REFLECTIONS OF AN EVERYDAY LIFE

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2008-11-26T21:15:00.005-06:00

JUST WANTED TO TAKE A MINUTE TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING! ENJOY YOUR TRADITIONS! IF YOU ARE TRAVELING, BE SAFE!

May your stuffing (it's dressing at our house) be tasty,

May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your

Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs!- Unknown

(couldn't resist - thought it was too cute)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

TIME IS NOT MY FRIEND....

2008-11-19T21:17:00.007-06:00

No, I'm not injured, sick or lost...just MIA for a little while. Time is just not my friend this time of year. Mid-October to the end of the year just seems to be sooooo busy for us. I am not going to whine & complain about the things I have had going (because I know there are others just as busy & others with so much more than I have going), I am just going to say it has been very busy.

I appreciate everyone stopping by to check on me, and apologize that I haven't been able to respond sooner, but here I am now.

As I said, this seems to one of my busiest times (but one of my very favorite!!) of the year so I have to prioritize or go crazy (and even then the insanity can creep in ;0) ) I have been stopping by to read & keep up with everyone when I can, but haven't been able to comment or post.

I should go ahead and say that from now until after the end of the year, my posts will most likely be very sporadic. I am hoping I can take a little more time here & there to do a little more posting than I have these last two weeks, but I don't expect anything to slow down anytime soon..

I would share with you what I have been doing for the last 2 weeks, but it all seems a blur right now, so instead I will share a few of things coming up.

Birthday...tomorrow is my hubbies bday. We had a small celebration for him tonight here at home because I will not be home tomorrow night (see below). Just quiet time with the family as he requested.

I will be leaving tomorrow for Branson... a girls weekend that is an annual tradition for me. I go with my mother-in-law, 2 of her sisters, and her best friend. They started going years ago while the husbands were out hunting, when I joined the family I got to start tagging along. Even after my kiddos came, I kept going on the annual trip - my mom or sis kept them when they were younger & now they get to go to deercamp too. I look forward to this trip every year. The shopping is great, and if you need help finding the Christmas Spirit, Branson is the place to visit. The decorations, music, hustle & bustle of shopping will definitely help you realize Christmas is just around the corner!! We'll leave tomorrow afternoon and come home Sunday evening.

Of course, Thanksgiving is next week. Thanksgiving is my 2nd favorite holiday (Christmas is 1st), I look so forward to it each year. I will have to work Monday, Tuesday, and 1/2 day on Wednesday; the kids are out of school Wed. - Fri. I will work a trip to the grocery store in at some point and began cooking at some point too. We spend Thanksgiving day at the deercamp - we have our feast outside & it is wonderful. I will share more of that family tradition next week, and let you know what I am cooking.

Those are just a couple of the things coming up that will keep me busy. Hope everyone is doing well, and thanks again for checking in on me - Life is good around here, just busy.

VOTING, BACHELORETTES, AND OTHER RANDOMNESS

2008-11-03T21:55:00.006-06:00

VOTING: Don't forget - Tomorrow is a very important day...please don't forget to exercise one of our greatest rights as Americans and go vote! I voted during the first week of early voting, and it felt good, I am glad I didn't wait! I won't express my political views here, but from reading many of your blogs, I feel confident we are all on the same page when it comes to casting our vote. No matter your stand, the important thing is to VOTE!!

Bachelorettes: For all of you bachelor/bachelorette fans....did you see this news flash today? I am appalled. I do like DeAnna, but she broke Jason's heart, and for what? Oh, well, it is supposed to be just entertainment & we shouldn't get so wrapped up in it, right?

Fall Colors: The trees are changing colors now, it seems all of a sudden. I will try to get some pictures soon - not something I am good at doing, but I will try. I have seen some beautiful colors, and would love to see what fall looks like where those of you from other states (or countries) are...

Halloween: We survived Halloween. My children actually went to the "country" to my parents and they did trick-or-treat at some relatives houses down there. I stayed here and greeted the trick-or-treaters. I did have a lot of them, but it was a rather quiet night, nothing out of the ordinary, and mostly polite children who actually said "trick or treat" and also "thank you"! It does the heart good to see the politeness...

Deer Hunting: It was youth hunt weekend in Arkansas. That means hunting was open all over the state to youth hunters (those under 16). That is the main reason my kids & husband went to my parents house for the weekend. My brother & his oldest daughter, my sister & her husband & their kids were there too. Only my oldest nephew got a deer, but they all had a good time at grandma & grandpa's house.

Old Friends: I stayed behind for the weekend to meet up for a girls weekend with some old friends. We met up on Saturday at one of the girl's houses in the town just to the north of me. We spent the day walking thru the lovely downtown exploring antique shops, sharing a cup of coffee, and then to one of the local malls for some more shopping. We also went to dinner, and then back to our friend's house were we spent the night. We did lots of looking at old photos, school yearbooks, and just talking about old times. And yes, my friends, we did share a margarita or two. It was a very relaxing & refreshing time for us.

That's the updates from this end of the blog world. What's been up with all of you?

Hope everyone is having a good week...

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!!

BEHIND AGAIN!

2008-10-28T20:36:00.004-05:00

Well, it seems I have fallen behind again. This time of year just seems to be crazy for us, so much going on! I have been checking on blogs, but haven't had much time to comment or post.

I would throw out some updates on the happenings around here, but I'm not sure I remember where I left off. So, here are just a few of things that have been keeping us busy:

Boy Scout hike/campout/meetings

Girl Scout meetings

Deer hunting

Parent/teacher conferences

Homework

re-injured hand (better now, I think)

sick hubby (some kind of flu/stomach bug)

of course laundry, cooking, etc....

work, work, work....

I'm sure there are lots of things I am forgetting, but you get the idea. My kids may be older & not as "needy" when it comes to the everyday things, but now there are other needs which requires me to be the taxi driver - some days I think I meet myself coming and going! I barely get home from work, just to turn around to take someone somewhere. But, enough of the whining & complaining, that's just the way it is around here, busy all the time.

I do like blogging and love reading and keeping up with all of you through your blogs. The rest of this week and next week appears to be a little less packed with activity, so my goal is to get back to the blog world.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Another Award

2008-10-21T21:36:00.004-05:00

April has left me the sweetest award. She actually left it for me a few days ago, but I have fallen behind again, and am just now getting to it. First, I want to say thank you so much to April for this award; I am truly surprised & excited to have received it. I am not very creative, so this is very special to me to. Now it is my turn to pass it on.

Here are the rules...You need to list six things that make you happy, and pass this award on to six creative bloggers.

Six Things That Make Me Happy:

1. My family - I know this is a given, but it's true.

2. Lemon Heads - I love everything about them from the fun blue & yellow box to the tart yet sweet taste - love, love, love them & if I am down they will make me smile!

3. Being at my parent's house - there's just nothing like being at mom & dad's. (my kid's love it there too, & of course that is icing on the cake)

4. Home made ice cream - memories of my grandparents:)

5. Sweet Tea (with real sugar) - does it get any more southern.

6. A beautiful, crisp fall day with nothing to do, but be lazy!

Now, to pass it on. I know have passed awards on to most of you who follow me & as I still have many followers, or know very many bloggers yet, I am limited on who to pass it on to. All of the blogs I read are very creative & I love them all. But here goes....(and forgive me if you have already received this award, it must mean you are super creative!)

1. Heidi at The Zawisza Tribune - I so love everything about your blog, you have made me laugh so much and spread so much go with your wonderful stories - and not to mention the fact that your kids are gorgeous & you take the best photos of them to share!

2. Michelle at Love you a Google - I love getting to know your family through your blog; I love the fact that we seem to be in so many of the same places & feel certain we will meet someday. Thank you for sharing with us.

3. Angie at Life from the "zoo' - Love, love, love your blog. I may not know you in person, but it is evident you are a wonderful mom & great person.

4. Lindsay-ann at The Cross-Stitch House - From your lovely crafts to the beautiful walks you share with us, your blog makes me feel as if I have a friend in a far away place to visit each day!

5. Chickadee at A Familiar Path - We've been friends in real life since childhood & probably know too many secrets about each other (that is if we can still remember them). You're the reason I started blogging - even though I held out for a while - I love it & thank you for pulling me in.

6. ScrapperMom at My Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows - Another real life friend since childhood, and another reason I started blogging. Love seeing your scrap booking & I do want that lesson some day!

Thanks to all of you for sharing with me each day - don't forget to pass the award on, if you haven't already!

AWARD TIME

2008-10-15T20:28:00.007-05:00

I'm back! (LOL, couldn't resist) So, I need to start this post with a few disclaimers:

1. I have hurt one of my hands and although it is usable, I do have a brace on it & that makes typing a little difficult - so the disclaimer is to any spelling errors/typos. I will blame them this time on my injury. (no it's not serious, just a strained flexor tendon in my middle finger down into my hand, a little painful, but I will live - did it doing laundry.)

2. The awards. This disclaimer is in case I give one to someone who just received one. As I am behind in the blog world it has been hard to keep up with who has received one recently, and also I still do not know many bloggers so my list to send to is limited.

Now here we go.

AWARD # 1:

The first award I received was from my friend Lindsay-ann. It is/was my first every bloggy award, and I appreciate it so much. It has been so much fun meeting new people and reconnecting with some I already knew.

Now, before passing this award along, I have to give one word answers to these questions with no explanation. Then I get to tag five other bloggers with the award. So, here goes:

1.Where is your cell phone? table
2.Where is your significant other? outside
3.Your hair color? brown
4.Your mother? friendly
5.Your father? hardworker
6.Your favorite thing? family
7.Your dream last night? crazy
8.Your dream/goal? happiness
9.The room you're in? family
10.Your hobby? writing
11.Your fear? spiders
12.Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
13.Where were you last night? bed
14.What you're not? complacent
15.One of your wish-list items? house
16.Where you grew up? Arkansas
17.The last thing you did? laundry
18.What are you wearing? jammies
19.Your TV? on
20.Your pet? none
21.Your Computer? laptop
22.Your mood? busy
23.Missing Someone? no
24.Your car? durango
25.Something you're not wearing? shoes
26.Favorite Store? Kohl's
27.Your summer? fun
28.Love someone? yes
29.Your favorite color? green
30.When is the last time you laughed? Today
31.Last time you cried? yesterday

Like Lindsay-Ann, it was hard for me to decide who to pass this on too, and I would love to pass it back to her because I do love her blog as well as many ohers. But here are my 5 picks (and please forgive me if you've already been tagged, but I do love your blogs).....

1. Girl, 2. Heidi, 3. Angie, 4. Terri, 5. Melissa

AWARD # 2:

The next award was from my friend Angie, and I have also recieved it from Heidi! Again, I am so appreciative of this award - it is so nice. I feel so honored to have met some wonderful new friends here in the blog world.

The rules of this award are to pass it along to five other bloggers. Four of the recipients should be dedicated followers of your blog and one should be a "newbie" if at all possible. So, here goes.....

1. Leigh Ann - I consider her my friend in "real" life too. I love her and her family so much and am so happy I can now follow them (and that she follows me) here in the blog world!

2. Naomi - I think she may have already recieved this award, but I need her to have it again. I so love reading her blog, but as much as I love that, I also love the comments she so graciously leaves for me.

3. Lindsay-Ann - Again, I think she may have already received this, but I have to pass it to her. Thank you so much for following me, and I so love the strolls through your beautiful land!

4. Aubs - one of my first readers. I am so happy to have met her and get know her through her blog, and love the sweet, friendly comments she leaves for me.

5. Michelle - she is from my neck of the woods. Another new friend I am happy to have found.

So, there you go, both awards passed on to those who deserve them. But please understand, I love all the blogs I read, and I consider you all my friend.

Now, I am off to try to figure out putting these lovely awards on my side bar - wish me luck (as I don't seem to have much this week)

Have a great night!

GLITCH!

2008-10-13T21:50:00.003-05:00

Throw in a huge glitch in my catching up plans!!! Computer problems tonight - UGH!!! Finally, got it resolved, but now I am afraid I am just too tired to stay up late catching up on the bloggy business, I need to .

Hopefully, without any further glitches, I will be able to catch up tomorrow night. Please be patient with me as I am trying, but this seems to be the week of nothing going right (and it's only Monday). So, I am trying to take it all in stride and not stress out, but to do that I must have sleep. Please stay tuned, I will get back to it on a regular basis soon and get to those awards, I have several in mind to pass them on to.

Nighty, night for now!

CATCHING UP

2008-10-12T20:13:00.004-05:00

It was a very busy week, and I have "blog stalked" but didn't have much time to post myself.

Two of my bloggy friends have given me awards, and I can't wait to accept them and pass them on to others. I hope to get to them either tonight (depends on how fast time gets away from me) or tomorrow night.

Basically, I just wanted to a second while I have one to check in and say that I will be catching up on my blogging in the next few days!!!

Thanks again for all of the wonderful birthday wishes, and also thanks to Lindsay-ann & Angie for the awards, I am truly honored!

GREAT DAY!

2008-10-07T21:55:00.004-05:00

First let me say thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes, I appreciate them all!

I had a great day! The family - my kids & husband - gave me gifts last night. We decided it best to scale back this year, but I did get a few things I wanted & love. They gave me a Razorback cover for the trailer hitch on my vehicle - I love it. Okay, now this may sound crazy to you, but it was perfect for me - they gave me a jar of Calamata olives. I know, it seems absurd, but I love olives, especially Calamata olives; however, I would never pay the price for these so it was a perfect gift for me. Of course we also went out to eat on Saturday. They gave me cards and were extremely nice to me - the kids did not fight today, a perfect gift! I have felt pampered in many ways from them over the weekend and especially today.

A co-worker friend gave me a cake (german chocolate) and wonderful candle & room spray - cinnamon cider scent, they are awesome! Also, I went to lunch with several co-workers and they bought my lunch. They helped make my day wonderful.

Of course, I recieved many cards in the mail from family and friends. Also, many phone calls - my mom, sister & nephew called. My mom & dad gave me cash (also from my grandma); my sister has my gift and I will see her this weekend.

Tonight we went to dinner at my in-laws. Wonderful! We had pulled pork sandwiches (smoked by father-in-law) and then I had my Kahlua cake - it was awesome (basically it is a chocolate cake flavored with Kahlua liquer - yummy) My present from them each year is a trip to Branson. I go each year w/my mother-in-law, her sisters and neice, and several other ladies, and my in-laws pay for my trip. We have a great weekend of shopping and having fun with no kids and no husbands - I look forward to this present each year; we will go in November.

So, thanks to my family and many friends (including all of you) I had a great day!

ME :0)

2008-10-07T00:00:00.006-05:00

So, today is my birthday! I will confess my age - 39. I really don't mind sharing my age because I can truly say it does not matter to me, it is simply a number and not who I am. Today, I choose to be selfish & post only about me! I know, it may be insane for a grown woman to just talk about herself, but it's my birthday, my blog and that is what I choose to do today.

If you go here, you will find I confessed my real name is Tonda. Yes, I am aware it is a little unusual and some of you may wonder where did such a name come from. Well, today, I will tell you.

I am the second born of three children - I have an older sister and younger brother. Of course all those years ago my parents had no idea until I arrived if I was a boy or a girl. Apparently my parents could not agree on a name for me - they had several picked out, but did not agree on any of the girl names. So, I had to have a name and they were getting no where. My maternal grandmother, who I talked about here, wanted to name one of her grandchildren and had mentioned that several times. So, with no name in agreement, they allowed my grandmother to name me. My name is Tonda Yvette (pronounced e-vette, no y sound). Where did she get such names for a little country girl like me?

Tonda - she chose this name because it was one she had liked for many years. Grandma was a nurses aid and had come into contact with many people over the years. At one point, she worked with, in her words, "a beautiful Indian lady" (meaning Native American) who was named Tonda. My grandmother thought a lot of this lady and loved the name; so it became my name. I am told (though have a hard time finding this) that Tonda means "little princess". I do love my name and would not change it, but try finding a key chain, or anything already made up with that name - not gonna happen! On vacations, I love to dare/bet my kids to try and find something with my name on it and tell them I will give them 20 bucks if they do, even used to do this when I was a kid when we went on vacations - hasn't happened yet, I still have that money in my pocket! I do know I am not the only Tonda in the world, I have heard of others on occasion, and I have met one (however, she uses her middle name & not the name Tonda). Also, on myspace there is a page I was asked to join - "For Tonda's Only". It was started by someone who shares my name looking for other Tonda's in the world, there are actually over 500 registered on the page and 5 in Arkansas - unbelievable. My name is mispronounced often - I am called Tonya, Tonka, Tonto, and I could go on & on, but I will only answer to Tonda - I mean how hard is it to see there is a "d" there! :).

Yvette - Grandma chose this name because there was popular actress from her time with that name. It is french in origin. I have discovered that my grandmother's grandparents were immigrants to the United States from France! So, I have a name to reflect my family heritage. And, yes this name also gets mispronounced often.

Yes, I have strange not so normal names, but I love them - they are me!

I am actually writing this post on Monday night the day before my birthday, but because I can choose the date & time to post you will see it on my birthday. That being said, I can not share with you yet how my day has gone, but I will give you an update and share later.

On Saturday, we went out to eat for an early celebration dinner at one of my favorite restaurants - Texas Roadhouse, the speciality is steak - my favorite!!!! It was yummy and we had a good night. I have also received several cards in the mail from friends already. Monday, 2 friends that I used to work with took me to lunch - it was great to see them. Tonight we will go to my in-laws house for a birthday dinner and cake. My mother-in-law cooks a special dinner for each of us on our birthday and lets us choose what kind of cake we want, I have chosen Kahlua cake - I can't wait.

So far, I have had a great birthday! Thank you for letting me talk about me today & being selfish on my birthday.

OCTOBER!

2008-10-04T20:22:00.004-05:00

I know we are now a few days into October, and several of my blogger friends - here and here - have already blogged about October, but I figured it's still not too late for me.

I love October for so many reasons, so I want to share some of them with you.

1. The weather starts turning cooler & the leaves begin to change. Let me tell you, we have some beautiful colors here in Arkansas in the fall!

2. It's STATE FAIR time! I love the state fair! I have loved going since I was young and have so many good memories of going. I went with friends in high school and college and we had some good times. My first official date with Lynn was to the state fair on my 22nd bday 17 years ago - we will celebrate our 15th anniversary later this year! We now have so many memories of taking our kids each year, it's great. So, I feel the need to say it again - I LOVE THE STATE FAIR!!!

3. Football - it is the greatest! Love, love, love football - mostly the Razorbacks (even when they aren't doing well, like this year), but just love it!

4. Pumpkins, scarecrows, etc... love fall decorations!

5. Hunting season opens - I know this may not appeal to most, but my dad hunts so I grew up with it and I married a man who loves it and now my son loves. So, this makes them happy and in turn makes me happy. And as a little "gravy" it means they are gone quite a bit on weekends so I either have the house to myself, or it's just me & Sarah so we get girl time!!!

6. It's my birthday month! More on my birthday to come later.

So, these are some of the things I love about October! I know I didn't mention Halloween, but I have to confess, it's not my favorite holiday. I do tolerate Halloween and have always participated and let my children trick or treat or go to parties, but I could do with out it. Don't get me wrong, I love to see all the cute little ones all decked out in costumes, but there are way too many other things about October that I love more!

So, let me say to you all: HAPPY FALL, YA'LL!!! (can you tell I am a country girl)

CUSTOM MADE GIVE AWAY!!

2008-10-02T20:56:00.002-05:00

HERE IS SOME INFO. ON A GREAT GIVE AWAY! This one is custom so you can get it to match your needs!!!!

Please visit my friend Heidi at The Zawisza Tribune to see her great give away. Also stick around and visit her for awhile if you haven't already; I promise you will love her blog. She is very entertaining, and let me tell you - she has some beautiful children!!!!

She is going to draw for a custom made cork board - she has one posted here that she has made for her son & it is too cute!

So, jump over to say hi to Heidi and enter her give away! And Heidi - thanks for letting us participate - hope I win!

UPDATES

2008-09-29T21:06:00.005-05:00

Just a few little updates on our "Everyday Life."

1. Trombone - Lindsay-ann over at The Cross-Stitch House has inquired about the progress of trombone playing Travis. So far so good. There has not been much practice at home yet. He leaves it at school during the week and just brings it home on weekends. He did play a couple of things for me this past weekend and I do see some potential there - it was actually better than I expected. I am anxious for the first band concert.

2. Names - I have given you my son's real name & I want to share the rest of the family with you - I'm just too distractable lately to try to keep up with 2 sets of names. Flicka's real name is Sarah. I will give you the story of her name at a later date. Hunter's real name is Lynn. And some of you already know, but my name is Tonda. Yes, it is unusual, I have heard of other Tonda's but have only met one. As my birthday is just a week away, I will share the story of my name at that point.

3. Scouts - we are in the middle of fall fundraisers for both Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts. Boy Scouts sale popcorn and the Girl Scouts sale candy, nuts & magazines in the fall (cookies begin in January). Sarah had a GS camp this weekend, she left on Friday with 2 other girls. One of the other moms took them, and I went yesterday to pick them up. Meetings every other week for Girl Scouts & the Boy Scouts meet every week, and then throw some weekend activities in for both. Busy, busy, busy... 'nuff said.

4. Friends - I have recently been fortunate enough to reconnect with a friend from my school years - she moved away after 9th grade, but we kept in touch off & on over the years. We have reconnected after losing track of each other for the past 7 years. This weekend we not only had girls night out, we had a good ol' fashion bunkin' party (or pj party). We had so much fun, it was great. We stayed up til 1:30 am talking, watching movies & just having a great time! I recommend this to everyone - it was therapeutic!

I guess that's about it for now. Just been crazy busy lately, but managing to keep my head above water & throw a little time for me in every once in a while. HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT WEEK! HAPPY MONDAY!

So, what's been keeping you busy & when's the last time you had a bunkin party with a friend?

ANOTHER GIVE AWAY

2008-09-24T21:11:00.003-05:00

Go here to find another great give away! Bunny Chic Boutique is giving away a great halloween bag & a carnival bloom wallet. Go check it out & enter! FUN!

Don't forget to check out my post before this one - you might find a surprise for you!

CHICKADEE TAGGED ME!

2008-09-24T20:03:00.003-05:00

Chickadee tagged me, so here goes my turn. Check out how she did her random things; I'm going to do it a little different because since I am still a fairly new blogger I'm not sure I know anyone well enough yet to give hints, and also because I think that some of you may have already been tagged.

The "rules" of the game are as follows:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag.

Here goes - 6 random things about me:

1. I hate gum. I do not like the sound of it when someone is chewing it in any close proximity to me (I have been known to ask them to please spit it out); I do not like the sound it makes when I chew it, and I do not like the way it feels when I chew it (I never chew it anymore, but used to at one time in my life). I can not stand to see someone pulling it in & out of their mouth, or when someone puts it on the side of their plate to pop back in their mouth later. I do not like to see bubbles being blown. I'm not a germ crazy person, but I think gum is just a disgusting, noisy, germ magnet!

2. I love summer! I love heat, I do not like to be cold.

3. I love being an Arkansan. I have never really wanted to move away to another state, I am perfectly happy living in Arkansas forever!

4. I L.O.V.E. country music(especially George Strait)! But, I also love Bon Jovi & Jimmy Buffet. So, I guess, my tastes run a little everywhere.

5. I am convinced that some day I will be the next Mrs. Jon Bon Jovi. (LOL - everyone needs a crazy fantasy!)

6. Some day I would love to write a book. This has been a dream of mine since I was a child.

Now it's your turn. I am tagging Leigh Ann, April, Heidi, Aubs, a boy a girl & a pug, & love you a google. Please play with us, it is fun learning new things about each other!

GIVE-AWAY FUN

2008-09-23T22:34:00.004-05:00

Cinnamon*Sticks Boutique is having a fun give-away right now. Hop on over & check out the great bangle & enter the give-away, just maybe one of us will win! Good Luck!

GROCERY STORE MANIA

2008-09-18T20:11:00.004-05:00

Call me crazy.... but I love to grocery shop. Ok, what, you may ask leads me to proclaim this bold statement. Well, a brand new Kroger, the only one of it's kind, the biggest in all of the southeast region, just opened in our town! And I LOVE it. I know many of you are shaking your head convinced that I have totally lost it. But, no, I really haven't. I will now explain further.

I really do love to grocery shop. Many times a trip to the grocery has been my only alone time. Yes, I love my family, but we all need (deserve) a little alone time on occasion, and you know w/kids we don't always get that even in the bathroom. So, I love to grocery shop; I can wander the aisles lost in my own thoughts, with no interruptions.

Now, to my favorite grocery store. For many years now, I have been loyal to our local Kroger. There was also a Harvest Foods here, but the prices were higher, and the workers just didn't seem friendly to me, so Kroger was my choice. I not only love the deals and prices, but the manager at Kroger is the nicest, sweetest man you will meet. He seems to always be there, he makes sure to speak to everyone he sees, he does so many things to help our community (I know some he has to, but some he does not.) He is so helpful to all of our Girl & Boy Scouts, donating things for cookouts & sleepovers, letting us stand inside to sale cookies when it is raining or cold (this is definitely not a store policy).

A few months ago, a new Wal-Mart super center opened just a few miles up the road. Kroger lost some business for a while (not mine), but you could see the customers slowly drifting back, Wal-Mart has better prices on a few things, but not everything. And then, just a month or so after that, Wal-Mart opened up one of their Wal-Mart Neighborhood Markets in the old Harvest Foods store. Again, business fell off for a little while, but again, they came back to Kroger.

Well yesterday, my friends, the new Kroger opened and it is heaven! It is huge, I think it is bigger than the Wal-Mart super center! Travis' Boy Scout Troop did a flag ceremony at the grand opening last night. I was tired and opted to stay home with Flicka thinking they would just do the ribbon cutting, and the doors would open today - not so, after the ribbon cutting they let everyone in! I was so disappointed I did not go; oh how I wanted to go in, I have been waiting on this opening for months now.

Tonight, I went, actually the whole family went. It is FABULOUS! There is so much room, it is just crazy. I can't imagine anything you would need that you could not find in this store. They have all the normal sections - bakery, deli, floral, meat, etc... But they also have some not so normal areas - sushi, fresh market (includes organic), cheese shop (over 100 types of cheeses), a collegiate section (it is mostly all RAZORBACKS!!!).

Those of you who know where I live and live in this area you need to go to that Kroger, you will not regret it! I am looking so forward to going back alone & getting lost in the aisles and my thoughts!

I know it is crazy to blog about a grocery store, but I love to grocery shop. And if the store is wonderful, it can make your shopping experience so much better; not just for those crazies like me who love to grocery shop, but also for those who do not like to grocery shop (I think this store would convert you.) I will try to get some pictures of it this weekend to share.

So, call me crazy, but I love to grocery shop! Do you?

RECIPE TIME

2008-09-17T18:41:00.006-05:00

On my previous post, I mentioned that Chicken & Dumplings are one of my favorite comfort foods. I promised to share the recipe at some point and since there was some interest, I will share it now.

I think I should preface my recipe post by saying that I am by no means a chef. I love to cook, I love to cook things my family likes, and I love to cook for anyone who will eat what I cook. I love to "tweak" recipes to fit our tastes - you know make adjustments here & there to make them more compatible with our pallets. I also love to try to create my own recipes. But again, I am not a chef - I do not always know the "proper" terminology, or make things fancy. I do have some low fat recipes that are good, but I also have plenty that are in no way low fat - so if low fat is your style, I may disappoint on occasion as many of my recipes have real butter, and other very bad for you things in them. Also, please remember I am Arkansas born & raised, so my recipes are just good ol' southern home cookin - most are simple, passed down through generations, etc... I think I will try to throw in a recipe post weekly ( I think I will have to see how it goes.) If you have requests, let me know I will share if I have what you request.

So, my Chicken & Dumpling recipe will be the first I share. Naomi, here, asked what dumplings are - they are defined at Wikipedia.com as: "piece[s] of dough, sometimes filled, that [are] cooked in liquid such as water or soup" or "sweetened dough wrapped around fruit, such as an apple, baked and served as a dessert." - for my recipe, it would be the pieces of dough cooked in liquid (no filling).

Here is the recipe:

1 chicken

3 cups flour (all purpose)

1 tsp. salt

1- 2 sticks butter or margarine (divided use)

1 1/2 - 2 cups milk (divided use)

Season chicken with salt & pepper and boil with enough water to cover. Add water if needed while cooking. When chicken is done remove from broth to cool. Save broth. Debone chicken when cool and set aside.

Mix flour & salt. Cut 1/2 stick butter or margarine into flour mixture (should be a cornmeal type consistency). Add enough milk to make a stiff dough (not sticky). Turn dough onto floured surface and knead (don't over knead, this will make it tough). Roll thin (1/4 inch or less) and cut into narrow strips (about 1'' by 1'' or smaller, needs to be bite size).

Bring broth to a rolling boil and drop strips in one at a time (I know this sounds crazy, but they stick together if you drop them together). Cook until tender (approximately 10 minutes). Add cooked chicken, 1/4 stick butter (I usually use a whole stick), 1 cup milk, and salt & pepper to taste. Simmer for 15 - 20 minutes. Sauce should thicken as it simmers. If not thick enough, thicken with milk & flour (or cornstarch). If too thick, thin with milk or water. (we like our sauce thick).

Several fellow bloggers commented that the use canned biscuits, I have tried this & it is good, definitely easier (and I love easy), but we like the thinner dumplings over the thicker ones (the thicker ones tend to be too gooey for our taste). There are many chicken & dumpling recipes out there w/many variations, this one just happens to be my family's favorite!

Hope you enjoy them if you use the recipe! Happy Eating!

I have a recipe request of all of you - if anyone has a good potato soup recipe, I will love you forever if you share it with me (LOL)! Any recipe requests from me???

END OF THE WEEK & WEEKEND WRAP-UP

2008-09-14T20:10:00.004-05:00

Last week totally got away from me. After Tuesday, it just seemed like there was no time left in the day by the time I got home each afternoon. Hopefully this week will be a little calmer & I will have a little more time to blog. Here is a rundown of what we did over the weekend.

1. Phone problems: I came home Friday to discover we had no phone service (landline). We don't use our home phone often, most everyone calls us on our cell phones now, and that is what we use most too. But, I do still get some calls on the home phone, so I decided I needed to report the problem. After going through several steps on an automated system, it finally said my problem was logged in the system and it would be restored by Sept. 22, and then the automated system cut me off. I couldn' t believe it would take almost 2 weeks, so I decided to call back and try to talk to a human. After going through several minutes of automation again, I finally pushed enough buttons to get to a live human being. She mistook my concern of it taking 2 weeks to restore service as that I needed it immediately. I explained that we didn't need someone to come tonight, but my concern was that I would continue to rack up charges on a line we could not use. She then understood and explained that after 24 hours of no service (if it is their fault & it is in this case) credits automatically start going back on our bill. It was relatively pleasant phone call, and I was satisfied w/her answers. So, we can live w/no home serivice for a while.

2. Internet: I have also had intermittent problems with my internet service this weekend. Since my internet & phone service are through the same provider, I can only assume it is related to the problems above. Now, I don't think we can live without internet for 2 weeks. So, if the internet problems continue, I will be making another call to AT&T to whine & complain & throw a fit if necessary to get my internet back in full force. (but I will be patient & wait to see what happens w/it 1st) I guess if you don't see a blog from in a few days & no comments on your blogs, you can assume my internet is down again.

3. Birthday parties: We attended a birthday party on Saturday at my Hunter's aunt's house. Her 1st grandbabies, Hunter's cousins twin sons turned 1. (I forgot my camera, so I do not have pictures.) They are of course cute little boys. It was fun, but I am so glad my kids are bigger & we don't have the little kid birthday parties to attend as often. I'll try to get some pictures of them to share soon.

4. Hurricane Ike: Of course my prayers are with all of those in Texas who were affected by Ike. Ike affected our weather here in Arkansas again. We received tornadoes in several parts of the state, and high winds were again a result of remnants coming across AR. The rain didn't last as long for us this time (this was a blessing, as many places still have not recovered from the rains from Gustav). We lost power during the night and it came back on here around 10 am - a short lived outage for us. My sister lives in a town further west, and she lost power after Gustav & was out for several days; the school my nephews attend was out for 2 days that time due to no power. Her power is out again and she is receiving reports that it might be up to 3 days before it is restored; the boys will be out of school tomorrow for sure, and not sure about Tuesday yet. It seems crazy to think that 2 hurricanes could affect Arkansas, but it happened.

5. Chicken & Dumplings: Travis has been asking for chicken & dumplings for a while so last trip to the grocery store, I made sure to buy everything I would need to prepare them. Tonight for dinner that is what we had. My family loves chicken & dumplings, but only if they are homemade. I tried to take a short cut once & bought frozen dumplings, they knew immediately something was different & asked that I never make them that way again. So now I only make home made chicken & dumplings. I must say they are my favorite too. Chicken & dumplings are the ultimate comfort food for me - if I am sick, that is what I want; if I am sad, that is what I want. I had tried several recipes over the years, but was never happy with the taste. I wanted them to taste like my grandma's did. I finally combined & tweaked a few recipes and have come up with the ultimate recipe that tastes almost identical to how I remember my grandma's tasting. I am planning to do a recipe post soon, and will include this recipe as well as several other of our favorites.

That is about it for our weekend. I hope everyone had a great weekend, and dodged any damage from Ike. Share with me: what is your favorite comfort food? what did you do fun/exciting this weekend?

I hope everyone has a great week!

Girl Scouts

2008-09-09T21:10:00.005-05:00

Tonight was the beginning of one the activities that keeps me the busiest. I have been co-leader of my daughter's Girl Scout troop for 7 years. Tonight was our first meeting of the year. We have a troop of 10 - 12 girls (not sure yet how many are returning & how many new ones we will have this year). All of the girls are now between the ages of 13 - 15.

I do enjoy spending time with the girls (especially my daughter), but this is an activity that takes up way more time than I ever thought it would. But since, Flicka loves it so much it is very worthwhile to me. Most of the girls in the troop have been together for at least 5 years and some of them for all of the 7 years I have been involved in the troop. Needless to say, I have formed a bond with many of them.

Since the girls are older now, we do more with them, it is fun. Also, since they are older, we are beginning to let them lead the troop and the other co-leader (who has become one of my best friends over the years) and I are just there as advisers now. It has been fun to watch them grow from little Brownie Girl Scouts up to the beautiful, smart, creative, talented, etc... Cadette Girl Scouts they are today.

Last summer (07) we took the biggest trip we have ever gone on with them. We used all of the cookie money raised, and money from several other fund raisers we held to go to Savannah, Georgia. Savannah was the home of the founder of Girl Scouts - Juliette Gordon Low. The trip consisted of 9 girls and 5 adults all packed into 3 vehicles going "road tripping." We stopped in Huntsville, AL and went to the Space Center, Atlanta, Georgia, for a day at Six Flags and a day at the most awesome Georgia Aquarium (everyone needs to go here)! Then we headed on to our final destinations. We actually stayed in Hilton Head, South Carolina by the beach - BEAUTIFUL!!! While in Hilton Head, we kayaked in the bay looking at the ocean wildlife - we didn't get to see any dolphins that day, but we saw other beautiful things. Then we went to Savannah, we did a trolley tour of the city ending at the Juliette Low home. It was such a treat to see her home, and meant so much to all of us to be their as Girl Scouts. For lunch, we ate at The Lady & Sons restaurant (this Paula Deen's restaurant - she is on food network), it was great; one of Paula's sons was there that day & we got pictures made with him and lots of autographs (he has a show w/his brother on the food network too). That night we did a ghost tour of Savannah - it is reported as the most haunted city in the US. The tour ended at the "pirate house" where we had wonderful buffet dinner w/Capt. Jack Sparrow. It was lots of fun! The rest of the trip was spent at Hilton Head on the beach - soaking up the sun. We were gone for 10 days, and it was AWESOME! Many people thought we were crazy for taking that many girls on a trip that long, but they were all wonderful! I would do it again, and hope we have the opportunity to do something that awesome with them again. (Savannah and Hilton Head are some of the most beautiful places, I highly recommend them as a vacation spots to anyone)

I hope I still have a few readers after such a long rambling post and hope you are not bored terribly. I just wanted to share with you a little about one of the things I love - my Girl Scout Troop! I am sure as we trek along through meetings and trips this year, I will have many stories and pictures to share!

Here is a picture of the girls from last fall - they hosted a "girls night out at the spa" for our sister brownie troop.

Even though they keep me busy, I love Girl Scouts! I was a Girl Scout when I was a child, and they say "Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout!"

What keeps you busy (besides school & housework, of course)?

WEEKEND RAMBLINGS

2008-09-07T20:33:00.012-05:00

It was a rather quiet weekend for us. I just thought I would share a few random things with you today.

TROMBONE:

Long story short, after much research and many conversations, we went with the rental option on the trombone. Here is a picture of Travis w/the instrument. He did not want to pose for me, so it is a silly pose. (if you are lost as to why he has a trombone, see my 2 previous posts for further information)

LONG LOST FRIEND:

I got to go to lunch with an old friend on Saturday. We haven't seen each other in 7 years. She is a friend that went to school with me through many elementary & jr. high years. She had to move away right before 10th grade and we didn't get to graduate together. We have kept in touch off & on over the years, seeing each other several times in college and even after we were both married. We unfortunately lost touch and as I said haven't seen each other in 7 yrs. We were able to reconnect through FACEBOOK. We now live only around 20 miles from each other. We had a great lunch, it was so much fun to visit, reminisce and catch up with each other again. I am vowing that we won't lose touch again. She is the kind of friend it just feels good to be with, and I am so happy to have her in my life again. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and did not get pictures this time, but I will next time.

LAZY DAY:

For the most part Saturday was just a lazy day. While I was at lunch, hubby & Flicka stayed around the house just hanging out. Travis spent the night w/one of his buddies Friday night, and was gone most of the day Saturday. Hubby worked out in the yard, and Flicka just lazed inside mostly. Of course we were all home & inside in time to catch the Razorback game - we just listened on the radio.

LUMBERJACKS:

I did have a few lumberjacks around the house this weekend. Last week when we had all of the wind and rain hitting us from the remnants of Gustav, it got one of our trees. The top of a little pine tree in the back yard came down and hit the backside of the house, luckily it was small & didn't cause any damage. Even though it was a smaller tree, it was leaning toward the house and we decided the rest of it must go sooner than later (we weren't too sad, as we were not fans of this tree and have been thinking of getting rid of it). Fortunately, Hunter is rather handy and could take care of it himself instead of hiring someone to come in & cut it (Though had it been a bigger tree, I would have insisted we get professionals to take care of it). He recruited Travis & one of the neighbors to help out. He looped a rope around the tree & the boys were supposed to pull on it to help it fall in the right direction - they thought this was cool. All went according to plan - the tree fell the right direction, no one was hurt and no property damage.

That's about it for our weekend. Hope all of you had a good weekend too.

THE INSTRUMNENT

2008-09-03T19:15:00.005-05:00

OK, OK, I know you have all been patiently waiting to find out what happened next. I had to take a little break yesterday so that I could do an on-line Continuing Ed course for my license requirements, but I am back; and here goes.

(By the way, if you are just tuning in, you may want to read my last post before you continue reading. This post will make more sense to you, if you read the previous post first.)

And the instrument chosen was......

No, no, no. You really didn't think I would just spill the beans that quickly did you? I have to tell you how the rest of the story played out.

So, by now it is day 4 of the school year. Travis came home excited and brought me papers to look at before I could even ask (usually, I have to ask at least twice before papers are remembered.) He gives me a memo style note w/a bold heading that reads "Getting an Instrument", it is from Mr. M., the Band Director.

The note explains that "your child has chosen to be in the band and now you are wondering about obtaining an instrument." It further explains that to assist us in instrument selection, they have tested our child on every beginning band instrument and we will find the recommendations below. It also had some other explanations as to why or why not they may be good at certain instruments - coordination skills, lip & teeth structure, etc...

Now, before I go further, I feel I should give a little more background on how he even got band on his schedule. Each year in 5th grade, the 6th grade band teacher comes to the elementary school and talks to the kids about band, and instruments, etc... The 5th graders are given some type of evaluation at that time that supposedly lets us know if they might be a candidate for band. Travis, was listed as good candidate, and that was all it took for him to want to be in the band. After all, this was the best way for him and his friends to get a head start on the band they want to form together (obviously not the same kind of band though.) So, anyway before the end of 5th grade when we had to fill out schedules for 6th grade he wanted to band to be on it, and we agreed because we do want to support him and give him a chance to try it out.

Now back to choosing an instrument. I just assumed the instrument of choice would be drums. Drums is all he had talked about for so long, so it seemed the logical answer. Everyone had been telling him that "everyone" wants to play drums in the band and it might be hard to get to do that. At first, this logic did not sway him, and we encouraged him to go for what he wanted (thinking we would just get ear plugs.)

So, to the evaluation. The note breaks down the evaluations into 4 categories - highly recommended (1), recommended (2), okay (3), and not recommended (4). The instruments listed are: flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, bell, and kit (drums). Travis' evaluation looked like this:

Flute = 3; Clarinet = 1; Alto Sax = 1; Trumpet = 1; Trombone = 1; Bell = 2; kit (drums) = 4

I was shocked. I asked why he thought he had a 4 on the drums. He explained it was because he didn't try for it. He said everyone wanted to do drums and he thought it was best if he just let that go for now & try something else. (I was thinking - O.KAY.) And as you can see we had 4 highly recommended instruments.

So, what do you think he chose?

Nope, not the Sax.

TROMBONE.

The TROMBONE was his choice! It's not that I have anything against trombones, but really? I like to think I'm a relatively intelligent person, but I just couldn't even picture what a trombone looked like - I had to have him explain it to me (and even then I googled to see a picture.) I asked why the trombone. His answer, "Because it's cool."

So, the trombone, it is!

Next installment - the actual obtaining of the trombone.

Stay tuned (if you're not bored yet)... I promise the next installment is good too.

THE BAND

2008-09-01T20:01:00.005-05:00

And so it began. . .

Scene: End of 2nd day of school.

Who: Travis, the new middle schooler, in 6th grade, (basically, still "wide-eyed" and soaking in everything, even if he doesn't understand it all yet).

What: Band/instrument

The rest of the story: So, it's the end of the 2nd day of school. I ask the kids if they have any news to share, papers to show, need more supplies etc.... Travis announces we need to buy him an instrument for band. I ask what instrument, he replies that he doesn't know yet, the teacher hasn't done the evaluations yet. I try to explain that we would rather not buy one right away, but should wait to make sure it is something he will like and continue to pursue over the next few years.

Travis: "But, I promise I will."

Me: "Ok, we'll talk about it when we know what instrument you need." (ie...no way, no how, not now - there must be a way w/out buying a new instrument!)

The discussion ends peacefully. Several hours pass and the topic of school and their classes come up again. Here is the next exchange:

Travis: "You, know mom, Mr. M..... says if we play an instrument and they find out when we go to college, they will give you money to help pay for it. So you will be getting your money back."

Me: hysterical laughter (It was just the way he said "and they find out" that was sooo funny, if you're not laughing it may be one of those you had to be there moments)

Lynn: reading a book and oblivious to it all

Travis: "Why are you laughing."

Me: "Just because you can play doesn't mean you get a scholarship. I'm not laughing at you, just at your interpretation of what your teacher said."

Lynn: looks up to see what is so funny so I explain... "that's called a scholarship, Travis, and you have to practice and get good at an instrument to earn one." (he is the logical one, right?)

Travis: "But, I do want to be in the band, and I will stay in it and practice to get good."

Me: "Ok...I know you want to, and we will talk about it when we know an instrument." (still chuckling to myself about the getting money for college automatically when "they find out" you can play something and I will be getting my money back for the instrument at that time.)

Lynn: already back to his book and his own world

So, it was left at that. We will definitely consider renting or buying an instrument when we find out what he wants to play and the Band teacher thinks he is ready. And hopefully he will understand if we don't go buy the instrument as soon as one is assigned to him. But, I will also hope for that scholarship - we will need it!

Stay tuned.... Part 2 and the instrument reveal will come soon!

ONE LAST POOL FLING

2008-08-30T22:21:00.007-05:00

The end is near - the end of summer that is! We decided to spend the afternoon at the pool for one last swim of the season. We also let Trav invite some of his buddies over as a little mini late birthday party. My neice also came over to swim too so Flicka wouldn't be the only girl. All of the kids had a great time. We had pizza and cake. Of course we listend to the RAZORBACK game - GO HOGS - we won the first game and hopefully will have many more wins this year!!! GO HOGS!!! (did I mention, I love RAZORBACK football!)

Here are a few of the pics from the day. Our last goodbye to summer!

Trav & his buddies! A rowdy bunch!

My girls - Flicka & my neice - she's 14 & they are good friends!

Blowin' out the candles - wishin' hard.

My 2 girls again - cousins!

I tried to get more pics of the boys, but it is almost impossible to get those boys to be still long enought and with all of the water flying up by the pool I didn't want to risk staying up there too long w/my camera.

A few things about summer I will miss: the beautiful blue of the pool water, the smell of the sunscreen, the shrieks of joy from the kids at the pool, the warmth (we will not lose that completely for a while though), the beach towels draped over the deck - each one showing the personality of the owner. Just a few of the things I will miss till next summer.

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND to everyone! I hope everyone enjoys one last summer fling!

ELEVEN YEARS

2008-08-23T20:18:00.017-05:00

Today my baby boy is 11 years old. Eleven years ago, he arrived in this world at 8:16 pm weighing in at 8 lbs., 6 oz. He had a head full of hair and was all wrinkly, he came fast, and made us laugh from the beginning - something he still loves to do! This may be a long post, and I apologize for that, but I want to share the story of his arrival as well as some other fun things about him. (feel free to stop reading when you are bored)

Here is the story: My actual due date was September 3, but I told everyone and convinced myself his due date was August 31 - you see, if I said September it seemed like another entire month, and I just couldn't take the thought of one more hot month, so August 31 it would be. Well, obviously my little one had other plans, and arrived even earlier.

The day: It was a beautiful Sunday, clear skies, hot but not to the extreme. My parents came up to visit for the day; my dad and Hunter were doing somethings around the house, and my mom, Flicka and I went shopping. I was feeling great, in fact better than I had in over a week. (Little did I know that the constant back and leg discomfort I was having for the past week was most likely labor! LOL!) Mom and dad got ready to go and mom said to me: "We're not going to get home and then get call to come right back up here, are we?" I laughed and said no way, it's still too early, and I am feeling fine. So, off they went back home about an hour away. We went on with our afternoon, I cooked dinner and we - Hunter, Flicka & me - all sat down to eat. All of a sudden, I just didn't feel right, I got up to go to the restroom and halfway there my water broke, it was definitely time. We called my sister to come pick up Flicka - she lived on the same street so she was there in approximately a minute or less. We put the bag in the car, reassured Flicka that mommy was OK, and off we went to the hospital. The labor pains hit hard and strong w/in 5 mins. of the water breaking - much worse than any I had had w/Flicka. It was only a 10 - 15 minute ride to the hospital. Before leaving, we called mom & dad and said we were on our way to the hospital. They thought we were kidding and when we finally convinced them it was real, they headed back up.

A little more background: Flicka had to be delivered by C-section due to some problems with her heart rate. My doc w/Camo was convinced I would not be able to deliver him vaginally due to the previous c-section and his size. I was adamant that we give it a shot, so we compromised. We scheduled an OR for a c-section about a week before my due date of Sept. 3, with the decision if he did not come before then, it would most likely be needed.

At the hospital: I was pre-registered so we were escorted straight to labor & delivery upon arrival. We checked in at 7:20 pm, I changed into a gown immediately. Before even making it to the bed for my first check, I had a sudden urge to push. I announced this to the nurse as soon as I finished putting on my gown, she just laughed it off and said, I had not been here long enough, it was probably just nerves. I again told her of the urge and was very adamant that it was not nerves. She got me to the bed and checked me and her eyes became as big as plates (not saucers!). She then ran into the hallway and screamed page the dr. stat (remember it was a Sunday night, and there was no OB in the building, just one on call - it just so happened that my OB was out of town so they would have to use the on call dr. who was one of the other drs. in the same clinic as mine.) She came back and talked to us, checked the monitors, etc..., checked me again, and again went hurriedly out and we could hear her asking if the dr. had arrived yet, and then a "we need someone in here stat!" She came back in (along with another nurse or 2, but no dr.) sat down at the end of the bed, and tried to convince me not to push, I insisted that I was not going to be able to stop it much longer, she finally gave in and let me push. The dr. walked in, basically just in time for the last 2 pushes and to catch the baby. Camo was born less than an hour after we arrived at the hospital (less than 2 hours of my water breaking), we signed the paperwork giving them permission to deliver him and administer care after the birth. Needless to say, his birth was 100% natural, they didn't have time for anything. He came when he was ready, and there was no stopping him! It was perfect! My mom & dad arrived, and when they walked in they could not believe I was already holding him; they were just expecting to get to see me for a minute before being asked to leave so I could be prepared for the delivery! (Lynn's parents decided to wait till the next morning to come up, since it all happened so fast.)

OK, that may have been more information that you wanted, but I just love that memory and wanted to share it. Now for some of the fun stuff.

I have to confess that my first thought when they handed him to me was "oh, my gosh! he's a monster!" I know this may sound like I was a terrible mom, but not really, it's just that Flicka was only 6 lbs. 7 oz. and with him a full 2 pounds bigger, he just looked huge! He was just so beautiful - head full of reddish brown hair, big blue/gray eyes, no smushed head from delivery, just beautiful. He was very laid back from the beginning and still is, not much flusters him or gets under his skin (except for his sister now - LOL). He never lost his hair as some babies do, it just turned to snow white - my little cotton top! His eyes are still a beautiful blue/gray - they actually change colors from bright blue, deep blue, gray and sometimes a greenish color depending on his mood. I tell him I can always tell when he is happy or sad by the color of his eyes.

He loved to eat from the beginning, and that is something he still enjoys, he is definitely not much of a picky eater. He has had a very sweet, and different sense of humor since he was very young, he loves to make you laugh. He has a very unique outlook on the world around him, his interpretations of things are sometimes so simple, it just makes you think - yeah, you're right; and sometimes makes you think - that is so funny! He rarely meets a stranger, he is very friendly and most people fall in love with all that is him after only a few minutes of getting to know him. He has always been a good kid, a bit mischievous at times, and about 500% boy, but very good - he has a good heart and it is easy to see. Also, he is very smart - he has always been an A student (sometimes some Bs sneak in and that's OK w/us too.)

He loves all things outdoors - hunting, fishing, riding his bike, swimming, camping, baseball - I could list things for days! I like to say he is a country boy locked up in the city.

I have decided to share his real name with you because I think it really is a part of his personality and have decided since I will be sharing so much about my family on my blog, I want everyone reading to know the real family (and besides I use their real names on myspace & facebook, why not here!)

So, today, you have met - Travis Lynn - my eleven year old wonder! Sorry, for such a long post, but I could ramble on for days about my kiddos and all that is great about them. And just thought since it is his birthday, it was a good time to share some things.

Here are some of my favorite pictures of him:

6 weeks - still w/reddish hair

1st bday - loving the cake!

2 1/2 yrs - a very brief stint w/gymnastics - not his cup of tea, he needed more activity & something that was outside!

10 yrs. - his first deer (sorry, if this offends anyone, but this is who he really is!)

Eleven and a cell phone!

A new gun & new phone - life is good. He chose the gun over a birthday party (we couldn't afford to do both.) For those who are not used to seeing an 11 year old with a gun, please remember he is a hunter and the love of it was born in him - his dad loves to hunt as do both of his grandpas. This is not his first gun, but is one he has been wanting for a while - it is a pump action, 20 gauge shotgun. Also, for those who are concerned, please know that all guns in our house are used for hunting only, and are kept in a locked gun safe. Travis is not allowed to hunt alone yet, and all gun usage for him is strictly supervised by an adult.

We went out to dinner to celebrate - Travis chose one of our local restaurants that serves catfish and all the fixings (fries, hush puppies, slaw). This photo was taken outside the; they have a nice sitting area, this bridge leads to it. There is also a pond and the provide bread and other goodies so you can feed the fish & turtles.

Travis had a very good birthday & we had fun celebrating with him.

FISHING DERBY

2008-08-22T22:50:00.005-05:00

I think I may have mentioned previously that Camo and Hunter like to fish. Flicka and I also enjoy it, but it seems to be more of a daddy/son event the last few years. Tonight it was a family event. Our local parks & rec dept holds an annual fishing derby each August. It is free at a local lake in our community, and is open to all children under 16. Basically, we just show up with rod/reel/bait, sign in and then fish for 2 hours weighing in each fish, hoping for the biggest in your division. Last year, this derby is what Travis chose as his birthday party, he loved it. This year it was just the four us, and it was a good night. Here are a few pictures:

One of the beautiful lakes in our community. It has a very nice walking trail all the way around it and it is right behind our library.

Our local library. You can check out fishing poles, walk out the back door and fish!

Beautiful skies & beautiful weather for a fishing derby!

The first catch! 1 lb 12 oz -she is in first place!

A rainbow blesses the event!

Uh-oh - dark clouds start rolling in! (but they are beautiful)

Brother & sister fishing together in the rain! The rain held out till the second hour (only a 2 hour event), but it was still fun!

Finally another catch - it's raining and hard to hold it up!

And the winner is... he won his division (10-11 yrs). He won a new rod/reel and new tackle box!

And the winner is.... she won her age division (12-15 yrs) as well as the overall winner, her fish was the biggest all night. She also won a new rod/reel and a new tackle box.

It was fun night. They were both very happy they won, and Flicka was ecstatic that no one caught one bigger than hers! (Not to mention how happy I am they both won, no disappointed one to break my heart!!!)

I HAVE BEEN BLESSED

2008-08-20T20:15:00.004-05:00

I heard this song on the way to work this morning. It really made an impact on me today.

Yesterday, for some crazy unexplained reason, I was really having a bad day. Simply put, I was in a bad mood. I did not have a real reason for my bad mood - I did have some work issues to deal with, but nothing really extreme. My day yesterday started out fine, no morning hassles when I got the kids up for school - they got up and were dressed on time with no problems, basically it was an easy morning. So, I don't know what happened to put me in my gloomy state, but there I was in a foggy gloom and it lasted all day.

So, when I heard this song this morning, it made me really evaluate things. I could have very easily slipped right back into the same state of mind that I had yesterday and again there was no apparent reason for this state of mind that kept creeping in. I love Martina McBride, not only can she sing and sing extremely well, she sings many songs with so much meaning, including this one. As I listened, I began to think about how I am blessed, and slowly I realized I was the only one with the power to change my attitude/outlook.

And so as I trudged through the day today, each time I began to slip into the gloom, I replayed the song in my head and played scenes from my life that fit the words. I AM BLESSED - I get to hear the laughter of my children each day, I have a husband who loves me, and oh so many more people and things to count as blessings too; and I do thank God each day for what I have, I AM BLESSED!

I am blessed and I hope you are too. Next time you feel down, remember this song and play the scenes from your life that fit, and I hope it helps you to rise above and have a better day like it did for me. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED!

1st Day of School

2008-08-18T20:11:00.006-05:00

The first day is over, and everyone survived. I know my kiddos are older, but I was so anxious to pick them up and hear all about it. They both wanted to talk nonstop when they got in the car. They wanted to tell me about their friends who were in classes with them (a few they haven't seen all summer, and some they have seen often), about all of their classes, etc.... Both kids are very happy with their schedules and today seemed to be a success. Below are a few 1st day of school pics - obtaining these was not an easy task. My kids now seem to think they are too big/cool for 1st day of school photos! I finally convinced them I would not give up till I had the photos; so very begrudgingly they gave in with stipulations - we had to go out back so no one could see (my usual photo spot is in the front yard, but the local bus stop is out front and they couldn't risk being seen posing for mom), I decided I might as well give them something, and so to the back yard we went. Here is the result.

My 2 "middle schoolers"

My 8th grader & last year middle schooler.

My 6th grader & first year middle schooler.

Of course, I cherish the end of first day chats because they tend to give me less and less info. as the school year wears on, but I cling to every little tidbit I can get out of them. So, we are off to a good start, and hopefully will on stay on track to a great year.

I hope everyone else, had good first days too! I will continue to keep my friends w/the little ones going off to "big school" for the first time in my prayers - I love you guys and hope you are doing well.

End Of Summer Randomness

2008-08-17T20:42:00.005-05:00

OK - I know that summer is not technically over. But, as the first day of school is tomorrow, it does mark somewhat of an end to our summer. I just thought I would take a moment to share some random thoughts with all of you.

1. My Retro Post - I know I have been promising a retro post for sometime now, it is still something I plan to do. I have to postpone it for now though as my scanner does not want to cooperate and allow me to scan the pictures. So, until I can get my scanner to work or get a chance to use my mother-in-laws, this post is postponed.

2. Last weekend - this weekend of course was the last one before school starts. We went to my sister's for one last visit and a small pool party with some of our mutual friends - it is a yearly event that she and my brother-in-law host. There is usually a good crowd, but this year it was very small (too many timing issues w/everyone this year), but it was still a nice visit with those who did attend.

3. First Day of School - I am a little sad that tomorrow is the first day of school. I am usually ready to resume the routine (as we don't have as strict a routine in the summer, and it can wear me down), but not this time, I really am not ready to get going with that routine again, I really could use a few more weeks for several reasons. We have had a good summer, but I would love to have a little more time to squeeze a few more fun activities in with the kids. Also, this will be the beginning of Flicka's last year at our local middle school, she will be in the 8th grade and that means I really have to focus on where she will attend high school next year (a decision will need to be made by January). The high school debate really stresses me as I do not feel we have really good options, and unfortunately we can not afford private school and homeschooling is not an option for us at this time. As Flicka begins her last year at the middle school, Camo begins his first year at the middle school. So, my baby is starting a brand new school tomorrow, but at least it is one we are already familiar with and the kids will have one year at the same school. And, yes it does make me a little sad to think of my "baby" starting middle school.

4. Summer Olympics - we have really enjoyed watching the summer Olympics each day. Of course we all have our favorites events we don't want to miss, but for the most part we agree about our favorites - swimming, gymnastics, beach volleyball, just to name a few. We have not missed a single one of Michael Phelps gold medal swims, and made sure to catch Dara Torres swimming too!

5. Busy, Busy, Busy - finally, I have to say this week will be very busy. Of course the first week of school is always busy, but I will also be preparing for Camo's birthday. He will be 11 on the 24th. We have decided not to have a big party this year, he wanted a more expensive present so we gave him the option of getting the present he really wanted or having a party and something less expensive, he chose to not have a party. We will still celebrate, and I will still invite a couple of his buddies over for pizza. But, with work, getting back into the school routine, getting ready for the birthday, and all of the other little everyday adventures that occur around here, it will be a busy week!

6. Last thoughts - I know a few of you who may be reading this are going to have a rougher week than normal, and have asked for prayers as you go through it. I have some friends who are reading who have little ones going off to kindergarten for the first time. Please know that I am keeping you in my prayers (and I know that my blogging friends reading this, will say a prayer for you too). Don't forget to take those first day of school pictures and post them for us to see.

I do hope all of you are doing well, and have a great first week of school (or another great week, if you have already started. )

STUCK IN THE 80's?

2008-08-13T21:29:00.003-05:00

Well, if you have read any of my previous posts, you know I just attended my 20 year high school reunion. You also, may know that I have promised to do a "retro" post and show some embarrassing photos of me from my past.

I think I have admitted previously that I loved my school days - especially high school. I loved the clothes, the music, the hair, etc.... I LOVED THE 80's and I still do!

So, while I scan my pictures getting ready for my retro post, I thought you might like to take a look at the following:

80's - You know you're from the 80's if...

It made me smile, and yes, I knew how to finish the line from #1, and yes, I was still singing the lyrics when I got to #6! I also, remember most of the things on the list (OK, OK, I really remember all of them, and no this does not bother me, it makes me smile!)

Hope this list made you smile. Were there any that you remembered from the list (it's ok to admit it)?

Till Next Time

2008-08-10T20:56:00.012-05:00

Well, it is over till next time - my 20 year reunion that is. I had the best time, it was everything I had hoped it would be (I just wished more could have attended.) We had 11 of 27 classmates attend, and had a great day of sharing memories. We also had 2 of our former teachers attend - our 4th grade teacher and one of our high school teachers - it was so neat to see them and remember some times we had with them.

Here is a picture of me, Chickadee and Scrappermom from our senior trip and then one of us from the reunion (along with one of our friends who does not blog yet, but does read our blogs).

J, Scrappermom, Chickadee, me

Me, Chickadee, cmbbyrd, Scrappermom

Next is a picture of me and Chickadee from our senior trip - as you can see from the picture above and this one we had a blast on our senior trip, we went to Disney World!

me & Chickadee

And below - me and Chickadee now!

So, a good time was had by all at our 20 year class reunion. I am happy we all came as our current selves, no one tried to put on a show, out do each other, or any of that silly stuff, we all just had a great time sharing with each other what we have been up to for the last 20 years and also sharing memories of our days together at our school.

One final picture - all of the classmates who attended.

11 of the 27 classmates of the class of 88!

Of course we all drug family along with us. We had children ranging in age from 2 years old to 15 years old. All of the children were excellent, some of the most beautiful and well behaved children in the world!!! For such a wide range of ages, and a long time together, we did not have any "melt downs", no "boo boos" while playing on the playground, and really no arguments whatsoever! (Go here to see a picture of most of the kiddos in attendance.)

So, when it is time for your reunion (whatever # it may be), I hope you will attend and have as much fun as I did w/my former classmates!

**one final side note - I finally have a working scanner again, and I plan to do a "then & now" post soon. I have promised several blogger friends that I would post some pictures from my past to show those crazy hair dos, clothes, etc... In the meantime, please go here to get a preview of what to expect, and I promise I had some of the same hair and clothes, so get ready!

HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

2008-08-06T20:38:00.003-05:00

This weekend I will attend my 20 yr. high school reunion. We were the class of 88 and we were great! I think there is a part of me that is still in shock that it has been 20 years. It's not that I think I am still 18; it's really more that it doesn't feel like it's been 20 yrs.! I want to share a little with you about my high school, and the life of those days.

I went to a very small school - kindergarten thru 12th grade was on one campus with approximately 450 - 500 kids total at that time. My graduating class consisted of only 27 kids, and 11 of us had been together since kindergarten, and many others joined us in the elementary years. I truly feel like most of us were more of a family than just classmates. (You can visit 2 of my classmates that were with me from kindergarten to 12th grade graduation here & here - we even knew each other before we started school because at that time we all went to the same church.)

I have so many good memories of all of my school days it would take me days and days to share all of them with you. Of course on the other hand, I do have some bad memories too, but overall I think I have many more good memories.

I wonder as I get ready for the reunion, what does everyone remember about me?? Do they remember the shy girl I was in the very early years?? Do they remember the me who wanted to be the mediator and wanted everyone to be friends?? Do they remember the me from the later years who was more outspoken?? And which of these do they expect to see on Saturday??

I am still all of the people I mentioned above - I still have my shy moments, I still want to be the mediator and for everyone to get along, and I am probably even more than ever that outspoken girl (but have learned to reign it in to some degree). But, even though I am still all of those things, what side do they expect the most? Regardless of the answer, I know I can only show up as me. That is all I am, just me. At this point in my life the me that is, is the me that is the wife, the mom, the daughter, the sister, the aunt, the friend, and the list could go on and on...

I thought as the date came closer, I would be anxious, nervous, apprehensive, etc.... basically worried about what everyone would think of me - how I look now (wow look at the weight she's gained), my life (am I successful, have a good family, good job), etc... But, I do not have any of those feelings, I am simply excited to see everyone and have a good time of fellowship. I believe, I thought I would have those feelings going into this reunion because I have had them at each previous reunion (we have had one every 5 years.) I also, believe I do not have those feelings this time because I am finally comfortable with who I am and with my life. In my eyes, I know I have a good family (great marriage, good kids), I am happy in my job, and I feel I am successful. My success, may not reflect success to others and I am ok with that also, I will just pray that someday, they can be comfortable with who they are and know that when that happens they are successful - it is not at all about the prestige of a job, the perfect husband/kids, or any material things we could possess. So, as I prepare to attend this reunion, I can only go as me and have the best time ever reminiscing, catching up, etc..... I pray that my fellow classmates all have safe travels to the reunion, and attend only being themselves.

Well, that may have been a little more deep than I intended, but it was all thoughts I have been having and really wanted to share them, and have wondered do others face these same thoughts as they get ready to come face to face with their pasts?

I can't think of any good stories to share at the moment, but I will come up with something (even if it might embarrass me) and share it with you when I do. If my friends here & here want to share any stories (or pictures), I promise I am ok with it.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately - lol), I do not have a working scanner at the moment so I can't share any pictures of me from those days. I do promise to take pictures on Saturday to share them with you in a post after the reunion. I also promise (mostly to myself) that I will attend the reunion only as me with only the goal of having fun and reconnecting with friends I haven't seen in years!

(Love to you all, and I pray that you have found the self you are comfortable with -it is a great feeling! All you have to do is pray about and let go and God will help you get there.) :0)

WEEKEND TRIP - PICTURES

2008-08-05T21:49:00.005-05:00

OK - here goes my 2nd attempt to share the pictures. I am not the best photographer and we didn't have as many photo ops as I had hoped due to the extreme heat. The kids didn't even want to stay in the pool too long - the water was hot too. We spent most of the time inside just "hanging out."

My 8 yr. old nephew (Thad) with his art - he is still very lovable & who could resist that face.

Thad's artwork was displayed in a renovated Church that is now called the ArtChurch, it is also where his art camp was held. The ArtChurch is owned by a former art teacher & her husband, they run the art camps and classes and then do the art displays for the Gallery Walk that is held the 1st Friday of each month. This is in Hot Springs. This photo is of a stained glass window at the church (it is much more beautiful than this pic shows.)

My Sis, Thad, and my brother-in-law

4 Cousins getting ahead of us!

Thad & Camo - just chillin!

Flicka, Tanner (11), Camo, and Thad

My oldest nephew - Tanner. He has had a growth spurt this summer and his voice (among other things) has started changing! He thinks he is soooo cool now.

more lounging in the pool

Playing video games to cool off.

I took this pic right before leaving. Had to get them to pose for us - we wanted to show how much Tanner has grown, we lined them up according to height & Tanner is now about 1 1/2 inches taller than Flicka (she is 13, he is 11). At the beginning of June, Flicka was still taller! What a "motley" crew we have!

So that was our trip. The cousins still have fun together, and it was good weekend. Yes, we had at least one major disagreement between them, but they worked it out. Now they will all just be waiting for the next trip.

(BTW - Tanner & Thad are their real names, just in case you were wondering. I have been mulling it over, and will most likely introduce you to the real Flicka & Camo soon as I think their real names fit them and are a part of the window into the who they really are, so watch for that post soon)

Trip/Technical Problems

2008-08-04T19:14:00.002-05:00

Well we are now home. We had a very nice visit with my sister and her family.

I have been trying to do a post and share the photos I promised with you, but every time I try to upload the photos I get an error message. It says something like "images can't be uploaded due to an internal error." If any of you with more technical experience than what I have (which isn't much) have any suggestions or advice on what I may be doing wrong, please feel free to share with me. I will keep trying it and hopefully, it will work soon.

Weekend Trip

2008-07-31T21:30:00.003-05:00

We are going to go to my sister's house for the weekend. We have all been so busy this summer we haven't seen them much, and that is very unusual for us.

My sister is 3 years older than me. We did have the normal sibling arguments as children, but overall I would say we got along OK. Now, I would have to say she is one of my best friends.

When I first found out I was pregnant w/my daughter, my sister did not yet have children, and was very excited to become an aunt again (my brother already had a baby at this time, but he is in the Air Force and they lived very far away). At the time she and my brother-in-law only lived about 20 minutes from me. Then a house on my street came up for sale at the same time they were wanting to move, yep you guessed it they bought it - there was only one house in between us - it was very convenient for us. Many people said, I can't believe you want her that close, but having grown up in a very close extended family, I was thrilled to have her close by.

Fast Forward several years, and my sister had a baby boy, well her oldest son is only 8 months older than Camo so they grew up together on the same street, and were best friends. And of course, my kids and hers have a cousin bond much like the one I had w/some of my cousins growing up, not to mention the bond we were able to build w/the kids ourselves.

Fast Forward again, around 5 years ago, we decided it was time to move, and found a new house more suitable for our family. It was only about 15 minutes from them, but the children were just devastated by the move. Well then to make matters worse, my sister took a new job and they then moved to another town an hour away. I believe the kids actually had withdrawals for quite some time. Even a year or so after the move, my son told me one day that he was mad at his Nae (that is what they call her), I asked him why and he said because she took that job and left us.

The two boys are still close and get to spend time together, but not as close as they once were. Of course my sister and I don't see each other everyday anymore, but we talk to each other on the phone at least once a week and often more.

So, anyway for our weekend trip, we are going to my sister's house. They live in a local resort town. My youngest nephew went to an art camp a week ago, and tomorrow the city has a "gallery walk" and he will have art displayed at one of the galleries. (The gallery walk is free and held the first Friday of each month, you can to all the local galleries in the downtown, and enjoy the art and snacks, did I mention it is free!) After the gallery walk, we will all go out to eat, and then back to their house. They have a pool so the rest of the weekend will be filled w/swimming, eating, and visiting (I'm sure there will be at least one argument/fight between the children at some point, it's just part of life.)

I am excited to see my nephews, and my sister and her husband also. I will take pictures and share more of my family with you when I return home. This is a trip I have been looking forward too for some time, and it will be such a refresher for me!

ANOTHER GIVEAWAY

2008-07-31T19:05:00.002-05:00

Okay, so maybe I have gone giveaway crazee! But you have to check this one out. Please go to Cinnamon Sticks Boutique and check out the cute necklace giveaway.

I love the necklace and am sure you will too. Please remember to go here to enter the giveaway. Oh, BTW, look around while you are here she has lots of other cute jewelry pieces too!

Good Luck (but I hope I win this one)!

Our Cozy Nest Giveaway

2008-07-31T17:58:00.005-05:00

Please go here to enter a great giveaway! Nicole at Our Cozy Nest is helping her friends out and in turn needs our help. All you have to do is go to Our Cozy Nest and help come up with a name for her friends new Internet lighting site.

It is a great site, beautiful giveaway, and great opportunity for you to enter. Go give it a peek and help them out.

TWILIGHT ZONE

2008-07-28T22:19:00.005-05:00

Hunter and I thought we must have been in the twilight zone tonight.

I guess first I must explain the relationship between Flicka and Camo so that you will understand. It is not that they never get along, but on any given day there will be arguments of many different natures. They do have days that they co-exist w/out much incidence, and days of non-arguing. I know w/out a doubt they do love each other tremendously and would battle for each other till the end of time - I have actually seen this: Flicka got hurt at school one day. A little boy on the playground was running and knocked her down, she did get a really nasty cut and scrape on her knee, but it was truly an accident, nothing more than a playground mishap. Now this was a few years ago, Camo only 5 or 6 years old. When he heard what happened he wanted a complete description of the boy, and I do believe if I had let him and my nephew out of the car at that moment they would have taken care of it, they were ready to defend her. I have also seen Flicka exhibit this type of behavior towards those who have wronged her little brother.

But I have to say for the last few years, their relationship is more of a battle ground. Well tonight was just crazy - we do get nights like this from time to time, but definitely it is not all the time.

What am I talking about??? Well tonight Flicka and Camo got along all night long - not one argument. When Flicka started towards the door and announced to Camo she was going to ride his scooter (it is an electric scooter), he said OK - this usually causes a big discussion of disagreement. When Camo said he was going outside for a little while, Flicka said she wanted to go too, he asked if she would open the garage door and she smiled and said sure. Several other events like this occurred all night long.

Hunter and I just kept looking at each other and wondering if someone had replaced our children, or if we were being "punked", or perhaps on an episode of the twilight zone???

I, however, for this night, choose to believe that they are growing up and realizing they do need each other.

(I do have to confess before I close though, I had much of the same type of relationship w/my little brother. He was the same distance in age from me as Flicka and Camo are. We did finally reach a point were we decided all the arguing was counter-productive and it was better when we worked together. We turned out fine and get along well today.)

So, do you ever have "twilight zone" moments?

TIME??

2008-07-26T19:49:00.004-05:00

WOW! It seems, like I just woke up today and realized that summer is almost over. Where did the time go? We have had a good summer so far - probably one of the best in a long time. Everyone has gotten to do more of their own things than usual and have had a great time, but there are still so many things we would love to do. Time has just flown by for us this summer.

But, instead of dwelling on what is almost over, I will make an effort to focus on what is left of the summer, and make it the best it can be. We do have so much to pack in to the last few weeks before school starts.

We are going to visit my sister & her family next weekend (they only live an hour away, but we don't get to see them often enough), my 20 yr. class reunion is coming up, a 2nd weekend is scheduled at my sisters, we will have to fit in a shopping trip to buy school supplies and clothes (as both Flicka and Camo have outgrown last year's clothes) and then believe it or not it will be time for school to start. It seems like we will have a whirlwind of the rest of the summer, but it will be great.

We haven't been able to take a family vacation this year, but I think I now realize more than ever, it's not about taking a trip to some great location, it's really just about being together and fortunately we can do that anywhere! I love being with my family, and we can find a good time no matter where we are.

So, tell me.... What do you plan to do with the rest of your summer??

PS... Please visit my friend ...Scrapper Mom... to see some wonderful children's clothing and for a great giveaway. Also, it's her Bday, wish her a happy one!

Uneventful Week

2008-07-24T21:41:00.008-05:00

Well, I have been racking my brain trying to come up with a post that would be interesting to anyone who may read. I have to say this has been a very uneventful week around our household, and I do not have any interesting news, or antics to share. So, I must apologize as this may be boring.

Hunter and I have been working, nothing exciting for us as of yet, and Hunter is off tomorrow (he is off every other Friday). However, last Friday, he did have some excitement - he fell in a manhole. He was not hurt seriously, actually not much at all, just a few scrapes and bruises. He filed a workman's comp report just to be safe though - fortunately there will not be anything that will need to be paid on it.

Flicka and Camo have been going over to the in-laws house and took turns spending one night there this week (they wanted alone time). Flicka has spent a few days at home alone - her favorite thing to do because she can stay in bed till she wakes up, stay in her pj's all day, basically just veg out.

I have a couple of work appts. tomorrow so I will work at least 1/2 day. Hunter and the kids will go over to the in-laws so they can swim, and the kids are planning to ride 4 wheelers for a little while. While, we live in town, the in-laws live outside city limits and have around 10 acres. Gives us a chance to pretend we are in the country.

I think it has just been too hot to get into too much right now. If you live in AR this time of year you know you can't escape the heat. Forecast for the next 4 days - actual temp of 99 - 100, heat index of 105 - 110!!! HEAT + HUMIDITY = HHHHOOOOTTTT!!!!:0( *I still prefer summer over the bone chilling cold of winter!!!*

I guess overall, I would much rather have an uneventful week, than one full of turmoil!

Hope everyone is having a good week, and staying cool! Don't forget sunscreen and lots of water!!!!:0):0)

MORE WEEKEND FUN!

2008-07-20T22:08:00.004-05:00

My mother-in-law just returned home from a week and half long visit to Savannah, GA. She goes on this trip yearly with some friends, and has a great time. Flicka hasn't seen her in almost a month, for Camo it has been a week and half (they are not used to being away from her for that long, and neither is she). She returned home with 5 lbs. of fresh shrimp and 5 lbs. of fresh crab legs, and invited us over for dinner. We spent the afternoon, swimming, catching up, and then eating. It was a great day for all of us. Hope you enjoy the random pics we took (Flicka took some of the photos.)

me & Flicka

Camo, just chillin!

Camo & Grandpa cooking shrimp together.

Grandma's Hibiscus. (Flicka thought this would be a cool pic.)

Grandpa taking a break from cooking to cool off. (temp hit 100 today, heat index - 105!)
Flicka enjoying some refreshment!
Camo & Hunter having some fun.
Our wonderful dinner!!!

Grandma doesn't like her picture taken so we will have to get one of her later. The kids so love getting to spend time at Grandma & Grandpas, and I must admit I do too. I have the best in-laws, and love every minute with them. It was great weekend!

SATURDAY AFTERNOON FUN!

2008-07-19T22:07:00.004-05:00

Well, as I am fairly new to the blog world and still learning all the technical aspects, I have not done a very good job of sharing pictures yet. So, my new goal for blogging - more pictures. I am definitely not the best photographer, but I do enjoy taking pictures. I hope you enjoy these pictures of Flicka and Camo at the pool.

Flicka's reaction when she was told we would have to leave soon!

Short post today, and I am trying to learn new ways to jazz up the posts, adding pictures, linking, etc.... Hope everyone is having a nice and realaxing weekend!!

GRANDMA

2008-07-17T20:25:00.008-05:00

I have been thinking about many things I want to post about, but for some strange reason the last few days, I have had this strong, compelling need to share my grandmother with all of you.

Grandma is 83 (birthday was in June), and I have always loved spending time with her! I know I am so fortunate to still have her with me ( she is the only grandparent I still have down here). I still love to spend time with her and I just look forward to seeing her every time I go to visit my parents.

Grandma is my mom's mom. When I was a child she never lived more than 8 miles from us, and I got to see her at least 3 or 4 times a week and usually every Saturday and Sunday afternoons too. We had such good times with her (me, my sis, brother & cousins), it was so much fun to be at her house. I have so many stories of my times with her and grandpa that I could share, but it would take me days to do that. I will just share a few things now, and maybe sprinkle more in here and there in the future.

She currently lives in a small trailer beside my parents so that mom can look after her. She still gets around pretty well, but no longer drives, and does need someone close by now.

I remember when I was around 5 or 6 grandma had a birthday, she was 54. I then remember when I was around 8 or 9 she was still 54, that is about the time that I caught on she was just pulling our legs and she really wasn't still 54!! It's not that she was/is vain, she just liked being 54 and not getting older, also that is just the sense of humor she has - she so loves pulling one over on us!

I also remember her teaching me at one point that a young lady/woman should never leave the house without lipstick on. It didn't matter where you were going, or if you had any other make-up on, but you should never leave the house without lipstick on. To this day she still does not leave her house with out lipstick on (and neither do I!)

When Flicka was a baby, toddler and preschool, my grandmother lived in this area. So whenever, Flicka couldn't go to daycare or preschool, she got to spend the day w/great grandma. As a result of this time she spent with great grandma, she has learned how to sew and crochet!!! It is so awesome that they were able to spend time together and they have such a wonderful connection/bond to each other.

One important story that involves both Flicka and Grandma, I must share with you. When Flicka was 4 years old Grandma got sick. We found out she had some blockage in her arteries and would need a double by-pass. We were at the in-laws house later that day and I was explaining to mother-in-law what was going on and the surgery Grandma would need, and making arrangements for Flicka and Camo to stay with mother-in-law the next day while I was at the hospital, Flicka was coloring in the next room. When I went to tell Flicka it was time to go, she was crying and was very upset. I had no idea she was clinging to every word we spoke - I truly thought she was lost in her coloring. I asked her what was wrong, and she began crying even more. She finally explained to me that she did not want the doctors to open Grandma's heart because that is where Jesus lives and they could not let Him out!. I then had to explain to a 4 year old more about open-heart surgery than I even knew about it, and assure her that Jesus would not leave Grandma's heart. I was finally able to make her understand how Jesus lives in our hearts and it would all be OK. (isn't the literal translations of children wonderful!)

Grandma still loves that story. She and Flicka have a bond that will live forever, and I am so fortunate that they do.

I just hope that when I am 80something, I look as good as she does (and I will have my lipstick on!) The picture is from Christmas, and I am sure if she knew I put that one on here, she would ask me to find a better one even though this one is great. (maybe she is a little vain after all!)

I hope you enjoyed meeting her, she truly is amazing - she actually grew up in an orphanage until she was 14 years old - I will share that story with you in the future.

BACK TO NORMAL

2008-07-14T20:10:00.002-05:00

All is back to normal, home is finally home again. Flicka and Camo are home with Hunter and I. We have slept under the same roof for 3 nights in a row now; sleep is much sweeter when all is right in the home.

Don't get me wrong though, it is no fairy tale. When I say back to normal, it includes more than just everyone being back at home. The kids arguing, cooking dinner again (took a break from that when the kiddos were away), running kids here and there again, increase in laundry again, etc.....

Ah, normal - it is awesome, and it is exhausting! But, I do love it!

My normal may be crazy to some, but to quote a line from a Jimmy Buffet song - "if we weren't all crazy, we would all be insane!" (I will learn how to upload music clips, and do links soon, I promise)

So, share with me. Is my normal crazy? What is your normal?

Mom Can Be Cool - WEIRD!!

2008-07-10T21:43:00.005-05:00

Quick updates - **Flicka came home today - YEAH!!!!!! Camo, came home too, but then he and Hunter left to go fishing for the night, so one more night and then everyone will be under the same roof again!!! **Car not fixed completely yet, but it is drivable for short distances. (thanks for letting me UGH about it yesterday!)

Now on to the topic of the day.

As I said Flicka is home, it is wonderful. It has just been the 2 of us at home this evening so we have had some time to talk and catch up. While she was at the grandparents she got to spend some time w/one of her cousins who lives there that is her age. They exchanged several ring tones for their cell phones. A couple are of some more popular tunes that are out now. Needless to say, Flicka was quite shocked that I knew some of these songs.

Let me explain a little - I do generally listen to country music, or a station that plays 80's music, but I do venture out from time to time and listen to current tunes as well (of course it depends on the artist and music, some of it actually does make my ears hurt and gives me a headache, but, I did not admit this to her!)

So, anyway, when she played these tunes for me and I sang along, she was very, well, I guess the word would be flabbergasted! I was very amused at her reaction. She informed me that it was just weird that I liked music that she and her friends also liked. (I could tell that she really thought it was cool though.)

What fun to surprise our children and keep them guessing as to what we really know and are up to date on! So, I will accept the fact that I am a little weird to my daughter right now, and make an attempt to stay up to date with things to keep her guessing! Oh, what fun life with a teenage daughter is going to be!!!!!

CAR TROUBLE

2008-07-09T19:57:00.003-05:00

Ugh! Isn't having your car break down when you are least expecting it the worst?!!! It happened to me today, and it was not fun! I know it could have been so much worse, but it still was not fun!

My work requires me to drive a lot and my car is basically my office some days. Today I was in a town about 45 minutes away from where I currently live. My car decided to overheat and then not start again. Fortunately, my dad works in the town this happened in, he was at work and couldn't rescue me. But I did call my mom, and she was able to get someone they know, who grew up in the same town I did and still lives close to my parents, that is a mechanic to come and help me out. He managed to get me mobile again, and I was able to make it back to my home safely and park my car.

Hunter is very handy and will be able to fix the car, but will have to wait on a part from the dealer! So, all in all, it will be OK. Just an unexpected expense we didn't really need right now.

So, I just needed to say UGH!!!!

HOMESICK!

2008-07-06T22:00:00.004-05:00

Is it possible to be homesick when you are still at home???

You may think that is a strange question to ask, but for me right now, I am at home, but a little homesick. What does that crazy girl mean, you are probably asking yourself. Well, we are now into July and summer is too close to over, and my kids are still away from home. I'm not homesick for my house, but for my home the way it should be - with Flicka and Camo at home with Hunter and me.

I have enjoyed the break and the alone time with Hunter. Hunter and I definitely needed the time together, we have so enjoyed the conversations without interruptions, the life without much of a schedule, the few dinner dates we had, etc.... But now, I think it is time for my home to return to normal.

Flicka and Camo have been gone for almost the entire summer. They were home the first week school was out and then both left for camp - Flicka for 2 weeks and Camo for one. Camo returned from camp and went straight to the grandparents in the country. Flicka came home and then switched places with Camo at the grandparents. Camo was then home for only 2 nights and left to go camping with the other grandparents. These brief moments with the children have been nice, but I am ready to see them daily again.

I love that they enjoy spending time with their grandparents and do not get homesick for me when they are away, I love that they are independent and happy, but I do miss them when they are away.

So, even though I am at my own home, I am still a little homesick. They will both return home on Thursday, and I am looking forward to a restful sleep in my home as it should be - all the family under the same roof!

The Kids - the girl

2008-07-05T20:21:00.008-05:00

I had several ideas for a post today, but decided I couldn't wait any longer to introduce you to my daughter. A new bloggy friend commented (thank you!) on my previous post about a mother's love, and I must admit, my heart was swelling and pumping as I wrote that post, and I know it will with this one also; and that is why I couldn't wait to tell you about my daughter!

I have so many things I could tell you about my daughter, but will try to keep it down to the basics and elaborate more in the future.

Flicka, is what I have decided to let you come to know her by. I chose this because she loves horses and is somewhat of a free-spirit much like Flicka the horse in the movie (and book). Also, every time I hear that name I think of the Tim McGraw song from the movie - "My Little Girl". Every time I hear that song, I tear up and think of my little girl (who is not so little anymore, but will always be to me.)

Flicka is 13, she will be in the 8th grade when school starts again. She is very much a teenager, eye rolls and all! She loves her cell phone and her computer. Doesn't talk on the phone like we did at that age, but instead she texts and IMs (instant message). She knows I have very strict rules for the computer and phone and always asks before visiting any new websites (we can't be too careful anymore.)

As much as Camo is like his dad, she is like me. She can be very high strung and stubborn, and she is very opinionated (some times this is a good thing, because she is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, but she still needs to learn a little control with it).

She loves school and is a very good student; math is her favorite (did not get that from me or her dad!). She also loves girl scouts, and has already received 2 of the highest awards a GS can receive (bronze and silver). She just spent 2 weeks at girl scout camp - one of the camps where they ride and do all things w/horses. She did very well and will get to go to the next level next year (will get to do some overnight trail rides); she is very excited about that.

She also, loves taking pictures. Flicka is a very good photographer - she sees things that you wouldn't think would make a good photo, but she will snap a pic of it and it turns out amazing! Very creative and thoughtful w/snapping pics! I will share some of them in the future (with her permission of course.)

Yes, Flicka does have some of her dad too, she does like to hunt with him on occasion, but not as much as when she was younger. She is a daddy's girl though.

I will keep you all updated with new posts of our journeys through the teenage years - I'm sure it will be an adventure!

THE KIDS - the boy

2008-07-03T14:02:00.006-05:00

Now here comes the hard part introducing the kids. I wanted to do it in two separate posts, but there are risks involved with that - if they find out, whichever one I do first will rub it in to the other and someone will come out mad. However, I do believe they deserve their own post, so I am flipping a coin to make the decision. My son will be first this time.

I have decided his name will be Camo. Yes, he is definitely following in his daddy's footsteps, and loves all things outdoors (yeah, no video junkies at my house.) He especially loves to hunt (deer, duck, squirrel, etc..) and fish.

Camo is 10 (will be 11 in August). He is laid back (like his dad) and he is funny. He keeps us laughing alot. Everyone he meets falls for him immediately - he is a definite charmer. He is also very sweet and loving, he will still cuddle w/me and still calls me mommy sometimes (that is the best!) Camo also is very kind to others and is very compassionate.

Baseball is his life in the spring and summer - he loves to play and has played since he was 3 (yes they had a t-ball team for 3 year olds). The last several seasons he has been catcher. This was really scary for me at first because he got hit so many times, but he always shakes it off and seems to be fine; he loves it and that is his favorite position so I am fine with it. I absolutely hate to miss any of his games, and don't if I can help it. I love to watch him play!

As I said before he also loves to hunt and fish, of course right now w/summer time here fishing is his favorite past time and he and his dad go when they can. There is a little lake in our town just a mile or 2 from our house at a park, and they can go over and fish in the afternoons - they love it! He is a boy scout and loves the camping and meetings involved with it; and I know he will achieve the Eagle Scout rank some day.

The picture was taken the day of his 5th grade graduation. He will go to middle school in the fall. (BTW - he has always been an honor student) He got braces this summer and that really made him look like less of a kid and more like a preteen boy - everyday he seems to act and look a little older; time flies!

I feel like I have made this post a little too long, but wanted to make sure you had some background on Camo. I can assure you, I will have many more posts about him to come; he is so adventuresome and loves life that there is always a new story (some funny, some of not so good things he might pull, after all he is 100% boy!) I have to share w/someone.

The Family - part 2 - the husband

2008-07-02T20:34:00.009-05:00

I contemplated for a while as to who I should introduce next, my husband or kids?.... I decided I should introduce my husband as without him there would be no kids to introduce. I have decided that Hunter will be his blog name, and I as I tell you about him you will understand why.

I think I should start w/our story. I first met Hunter when I was 16. He was a friend of my sister's from college, and would stop to visit with my sister or parents on occasion when he was in our area. He is 6 years older, and at the time I just thought he was on old (and I mean old as in age) college friend of my sister's that got in my way when he came by - I definitely had no thoughts we would ever date. Fast forward 6 years - he came back to Arkansas (I'll explain where he had been later) for my sister's June wedding. We talked some at the wedding and my sister's best friend suggested to me that we should get together - as in date. I still didn't think much about it. He then went away again. Then in Sept. he came home for his brother's wedding and invited my sister, brother-in-law, and me to the reception. We went, I went out w/him and a group to a local club. We had our first official date a week later on my 22nd birthday the rest is history as they say - we dated for 2 years, and then got married. We have been married for 14 1/2 years!

The name - I chose the name Hunter because he loves to hunt (fish, camp, really anything outdoors.) Outdoors is very important to him. During college he spent his summers in Georgia on the Chatooga river as a whitewater raft guide, after college he chose to continue the raft guiding in the summers, and worked for a friend of his in Atlanta in the winters. He loved it and does miss it. I'll share more of his adventures as we go.

He is a great dad and husband. He is very laid back and easy going which is a good balance for me since I can be a little high strung at times.

He keeps calm and balanced! It hasn't always been rosy, we have had ups and downs, but we are still going strong and are still in love!

RELAXING

2008-07-01T21:43:00.004-05:00

Taking a quick break from introducing the family, but will get back to that soon.

How do you relax? Do you relax? For many, true relaxation is hard to obtain due to the busy schedules of everyday life, but I believe it is a vital part of our survival of everyday life.

Relaxing for me comes in many ways, but don't really to get to as often as needed. I can relax while I veg out in front of a favorite TV show, taking a nap on a weekend afternoon, a hot shower/bath, and many more. However, summer is my favorite season and brings many more forms of relaxation. I know, I know, but I do love the heat (not a fan of the humidity here in Arkansas, but it comes free); I hate being cold and will take the heat over cold any day! But I digress, back to relaxing in the summer sun. My in-laws have a pool and fortunately only live a few miles from us. We have been indulging ourselves, by taking a daily trip to the pool each day. Some afternoons we can spend 30 minutes or so, but some days we get longer. A couple of days I had the pool to myself - the husband was gone fishing, both kids at camp, and in-laws away - now I tell you that is some good relaxation, just floating around mindlessly, dozing some, watching clouds, birds, and planes in a quiet country setting! It just doesn't get much better than that(maybe relaxing on the beach is better, but work w/what you have!).

Again, I'll ask - How do you relax? Do you relax? It is important! Find your relaxation, and try to do it as often as possible, but no matter take at least 5 - 10 minutes each day to find a way to relax, it will rejuvenate you.

The Family - part 1

2008-06-30T20:47:00.005-05:00

I want to introduce you to my family, but think it is best if I start by introducing myself a little further. As I said, in my "all about me" I am a wife and mother, and I do work full time.

My Blog Name: You may have noticed I sign my blog with the name "Shortone." There really isn't a deep mystery to my blogging name, I chose it because it sums be up, and has been my nickname in some form or other for most of my life. Yes, you guessed it, I am not very tall. I believe I reached my full height around the 6th or 7th grade; that height is just under 5', but I do fudge a little and list my height as 5'. This lack of height is not something that has ever bothered, me and I have been known to use it to my advantage at times (i.e. short people can get through large crowds virtually unnoticed!)

My Job: I changed careers around a year ago. I am currently self-employed - an independent agent for a very well known insurance company (think about a duck!) I love this job; it gives me an independence that I never had before. It brings something new each day, and gives me the flexibility to be with my children when needed - I can set my own schedule, and I don't have to answer to anyone. The flip side of that is that if I don't work, I don't make money. So, I do still work as much as possible.

The Rest: I am from a very small southeast Arkansas town. My parents still live there and it will always be home to me. I left when I went to college. I ended up in a very large central Arkansas town via college, and marrying someone who is from that town. We actually live in one of the smaller suburbs of the larger town. We live approximately 5 miles from my in-laws, which is awesome. I am very lucky and have some of the greatest in-laws ever; and of course this makes it easier for the spoiling of their only 2 grandchildren. For the most part we love where we live, but do hope to get back to the country at some point - I am still a small town country girl at heart.

A little more: Just a few more fun things to know: I LOOVVVEE country music (not obsessed with it like I was when I was younger, but love it!) A few of my favs are Alabama, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride. On the flip side of the charts, I love 80s music, especially the hair bands, and mostly Bon Jovi (Jon Bon Jovi just gets better looking with age!) I also love to cook, watch Razorback football (and basketball sometimes), I'm a Girl Scout Leader, and will chase my kids to any activity they are interested in at the time (more about that as I introduce my kids to you.) I love my husband as much now as when we first got married, and probably more! Of course most importantly, I am a Christian, and believe in God.

This gives a little peak into me, and I will share more as we go. You will also learn more about me as I introduce my children, husband, and on occasion other members of my family (siblings, nieces, nephews, etc...)

Firsts!

2008-06-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I don't have as much time for this first post as I would like, but I will give it my best shot to get started.

I have a few friends that blog, and I have thought about it myself for several years. Why did it take me so long to jump in? I'm not sure, but here I am now. I have always had a passion for writing, but have not done much of it the last few years. I am hoping this blog will give me a chance to get back to writing.

Plans for my blog include sharing our everyday life, which with a new teenager and preteen in the house is a daily adventure; I would also like to throw in an original short story on occaision (some fiction, some are stories of memories from my childhood, etc...)

So, hang on, here we go on this new journey together. I hope you enjoy the ride.