---1---
Happy October, y'all. Can anyone tell me what happened to the rest of September? It was just here a minute ago.
---2---
I was on a bit of a roll there with posting. I'll try to keep it up. I have several things I need to share with you. I think we will be making potstickers here in a few days. I don't know how authentic they will be, but they will be tasty!
---3---
So today was supposed to be the official end of Bloglines. I've been using Google Reader for a few days and am already happier with it. Why is it that we sometimes have to be forced into making a good change? I wasn't thrilled with Bloglines, but I stayed with them because that's where I started. It was easier than changing. That annoys me about myself.
---4---
I've been sending out mailers for my Christmas business. I'm sure people look at them and think, "What? It's not time for Christmas!" Those decorations don't come ready. Someone has to make them and that someone is me. It would really help me out if you could get those orders in early. Thank you.
---5---
We are in the middle of planning a pirate party for the girl's 10th birthday party. She is not that into pirates, but she thought it would make a fun party for both boys and girls. She wants a big party at the house. If I have anything to say about it, this will be her last kid-type birthday party. She is a party animal and loves to have everyone over. However, I think after 10 is the time to down-size. I'm going to push for dinner and a movie with friends next year. Maybe a sleep over. We were able to successfully transition the boy by offering bigger gifts with less party. Here's hoping it works for her as well.
---6---
I'm continuing to collect habeneros almost daily. The jalapenos are also getting big. I planted some broccoli, cauliflower, chard, and a couple of tomatoes. I'm really late on the tomatoes. I don't know if they'll do anything or not, but it was worth the try. We'll see how it goes. I have planted them all in the front flower bed. It's where there is the most sun, but I have resisted planting vegetable smack dab in the front of the house. I quit resisting and just did it. We'll see what happens.
---7---
My seven is going to have to be wishing you a good weekend. So....
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend.
Hey - can anyone tell me what is up with my date and time? If you will notice, it says I posted this on Tuesday. What's up with that? Everything I can find has the right date on my computer. It also has the time - 10:07 - wrong. Is it Blogger or me?
Showing posts with label 7 Quick Takes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 7 Quick Takes. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 16
---1---
I'm still not over the whole Dr. Pepper incident. I may have to go get one today.
---2---
I have a fully decorated Christmas wreath hanging in my living room. It has been there for days. I am waiting for my business cards and giant postcard mailers to come in. I am hoping to be wildly busy with Christmas decorations in the next few weeks.
I've been putting together a web site for the business and have been overwrought by the fact that I don't have more pictures of things I have done in the past. I know I took pictures. At least, I thought I did. I've done some really cool things. Some huge things! I can only find shots of the most basic examples of my work. It's been frustrating.
---3---
The habaneros are still coming in, but I have totally dropped the ball on a fall garden. I have a tomato plant a friend gave me 2 weeks ago still sitting on my kitchen window sill. I may go grab a couple of broccoli just for fun, but it's doubtful there will be much to report in the way of produce. I have decided to devote some of the weekend to tending to the yard. I didn't water enough during the dry summer. Some of the plants are a bit crunchy and need some looking after. Oops.
---4---
Stay tuned. I have asked one of my favorite people in the world to do a guest post soon. She has recently started her own food blog. I'm sure she will treat us to something very tasty. Be on the lookout.
---5---
Hubs and I have been playing Scrabble together online. It's about the only way I'm ever going to get him to play Scrabble with me. I love board games. The girl likes them, but only certain ones. The boy goes through phases when he really likes them and then doesn't want to have anything to do with them. I pretty much only get to play them with my BFF or if there is a hurricane.
Anyway, playing online is different than playing at a table. You can try different letter combinations that you would never try if you were using tiles and a board. I have played words that I didn't know were words simply because it is so easy to type and check to see if you might have accidentally made a word. I would like to think it is expanding my vocabulary, but I know better.
---6---
What do you all do to check on all of the blogs you read? I have always used Bloglines. No, it's never been particularly reliable or great, but it's what I started with and I am a creature of habit. I am forced to find something to replace it though. Bloglines is shutting down on October 1st. Any suggestions as to what I should use?
---7---
We have had NetFlix for quite awhile now. It's been great. We recently set it up on the Wii. Now we can watch from their "Watch Instantly" menu right on the TV. I'm not sure how I feel about that.
The kids have been glued to the TV for over a week now. My son is a little more diversified. He likes to watch documentaries on weapons and sea life. But the vast majority of shows they are watching are animated and stupid. I have let it go thinking that it was a novelty and therefor a little exciting, but when the newness wore off they would get back to life as we knew it. I may have to intervene. It is taking too long.
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend.
I'm still not over the whole Dr. Pepper incident. I may have to go get one today.
---2---
I have a fully decorated Christmas wreath hanging in my living room. It has been there for days. I am waiting for my business cards and giant postcard mailers to come in. I am hoping to be wildly busy with Christmas decorations in the next few weeks.
I've been putting together a web site for the business and have been overwrought by the fact that I don't have more pictures of things I have done in the past. I know I took pictures. At least, I thought I did. I've done some really cool things. Some huge things! I can only find shots of the most basic examples of my work. It's been frustrating.
---3---
The habaneros are still coming in, but I have totally dropped the ball on a fall garden. I have a tomato plant a friend gave me 2 weeks ago still sitting on my kitchen window sill. I may go grab a couple of broccoli just for fun, but it's doubtful there will be much to report in the way of produce. I have decided to devote some of the weekend to tending to the yard. I didn't water enough during the dry summer. Some of the plants are a bit crunchy and need some looking after. Oops.
---4---
Stay tuned. I have asked one of my favorite people in the world to do a guest post soon. She has recently started her own food blog. I'm sure she will treat us to something very tasty. Be on the lookout.
---5---
Hubs and I have been playing Scrabble together online. It's about the only way I'm ever going to get him to play Scrabble with me. I love board games. The girl likes them, but only certain ones. The boy goes through phases when he really likes them and then doesn't want to have anything to do with them. I pretty much only get to play them with my BFF or if there is a hurricane.
Anyway, playing online is different than playing at a table. You can try different letter combinations that you would never try if you were using tiles and a board. I have played words that I didn't know were words simply because it is so easy to type and check to see if you might have accidentally made a word. I would like to think it is expanding my vocabulary, but I know better.
---6---
What do you all do to check on all of the blogs you read? I have always used Bloglines. No, it's never been particularly reliable or great, but it's what I started with and I am a creature of habit. I am forced to find something to replace it though. Bloglines is shutting down on October 1st. Any suggestions as to what I should use?
---7---
We have had NetFlix for quite awhile now. It's been great. We recently set it up on the Wii. Now we can watch from their "Watch Instantly" menu right on the TV. I'm not sure how I feel about that.
The kids have been glued to the TV for over a week now. My son is a little more diversified. He likes to watch documentaries on weapons and sea life. But the vast majority of shows they are watching are animated and stupid. I have let it go thinking that it was a novelty and therefor a little exciting, but when the newness wore off they would get back to life as we knew it. I may have to intervene. It is taking too long.
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 10, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 15
---1---
I'm a lousy blogger. Just thought you'd like to know. Oh, you noticed? Well, thanks for coming back to check on me now and again.
---2---
I harvested the bulk of my basil this week.
I didn't take the plants down completely. We still have quite a bit of warm weather ahead of us, so I'm hoping for some more fresh basil before the season is done. It was a good bit dried. Certainly enough to get me through until spring.
---3---
My hopes that September and the schedule that school brings would slow things up a bit for us. Those hopes have been dashed upon the rocks of reality. It could be that we are even busier than before. I hope once we get used to the new routine that every day won't be such a flurry of to do lists. I'm going to hold onto that thought anyway. A girl's got to have a dream.
---4---
I just thought you needed a random chicken picture. I love my Muffin. She's such a good chicken. She's been molting this past month. She's about done. Poor baby lost all her tail feathers. She's still pretty though.
---5---
Beth Moore isn't doing a regular study this fall. While I'm sad about that, she is doing a 3-part series called Fall Forward. The first one was this week. I went with some girlfriends. She had Travis Cottrell, who usually travels with her, as opposed to her usual praise singers who usually open her Bible studies here in town. It was the first time I have had the privilege of hearing him perform. Man, can that boy sing. He made wonderful choices in music and did an excellent job performing them. We had an amazing praise and worship time. So often in situations like that the music can be too loud for me. I thought he did an excellent job of balancing it all so it was loud enough without being too loud. If you ever have the chance to hear him perform, go for it. You won't be disappointed.
---6---
My baby girl is fast approaching her 10th birthday. She is all arms and legs. And hair. She hates jeans and long pants in general. She prefers skorts to just about anythings else. You know, the little skirts with shorts underneath. Well, girlfriend must have hit a growth spurt while I wasn't looking. There will definitelybe some new skorts in her birthday haul. She's as skinny as all get out, so they never get too tight on her, but the ones she has now are riding up a little too high. Her cute little bohonkadonk is going to be hanging out soon. I am constantly amazed at how things seems to just suddenly become too small for the kids. They seem just fine one day and can't get them on the next.
---7---
Tomorrow is September 11th. A year after the attacks, my son was asked to pose for some photographs for a friend's art students to paint. There was an exhibit and some NYFD members came down for the event. I look at the pictures from that day and can't believe how much he has grown since then.
I remember the fireman on the left saying that on that day he was off-duty and at home taking care of his kids. He could see the attacks from the window of his apartment. He saw the burning buildings and called his wife to come home. He had to get in to work.
If you see a firefighter tomorrow, say thank you. Come to think of it, if you see one any day, say thank you.
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend.
I'm a lousy blogger. Just thought you'd like to know. Oh, you noticed? Well, thanks for coming back to check on me now and again.
---2---
I harvested the bulk of my basil this week.
I didn't take the plants down completely. We still have quite a bit of warm weather ahead of us, so I'm hoping for some more fresh basil before the season is done. It was a good bit dried. Certainly enough to get me through until spring.
---3---
My hopes that September and the schedule that school brings would slow things up a bit for us. Those hopes have been dashed upon the rocks of reality. It could be that we are even busier than before. I hope once we get used to the new routine that every day won't be such a flurry of to do lists. I'm going to hold onto that thought anyway. A girl's got to have a dream.
---4---
I just thought you needed a random chicken picture. I love my Muffin. She's such a good chicken. She's been molting this past month. She's about done. Poor baby lost all her tail feathers. She's still pretty though.
---5---
Beth Moore isn't doing a regular study this fall. While I'm sad about that, she is doing a 3-part series called Fall Forward. The first one was this week. I went with some girlfriends. She had Travis Cottrell, who usually travels with her, as opposed to her usual praise singers who usually open her Bible studies here in town. It was the first time I have had the privilege of hearing him perform. Man, can that boy sing. He made wonderful choices in music and did an excellent job performing them. We had an amazing praise and worship time. So often in situations like that the music can be too loud for me. I thought he did an excellent job of balancing it all so it was loud enough without being too loud. If you ever have the chance to hear him perform, go for it. You won't be disappointed.
---6---
My baby girl is fast approaching her 10th birthday. She is all arms and legs. And hair. She hates jeans and long pants in general. She prefers skorts to just about anythings else. You know, the little skirts with shorts underneath. Well, girlfriend must have hit a growth spurt while I wasn't looking. There will definitelybe some new skorts in her birthday haul. She's as skinny as all get out, so they never get too tight on her, but the ones she has now are riding up a little too high. Her cute little bohonkadonk is going to be hanging out soon. I am constantly amazed at how things seems to just suddenly become too small for the kids. They seem just fine one day and can't get them on the next.
---7---
Tomorrow is September 11th. A year after the attacks, my son was asked to pose for some photographs for a friend's art students to paint. There was an exhibit and some NYFD members came down for the event. I look at the pictures from that day and can't believe how much he has grown since then.
I remember the fireman on the left saying that on that day he was off-duty and at home taking care of his kids. He could see the attacks from the window of his apartment. He saw the burning buildings and called his wife to come home. He had to get in to work.
If you see a firefighter tomorrow, say thank you. Come to think of it, if you see one any day, say thank you.
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, August 27, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 14
---1---
Just in case you were wondering...
...it's still hot here. I took this yesterday when I hopped in the car to pick up The Boy from school.
---2---
Speaking of which, high school seems to agree with him so far. That is a small miracle. If this sentiment lasts, that will be a major miracle.
---3---
I put up the last of the figs yesterday.
Glad to have them out of the freezer. Not as happy as Aunt Sarah will be to receive her share, I'm sure. Don't you just love my kitchen wallpaper. You don't? You aren't the only one. I really like, but I sure got some interesting comments when I picked it out - 18 years ago. I still like it, but wouldn't mind a change. Not today though. Too much else on my plate.
---4---
I call this one Chickens in Philodendrons. I was halfway hoping that these huge monsters (the plants, not the chickens) would not survive the big freeze we had last winter. They have come back to their full glory. Given the amount of shade we have in the yard, I should complain. They are pretty. They are just so huge!
---5---
I don't know if you can tell, but here is a portion of our habanero crop. They haven't started turning yet. This is as far as I take them. Well, I'll pick them. After that, Hubs is on his own.
---6---
And would you look at that. The bougainvillea has returned. It's not as huge as it was, but it is coming along.
---7---
We are getting settled into our home classroom. We will begin school in earnest next week. We just sort of eased into it slowly this week. We both have to get used to being on a schedule. Well, more of a schedule. Hopefully a more ordered existence will lead to more ordered posting. : )
See you soon!
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend!
Just in case you were wondering...
...it's still hot here. I took this yesterday when I hopped in the car to pick up The Boy from school.
---2---
Speaking of which, high school seems to agree with him so far. That is a small miracle. If this sentiment lasts, that will be a major miracle.
---3---
I put up the last of the figs yesterday.
Glad to have them out of the freezer. Not as happy as Aunt Sarah will be to receive her share, I'm sure. Don't you just love my kitchen wallpaper. You don't? You aren't the only one. I really like, but I sure got some interesting comments when I picked it out - 18 years ago. I still like it, but wouldn't mind a change. Not today though. Too much else on my plate.---4---
I call this one Chickens in Philodendrons. I was halfway hoping that these huge monsters (the plants, not the chickens) would not survive the big freeze we had last winter. They have come back to their full glory. Given the amount of shade we have in the yard, I should complain. They are pretty. They are just so huge!---5---
I don't know if you can tell, but here is a portion of our habanero crop. They haven't started turning yet. This is as far as I take them. Well, I'll pick them. After that, Hubs is on his own.
---6---
And would you look at that. The bougainvillea has returned. It's not as huge as it was, but it is coming along.
---7---
We are getting settled into our home classroom. We will begin school in earnest next week. We just sort of eased into it slowly this week. We both have to get used to being on a schedule. Well, more of a schedule. Hopefully a more ordered existence will lead to more ordered posting. : )
See you soon!
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, August 13, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 12
---1---
OK. So. How has your summer gone? Mine has gone by. I have talked to several people who have expressed the same sentiment: this summer has had more obligations that most. Everyone has been crazy busy. We are no exception. I don't know what the deal is. My hope is that the school year will somehow provide some order and a chance for recovery. I'm done.
---2---
Tonight is the first leg of my 30-year high school reunion. While I will probably get a kick out of seeing some old(er) faces, what really excites me is my BFF is coming in town and we get to hang out this weekend. I miss her.
---3---
We hatched more butterflies. We have certainly done our part for the butterfly community this year. And we have a lovely flower bed full of milkweed and pentas to help maintain said community. Say hello to one of our hatchlings. The last batch were black-winged swallowtails.
---4---
I got old while I was away, too. While everyone was very generous in their well wishes for my birthday, by far the most fun I had was the night before my actual birthday. My sisters and mother took me out for a night of cupcakes and painting to this fun place I just discovered called Painting With a Twist. You should really check to see if there is one in your area. Such fun. There was one brave man there, but it was total girl fun. They have snacks and you are encouraged to bring your own. Then you paint a masterpiece. Well, sort of. You are guided step by step through painting whatever the selection is for the evening. We did a version of Monet's Poppies. (I typed "poopies" the first time. haha) I was pleasantly surprised at my creation - until I added the poppies. They have a fix it class I may go to and try to do something more with it. It was a hoot and a half anyway and would do it again in a heartbeat. Gaze upon our great works of art.
---5---
In honor of said 30th reunion, some of us have changed our Facebook profile pics to something from high school. This is from my junior year. It is the dress uniform from my high school drill team. We were th
e Bellaire Belles, a drum and bugle corp. I grew up down the street from the high school and spent most of my years listening to the girls practice and dreaming of the day I could join their ranks. When my time came, I had the joy and privilege of playing the snare drum. It was pretty much everything I had dreamed it would be. But then I got bitten by the performance bug. I ditched the Belles my senior year to devote my time to modern dance and drama. And that was fun, too. I am so glad I got to do both. Unlike too many people, I have really fond memories of high school. It was a good time.
---6---
My son announced at the beginning of the summer that he was going to save up to buy a PS3. That's some kind of infernal video gaming device that is more to his liking than the family friendly Wii we have. (Wii we. haha. I have a real potty mouth today.) He got himself a couple of little jobs, so he was on his way. He now has a new air soft gun, some ammo for said gun, and a new pair of shoes. He has no savings. As you can well imagine, I am shocked beyond belief. Not. This child has never been able to save more than the price of a pack of gum. He will give the money away before he hangs on to it. My daughter, on the other hand, still has some of her birthday money - from last October!! If you can explain this, I am listening.
---7---
The heat is oppressive. I am doing my very best to not complain as we had a wretchedly cold winter. I don't want another one of those. I would much rather suffer by the pool than suffer huddled next to the space heater. And I have about decided that having a generous neighbor with a pool is better than having a pool yourself. Fortunately, we have that. I hope my kids appreciate them as much as I do.
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary. (Correction: Conversion Diary usually hosts. Today it's Betty Beguiles.)
Have a great weekend!
OK. So. How has your summer gone? Mine has gone by. I have talked to several people who have expressed the same sentiment: this summer has had more obligations that most. Everyone has been crazy busy. We are no exception. I don't know what the deal is. My hope is that the school year will somehow provide some order and a chance for recovery. I'm done.
---2---
Tonight is the first leg of my 30-year high school reunion. While I will probably get a kick out of seeing some old(er) faces, what really excites me is my BFF is coming in town and we get to hang out this weekend. I miss her.
---3---
We hatched more butterflies. We have certainly done our part for the butterfly community this year. And we have a lovely flower bed full of milkweed and pentas to help maintain said community. Say hello to one of our hatchlings. The last batch were black-winged swallowtails.
---4---
I got old while I was away, too. While everyone was very generous in their well wishes for my birthday, by far the most fun I had was the night before my actual birthday. My sisters and mother took me out for a night of cupcakes and painting to this fun place I just discovered called Painting With a Twist. You should really check to see if there is one in your area. Such fun. There was one brave man there, but it was total girl fun. They have snacks and you are encouraged to bring your own. Then you paint a masterpiece. Well, sort of. You are guided step by step through painting whatever the selection is for the evening. We did a version of Monet's Poppies. (I typed "poopies" the first time. haha) I was pleasantly surprised at my creation - until I added the poppies. They have a fix it class I may go to and try to do something more with it. It was a hoot and a half anyway and would do it again in a heartbeat. Gaze upon our great works of art.
---5---
In honor of said 30th reunion, some of us have changed our Facebook profile pics to something from high school. This is from my junior year. It is the dress uniform from my high school drill team. We were th
e Bellaire Belles, a drum and bugle corp. I grew up down the street from the high school and spent most of my years listening to the girls practice and dreaming of the day I could join their ranks. When my time came, I had the joy and privilege of playing the snare drum. It was pretty much everything I had dreamed it would be. But then I got bitten by the performance bug. I ditched the Belles my senior year to devote my time to modern dance and drama. And that was fun, too. I am so glad I got to do both. Unlike too many people, I have really fond memories of high school. It was a good time.---6---
My son announced at the beginning of the summer that he was going to save up to buy a PS3. That's some kind of infernal video gaming device that is more to his liking than the family friendly Wii we have. (Wii we. haha. I have a real potty mouth today.) He got himself a couple of little jobs, so he was on his way. He now has a new air soft gun, some ammo for said gun, and a new pair of shoes. He has no savings. As you can well imagine, I am shocked beyond belief. Not. This child has never been able to save more than the price of a pack of gum. He will give the money away before he hangs on to it. My daughter, on the other hand, still has some of her birthday money - from last October!! If you can explain this, I am listening.
---7---
The heat is oppressive. I am doing my very best to not complain as we had a wretchedly cold winter. I don't want another one of those. I would much rather suffer by the pool than suffer huddled next to the space heater. And I have about decided that having a generous neighbor with a pool is better than having a pool yourself. Fortunately, we have that. I hope my kids appreciate them as much as I do.
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary. (Correction: Conversion Diary usually hosts. Today it's Betty Beguiles.)
Have a great weekend!
Friday, July 9, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 11
---1---While the garden has mixed results this year, one thing we have been able to grow is butterflies.
The girl has always wanted to get one of those kits where you order caterpillars in the mail and watch the miracle of transformation in the comfort of your own home. I try to avoid such things opting for viewing creatures in their natural state as much as possible.
We decided to plant a butterfly garden. Our local mega-nursery puts all their plants on sale at 50% off at the beginning of the summer. We went and bought a bunch of milkweed plants in hopes of attracting a few monarchs.
Turns out, we didn't need to attract them. As we were standing in line at the checkout desk, my observant little one noticed a very small caterpillar down near the roots of one of the plants. We even found a few more when we got them home. As you can well imagine, not all the plants made it into the yard. We kept 2 back to set up our butterfly habitat in the living room. We successfully hatched two Monarch butterflies. It was every bit as exciting as she hoped it would be.
---2---
It was so exciting that when we found the bounty of black winged swallowtail caterpillars munching on my parsley, we brought them in and started afresh with our butterfly project. We have three plump and juicy and very pretty caterpillars happily munching on flat-leafed parsley.
---3---
As if the Butterfly Project wasn't enough, we also have a little bowl of tadpoles. We have already released one. Despite the fact that we have had nearly endless rain for over a week, we actually got these guys from the neighborhood nursery. They have several ponds full of tadpoles and offered them to anyone willing to take them. Never ones to turn away free creatures, we came home with a cup full of them.
---4---
Speaking of rain, oh. my. goodness. We were in drought condition a couple of weeks ago. We have already gotten more rain in the first week of July than we usually get in the whole month of July. It started with Alex. He was way south of here, but he spread those rain bands wide and we benefited from them. Tropical Depression #2 came ashore yesterday, I believe. That brought even more rain. I'm not really complaining ... yet. We needed the rain so badly and it has really dropped the temperatures. But I am about ready for a few days of dry weather.
---5---
Did you have a nice 4th? We went up to my uncle's lake house for our usual excitement. although the day started with rain, it cleared up nicely. There was jet-skiing and fireworks and oh, so much food. It was nice to see everyone, too. And sunsets one the lake aren't too shabby.
---6---
My boy is away again this week. He'll be back tomorrow. He's camping with the Boy Scouts. I'm trying to get used to not being in contact with him for days at a time. This should be the last time he's away this summer. It's hard growing babies.
---7---
While he is away, we have a friend of my daughter's staying with us. Yes, for the whole week. She used to live in the neighborhood, but moved to a Houston suburb last summer. It's not the first time she has stayed with us, but it has been the longest. It has been a great time for my girl. They have so much fun together. But we have both learned how set in our ways we are. Having someone around all the time who doesn't necesarily do things the way you do is ... um ... a learning experience.
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, July 2, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 10
---1---
The green beans were a bust. The tomatoes, only so-so. But man, I can grow some basil. I made the yummy pesto again this week. It was every bit as delicious as I remember it.
---2---
It's fig season. I do OK with figs, too. Every day I go out and pick a peck or two. I'm going to make a quick batch this weekend to send to my father-in-law. He looks forward to the fig preserves each year more than anyone I know. He's 82 now, so I'm glad to do whatever I can to make his days sweeter.
---3---
His sister, our Aunt Sarah, will be celebrating her 87th birthday tomorrow. I don't know who is more impressed with that: me or Sarah herself. Wow. She's still going great guns. Her eyesight is not what she would like, but she keeps plugging along.
---4---
So I'm going to try to expand the Christmas decoration business this year. It has been occupying a great deal of the space in my mind lately. I need to hop to it if I'm going to get people on board before I actually have to start decorating. Pray for my planning. And my sanity.
---5---
My boy went on his first mission trip a couple of weeks ago. By all accounts, he was a hard worker. He painted a house. With others, of course. They were in New Mexico and were treated to a performance by Pueblo Indians.
It is very hard for me to see my boy as old enough to start having the kind of experiences he is starting to have. I was just his age when the world started opening up to me. I want it for him, but I just can't believe my baby is not a baby anymore. He's still so young in so many ways. But I am so anxious to see the man he will become.
---6---
Speaking of not accepting growth, have you seen Toy Story 3? I won't tell you anything about it other than I loved it and sobbed more at that movie than I have at any movie in recent memory. If you have kids, especially ones that grew up watching Toy Story, it will hit a place in your heart. It's also very. funny. Go see it.
---7---
I hope Alex didn't cause anyone too much grief. I totally have enjoyed the breezes, rain, and cooler temps we have experienced this week as a result of the faraway storm. It has been a blessed relief from a very hot summer.
Have a good weekend. Got any plans for the 4th?
The green beans were a bust. The tomatoes, only so-so. But man, I can grow some basil. I made the yummy pesto again this week. It was every bit as delicious as I remember it.
---2---
It's fig season. I do OK with figs, too. Every day I go out and pick a peck or two. I'm going to make a quick batch this weekend to send to my father-in-law. He looks forward to the fig preserves each year more than anyone I know. He's 82 now, so I'm glad to do whatever I can to make his days sweeter.
---3---
His sister, our Aunt Sarah, will be celebrating her 87th birthday tomorrow. I don't know who is more impressed with that: me or Sarah herself. Wow. She's still going great guns. Her eyesight is not what she would like, but she keeps plugging along.
---4---
So I'm going to try to expand the Christmas decoration business this year. It has been occupying a great deal of the space in my mind lately. I need to hop to it if I'm going to get people on board before I actually have to start decorating. Pray for my planning. And my sanity.
---5---
My boy went on his first mission trip a couple of weeks ago. By all accounts, he was a hard worker. He painted a house. With others, of course. They were in New Mexico and were treated to a performance by Pueblo Indians.
It is very hard for me to see my boy as old enough to start having the kind of experiences he is starting to have. I was just his age when the world started opening up to me. I want it for him, but I just can't believe my baby is not a baby anymore. He's still so young in so many ways. But I am so anxious to see the man he will become.
---6---
Speaking of not accepting growth, have you seen Toy Story 3? I won't tell you anything about it other than I loved it and sobbed more at that movie than I have at any movie in recent memory. If you have kids, especially ones that grew up watching Toy Story, it will hit a place in your heart. It's also very. funny. Go see it.
---7---
I hope Alex didn't cause anyone too much grief. I totally have enjoyed the breezes, rain, and cooler temps we have experienced this week as a result of the faraway storm. It has been a blessed relief from a very hot summer.
Have a good weekend. Got any plans for the 4th?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 9
1
I have decided that my son doesn't have a single OCD bone in his body. As most of my skeleton and a few other vital parts are heavily OCD, you can imagine my stress. Who opens a Kool-Aid package from the bottom? Seriously? One of us needs some serious help and I think you know which one.
2
Our weather has been nothing short of stunning lately. However, we are beginning to miss rain. Well, I am anyway. I am tired of the coating of pollen on everything and tired of my husband's sniffling and sneezing. Not to mention dragging the hose all over the yard.
3
The hose dragging is in an effort to keep all of my baby tomatoes growing as they should. They are just darling. I have such high hopes for their future. And the basil is taking off already. Oh, and the beans are sending up little tendrils. Spring is already looking much better than fall. We'll have to wait and see.
4
I am sooo very excited. One of my dearest friends has a contract on a house almost across the street from me. While I am friendly with my neighbors, I haven't had a real friend in my neighborhood since before I was married. I'm trying to hold off celebrating too much because it ain't over till it's over. Something could always go wrong. But so far, it is looking like it's going to work out.
5
I love Missy. She tells it like it is whether it is about cute, white mules for Easter or something far more serious. Yesterday she had some mighty powerful words to say. You can take a look at them here. All I can add is, "Amen!"
6
We are going to be in the Art Car Parade again this year. I'm thinking we will make it more of a party this year as it is on my son's 15th birthday. If you are in Houston on May 8th, come stop by for a cupcake.
7
I wish I could think of something fabulous to share for a number 7, but I'm empty. I'll try to be more interesting next week. : )
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend!
I have decided that my son doesn't have a single OCD bone in his body. As most of my skeleton and a few other vital parts are heavily OCD, you can imagine my stress. Who opens a Kool-Aid package from the bottom? Seriously? One of us needs some serious help and I think you know which one.
2
Our weather has been nothing short of stunning lately. However, we are beginning to miss rain. Well, I am anyway. I am tired of the coating of pollen on everything and tired of my husband's sniffling and sneezing. Not to mention dragging the hose all over the yard.
3
The hose dragging is in an effort to keep all of my baby tomatoes growing as they should. They are just darling. I have such high hopes for their future. And the basil is taking off already. Oh, and the beans are sending up little tendrils. Spring is already looking much better than fall. We'll have to wait and see.
4
I am sooo very excited. One of my dearest friends has a contract on a house almost across the street from me. While I am friendly with my neighbors, I haven't had a real friend in my neighborhood since before I was married. I'm trying to hold off celebrating too much because it ain't over till it's over. Something could always go wrong. But so far, it is looking like it's going to work out.
5
I love Missy. She tells it like it is whether it is about cute, white mules for Easter or something far more serious. Yesterday she had some mighty powerful words to say. You can take a look at them here. All I can add is, "Amen!"
6
We are going to be in the Art Car Parade again this year. I'm thinking we will make it more of a party this year as it is on my son's 15th birthday. If you are in Houston on May 8th, come stop by for a cupcake.
7
I wish I could think of something fabulous to share for a number 7, but I'm empty. I'll try to be more interesting next week. : )
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, April 9, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday
---1---
So...it seems that I have forgotten that I have a blog. I will try to remedy that over the next few days. I don't think I have been excessively busy. Just a little distracted.
---2---
There have been illnesses. Most recently of the spring cold variety exacerbated by the pollen. We have an excessive amount of tree pollen right now and a limited amount of rain to wash it out of the air. It has been a dry spring at my house. But the weather has been beyond glorious, so it is hard to complain.
---3---
I also had an attack of Meniere's. I haven't written much about this condition I deal with, mostly because it has been quite a while since I have experienced the most annoying of symptoms - vertigo. That experience requires a post of its own, so I won't elaborate now.
---4---
The pecan trees did finally bud. I was beginning to wonder if they ever would. They are smart little boogers. The don't leaf until the danger of frost has past. They have only been showing signs of life for a couple of weeks now. I can now breathe a sigh of relief that we are, in fact, done with winter. Can I hear an amen?!
---5---
One of the things that has distracted me is my yard. My son is a Boy Scout and in need of merit badges. When I discovered there was a gardening merit badge, I decided to take full advantage of that situation. We are nearing completion of a nice water feature for our yard. He also has helped me dig out some beds and plant some flowers and vegetables. I'll try to get some pictures up soon.
---6---
I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it seems that the enormous split leaf philodendrons that have taken over certain parts of our yard are coming back. They were decimated in the freeze. Nothing but stumps sticking up in areas that were previously completely covered in foliage. I was thinking it might be nice to rip them out and try something new, but they are back. I'm sure it will take them awhile to regain their former glory, but they are all sprouting new leaves.
---7---
Don't ever ask me to do anything for you that might require a hot glue gun. I get waaay carried away. Aunt Sarah asked me to decorate a straw hat that she bought at the dollar store. She wanted it to match her Easter dress. Heaven help me. I must post pictures of the thing. I didn't like the color of it, so I completely covered it with satin and stuff. I didn't buy a thing. My baby girl has been every sort of fairy and princess over the last few years. I have tulle and satin and silk flowers and ribbons and feathers and most of them are now glued on aunt Sarah's hat. She deemed it "gorgeous" and won herself first prize at her building's Easter parade. Can't do much better than that.
What have you been up to?
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
So...it seems that I have forgotten that I have a blog. I will try to remedy that over the next few days. I don't think I have been excessively busy. Just a little distracted.
---2---
There have been illnesses. Most recently of the spring cold variety exacerbated by the pollen. We have an excessive amount of tree pollen right now and a limited amount of rain to wash it out of the air. It has been a dry spring at my house. But the weather has been beyond glorious, so it is hard to complain.
---3---
I also had an attack of Meniere's. I haven't written much about this condition I deal with, mostly because it has been quite a while since I have experienced the most annoying of symptoms - vertigo. That experience requires a post of its own, so I won't elaborate now.
---4---
The pecan trees did finally bud. I was beginning to wonder if they ever would. They are smart little boogers. The don't leaf until the danger of frost has past. They have only been showing signs of life for a couple of weeks now. I can now breathe a sigh of relief that we are, in fact, done with winter. Can I hear an amen?!
---5---
One of the things that has distracted me is my yard. My son is a Boy Scout and in need of merit badges. When I discovered there was a gardening merit badge, I decided to take full advantage of that situation. We are nearing completion of a nice water feature for our yard. He also has helped me dig out some beds and plant some flowers and vegetables. I'll try to get some pictures up soon.
---6---
I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it seems that the enormous split leaf philodendrons that have taken over certain parts of our yard are coming back. They were decimated in the freeze. Nothing but stumps sticking up in areas that were previously completely covered in foliage. I was thinking it might be nice to rip them out and try something new, but they are back. I'm sure it will take them awhile to regain their former glory, but they are all sprouting new leaves.
---7---
Don't ever ask me to do anything for you that might require a hot glue gun. I get waaay carried away. Aunt Sarah asked me to decorate a straw hat that she bought at the dollar store. She wanted it to match her Easter dress. Heaven help me. I must post pictures of the thing. I didn't like the color of it, so I completely covered it with satin and stuff. I didn't buy a thing. My baby girl has been every sort of fairy and princess over the last few years. I have tulle and satin and silk flowers and ribbons and feathers and most of them are now glued on aunt Sarah's hat. She deemed it "gorgeous" and won herself first prize at her building's Easter parade. Can't do much better than that.
What have you been up to?
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Friday, February 26, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday
---1---
The weather is starting to change. While our nights have still been either cold or freezing, the days are sunnier and warmer.
I know I seem inordinately concerned about the weather, but these 3 months are some of the longest for me. This winter has been particularly cold and cloudy.
---2---
I read The Apothecary's Daughter this week. Maria recommended it. I am recommending it myself now. It was just a lovely book. Very Jane Austen-y. I couldn't put it down. If you need something to transport you to another place in time, this is a good fix for you.
---3---
Our laptop is dead. I really think it is the switch. It was giving us trouble and only coming on occasionally. I got to where I just left it on all the time. Every now and again it would get tired and turn itself off. The last time it did that it just never came back on. I am mourning it's loss. One of my favorite things to do is curl up in bed and surf the net. It can't really do that with my pc. : (
---4---
This week was my baby sister's birthday. She and my brother are 2 weeks shy of being a year apart. February is a busy month for us. I felt like such a dork. She lives and dies by texting, so I sent her a happy birthday text and told her I would call her later. Well, later never came. I ended up sending her an e-mail in the middle of the night. The next morning I looked at my phone and had a message. (I don't spend a lot of time on my cell. I usually just keep it in my purse unless it is being charged.) It was from a friend of mine who apparently I wished a happy birthday the day before. Awesome. Not only am I so lame I couldn't get around to calling my sister on her birthday, I couldn't even text her.
---5---
The book I'm supposedly reading now is called The Shack by William Young. It's actually been on my bedside table since early last summer. I pulled it out when I finished my last book. I'm stuck. I know what is supposed to happen next and I'm not sure if I want to read it. The youngest daughter of the man in the book is about to be kidnapped and murdered. I don't know if I am up to reading it. I have a young daughter. I'm not sure if I want those images in my head, no matter how the story ends. I have enough disturbing information from the news and life in a big city. Has anyone read it? Do you have any advice or opinions on the book?
---6---
I know this will probably surprise you, but apparently I frustrate my 14-year-old son on a regular basis.
---7---
Bible study got canceled this week because we had a possibility of icy conditions. As sad as I was to miss, I was secretly a little excited that I may have a chance of getting caught up on my homework.
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend!
The weather is starting to change. While our nights have still been either cold or freezing, the days are sunnier and warmer.
I know I seem inordinately concerned about the weather, but these 3 months are some of the longest for me. This winter has been particularly cold and cloudy.
---2---
I read The Apothecary's Daughter this week. Maria recommended it. I am recommending it myself now. It was just a lovely book. Very Jane Austen-y. I couldn't put it down. If you need something to transport you to another place in time, this is a good fix for you.
---3---
Our laptop is dead. I really think it is the switch. It was giving us trouble and only coming on occasionally. I got to where I just left it on all the time. Every now and again it would get tired and turn itself off. The last time it did that it just never came back on. I am mourning it's loss. One of my favorite things to do is curl up in bed and surf the net. It can't really do that with my pc. : (
---4---
This week was my baby sister's birthday. She and my brother are 2 weeks shy of being a year apart. February is a busy month for us. I felt like such a dork. She lives and dies by texting, so I sent her a happy birthday text and told her I would call her later. Well, later never came. I ended up sending her an e-mail in the middle of the night. The next morning I looked at my phone and had a message. (I don't spend a lot of time on my cell. I usually just keep it in my purse unless it is being charged.) It was from a friend of mine who apparently I wished a happy birthday the day before. Awesome. Not only am I so lame I couldn't get around to calling my sister on her birthday, I couldn't even text her.
---5---
The book I'm supposedly reading now is called The Shack by William Young. It's actually been on my bedside table since early last summer. I pulled it out when I finished my last book. I'm stuck. I know what is supposed to happen next and I'm not sure if I want to read it. The youngest daughter of the man in the book is about to be kidnapped and murdered. I don't know if I am up to reading it. I have a young daughter. I'm not sure if I want those images in my head, no matter how the story ends. I have enough disturbing information from the news and life in a big city. Has anyone read it? Do you have any advice or opinions on the book?
---6---
I know this will probably surprise you, but apparently I frustrate my 14-year-old son on a regular basis.
---7---
Bible study got canceled this week because we had a possibility of icy conditions. As sad as I was to miss, I was secretly a little excited that I may have a chance of getting caught up on my homework.
For more Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, February 19, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday
---1---
Guess who came to visit this week. The Sun!!! I can't tell you what a difference it made it my attitude and energy level. We have still had very cold nights and not quite warm enough to suit me days, but sunny cold days are a whole different animal than cloudy cold days.
---2---
I'm feeling all kinds of validated. I took the girl in for a dental check-up this week. I have talked about the problems we have had with her teeth. He molars came in without enamel. The poor thing has already had extensive dental work. Somewhere along the way we discovered xylitol. We do not use any fluoride at all. Her toothpaste has xylitol in it and I mix it into her chocolate milk as well. Her dentist gave her a high five and told her everything looked good. The work previously done is still holding and there are no new issues. Yeah!!
---3---
We made sugar cookies for Valentine's this year. They were so yummy and so cute. I always dread making these cookies as I remember it being such a pain. Funny, but every time we actually make them, I'm surprised at how easy it is. I need to try to remember that part because my baby girl loves to decorate cookies.
---4---
I miss Lent. The church we are going to now doesn't have much in the way of observances or celebrations. No Ash Wednesday service. We would never have known it was Palm Sunday except that our wall calendar said it was. I miss that.
We went to a different church this past Sunday because it was Scout Sunday. The church we visited was much more liturgical and traditional. I liked it. Oddly, the congregation is much more liberal than I am comfortable with, so there will be no talk of heading over there, but it made me think again at how much I am missing some aspects of worship.
---5---
Speaking of Scouts, did you know that the Boy Scouts of America are celebrating their 100th anniversary? Pretty cool.
---6---
Are you watching the Olympics? I have to confess that I haven't watched a blessed thing. I know how pitiful that sounds, but I just haven't. I have friends who are glued to the TV at this time.
A friend lent us the entire collection of Stargate the series on dvd. The kids and I have been hooked on that. (My husband has already seen all of them.) That's pretty much it for us these days. What are we missing?
---7---
I have been watching the pecan trees. Still nothing. They don't typically start to bud until after the danger of frost has passed. Just the same, I just may venture into the yard this weekend. There is so much that needs to be cleaned out and trimmed back. My cauliflower is still happy and I saw a little something on one of the broccoli plants. And I want to get some tomatoes in the ground. I'll let you know how it goes.
Have a great weekend. For 7 Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Guess who came to visit this week. The Sun!!! I can't tell you what a difference it made it my attitude and energy level. We have still had very cold nights and not quite warm enough to suit me days, but sunny cold days are a whole different animal than cloudy cold days.
---2---
I'm feeling all kinds of validated. I took the girl in for a dental check-up this week. I have talked about the problems we have had with her teeth. He molars came in without enamel. The poor thing has already had extensive dental work. Somewhere along the way we discovered xylitol. We do not use any fluoride at all. Her toothpaste has xylitol in it and I mix it into her chocolate milk as well. Her dentist gave her a high five and told her everything looked good. The work previously done is still holding and there are no new issues. Yeah!!
---3---
We made sugar cookies for Valentine's this year. They were so yummy and so cute. I always dread making these cookies as I remember it being such a pain. Funny, but every time we actually make them, I'm surprised at how easy it is. I need to try to remember that part because my baby girl loves to decorate cookies.
---4---
I miss Lent. The church we are going to now doesn't have much in the way of observances or celebrations. No Ash Wednesday service. We would never have known it was Palm Sunday except that our wall calendar said it was. I miss that.
We went to a different church this past Sunday because it was Scout Sunday. The church we visited was much more liturgical and traditional. I liked it. Oddly, the congregation is much more liberal than I am comfortable with, so there will be no talk of heading over there, but it made me think again at how much I am missing some aspects of worship.
---5---
Speaking of Scouts, did you know that the Boy Scouts of America are celebrating their 100th anniversary? Pretty cool.
---6---
Are you watching the Olympics? I have to confess that I haven't watched a blessed thing. I know how pitiful that sounds, but I just haven't. I have friends who are glued to the TV at this time.
A friend lent us the entire collection of Stargate the series on dvd. The kids and I have been hooked on that. (My husband has already seen all of them.) That's pretty much it for us these days. What are we missing?
---7---
I have been watching the pecan trees. Still nothing. They don't typically start to bud until after the danger of frost has passed. Just the same, I just may venture into the yard this weekend. There is so much that needs to be cleaned out and trimmed back. My cauliflower is still happy and I saw a little something on one of the broccoli plants. And I want to get some tomatoes in the ground. I'll let you know how it goes.
Have a great weekend. For 7 Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Friday, February 12, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday
----1----
Sinus headaches are the pits.
----2----
This week our little homeschool group went to see the Narnia exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Can I just say again how in love I am with the Narnia series? I didn't read them as a child. The first time I read the books was to my kids. I immediately fell in love with them. I don't know if I would have gotten as much out of them as a child as I did as an adult, but they really spoke to me. The scene in Prince Caspian where Aslan is talking to Lucy about not following him because the other kids gave her a hard time brought me to tears. I get misty just thinking about it.
The exhibit was cool. Of course, going with kids meant that I didn't get to linger over things as much as I would have liked, but it was good just the same. There were quite a few things from the movies there. The costumes are amazing. So much detail. The weaponry and props as well.
If you have a chance to go see the exhibit, go. You will even get to see C.S. Lewis' actual wardrobe. (Not nearly as grand as the one in the movie.)
----3----
It's cold. Not 20 inches deep in snow cold, but wet, nasty cold just the same. Last night I made one of my all time favorite soups. It helped. I haven't shared a recipe here in awhile, so here you go. My gift to you:
Chicken Tortilla Soup
(adapted from the Mansion on Turtle Creek Cookbook)
----5----
Bible Study is good for both my mind and my soul.
----6----
My baby brother turned 37 this week. He's 11 years younger than I am. When your baby brother is closing in hard and fast on 40, it makes you feel a little older than you want to feel.
----7----
As you can tell, it's been a slow week. I think we are all suffering from seasonal affective disorder or depression or it's just too dang cold and we're sick of it disorder. I couldn't be more ready for spring. It's not even so much the cold as we have had so few sunny days. I need sun. I'm solar powered. : )
Have a lovely weekend.
For more quick takes, hop on over to Conversion Diary.
Sinus headaches are the pits.
----2----
This week our little homeschool group went to see the Narnia exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Can I just say again how in love I am with the Narnia series? I didn't read them as a child. The first time I read the books was to my kids. I immediately fell in love with them. I don't know if I would have gotten as much out of them as a child as I did as an adult, but they really spoke to me. The scene in Prince Caspian where Aslan is talking to Lucy about not following him because the other kids gave her a hard time brought me to tears. I get misty just thinking about it.
The exhibit was cool. Of course, going with kids meant that I didn't get to linger over things as much as I would have liked, but it was good just the same. There were quite a few things from the movies there. The costumes are amazing. So much detail. The weaponry and props as well.
If you have a chance to go see the exhibit, go. You will even get to see C.S. Lewis' actual wardrobe. (Not nearly as grand as the one in the movie.)
----3----
It's cold. Not 20 inches deep in snow cold, but wet, nasty cold just the same. Last night I made one of my all time favorite soups. It helped. I haven't shared a recipe here in awhile, so here you go. My gift to you:
Chicken Tortilla Soup
(adapted from the Mansion on Turtle Creek Cookbook)
3 T oil
4 corn tortilla - cut into small squares
6 garlic cloves – finely chopped
1 T chopped, fresh cilantro
1 C fresh finely chopped fresh onion
1 can crushed tomatoes, pureed
1 T cumin powder
2 t chili powder
2 bay leaves
2 qts. chicken stock
2 chicken breasts cooked and cubed o
Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
Optional: cubed avocado, shredded or cubed cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Heat oil in large saucepan. Sauté tortilla with garlic, cilantro, and onion. Add tomato puree and bring to a boil. Add cumin, chili powder, bay leaves, chicken, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, stirring frequently.
Garnish with avocado, cheese, and tortilla chips. Serves 8-10.
----4----
----5----
Bible Study is good for both my mind and my soul.
----6----
My baby brother turned 37 this week. He's 11 years younger than I am. When your baby brother is closing in hard and fast on 40, it makes you feel a little older than you want to feel.
----7----
As you can tell, it's been a slow week. I think we are all suffering from seasonal affective disorder or depression or it's just too dang cold and we're sick of it disorder. I couldn't be more ready for spring. It's not even so much the cold as we have had so few sunny days. I need sun. I'm solar powered. : )
Have a lovely weekend.
For more quick takes, hop on over to Conversion Diary.
Friday, January 29, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday
---1---
How did we get to the end of January? I mean, come on. Isn't it bad enough that it is 2010! I'm just saying.
---2---
Bible Study with Beth started up again this week. This spring we are doing A Heart Like His. It is a study of David. For those of you who don't know, I get together with about 3,000 of my best girlfriends and we meet on Tuesday nights to study God's Word. Jesus and girlfriends. It doesn't get much better than that. Only this week I didn't go. : (
All day I kept telling myself, "You can do this." But the closer it got to time to leave, my body kept saying, "You can't do this." I'm not saying I was sick. OK, maybe I am. I had a scratchy throat and was so tired and achy. No fever though. I just wanted to sleep. And breathe. Breathing is good.
Thankfully, Beth is kind enough to offer make-ups, so I won't miss out on anything.
---3---
We live in a two story house. The den is upstairs. When my children we very small, I remember carrying trays of snacks up to them and consciously thinking, "Should I be doing this? Am I totally spoiling them?" I even expressed this concern to a friend of mine who said, "Maybe they will bring trays to their children."
While I wasn't down for the count this week, my activity level was not what it usually is. In their constant quest to be as different as possible, here is how my children responded to this.
My daughter: brings me a tray with hot tea and toast.
My son: comes to my bedside at 9:30 in the evening and asks me if I could please go make him a roast sandwich.
---4---
We are experiencing another cold snap. We have been told not to cut back the dead stuff on the previously damaged plants until the danger of frost has past. I guess we want to make sure things are good and dead before we remove them. I'm really looking forward to it though. I'm all about fresh starts and new beginnings. Monday is my favorite day of the week. I love the idea of having another chance to get it right. I'm excited about the day when not only I will feel well enough to do it, but the weather will be warm enough. I love new green things sprouting in my yard.
---5---
The church we have been going to has been without a head pastor for 18 months. Sunday the Pastor Nominating Committee is introducing the candidate they have chosen. I'm very anxious to see what direction they are hoping to lead the church. We are not officially members there and have been kind of waiting, not only on our potential move, but also to see how this church is wanting to change. They are at a real crossroads. Many things have changed there in the last couple of years. There is an opportunity to reinvent themselves, to become a vital part of the community. I hope they are willing to seize that chance and be bold for Christ.
---6---
It is official. Despite having no appetite, I chose to eat anyway during my illness. And usually my choices were not good. That brings me to an official 10 pounds I have gained. OK. Next week, we begin in earnest.
---7---
And why can't I learn this lesson for good? You know, my family wants to eat every night. Every. Night. I go through these periods when I just can't think of what to make for dinner. I struggle mightily with finding something that will satisfy both me and them.
Last week I made a list of all the possible dinners we had everything in the house to make. I posted it on my fridge. Every day I was able to make a decision based on that list. It made everything so easy.
This is not the first time I have done this. I get the same result every time. Yet. Yet I never do it for more than a couple of weeks before I fall back into my pattern of not knowing what to cook for dinner. I'm going to try harder this time. Really, I am! Maybe it will keep me better organized, more cheerful around dinner, and help with those 10 pounds. Maybe.
For more 7 Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a good weekend!
How did we get to the end of January? I mean, come on. Isn't it bad enough that it is 2010! I'm just saying.
---2---
Bible Study with Beth started up again this week. This spring we are doing A Heart Like His. It is a study of David. For those of you who don't know, I get together with about 3,000 of my best girlfriends and we meet on Tuesday nights to study God's Word. Jesus and girlfriends. It doesn't get much better than that. Only this week I didn't go. : (
All day I kept telling myself, "You can do this." But the closer it got to time to leave, my body kept saying, "You can't do this." I'm not saying I was sick. OK, maybe I am. I had a scratchy throat and was so tired and achy. No fever though. I just wanted to sleep. And breathe. Breathing is good.
Thankfully, Beth is kind enough to offer make-ups, so I won't miss out on anything.
---3---
We live in a two story house. The den is upstairs. When my children we very small, I remember carrying trays of snacks up to them and consciously thinking, "Should I be doing this? Am I totally spoiling them?" I even expressed this concern to a friend of mine who said, "Maybe they will bring trays to their children."
While I wasn't down for the count this week, my activity level was not what it usually is. In their constant quest to be as different as possible, here is how my children responded to this.
My daughter: brings me a tray with hot tea and toast.
My son: comes to my bedside at 9:30 in the evening and asks me if I could please go make him a roast sandwich.
---4---
We are experiencing another cold snap. We have been told not to cut back the dead stuff on the previously damaged plants until the danger of frost has past. I guess we want to make sure things are good and dead before we remove them. I'm really looking forward to it though. I'm all about fresh starts and new beginnings. Monday is my favorite day of the week. I love the idea of having another chance to get it right. I'm excited about the day when not only I will feel well enough to do it, but the weather will be warm enough. I love new green things sprouting in my yard.
---5---
The church we have been going to has been without a head pastor for 18 months. Sunday the Pastor Nominating Committee is introducing the candidate they have chosen. I'm very anxious to see what direction they are hoping to lead the church. We are not officially members there and have been kind of waiting, not only on our potential move, but also to see how this church is wanting to change. They are at a real crossroads. Many things have changed there in the last couple of years. There is an opportunity to reinvent themselves, to become a vital part of the community. I hope they are willing to seize that chance and be bold for Christ.
---6---
It is official. Despite having no appetite, I chose to eat anyway during my illness. And usually my choices were not good. That brings me to an official 10 pounds I have gained. OK. Next week, we begin in earnest.
---7---
And why can't I learn this lesson for good? You know, my family wants to eat every night. Every. Night. I go through these periods when I just can't think of what to make for dinner. I struggle mightily with finding something that will satisfy both me and them.
Last week I made a list of all the possible dinners we had everything in the house to make. I posted it on my fridge. Every day I was able to make a decision based on that list. It made everything so easy.
This is not the first time I have done this. I get the same result every time. Yet. Yet I never do it for more than a couple of weeks before I fall back into my pattern of not knowing what to cook for dinner. I'm going to try harder this time. Really, I am! Maybe it will keep me better organized, more cheerful around dinner, and help with those 10 pounds. Maybe.
For more 7 Quick Takes, head over to Conversion Diary.
Have a good weekend!
Friday, January 22, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday
---1---
I had the most fun Tuesday night. I got to meet up with a bunch of Houston's lady bloggers. Missy over at It's Almost Naptime and Amy at Mom's Toolbox hosted (hostessed?) the event at a local restaurant. There were so many fun ladies there. We had a great time. If you want to see the crowd, check out these links:
Missy
Michelle
Beth
---2---
I also got to get together with some old friends on Saturday night. One of the ladies I go to Beth's Tuesday Night Bible Study with married off one of her daughter's. Her husband played guitar in our band for, what, 18 years. We've known the family for years and love them dearly. It was like old home week. In addition to celebrating the happy couple, we got to hug and catch up with some people we haven't seen in too long. It was lovely.
---3---
They're back!!! I have been forced to accept the fact that I have put on weight. I have gained a good 8 pounds over the last couple of months. I could blame it on Christmas, but I know it started before that.
I have not been very disciplined of late in my eating or exercising. First of all, it's been pretty cold. It's no secret that I'm a weather weenie. I hate the cold and have not been taking my walks. It's warm now, so I have no other excuse than laziness. I need to get on that.
I'm a little extra sensitive to this because a few years back I lost about 45 pounds. I've been really good about keeping them off. Well, except until lately. But I'm working on a plan.
---4---
I have a piece of flair on my Facebook page that reads, "If you met my family you would understand." Truer words were never spoken. That's all I'm saying about that.
---5---
I'm cheap. Like a sickness cheap. Target had these little digital cameras on sale just before Christmas. I went to get one for each of my kids as a Christmas gift. They were out. I got a rain check. They didn't get any more in before Christmas, so I printed out a picture of the cameras and stuck them in my kids' stockings. I'm sorry, but I wasn't going to pay an extra $12 each for something that I could get for the sale price if I was just patient. I realize it was a stretch to ask my kids' to be patient as well, but $24 is $24! Well, they finally came in this week. They got their cameras and all is right with the world. And I got my deal.
---6---
I need a book to read the kids. I have read a lot of novels to them, but the last book I read was a biography of Squanto. I loved it. The kids did, too. It's made me think I want to read more biographies. It has to be something that will hold the attention of both a 14-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl. Any suggestions?
---7---
Completely ignore #3 for a second. I have discovered lemon curd. I mean, I've had it between cake layers before, but I had the opportunity to try it on just plain old toast. It was really good. I love lemon anyway, but this is a lovely new way to experience it. Sadly, I have a fresh jar in my fridge. Must. Start. Walking.
For Quick Takes, hop on over to Conversion Diary.
Have a good weekend!!
I had the most fun Tuesday night. I got to meet up with a bunch of Houston's lady bloggers. Missy over at It's Almost Naptime and Amy at Mom's Toolbox hosted (hostessed?) the event at a local restaurant. There were so many fun ladies there. We had a great time. If you want to see the crowd, check out these links:
Missy
Michelle
Beth
---2---
I also got to get together with some old friends on Saturday night. One of the ladies I go to Beth's Tuesday Night Bible Study with married off one of her daughter's. Her husband played guitar in our band for, what, 18 years. We've known the family for years and love them dearly. It was like old home week. In addition to celebrating the happy couple, we got to hug and catch up with some people we haven't seen in too long. It was lovely.
---3---
They're back!!! I have been forced to accept the fact that I have put on weight. I have gained a good 8 pounds over the last couple of months. I could blame it on Christmas, but I know it started before that.
I have not been very disciplined of late in my eating or exercising. First of all, it's been pretty cold. It's no secret that I'm a weather weenie. I hate the cold and have not been taking my walks. It's warm now, so I have no other excuse than laziness. I need to get on that.
I'm a little extra sensitive to this because a few years back I lost about 45 pounds. I've been really good about keeping them off. Well, except until lately. But I'm working on a plan.
---4---
I have a piece of flair on my Facebook page that reads, "If you met my family you would understand." Truer words were never spoken. That's all I'm saying about that.
---5---
I'm cheap. Like a sickness cheap. Target had these little digital cameras on sale just before Christmas. I went to get one for each of my kids as a Christmas gift. They were out. I got a rain check. They didn't get any more in before Christmas, so I printed out a picture of the cameras and stuck them in my kids' stockings. I'm sorry, but I wasn't going to pay an extra $12 each for something that I could get for the sale price if I was just patient. I realize it was a stretch to ask my kids' to be patient as well, but $24 is $24! Well, they finally came in this week. They got their cameras and all is right with the world. And I got my deal.
---6---
I need a book to read the kids. I have read a lot of novels to them, but the last book I read was a biography of Squanto. I loved it. The kids did, too. It's made me think I want to read more biographies. It has to be something that will hold the attention of both a 14-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl. Any suggestions?
---7---
Completely ignore #3 for a second. I have discovered lemon curd. I mean, I've had it between cake layers before, but I had the opportunity to try it on just plain old toast. It was really good. I love lemon anyway, but this is a lovely new way to experience it. Sadly, I have a fresh jar in my fridge. Must. Start. Walking.
For Quick Takes, hop on over to Conversion Diary.
Have a good weekend!!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday
---1---
The weather is much nicer this week. No arctic blasts. Temps are in the 60's and our beloved humidity is back. I know, those of you who don't live here can not understand our love/hate relationship with humidity. While it makes the hot hotter and the cold colder, it also makes our skin softer and keeps our noses from bleeding. I am a much happier woman this week.
---2---
My yard is a mess. That aforementioned arctic blast trashed all my tropicals. I can't help but wonder which, if any, will experience rebirth in the spring. All may be lost. It could be time for some new landscaping. Or it may be time to just dig out everything. We'll see how I feel when the time comes.
---3---
My friend, Evan, is running the half-marathon this weekend at the Chevron Houston Marathon. Go, Evan, go!!
---4---
I made a batch of Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls for Christmas. Two batches, actually. They were quite yummy. Wendy has posted a recipe change that sounds like it would give them a yummy upgrade. I'm all about tweaking recipes. Check it out.
---5---
A lot of things have been going on with the kids of some old friends of mine: babies, weddings. It has allowed me the opportunity to get together with some people that I haven't seen in too long. It has been fun. It always pleases me to know that when you see people you have a real history with, even if it has been too long since you laid eyes on each other, you can pick up just where you left off. It almost makes me look forward to my 30 year high school reunion this year. : P Has it really been that long?
---6---
I just finished reading Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. Good book. Really enjoyed it. But it was written in the dialogue of turn of the century rural Georgia. Hits all up inside my head now! I have a terrible time talking with someone who has an accent (different from my own). I don't mean any disrespect, I just take it on as my own. I start thinking with an accent. The limited time I spent in England resulted in me thinking with an English accent. Now I'm thinking with a serious Southern drawl. I have some sort of Meryl Streep complex or something. Bothersome.
---7---
Finding seven quick things to write about is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I'm still trying to get back in my groove posting anyway. This is good.
Y'all have a good weekend.
The weather is much nicer this week. No arctic blasts. Temps are in the 60's and our beloved humidity is back. I know, those of you who don't live here can not understand our love/hate relationship with humidity. While it makes the hot hotter and the cold colder, it also makes our skin softer and keeps our noses from bleeding. I am a much happier woman this week.
---2---
My yard is a mess. That aforementioned arctic blast trashed all my tropicals. I can't help but wonder which, if any, will experience rebirth in the spring. All may be lost. It could be time for some new landscaping. Or it may be time to just dig out everything. We'll see how I feel when the time comes.
---3---
My friend, Evan, is running the half-marathon this weekend at the Chevron Houston Marathon. Go, Evan, go!!
---4---
I made a batch of Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls for Christmas. Two batches, actually. They were quite yummy. Wendy has posted a recipe change that sounds like it would give them a yummy upgrade. I'm all about tweaking recipes. Check it out.
---5---
A lot of things have been going on with the kids of some old friends of mine: babies, weddings. It has allowed me the opportunity to get together with some people that I haven't seen in too long. It has been fun. It always pleases me to know that when you see people you have a real history with, even if it has been too long since you laid eyes on each other, you can pick up just where you left off. It almost makes me look forward to my 30 year high school reunion this year. : P Has it really been that long?
---6---
I just finished reading Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. Good book. Really enjoyed it. But it was written in the dialogue of turn of the century rural Georgia. Hits all up inside my head now! I have a terrible time talking with someone who has an accent (different from my own). I don't mean any disrespect, I just take it on as my own. I start thinking with an accent. The limited time I spent in England resulted in me thinking with an English accent. Now I'm thinking with a serious Southern drawl. I have some sort of Meryl Streep complex or something. Bothersome.
---7---
Finding seven quick things to write about is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I'm still trying to get back in my groove posting anyway. This is good.
Y'all have a good weekend.
Friday, January 8, 2010
7 Quick Takes Friday
--- 1 ---
I don't know if any of you ever read Conversion Diary, but it is an interesting place to stop by every now and again. She hosts something called 7 Quick Takes Friday that I thought I might try my hand at, especially since I've been so absent.
--- 2 ---
It is almost the new year here. I always have trouble getting into the whole new year thing until I have wiped Christmas decorations off the map. I have gotten all the wreaths and garlands from the properties I do all put into storage, but I always try to preserve some of the better looking red bows. It makes me feel better not to throw away over $400 worth of red ribbon. I need to string it up in the garage until next year. THEN it will be the new year.
--- 3 ---
Having said that, I am really ready for a new year. I have fallen way off the good health wagon and need to climb back on in the worst way. I am overdue for my yearly checkup and would like to drop the few pounds I added during the last couple of months before I have to weigh in for the record.
--- 4 ---
It's cold. Really, really, really cold. Colder than it has been in 13 years. And I don't like cold. That's all I have to say about that.
--- 5 ---
I just want to give a shout out to God. He does such a great job of taking care of us. I drive a 15-year-old minivan. We knew the transmission was going to go out one day, but we just really didn't have the money to spend on a what if. Well, God timed it so that when it went out we had an able-bodied young man staying with us for an extended period of time who considers such things a fun challenge. He actually asked if he could try and fix it for us. Not only did he do it, but he did it for a fraction of what it would have cost us otherwise. Awesome. And my FIL had an extra car to lend us while such work was being done. Timing is everything and my God has some timing.
--- 6 ---
My baby is growing at an alarming rate. Recently, we discovered that the only pair of shoes that actually fit her are her crocs. Over the course of about a month or so, we got her 3 new pair of shoes.
Do you detect a pattern here? No worries, all of her clothes are pink, too, so they all match.
--- 7 ---
My BFF blazed through town on New Year's Day. We grabbed a cup of hot tea and enjoyed a quick chit-chat. I just love her to death and wanted you to see how cute she is. We made the poor guy at Chick-fil-A take our picture. We really threw him off guard. I hope he has recovered.
Have a happy Friday!
I don't know if any of you ever read Conversion Diary, but it is an interesting place to stop by every now and again. She hosts something called 7 Quick Takes Friday that I thought I might try my hand at, especially since I've been so absent.
--- 2 ---
It is almost the new year here. I always have trouble getting into the whole new year thing until I have wiped Christmas decorations off the map. I have gotten all the wreaths and garlands from the properties I do all put into storage, but I always try to preserve some of the better looking red bows. It makes me feel better not to throw away over $400 worth of red ribbon. I need to string it up in the garage until next year. THEN it will be the new year.
--- 3 ---
Having said that, I am really ready for a new year. I have fallen way off the good health wagon and need to climb back on in the worst way. I am overdue for my yearly checkup and would like to drop the few pounds I added during the last couple of months before I have to weigh in for the record.
--- 4 ---
It's cold. Really, really, really cold. Colder than it has been in 13 years. And I don't like cold. That's all I have to say about that.
--- 5 ---
I just want to give a shout out to God. He does such a great job of taking care of us. I drive a 15-year-old minivan. We knew the transmission was going to go out one day, but we just really didn't have the money to spend on a what if. Well, God timed it so that when it went out we had an able-bodied young man staying with us for an extended period of time who considers such things a fun challenge. He actually asked if he could try and fix it for us. Not only did he do it, but he did it for a fraction of what it would have cost us otherwise. Awesome. And my FIL had an extra car to lend us while such work was being done. Timing is everything and my God has some timing.
--- 6 ---
My baby is growing at an alarming rate. Recently, we discovered that the only pair of shoes that actually fit her are her crocs. Over the course of about a month or so, we got her 3 new pair of shoes.
Do you detect a pattern here? No worries, all of her clothes are pink, too, so they all match.
--- 7 ---
My BFF blazed through town on New Year's Day. We grabbed a cup of hot tea and enjoyed a quick chit-chat. I just love her to death and wanted you to see how cute she is. We made the poor guy at Chick-fil-A take our picture. We really threw him off guard. I hope he has recovered.
Have a happy Friday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)