all.
I decided not to kick him.
Other than that, the shoot went off without incident. I was very pleased with our free family portrait, and even more pleased I stuck to my guns and just bought two 5" x 7" prints for the grandparents... even though the one of just me and Mike was SO good. (I looked 47. And that was without the touch-ups. With the touch-ups, I bet I would have looked 45. I'm going to regret not getting that one, I think.)
I'll post them when we receive them in the mail in a couple of weeks.
RANDOMNESS #3 - For those of you who may not have heard, they found the cobra which has been missing from the Bronx Zoo all week. I slept much better last night. For some reason, that story really bothered me.
April Fool's Day - I said I would share a couple of April Fool's Day pranks we've pulled in our family, but I think I'll just share the "big one" since today's post is getting a little lengthy.
When the kids were all in elementary school and preschool, Mike and I put them to bed March 31, and I went to work.
I peeled potatoes, cut carrots, baked a cake, made a fresh pitcher of sweet tea and put a roast in the crockpot. Then I went to bed with a smile on my face.
I awoke extra early the morning of April 1, set the table with good china, lit candles and popped the rolls into the oven. Mikie woke the kids up for "breakfast."
Their puzzled expressions when they walked into the kitchen were priceless. We sat down to eat, and we filled their plates with tender roast beef, veggies, rolls, etc. They just sat there.
"I want cereal," Austin said.
"Me, too. I want cereal, too," Josh chimed in.
Roxie didn't say anything. She was eating her roast beef.
"Guys. This is April's Fools Day. This is a joke. Everything is okay," I reassured them.
You could see the relief in their faces. "Can we have cereal now?" Austin asked again.
"No. It's a joke, but the food is real, and we're going to have dinner for breakfast."
"I don't think I can do that," Austin said, looking worried again.
"Me either," Josh agreed.
Roxie didn't say anything. She had finished the roast and was working on her potatoes with ketchup.
In the end, I put everything away for dinner that night. (Mikie was in agreement with Austin and Josh. He didn't think he could have a big dinner for breakfast, and not feel stuffed the rest of the day.)
And Roxie? Well, Roxie had roast beef, potatoes, carrots, rolls and cake twice that day. Once for breakfast, and once again for dinner.
Weekend Happenings
We have plans this weekend... unlike last weekend.
Mike and I are going to dinner with some church folk tonight, and we're really looking forward to that fellowship. Austin will be working, and Roxie and Josh are planning on going out to eat and watching a movie.
The kids have plans on Saturday with work, school, friends and such. Mikie and I are free. I hate to say we're going on a date, because whenever I say it out loud, something usually happens... but I'm kind of hoping we can!
We've had a couple of weeks with no birthday celebrations, so it's about that time again. After church Sunday, we'll be heading to Mrs. Faulkner's birthday lunch.
Not only will we be eating cake, but I'll get to see Matthew! And April is a good month because I get to see him TWICE! Gotta love April.
Have a wonderful weekend. April is a beautiful month... a little unpredictable, but beautiful just the same. Next week I'll be sharing some office mishaps from my younger legal secretary days, and I'll begin posting Spring AND Easter ideas. It's never too early to start planning for a memorable Easter!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are PROOF I really did find a meter parking space at the END of a row yesterday. I just slid the Big Gold Van in the space reserved just for me!
RANDOMNESS #1 - It was almost too easy. Finding my perfect parking space for the Big Gold Van only TWO blocks away from the building at lunchtime used to be unheard of... but there it was! Right beside the bus station.
I worked downtown for at least eight years out of the almost ten years I was a legal secretary. Except for the occasional bird falling on my head, I liked working downtown.
I loved wearing dresses and suits. I loved wearing Connie pumps in every color to match my dresses and suits. I loved the energy... the hustle and bustle. It was a very "Mary Tyler Moore" type environment... without the hat.
I enjoyed having lunch with my friend, Sue, in the food court I had eaten in so many times before (over 23 years ago). I almost felt like I was in my 20s again... footloose and fancy free. But then reality set in as I listened to Sue talk about learning the new computer system, etc. in her new environment. She had done so in less than a month. She is very smart.
Twenty-three years is a long time to be "out of the loop." I don't understand the lingo any longer. Thankfully, my friend is bi-lingual, so when we started talking about kids and family, I began to understand and contribute to the conversation.
Nothing compares to catching up with old friends, does it? It was so enjoyable, we're going to do it again in two weeks.
And I know just where to park!
RANDOMNESS #2 - The Faulkner Five had our church directory picture taken last night. Everyone had clothes matching the colors in Roxie's skirt, but not necessarily matching each other. (It's tricky to match young adults' clothing without being too obvious... but I think I pulled it off.)
I was so engrossed in making sure we blended, hair was combed, etc., it wasn't until we were about to go into the room for the actual picture taking I noticed Austin hadn't shaved. WHAT? (That's how I handled it, too. ALL CAPS!)
"Why on earth didn't you shave? You had a haircut at 5:30 this afternoon. You have a new ironed shirt the exact color of the leaves in Roxie's skirt. Your shoes match. Your sock match. Your pants match. Even your underwear matches. What were you thinking?"
"I was wondering if you would notice," he replied, grinning.
And like all good mothers everywhere, I reminded myself, "Hit him where it won't leave a mark for the picture!"
Before I completely lost it and kicked my 20 year-old in the shins, Mike walked up beside me and stated the obvious. "I don't think it will show up in the picture at all."
He had a point. Austin's beard is scraggly at best, but it IS light-colored. Thankfully, it was only two or three days' worth of growth. With good lighting and no close-ups, we had a very good chance of it not showing up at all.
I decided not to kick him.
Other than that, the shoot went off without incident. I was very pleased with our free family portrait, and even more pleased I stuck to my guns and just bought two 5" x 7" prints for the grandparents... even though the one of just me and Mike was SO good. (I looked 47. And that was without the touch-ups. With the touch-ups, I bet I would have looked 45. I'm going to regret not getting that one, I think.)
I'll post them when we receive them in the mail in a couple of weeks.
RANDOMNESS #3 - For those of you who may not have heard, they found the cobra which has been missing from the Bronx Zoo all week. I slept much better last night. For some reason, that story really bothered me.
April Fool's Day - I said I would share a couple of April Fool's Day pranks we've pulled in our family, but I think I'll just share the "big one" since today's post is getting a little lengthy.
When the kids were all in elementary school and preschool, Mike and I put them to bed March 31, and I went to work.
I peeled potatoes, cut carrots, baked a cake, made a fresh pitcher of sweet tea and put a roast in the crockpot. Then I went to bed with a smile on my face.
I awoke extra early the morning of April 1, set the table with good china, lit candles and popped the rolls into the oven. Mikie woke the kids up for "breakfast."
Their puzzled expressions when they walked into the kitchen were priceless. We sat down to eat, and we filled their plates with tender roast beef, veggies, rolls, etc. They just sat there.
"I want cereal," Austin said.
"Me, too. I want cereal, too," Josh chimed in.
Roxie didn't say anything. She was eating her roast beef.
"Guys. This is April's Fools Day. This is a joke. Everything is okay," I reassured them.
You could see the relief in their faces. "Can we have cereal now?" Austin asked again.
"No. It's a joke, but the food is real, and we're going to have dinner for breakfast."
"I don't think I can do that," Austin said, looking worried again.
"Me either," Josh agreed.
Roxie didn't say anything. She had finished the roast and was working on her potatoes with ketchup.
In the end, I put everything away for dinner that night. (Mikie was in agreement with Austin and Josh. He didn't think he could have a big dinner for breakfast, and not feel stuffed the rest of the day.)
And Roxie? Well, Roxie had roast beef, potatoes, carrots, rolls and cake twice that day. Once for breakfast, and once again for dinner.
Weekend Happenings
We have plans this weekend... unlike last weekend.
Mike and I are going to dinner with some church folk tonight, and we're really looking forward to that fellowship. Austin will be working, and Roxie and Josh are planning on going out to eat and watching a movie.
The kids have plans on Saturday with work, school, friends and such. Mikie and I are free. I hate to say we're going on a date, because whenever I say it out loud, something usually happens... but I'm kind of hoping we can!
We've had a couple of weeks with no birthday celebrations, so it's about that time again. After church Sunday, we'll be heading to Mrs. Faulkner's birthday lunch.
Not only will we be eating cake, but I'll get to see Matthew! And April is a good month because I get to see him TWICE! Gotta love April.
Have a wonderful weekend. April is a beautiful month... a little unpredictable, but beautiful just the same. Next week I'll be sharing some office mishaps from my younger legal secretary days, and I'll begin posting Spring AND Easter ideas. It's never too early to start planning for a memorable Easter!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, March 25, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are hodge-podge this morning. For the first time this week, there is no theme. Yea!
RANDOMNESS #1 - If today's post comes off a little negative, there is a very good reason. I'm hungry. And if there are more than a normal amount of typos or actual words missing in sentences... same reason. I'm hungry.
I'm going for a check-up at 10:00, and I'm fasting for my cholesterol blood test. The number one reason I HATE missing breakfast (other than the grumpy reason and the lack of focus reason I mentioned above) is the growling of the stomach reason.
My doctor's office has a waiting room which was once a semi-large closet. It is now a uber-small waiting room with six chairs. It's a good way to get to know people because your knees actually touch your neighbor's knees. (NOTE TO SELF - Shave legs before doctor appointment this morning in preparation of possible "knee" touching.)
I try to mask the growling of the stomach with coughing fits, purse dropping and other forms of socially acceptable noises, but in the end, everyone knows I am hungry... and I have a louder than normal stomach.
There are many things which no longer embarrass me at the age of 49.
1. Make-up on only one eye.
2. Wearing two different shoes.
3. Lipstick on my teeth.
4. Adjusting my bra strap and other articles of clothing WHEREVER I am at the moment it needs adjusting.
5. Roxie telling me I forgot to brush the BACK of my hair.
6. Walking to the campground bathhouse with my morning hair... in all of it's stick-up-straight-in-the-back-Kate-Gosselin glory.
7. Bouncing off a curb or two in the Big Gold Van.
8. Running into a place of business, gas station, etc. while loudly demanding, "Where is the bathroom? Where is the bathroom?"
Yes. I no longer care about many of the little things which at one time in my life caused me to blush.
But the stomach growl... For some reason, that is a whole different story. Heavy sigh.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I've spent much of my life having to be reminded by God (again and again and again) that His plans are so much better than my plans. Always have been... always will be.
This week I've been able to have some peace about the direction some of MY family plans have taken. In no uncertain terms, God has let me know we have to change course.
I don't like to change course. I like the well-traveled, thought out plan I made many, many years ago. I like the norm. I like the comfort.
Well, it is not happening with this particular situation, Folks. Nope. God has a different path for us to travel for a while. And, as always, as soon as I stopped fighting to stay on the old, comfortable, well-traveled path, I had peace.
I'll be sharing my classic "Pigeon Story" Monday. It is the perfect example of what I've been talking about... following my plan instead of God's perfect plan. If you've heard it a million times before (and most of you have), there will be other reasons to visit A Simple Life... I promise.
Weekend Happenings
Our weekend is about as empty as a weekend can possibly get. The ONLY thing on the calendar at the moment is a breakfast date with Mikie in the morning, AND a movie date with my nephew and one of his friends Sunday afternoon. (We're going to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2. It was part of his birthday present, and I'm so excited. I think it's going to be a very good movie. Loved the books. Loved the first movie.)
Everything else is wide open. Mikie is trying to plan a fishing trip with one or more of the kids Saturday evening, but weather will be the deciding factor.
This kind of weekend is almost always deceiving. This kind of weekend USUALLY turns into the busiest kind of weekend of all.
I'll let you know next week.
Have a fun-filled, memory-making weekend with family and friends. I'll be posting pics today, Saturday and Sunday on Belinda's Project Life. (Can you believe I'm on Day 212? It's flying by, I tell you.) Next week will be full of Spring goodness and fun.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are hodge-podge this morning. For the first time this week, there is no theme. Yea!
RANDOMNESS #1 - If today's post comes off a little negative, there is a very good reason. I'm hungry. And if there are more than a normal amount of typos or actual words missing in sentences... same reason. I'm hungry.
I'm going for a check-up at 10:00, and I'm fasting for my cholesterol blood test. The number one reason I HATE missing breakfast (other than the grumpy reason and the lack of focus reason I mentioned above) is the growling of the stomach reason.
My doctor's office has a waiting room which was once a semi-large closet. It is now a uber-small waiting room with six chairs. It's a good way to get to know people because your knees actually touch your neighbor's knees. (NOTE TO SELF - Shave legs before doctor appointment this morning in preparation of possible "knee" touching.)
I try to mask the growling of the stomach with coughing fits, purse dropping and other forms of socially acceptable noises, but in the end, everyone knows I am hungry... and I have a louder than normal stomach.
There are many things which no longer embarrass me at the age of 49.
1. Make-up on only one eye.
2. Wearing two different shoes.
3. Lipstick on my teeth.
4. Adjusting my bra strap and other articles of clothing WHEREVER I am at the moment it needs adjusting.
5. Roxie telling me I forgot to brush the BACK of my hair.
6. Walking to the campground bathhouse with my morning hair... in all of it's stick-up-straight-in-the-back-Kate-Gosselin glory.
7. Bouncing off a curb or two in the Big Gold Van.
8. Running into a place of business, gas station, etc. while loudly demanding, "Where is the bathroom? Where is the bathroom?"
Yes. I no longer care about many of the little things which at one time in my life caused me to blush.
But the stomach growl... For some reason, that is a whole different story. Heavy sigh.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I've spent much of my life having to be reminded by God (again and again and again) that His plans are so much better than my plans. Always have been... always will be.
This week I've been able to have some peace about the direction some of MY family plans have taken. In no uncertain terms, God has let me know we have to change course.
I don't like to change course. I like the well-traveled, thought out plan I made many, many years ago. I like the norm. I like the comfort.
Well, it is not happening with this particular situation, Folks. Nope. God has a different path for us to travel for a while. And, as always, as soon as I stopped fighting to stay on the old, comfortable, well-traveled path, I had peace.
I'll be sharing my classic "Pigeon Story" Monday. It is the perfect example of what I've been talking about... following my plan instead of God's perfect plan. If you've heard it a million times before (and most of you have), there will be other reasons to visit A Simple Life... I promise.
Weekend Happenings
Our weekend is about as empty as a weekend can possibly get. The ONLY thing on the calendar at the moment is a breakfast date with Mikie in the morning, AND a movie date with my nephew and one of his friends Sunday afternoon. (We're going to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2. It was part of his birthday present, and I'm so excited. I think it's going to be a very good movie. Loved the books. Loved the first movie.)
Everything else is wide open. Mikie is trying to plan a fishing trip with one or more of the kids Saturday evening, but weather will be the deciding factor.
This kind of weekend is almost always deceiving. This kind of weekend USUALLY turns into the busiest kind of weekend of all.
I'll let you know next week.
Have a fun-filled, memory-making weekend with family and friends. I'll be posting pics today, Saturday and Sunday on Belinda's Project Life. (Can you believe I'm on Day 212? It's flying by, I tell you.) Next week will be full of Spring goodness and fun.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, March 18, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday afternoon!
The Gallery Pics are just a couple of photos from our camping trip this week. I'll be posting the rest on Mindless Monday... and I'll be giving you a play-by-play of our latest camping adventure.
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - Everything is back on schedule. Belinda's Project Life is caught up through today. Monday through Friday of next week, I'll be posting more and more Spring ideas for you to try with your family. There will be pictures, Randomness and all of the other "stuff" you've become accustomed to on A Simple Life.
I enjoyed the break, but it is time to get back to work!
Weekend Happenings
Since we just walked back in the door from a three-day camping trip at Lake Guntersville, I think it is safe to say I will be doing laundry this weekend. ALL weekend.
However, in between the 40 loads, Mikie and I are going to sneak away for a pancake breakfast at the Original Pancake House tomorrow morning.
Austin and Josh are both working tomorrow.
Roxie is going to help with some (CODE for MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF) housework before spending a little time with friends.
Sunday, the Faulkner Five are heading over to my sister's house to celebrate Brad's 19th birthday.
And somewhere in between the laundry, working, visiting and celebrating, we're going to catch up on Survivor, Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice. Oh, and we're going to church. (I didn't want you to think we were too busy for that!)
Have a fun weekend. Make a million memories with family and friends. I look forward to everything getting back to normal next week on A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting (and Smokey Smelling) Belinda
The Gallery Pics are just a couple of photos from our camping trip this week. I'll be posting the rest on Mindless Monday... and I'll be giving you a play-by-play of our latest camping adventure.
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - Everything is back on schedule. Belinda's Project Life is caught up through today. Monday through Friday of next week, I'll be posting more and more Spring ideas for you to try with your family. There will be pictures, Randomness and all of the other "stuff" you've become accustomed to on A Simple Life.
I enjoyed the break, but it is time to get back to work!
Weekend Happenings
Since we just walked back in the door from a three-day camping trip at Lake Guntersville, I think it is safe to say I will be doing laundry this weekend. ALL weekend.
However, in between the 40 loads, Mikie and I are going to sneak away for a pancake breakfast at the Original Pancake House tomorrow morning.
Austin and Josh are both working tomorrow.
Roxie is going to help with some (CODE for MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF) housework before spending a little time with friends.
Sunday, the Faulkner Five are heading over to my sister's house to celebrate Brad's 19th birthday.
And somewhere in between the laundry, working, visiting and celebrating, we're going to catch up on Survivor, Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice. Oh, and we're going to church. (I didn't want you to think we were too busy for that!)
Have a fun weekend. Make a million memories with family and friends. I look forward to everything getting back to normal next week on A Simple Life.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting (and Smokey Smelling) Belinda
Friday, March 11, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are very hodge-podge this morning. We've been busy the last couple of days, but the camera has not been used a great deal. (It needed a little rest!)
RANDOMNESS - I've been glued to the television this morning watching and waiting to see if Hawaii and the West Coast will be hit by tsunamis.
I cannot even imagine the devastation and destruction the Japanese people are having to deal with while I sit comfortably in front of my computer. Since the earthquake hit mid-afternoon in Japan, my heart is breaking thinking about all of the families which are now separated because some were at work, some were at school and some were at home.
I will be praying for many people I have never met this morning and in the days to come.
And I will not take today for granted.
Our First Camping Trip Ever
We decided to bite the bullet and take our little family camping. Austin was five and Josh was three. Roxie was a toddling baby, so we decided to leave her at her grandparents' house. In my mind, if everything went well, she could start camping when she turned three. (Actually, I was hoping she was going to be a prissy little thing who didn't like camping, and on camping weekends while the guys were out and about, she and I would have manicures and shop and watch chick flicks, etc. That dream never came true... but that's another story.)
With another family who had boys our boys' ages, we planned our very first camping trip. Oak Mountain was our destination... only 35 short minutes from home. We planned a weekend in May (usually a mild month in Alabama). We borrowed the tent and gathered the rest of the equipment from different places.
We arrived at the campground mid-afternoon, picked out our spots and started for the first time ever to set up camp. The boys were thrilled. They had brought their box of dinosaurs (a camping must), other various toys and they had each other in the woods. They were happy. Near our campsite was a large branch which was semi-broken and hanging from a tree almost touching the ground. Our guys were just the right weight NOT to break the branch, and it was like having a tire swing in our back door. They had a ball playing on the almost broken tree branch.
While we were setting up camp, the three year-olds needed to go to use the bathroom and rather than walking all the way to the bathhouse, the dads told them to do what all little boys love to do... skip the bathhouse and find a tree. Life was good.
After camp was set up, we all walked down to the lake to let the boys wade. We hadn't planned on swimming, and we hadn't really packed a lot of extra clothes... plus, if your three year-old swims that means mom has to be ready to swim. We, as the moms, had definitely not packed our swimsuits.
We were very specific in our instructions "to wade" and "not swim." We even went so far as to explain, "Do not put your head in the water. Do not let the water get above your knees. Do you understand?" There was a lot of nodding going on.
And then, Joshua's partner in crime at the time, smiled the smile three year-old boys smile right before they... go completely under the water. Right in front of the parents who had just told him "Do not put your head in the water!" He came out the water, and flashed another smile.
We've all been there. You tell your child not to do something, and they decide to disobey you then and there... and smile at you. He was quickly punished, and we were on our way to the campsite. We had handed all the boys water bottles. "Drink it all. Do not pour it out. Do not waste the water." And then, Joshua's partner in crime at the time, smiled the smile three year-old boys smile right before they... pour the water out of the water bottle onto the street.
Sputtering, the dad of this particular three year-old uttered the punishment then and there.
"NO WATER OR DRINKS FOR YOU THE REST OF THE TRIP!"
Don't get self-righteous on me. We've all done the same thing before. I've told my kids they could never go outside again; never have ice cream again; never watch TV again; never... well, you get the picture. Parenting is hard on the best day... and three year-old boys... WHEW!
"What are we going to do?" I asked the other mom as we walked back to camp. "He'll be dehydrated if he doesn't get to drink until we leave tomorrow."
"I know. I know," she replied. I could see the wheels turning and she walked up to her husband and whispering began.
"We've figured it out," she said as she dropped back to walk beside me.
"What are you going to do?" I asked.
"We're going to give him mercy," she replied.
"Oh. Yeah, that will work," I said. Actually, I didn't know what in the world she was talking about.
When we got back to the campsite, Dad and mischievous three year-old boy went to a picnic table to sit down and talk. A few minutes later, hugs were exchanged and the the little boy came up to me. "May I have a drink, please?" he asked.
"Well, what did Mom and Dad say?"
"They said it was okay. I got mercy," he said simply... and I handed him a bottled water.
Mom and Dad had turned the whole incident into a devotion. Every day we do things we are not supposed to do, and this does not please God. But God has mercy on all of us, sinners that we are, and forgives us when we ask. This little guy had asked for forgiveness and, in return, had received mercy (a/k/a bottled water).
Of course, just like all of us (adults, too), mercy isn't given just once and that's it. We need it time and time again as we go through our daily lives. What a great lesson.
And by the way, the three year-olds ALMOST made it to bedtime before mercy had to be bestowed upon them yet again.
Our first camping trip was short, memorable and went well enough we were hooked. I hope your first camping trip will be just as pleasant and fun to get you over the fear of sleeping in the woods, using questionable bathhouses, and hearing noises you cannot identify in the middle of the night.
Weekend Happenings
Before the weekend even arrived, our plans changed. We were heading to Guntersville in the morning for a few days of camping fun with my sister and her family. Unfortunately, my nephew, Zac, has a flu-like illness, so our trip has been postponed to later in the week. We're not exactly sure when, but we're still planning on camping some time during Spring Break.
Actually, the weather is looking warmer toward the end of the week which will make boating MUCH more enjoyable.
Until then, the kids are spending time with friends AND family... which includes me and Mikie!
I KNOW we want to have at least one Faulkner Five movie night.
I KNOW we want to have at least one Faulkner Five game night.
I KNOW we want to eat lots and lots of meals together.
I KNOW Roxie and I want to go shopping.
And I KNOW we want to go camping.
Be sure to tune in next week to see what (if anything) gets crossed off this list! Mindless Monday will be here before you know it. Have a wonderful Friday and an even better weekend. Enjoy your Spring Break!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are very hodge-podge this morning. We've been busy the last couple of days, but the camera has not been used a great deal. (It needed a little rest!)
RANDOMNESS - I've been glued to the television this morning watching and waiting to see if Hawaii and the West Coast will be hit by tsunamis.
I cannot even imagine the devastation and destruction the Japanese people are having to deal with while I sit comfortably in front of my computer. Since the earthquake hit mid-afternoon in Japan, my heart is breaking thinking about all of the families which are now separated because some were at work, some were at school and some were at home.
I will be praying for many people I have never met this morning and in the days to come.
And I will not take today for granted.
Our First Camping Trip Ever
We decided to bite the bullet and take our little family camping. Austin was five and Josh was three. Roxie was a toddling baby, so we decided to leave her at her grandparents' house. In my mind, if everything went well, she could start camping when she turned three. (Actually, I was hoping she was going to be a prissy little thing who didn't like camping, and on camping weekends while the guys were out and about, she and I would have manicures and shop and watch chick flicks, etc. That dream never came true... but that's another story.)
With another family who had boys our boys' ages, we planned our very first camping trip. Oak Mountain was our destination... only 35 short minutes from home. We planned a weekend in May (usually a mild month in Alabama). We borrowed the tent and gathered the rest of the equipment from different places.
We arrived at the campground mid-afternoon, picked out our spots and started for the first time ever to set up camp. The boys were thrilled. They had brought their box of dinosaurs (a camping must), other various toys and they had each other in the woods. They were happy. Near our campsite was a large branch which was semi-broken and hanging from a tree almost touching the ground. Our guys were just the right weight NOT to break the branch, and it was like having a tire swing in our back door. They had a ball playing on the almost broken tree branch.
While we were setting up camp, the three year-olds needed to go to use the bathroom and rather than walking all the way to the bathhouse, the dads told them to do what all little boys love to do... skip the bathhouse and find a tree. Life was good.
After camp was set up, we all walked down to the lake to let the boys wade. We hadn't planned on swimming, and we hadn't really packed a lot of extra clothes... plus, if your three year-old swims that means mom has to be ready to swim. We, as the moms, had definitely not packed our swimsuits.
We were very specific in our instructions "to wade" and "not swim." We even went so far as to explain, "Do not put your head in the water. Do not let the water get above your knees. Do you understand?" There was a lot of nodding going on.
And then, Joshua's partner in crime at the time, smiled the smile three year-old boys smile right before they... go completely under the water. Right in front of the parents who had just told him "Do not put your head in the water!" He came out the water, and flashed another smile.
We've all been there. You tell your child not to do something, and they decide to disobey you then and there... and smile at you. He was quickly punished, and we were on our way to the campsite. We had handed all the boys water bottles. "Drink it all. Do not pour it out. Do not waste the water." And then, Joshua's partner in crime at the time, smiled the smile three year-old boys smile right before they... pour the water out of the water bottle onto the street.
Sputtering, the dad of this particular three year-old uttered the punishment then and there.
"NO WATER OR DRINKS FOR YOU THE REST OF THE TRIP!"
Don't get self-righteous on me. We've all done the same thing before. I've told my kids they could never go outside again; never have ice cream again; never watch TV again; never... well, you get the picture. Parenting is hard on the best day... and three year-old boys... WHEW!
"What are we going to do?" I asked the other mom as we walked back to camp. "He'll be dehydrated if he doesn't get to drink until we leave tomorrow."
"I know. I know," she replied. I could see the wheels turning and she walked up to her husband and whispering began.
"We've figured it out," she said as she dropped back to walk beside me.
"What are you going to do?" I asked.
"We're going to give him mercy," she replied.
"Oh. Yeah, that will work," I said. Actually, I didn't know what in the world she was talking about.
When we got back to the campsite, Dad and mischievous three year-old boy went to a picnic table to sit down and talk. A few minutes later, hugs were exchanged and the the little boy came up to me. "May I have a drink, please?" he asked.
"Well, what did Mom and Dad say?"
"They said it was okay. I got mercy," he said simply... and I handed him a bottled water.
Mom and Dad had turned the whole incident into a devotion. Every day we do things we are not supposed to do, and this does not please God. But God has mercy on all of us, sinners that we are, and forgives us when we ask. This little guy had asked for forgiveness and, in return, had received mercy (a/k/a bottled water).
Of course, just like all of us (adults, too), mercy isn't given just once and that's it. We need it time and time again as we go through our daily lives. What a great lesson.
And by the way, the three year-olds ALMOST made it to bedtime before mercy had to be bestowed upon them yet again.
Our first camping trip was short, memorable and went well enough we were hooked. I hope your first camping trip will be just as pleasant and fun to get you over the fear of sleeping in the woods, using questionable bathhouses, and hearing noises you cannot identify in the middle of the night.
Weekend Happenings
Before the weekend even arrived, our plans changed. We were heading to Guntersville in the morning for a few days of camping fun with my sister and her family. Unfortunately, my nephew, Zac, has a flu-like illness, so our trip has been postponed to later in the week. We're not exactly sure when, but we're still planning on camping some time during Spring Break.
Actually, the weather is looking warmer toward the end of the week which will make boating MUCH more enjoyable.
Until then, the kids are spending time with friends AND family... which includes me and Mikie!
I KNOW we want to have at least one Faulkner Five movie night.
I KNOW we want to have at least one Faulkner Five game night.
I KNOW we want to eat lots and lots of meals together.
I KNOW Roxie and I want to go shopping.
And I KNOW we want to go camping.
Be sure to tune in next week to see what (if anything) gets crossed off this list! Mindless Monday will be here before you know it. Have a wonderful Friday and an even better weekend. Enjoy your Spring Break!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, March 4, 2011
Weekened Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I'm a little disappointed in the Gallery pic this morning. I expected at least a little change in the bud from yesterday, but as you can see, there is nothing... nada. Maybe after our monsoon tonight and tomorrow there will be some notable difference.
RANDOMNESS #1 - My friend, Jennifer, left a few more days for us to celebrate during the month of March in the Comment section yesterday. I wanted to make sure you added them to your calendar.
1. March 2 - Dr. Seuss' Birthday (Celebrate with Green Eggs and Ham for dinner.)
2. March 8 - Mardi Gras (Prepare Cajun food for dinner. You can also pick up a King Cake at most Wal-Marts and bakeries now for dessert if you don't have time to bake your own.)
3. March 14 - Pi Day (No. I did not leave the "e" off the end of "Pi." This is Pi Day equals 3.1415926535. Since I'm not a math person, I would probably skip this one altogether, but Jennifer had a great idea. Bake pies with your kids for dessert that night. Excellent. She even gave me a website to share for mini pie recipes.)
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/07/star-studded-mini-pies.html.
RANDOMNESS #2 - Another friend, Kristel, also left an idea she found in Family Fun Magazine in the Comment section yesterday. I'm going to share it with you next Thursday in the Date segment. Let's just say, I have an idea... thanks to Kristel.
RANDOMNESS #3 - I went to Cahaba Heights with a new friend this past week, and she took me to many new and exciting places. Twenty-five years ago, Cahaba Heights was part of my "stomping grounds" because I had friends who lived there. I cannot remember the last time I visited this great little town, and I'm thankful Susan re-introduced me to this area.
First, she asked me if I had ever eaten at O'Carrs Restaurant. Well, of course I had. During my legal secretary days, I ate at O'Carrs Deli in Homewood weekly. Well, guess what? There is now an O'Carrs in Homewood, Cahaba Heights AND Downtown.
The Cahaba Heights O'Carrs is light, airy and the food is still delicious. The chicken salad is exactly how I like it... made with red grapes. Yum!
We also visited a store called Yucatan. They sell iron work, wonderful candles, urns, etc. It's a very eclectic place. I left with a Cranberry Spice candle. (I'm really into cranberries lately.) But, I have to admit, I was very tempted to buy the Butt Naked candle. I know. Compared to Cranberry Spice, how good could a candle named Butt Naked possibly smell?
Well let me tell you, it is quite possibly the best smelling candle I have yet to smell! Next time, I think. (Oh, yes. There will most definitely be a next time!)
Next, she took me to a beautiful nursery called the Leaf and Petal. Two words... LOVED IT! They had REAL lemon trees and bushes. AND they smelled wonderful. AND they had real lemons hanging off the branches! AND Susan bought one! She's going to make homemade lemonade for me very soon... I just know it! (They also had REAL lime trees, too. I was pretty impressed by the whole operation.)
My plan is to go back to Cahaba Heights in the very near future and purchase not one, but TWO, Butt Naked candles AND a lemon tree.
And if someone asks me what I want to be when I grow up, I'm pretty sure I will say a "candle namer." That would be a fun job.
Weekend Happenings
This weekend is going to be very different from last weekend. No birthday celebrations. No cake. No punch. No gifts to open. It sounds kind of sad, doesn't it? But wait! There's more!
This is BLAST weekend. Our church hosts this event for our middle and high schoolers every year. The kids stay in "host" homes in the area and go to Bible study at the church Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Each grade decorates/builds a derby "car" and there is a race on Saturday evening. (I'll have pics on Monday.)
Josh and Roxie are both attending. Mike and I are "transportation" to and from the 8th grade house to the church, and I'm baking goodies for the chicks and the guys this afternoon. (You can NEVER have too many goodies... especially in the boys' house. Am I right?)
Josh will have to miss some of the activities because of his NEW JOB! He started yesterday, and everything went very well. Even though he has put applications in everywhere, he really wanted something outside, so Classic Gardens is a great fit for him.
Austin is on his way home as I type this post. His weekend consists of a picnic with the lovely Melia, working at the Chick, and I'm not sure about Sunday. I know Josh and Roxie will probably be passed out for most of the afternoon, but Austin is a wild card right now. (I do know if he stays at the house he will have to be QUIET!)
That's it for the Faulkner Five. I'm hoping Mikie and I can squeeze in a little couple time here and there, but we have nothing on the calendar in ink.
I hope your weekend is wonderful. I'll be back next week with TONS of Spring Things to do with your family.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I'm a little disappointed in the Gallery pic this morning. I expected at least a little change in the bud from yesterday, but as you can see, there is nothing... nada. Maybe after our monsoon tonight and tomorrow there will be some notable difference.
RANDOMNESS #1 - My friend, Jennifer, left a few more days for us to celebrate during the month of March in the Comment section yesterday. I wanted to make sure you added them to your calendar.
1. March 2 - Dr. Seuss' Birthday (Celebrate with Green Eggs and Ham for dinner.)
2. March 8 - Mardi Gras (Prepare Cajun food for dinner. You can also pick up a King Cake at most Wal-Marts and bakeries now for dessert if you don't have time to bake your own.)
3. March 14 - Pi Day (No. I did not leave the "e" off the end of "Pi." This is Pi Day equals 3.1415926535. Since I'm not a math person, I would probably skip this one altogether, but Jennifer had a great idea. Bake pies with your kids for dessert that night. Excellent. She even gave me a website to share for mini pie recipes.)
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/07/star-studded-mini-pies.html.
RANDOMNESS #2 - Another friend, Kristel, also left an idea she found in Family Fun Magazine in the Comment section yesterday. I'm going to share it with you next Thursday in the Date segment. Let's just say, I have an idea... thanks to Kristel.
RANDOMNESS #3 - I went to Cahaba Heights with a new friend this past week, and she took me to many new and exciting places. Twenty-five years ago, Cahaba Heights was part of my "stomping grounds" because I had friends who lived there. I cannot remember the last time I visited this great little town, and I'm thankful Susan re-introduced me to this area.
First, she asked me if I had ever eaten at O'Carrs Restaurant. Well, of course I had. During my legal secretary days, I ate at O'Carrs Deli in Homewood weekly. Well, guess what? There is now an O'Carrs in Homewood, Cahaba Heights AND Downtown.
The Cahaba Heights O'Carrs is light, airy and the food is still delicious. The chicken salad is exactly how I like it... made with red grapes. Yum!
We also visited a store called Yucatan. They sell iron work, wonderful candles, urns, etc. It's a very eclectic place. I left with a Cranberry Spice candle. (I'm really into cranberries lately.) But, I have to admit, I was very tempted to buy the Butt Naked candle. I know. Compared to Cranberry Spice, how good could a candle named Butt Naked possibly smell?
Well let me tell you, it is quite possibly the best smelling candle I have yet to smell! Next time, I think. (Oh, yes. There will most definitely be a next time!)
Next, she took me to a beautiful nursery called the Leaf and Petal. Two words... LOVED IT! They had REAL lemon trees and bushes. AND they smelled wonderful. AND they had real lemons hanging off the branches! AND Susan bought one! She's going to make homemade lemonade for me very soon... I just know it! (They also had REAL lime trees, too. I was pretty impressed by the whole operation.)
My plan is to go back to Cahaba Heights in the very near future and purchase not one, but TWO, Butt Naked candles AND a lemon tree.
And if someone asks me what I want to be when I grow up, I'm pretty sure I will say a "candle namer." That would be a fun job.
Weekend Happenings
This weekend is going to be very different from last weekend. No birthday celebrations. No cake. No punch. No gifts to open. It sounds kind of sad, doesn't it? But wait! There's more!
This is BLAST weekend. Our church hosts this event for our middle and high schoolers every year. The kids stay in "host" homes in the area and go to Bible study at the church Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Each grade decorates/builds a derby "car" and there is a race on Saturday evening. (I'll have pics on Monday.)
Josh and Roxie are both attending. Mike and I are "transportation" to and from the 8th grade house to the church, and I'm baking goodies for the chicks and the guys this afternoon. (You can NEVER have too many goodies... especially in the boys' house. Am I right?)
Josh will have to miss some of the activities because of his NEW JOB! He started yesterday, and everything went very well. Even though he has put applications in everywhere, he really wanted something outside, so Classic Gardens is a great fit for him.
Austin is on his way home as I type this post. His weekend consists of a picnic with the lovely Melia, working at the Chick, and I'm not sure about Sunday. I know Josh and Roxie will probably be passed out for most of the afternoon, but Austin is a wild card right now. (I do know if he stays at the house he will have to be QUIET!)
That's it for the Faulkner Five. I'm hoping Mikie and I can squeeze in a little couple time here and there, but we have nothing on the calendar in ink.
I hope your weekend is wonderful. I'll be back next week with TONS of Spring Things to do with your family.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, February 25, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from Austin's birthday dinner Wednesday night. The food and service was great at Golden Rule (Austin's choice), but I have to say the restaurant has the WORST lighting EVER. And as you'll notice in the pics, I did NOT coordinate everyone's clothing. We look very hodge-podge... but happy.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I've been going to Body Pump for awhile now. This is just my opinion, but I like Body Pump better than Zumba because for the most part, I can actually DO all that is required of me in that class. I was always one or two (or 20) steps behind in Zumba.
However, as I have always said, exercise seems to have an opposite effect on me. People talk about endorphins and adrenaline being released into your system during and after exercise... which should make you feel better. I think I am endorphin and adrenaline-free.
After an hour of Body Pump, I just want to crawl into a nice soft bed and sleep until the next class. (And I would if it wasn't for the other people living in my house who want food, clean clothes, etc., etc. Sometimes they get on my last nerve!)
I'm thinking it may be too late for me. I'll continue to Body Pump, but I don't think you'll ever see me skipping out the door ready to take on the world. It's more of a "drag myself to the van" kind of thing.
But I'm good with that.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I just found out today that Ken (of Barbie and Ken fame) will turn 50 this year, too. His birthday is March 11. For some reason, that actually made me feel better. (I am now beyond pathetic.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Josh begins a new job next week. After a lot of searching, he will start working at Classic Gardens & Landscape next Thursday. He is very excited. For some reason, unlike his Mom, he likes the "outdoor/manual labor" thing. I'm just hoping he can get me a discount on a Japaneses maple tree. (I love those!)
RANDOMNESS #4 - Did you notice anything different about A Simple Life today? It was time for a change.
I tried changing Belinda's Project Life, too, but I had a little trouble with my widgets. I cannot get yesterday's picture in the right column, but I'm working on it. Please be patient with me. Remember, I am technologically-challenged. Really, really bad.
Weekend Happenings
It's Party Central for our family this weekend! My MamMa will be 90 years-old tomorrow! NINETY! So my Mom and Aunt Connie have planned a big reception for her on her birthday. It's going to be a big party with friends and family. MamMa is excited, and I'm excited for her. It's going to be one of those "once in a lifetime" moments, and I'm proud to be a part of the festivities.
On Sunday afternoon, we'll be celebrating Austin's 20th birthday. Another huge milestone in our family. He's still young enough he celebrates all week long. We took him to dinner Wednesday, Melia has plans for him today and we'll finish with his party Sunday. The Boy has a good reason to be happy!
Other smaller, but still significant, parts of our weekend are as follows:
Josh will be attending an all-day Biology class at UAB with fellow students and his Biology teacher. He'll leave in time to attend the last hour of MamMa's party.
Roxie and Mikie are going on their February Father/Daughter date to Bonefish Grill Saturday night. Both are looking forward to their time together.
Josh and I are going to be watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail Saturday evening. Josh assures me I will love this movie. I'm thinking NOT. But I'm willing to try it for my child. (It better be good, or next week I'm making him watch Sleepless in Seattle!)
And just so you don't think we leave The Boy completely out of the picture, he's working at the Chick Saturday evening.
I think that's it. I hope so, because IT has turned into a busy, busy weekend.
I hope you and yours have a fabulous weekend filled with memories, family and friends.
Remember...
Plan those kid dates... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those spouse dates... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family movie nights... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family game nights... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family devotions... and DON'T let anything interfere with your plans.
Those "things" are MORE important than any business meeting, doctor's appointment or errand you will ever have to run.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Party Animal Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from Austin's birthday dinner Wednesday night. The food and service was great at Golden Rule (Austin's choice), but I have to say the restaurant has the WORST lighting EVER. And as you'll notice in the pics, I did NOT coordinate everyone's clothing. We look very hodge-podge... but happy.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I've been going to Body Pump for awhile now. This is just my opinion, but I like Body Pump better than Zumba because for the most part, I can actually DO all that is required of me in that class. I was always one or two (or 20) steps behind in Zumba.
However, as I have always said, exercise seems to have an opposite effect on me. People talk about endorphins and adrenaline being released into your system during and after exercise... which should make you feel better. I think I am endorphin and adrenaline-free.
After an hour of Body Pump, I just want to crawl into a nice soft bed and sleep until the next class. (And I would if it wasn't for the other people living in my house who want food, clean clothes, etc., etc. Sometimes they get on my last nerve!)
I'm thinking it may be too late for me. I'll continue to Body Pump, but I don't think you'll ever see me skipping out the door ready to take on the world. It's more of a "drag myself to the van" kind of thing.
But I'm good with that.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I just found out today that Ken (of Barbie and Ken fame) will turn 50 this year, too. His birthday is March 11. For some reason, that actually made me feel better. (I am now beyond pathetic.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Josh begins a new job next week. After a lot of searching, he will start working at Classic Gardens & Landscape next Thursday. He is very excited. For some reason, unlike his Mom, he likes the "outdoor/manual labor" thing. I'm just hoping he can get me a discount on a Japaneses maple tree. (I love those!)
RANDOMNESS #4 - Did you notice anything different about A Simple Life today? It was time for a change.
I tried changing Belinda's Project Life, too, but I had a little trouble with my widgets. I cannot get yesterday's picture in the right column, but I'm working on it. Please be patient with me. Remember, I am technologically-challenged. Really, really bad.
Weekend Happenings
It's Party Central for our family this weekend! My MamMa will be 90 years-old tomorrow! NINETY! So my Mom and Aunt Connie have planned a big reception for her on her birthday. It's going to be a big party with friends and family. MamMa is excited, and I'm excited for her. It's going to be one of those "once in a lifetime" moments, and I'm proud to be a part of the festivities.
On Sunday afternoon, we'll be celebrating Austin's 20th birthday. Another huge milestone in our family. He's still young enough he celebrates all week long. We took him to dinner Wednesday, Melia has plans for him today and we'll finish with his party Sunday. The Boy has a good reason to be happy!
Other smaller, but still significant, parts of our weekend are as follows:
Josh will be attending an all-day Biology class at UAB with fellow students and his Biology teacher. He'll leave in time to attend the last hour of MamMa's party.
Roxie and Mikie are going on their February Father/Daughter date to Bonefish Grill Saturday night. Both are looking forward to their time together.
Josh and I are going to be watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail Saturday evening. Josh assures me I will love this movie. I'm thinking NOT. But I'm willing to try it for my child. (It better be good, or next week I'm making him watch Sleepless in Seattle!)
And just so you don't think we leave The Boy completely out of the picture, he's working at the Chick Saturday evening.
I think that's it. I hope so, because IT has turned into a busy, busy weekend.
I hope you and yours have a fabulous weekend filled with memories, family and friends.
Remember...
Plan those kid dates... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those spouse dates... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family movie nights... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family game nights... and don't let anything interfere with your plans.
Plan those family devotions... and DON'T let anything interfere with your plans.
Those "things" are MORE important than any business meeting, doctor's appointment or errand you will ever have to run.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Party Animal Belinda
Friday, February 18, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
AND THE WINNER IS... Evelyn! Evelyn sent me an e-mail at 9:46 with the correct answers for today's contest... and my wonderful friend, LeAnna, left me a comment at 9:55 with the correct answers.
Evelyn, I'll call you and deliver your Gift Certificate to you at a convenient time. LeAnna, I'll be dropping a consolation prize off at your house the first of the week. Thanks for playing!
The Gallery Pics are of a SUCCESSFUL fondue dessert. Roxie and Mikie declared it VERY GOOD! Josh is waiting for the chocolate fondue with strawberries. Austin was not in attendance, but I have a feeling he would have been very happy with how the caramel fondue turned out. Oh... And there's a picture of Roxie with one of her "post-surgery" gifts.
I have pictures of Roxie with this kind of sucker from the time she was two... until now. Whenever we go on a trip, this is the souvenir she buys first. We have had Tennessee suckers, Florida suckers, Alabama suckers, Georgia suckers and Mikie and I brought her a Texas sucker from one of our trips. We haven't decided for sure, but I think this summer she'll have a Kentucky sucker OR a Louisiana sucker.
And they all come from China. Go figure!
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
Today is the day! After you find today's color word in the post, leave a comment in the Comment Section, e-mail me or talk to me on Facebook.
Remember, the words must be in the correct order! If there were several color words in one post, you only have to name one of them for it to count!
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
Hurry up! That Gift Certificate to Outback Steakhouse is waiting for a good home!
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - I will NOT be posting Saturday, Sunday or Monday on A Simple Life. I am taking a little three-day break, but I will be back bright and early TUESDAY MORNING with a new recipe AND tons of pics for The Gallery!
I will not be posting a Picture a Day on Belinda's Project Life Friday, Saturday or Sunday. I will play catch up Monday evening. There will be FOUR new pics on Belinda's Project Life Monday night. Something to look forward to, I hope!
If you are new to A Simple Life, this would be a great time to a read a few things which are near and dear to my heart. Please read Josh's Journey, Camp Week and City Adventures under Labels on my sidebar... but only if you want to. I'm not trying to be pushy.
RANDOMNESS - Ahh! Part Four of our courtship. It has gone on and on and on, hasn't it? And there is still ONE MORE PART! Guess what? Since it's still the LOVE month, after we finish Part Five Tuesday, I'm going to share my Engagement Story beginning Wednesday of next week. The good news just keeps coming! (I bet a lot of you have totally switched blogs by now, haven't you?)
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Four
The ball was now in Mike's court. We had discussed the situation calmly and rationally... while I was in the kitchen and he was in the den. We had agreed to begin dating. He had been told how the friend/church division would play out if the dating did not work. (In case you forgot, I would retain custody of all the friends AND the church... but I had found another fine church for Mike to attend IF everything fell apart.) All the bases had been covered. Or so I thought.
I saw Mike at church that very night. We always sat in a big group and whoever you sat beside was usually luck of the draw. Mike and I did not sit together. The group went out to eat after church that night. Mike and I were comfortable with each other... except for the stupid grin he wouldn't wipe off his face. The same stupid grin was on Kerry's face, too, so I knew he was "in the loop."
We all said our big group good-bye in the parking lot of the restaurant, and each of us went our separate ways.
Kerry called when I walked in the door of the apartment to say he thought everything went very well, and Mike was excited about the prospect of us dating. Okay. A little more confirmation. I needed that little bit of encouragement very, very badly. Now I would wait.
And wait I did. I waited Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday was the last possible day he could ask me out for a date for the upcoming weekend. I would not accept an invitation from him on Thursday or later. It was just not done.
Wednesday nights we were in different sections of the church. I worked with Children's Choir, and he went to the regular service. It was not unusual for us not to see each other on a Wednesday night. But it was HIGHLY unusual for us not to talk for three days in a row. It was unheard of. Hmmm.
I saw him a couple of times the next weekend, and things were starting to get a little awkward. No stupid grin. Maybe a little avoidance. I decided the following Monday morning I was making a call to Dawson Memorial to get their service schedule and New Member Package. It looked like Mikie was going to need it!
The next week was more of the same. I didn't hear from him. I saw him the following Sunday (two WEEKS after our initial agreement), and things were more awkward still.
I received another phone call from Kerry. "Just be patient. Mike has to take care of a couple of commitments before he asks you out."
Well, you didn't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that one out. He had to finish dating. Three weeks of pre-arranged dating with three different girls. Hmmm. I told Kerry to tell Mike he could pick up his New Member Package any time. In fact, next Sunday looked like a great time to start!
One more week of no calls... nothing... nada. And then came the third Sunday morning since our infamous "agreement." I was sitting in a pew in between my chicks when I heard a voice say, "Could you scoot over just a little, please?" I looked up to see Mike standing in front of my friend. She looked at me to see if it was okay. Technically, Mike was supposed to be sitting in a pew ALONE at Dawson Memorial at that particular moment, but I nodded my head and she scooted over... and he sat down.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Fine," I replied. And as everyone in the entire world knows, when a girl says "Fine," it means "You are SO dead."
"I need to talk to you a minute in private after the service today, please. Would you like to go to lunch?"
"I already have plans, but we can talk before I meet the girls." I wasn't changing my plans... but he did have a lot of explaining to do.
I'll finish the tale next week. Needless to say, things became much easier after our talk, and luckily for you, the rest of this story goes by much more quickly.
Weekend Happenings
Our big plans this weekend revolve around yet another February birthday. My nephew, Zac, will become a teenager tomorrow. For exactly four days, we will have SIX teenagers in our immediate family. SIX! But next Wednesday, Austin changes everything and turns 20. Be still my heart!
Bev has big plans for an X-Box Birthday Party for Zac, so I'll have pictures of a pretty unique cake and what would appear to be the BEST TEENAGE BOY PARTY THEME IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Have a glorious weekend. Enjoy your family and friends... and the weather! I'll be back Tuesday morning with a fantastic recipe, Part Five of the Mikie and Belinda Story AND photos galore.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Tuesday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
P.S. PURPLE, PURPLE, PURPLE!
AND THE WINNER IS... Evelyn! Evelyn sent me an e-mail at 9:46 with the correct answers for today's contest... and my wonderful friend, LeAnna, left me a comment at 9:55 with the correct answers.
Evelyn, I'll call you and deliver your Gift Certificate to you at a convenient time. LeAnna, I'll be dropping a consolation prize off at your house the first of the week. Thanks for playing!
The Gallery Pics are of a SUCCESSFUL fondue dessert. Roxie and Mikie declared it VERY GOOD! Josh is waiting for the chocolate fondue with strawberries. Austin was not in attendance, but I have a feeling he would have been very happy with how the caramel fondue turned out. Oh... And there's a picture of Roxie with one of her "post-surgery" gifts.
I have pictures of Roxie with this kind of sucker from the time she was two... until now. Whenever we go on a trip, this is the souvenir she buys first. We have had Tennessee suckers, Florida suckers, Alabama suckers, Georgia suckers and Mikie and I brought her a Texas sucker from one of our trips. We haven't decided for sure, but I think this summer she'll have a Kentucky sucker OR a Louisiana sucker.
And they all come from China. Go figure!
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - LOOK FOR THE COLOR WORD IN THE POST TODAY!
Today is the day! After you find today's color word in the post, leave a comment in the Comment Section, e-mail me or talk to me on Facebook.
Remember, the words must be in the correct order! If there were several color words in one post, you only have to name one of them for it to count!
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
Hurry up! That Gift Certificate to Outback Steakhouse is waiting for a good home!
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - I will NOT be posting Saturday, Sunday or Monday on A Simple Life. I am taking a little three-day break, but I will be back bright and early TUESDAY MORNING with a new recipe AND tons of pics for The Gallery!
I will not be posting a Picture a Day on Belinda's Project Life Friday, Saturday or Sunday. I will play catch up Monday evening. There will be FOUR new pics on Belinda's Project Life Monday night. Something to look forward to, I hope!
If you are new to A Simple Life, this would be a great time to a read a few things which are near and dear to my heart. Please read Josh's Journey, Camp Week and City Adventures under Labels on my sidebar... but only if you want to. I'm not trying to be pushy.
RANDOMNESS - Ahh! Part Four of our courtship. It has gone on and on and on, hasn't it? And there is still ONE MORE PART! Guess what? Since it's still the LOVE month, after we finish Part Five Tuesday, I'm going to share my Engagement Story beginning Wednesday of next week. The good news just keeps coming! (I bet a lot of you have totally switched blogs by now, haven't you?)
The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Four
The ball was now in Mike's court. We had discussed the situation calmly and rationally... while I was in the kitchen and he was in the den. We had agreed to begin dating. He had been told how the friend/church division would play out if the dating did not work. (In case you forgot, I would retain custody of all the friends AND the church... but I had found another fine church for Mike to attend IF everything fell apart.) All the bases had been covered. Or so I thought.
I saw Mike at church that very night. We always sat in a big group and whoever you sat beside was usually luck of the draw. Mike and I did not sit together. The group went out to eat after church that night. Mike and I were comfortable with each other... except for the stupid grin he wouldn't wipe off his face. The same stupid grin was on Kerry's face, too, so I knew he was "in the loop."
We all said our big group good-bye in the parking lot of the restaurant, and each of us went our separate ways.
Kerry called when I walked in the door of the apartment to say he thought everything went very well, and Mike was excited about the prospect of us dating. Okay. A little more confirmation. I needed that little bit of encouragement very, very badly. Now I would wait.
And wait I did. I waited Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday was the last possible day he could ask me out for a date for the upcoming weekend. I would not accept an invitation from him on Thursday or later. It was just not done.
Wednesday nights we were in different sections of the church. I worked with Children's Choir, and he went to the regular service. It was not unusual for us not to see each other on a Wednesday night. But it was HIGHLY unusual for us not to talk for three days in a row. It was unheard of. Hmmm.
I saw him a couple of times the next weekend, and things were starting to get a little awkward. No stupid grin. Maybe a little avoidance. I decided the following Monday morning I was making a call to Dawson Memorial to get their service schedule and New Member Package. It looked like Mikie was going to need it!
The next week was more of the same. I didn't hear from him. I saw him the following Sunday (two WEEKS after our initial agreement), and things were more awkward still.
I received another phone call from Kerry. "Just be patient. Mike has to take care of a couple of commitments before he asks you out."
Well, you didn't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that one out. He had to finish dating. Three weeks of pre-arranged dating with three different girls. Hmmm. I told Kerry to tell Mike he could pick up his New Member Package any time. In fact, next Sunday looked like a great time to start!
One more week of no calls... nothing... nada. And then came the third Sunday morning since our infamous "agreement." I was sitting in a pew in between my chicks when I heard a voice say, "Could you scoot over just a little, please?" I looked up to see Mike standing in front of my friend. She looked at me to see if it was okay. Technically, Mike was supposed to be sitting in a pew ALONE at Dawson Memorial at that particular moment, but I nodded my head and she scooted over... and he sat down.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Fine," I replied. And as everyone in the entire world knows, when a girl says "Fine," it means "You are SO dead."
"I need to talk to you a minute in private after the service today, please. Would you like to go to lunch?"
"I already have plans, but we can talk before I meet the girls." I wasn't changing my plans... but he did have a lot of explaining to do.
I'll finish the tale next week. Needless to say, things became much easier after our talk, and luckily for you, the rest of this story goes by much more quickly.
Weekend Happenings
Our big plans this weekend revolve around yet another February birthday. My nephew, Zac, will become a teenager tomorrow. For exactly four days, we will have SIX teenagers in our immediate family. SIX! But next Wednesday, Austin changes everything and turns 20. Be still my heart!
Bev has big plans for an X-Box Birthday Party for Zac, so I'll have pictures of a pretty unique cake and what would appear to be the BEST TEENAGE BOY PARTY THEME IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Have a glorious weekend. Enjoy your family and friends... and the weather! I'll be back Tuesday morning with a fantastic recipe, Part Five of the Mikie and Belinda Story AND photos galore.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Tuesday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
P.S. PURPLE, PURPLE, PURPLE!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
As promised, The Gallery pics are from Roxie's surgery day Thursday... with a few snow photos thrown in for good measure.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - In only one short week, I will post my 600th post. SIX HUNDRED! WOW! On the day I post my 600th post (Friday, February 18), I will announce the winner of the Contest.
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day during the week of February 14, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post. (I imagine the word "red" will probably be in Monday's post... because of Valentine's Day and all).
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
Remember! The CONTEST begins THIS Monday, February 14!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Only two more Top Ten Lists to go. Are you relieved? (I think I am.) I thought about doing a Top Ten List entitled "Top Ten Reasons I Love Anesthesia," but I could only come up with nine before I fell into a deep, deep sleep. So today, my Top Ten List has to do with THE BLOG!
Top Ten Reasons I Love to Blog
10. I love to be able to share as many stories and thoughts as I want and KNOW I'm not boring anyone. FREEDOM!
9. I love the people I have personally met through the blog. People I would never, ever have known otherwise.
8. The closer I get to 50, the more scrambled my thoughts are. I love being able to "organize" the way I think in written form. I don't think I would do it in a written journal. (I know I wouldn't.)
7. I love to share my passion with others who are interested in the same thing (traditions, trying new recipes, sharing ideas about how to spend more purposeful time with family, etc.). With the blog, I know others share my passion because why else would they waste their time visiting A Simple Life?
6. I love having contests. I think it's fun. (I keep entering different contests here and there, too, you know. However, as of this time, I haven't won anything. Nothing. Nada!)
5. I love seeing a comment in the Comment section of the blog. (I'm like Julie in the movie Julie & Julia when she receives her first comment. It's a thrill, I tell you! A thrill! Which once again puts me in the "pathetic" category. I know.)
4. I love taking a Picture a Day. I thought it would be a chore, but it's really kind of fun. It makes me look at my day a little differently. The mundane suddenly becomes photo-worthy!
3. I love winning blog awards. I've only been awarded the one award, but it was VERY exciting.
2. I love having the "blog" schedule. I love structure, and although I have three teenagers, two beagles and a husband (which screams "NO STRUCTURE... EVER"), having the blog helps me maintain a little of the structure I long for and enjoy.
1. I love being able to share my faith, Josh's story, my panic attack stories, my "kids are growing up and leaving the nest" stories, etc. Things I normally would just hold inside forever are shared... and not wasted. (I've been able to talk to many women who are "in the same boat." However, I would never have known that if it had not been for the blog!)
I'm pretty sure you can guess what Monday's Top Ten List will be. Think, think, think. Who have I left out? Hmmm.
RANDOMNESS #2 - As promised, below you will find Roxie's First Surgery story. (Enjoy! Mikie and I certainly did!)
Roxie's First (and Hopefully Last) Surgery
Roxie's first surgery was not major in any way, shape or form. A piece of the bone from the top joint of her middle finger had broken away from the joint during a game of middle school basketball in December. Painful, yes. But she was given permission by the doctors to continue playing basketball until the last week of January before they "fixed" the break with wires (pins).
Yesterday was the day.
As with most "procedures," the unknown is the scariest part. Roxie was beyond calm on the way to the hospital, and said several times she was just ready to get it over with and start the healing process.
She didn't want to be awake during the surgery. She didn't want to feel anything during the surgery, so the anesthesia was her main concern. Would there be enough to knock her out? (What can I say? She is her mother's daughter.)
She didn't flinch during the insertion of the IV, but as soon as the nurse left, she made sure Mike and I knew she didn't like the IV, OR the nurse who put it in her hand.
Next came the "loopy" meds. Austin had told her in great detail how great this med was, and she had heard his "Wisdom Teeth Removal" story many, many times.
Let's just say, Roxie on "loopy" meds did not disappoint.
Within a minute or two of the medicine being inserted into her IV she was giggling uncontrollably. As soon as the nurse left the room, she informed us it was NOT working.
She then proceeded to play with her IV tubes... over and over and over again. We would tell her to put her arm down, she would roll her eyes and then look away from us. She played with her IV tubes several more times before she finally gave up looking at the "snakes on her arm" and moved on to her next odd behavior of choice... eating her blankets.
She started putting the sheets and blankets in her mouth. We continued to remove them. She informed us for the 100th time, "The meds are NOT working. I'm going to be awake during the surgery. I'm going to feel EVERYTHING!"
"Close your eyes, Roxie. Close your eyes and be still. You'll go to sleep," I instructed.
She closed her eyes and for several seconds it seemed she had indeed fallen asleep. Until her eyes flew open wide and she said, "THIS... IS... NOT... WORKING!"
The nurse came back into the room and gave her the second half of the "loopy" medication.
Within seconds, she was slurring... and sticking her tongue out as far as it would go. Her eyes crossed as she tried to see her tongue.
"Roxie, what are you doing with your tongue?" Mike asked.
She sighed heavily, looked at us and said, "It lives in the bottom of my mouth, you know. I'm trying to find a new place for it to live."
She quickly changed gears again and told us she was going to count backward from 100 to go to sleep. She had seen that on TV and it had worked. She started the countdown and other than getting stuck on 96 a few times, she made it to 80 before she sat up, looked at us and announced for the last time, "THIS... IS... NOT... WORKING!"
To maintain A Simple Life's G-rating, I have omitted some of the things Roxie said during the pre-op period. Let's just say The Boy and Roxie have some colorful language choices when under the influence of "loopy" meds. Very colorful, indeed. I will say she is much quieter than her brother. (The "loopy" meds also affected Austin's volume control when he had his wisdom teeth removed. They had the opposite effect on Roxie... she almost whispered. And for that, I was very, very thankful.)
She is doing very well today. She is in some pain, but it is manageable, and we are planning on taking it easy!
She has decided to keep her tongue, not chew on blankets... and never have an IV or surgery again. And I am in total agreement!
Weekend Happenings
We have plans galore this weekend, but a lot depends on how Roxie is feeling.
Josh is in a choir show tonight and tomorrow night at the high school, so with Austin taking over the Parental Unit duties for the evening, Mikie, Grandmother and I will be attending the show.
Josh is doing the ACT "thing" tomorrow, as well as the choir performance. Austin is working tomorrow, as well as sleeping (a lot). Mikie is going to the office to play a little catch up for part of the day. As for me and Roxie... we're hoping she feels well enough to attend Mr. Bieber's new movie.
Yes, Saturday is definitely a scattered day.
After church Sunday, we're planning on celebrating Mr. Faulkner's birthday with Mike's family. In case you didn't know, February is our family's BIG birthday month. We have FIVE birthdays we celebrate during this month. And, of course, we have Valentine's Day celebrations, too. It's a pretty fun month, and because of all the parties, we tend to see a lot of family. It is second only to Christmas in the "time spent with family" department.
That's our weekend. A little up-in-the-air. A little busy. As always, anything could happen... and it usually does!
I hope you have a lovely pre-Valentine's Day weekend. Remember the Contest begins Monday. I'll have the LAST Top Ten List, as well as many other February ideas to share. The entire month of February is the LOVE month on A Simple Life, so that theme will continue.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
As promised, The Gallery pics are from Roxie's surgery day Thursday... with a few snow photos thrown in for good measure.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! - In only one short week, I will post my 600th post. SIX HUNDRED! WOW! On the day I post my 600th post (Friday, February 18), I will announce the winner of the Contest.
All you have to do is read A Simple Life Monday through Friday (February 14 through February 18). Every day during the week of February 14, I will use a color word SOMEWHERE in the post. (I imagine the word "red" will probably be in Monday's post... because of Valentine's Day and all).
After you read Friday's post, you will need to send me a comment in the Comment Section, an e-mail or Facebook message giving me the list of colors mentioned in the posts that week.
Your entry should look something like this:
Monday - Red
Tuesday - (The color word I use in the post that day.)
Wednesday - (Same as above.)
Thursday - (Are you getting the idea now?)
Friday - (Please say you understand!)
The FIRST person who leaves me a comment, e-mail or Facebook message with the five correct color words in the correct ORDER will win... A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! How about that? Pretty cool, huh?
Remember! The CONTEST begins THIS Monday, February 14!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Only two more Top Ten Lists to go. Are you relieved? (I think I am.) I thought about doing a Top Ten List entitled "Top Ten Reasons I Love Anesthesia," but I could only come up with nine before I fell into a deep, deep sleep. So today, my Top Ten List has to do with THE BLOG!
Top Ten Reasons I Love to Blog
10. I love to be able to share as many stories and thoughts as I want and KNOW I'm not boring anyone. FREEDOM!
9. I love the people I have personally met through the blog. People I would never, ever have known otherwise.
8. The closer I get to 50, the more scrambled my thoughts are. I love being able to "organize" the way I think in written form. I don't think I would do it in a written journal. (I know I wouldn't.)
7. I love to share my passion with others who are interested in the same thing (traditions, trying new recipes, sharing ideas about how to spend more purposeful time with family, etc.). With the blog, I know others share my passion because why else would they waste their time visiting A Simple Life?
6. I love having contests. I think it's fun. (I keep entering different contests here and there, too, you know. However, as of this time, I haven't won anything. Nothing. Nada!)
5. I love seeing a comment in the Comment section of the blog. (I'm like Julie in the movie Julie & Julia when she receives her first comment. It's a thrill, I tell you! A thrill! Which once again puts me in the "pathetic" category. I know.)
4. I love taking a Picture a Day. I thought it would be a chore, but it's really kind of fun. It makes me look at my day a little differently. The mundane suddenly becomes photo-worthy!
3. I love winning blog awards. I've only been awarded the one award, but it was VERY exciting.
2. I love having the "blog" schedule. I love structure, and although I have three teenagers, two beagles and a husband (which screams "NO STRUCTURE... EVER"), having the blog helps me maintain a little of the structure I long for and enjoy.
1. I love being able to share my faith, Josh's story, my panic attack stories, my "kids are growing up and leaving the nest" stories, etc. Things I normally would just hold inside forever are shared... and not wasted. (I've been able to talk to many women who are "in the same boat." However, I would never have known that if it had not been for the blog!)
I'm pretty sure you can guess what Monday's Top Ten List will be. Think, think, think. Who have I left out? Hmmm.
RANDOMNESS #2 - As promised, below you will find Roxie's First Surgery story. (Enjoy! Mikie and I certainly did!)
Roxie's First (and Hopefully Last) Surgery
Roxie's first surgery was not major in any way, shape or form. A piece of the bone from the top joint of her middle finger had broken away from the joint during a game of middle school basketball in December. Painful, yes. But she was given permission by the doctors to continue playing basketball until the last week of January before they "fixed" the break with wires (pins).
Yesterday was the day.
As with most "procedures," the unknown is the scariest part. Roxie was beyond calm on the way to the hospital, and said several times she was just ready to get it over with and start the healing process.
She didn't want to be awake during the surgery. She didn't want to feel anything during the surgery, so the anesthesia was her main concern. Would there be enough to knock her out? (What can I say? She is her mother's daughter.)
She didn't flinch during the insertion of the IV, but as soon as the nurse left, she made sure Mike and I knew she didn't like the IV, OR the nurse who put it in her hand.
Next came the "loopy" meds. Austin had told her in great detail how great this med was, and she had heard his "Wisdom Teeth Removal" story many, many times.
Let's just say, Roxie on "loopy" meds did not disappoint.
Within a minute or two of the medicine being inserted into her IV she was giggling uncontrollably. As soon as the nurse left the room, she informed us it was NOT working.
She then proceeded to play with her IV tubes... over and over and over again. We would tell her to put her arm down, she would roll her eyes and then look away from us. She played with her IV tubes several more times before she finally gave up looking at the "snakes on her arm" and moved on to her next odd behavior of choice... eating her blankets.
She started putting the sheets and blankets in her mouth. We continued to remove them. She informed us for the 100th time, "The meds are NOT working. I'm going to be awake during the surgery. I'm going to feel EVERYTHING!"
"Close your eyes, Roxie. Close your eyes and be still. You'll go to sleep," I instructed.
She closed her eyes and for several seconds it seemed she had indeed fallen asleep. Until her eyes flew open wide and she said, "THIS... IS... NOT... WORKING!"
The nurse came back into the room and gave her the second half of the "loopy" medication.
Within seconds, she was slurring... and sticking her tongue out as far as it would go. Her eyes crossed as she tried to see her tongue.
"Roxie, what are you doing with your tongue?" Mike asked.
She sighed heavily, looked at us and said, "It lives in the bottom of my mouth, you know. I'm trying to find a new place for it to live."
She quickly changed gears again and told us she was going to count backward from 100 to go to sleep. She had seen that on TV and it had worked. She started the countdown and other than getting stuck on 96 a few times, she made it to 80 before she sat up, looked at us and announced for the last time, "THIS... IS... NOT... WORKING!"
To maintain A Simple Life's G-rating, I have omitted some of the things Roxie said during the pre-op period. Let's just say The Boy and Roxie have some colorful language choices when under the influence of "loopy" meds. Very colorful, indeed. I will say she is much quieter than her brother. (The "loopy" meds also affected Austin's volume control when he had his wisdom teeth removed. They had the opposite effect on Roxie... she almost whispered. And for that, I was very, very thankful.)
She is doing very well today. She is in some pain, but it is manageable, and we are planning on taking it easy!
She has decided to keep her tongue, not chew on blankets... and never have an IV or surgery again. And I am in total agreement!
Weekend Happenings
We have plans galore this weekend, but a lot depends on how Roxie is feeling.
Josh is in a choir show tonight and tomorrow night at the high school, so with Austin taking over the Parental Unit duties for the evening, Mikie, Grandmother and I will be attending the show.
Josh is doing the ACT "thing" tomorrow, as well as the choir performance. Austin is working tomorrow, as well as sleeping (a lot). Mikie is going to the office to play a little catch up for part of the day. As for me and Roxie... we're hoping she feels well enough to attend Mr. Bieber's new movie.
Yes, Saturday is definitely a scattered day.
After church Sunday, we're planning on celebrating Mr. Faulkner's birthday with Mike's family. In case you didn't know, February is our family's BIG birthday month. We have FIVE birthdays we celebrate during this month. And, of course, we have Valentine's Day celebrations, too. It's a pretty fun month, and because of all the parties, we tend to see a lot of family. It is second only to Christmas in the "time spent with family" department.
That's our weekend. A little up-in-the-air. A little busy. As always, anything could happen... and it usually does!
I hope you have a lovely pre-Valentine's Day weekend. Remember the Contest begins Monday. I'll have the LAST Top Ten List, as well as many other February ideas to share. The entire month of February is the LOVE month on A Simple Life, so that theme will continue.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, February 4, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics include another ice/slush photo from yesterday, and Roxie being picked up EARLY from school in the back of Josh's car. (Josh took this one. I may be handing the camera off to him more often.)
RANDOMNESS - I shall continue my Top Ten Reasons I Love... Lists today (and each and every day next week). So far, so good. I haven't run out of things I love... yet.
Top Ten Reasons I Love Living in the Deep South
10. We have ALL four seasons, and for the most part, they last the appropriate amount of time.
9. Even as our Northern friends make fun of us, we ALL run to the stores to buy bread and milk when the word "snow" is mentioned. (I even think this is funny, but it is something that has been deeply ingrained in my upbringing... and I am teaching my children the same exact thing.)
I called Austin yesterday afternoon. "Is it snowing there?"
"It's freezing rain. They're closing a bunch of roads, but I'm staying put."
"Quick. Get in your car and run across the street to the Dollar General. Buy a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk. Hurry. There isn't much time."
"But I don't need bread... or milk. I have my meal ticket. Remember? I'm just going to eat at the cafe tonight with a bunch of the guys."
"LISTEN TO ME! It doesn't matter if you have other food sources. YOU MUST GET MILK AND BREAD! Tell all your friends. Go, Boy! Go!"
"Mom. Are you out of your "Austin is in College" medicine again?"
"That's not the point. Actually, that is very much the point. Stay safe. I'll talk to you later."
I cannot believe I have failed in the "passing it on" department of SNOW = BREAD AND MILK. I feel so ashamed.
8. I love we teach our children to say, "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Sir."
7. I love we live on the buckle of the Bible Belt (as a minister recently put it in a sermon at our church).
6. I love there is a church on every corner.
5. I love sweet ice tea. (They don't have that everywhere, you know. We don't need to take it for granted.)
4. I love Southern women are softer spoken... but still very, very strong.
3. I love when Southern women wear jeans and t-shirts, they have their hair done, make-up on AND accessories. Southern women know how to look good. DISCLAIMER - I know Northern women, Midwest women and women who live on the West Coast know how to look amazing at the grocery store, baseball field, etc., too. I'm just talking from my own personal Southern experience.
2. I love the way we talk, and I love going to different places and hearing other people say, "I love the way you talk."
1. I love the word "y'all," and I'm glad it's part of my "natural" vocabulary! You can always tell in movies or television shows when someone is pretending to be Southern... way too many "y'alls."
Weekend Happenings
Faulkner Farms will become Faulkner Frat House tonight. Austin is bringing two friends home from college for the weekend.
As you can imagine, my weekend involves cooking. A LOT OF COOKING! But I cannot wait. We're all looking forward to getting to know Austin's friends better.
After a Southern crock pot roast beef dinner tonight, Roxie will be spending some time with friends and Josh will be going to a church event. (I imagine Mikie and I will be cleaning up the kitchen and getting ready for Saturday's meals!)
Saturday will be a lazy day. Lots and lots of sleeping late, eating and visiting.
We'll have church Sunday morning, but Sunday night I'll be hosting the Super Bowl Party! Austin and his two friends, Josh and a bud or two, Melia and a friend... It's going to be a good night. (Actually, I'll be hosting from the church. Mike's going to take over hosting duties until my class is over. But the table will be full of food which should last at least the one hour Roxie and I will be gone!)
I'm not really sure about all the plans. I'm going to try that "go with the flow" thing one more time. I'm getting so good at it... NOT!
Y'all have a wonderful, safe weekend. Next week, I'll have more, more, more Valentine's Day "stuff," Randomness and more Top Ten Lists.
Take care, and I'll talk to y'all Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics include another ice/slush photo from yesterday, and Roxie being picked up EARLY from school in the back of Josh's car. (Josh took this one. I may be handing the camera off to him more often.)
RANDOMNESS - I shall continue my Top Ten Reasons I Love... Lists today (and each and every day next week). So far, so good. I haven't run out of things I love... yet.
Top Ten Reasons I Love Living in the Deep South
10. We have ALL four seasons, and for the most part, they last the appropriate amount of time.
9. Even as our Northern friends make fun of us, we ALL run to the stores to buy bread and milk when the word "snow" is mentioned. (I even think this is funny, but it is something that has been deeply ingrained in my upbringing... and I am teaching my children the same exact thing.)
I called Austin yesterday afternoon. "Is it snowing there?"
"It's freezing rain. They're closing a bunch of roads, but I'm staying put."
"Quick. Get in your car and run across the street to the Dollar General. Buy a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk. Hurry. There isn't much time."
"But I don't need bread... or milk. I have my meal ticket. Remember? I'm just going to eat at the cafe tonight with a bunch of the guys."
"LISTEN TO ME! It doesn't matter if you have other food sources. YOU MUST GET MILK AND BREAD! Tell all your friends. Go, Boy! Go!"
"Mom. Are you out of your "Austin is in College" medicine again?"
"That's not the point. Actually, that is very much the point. Stay safe. I'll talk to you later."
I cannot believe I have failed in the "passing it on" department of SNOW = BREAD AND MILK. I feel so ashamed.
8. I love we teach our children to say, "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Sir."
7. I love we live on the buckle of the Bible Belt (as a minister recently put it in a sermon at our church).
6. I love there is a church on every corner.
5. I love sweet ice tea. (They don't have that everywhere, you know. We don't need to take it for granted.)
4. I love Southern women are softer spoken... but still very, very strong.
3. I love when Southern women wear jeans and t-shirts, they have their hair done, make-up on AND accessories. Southern women know how to look good. DISCLAIMER - I know Northern women, Midwest women and women who live on the West Coast know how to look amazing at the grocery store, baseball field, etc., too. I'm just talking from my own personal Southern experience.
2. I love the way we talk, and I love going to different places and hearing other people say, "I love the way you talk."
1. I love the word "y'all," and I'm glad it's part of my "natural" vocabulary! You can always tell in movies or television shows when someone is pretending to be Southern... way too many "y'alls."
Weekend Happenings
Faulkner Farms will become Faulkner Frat House tonight. Austin is bringing two friends home from college for the weekend.
As you can imagine, my weekend involves cooking. A LOT OF COOKING! But I cannot wait. We're all looking forward to getting to know Austin's friends better.
After a Southern crock pot roast beef dinner tonight, Roxie will be spending some time with friends and Josh will be going to a church event. (I imagine Mikie and I will be cleaning up the kitchen and getting ready for Saturday's meals!)
Saturday will be a lazy day. Lots and lots of sleeping late, eating and visiting.
We'll have church Sunday morning, but Sunday night I'll be hosting the Super Bowl Party! Austin and his two friends, Josh and a bud or two, Melia and a friend... It's going to be a good night. (Actually, I'll be hosting from the church. Mike's going to take over hosting duties until my class is over. But the table will be full of food which should last at least the one hour Roxie and I will be gone!)
I'm not really sure about all the plans. I'm going to try that "go with the flow" thing one more time. I'm getting so good at it... NOT!
Y'all have a wonderful, safe weekend. Next week, I'll have more, more, more Valentine's Day "stuff," Randomness and more Top Ten Lists.
Take care, and I'll talk to y'all Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, January 28, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from the County Basketball Tournament last night. Even though our team is out of the Tournament, we are still the hosts. As you can see, we have very high spirits, which says a great deal about our girls and all of the parents working in the Hospitality Suite, sweeping the floors in the gym, cleaning the bleachers, emptying trash cans, etc., etc.
And I will say the officials, coaches from other teams, etc. have all been very nice, which makes serving them a pleasure and not a chore.
RANDOMNESS - If you are a mother and you have a little girl (under 14 years of age), I want to give you a little warning.
1. Chances are, your chick will be wearing make-up around 14 years of age.
2. If (or when) your chick runs out of powder, blush, mascara, eye shadow, etc., she will naturally come to your bathroom and check out your make-up products.
3. If you have raised her right, she will politely ask if she can use your powder, blush, mascara, eye shadow, etc. And because she asked so sweetly, you will give your consent.
4. She will tell you she is going to take it to her bathroom and apply it in front of her uber-magnifying make-up mirror. Again, you give your consent, because several years ago you threw your uber-magnifying make-up mirror in the trash can because you noticed it caused severe depression. (NOTE - Only women with no pores, wrinkles, laugh lines, frown lines, etc. should ever use an uber-magnifying make-up mirror. Roxie will probably be throwing her mirror away in two to three years!)
5. You will take your perfectly coiffed and beautifully made-up daughter to school and drop her off for a day of learning and socializing with her friends.
6. You will drive home to get ready for a doctor's appointment, a haircut AND some shopping for the County Basketball Tournament.
7. You will discover after your shower you have NO powder, NO blush and NO mascara. You look pale, weepy and a little angry. (NOTE - The angry look doesn't come from lack of make-up. It comes from HAVING NO MAKE-UP AT ALL!)
8. You put on a really nice top, make your hair really big AND wear a lot of bright lipstick.
9. When you walk into the doctor's office, they ask if you are feeling okay when you sign in. (NOTE - You aren't even at YOUR doctor's office. You are with your son for his doctor's appointment.)
10. When you get your haircut, the beautician says, "Well, let's see if we can make this a better day." But she can't.
11. When you go to the different fast food restaurants to pick up food for the Hospitality Suite, the managers take one look at you and yell at the workers, "Hurry up with that order. She doesn't have much time left. I mean 'time.' She doesn't have much TIME!"
12. When you arrive at the school, your daughter comes running up to you. Her hair is glossy perfection. Her eyelashes are 12" long. Her blush has been expertly re-applied for the evening's festivities. She is beautiful. "Mom, are you feeling okay? You look rough. And why are your lips so bright?"
13. At home, you ask for your make-up to be returned. You hide all of your make-up products in five or six different places.
14. You wake up the next morning, take your perfectly coiffed and beautifully made-up daughter to school. (She has new make-up, you see.) When you arrive home, you hop in the shower to get ready for your day which includes running a few more errands and going to the bank.)
15. You can't remember where you hid ANY of your make-up products... except for the really, really bright lipstick.
I know you want to know the moral of this story. Sorry. There is no moral. This is the true story of life with a 14 year-old girl. The good (lots of good... really, really good), the bad (when she takes your make-up to school... really, really bad) and the ugly (how I look when she takes my make-up to school... really, really ugly)!
Weekend Happenings
Tonight, we finish the County Basketball Tournament, and basketball will officially be over for this school year. We're a little sad, but Roxie is very tired and the rest will do her good. Plus, next week we find out the date for her hand surgery which she must have in order to try out for basketball next year!
The Boy is coming in this morning and working at the Chick all afternoon.
Mikie and the brothers are planning on going hunting tomorrow. While they are gone doing "man" stuff, I am taking Roxie to a new, fun, hip place. I'm not going to tell you where because it's next week's Date! You'll have to check in Thursday to find out all about this destination!
After church on Sunday, we're heading to Grandmother's for a big family dinner with my sister and her family.
It's going to be a good weekend with lots of family and friends... and no snow!
Have a fun weekend. I'll be posting a Picture a Day today, Saturday and Sunday on Belinda's Project Life. I'll be back next week with a ton of Valentine's Day ideas, traditions, devotions and parties. I'll start my Top Ten Lists (Top Ten Reasons I Love...) on Tuesday. I'll be talking about the upcoming Contest. And that's only the beginning!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from the County Basketball Tournament last night. Even though our team is out of the Tournament, we are still the hosts. As you can see, we have very high spirits, which says a great deal about our girls and all of the parents working in the Hospitality Suite, sweeping the floors in the gym, cleaning the bleachers, emptying trash cans, etc., etc.
And I will say the officials, coaches from other teams, etc. have all been very nice, which makes serving them a pleasure and not a chore.
RANDOMNESS - If you are a mother and you have a little girl (under 14 years of age), I want to give you a little warning.
1. Chances are, your chick will be wearing make-up around 14 years of age.
2. If (or when) your chick runs out of powder, blush, mascara, eye shadow, etc., she will naturally come to your bathroom and check out your make-up products.
3. If you have raised her right, she will politely ask if she can use your powder, blush, mascara, eye shadow, etc. And because she asked so sweetly, you will give your consent.
4. She will tell you she is going to take it to her bathroom and apply it in front of her uber-magnifying make-up mirror. Again, you give your consent, because several years ago you threw your uber-magnifying make-up mirror in the trash can because you noticed it caused severe depression. (NOTE - Only women with no pores, wrinkles, laugh lines, frown lines, etc. should ever use an uber-magnifying make-up mirror. Roxie will probably be throwing her mirror away in two to three years!)
5. You will take your perfectly coiffed and beautifully made-up daughter to school and drop her off for a day of learning and socializing with her friends.
6. You will drive home to get ready for a doctor's appointment, a haircut AND some shopping for the County Basketball Tournament.
7. You will discover after your shower you have NO powder, NO blush and NO mascara. You look pale, weepy and a little angry. (NOTE - The angry look doesn't come from lack of make-up. It comes from HAVING NO MAKE-UP AT ALL!)
8. You put on a really nice top, make your hair really big AND wear a lot of bright lipstick.
9. When you walk into the doctor's office, they ask if you are feeling okay when you sign in. (NOTE - You aren't even at YOUR doctor's office. You are with your son for his doctor's appointment.)
10. When you get your haircut, the beautician says, "Well, let's see if we can make this a better day." But she can't.
11. When you go to the different fast food restaurants to pick up food for the Hospitality Suite, the managers take one look at you and yell at the workers, "Hurry up with that order. She doesn't have much time left. I mean 'time.' She doesn't have much TIME!"
12. When you arrive at the school, your daughter comes running up to you. Her hair is glossy perfection. Her eyelashes are 12" long. Her blush has been expertly re-applied for the evening's festivities. She is beautiful. "Mom, are you feeling okay? You look rough. And why are your lips so bright?"
13. At home, you ask for your make-up to be returned. You hide all of your make-up products in five or six different places.
14. You wake up the next morning, take your perfectly coiffed and beautifully made-up daughter to school. (She has new make-up, you see.) When you arrive home, you hop in the shower to get ready for your day which includes running a few more errands and going to the bank.)
15. You can't remember where you hid ANY of your make-up products... except for the really, really bright lipstick.
I know you want to know the moral of this story. Sorry. There is no moral. This is the true story of life with a 14 year-old girl. The good (lots of good... really, really good), the bad (when she takes your make-up to school... really, really bad) and the ugly (how I look when she takes my make-up to school... really, really ugly)!
Weekend Happenings
Tonight, we finish the County Basketball Tournament, and basketball will officially be over for this school year. We're a little sad, but Roxie is very tired and the rest will do her good. Plus, next week we find out the date for her hand surgery which she must have in order to try out for basketball next year!
The Boy is coming in this morning and working at the Chick all afternoon.
Mikie and the brothers are planning on going hunting tomorrow. While they are gone doing "man" stuff, I am taking Roxie to a new, fun, hip place. I'm not going to tell you where because it's next week's Date! You'll have to check in Thursday to find out all about this destination!
After church on Sunday, we're heading to Grandmother's for a big family dinner with my sister and her family.
It's going to be a good weekend with lots of family and friends... and no snow!
Have a fun weekend. I'll be posting a Picture a Day today, Saturday and Sunday on Belinda's Project Life. I'll be back next week with a ton of Valentine's Day ideas, traditions, devotions and parties. I'll start my Top Ten Lists (Top Ten Reasons I Love...) on Tuesday. I'll be talking about the upcoming Contest. And that's only the beginning!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, January 21, 2011
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are of MERCHANDISE being sold on the INTERNET in connection with Austin's new radio show he hosts from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays at JSU. It's called The RED Zone, and he had his first show this past Tuesday. It's a college radio station, so the only way we can hear it is over the Internet... and this past Tuesday Roxie had a basketball game, so we missed it. In a few days, it will be available on Podcast, and we'll be able to catch up.
Do not be surprised when you see the Faulkner Five walking around town in "Whup Troy" t-shirts, hoodies and hats. Also, don't be surprised if you get a "Whup Troy" coffee mug for your birthday and/or Christmas present.
RANDOMNESS #1 - In other news, I tried the oatmeal at McDonald's yesterday. As always, I'm trying to stay on the cutting edge of any and all new fast food releases so you, the reader, will be informed at all times.
As far as oatmeal goes, it was pretty good. They use Granny Smith apples which are extremely tart, and walnuts (which I do not care for as much as the toasted pecan and/or cashew), but all in all it would have been very good if I had just added one package of Splenda to the mix.
There are golden raisins and cranberries (which I love), and a faint taste of maple. If you are an oatmeal person (and I am), it is good and filling... just not quite sweet enough.
Oh, and for some reason they serve it all day long. I don't know if I could eat oatmeal after 11:00 a.m.
That is my review of McDonald's oatmeal. Do with it what you will.
NOTE - You know I take full credit for the success of the Caramel Frappe' in our small town. Let's see if there is a run on McDonald's Oatmeal in the coming weeks!
RANDOMNESS #2 - As promised, here is the third part of "Handbook for 2011."
Social
1. Call your family often.
2. Each day, give something good to others.
3. Forgive everyone for everything.
4. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
6. What other people think of you is none of your business.
7. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.
Weekend Happenings
It's going to be an exciting weekend! Mikie and I will be celebrating our 23rd year of wedded bliss. As is our custom, we spend a night away at a nice hotel in our area. We will have a quiet, uninterrupted dinner and watch one of the 139 or more current non-animated movies we haven't seen over the past year.
We're staying at a really "different" and fun hotel this time. I'm not going to tell you the name, but I'll do a reveal Monday morning. I will say Mikie and I are WAY too un-hip to stay in such a hip hotel, but they said we could come anyway. Very exciting!
The remainder of the weekend will be spent at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842), and here and there around town. The only other exciting thing going on for the Faulkner Five this weekend is the Auburn/Tennessee ladies' basketball game. Mikie, Roxie, Austin (and maybe Josh) are planning on heading to The Plains Sunday after church to catch the game and soak in some "Auburn-ness."
I plan on keeping the home fires burning and doing load after load after load of laundry. It will be a great day!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I WILL NOT BE ADDING A PICTURE TO BELINDA'S PROJECT LIFE TONIGHT, but I'll catch up Saturday and Sunday. Next week, expect more of the same on A Simple Life. It's going to be a good, good week!
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are of MERCHANDISE being sold on the INTERNET in connection with Austin's new radio show he hosts from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays at JSU. It's called The RED Zone, and he had his first show this past Tuesday. It's a college radio station, so the only way we can hear it is over the Internet... and this past Tuesday Roxie had a basketball game, so we missed it. In a few days, it will be available on Podcast, and we'll be able to catch up.
Do not be surprised when you see the Faulkner Five walking around town in "Whup Troy" t-shirts, hoodies and hats. Also, don't be surprised if you get a "Whup Troy" coffee mug for your birthday and/or Christmas present.
RANDOMNESS #1 - In other news, I tried the oatmeal at McDonald's yesterday. As always, I'm trying to stay on the cutting edge of any and all new fast food releases so you, the reader, will be informed at all times.
As far as oatmeal goes, it was pretty good. They use Granny Smith apples which are extremely tart, and walnuts (which I do not care for as much as the toasted pecan and/or cashew), but all in all it would have been very good if I had just added one package of Splenda to the mix.
There are golden raisins and cranberries (which I love), and a faint taste of maple. If you are an oatmeal person (and I am), it is good and filling... just not quite sweet enough.
Oh, and for some reason they serve it all day long. I don't know if I could eat oatmeal after 11:00 a.m.
That is my review of McDonald's oatmeal. Do with it what you will.
NOTE - You know I take full credit for the success of the Caramel Frappe' in our small town. Let's see if there is a run on McDonald's Oatmeal in the coming weeks!
RANDOMNESS #2 - As promised, here is the third part of "Handbook for 2011."
Social
1. Call your family often.
2. Each day, give something good to others.
3. Forgive everyone for everything.
4. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
6. What other people think of you is none of your business.
7. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.
Weekend Happenings
It's going to be an exciting weekend! Mikie and I will be celebrating our 23rd year of wedded bliss. As is our custom, we spend a night away at a nice hotel in our area. We will have a quiet, uninterrupted dinner and watch one of the 139 or more current non-animated movies we haven't seen over the past year.
We're staying at a really "different" and fun hotel this time. I'm not going to tell you the name, but I'll do a reveal Monday morning. I will say Mikie and I are WAY too un-hip to stay in such a hip hotel, but they said we could come anyway. Very exciting!
The remainder of the weekend will be spent at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842), and here and there around town. The only other exciting thing going on for the Faulkner Five this weekend is the Auburn/Tennessee ladies' basketball game. Mikie, Roxie, Austin (and maybe Josh) are planning on heading to The Plains Sunday after church to catch the game and soak in some "Auburn-ness."
I plan on keeping the home fires burning and doing load after load after load of laundry. It will be a great day!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I WILL NOT BE ADDING A PICTURE TO BELINDA'S PROJECT LIFE TONIGHT, but I'll catch up Saturday and Sunday. Next week, expect more of the same on A Simple Life. It's going to be a good, good week!
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!