MOMMY SWEET MOM

Things In My House Thursday

2009-08-13T02:27:00.001-05:00

We're going outdoors this Thursday, and taking a look at the flowers that take over our beds every summer.

I planted one flower, years ago, and every spring they come back with an absolute vengence and multiply like rabbits.

They grow any and everywhere, and we pull them up by the dozens.

We don't mind having them in lesser quantities, because they are so unique and colorful.

And of course I don't have a clue what the name of the plant is. Anyone?

Things In My House Thursday

2009-08-06T00:24:00.000-05:00

The lamp in my bathroom.
It's simple, and it's inexpensive, but I really like it. It provides just the right amount of light if you don't need or want to turn on the big fixture.

The polka-dot lampshade has never gotten old to me. It's still fun.

Even the cheap stand with it's fake, uneven 'crystals' is important because it raises the lamp to just the right height.

What's in your bathroom?

Or kitchen or den or hallway or . . . . any thing in your house - share!

Post, link, visit, comment! :)

Things In My House Thursday

2009-07-30T07:15:00.008-05:00

This cute key:

Will operate Christopher's new car:

It is very exciting, for all of us, even though the whole decision goes against good Dave Ramsey money managing, but there were mitigating circumstances. We took advantage of the Cash-for-Clunkers deal, along with dealer incentives and other opportunities.

His trade-in was a 22 year old GMC Jimmy that got around 13 - 14 mpg; it had no air conditioning, it leaked inside when it rained, and had countless little quirks that meant only someone that 'knew' it could drive it. On the other hand, it was truly the perfect teenage boy starter car. The engine had been replaced several years ago, and it had been running 'well' until recently. Then it just needed more time and tweaking, but my husband was getting tired of and running out of occasions to work on it.

Now, having said that, the government clunker deal is sad.

The dealership is rebated the $4500 trade-in it allows us, and then it has to destroy the vehicle. They have to drain the engine of oil, and replace it with some kind of destructive chemical, then run the engine at 2000 rpm until it's all over.

That may not sound so bad regarding the Jimmy, although it sounds like murder to us, but even the dealer / salesmen were dismayed by all the very good cars they were going to have to destroy. Cars that got the same gas mileage as most new trucks or close to some sedans; cars that had relatively low mileage, cars that would be great for people that just couldn't afford anything else.

Well, other than that part, we are so happy with the purchase for many reasons, Christopher most of all, of course.

Unrelated, I wanted to share my green green green green beautiful grass with everyone. I doubt your monitor can do it justice (my doesn't), but the lawn is just spectacularly lush and dark green and splendid this morning. Please use your imagination, take off your shoes, and enjoy! It's wonderful!!

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Don't we all want to see what each other has? :)

Things In My House Thursday

2009-07-23T00:22:00.002-05:00

This Wooden Plaque:

I stand by this sentiment 100%.

Share something from your house!!

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(Don't know why Mr. Linky wasn't working properly last week; I had added it. Hope Blogger/Linky is up to speed today.)

Beautiful Weather for Interactive Farm Animals...

2009-07-22T11:20:00.007-05:00

I know, if I can come up with titles like that I should be working for the newspaper.

Yesterday the weather here was bizarre - mid-morning it was only 68 degrees and breezy and cool. The kind of day that made you feel obligated to go outside and do something.

There was a threat of rain, but me and Jessica and Charlotte and Mary headed out to some friends' property in a neighboring county to visit their animals. The humans weren't home, but we know the 'pets'.

Jim, Joe, and Jack are the horses and the donkey. This is Joe, very excited to see us and running straight towards us - stopping inches from our faces.

Jim is a little shyer, but he is still going to greet you and stick close by.

Jack really only cares about being on the same side of the fence as us, in case there are treats being offered.

Next, stopped by the cows and were welcomed with a hearty moo-hello.

Even the goat wanted to talk to us.

NOW, the story changes. Usually our friend Ginger has GooseGoose fenced up somewhere on her property, but for some reason, he was out and about, unbeknownst to us. That is a very, very scary thing if you know GooseGoose. He is as mean as any animal I've EVER known, and completely frightening because he is fast and fearless. I've seen him sneak up behind Ginger, who was standing too close to his fence, and he poked his head through, grabbed a huge chunk of her thigh with his beak, and started twisting furiously.

You may wonder why he is ALIVE, a question I asked, but Ginger unofficially runs an animal sanctuary, and many homeless, abused, lost, neglected animals end up with her. She cares for and tolerates them all. I personally understand and admire that, except when it comes to GooseGoose....

Looks harmless I know; that's because I wasn't exactly taking pics when he chased Jessica up onto the porch and turned to come after me .

Fortunately, Jessica found some croquet mallets on the porch, and we all grabbed one. We also had brought and umbrella, and we armed ourselves with that as well.

It was stressful AND comical trying to get in the car; Jessica held the open umbrella like a shield, and I provided back-up with a mallet so Mary and Charlotte could get in. Once I slipped in the driver's seat, Jessica scrambled into her side and slammed the door ahead of GooseGoose.

All pretty traumatic, but we consoled ourselves with a TacoBell car-picnic.

And we were home before the rain came pouring down, just in time for napping. :)

Things In My House Thursday

2009-07-16T00:14:00.003-05:00

Hand Mannequin

This was among my Grandmother's things, and I haven't a clue where she got it. I'm guessing that it was used for measuring gloves?

It's tall (13 inches) and sturdy, and I just found it interesting enough to hang on to.

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Happy Thursday!!

Things In My House Thursday

2009-07-09T00:12:00.000-05:00

If you didn't know before, you will now - Mary sells Avon. And I am her best customer.

So, last order I bought this inflatable foot soaking tub and some exfoliating products.

Once inflated, my first thoughts were about what a perfect swimming pool it would make for Barbie, but then I got down to the business of a foot soak.

It was so relaxing! I'm hooked.

Share something you're hooked on; join TIMHT!

Post, link, visit, comment, :)

Happy Birthday America!!

2009-07-04T06:12:00.006-05:00

We celebrated this past Sunday at our church's Starlight Spectacular.

Food, friends, family, fantastic fireworks.

The music was outstanding - our church orchestra and Big Daddy Weave.

Dancing to the very popular VBS music:

Big Daddy Weave:

Finale:

Today we'll celebrate my husband's birthday; cookout with family and friends.

We're all mostly looking forward to Mary's special desserts!! :)

"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor."

George Washington:

Commander-in-Chief in the American Revolution,

Signer of the Constitution,

First President of the United States

News From the Past

2009-07-03T20:08:00.001-05:00

125 years ago: 1884

A horse hitched to a delivery wagon in the alley near Main and Gayoso ran away yesterday. In his mad race he leaped over a lumber pile thereby ending all connection between himself and the vehicle he was pulling. He ran for several more blocks and then apparently discovered that he had left the wagon behind, he turned, walked back to it, waited to be hitched again and then calmly went off gentle as a kitten.

Things In My House Thursday

2009-07-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

This week's TIMHT is something in my house - on loan. My aunt sent it home with me after I admired it in her house; her daughter-in-law made it and she thought that maybe Mary or Jessica would like to 'study' it and see if they could duplicate the project.

This colorful hanging is 'roosters' divided by beads. I think my cousin-in-law did an incredible job choosing fabric, trim, and beads.

Two little cow bells dangle from the bottom - a finishing touch that Charlotte enjoys :)

I hope you'll join TIMHT - - - and accept my apology for not visiting last week's participants or any of my favorite blogs! Summer and life are so distracting; but I'm looking forward to catching up on my reader's blogs!!

Thanks for your patience :)

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Things In My House Thursday

2009-06-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

This is one of those ubiquitous black metal candle holders, but when I saw this one at Costco I knew that it would go perfectly on a blank bathroom wall where nothing else was appropriate.

It is fun and even practical - during a power outage..... and in theory it would be great mood lighting for a bubble bath, but you know I'm a shower girl.

All lit up; these candles smell heavenly.

And this is just a fun picture - my old, 'cheap', point and shoot digital camera has a setting to only pick up one color; I chose red:

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HAPPY THURSDAY, :)

Things In My House Thursday

2009-06-18T01:16:00.000-05:00

Today's TIMHT, since I've remembered to post (!), features these little wire people with magnets in them. They hang onto wall corners where there is a metal strip under the sheetrock.

We move them around occasionally and offer them accessories, but mostly we just forget that they are there.

Just another assortment of oddities adorning our home that visitors probably find rather strange.....

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TIMHT - forgotten!

2009-06-11T09:55:00.003-05:00

Oh yeah, I totally forgot. Completely.

Mary just mentioned it to me and here I am.

I'm completely unprepared; I could run through the house and take pictures of something, but I'll just talk instead.

Because here's what going on: last week was VBS, so every day I came home exhausted and dumped any and all papers, mail, and junk on the dining room table. I've been trying to clear that all this week.

I got a new photo scanner, and there are photographs and negatives and albums lying around finished or waiting their turn.

I've started using an electronic money-management system, that I can't figure out, and I have receipts and statements all over the computer desk.

Sooooooo, my house feels messy and trashed, and not photo-worthy. And my brain is tired.

I AM going to take some relaxing bloggy time for myself later today and visit you all and see what you're up to.

Thanks for those that have already posted TIMHT even without a home.... :)

And to anyone else who wants to join - post, link, visit, comment!

Have a Terrific Thursday!!

Things in my House Thursday - Outside

2009-06-03T21:54:00.006-05:00

I was in the backyard minding the 'garden' as well as my own business. Then this bird flew right in front of my face, with a worm dangling from its mouth, and landed on the fence. I was confused by the invasion of my personal space, but then started wondering where it was going with that worm, because it wasn't being consumed.

Well, rude Orange Feathers hopped along the fence to a previously unnoticed Fuzzy Fat Bird, and fed it the worm!

Fuzzy Fat was not a baby, and they didn't even look related; I still haven't figured out their arrangement.

This is the part where I ran inside to get the camera, but, of course, Orange Feathers never repeated the act. Fuzzy Fat never moved from its spot, and Orange Feathers came and went, keeping a close eye on things, but minus any meals.

So this is the best photo-journalism I could come up with.... I think I was trying too hard to be like Carol, but I just don't have the patience. : )

Join all the little birdies and me for
TIMHT!

Things In My House Thursday

2009-05-27T19:12:00.010-05:00

DOUBLE FEATURE!

Inside my house I have this sweet basket of goodies that I won from Susan. Getting something like this in the mail - fun, free, no-occasion - makes for a wonderful day.

Carol got one too, and she did a great job photographing and describing the chocolate goodness: soap, candle, lotion, and bath salts. The bath pillow just guarantees a relaxing soak in the tub.

Equally exciting is the coupon for a free box of Fiber One bars: my favorite flavor is oats & strawberries with almonds.

THANKS, Susan!!

Outside my house are a handful (literally) of blackberries. Not enough to make a jar of jam, I know, but we are elated over any degree of gardening accomplishment. :)

I know why the backyard vegetable of choice is the tomato - clearly they practically grow themselves and do it quickly. We have quite a few green tomatoes that we check on constantly to make sure that the birds or squirrels or worms aren't trying to steal from us. Very exciting!

NOW, if anyone is wondering why I'm so l a t e posting, it's because I forgot again, sorta. I remembered to post, but forgot to go back last night to proofread and schedule it. I went from being so proud of myself for being on top of things, to experiencing that scary panic feeling that I hadn't done something I was supposed to do or shown up somewhere I was supposed to be. . .

Well, I'm here now, so enjoy and join

TIMHT

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Happy Thursday!!

Honesty in the Fine Print

2009-05-23T19:13:00.002-05:00

A magazine article for detoxing with SLIMQUICK cleanse touts all the benefits of the product, but the miniscule print at the very bottom of the ad tells the whole truth:

"The cartoon shown used SlimQuick cleanse for 7 days to jump start her wieght-loss program, then continued to lose weight by adding other SlimQuick products to her diet and exercise routine. Results not typical. Cartoons lose weight easily. Real people require regular exercise and a reduced-calorie diet to lose weight. "

Oh, to be a cartoon.

10 Years of BLISS

2009-05-22T16:22:00.004-05:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
JESSICA AND MATT

Things in my House Thursday

2009-05-21T00:06:00.002-05:00

I almost forgot TIMHT! I've missed out on all the good blogging this week; Christopher and I have been making day trips to visit colleges.

So here's the best I came up with from the picture file:

This is a graphic for one of Mary's last school projects... a report on the Gaza Strip.

This kind of stuff has cluttered my computer and desktop all school year, and I'll be happy to clean things up until September when it starts all over.

I realize I'm venturing into Muddy territory for this TIMHT, but hey, it's been a busy week. And I was more eager about catching up on my blog reading than on my blog writing, and completely forgot to prepare for today.

Please join TIMHT; show and tell ANYTHING from in or around your house....

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( Yay! Kris Allen!!! )

Things In My House - Graduation

2009-05-14T00:04:00.001-05:00

Here's what I have in my house this Thursday: a graduating senior. Ceremony tonight!

Christopher is THRILLED that school is over, but is fairly anti-photo, anti-commencement, anti-all the hoopla. Too bad!

He's not anti-social, like it sounds, he's just very much still a shy homebody. He's done the work, he just wants the paper. Not worried about the recognition.

Graduation trivia: Before the graduation, candidates are referred to as Graduands.

Also, in my house this Thursday, is my sprained ankle. I've never sprained anything before, and this is the biggest annoyance and inconvenience.

I'm trying to stay off of it - and not be a limping, hobbling invalid at the graduation ceremony - that is very hard to do! Reclining on the couch with my leg elevated, surrounded by books and magazines I've been meaning to read for months, and with a hot pot of coffee - this morning was fine.

By mid-afternoon I was stir-crazy and fretting over all the shopping and errands and cleaning I needed to be doing, distraught because I couldn't exercise and therefore couldn't consume as many calories as in Mary's freshly baked double chocolate chip cookies.... oh, the troubles!

******************************************************

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Things In My House Thursday and 200th Post!!

2009-05-07T00:08:00.000-05:00

This week I present my 200th post and a project for Jessica!

In my house, in my pantry, I have a lot of tea. Mostly tea bags, but loose leaf as well.

I need some pretty organization for it all! I have some tea in an old cigar box, some in the original containers, and some in a plastic canister.

The cigar box holds most of the individual tea bags well, but it's not quite long enough. I have no good ideas or storage for the loose tea.

I don't want to spend the money and have no where to keep a fancy wooden tea box, so I just need Jessica to get creative and make me a custom box that is just the right size, color, design, etc.

I'll email some dimensions to her stat... she works well under pressure, so I should have something awesome by Mother's Day!

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Bubbles :)

2009-05-03T17:06:00.005-05:00

Such Cheap Entertainment!!

Things in my House Thursday

2009-04-30T00:21:00.000-05:00

This week I'm sharing something new and special; a couple of fun, practical things that I bought myself at Starbucks for no occasion or reason - except that I love them!!

I use the insulated, orange, handle-less coffee mug all the time already.

It is bright and happy and just what I want in the morning.

I use the smaller blue one for tea - but it isn't insulated so I have to drop an ice cube in there so I can hold it at first.

They are just perfect sizes; great colors and textures, and I am enjoying them completely.

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Five minutes for the kitties

2009-04-27T11:55:00.005-05:00

Carol sweetly and frequently shares pics and videos of her charming, entertaining cats, Bella and Callie.

I didn't want my cats, Baby Grace and Samantha, to feel like I didn't care enough about them to never feature their fun kitty behavior on my blog.

Watch closely lest you miss some of the action;

Enjoy the contagious energy and excitement!!

Saturday So Far

2009-04-25T10:05:00.009-05:00

Charlotte spent the night last night, so early this morning Mary and I took her to the neighbor's beautiful backyard to take pictures.

We were up anyway, and we decided to get out before the weather and the child became unpleasant as the day wore on. . . .

It was a nice outing, but unfortunately did not produce nice photos.

This is mostly what I got:

When I asked (begged) her to please look at GiGi and the camera, she just said,

"No, thank you."

When we gave up and walked back over to our house, we heard a raucous noise that I thought was some outlaw bird on our roof or something. Turns out, it was this:

A squirrel was 'stuck' on the brick wall above the garage. He moved around, up and down, but acted skittish and slow and scared. He was up there for hours.

Just a few minutes ago, he fell down! Smack, on the concrete, but then scampered towards us and to our front door. He wanted in the house, then ran up over the door, across the front on the house, and fell again!! Flipped over and over down to the ground - but at least this time it was onto dirt. Right back up the wall, and this time he made it to the roof and took off.

So, we will say that he or she is just fine, and will probably be stealing leaves from our hibiscus plant by early afternoon.

Things in my House Thursday

2009-04-23T00:08:00.011-05:00

I would eat healthier ALL the time if I could always catch Mary in the right mood.

I bought these ingredients with good intentions (spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese) because I was craving a nutritious salad; she willingly washed, chopped, tossed, served and packaged!

AND, she whisked me together a low-calorie Greek vinaigrette with:

yellow mustard

apple cider vinegar

plain yogurt

honey

olive oil

onion

garlic

salt

pepper

Last night I added chicken; today, I'll enjoy just the veggies.

This handy little individual salad container that keeps the dressing separate until just the right time guarantees that I'll reach for this instead of something junky or fattening, or even a Lean Cuisine:

So, YUMMY! I can't wait for lunch!

Join TIMHT; Anything goes - it's show and tell from your home!

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Borrowed Post - 22 things from Childhood

2009-04-20T10:56:00.004-05:00

Wandering around the web, I found this great list; I'd change a few details, of course, but the idea is the same for men and women, I believe.
I've included the link of the original site, and the author's name , so hopefully he doesn't mind that I'm sharing here, :)

22 Things I Wish Carried Over From Childhood Into Adulthood

by Stephen Altrogge

1. Laughing at the same joke 15-20 times in a row (particularly if the punch line involves the word “booger”)
2. Wearing a fanny pack without embarrassment
3. Fighting with pillows
4. Thinking it’s normal to wear sweatpants all day every day
5. Experiencing “Lucky Charm” euphoria
6. Getting rewarded for doing house chores
7. Owning matching “Star Wars” pajamas, pillow case, and sheets
8. Not having an email address
9. Getting so excited about my birthday that I can’t sleep
10. Stating my age in precise terms (e.g “I’m seven and a quarter years old)
11. Receiving exuberant applause for minor accomplishments, such as learning to use a toilet
12. Eating an entire box of Whoppers without experiencing any serious side effects
13. Watching Saturday morning cartoons…all day
14. Getting cold, hard cash every time I lost a tooth
15. Being proud of the fact that I was gaining weight
16. Having only one goal for the entire day: reach level 17 in “Duck Hunt”
17. Reading books like “The Boxcar Children” and “The Hardy Boys”
18. Wishing I was one of “The Boxcar Children” or “The Hardy Boys”
19. Knowing that Santa Claus isn’t real but not being allowed to divulge the secret to uniformed children
20. Spending all my disposable income on a single item, such as a G.I. Joe
21. Imagining myself as various heroes – Superman, Batman, Martin Sheen
22. Being fully convinced that I would be an NBA star because I could dribble between my legs

I never grew out of # 4 . . . .

Happy Monday, All!

Things in my House Thursday #38

2009-04-16T00:02:00.003-05:00

This is the art hanging above my fireplace. Very colorful. Unique, because the curtains are actual fabric, giving the painting a little 3D effect up close and personal.

When I got it, I just 'had to have it'. HAD TO.

Well, now I'm getting a little tired of it. . . .

I still like it, and it still 'works' in the room. But I'm in the mood for something different.

Maybe a mirror.

Maybe one of IsleDance's photographs.

Maybe something abstract.

I don't know, and it doesn't matter much, because I'm feeling way too lazy to actually change things up in the very near future.

Because you know one change leads to another, and so on and so forth and so on.

Whoa. Gotta be up for that.

Share something from your house - even if it's something you're thinking about changing, :)

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Grandmother's Rights

2009-04-15T13:57:00.006-05:00

I went to Walmart the other day with Jessica and Charlotte.

Charlotte wanted a Little Mermaid baseball cap. Jessica wanted her to want a plain pink one.

I indulged Charlotte; Jessica whined all the way to the cash register, even though she'd thrown the plain one into the shopping cart during her grown-up tantrum. Happy toddler, griping "adult".

Jessica kept asking "Why????"

I just tried to explain that as the grandmother I get to occasionally buy the tacky, trendy, garish things that a toddler wants. I don't have to be practical and matchy and tasteful.

Just one of my perks.

Things In My House #37

2009-04-09T00:14:00.002-05:00

This may not look exciting to anybody but me:

But for almost exactly one week (just after I scheduled last week's TIMHT on Wednesday night) I have been without my computer. I've never appreciated it as much as I did while it was 'gone'.

I'd turned off the computer before I went to bed; the next morning I pushed the round, blue button. . . . . nothing happened. NOTHING. (My stuff?! What if my stuff was lost??)

We checked all the cords, the surge protector, so on. This was obviously serious; we had to call Matt (sil). He suggested the computer's power box as the problem. Christopher tried his power box in my tower (we both have HPs); it worked, but didn't fit properly so we couldn't close the tower or operate my computer safely.

Sooooo, we ordered a new one; I waited impatiently, and it arrived today!!! Woo - Hoo, Happy Day!

I had access to other computers this week, but not my computer, with my bookmarks, and my settings, etc.

I was thankful as soon as I knew that my hard drive was fine and that none of my pictures or recipes or other favorite things were gone for good; but it was still hard to wait to be on my computer again, and to get started on saving, uploading, backing up my stuff!

This is a thankful Thursday, and a reminder to all: make copies or upload things that are irreplaceable to you!

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Things in my House Thursday #36

2009-04-02T00:26:00.003-05:00

Little Furniture.

I don't know why. It serves no 'purpose'. I just like it.

For size comparison:

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News From the Past - A Consummate Ass

2009-04-01T12:29:00.005-05:00

Please forgive the 'language'. I didn't write this stuff.

(But I enjoy it).

125 years ago: 1884

A consummate ass yesterday played on a steamboat whistle for his own delectation but to the great annoyance of everyone else in town. The incessant playing of the same tune over and over made wrecks out of the nervous and nervous wrecks out of the phlegmatic. A session on the "rock pile" would perhaps teach him to play another tune and one with not such a high pitch.

And more 'recently':

75 years ago: 1934

Thousands of women have won divorces in Circuit Court here in recent years, but only 61 of them are receiving alimony through the court, a check revealed yesterday. Of these only one woman is drawing as much as $80 a month, the others range downward to $2 and $3 a week with less than $30 as the average.

(Currently:

Blogger is just a freaky system most of the time; I enter and see paragraghs and breaks and centering and normal formatting, but then blogger goes and does bizarre things when I hit publish. I'm sorry for squishy words and strange size font. I just don't know.)

Childhood Memories - Wate-On

2009-03-27T12:51:00.003-05:00

To participate in this week's Childhood Memories meme, I'm sharing a teen-hood memory.

BEING SO SKINNY THAT I ORDERED WATE-ON.

Yes, back in the day, I was just as teased and tormented for being skinny as were the girls who were a little too big. A normal weight was actually - the norm.

Skinny Minny, Bird Legs, Spaghetti Legs; those were the kind nicknames. I got this question a lot: "do you have to run around in the shower to get wet?".

I was THAT tiny in school and even after becoming an adult. But after giving birth to Jessica, I left the hospital weighing 98 lbs. I was thrilled to be 'so big'!!!

That turbo metabolism finally slowed down, and now I am dealing with the opposite problem. I know a lot people would not consider me fat / large / heavy or whatever, and question my dieting, but I am big FOR ME. I am just more comfortable being smaller than I am right now.

So There.

Things In My House Thursday - Outside

2009-03-26T00:04:00.004-05:00

We're in the backyard again for this week's TIMHT.

I ordered this book a while back and finally got around to reading it and implementing the ideas:

My neighbor had some extra / leftover wood, so we used that to make some off-size gardening boxes. We bought the special mix for soil (peat moss, compost, vermiculite), then planted our seeds. Mini blind slats serve as the dividers and, voila!!

We're hopefully in the farming business!

Join us for TIMHT - inside or outside!Post, link, visit, comment!

Big Cats

2009-03-24T19:22:00.007-05:00

Went to the zoo yesterday because the weather was beautiful and because Jessica had bought the season pass and wanted to start getting her money's worth.

It was fun but exhausting - a lot of walking for someone as lazy as me.

For the first time I can remember, however, the cats weren't being totally lazy. It was a worthwhile trip just to see them up and about:

Usually this is what we get:

Which I can relate to and appreciate......

Which is why I've renewed my membership on MyFoodDiary.com. I've got to start paying attention to how much I eat and how little I exercise. My Food Diary worked for me before, and I'm counting on it to help me get back on track again.

Do any of ya'll have an exercise routine that you don't hate? Please share if you do, :) because as much as I hate counting calories, I really hate exercising.

Things In My House Thursday - Outside Version

2009-03-19T00:47:00.002-05:00

This TIMHT will feature something from my

backyard, but something that is no longer in my backyard....

I WANT to like nature.

I WANT to like gardening.

I am trying to start a bona-fide garden this year, and, so far, like all yard work, it is miserably hard work!! I enjoy the fresh air, the sense of accomplishment, the flowers; hopefully I will also enjoy some spinach and tomatoes and edamame and peppers and herbs and more - FRESH and free from my beautiful little raised garden bed.

What I don't enjoy: the heat, for sure, but MOST OF ALL I don't like any thing that crawls, flies, buzzes, slithers or comes within about 100 feet of me. Even at that distance, I want it to be heading in the opposite direction.

Sooooooo, finding this in a pot I needed to use very nearly

derailed my future in yard-farming:

Yes, it's a disturbing, dangerous Black Widow Spider. Yikes!

And I would have run screaming, likely calling 911, if my kids and neighbor hadn't been outside to "protect" me..... and to suggest I go get my camera.....

we all survived the unpleasant find, but the spider most definitely did not!

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and share something - hopefully more pleasant - from your house or yard.

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Bad Art: Tributes to BHO

2009-03-13T17:36:00.002-05:00

Things in My House Thursday #33

2009-03-12T00:10:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday: high temp - 80 degrees. Tees and flip flops; the great outdoors.

On Thursday: high temp - 38 degrees. Flannel and fleece; the warm indoors.

So I rescued these sweet daffodils from the approaching freeze and am enjoying them in my house. I love their bright, yellow, happy simplicity!

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Pigeons and Squirrels

2009-03-10T14:00:00.006-05:00

The rest of you share and share and share your beautiful, colorful birds and baby goats and fluffy sheep and prissy dogs and glamour cats......

Here's what I've got:

Sneaky pigeons that blend in with the dirt and leaves so well that it even takes a long time before the dogs realize they're there.

Energetic squirrels who are unafraid of heights or that their weight might make a branch collapse beneath them and send them spiraling to the ground...... and that last shot - that critter looks ready to pounce on my face. I was getting a little nervous, even on the other side of my telephoto lens.

Things In My House Thursday # 32

2009-03-05T00:11:00.001-06:00

This week,

This vase .... ?

is something that Uncle Billy gave my Grandmother before he died; he brought it back from one of his travels. I own it for sentimental reasons, and will admit that I keep it in the closet.

I don't understand anything about it except for the taped piece of paper on the bottom that says that Billy Joe gave it to her in 1950.

All I "get" is the overall marine / nautical theme. I am guessing it was quite the lovely piece back in the day, and that Grandma was a proud owner. I wouldn't have a clue how to display it if I ever took a notion to.

Although....... I think Mary would like it in her room......

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Carol thinks I'm Kreativ?

2009-03-04T14:07:00.012-06:00

Cat-spoiling Carol, at KnittedKitty presented me with this wonderful award, and she 'caught' me at a good time. I've been happy to receive similar tags or awards before, and I really like participating in this stuff, but sometimes it has just been during an otherwise-busy blogging lull and I don't get around to acknowledging these fun opportunities. I'm sorry for any I've missed or am just way behind in playing along, but here's how this one works:

LIST 7 THINGS THAT YOU LOVE.

So, I'm skipping the obvious: God, Family, Health....and starting here:

I LOVE

1. Routine. This is where I would normally say that I love coffee, but more than the actual coffee, it is my morning routine that I love and crave and miss if I don't have. I could give up coffee easier than I could give up the comfortable familiarity of the brewing process, the aroma, the favorite cups/mugs, and the warmth.....the routine of my morning.

2. Books. I really have issues here.

3. My ipod. I love it and believe nearly everyone should own one. I love mine just a little bit less since Christopher got an ipod touch for his birthday - that is the all time coolest most amazing piece of technology I've ever seen. Now I want an upgrade.

4. Glitter. And who doesn't, I'd like to know?

5. Office supplies. Pens, pencils, highlighters, paper, folders, staplers, post-it notes, label makers...... I could go on until I've listed the entire inventory of Office Depot.

6. Bloggers! I love y'all! You're the best of friends: there for me when I need you, sharing your lives, your help, your humor, your prayers - but you're perfectly all right with me being a lazy homebody and not attending any tupperware parties or other events, and you keep me in your social circle even though I'm a poor hostess and don't invite you over for burgers. Ever.

Awesome.

7. Snow. We finally got a beautiful amount of it this weekend.

I love it for its own sake, but also because I am reminded that: snow represents scripture (Isaiah 55: 10, 11), snow represents forgiveness (Isaiah 1:18), and snow represents Jesus (Rev. 1:14).

That's my short list!

Now I nominate Mary, Muddy, and Jessica to share their love.

News from the Past: It's Cold Outside!

2009-03-02T17:32:00.002-06:00

125 years ago:

1884

Last night, a youngster stuck his tongue on an iron post at Third and Monroe and it was so cold that it immediately stuck to the metal. His mother, attracted by his moans and groans, was preparing to pour a kettle of hot water over his head to thaw his tongue when a passerby stopped her and freed the tongue by blowing his warm breath on it until the boy and the post were unstuck.

Things in My House Thursday #31

2009-02-25T22:30:00.008-06:00

This week I'm sharing the very first items I go to every morning:

My Brita filter and hot pot. I've already shared my coffee grinder and stainless-steel thermal french press, which factor into my daily routine as soon as I've started heating my water.

This cheap (inexpensive) hot pot has been one of the most useful things I've ever owned. We use it to quickly (faster than a microwave) heat just the right amount of water for coffee, tea, oatmeal, ramen noodles, etc. It is great for taking on vacation - when we went to Chickasaw I enjoyed my coffee and oatmeal (instant - organic) without taking other appliances or teapots or saucepans.

It has a boo-boo from when Mary placed her toaster oven too close to it.... but it works fine so we turn the damaged side to the wall.

This particular pot has lasted me several years, so even if I have to eventually replace it, I will have more than gotten my money's worth from it.

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Things In My House Thursday # 30

2009-02-19T08:20:00.011-06:00

I can't believe I forgot to post my TIMHT last night! And I can't believe I only remembered because I was glancing at items from yesterday's to-do list......

We had family over for Christopher's birthday, then there was LOST to watch, then there was American Idol...... I never got back on the computer.

But I've got something!

For this week's TIMHT, I'm sharing some little sculptures that Christopher and Mary created 8 years ago. They are only about three inches tall.

The first mini head and the boot: by Mary.

These two slightly odd heads: courtesy of Christopher.

These are all quite sturdy works of art; I expect they'll be around for a long time. :)

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Happy 18th Birthday, Christopher!

2009-02-18T12:51:00.005-06:00

My middle child, and only son, is 18 today.

And as Mary explained to me, this is his "GOLDEN" birthday,

because he is 18 on the 18th.

Extra special.

So I'm wishing you a very, very Special Happy Birthday, Christopher, and the sweet reminder that no matter how old you get, you still have to listen to me!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day and a Gift for Amy

2009-02-14T10:50:00.009-06:00

Sweet Caroline (Susan's daughter) hosts a gift-giving meme on Saturdays. I believe it is based on my Christmas giveaway, which consisted of "virtual" gifts that the recipients were so gracious about "receiving". :)

I've wanted to participate, but who (whom?) to gift? So I wrote down the names of my bloggy friends, put them in a basket, closed my eyes, and drew:

AMY !

What I wish to give to Amy - (and I really, really wish I could be doing this actually and not just virtually) is the donation, on her behalf, of a sheep and alpaca to the children and families served by World Vision.

For impoverished families, a sheep's wool can yield soft, warm, long-lasting clothes. Sheep often give birth to twins or triplets, which can be sold at the market. And sheep's milk is up to twice as rich as cow's milk in nutrients like protein, calcium, and B vitamins that growing kids need.

Alpacas are hardy animals with a lifespan of up to 25 years. Their soft, highly prized wool - up to 12 pounds a year per animal - fetches high prices and can be woven into essential items like blankets and rugs. Plus, they help combat deforestation - while grazing, these gentle animals "mow" grass rather than uprooting it, and their soft, padded feet protect pastures rather than trampling them.

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And For Everyone,

I wish you all a

HAPPY, Blessed, VALENTINE'S Saturday!

If you'd like to join this meme, visit Caroline !

2009-02-13T12:48:00.004-06:00

Natalie at Tins and Treasures recently posted a great-sounding recipe for Delicious Pineapple Muffins that led me to comment about some muffin/cupcakes I'd just had. She suggested sharing my recipe, so I decided to make it a post; thanks for the idea, Natalie!

Round up the following ingredients for your personal chef. (Oh, sorry; if you don't have your own Mary, gather them for yourself). I use organic products as much as possible, and was able to for most of this recipe.

APPLE BANANA CUPCAKES

1/3 cup applesauce

1/3 cup butter

2 eggs

2 bananas

( and you know, the riper the better! )

2 peeled apples

(I used granny smith; chopped / diced)

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup wheat flour

1/4 cup buttermilk

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

3/4 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 375. Grease and flour 24 muffin cups, or use paper liners.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and buttermilk. Beat in the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.

Fold in the mashed bananas and diced apples.

Fill each muffin cup a little over half full.

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow to cool - if you can, :)

Endless variations available..... but as is, these are so so so so so moist and yummy. For presentation or sweet-tooths, a little zig-zag drizzle of icing on the tops would provide the proverbial cherry-on-top.

And a steaming cup o' joe to accompany? Aaahh, it's like a vacation.

Try some!

Things In My House Thursday # 29

2009-02-12T00:02:00.003-06:00

THINGS IN MY HOUSE THURSDAY # 28

Bathroom Decor

This little grouping is in the kids' / guest bathroom and has been since we decorated it for the first time, approximately a million years ago. As I was taking pics for sharing, it occured to me that there may come a time, sooner than later,

that I need to update, to freshen-up.

But here's what we've got right now:

A shadowbox-framed paper angel art, painted wooden cross, and a craft from Mary's Sunday School class when she was around five years old.

The heart at the top says "Go and tell others about Jesus", Matt. 28:19.

I particularly loved Mary's little people circles.

I don't remember where I picked the cross up, but I liked the

colors and design and tulle ribbon.

It was just very different when I bought it, and it was appealing.

Join us for TIMHT!! It's show and tell on the internet!

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Sorry, I've Got Nothing

2009-02-10T10:42:00.009-06:00

I know I said I'd be a better poster these days, but I apparently lied.

I am either so involved in something else that I'm not on the computer at all, or I'm just doing some drive-by blogging - skimming every one's new posts to make sure all's well, but logging out before even commenting.

When I saw that Renna and Carol had written posts about 10 things they do everyday, I thought that was a great idea, and I could follow suit. I couldn't come up with 10 things!!! I came up with about 5 things that I am certainly doing every single day..... but anything else was too random or inconsistent... for shame.

This year I have been occupied with reading, organizing, and wanting.

Reading: for Christmas I bought myself a nice stack of books that had been on my wish list for a while, and in addition to that, the kids bought me a membership to booksfree.com. From my purchases, I've mostly been engrossed in Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

I am going through this book slowly because I am stopping to implement Mr. Allen's suggestions and I am steadily organizing, filing, cleaning, etc.

From booksfree.com, I can order four books a month, and when I send books back, I get more from my list - like Netflix and such. So far, Mary has read two books that I requested for her, and I've read two: Living Simply: Choosing Less in a World of More and The End of the Alphabet .

Living Simply was great; I've already added it to my gift-idea list; I'm almost finished with End of the Alphabet - so far, so good. This website is a great in-between option for book addicts; it's not as frugal as going to the library, but better than buying all the books I want to read. And it motivates me to actually begin and finish certain books, because I know they have to be returned in order to get more.

Clearly, I love love love books. I like to hold them, highlight them, refer to them..... but I like them so much that when I have several that I'm wanting to read, I want them all around me all the time. If I am reading at night, I want my entire current stack on the nightstand. If I am going to have down time in the car waiting on the kids, I want them all with me (who knows what mood I'll be in or what level of concentration I'll be allowed? - Fiction, self-help, how-to?)

That's why I'm wanting this:

This would never replace books for me, but it would be so awesomely convenient for my scattered interests and obsessions. You can receive books virtually instantly. Instantly! I want a new book, 60 seconds later, I have it. Whoa. It holds 1500 books, and can even read to me.

I've reminded my BELOVED, WELL-CARED FOR offspring that Mother's Day is just far enough away that if they started saving money NOW....

And while they are filling the piggy bank, I'll be getting my projects in order and free myself up to blog blog blog, really...

Things In My House Thursday # 28

2009-02-04T23:29:00.001-06:00

For TIMHT #28, I am going to share something that ended up with me after being used as a rather pricey, short-lived, practical joke of sorts - on someone else, by someone else.

Yes, this character found a home with me. This regal monkey is hanging on the wall at the top of the staircase - where few people will see it or notice it - we kind of forget it's there....

It's an 8 x 10 oil on canvas in a much larger ornate gold frame.

The kids hate it, but the colors are great, and the monkey theme suits. So, unless one of you makes me a great offer.... it's ours for the keeping.

Please share something in your house!

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So You Can, But Why Would You?

2009-02-02T10:36:00.001-06:00

125 years ago: 1884

A man living across the line in Mississippi was arrested recently for giving his wife a severe beating. But the magistrate had to free him because under Mississippi law a wife is liable to indictment if she strikes her husband. But the man is not liable for striking a woman if he uses a switch no larger than his little finger to chastise her.

HoneySuckle and Grape Candy

2009-01-30T16:22:00.007-06:00

I'm trying my best to occasionally join Susan's clever meme - Childhood Memories - but she has such wonderful, detailed, documented stories that I feel very boring in comparison.

I'll go ahead though, and share a strong, fond memory from childhood.

In our backyard, along the fence, we had honeysuckle and grape vines. During different times in the summer, we could either suck the honeysuckle nectar or eat fresh, warm grapes right off the vine.

It was a wonderful treat. The honeysuckle was doubly good because of the sweet aroma. The grapes were plentiful - but never enough so.

Go here and join us; share something you remember from your childhood!

Things in my House Thursday #27

2009-01-29T00:04:00.000-06:00

This week for Things In My House Thursday I'm sharing a note I received from Christopher years ago. He had gotten the dog stationery as a gift.

Sorry the picture is so small; It says:

Mom you Are fun Mom.

you Read Me BOOKS Mom.

you Cook Me Something To Eat.

you Cook Me Things to Eat.

you Help Me Do Things.

you Are So So fun Mom.

Christopher is 7 And Mary is

3 MAY 26 1998 Tuesday

As I typed this, I thought it was especially funny and fitting because I could write this note for him, now. He helps cook, clean, and manages ALL

of my electronics for me...

The framed card hangs in a grouping with an oil painting above, and a catch-all thingy below that is currently housing some Reader's Digests and a couple of large Gumbys.

Let us peek at your stuff - join TIMHT!! Post, Link, visit, comment!

It's fun!

Weekend Away!

2009-01-25T21:10:00.010-06:00

No, I did NOT already start to bloggy backslide.

This weekend I was away on a wonderful, spontaneous, frugally-extravagant 'getaway'. Just Hubs and I, in Nashville.

We stayed at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which has EVERYTHING you need for a break from mundane....

We thoroughly enjoyed the "free" stuff - our beautiful surroundings. The weather in the 'real' outside was bitterly cold and overcast, but outside our balcony the environment was perfect.

There were fountains, and then there were fountains.

Flowers and Falls

Whimsy and sweetness.

The resort is exactly like a city indoors..... probably like what they do in Vegas, but I wouldn't know.

You could take a boat ride through the hotel and have a tour guide describe the plant life and colorful fish, you could swim, exercise, blow your money in the arcade, get a pedicure, shop, eat, or, just sit and enjoy your surroundings.

With more time and more money, I would've treated myself to one of the facials offered in the full-service spa and salon:

organic oxygen, warming sugar and spice, aromatherapy radiance,

anti-aging, vitamin C.

Or a massage:

stone, aromatherapy, deep tissue, shiatsu, Swedish, neuromuscular.

There were pricey restaurants and affordable restaurants and kiosks and ice cream parlors and coffee shops and pubs and sushi bars and cookie places and even a Godiva chocolate store. There were clothing stores and jewelry stores and children's stores and gift shops and a golf shop and more.

And if that wasn't enough: The resort is right next door to the Opry Mills Mall: outlet stores, regular retail stores, food court, Rainforest Cafe, Aquarium restaurant, indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf, bungee bounce, arcade restaurant, carousel, hardware store, twenty-screen movie theater, Bass Pro shop, and even an oxygen bar. You could spend two days there and not see everything.

It was a great break,

and now for a different kind of treat, I get to catch up with all my favorite bloggers. . . . in-between loads of laundry..... :)

Things in my House Thursday #26

2009-01-22T00:02:00.004-06:00

This week we're out of the pantry and into the closet, my place to store most of my keepsakes.

My paternal grandmother raised two boys, Billy and Gary:

I never knew my uncle because Billy, her firstborn, was killed in Korea just a few days before his two-year enlistment expired. He was 21.

I also never knew, until about three months before my grandmother died, that she'd had a baby girl, Betty Jean:

As Grandma was telling me the detailed story - there was a pain in her voice as if it had happened the day before versus nearly seventy years earlier. I missed or just can't recall all the specifics she shared because I was so surprised that I'd never known, and so heartbroken for her.

When the three children were very young, my grandparents were poor and uneducated. When Betty Jean was around two years old she came down with some childhood illness, and it was all Leroy and Ethel could do to have one of them get her to the hospital for care. Leroy was finally able to take her but couldn't stay because he had to be back at work.

When they were able to scrounge up enough transportation money to go back to the hospital the next day, together, the doctors told them that their daughter was going to die, there was nothing they could do, and for my grandparents to just let them handle the burial. They basically refused to let them see their little girl, and they left the hospital without ever seeing her again.

This happened during the era of the Georgia Tann baby-stealing operation, and I sensed that the possibility that Grandma's daughter was stolen from her tormented her even more than the toddler's alleged death.

Tann was a highly respected director of an orphanage in Memphis, Tenn., who used her position to oversee more than 30 years of baby-stealing, baby-selling, and abuse.

While she is credited with popularizing the worthy undertaking of adoption, she corrupted the mission by arranging adoptions for profit to the rich, the famous, and the unfit to parent.

These children came to her after being seen by "spotters" who either targeted babies ripe for abduction or located desperate single women seeking a better future for their child. She was involved in more than 1000 adoptions in New York.

Many of the birth certificates she provided as part of the adoption process were altered, and she was the chief force behind the legislation that sealed these records. Tann and her cohorts convinced the powers that be that her stolen and kidnapped children, as well as all other legally or illegally adopted children, should be forevermore barred from accessing the simple facts of their birth that most people take for granted.

After my grandmother died, I found among her things a yellowed ziploc bag with her baby girl's birth certificate, dated April 9, 1931, and this little silk and satin coat and wool hat:

I'm certain the coat used to be a brighter, baby pink color, but is now faded, and that the hat was a creamy white.

My grandmother kept up with this tiny collection for decades; I'll preserve it for as long as I can.

EDITED TO ADD: Jessica commented that this was depressing; I say, it is sad, but Grandma never wasted time being depressed or feeling sorry for herself. She was always positive, energetic, and caring; near the end of her life she was just reflecting on what was and what might have been.

Or maybe she was simply looking forward to seeing Billy and Betty Jean again soon.

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Slackerville

2009-01-20T15:26:00.016-06:00

Yes, I know. I've been catching some grief lately about my lack of blogging - and a complaint that I've been boring even when I did blog. (That sweet comment was from my 'worst-blogger-ever-and-never-comments neighbor'; thanks Sharon!).

I even had someone quit 'following' me!!!!

Well, far from being upset, I am just oh-so-grateful to know that people read and care. :) You ~~whiners~~ concerned friends motivate me. :)

I VOW to be better, and just because I've said that before doesn't mean it can't be true this time....

I have realized that I've been cyclical with my blogging and computer use in general. There are days when one of the first things I do is get online and start reading news, email, blogs, etc., and there are days when I realize that I have not been on the computer the entire day. Those off days usually mean I'm actually accomplishing some project OR I've started a good book.

If that doesn't sound like a good enough excuse, just tell me, because I've got more where that came from. The only activity I can come up with more excuses for not doing is exercise.

Or, I could admit that I've been in a funk since my jello post - after Isledance led me to a page that led me to an article that led me to the knowledge of what gelatin actually is - and that it is in CREAM CHEESE.

Ignorance truly is was bliss.

Since Renna (speaking of slackers); said I ruined pudding for her, I guess I deserved it....

But now, I have memes to participate in, awards to accept, pictures to take. So, please, keep looking, and you'll start finding more posts!!

Snowstorm for us too!!

2009-01-20T15:05:00.004-06:00

Okay, all you northern peeps out there that thought you had the market on snow:

Look what was coming down this morning in our neck of the woods:

Beautiful!!

And look and the coverage by the time it had stopped!!!!

I got out while I could and stocked up on supplies. We should be okay! :)

Things In My House Thursday # 25

2009-01-15T00:14:00.003-06:00

I suppose that this is the type of post that could stand on its own, but I think we all know that I have a dismal track record posting outside of my meme.... and it IS about something IN my house.

I've gone through health food / organic / homeopathic - type phases for decades. I vacillate from totally committed "hippie / freak" to simply having made some good changes and being more aware.

One thing I am consistent about is reading labels. It's usually depressing.

While I was at the store yesterday, Mary called to say that she needed some of this:

sugar, dextrose, modified food starch, salt,

disodium phosphate and tetrasodium pyrophosphate,

diglycerides, yellow 5, yellow 6, artificial color, BHA.

YUMMY!!

How does this fit with the simple idea that you should recognize all the ingredients in your "food", be able to pronounce them, and either have them in your kitchen or be able to find them at your local grocery ?

Not very well.

But she needed it for one of her dessert concoctions.

Before you google it, here's the sugary, starchy, salty, phospatey, glyceridy, colored goodness:

Guess we're going to have to start making our OWN organic pudding. Recipes, anyone?

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And, maybe, we should start dedicating some of our TIMHTs to our pantries. Muddy came close to this format when she posted about a single serving of mayo.

Join TIMHT - and share anything (family-friendly) from your house! Clothes, pictures, decor, food, people - whatever you want to show and tell us about!

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Childhood Memories: Tar Bubbles & Indian Beads

2009-01-09T13:32:00.009-06:00

I'm excited about joining Susan's new meme featuring childhood memories; I doubt if I can write anything interesting every week, but I didn't want to miss this inaugural posting.

Here's a fond memory that popped into my brain when I was deciding what to share:

Tar bubbles and Indian beads

During the summers that we visited my 'rural' grandparents, various siblings, cousins, and I would get whatever bikes were available and working, and head down the road beside their house. The first section of the street, off the 'busy' road, was newly tarred. In the intense Southern summer heat, bubbles would form on the road. It was ridiculously fun to ride the bike over the bubbles and pop them! Yes, really, it was. (It wasn't as much fun to step on the bubbles - you could lose a little shoe that way).

When the tar bubbles had all been conquered, we kept riding until we reached the old gravel part of the road, then we'd turn a bend to an area that had a shaded canopy of trees. There was literally no traffic, ever, so we dropped the bikes and scattered in the middle of the road to collect Indian beads. We could do this for hours. And that is another general memory - kids could leave the house in the morning, with no specific destination, no cell phones, etc., and stay gone ALL day. We'd show back up when we'd get hungry, maybe, then disappear again. That is unimaginable today.

As for the Indian beads, of course I later learned that they weren't fashioned by Indians for actual jewelry, but are supposedly just fossilized plant stems. In the gravel road, they just stood out from the other rocks because of their size and shape, and it was fun to search for them.

I think my memories of tar bubbles and Indian beads will always be more meaningful to me than my kids' memories of Nintendo and Playstation will be to them. And I'm sorry about that; they have no idea what they missed out on! : )

Have a memory you want to share?

Join the fun at Girls In White Dresses.

Things In My House Thursday # 24

2009-01-08T00:00:00.003-06:00

This week's TIMHT has me back to 'ordinary' stuff around the house.

Today's featured item is this super-duper, small cabinet of drawers. I got it years ago on clearance from Pottery Barn. It is one of the most useful pieces of decor in my house.

It used to sit by the computer, but when I got a new printer the space was too crowded. Now it's a few feet away, on Grandma's old desk.

The drawers are labeled for: tokens, tacks, rubberbands, paper clips, staples, stamps, buttons, misc., stuff, etc.

Most of the labels reflect what is in the little drawer. Some are different, such as safety pins in the 'button' drawer.

Have anything extra-handy in your house? Join TIMHT!

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Fanny Packs

2009-01-07T09:19:00.002-06:00

News From the Past

125 years ago: 1884

No woman is fashionably dressed unless her gown has a distension at the rear. Steel springs, like those of the old-fashioned hoop skirt, are set into the drapery to produce the desired effect which everyone agrees is charming.

Happy Birthday Matt!

2009-01-06T15:32:00.004-06:00

Today is Matt's Birthday!!

* My absolute favorite son-in-law is experiencing his birthday today, a special birthday that he shares with Joan of Arc and the baby lion-tailed macaques at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

This date is also the anniversary of the first recorded boxing match, in 1681, between the Duke of Albemarle's butler vs. his butcher. *

Hope you are having a great day with lots of white chocolate!

Things In My House New Year's Day

2009-01-01T01:45:00.001-06:00

First things first: HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY!

Now, for this special edition TIMHT, I'm sharing a few of my Christmas gifts that I have already enjoyed a great deal.

I remembered watching this movie when I was young and loving it; it was wonderfully fun all over again. The kids had plenty of issues with it, but they just don't understand the sixties....

I especially remembered this song! Couldn't wait to get it on my ipod.
Recognize the 'lead singer'?

I also got season one of HAZEL on DVD. Yeah!!

I received and have worked the same jigsaw puzzle I gifted Renna. It was much harder than I expected.

And the most used gift: a beautiful, fleece-lined, quilted heating pad cover that Jessica made for me. I have the heating pad out all winter, and there's nothing as cozy as curling up under a blanket, with the heating pad behind you, watching some great old sitcoms or movies. Now the heating pad isn't ugly and medicinal-looking; it is softer and warmer and pretty.

Please join us! Share something fun from your house; Just post, link, visit, and comment!

Blessings

2008-12-31T12:51:00.005-06:00

Today, I wish Carol a HAPPY HAPPY birthday and to all a fun and/or quiet New Year's Eve, your preference : )

I also want to share a prayer for the end of this year and the beginning of a new one. (I received this it an email forward over six years ago, and still have it tucked in my Bible).

Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment.

Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy.

Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through them.

Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, patience, and strength as they learn submission to your leading.

Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You.

Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage.

Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break its hold over my friend's life.

Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it.

I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name.

Amen.

Performing Blogger

2008-12-27T16:16:00.004-06:00

Amy shared a link to the Typealyzer - type in your blog address and see what kind of blogger you are..... it's fun and fast and I think it "works" : ) Here's my results:

ESFP - The Performers

The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves. The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.

Once I get past the ill-fitting category name, this description is mostly accurate. Anyone who has read my TIMHT posts knows that I like bright colors; I like soft fabrics (fleece sheets) and good smells (baking or candles). I am one of the most non-confrontational people I know, but I don't really mind planning ahead. I just don't want someone planning for me...

Was Your Christmas This Happy?

2008-12-27T15:55:00.005-06:00

Wanting More? You Still Have Gifts To Open!!

2008-12-25T14:46:00.002-06:00

I'm all for and about homemade gifts - either made personally (by Jessica), or bought from etsy or individual bloggers; I've purchased a goodly share of those gifts this year.

But for my internets, I enjoyed thumbing through the mountain of mail-order catalogs I've received since this holiday season began. I've picked out a few things for y'all -Renna, Muddy, Amy, Marilyn, Carol, Isledance, Natalie, Susan :

Renna, I thought you might enjoy this 550 piece jigsaw puzzle , but that may just be because I know I would like it. As a matter of fact, I'm actually getting this for Christmas! : )

This cashmere robe and shearling flower slippers will be warm and luxurious, and they'll sound dreamy when you describe wearing them in one of your Simple Woman Daybook posts.

Sorry for the continuing bird theme - I know there's more to you than that, but I couldn't resist this ornament.

I thought Muddy and her family would enjoy this authentic water blast arcade game. This is the same game found at theme parks that challanges your marksmanship as you shoot streams of water at the target.

For your second gift, I had picked out a cute advent elf calendar, but my kids vetoed that and said that you HAD TO HAVE these funny felt trolls.

And just for you - this snuggly bear body pillow; Enjoy him!

This Jim Shore star ornament 'looked like' Amy...

I know this one seems too obvious, but I'm sure you understand why this sculpture went into your gift pile. He's just about life-size and made of weather resistant resin/stone.

I know you are doing your own felting, but I still wanted to give you this finished product.

For Marilyn, I got these picnic-basket-shaped collapsible baskets and covers; so useful and so fun.

And I can't explain it, but this vintage cast iron soap dish with Savon de Marseille soap just kept ending up with you.

How cool is this rain chain?! You can replace a downspout with this; and the copper will acquire a beautiful green patina over time.

Carol, in a nod to your western decorating theme - these faux suede slippers embellished with embroidered flowers, and lined with cuddly soft faux sheepskin lining should make you feel even more home on the range.

You may miss out on a few laughs because of this gift : )

but your feathered friends should appreciate this Solar Sipper bird bath that keeps water ice-free without electricity.

We can all enjoy your use of this Xshot that lets you extend your camera range - because your backyard buddies can be so elusive.

Isledance:

These sweet, sweet milkmaid - hinterland lasses - ornaments can stay out year-round to keep you company.

And when the four of you have company, shall herbal tea be served in your winter wren tea set?

Don't let me forget: a gorgeous calendar from AIG, because I know how much you appreciate (and live in) the beauty of nature.

For my new, still-getting-acquainted friends, I did grab a couple of things for each of you that I think you'll like.

NATALIE

I got you a few Envirosax reusable bags (I think you must have to go to the store alot) and some adorable chocolate hedgehogs to treat yourself to something that somebody else made.

And Susan, we barely know each other, but these things appealed to me for you:

This Kim Lawrence sculpted one piece nativity scene with an inlaid crystal accent in the cross .

and this ruffled laundry bag that looks like a party dress.

(This gift I probably chose more because of Caroline, honestly...)

That's all, folks. Next year, I'll know everyone better, and start my shopping earlier. This year, remember: it's the thought that counts!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Things in my House - CHRISTMAS DAY

2008-12-25T00:22:00.004-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

For this special edition TIMHT, I'm sharing my favorite nativity scene. It is a lighted, sculpted one that pictures do not begin to do justice.

The details are exquisite:

"For unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given, and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Please join Things in my House Thursday! You likely have all new things for show and tell! : )

Old News - GIRL FIGHT! 1883

2008-12-20T07:48:00.001-06:00

A fight between a couple of girls yesterday in front of Court Square attracted a large crowd, including several policeman, all of whom enjoyed the proceedings immensely. The two belabored each other with their tin buckets, pulled hair, scratched and cried, but one finally said so many bad words that the officers were forced to separate them for decency's sake.

So, some things never change (all...enjoyed the proceedings...), and some things just disappear - - - 'decency's sake' ...

Before and After

2008-12-19T14:36:00.008-06:00

I am adamantly anti-baby-haircut, for whatever reasons (maybe because I waited so long for my firstborn to get ANY),

but Jessica, having a mind of her own, took Charlotte to our hair stylist today for some chopping.

Knowing the event was coming up, I took 'before' pictures yesterday, pictures of the hair that we think is awesome and was just getting awesome-r:

Yes, of course we still think she's adorable..... but first haircuts often signal the end of babyhood, not a phase I like to see ending:

Sigh.

Things in my House Thursday #21

2008-12-18T00:14:00.002-06:00

I didn't have my act together enough this year to join BooMama's Christmas tour of homes, so I'll share my more than a couple of my 'timeless' Christmas decorations for this week's TIMHT.

This is so simple and easy to display; it's more vibrantly colored and nicer in reality vs. pictures.

Our card holder: I don't use this every year - sometimes I tape the cards onto the glass panes of the dining room cabinet.

Don't quite know how I ended up with these or who they came from, but I love these very old, tiny matchbox Santas.

Another, even tinier, nativity scene.

Little Mary's reindeer handprint.

Lion and the Lamb, by Limoge.

I love this house with lights in the windows and snow on the roof.

The bear does have an official holiday outfit.

I hope you enjoyed these simple decorations so far, and now, my very very very favorite decoration:

I hang this up in the kitchen before anything else, and at first it serves a good purpose..... but as the continued turkey/ham/cookie/cake/fudge aromas permeate the house, I can waddle right past it without a sideways glance.

Please join me for TIMHT ; show and tell something from your house - Christmas-related or not. Post, link, visit, comment. It's fun!

Three Bears and a Monkey - News Update

2008-12-13T10:27:00.005-06:00

If any of you were wondering what became of those "ugly Indians" who passed through our town 125 years ago:

The police are having trouble with the Indian tramps who struck the town a few days ago. In addition to the papooses each of the women had, it developed that the trio was also traveling with three bears and a monkey. They are constantly obstructing the streets by drawing crowds of street arabs and have been ordered to leave the city.

Things In My House Thursday #20

2008-12-11T02:17:00.003-06:00

For this week's TIMHT, I am sharing my teeny tiny Limoge Nativity.

I've had this for years and it always stays out, on display. It's too cute and fragile and meaningful to get stuck in a box for 11 months out of 12...

Size Reference:

Hope you'll join TIMHT and let us see something in your house!

Saturday News - 1883

2008-12-06T22:31:00.005-06:00

Our local newspaper features daily snippets of news from the past.

Here is an article from December 6, 1883:

"Three Indians, two women and a man, created a sensation on Main yesterday. They were as ragged and as ugly as it is possible for humans to be and not at all in keeping with the juvenile idea of the noble red man. Each of the squaws had a baby which she carried tied up in a quilt and slung over her back at the end of a stick.

A motley crowd followed at their heels to whom the Indians paid not the least attention."

Hmm. Seems like journalism goes from one extreme to the other...

Things in My House Thursday #19

2008-12-04T00:03:00.001-06:00

TIMHT #19

Tis the season, and we start decorating with our exquisite Charlie Brown Christmas tree. You might wonder why we don't just give up, but where would we pile the presents?

It used to be beautiful, perfect, fully decked out. But then:

After the first year, we decided no breakable ornaments. Then, no ornaments period (we'd just be stepping on them all over the house...). Then, no ribbon.

And nowadays, the branches are even barer; the 'needles' are falling off, and of course it is pitifully mashed and misshapen.

But it makes a fantastic cat bed!! (she does fall asleep in there and sleep comfortably for long periods.....waiting for Santa!)

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TIMHT THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T00:00:00.001-06:00

Things In My House Thursday # 18 - - - THANKSGIVING!!

And because I want to post first, but never manage to beat Carol, I can't share a beautiful cooked turkey or steaming dish of dressing or the delectable banana pudding.

I can share with you how my day will begin:

I present my humble coffee grinder and french press;

first things first, you know.

And the always-there-where-you-don't-want-her Baby Grace will be part of the morning, but we really will keep her out of the kitchen. . .

I am also going to share the bear's Thanksgiving attire, courtesy of Mary. This 'outfit' is appropriate for the week's household activites, and was a lot easier than a pilgrim costume.

I hope everyone is having a delicious feast and enjoying great fellowship.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

Thanksgiving Helper

2008-11-26T00:17:00.006-06:00

This past Sunday, the cook (Mary) and her assistant (me) started making a game plan for Thursday's Thanksgiving celebration.

We settled on the menu, borrowed recipes, made an extensive grocery list, and clipped coupons.

Charlotte contributed a great deal by looking through the newspaper ads to find the best bargains.

She takes her chores seriously.

I hope all of you have lots of help this week - cleaning, cooking, cleaning, and then eating the leftovers!

Things In My House Thursday # 17

2008-11-19T23:07:00.008-06:00

This Little Piggy

My colorful, happy, dutiful piggy bank is a healthy size - almost 7 1/2 inches tall (to the top of her ears), and about 8 inches long.

She saves, but she shares with me during a minor emergency (quarters for the car wash, or such).

I like getting change back so I can feed her regularly, and if she ever gets full, somebody around here is getting a sweet treat!!

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Eeeek! I Almost forgot to Bleed my Roast...

2008-11-19T14:17:00.009-06:00

Yes, that title should sound vaguely familiar to some of you. It's probably because I quite intentionally copied the idea from Carol's recent post - she almost burnt her pizza, you know.

I feel guilty nearly every day about NOT having a blog post, and then Carol goes and writes about yakking on the phone and not hearing her kitchen timer.

She takes a delicious picture, and types eleven little sentences. The post was relevant, informational, and inspiring. It inspired me to eat, to try something new, and to share my own kitchen adventures.

Yesterday, eeek!, I did forget to bleed the roast. Today, I remembered.

Sometimes I think I read too much; once I read about how the blood of animals / meat is where most of the infectious organisms are and that the bacteria in the blood makes the meat spoil faster. Bleeding is easy, not very messy, and all you need is a box of kosher salt.

Well, and a bowl and some water.

You just soak the meat for thirty minutes in a bowl of water, remove, cover with salt, and let it sit for an hour. Rinse. Cook, or put back in the fridge, or freeze.

I bled mine, then threw it in a ziploc bag with some marinade, and froze it. I'll probably put it in the crock pot this weekend for Sunday lunch / dinner. Easy, peasy.

Food preparation and blog post, all-in-one.

I like it.

Thanks, Carol!

Things In My House Thursday #16

2008-11-13T00:08:00.004-06:00

This week I'm sharing a shadowbox frame containing two little handprints. Well, one is little, the other is tiny.

Mary's is purple and she was one year old; Christopher's is blue and he was four.

These were simply made with just basic modeling clay; they air-hardened and here they are - almost 14 years later.

join TIMHT - I want to see something from your house : )
post, link, comment, thanks!!!!

She IS the Weather

2008-11-08T16:39:00.011-06:00

It's been a warm, beautiful fall for the past week or so. (70s) It is supposed to get much cooler tomorrow (50s).

Even when it is 72 outside and gorgeous, in the shade or wind it feels rather brisk . . . today, Charlotte followed me outside to check the mail.

Walking to the mailbox I asked her if she was too cold;

She said:

"No, I not. I'm hot and sunny."