« July 2005 Main September 2005 »
August 29, 2005
Motto
This song will serve as my motto for work. If you know it, sing along with me!
It is from the musical The Sound of Music.
I Have Confidence
What will this day be like? I wonder.
What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free
My heart should be wildly rejoicing
Oh, what's the matter with me?
I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
And here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared
A captain with seven children
What's so fearsome about that?
Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack
The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them
I'll show me
So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me
Somehow I will impress them
I will be firm but kind
And all those children (Heaven bless them!)
They will look up to me
And mind me with each step I am more certain
Everything will turn out fine
I have confidence the world can all be mine
They'll have to agree I have confidence in me
I have confidence in sunshine
I have confidence in rain
I have confidence that spring will come again
Besides which you see I have confidence in me
Strength doesn't lie in numbers
Strength doesn't lie in wealth
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers
When you wake up -- Wake Up!
It tells me all I trust I lead my heart to
All I trust becomes my own
I have confidence in confidence alone
(Oh help!)
I have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!
Posted by tami at 7:43 AM Comments (2)
August 27, 2005
Cookie Time!
Today we took sugar cookie dough, molded it into pumpkin forms, baked it, and then decorated the cookies. The cousins came over just in time to help.
Here is Jesse’s finished cookie. She knew that she wanted to make a happy face:
.JPG)
Sydnee, on the other hand, wanted to make a mean face:
.JPG)
This is Ashley’s cookie. It has a silly face:
.JPG)
The kids ate their cookies, but here are the survivors:
.JPG)
You may ask why we made pumpkin faces when it’s still August. Well, I’m excited about the upcoming fall season. I can’t wait to get my decorations out!
Posted by tami at 9:55 PM Comments (4)
August 26, 2005
His Night To Shine
.JPG)
Tonight was Andrew’s night to shine. They issued him his uniform and he was set for the football game.
Here he is on the field carrying the American flag:
.JPG)
Here is a close-up of the guys:
.JPG)
While we were at the game, Ashley met up with one of her good friends, Jordan:
.JPG)
Andrew did an awesome job and we are very proud of him!
Posted by tami at 10:46 PM Comments (1)
August 25, 2005
Keeping The Faith
The Lord blesses me every day, but I have been especially blessed these past few weeks. Here’s how:
I got my resume together and decided that I would get a job. I applied for a job, but I had to take a test and pass it in order to even qualify for an interview. They gave me a study guide for the test and I brought it home. Kevin helped me review math problems for hours and I brushed up on my reading and writing skills. I was mainly concerned with the math though. I haven’t had a proper math class since 1992 and my memory is horrible!
After only two days of studying, I took the test. The math was just as I had thought it would be – horrible and confusing! When I handed in my test, I truly had no idea if I had passed, but I prayed hard that I had.
After a week of wringing my hands, I was told that I had passed! After this, things moved fast. This Monday, I was interviewed and Wednesday, they called to tell me that I had the job. Wow!
I went in today and filled out tons of paperwork. I was fingerprinted by the police and will get a physical this coming Tuesday. I start work on Monday the 29th. As of right now, I don’t want to say where I’m working, just know that it’s something I’m suited for.
I am a firm believer in prayer and this is just one aspect of my life where prayer has helped. I’m no where near perfect and I slip up often, but He is still there. I just have to have faith.
Posted by tami at 9:17 PM Comments (3)
August 24, 2005
Six
This morning I finished book 6 of the Harry Potter series: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I would have read it much sooner, however when we bought the book I was already in the middle of another novel.
I enjoyed book 6 just as much as I did the first five. Since J.K. Rowling is very descriptive in her writing, I feel as if I am experiencing Hogwarts firsthand. Rooms and students are vividly pictured in my mind as well as classes, teachers, and Quidditch matches. Ahh, if only there really were a Hogwarts …
Posted by tami at 1:46 PM Comments (3)
August 22, 2005
The Cousins
Ashley’s cousins came over to visit last night. Here they are watching Ashley change the baby’s diaper:
.JPG)
They loved playing with the baby and wanted to help do everything. When they would hold the baby too long for Ashley’s liking, she would tell them, “The baby’s crying. She wants her mommy.” She would then quickly take the baby away from them to snuggle it close to her chest. That baby is much loved!
Posted by tami at 10:16 PM Comments (0)
August 21, 2005
Poor Baby
Ashley loves playing with her baby doll. She enjoys changing her diapers, changing her clothes, feeding her, and giving her medicine. She bundles her up tight and takes her for walks around the house and outside in her stroller. She calls herself “a very efficient mother” – and she is. Her diaper bags are organized to perfection.
When she wants to add some excitement to “motherhood”, she captures Guido. Poor, poor Guido. She fills up a baby bottle with water and makes him lie back in her arms while she “feeds” him. Here is what it looks like:
.JPG)
It’s pathetic really.
Posted by tami at 1:08 PM Comments (5)
August 20, 2005
Fireless
We have lived here for nine years and our fireplace has never been used.
.JPG)
You can see that I try to utilize it for something though. Since we don’t have near enough bookshelves, I have been using the fireplace for years to store some of the children’s books.
I would love to sell some furniture and have built-in bookshelves. After all, who needs end tables?! Well, I guess I DO need a place to sit that glass of iced tea while I read the books …
Posted by tami at 11:29 AM Comments (0)
August 19, 2005
Cracking Up
Both of my kids totally crack me up from time to time. With Andrew, this is normally accomplished through his funny personality. With Ashley, however, it is through her writing.
Yesterday, she brought home a math worksheet that had already been checked by the teacher. I say this because had I checked the paper, this funniness would not have occurred.
The question on the worksheet was:
Suppose someone was trying to estimate how many cubes were in an object. What advice would you give that person?
Her answer:
“Do the best you can and that is the best you can do.”
In red pen her teacher wrote, “This is not how you estimate.”
I agree completely with the teacher, but her answer had me laughing aloud! She is in fourth grade and already trying to fancy-talk her way out of things. Too funny!
Posted by tami at 11:02 AM Comments (7)
August 18, 2005
Truths
What a great email!
GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.
GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.
THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.
SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is . . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . having friends.
At age 16 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 35 success is . having money.
At age 50 success is . . . having money.
At age 70 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . having friends.
At age 80 success is . not peeing in your pants.
Posted by tami at 4:06 PM Comments (0)
August 16, 2005
No Mixed Feelings Here
I reviewed the movie Super Size Me about a month ago. I said it then and I’ll say it again; it is not the fast food industry’s fault what we choose to put into our mouths.
There are people that are now going on all McDonald’s diets and losing weight. This is because they are making the right choices. THIS ARTICLE is terrific. Read it!
FYI: My blog roll on the sidebar has been lost for the time being! Sorry for the inconvenience!
Posted by tami at 9:14 AM Comments (8)
August 15, 2005
Updates
Here is the latest picture of Church. When he lies like this, I call him “The Dead Cat”.
.JPG)
One day after I had asked Kevin to get the dead cat out of the floor he reminded me of Jack Handy by replying, “One day that will really be true.” Freak.
I woke Guido up trying to get his picture. He’ll be asleep on Kevin’s pillow, wake up, and then ever so slowly crawl down to the edge of the bed.
.JPG)
He is too cute.
Posted by tami at 4:01 PM Comments (3)
August 13, 2005
Smellin' Like Smoke
We didn’t go to the pug meet-up last night because it was too hot. I hope it’s nicer next week. I really like the people and the pugs and the interaction that Guido gets with the big dogs too.
Today we ate lunch at Frisch’s in Richmond. Kevin and I both had the fish sandwich. It was very tasty and I loved the whole “diner” experience. I was surprised at one thing though. I saw a man smoking at the counter the minute we walked through the door. I guess I’m just used to eating in Lexington where they have banned smoking in all restaurants, so I was taken aback. After seeing the smoker, I asked to be seated in the non-smoking section. Even though we were seated in this section, a woman was smoking two tables over and it continually wafted across our noses the entire time we were there. I stand by the old saying that having a non-smoking section in a restaurant is like having a non-peeing section in a swimming pool. It doesn’t work.
Posted by tami at 9:14 PM Comments (5)
August 12, 2005
Mean Mom
This is the best email I’ve seen in a while. Keep in mind while you read this that around here, I’m called, “The Warden”.
Was your Mom mean? I know mine was. We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from other kids had too.
Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all time. You'd think we were convicts in prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.
We were ashamed to admit it but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would like awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.
She always insisted on us telling the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds. Then, life really got tough! Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them.
While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were l6. Because of our mother, we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. We never got drunk, took up smoking, stayed out all night, or a million other things other kids did.
Now that we have left home, we are all educated, honest adults. We are dong our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that's what's wrong with the world today. It just doesn't have enough mean moms anymore!
~ Author Unknown
Posted by tami at 11:44 AM Comments (5)
August 11, 2005
Darkness Falls Across The Land
There are some things you think will never change. However, as we get older, we all begin to change, even if it’s in subtle ways. Something that has changed with me over the summer is darkness – the need for darkness at night.
I have always slept with the hall light on. When the kids were very small, they needed it on in case they had to get up to go to the bathroom. Truth be told, I needed it too. It was always nice if I awoke in the middle of the night to be able to look out into the hallway and reassure myself that no one was there getting ready to kill me.
But, Ashley has worn a sleep mask for over a year now, so the light was no longer a benefit to her. Andrew began closing his bedroom door at night, so the light didn’t benefit him either. Still, I reasoned with myself, they might need the light if they got up for some reason.
Over the course of the summer, the light suddenly became an irritation to me. It was keeping me awake instead of being reassuring and helping me fall asleep. I would wake in the middle of the night and instead of checking the hall to make sure no one was there, I would bury my head under the covers and wish that it wasn’t turned on.
Finally, I came to the realization that the light had been on all this time not for the kids, but for me. I had needed that constant in my life. I needed the comfort; the kids didn’t.
So, after many years of light, when we go to bed these days, we are plunged into total darkness. You would not believe how much faster I get to sleep! Who would have known?
Posted by tami at 8:45 AM Comments (4)
August 10, 2005
Homework Time
This family has been through so much already. It is hard for me to comprehend when things like this happen. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
In other not so ground shaking news: The kids’ first day of school went well. Andrew has JROTC which the website describes as this:
The United States Army's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or JROTC, is designed to teach high school students the value of citizenship, leadership, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment, while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork, and self-discipline. Its focus is reflected in its mission statement, "To motivate young people to be better citizens." It prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. The program is a stimulus for promoting graduation from high school, and it provides instruction and rewarding opportunities that will benefit the student, community, and nation.
This sounds like a wonderful class for Andrew and I think he will do well in it. In the past, he has talked about joining the Marines. My response has always been, “we’re at war right now, so now is not the time.” I don’t know if he is listening to me or not, but I hope he is.
Ashley still seems to be in shock that school has started back. She acted surprised when I told her that homework came before watching movies. Also, her bedtime, seems to creep up awfully early on her. For the past two months, she has stayed up late, slept in late, and done nothing. Now she has to get back into that grind and it’s cramping her style. Oh well, give her another week and you’ll never know she had time off.
Posted by tami at 8:32 AM Comments (1)
August 9, 2005
It's A Wonderful Life
I have found a blog that I thoroughly enjoy reading. I enjoy it so much that I am working on going through all the archives. As fellow bloggers, I’m sure you can appreciate what a feat that is, especially since this is someone who blogs almost daily; not one of these hit and miss people.
In the future, I will add this blog and others to my sidebar, but for now, I want to keep it quiet because I want to talk about one of the posts and I don’t want everyone running over there gawking.
In the archives, she talks about her neighborhood. Her neighborhood actually has a website. She lives in a home that is in the Historical Society. This means that she cannot do anything to the outside of her house without a committee voting on it. For instance, right now she would like to erect a fence. I know when Kevin and I moved into our house, we paid someone to mark our boundary lines and the privacy fence went up that weekend. I didn’t ask permission because this is my house and my yard. However, when you live in a historical house that is in the middle of a Historical Society, you have to abide by other laws.
That is really beside the point. What I wanted to talk about was the community of this neighborhood. It is apparently a community unlike most others in that they all like each other and want to do things with each other. Get this: they actually plan events so the neighbors can get together! It boggles my mind to hear of such happenings.
What I read about today was the neighborhood throwing porch parties. This is a progressive dinner type of fundraising event with different neighbors doing different parts of the dinner. They raise funds for things that will improve the neighborhood, like landscaping. Everyone comes up with his or her own theme for his or her porch.
It sounds like a blast! I’m sure that everyone is happy and loves getting caught up on neighborhood news. I’m sure that I would enjoy it too - if I were in a different neighborhood.
There are many rental properties around me. That is probably the number one reason why I don’t get to befriend many neighbors. People move in and out under the cover of darkness. People who you thought would stay a while, pick up and leave without even a good-bye. People play their music so loud sometimes; you swear your head will explode. People let their two dogs out without a leash to take a dump in everyone else’s yard. People let their junk cars sit in the street. People refuse to look you in the eye and wave a quick hello. People let their kids, who are way under age drive a moped down the sidewalk. Oh, do I have a street for you! It hasn’t been bad this summer because it’s been too hot for people to be out. This fall is when things will get interesting again; spring and fall is when things get very rowdy. We could never do the fundraising idea here because most of these people rent, therefore what do they care what happens.
This girl’s neighborhood, even if she does have to ask permission to do certain things, at least she knows that her neighbors care and that’s a wonderful thing. I know that she appreciates them for it too.
Posted by tami at 12:19 PM Comments (5)
August 8, 2005
We Don't Need No Edukashion
The first day of school is tomorrow so we have been getting things ready.
* The supplies are packed.
* The backpacks are on the table.
* I have distributed the lunch money.
* Clothes are laid out (this includes tennis shoes and socks).
* Ashley is taking a bath as I type this, so her hair will very soon smell of blueberries.
* My car has plenty of gas.
I think we thought of everything.
Posted by tami at 7:04 PM Comments (3)
August 7, 2005
Sign
I loved this sign outside one of our local churches this week:
.JPG)
Posted by tami at 9:59 AM Comments (2)
August 6, 2005
Our Second Meeting
Check out the new photo gallery from our second meeting with the
Bluegrass Pugs. Guido once again had a fantastic time and so did Kevin, Ashley, and me. I love the pugs and the people :)
Posted by tami at 8:31 PM Comments (1)
Parcheesi
This is one of my favorite board games:
.JPG)
Andrew won this round.
Posted by tami at 12:48 PM Comments (2)
August 5, 2005
Get Over It!
Yesterday I spent four hours in the pool. I did laps, walked, and floated; mainly, I floated. I love feeling the heat of the sun as I lay there going round and round, back and forth. The sky was the bluest I have seen in a long while. There were some white, puffy clouds, but they were scarce.
Before summer arrived, I had already made plans to get Guido in the water. When pool floats showed up at the store, we knew what we were looking for. We needed a float that was hard, so that he couldn’t puncture it with his nails. We ended up finding one at K-Mart.
When I first handed him to Kevin in the water, he naively went. He was a bundle of nerves the entire time, so we let him out. I figured the next time in would be better. Boy was I wrong! He tried to run from me, but I caught the little booger. That experience was about the same as the first time.
To this day, it is still the same: we go out and he tries to run away to no avail. He enjoys and demands being outside while we are out there. There is no way that he would stand being left in the house while we swam. For this reason, we have to get him wet. Today it was above 90 degrees. If I had not put him in the water, he would have been miserable. He thinks the water makes him miserable, but he doesn’t know any better. I still have high hopes that he will get used to it.
Here he is on his float giving that, “What choo lookin’ at?” look:
.JPG)
Here he is wet and mad looking down at me and giving me that “No way I’m gettin’ back in” look:
.JPG)
He is SUCH a turd!
Posted by tami at 10:28 AM Comments (2)
August 4, 2005
We Have A Winner
Over the past two months, Ashley took part in the summer reading program at our public library. Other than reading many books, she also took sign language classes for a week and art classes another week.
There was a drawing of names for prizes and Ashley won one of the coveted gift baskets. When she got the phone call that she had won, she danced and jumped all over the house. Here she is with her basket:
.JPG)
This is what she won:
.JPG)
* summer reader t-shirt
* ”Glow” beanie baby
* bubbles
* glitter pen
* key keeper
* butterfly book mark
* “book bracelet” book mark
* magnetic book mark
* orange pencil
* purple keychain keeper necklace
* 16 gold gum coins
* green mini journal
* 2 Lord of the Rings book marks
* puppy book mark
* toe ring
* certificate for a free movie or game rental at Video Selection
* $10 in gift certificates for Bluegrass Theatres
Posted by tami at 9:57 AM Comments (2)
August 3, 2005
Yea, Baby!
Kevin picked up a queen-sized frame this afternoon for $53 and I am happy to report that we now have a bed. I am posting a picture, but you cannot tell from it how much wider and longer it is from the full size. It amazes me how much higher the pillow top makes it. I sure hope that Guido holds on tight to Kevin’s pillow!
.JPG)
Posted by tami at 5:23 PM Comments (0)
How To Stay Young
From email:
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height.
Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.
2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down. (Keep this In mind if you are one of those grouches.)
3. Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle.
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop."
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.
6. The tears happen:
Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, and hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
Posted by tami at 10:24 AM Comments (0)
Q & A
Question: When is the best time to clean your freezer?
.JPG)
Answer: When it’s already empty! Yes, I am being silly, but honest at the same time. I figured I would clean out the refrigerator before we went grocery shopping.
.JPG)
I am happy to report that since taking the above pictures, we now have groceries … and a clean fridge.
** I have not updated on our bed situation because there has been no change. Kevin found out that there is no way to lengthen the bed. He has to go to the furniture store this afternoon and buy new queen-size rails. Yes, we spent another night on the sofa bed. It was fun at first, but now … jeez!
Posted by tami at 9:40 AM Comments (2)
August 2, 2005
The Saga Continues
At 8:30 this morning, the phone rang three times. I am still in dreamland on the sofa bed at this point. We have the phone set to ring three times and then the answering machine picks up. Since I’m in the living room and the machine is in the bedroom, I cannot hear who is calling.
A few minutes pass and then I hear the phone ring three more times. I think to myself that this must be a girl calling for Andrew. As I march back to the machine, I make plans to take it off the hook! Grumble! Grumble!
Lo and behold, it is not a girl calling for Andrew, but my dad calling with great news – our mattresses are in and he is on his way over with them. You’ve never seen a girl get dressed so fast.
He gets here, I go out front looking like total you-know-what and we proceed to carry in the box springs. We get to the bedroom and dad suggests that we go ahead and lay it on the bed. To my dismay, it fit from side to side, but the length wasn’t long enough. Here is what it looks like now:
.JPG)
Notice how Church got his big butt up there first thing.
On his way out, my dad suggested that maybe we needed to remove the footboard to convert it to a queen size. I have since looked and I see no way to do this. I am afraid that we are going to be buying a new frame tonight. Kevin is at work, so I won’t know anything until much, much later on. I will let you know what happens.
Posted by tami at 9:19 AM Comments (3)
August 1, 2005
Well, We're Movin' On Up! To A Queen Size!
Our box springs and mattress were shot, so we decided to get a new set. Since our bed can be moved from a full size to a queen size, we decided to move on up a bit and go for the queen.
It was only going to be a few days, so we decided to go ahead, throw out the old box springs and mattress, and sleep on the sofa bed that my parents had given us. Kevin and I do not procrastinate.
That was over a week ago and we are still on the sofa bed. There was a mix-up with one of the delivery trucks. Fortunately for us, the sofa bed is comfortable. It’s just a pain to have my living room messed up all the time. Plus, when one of us is on the computer, the other usually lays on the bed and watches TV or reads a book. We are out of our routine.
The bed is prepared for the new queen size and I have bought a Martha Stewart sheet and comforter set which can be seen HERE. We ordered pillow top mattresses and since the Martha Stewart sheets run bigger, we wanted them for the best fit.
The new mattress set is supposed to be in tomorrow. Cross your fingers!
By the way, did the title of this post have you singing?
Posted by tami at 10:06 AM Comments (4)