Saturday, October 21, 2006

Someone call Oprah!

I finally found a lady who can wear those skinny jeans!


Thursday, October 19, 2006

Thirteen Things I Would Add To The Next Season Of Project Runway


1. I would add those girls from the runway Corelle wear commercial. Only, I think I want all of them to slip down so I can see that every pattern is shatter proof. Of course. Ahem, that is the reason.

2. Tim would show up for Laura's delivery in a special edition of the show.
He would walk in and say, "Doctors. Can we gather 'round? For your next challenge, we will have you deliver Laura's baby in the twinkling of an eye, all the while keeping her absolutely free of pain, her red coral lipstick unsmudged, and her red hair neatly coifed. The winner of this challenge wins nothing. The losers will be chewed out by Laura. No holds barred."

3. Each designer would have to design an outfit for a new mom. The mom will model the outfit on the runway, toddler by the hand, newborn baby on one hip, and diaper bag over her shoulder. Let's see who survives that one.

4. Jeffrey would return and have to remake all of those outfits in question on camera. (I know he was found innocent, but I am a cynic.)

5. The models would have to eat the leftovers of a happy meal before each show. ;>)

6. The judges would include 3 random shoppers from Wal-mart, Target, and JCPenney. None of them below age 20.

7. As part of the new mom outfit challenge, the outfit will have baby spit-up, permanent marker, ketchup, and one unknown mystery stain applied. Then the Tide and Gain people can fight over which product works.

8. Stacey and Clint show up as guest judges.

9. Instead of going to the recycling center, the designers must go to my closet and use all of the not so fashionable clothing to create a new design. Good luck.

10. Uli broadcasts her spectacular runway show from Miami, Brandy in the audience and paparazzi everywhere. Her really fun prints make her a household name. She walks out at the beginning of the show and says (in her German accent):

"So, I didn't win on Project Runway. Second is good. They told me to move to New York, that they were tired of Miami. Miami and the Florida lifestyle are who I am. So, here I am with celebrity orders and women flocking to stores to buy my dresses. Hey, Michael Korrs! This ain't New York!"

11. Michael Knight returns as a guest judge and challenges the designers to "Make your design the bomb!" One redneck design contestant misunderstands and actually makes a stink bomb. He is aufed.

12. Finally, Laura has her baby and Tim runs out in his Georgio Armani scrubs and says, "I have an announcement to make. It's a boy! And his name is not Jeffrey or Vincent."

13. The viewers choose the winner of the final 3 (or final 4.) Period. We are the ones buying the clothes, right?

Happy Birthday, Lori!


Be sure to visit Laurel Wreath today and wish her a very happy birthday. She had oral surgery a few weeks ago and still has her mouth wired. Let's wish for her a very tasty cheesecake shake! (She usually has her favorite cheesecake on her special day.)
Have a great day!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Mama and Drama

I was reading Mommy Dearest's post over at Home Sweet Home. She tells the story about her little girl, a neon ink pen, and some pretty awesome carpet stain remover. Be sure to check it out.

Her post reminded me of the times my daughter cut her hair. Yes, times, not time. She has done it twice. The first time, she was about 3 years old. As soon as she had done it, she came to me and told on herself. The damage wasn't that obvious until I started to inspect her little head. OH! The stubble of bangs that remained made my jaw drop.

When I asked her why she cut her hair, she simply said,"I was hot."

The next day we went to my hairdresser and my daughter had the most fabulous bob hairdo in her preschool class. And, we also had a very long talk about how every kid cuts their hair once, and this was her one time. So, that meant she was done with the cutting hair rite of passage of childhood. The End.

Not.

It seems there was a sequel to this story and I was not consulted before publication.

It was last year. (I don't tell my child's age now due to safety concerns, but let's just say she is old enough to know better.) I was -yep- on the phone with Mama. You knew that one was coming. Kids always do these things when we are on the phone. The sequence of events went something like this-

Maggie the cat ran in my room and dashed under the bed.

My daughter walks in. "Mommy, Maggie won't let me brush her."

"Maybe Maggie doesn't feel like being brushed right now. Leave her be."

"But I want to brush her. She won't let me." Whine, Whine, Whine.

"Mama, let me call you back. I need to deal with this."

I hung up the phone and found Maggie still crouched under the bed. My daughter was in the living room.

"It is rude to interrupt me while I am on the phone. Unless you need something or you are hurt, just wait until I get off."

"Mommy, I cut my hair."

"What?!!!! Let me see! Oh, what did you do!? You know you are in trouble."

"I cut Maggie's hair, too."

"What?!!! Why?"

"She needed a haircut. She was hot."

Let me stop here and tell you the cat was fine. Ugly, but fine. Actually, because she is a long hair the gauging and chopping just looked like the cat version of "layers." Apparently, Maggie had been forced into our little apprentice groomer's fun and then ran away. The mad escape is when I saw her run under the bed.

Because my child was chasing her with scissors.

Never mind the "Never run with scissors" 11th commandment. No. We have to amend that rule to "Never run with scissors while chasing the cat."

I was surprisingly calm through the entire ordeal. My daughter had time out that evening, no tv, no movies, no fun. She also had to pay for half of the haircut that repaired the damage. I told her she would have had to pay for all of it if she had not told me. I also reminded her that every kid gets one time to cut their hair and her time had already run out. There was not supposed to be a second time.

When I took her to the hairdresser to repair the massive mess, she told the stylist "I cut my hair. And, there won't be a next time."

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

It's A Meme, But Not Really

I am calling this post Totally Confused Tuesday.


It isn't really a meme, but it sounds like one. I was thinking about things in life that totally baffle my little, lost mind. And, of course, most of this profound cognition was in the car. It is amazing that I actually can keep my mind on the road, since it is usually wandering to other places.

1. When I put things in the recycle bin on my computer, do they end up in cyberspace on someone else's computer? Perhaps as a better, more well-written post?

2. If designers only use anorexic models, then how do they know that their clothes will look good on regular women? Ahem, they don't. So, why do they make fun of us and come up with these low rider jeans and terms like "muffin top?"

3. Why doesn't Martha Stewart ever trim her bangs?

4. If the chef at a fine restaurant uses substitutes in his recipe, then shouldn't my meal be cheaper?

5. Why can't toothpaste have an opening at both ends?

6. If you go to a buffet place for a birthday party, do they put a sneeze guard over the cake before you blow out the candles?

7. I think Santa must be diabetic by now.

8. Before the light bulb, I wonder if people had "candle moments."

9. Why does cat food come in flavors like "tuna, chicken, and shrimp?" Shouldn't it be "rat, squirrel, and bird?"

10. Why does everyone care about some guy named Jimmy Hoffa? I'm still looking for Waldo.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Monday Madness

The last few days have been a whirlwind of events. My husband had his outpatient surgery on Thursday and we have been busy ever since. We started out great, then last night had a turn for the worse. Today has been wonderful and we are starting to get back to a somewhat normal routine. Before I get all sarcastic, I do want to thank you for your prayers!!

Here are a few things I have learned from the last few days-

1. On the day your husband is scheduled to have any type of surgical procedure, do not promise to make caramel apples with your child for her entire class. In the event that you do make this promise, be sure that this is not your very first attempt at making caramel apples.

Tip- The caramel will stick to other objects including your kid, yourself, your clothes, every single utensil in close proximity and your kitchen table. Miraculously, you will have an epiphany in the midnight hour and discover that the hair dryer will melt the caramel so that you can scrape it off the table. You instantly consider this tip as your next Works For Me Wednesday Post.

2. Barbie dolls and stuffed animals become dangerous hazards when in the path of a man on crutches. Be sure to have your child remove them promptly or threaten time out, loss of privileges or bodily harm. Whatever works best.

3. A very fat black cat is also a hazard. The only way to control this is to keep her in the garage for the rest of the convalescent period.

4. Liquid doughnuts from Starbucks (with triple shot of espresso) become a necessary measure for staying coherent and alert.

5. The patient recovering is more important than folding laundry, showering yourself, and blogging. :>)

6. In the event that the patient suddenly has a headache and vomiting, one must go to the ER. Carter and Carol Hathaway will not be there to soothe away the aches. But, down the hall, you can find a vending machine with Pop Tarts. Your daughter will think this is cool.

7. If you become irritated with the ER physician and find his tone condescending, make sure you choose your comments carefully after he leaves the room. For example-

Me- "What he said was crap. (Turn to child) Oops. Sweetie, that is a bad word. Don't say that word. It isn't really a curse word, but it isn't nice. NEVER say it. Mommy shouldn't have said it. I got upset and it slipped."

Child- "Crap. C-r-a-p. Crap."

Husband/Patient- Grin from ear to ear

Tip- When selecting a new spelling word, be sure it is a word that can be repeated.

8. Once you leave the ER, the personnel will give you a hand out about vomiting. It is, in my opinion, quite educational and helpful. (In the tradition of quoting sea monkey manuals, I just have to share. I could not, even with the many shots of espresso and glasses of Diet Coke, make this up!)

Warning. If you are having dinner, put the taco down. Come back later. The material you are about to read may, in fact cause nausea. Or make you laugh taco sauce through your nose.

"Nausea and Vomiting

What is it?
Nausea is a feeling of sickness in the stomach, usually accompanied by the urge to vomit. Vomiting is the forceful ejection of the stomach contents through the mouth.

Who gets it?
Anyone.

What are the symptoms
?
The symptom of nausea is a general feeling of sickness in the stomach. Just before vomiting, you may salivate considerably and begin to retch. "

Wow! I don't know about you, but I feel informed. Thank goodness for the person who takes time out of his life to research and write these educational references. And they say patient teaching is overlooked in today's health care system.

I hope that you have benefited from this post. As always, I am here for you. ;>)

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Like Mother, Like Daughter

After watching The Cheetah Girls 2 today, my daughter was working on some art.

This is what it said...

"We Love New York. This Ain't Spain. The Cheetah Girls"


Saturday, October 14, 2006

I'll be back...

after many cups of coffee or other stimulant. :>)

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Praise

My husband did well in surgery today. Thanks for your prayers!

God is Good. All the time.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Thirteen Things I Love About My Husband

My husband is having outpatient surgery on his knee today (thursday), so please be in prayer for him. In honor of him, I want to share 13 things that I love about him.

1. He has always made me laugh. Not with normal, everyday humor, but with off the wall and sometimes, just odd humor. Hmmm... says a lot about me too.

2. He is the most wonderful Daddy. I say Daddy and not Father. Daddy is just a special word reserved for the best, loving and fun ahem Daddy's in the world. And, to a Southern girl like myself, a Daddy is always Daddy- even if you are 40 years old. I bet my daughter will call my husband Daddy for the rest of her life, too.

3. I respect my husband. Sadly, I don't think some women do.

4. He respects me. (And I try hard not to lose that)

5. He loves and respects God. Ok- Can I say that I should have listed this as #1?!

6. He's smart. We can actually debate each other and laugh later.

7. He is my best friend.

8. He washes the dishes without complaining.

9. He eats my cooking, too. Even the biscuits I made when we first married- the ones where I used plain flour in instead of self-rising. Can you say Hockey Puck? I got up from the table and made another pan. Oh, yes I did.

10. He took me to a Yanni concert, even though the guys at work made fun of him. That is how he is- giving. He remembers little things I have mentioned that I love. (like the wooden cigar Indian- he would soooo get me one if he found it)

11. He accepts that I am not perfect. He puts up with my many moods, my migraine headache days, and all of the little perks and quirks I have- like the post office, the library, and so on.

12. He gave me a kitten as a present- Maggie. We saw her while visiting the shelter one day. He went back and got her days later and brought her home. She was so tiny and unhealthy. She meowed all the way home, and she hasn't shut up since.

13. I know that I can live the rest of my life with him. What an honor.

I hope my thirteen wasn't too sappy for ya'll. I do have feelings, ya know. LOL

Salsa



Because People Like To Say "Salsa"

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

1 can unseasoned black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tomatoes, diced (make sure they are well ripened)

1 sweet red bell pepper, chopped

1 bunch cilantro, chopped (remove as many stems as possible)

1 Tbs olive oil

Juice of 2 limes

salt and pepper to taste

1 jalapeno, chopped (optional)

hot sauce to taste (optional)

Mix and serve with your favorite chips. Garnish with lime slices or avocado.

Monday, October 09, 2006

You Either Have Grace or You Don't*

It happened right in front of me.

The pain. The horror. The pure entertaining, post-worthy hysteria of it all.

It was an average shopping trip to Target. The sun was shining and the sky was a lovely blue. I am sure there were birds chirping somewhere, but since I was in a parking lot sans trees and any substantial vegetation, I didn't hear any meadowlark's song.

There were three of them- three ladies who looked to be in their early sixties. They were all dressed rather cute and looked like they had just concluded a fun day out with "the girls" shopping, laughing, and maybe catching a great lunch at one of those restaurants that offers nothing but chicken entrees on the menu (and fabulous desserts.)

One of the ladies was pushing the cart, chatting with her friend. One was on her cell phone doing some serious talking. The lady pushed her cart up onto the curb in order to unload it into the SUV. Then, in one graceful Rockettes style kick, one leg flew up into the air (she may have even pointed her Keds bearing toes), the other leg buckled underneath her, as the woman's skort caught a gust of wind like a sail on the mighty sea, and her fanny landed flat on the pavement.

One friend ran to her aid. I ran over to help, too as the fallen Rockette pulled herself up, brushed herself off, with her face blushed in embarrassment, and assured us,"I'm OK! I'm OK!"

What was even more amazing is that the friend on the cell phone didn't skip a beat in her conversation as she held the phone to her ear with her shoulder, and helped her friend with the other arm. Then she said,"What we want to know is- Martha, are you wearing any underwear? That's what we really want to know. Mama always told me to wear underwear and make sure they are clean and not torn."

This information is, of course, more important than if her friend had broken anything, hit her head, or scraped her knee. I mean, she wouldn't want to be humiliated by not wearing the proper undergarments while doing a kick line dance maneuver and landing her well dressed rear flatly on the pavement in Target parking lot.

Manners and modesty first. X-rays later.

*Seinfeld- Elaine meets Mr. Pitt.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Creativity Escapes Meme

I am so glad that Big Mama was doing a word meme today. I have serious writer's block. I also did not have enough coffee this morning to get me going, so maybe that has something to do with it.

Here goes:

1. Cowboy- My daughter. She loves anything remotely associated with horses and is convinced that all good things come from Texas. This is because her Daddy has had several works trips to Texas and has brought back some pretty cool toys. Cowboy also reminds me of the Dixie Chicks, baked beans, wagons, Wranglers, real hats, boots, and men that have to spit a lot.

2. Lemon- Lemonhead candy, lemonade, sour, yellow. And a clunker car.

3. Peace- Nancy's recent art, Christmas, what I wish for in the world. And the feeling I have in my heart because of the saving grace of Jesus.

4. Change- The thing I don't do well with. The seasons. What my Daddy always had in his pocket, along with his pocket knife and his keys.

Thanks, Big Mama, for the inspirational vocabulary! Happy Sunday, ya'll!

Sorry, guys. I forgot to add four new words:

Biscuit
Crayon
Warmth
Flip

Friday, October 06, 2006

Acts of Kindness Could Not Be More Random

Don't try to connect these. They can't be connected. There really is no telling the fireworks display between neurotransmitters in my brain.


1. In the car today, "Mommy, the name Sasha reminds me of mashed potatoes."

2. Yesterday I was wondering if the FedEx guy and the UPS guy ever drag race.

3. If blogs crossed:

Big Mama + Boo Mama= Big "Boo Boo" With A Cool Band-Aid

This Ain't New York + Living To Tell The Story= Niagara Falls

Laurel Wreath + Grafted Branch= Lovely Natural Floral Arrangement

Created for HIS Glory + The Ultimate Creator= When We All Get To Heaven :>)

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Thirteen Words and Phrases from Project Runway: Season 3

1. Serious Ugly

2. Boring

3. Really Fun Print

4. Pageant Dress

5. Couture du Jour

6. Make it work!

7. Angela and Jeffrey

8. Angela's mom

9. Auf

10. Rosettes

11. My design is the bomb.

12. One day you're in, and the next day you're out.

13. Please leave the runway.

Nancy and BooMama- You are right. No way I could quote Vincent on here. I care about you too much. ;>) Some things just aren't worth repeating.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Let's Show Them We Care

School shootings and violence against children have reached every corner of our nation this week, even the quiet, simple region of Amish country.

I am so saddened at what has happened and seems to keep happening to our children. We all need to pray and ask God's guidance on what we can do to prevent more terrible acts of reprehensible violence.

The Today Show has provided viewers with an opportunity to make a donation toward the funeral expenses of the Amish children killed this week. They have posted the address below.

I am encouraging everyone to send Sympathy cards. Making the donation is a personal choice. I really feel that Christians of the "outside world" need to express our deepest sympathy to those in Amish country suffering right now. They are being bombarded by the media and other secular organizations. Christian outreach would be such a blessing to them at this time.

You can visit the Today website for more information. The address they have posted is:

HomeTowne Heritage Bank
100 Historic Drive
PO Box 337
Strasburg, Pennsylvania 17579

If I find another address, I will update you.

Pillsbury Dough, Plastic Stemware, and Two Giggly Girls

Tonight, my daughter and I dined alone- just the two of us. Sometimes my husband's job doesn't always allow him to be home at dinner. We cherish the nights we are able to sit down together for a meal, but sometimes it is nice to have "just the girls."

For tonight's meal, my daughter and I made pizza. I did not make the dough myself; the little doughboy made it for me. My friend Nancy would probably be twirling her dough up in the air, pounding it, then twirling it again... until it fell in the dog food (but that's another post!)

Ours was a simple pie with the canned dough, bottled sauce and ziplock pre-shredded cheese. My, that does not sound good at all once I write it out! The point was to make it together, be messy, and just have fun. We had salads complete with croutons- a must for my daughter. The best part was our very refined sparkling raspberry/grape juice which we sipped from the most exquisite "glasses"- plastic stemware which is actually intended for the patio. But, hey, I am not letting my child drink from the wedding crystal. Not yet.

She thought it was very special, bubblies and all, and it was kind of nice. Just mom and daughter. Lots of giggles and cheese stringing from our mouths.

Very refined indeed. ;>)

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

A Mama Daddy Meme

This meme is going around but, unlike the flu, it is quite fun and you don't have to take awful tasting medicine.

I think Barb at Chelsea Morning got it going, but I decided to take Big Mama's challenge to join in.

1. Favorite Memory of your Mother?

It is hard to pin it down to one memory. As a child, I remember making sugar cookies at Christmas, always licking the beaters and the bowl. A good mama always leaves just enough for the "licking." We also made wedding cookies. Yum.

As an adult, I remember driving around Albany with Mama one Christmas Day passing out slices of pound cake to the homeless men who lived down at the train tracks. It was perfectly safe- the tracks are next to the police station and the police allow the homeless men to live there, as long as they don't cause any trouble. I have a lot of memories like that- driving all over town passing out gifts, cookies, or cards to people who may not have received anything otherwise. Mama and I have a special place in our hearts for people who aren't always easy to love, or who tend to be forgotten. I learned a lot about giving from Mama.


2. Favorite Memory of your Father?

My favorite memories with Daddy are all in his garden. I used to help him plant his garden- sometimes from seeds and sometimes from small seedlings. I can remember Daddy tilling the ground, then using a pencil to make a hole to drop the seed in. I would follow behind him and drop the seed.

I loved helping him dig for potatoes. I was the kind of kid who liked to get dirty, but then always ran inside to wash my hands.

3. Favorite Memory of your Siblings?

I am an only child, but I have many memories with my hyper, male cousins. They were both younger than me. When I visited Granny, they came over and we would play outside. Papa played with us a lot. We have a lot of memories shooting the BB gun. :>)



4. What one skill would you like to wake up tomorrow and be able to do (though you'd never learned it)?

I would love to be able to drop 10 pounds per day while gaining muscle mass and holding a donut and a mocha frap. Since that isn't really considered a skill, I will go with quilting.


5. Which one of your dreams has come true?

I am married to a WONDERFUL husband and have a beautiful daughter. What else can I dream of?

My Testimony

I am a little late posting this. Lauren offered to host a Tour Of Testimonies on Oct. 1. (Thanks, Lauren!) I've been a little busy around here, and I just didn't want to rush through this post. After all, this post is about how Jesus saved my life.

My mama always took me to church. Daddy went too, but it was Mama who always put the fire under us to get out the door. She was the one who shared Jesus with me. She is the one I remember praying with me. Daddy's outward expression of his faith was more reserved and quiet. Daddy is, by nature, more of a quiet man. I know in my heart that my salvation was important to him. He just didn't openly express his concern.

We attended a Southern Baptist church in Albany. Mama was always doing something, teaching Sunday School or Vacation Bible School, or making dishes for the benevolence committee. She also was a stay-at-home mom, so I went with her everywhere. Often we were at the church fixing up her Sunday School room or doing some other sort of project. Most Saturdays, Daddy worked. For as long as I can remember, he worked six days a week, sometimes overtime. He later changed jobs and his hours changed as well.

I was taught a deep respect and reverence for God, His Word and His Will. My parents never had a legalistic view of God. They told me about God's Law, but they always included God's Love. I knew from a very early age that God loved me abundantly. That is a rare experience for children these days, I believe.

Talking about God and church was just natural for our family. It was part of every day living. I can't remember us every having a sit down type of devotion, but I remember God and the Bible just being a normal part of our lives. The Bible was part of our conversations.

Being exposed to the Gospel for years, I finally felt the tug of the Holy Spirit one night before going to bed. I was 9 years old. Mama and I had talked about Jesus and she must have answered a million questions. I remember going to bed and praying right there under my pink gingham canopy. I asked forgiveness of my sins and asked Jesus to come into my heart. It was the most overwhelming feeling. I can still remember it. After praying, I climbed out of bed and went back in the living room to tell Mama. She must have been so excited.

That next week I went to church camp. Many of my friends accepted Christ that week. When we returned, there was an entire group of kids who were baptized, including me. I remember that too. Mama made sure I had on a dress underneath that white robe- something that would not become "see through" after I got all wet. :>)

Years later, high school came along. I have no idea when it happened, if it was overnight or a slow process. For whatever reason, I became the typical backsliden baptist teenager. So did most of my friends. We rebelled while still attending church on a regular basis. What I do know for sure is that school had a huge influence on me.

I went to college and nothing really changed. A new independence seems to fuel the fire of rebellion. All along I knew I was wrong, but I kept pushing that conviction down, way down until I almost didn't feel it anymore.

I married my husband and we didn't go to church. This broke Mama's heart. She told me so. But, I just didn't listen and continued to stay away from church.

It wasn't until I found out I was expecting that I finally decided to return to church. My husband was supportive and we visited churches until we found the "right" one for us. He was raised Methodist, and I don't really know why he didn't want to go to church before, but, now he did and I was thrilled. Many spouses don't understand why their significant other suddenly decides to attend church after so many years.

God was so patient with me. I have no idea why, except that He loves me. I am so thankful that I didn't waste more time away from church and away from His Word. I do regret the years I was away, but I think somehow I have a special understanding of those who have been where I have been. Maybe even a little less critical.

If you are reading this and you have never accepted Jesus, do it now. He died for you on the cross. He was raised again and now lives in Heaven. You don't have to do anything to receive eternal life and you don't have to do anything to keep it. It is a gift from God. All you have to do is reach out to Him, admit you are a sinner, believe He can save you, and tell Him you want Him to come into your life. It really is that simple.

God loves you.

To read more testimonies of how God changes lives, visit Lauren

Sunday, October 01, 2006

The New Cowboy

I'll be back tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy my favorite commerical!.