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February 28, 2007
Unit 8
Today is my dad’s birthday. I won’t give his age, but he was born in 1952!
Here we are, probably around 1973. Check out those pants!
This was in 1987 before dad retired from the police department. He’s the one standing on the far right:
And this is how they spent their nights back in 1987! Just kidding!!
This is dad with Andrew. It was probably around 1990:
Dad was making chili December of 1991. I have always been fond of this picture.
Dad holding Ashley in 1996:
There are many more photos of dad throughout my Photo Gallery.
Happy Birthday Dad! I love you :)
Posted by tami at 8:32 AM Comments (4)
February 27, 2007
Obese Kids
Talk about a controversial subject! You must read THIS story!
Basically, there is a child who is so overweight, the equivalent of Social Services here in the U.S. could have taken him in their custody had the mother not agreed to a diet.
It’s odd that I even saw this news story today. Last night we watched a show called Tubby Toddlers on TLC. A British professor set up a weight-loss program with certain families in dire need of a nutrition expert and they filmed it. There were about five different families and they all had obese kids.
This is a hard subject. These parents truly love their kids. One of the dads on last nights show said; when I look at her, I just see a happy little girl who loves her daddy’s cooking.
I am fortunate that Andrew and Ashley have always been “typical” sized kids. I have never had to deal with this issue, but I’m sure it would be very hard. I feel sorry for the mom in England that she is dealing with this. I am even sorrier that it has made the news.
Any thoughts?
Posted by tami at 7:25 PM Comments (4)
February 26, 2007
Scandals
I haven’t read any blogs commenting on Oprah opening her new school in Africa. I am wondering how you feel about this.
* Do you feel it was an act of kindness?
* Do you feel she should be more concerned with the children here in the United States?
* Do you feel a little of both?
And what about poor Anna Nicole.
The woman deserves to be laid to rest. She died on February 8th. Did you realize it had been that long? I know they had to do an autopsy and then there has been the debate over where she wanted to be buried, but geez, she needs to be laid to rest! The whole situation over her little girl, Dannielynn is sad. I would dare to say this is the biggest Hollywood scandal there has been in many years.
And while I’m on the subject of Hollywood scandals, what are your thoughts on Britney Spears? She is doing things right now that remind me of someone I know personally. I think she has gone over the edge. I wasn’t that surprised with all of her partying or even her getting photographed getting out of a car with no panties on – this seems typical of her over-the-top behavior. However, when she shaved her hair off this sent a signal to me that she needs help.
Right after Anna Nicole died; Rosie was talking on The View about how Anna Nicole clearly was on something because she couldn’t even speak. They said someone propped her up in a chair while she did interviews. Rosie made the point that she had all these people around her, and yet, no one did anything to stop her demise. I think Rosie makes a valid point. I hope the same isn’t true for Britney Spears.
Posted by tami at 8:01 PM Comments (4)
February 25, 2007
Oscar Night
Today we have taken it slow. After church, we came home and Kevin made us a lunch of pancakes. After that, I read. And read. And read.
I love days like this when we can just take it easy.
Now I am watching the Barbara Walters Oscar Special. I will tape the Academy Awards and watch it tomorrow. The Amazing Race is new, so it takes precedence. I don’t care if I hear who won what on the Academy Awards before I actually see it. I honestly just love to see the clothes!
Posted by tami at 7:29 PM Comments (0)
February 24, 2007
I See England, I See France ...
Kevin is modest to the extreme. I don’t think Ashley has seen him without pants on in years. It is rare that we even get a glimpse of his bare feet. I really don’t think anyone could get more modest than Kevin.
That said, our darling, little niece, Jesse spent the night last night. Before she had her eyes open this morning, Kevin slid out of the bed and into the bathroom. By the time he emerged, Jesse was fully awake and sitting up in bed.
Hoping to go unnoticed, Kevin quickly slid his leg into his blue jeans when all of a sudden Jesse says loudly, “I think someone doesn’t have any pants on.”
What a glowing moment for Uncle Kevin!
Posted by tami at 7:26 PM Comments (1)
February 23, 2007
I Guessed!
Sydnee got a new doll tonight at The Dollar Tree. I had not seen the doll, so she told me all about it; how pretty she is, how she plays music, and how, “You HAVE to see her, Aunt Tami.”
She said, “You can guess what color her dress is. But, if you guess red, you’ll be right!”
She was amazed, her mouth agape, when I guessed red.
*****
Since Sydnee spent the night last Friday, Jesse is spending the night this weekend. Ashley has already put make-up on her face and she is thrilled with it:
Posted by tami at 9:59 PM Comments (0)
February 22, 2007
TP
I hope that I have had you in stores looking for the products in THIS post. I have had absolutely no luck myself.
Now, I have a new product I need to find. I have had no luck at Wal-Mart. The product is called Charmin To Go. If you click on that link, you will see a photo. Yes, it is toilet paper to carry in your purse. Laugh all you like, but it has come in handy more times than one. I used the last of my roll at a gaming store where only men frequent the restroom. I walked in, the seat was up, urine was everywhere, and there was no toilet paper in sight.
After using a travel wet wipe (which I also keep in my purse) on the seat, I was all set. That toilet paper saved me! I believe I even sprayed some lilac scented spray before I left. I’m sure the men loved me for that, but the place was filthy!
As I have said before, I would rather buy local than online, so if you see it, let me know!
*****
Here is a very funny joke I received in email:
A Baptist Preacher was seated next to a cowboy on a flight to Texas.
After the plane took off, the cowboy asked for a Whiskey and soda, which was brought and placed before him. The flight attendant then asked the Preacher if he would like a drink.
Appalled, the Preacher replied, "I'd rather be tied up and taken advantage of by women of ill-repute, than let liquor touch my lips."
The cowboy then handed his drink back to the attendant and said, "Me too, I didn't know we had a choice!!!!!
Posted by tami at 7:27 PM Comments (2)
February 21, 2007
The Bitch Of Company B
There are three companies: Company A, Company B, and Company C.
Company A owns the land that Company B sits on. Companies B and C are owned by the same people.
The people who work in Company B have to pay a large parking fee (around $300 a year) to company A. The people in Company B pay for parking, yet they do not have reserved spaces. This means the people in Company B might have to show up an hour early for work in order to get a space before other employees fill them all.
Now, we get to Company C.
Company C sits on its own land. At Company C, parking is free AND the employees have reserved spaces. Company C has always been good to its employees in this matter and the employees appreciate it.
Here’s the story:
An employee of Company B visited Company C. This employee saw one of the reserved spots at Company C, but decided that she was too good to follow the rules, so she pulled in the space anyway.
The employee at Company C who had that reserved spot, pulled up behind the employee of Company B. The Company C employee told the Company B employee that it was their spot.
The Company B employee said, “Okay” and then proceeded to lock the car door and walk in the building.
The next day, during a big meeting with important people, the employee from Company B began to whine and say how unfair it was that Company C has reserved spots and Company B doesn’t. This employee thinks that Company C should end all reserved spots. Truth be told, she probably thinks they should also pay for parking even though Company C owns its own land!
Maybe Company B needs to get its own land and stop mooching off Company A.
**If you think you know these companies, please do not post their names in the comments or I will be forced to delete it.
Posted by tami at 7:47 PM Comments (3)
February 20, 2007
How Badly Do You Need It?
In the United States, we pay for sperm donations, plasma donations, and even egg donations. I’m sure there’s a lot more money paid out than I’m even aware of and for other parts I did not mention.
Couples in the United States will pay close to $40,000 for an egg donation. I read that this practice is illegal in the UK, which has caused a shortage of donors. Many women will travel from Britain to the United States because they are in need of money and feel this is an easy way of earning it. I don’t blame them for not wanting to donate their eggs free when they can be paid. It doesn’t seem right.
Knowing that so many parts of the body (I consider liquid a part) are paid for, why is it illegal for someone to sell a kidney? I know people are on waiting lists and in a certain order. I also know that if selling a kidney were made legal, it is very probable that only the rich would be able to afford one. I know that, but I still wonder why it is illegal.
It seems to me, it should be the person’s decision who would be selling the kidney. If they wanted to sell, that is their option. Is there more to this than I am considering? Do you know another side to the story? Let me know your thoughts.
Posted by tami at 12:49 PM Comments (1)
February 19, 2007
President's Day
Today is President’s Day, so I spent the day making cookies in the shape of Lincoln’s hat, and Clinton’s CIGAR. Oh, I’m just kidding! I have actually read for a greater part of the day and am only now remembering the reason for the day off! The warmer temperatures and a little sun have done their job melting away most of the snow, so we will definitely have school tomorrow!
A friend directed me to THIS website. When it loads, you’ll see a woman looking at you; move your mouse around and her eyes move, type in something witty to say and she’ll say it aloud for you. It kept me occupied for a bit!
Posted by tami at 7:31 PM Comments (3)
February 18, 2007
Snow Ball
I forgot to mention in yesterday’s post that Sydnee did great spending the night. She ended up sleeping with me, but that wasn’t a problem. I know she was sad when it was time to leave.
*****
This morning our road was bad, so we stayed at home. I read the newspaper while drinking my morning coffee and then I read my book a little.
Guido and I played kick about:
He didn’t seem to mind the snow. He just wanted to make sure his ball was in plain view:
Posted by tami at 1:41 PM Comments (1)
February 17, 2007
Bad Writers
A friend sent the following in email. You’re going to LOVE these:
Ever wondered what happens when Hallmark writers are having a bad day.......
My tire was thumping.
I thought it was flat
When I looked at the tire...
I noticed your cat
Sorry!
*****
Heard your wife left you,
How upset you must be.
But don't fret about it...
She moved in with me.
*****
Looking back over the years
that we've been together,
I can't help but wonder...
"What the hell was I thinking?"
*****
Congratulations on your wedding day!
Too bad no one likes your husband.
*****
How could two people as beautiful as you
Have such an ugly baby?
*****
I've always wanted to have
someone to hold,
someone to love.
After having met you ..
I've changed my mind.
*****
I must admit, you brought Religion into my life.
I never believed in Hell until I met you.
*****
As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am...
That you're not here to ruin it for me.
*****
Congratulations on your promotion.
Before you go...
Would you like to take this knife out of my back?
You'll probably need it again.
*****
Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad!
(Available only in Tennessee, Kentucky & West Virginia)
*****
Happy birthday! You look great for your age.
Almost Lifelike!
*****
When we were together,
you always said you'd die for me.
Now that we've broken up,
I think it's time you kept your promise.
*****
We have been friends for a very long time ..
let's say we stop?
*****
I'm so miserable without you
it's almost like you're here.
*****
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.
Did you ever find out who the father was?
*****
Your friends and I wanted to do
something special for your birthday.
So we're having you put to sleep.
*****
So your daughter's a hooker,
and it spoiled your day.
Look at the bright side,
it's really good pay!
Posted by tami at 7:58 PM Comments (1)
February 16, 2007
A Sleep Over
Ashley’s class celebrated Valentine’s Day by having an ice cream party this afternoon:
They handed out valentines, candy, and had a great time.
Tonight, I took my Wizard of Oz book over to my parent’s house. It’s a flat book which folds out to form a stage.
Sydnee especially loves playing with it:
While Sydnee played in Oz, Ashley taught Jesse some new hand songs (I don’t know what to call them):
We are now at home and Sydnee is spending the night for the first time while Jesse spends the night at her Nene's house. Sydnee asked continuously to come over and play with Ashley’s Barbie’s, so I finally gave in. At this moment, they are stepping into the shower. Things could get interesting at bedtime. I’ll let you know tomorrow!
Posted by tami at 9:46 PM Comments (1)
February 15, 2007
Uncle Charlie's
If you have never tried Uncle Charlie’s meats, I can highly recommend trying it. I can buy a five-pound box of boneless pork loins for $23.50. A box normally has about 21 pork loins, which feeds our family of four for three meals.
The meat is individually wrapped for convenience. This way, if you only want to cook three, you only take out three.
The main company is located in Richmond; however, they deliver to Winchester. Let me tell you how “worth it” these pork loins are to me. I have to go in a tobacco outlet in order to buy them. This isn’t a pipe tobacco store where the smells are wonderful. This is a cigarette store where just about everyone who works there chain-smokes the entire time they are working. When they cough, you can hear the rattle down deep in their chests. If this wasn’t good meat, I would never willingly submit myself to all that smoke. I go in, grab a box from the freezer, pay, and then I’m out of there!
They don’t only sell pork loins though. They have hamburgers, battered mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, chicken breasts, and much more that I can’t remember. At the tobacco store where I buy mine, they have a list of everything offered taped to the outside of the freezer.
I have no idea where they deliver in Lexington, but the number is 859-623-1967 if you are interested in calling and asking.
Posted by tami at 7:36 PM Comments (1)
February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day!
I believe this is my first Valentine’s Day card:
It looks as though a dog got hold of it. Who knows, maybe I chewed on it. I have no idea what year I received it. I only know that mom always kept it in my baby book and that is where it is to this day, so I must have been very young. You can also see that I wrote my name on it – back when I was still spelling it the way my parents intended me to. I like the spelling of my name now and I have never regretted changing it. I had a friend named Becky who changed the spelling of her name to Beki. I don’t remember who changed their name first though. Was I following her example or was she following mine?
From my scrapbooks, here are my cards from school in 1983:
These are from 1984:
These are also from 1984:
Really, when you look at them, they haven’t changed that much over the years. Although, when we were in Meijer last weekend, Kevin did pick up a box that said HomeBoyz Valentines. We got a great laugh out of that!
Posted by tami at 10:54 AM Comments (0)
February 13, 2007
Guest Bloggers
Gardenwife made the suggestion that I let Andrew and Selina guest blog about their Military Ball. I know other blogs often have guest bloggers, but I never would have thought of it myself.
I thought it was a wonderful idea, so I asked Andrew and Selina if they were interested. To my surprise and delight, they were! Here is what they had to say:
Andrew:
The night had been talked about for months. It had been prepared for, for weeks. This one night could make or break our Regiment because so many important people were going to be there.
Reflecting on the evening, I can recall the dinner most vividly. Wine glasses, a classy setting, and a salad to start. It was wonderful. The roll that accompanied it was even more delightful. Chicken Cordon Bleu and prime rib were the main courses. My pick was chicken – the bird was superb. The cadets and some parents ate mashed potatoes and cake among other things. When finished, my belt constricted and my stomach set satisfied. The meal went perfectly. As for the dancing, I’ll let my wonderful date tell you about that, as well as the reception.
Selina:
Before the ball, we had a 'before party' or so you could say. This was where all the cadets would meet up with their friends and show off their dates.
Well, we arrived and immediately began talking with some friends and once we found where we could get our pictures taken, we rushed over to the line.
There was only one person in front of us, so that was beneficial. After the pictures, we ran over to our friends, Kyle and Angie. Angie and I took pictures together with my camera, and I took a picture of Andrew, Kyle and their other friend, Mike. We had lots of fun standing around in the foyer waiting for it all to start. I'm sure Andrew had lots of fun showing me off in my beautiful dress to all the other people who were there! "She's mine! You can't have her! She's gorgeous!" (I could have imagined him saying that to everyone who walked by!)
Finally, it came time to dance! Andrew and I got up and before we ran out onto the dance floor, I took off my shoes and ran out bare footed! I don't remember the first song, but I know it was an R&B song. Andrew and I danced around along with our friends, laughing and making fun of how terrible we danced (we couldn't use our ballroom dancing class!).
Later on came the song called the Cha Cha Slide, where it says the dance moves for you. Andrew and I had fun dancing to it. I had a hard time because I didn't know it, so I had to anticipate on what was going to be said. After that song, Andrew and I sat down because we were tired. I was a little upset that they hadn't played our song yet, Far Away by Nickelback. So, Andrew told me to wait in my seat and talk to Angie, so I did as he asked. Moments later, he came back smiling really big and urging me to get up on the dance floor and dance with him. I got up and danced with him to another R&B song and once it was over, they played our song! I was so excited, so I pulled Andrew to me and wrapped my arms around him. We slow danced through the entire song, cheek to cheek. I was so happy.
Over all, I'd have to say that it was the best time of my life. It was wonderful! I'd go again with Andrew to another occasion like that in a heart beat!
Andrew:
When the lights dimmed and cars started, a smile crossed my lips. The job had been accomplished, with respect as the prize.
My comment:
Notice that Andrew’s mind was on the food while Selina’s was on the romance. He’s a typical guy!
Posted by tami at 5:57 PM Comments (1)
February 12, 2007
Her Smell
A close friend and I have been discussing signs from deceased loved ones. She told me after her grandfather died; she would find pennies everywhere and in the oddest places. She said it always gave her a laugh thinking they were a sign from him. She asked me hadn’t I ever heard the expression “pennies from heaven”? I told her I had heard that, but had never taken it literally.
She also told me about certain smells being associated with deceased loved ones. She said she read about one ghost who during her life had made delicious chicken soup. Some people moved into “her” house and every now and then, someone would smell chicken soup, go into the kitchen thinking that is what they were having for dinner, but nothing would be cooking.
This friend went on to say she had smelled her dad’s pipe tobacco just three times in the past eleven years.
This thought has made me very emotional. I lost my Grandmother Scott when I was in the second grade, but there is a smell I associate with her and her alone. It’s not perfume or anything that strong. It is actually very light. It has been rare that I have smelled this smell and when I did, I thought it was totally out of the blue and there was no reason for it. I knew I was smelling her, but I had no idea why.
In addition, when I have smelled this undistinguishable smell, I have wondered if anyone else could smell it also. I could never ask though because it has only come when I have found myself alone in a room. The smell was so good, I was afraid to leave or I would surly loose it. When a smell brings back so many memories, you want to sit there and savor it. It is too precious a thing to loose a moment of.
Some people who read this would balk, thinking I am silly, crazy, or whatever. I don’t care. To me, this theory makes total sense. Yes, it makes sense to me that my Grandmother Scott might just be checking in on me.
From now on, on those very unusual, exceptional times when I smell that certain scent, I may not only savor it – I may also cry a little.
Posted by tami at 8:13 AM Comments (2)
February 11, 2007
Hearts
We made Valentine cookies last night.
These are the bottoms of the cookies:
Here, Ashley cuts out the centers to make the tops:
After the tops cooled, Kevin sprinkled them with powdered sugar. We then took a bottom, spread pink icing over it, and added a top.
Here is the result:
It takes two tubes of sugar cookies to make this many, but I love the way they look.
Posted by tami at 6:55 PM Comments (2)
February 10, 2007
Surprises
I was surprised for my birthday. I mean REALLY surprised. Kevin put a lot of thought into my cake and gifts. He secretly made the money by going to clients houses and working or fixing their computers without my knowledge.
I was impressed with the planning this must have taken – not to mention all the love that went along with it. I didn’t deserve it. That’s the truth. But I got it anyway because Kevin loves me unconditionally. There are times he loves me when everyone else would say the heck with her. That’s Kevin.
Back to surprises …
Andrew called me on my cell phone while I was in Hallmark in Hamburg. He said I had a box waiting for me at home. I asked who it was from and he replied Lori-Lyn.
You could have knocked me over with a feather! I was excited and wanted to get home soon. I couldn’t imagine what Lori-Lyn had in store for me.
Andrew left the box on the table:
Here is what was inside:
My mouth dropped open when the first thing I saw was the pug purse. See, I had often admired this pug purse in the mall. She also gave me a Valentine’s Day card, a delicious heart sucker (which Guido and I shared), a bottle of Perfect Pear body mist, and a book titled The Sherlock Holmes Novels.
Lori-Lyn knows I like Agatha Christie books, so she knew I would enjoy these detective stories also. I have never read anything by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, so this is a great gift for me.
Thank you, Lori-Lyn!! You truly surprised me when I am not often surprised. I appreciate your generosity. You made me happy and excited and I can hardly wait to carry that purse to church tomorrow. I’m going to show it off to my friends!
Posted by tami at 6:59 PM Comments (4)
February 9, 2007
A Waste ... I Mean, Taste
I feel like I rolled down the car window, pulled $30 out of my purse and let it go in the wind. Why? Well, we decided too try a new restaurant. I won’t say the name, but it was here in Winchester and it didn’t TASTE very good. The parking lot was packed which you would think means it has to be great, right?
No.
It had a horrible atmosphere, was overpriced, and the food was, for the most part, all deep-fried.
I was not impressed and I have no plans to return - ever. I don’t want this to sound snobbish, BUT … when you’re used to eating in nice restaurants, places like this don’t cut it. I guess I should mention that I don’t like buffets and that’s all that was offered at this place. You go in the door, pay for a buffet, the hostess finds you a spot to sit down, and you fill your plate. Well, other people were filling their plates.
I’ll probably be sick later …
*****
Okay, I’m finished griping. Now here is something nicer. I took a few photos of Andrew and Selina before they left for the Military Ball.
I love the back of her dress:
Posted by tami at 9:04 PM Comments (3)
February 8, 2007
Mind Your Manners
Tomorrow night, Andrew will attend his first Military Ball. He and his girlfriend, Selina (especially Selina) are very excited. I guess it’s a natural girl thing to get excited about doing your hair and nails and picking out a pretty dress, matching shoes, and a purse.
I have never attended a dance where I would have to dress formally. I think it could be fun as long as money wasn’t an issue. Fortunately, Andrew will wear his JROTC uniform with a white dress shirt and bow tie. Selina had the task of shopping for a dress – not that I think she minded ;)
I have tried to instill proper table manners in Andrew his entire life, so I believe this ball will be a great test of those manners. He brought home a rule sheet, what you might call a set of guidelines to go by for the ball. I won’t bore you with every guideline, but here are a few:
* Listen for the Adjutant to announce that the Receiving Line is open. Form a line to pass through the receiving line (from right to left). Couples should pass through together with ladies preceding the men. Cadets should provide their name and the name of their guest to the Adjutant (for example, say "'Cadet Wilson and Ms. Walker", etc.)
Later:
* Retrieve your champagne glass (filled with sparkling grape juice). DON'T DRINK. Cadet So-And-So will begin the toasts. Responses to the Toasts are listed in order on the Toast Card. Say the response, then take a sip from your glass.
Next:
* When instructed, men seat the ladies. That means, pull their chair out for them, allow them to sit down, and then help them scoot forward. DO NOT SIT, REMAIN STANDING for the final toast - To The Ladies! Make sure you assist ALL the ladies at your table if they do not have a date.
There is much more information at this point, but as I scanned down the page, I loved reading this:
* When going through the buffet line, ladies precede their dates. DO NOT HEAP YOUR PLATES. Take a small amount of everything you want. Once ALL tables have been through the buffet line, the Adjutant will announce that anyone wanting seconds may go to the buffet again.
* Table Manners Matter. Don't talk with food in your mouth, don't lean over your plate, don't eat with your fingers except breads, don't put your fork or knife on the table cloth - keep them on the edge of your plate, talk with your guests between bits of food in a quiet tone of voice. When announcements are made, stop talking and listen.
I especially appreciate this last bit of advice:
* Be careful going home. Make sure you are where your parents expect you to be. Don’t spoil a great evening by doing something silly (or stupid).
I am in no way making fun of these guidelines. I think it’s wonderful what JROTC has taught Andrew and continues to teach him.
I do find it humorous that he always thought those table manners wouldn’t matter that much. Now we shall see.
Posted by tami at 6:13 PM Comments (2)
February 7, 2007
Touch Of Grey
On this cold day, this is what I am dreaming of:
Talking on mom and dad’s deck:
Playing in the pool:
A cookout involving ribs:
Richmond Road on a bright, clear day:
An outing to the Lexington Cemetery:
You get the point. I am in need of blue skies.
Posted by tami at 7:12 PM Comments (2)
February 6, 2007
Under The Covers
Yesterday we had another snow day. It was so cold I never left the house. When Ashley asked to play in the snow, I told her no. When it’s hard to keep the house warm, you know it’s very cold outside. Right now, the news says it’s 8 degrees, but I don’t believe it. It is too cold to be going anywhere, yet I had to take Ashley to school and I have to get back out myself in a bit.
I can handle some cold, but I’m miserable when it’s THIS cold. My skin looks terrible too. I am applying lotion every night and I’m sure it helps some, but not enough. I have to be very careful when wrapping the dental floss around my fingers because the skin will tear as if I had a paper cut.
I’m not saying I need to move to Florida or anything that radical, but maybe a warmer climate would be healthier. Do you think my insurance would pay if my doctor said I needed to move to Hawaii for my health?
Posted by tami at 7:50 AM Comments (3)
February 5, 2007
Cupcakes Bring Happiness
Saturday afternoon found me at mom and dad’s house making cupcakes with Jesse, Sydnee, and Ashley.
Here you can see Jesse holding the cupcake pan in one hand and her little black purse in the other:
Honestly, her ability to do this doesn’t surprise me at all. When Ashley was this age, it was amazing what she could accomplish in a pair of high heels; and I still can’t wear them to this day!
This is Sydnee and Jesse carefully applying the icing to their cupcakes:
The first few are finished! Here are Ashley, Sydnee, and Jesse showing off their completed cakes:
Seeing these pink and red cupcakes makes me happy. They are so pretty!
Unbelievably, I just ate one!
Posted by tami at 8:03 AM Comments (3)
February 4, 2007
Fun Things
Thank you all for the birthday wishes.
My parents bought me the game Sorry because I requested it. I grew up playing it and it was killing me that I did not own it to play with my own family.
I have to say, when I was growing up, my dad was always in the mood for a game of something be it cards, a board game, Connect Four, and so on. He is the same way with Andrew now.
*****
I bought this cool puzzle at Target of Times Square in New York and couldn’t wait to get started. It was 750 pieces, so I figured it would take a few days to work.
It actually only took the four of us a few hours Friday night.
It amazes me how excited the kids get over a puzzle. From start to finish, they are there working right along side Kevin and me. Andrew is especially good at them.
This puzzle appealed to me because it was full of color and landmarks. I don’t like puzzles with lots of grass or snow. I want it to be more fun than challenge.
Posted by tami at 5:11 PM Comments (0)
February 3, 2007
My 35th
Kevin surprised me by getting me a cake for my birthday. He put a lot of thought into it and I cried when I opened the lid of the box. The cake was made by Joseph Mondellis Bakery.
This picture shows the photo Kevin took to the bakery for them to copy:
I think they did a phenomenal job and it tasted great too!
He also bought me the first two seasons of Seinfeld and the movie 13 Going On 30 (I had been asking for this one):
My parents gave me the game Sorry and $100 in cash:
Andrew’s girlfriend bought me a stuffed Eeyore, a Nightmare Before Christmas t-shirt and coffee cup:
My sister bought me the book Sister Freaks: Stories of Women Who Gave Up Everything for God and back at Christmas, my aunt gave me a pug throw, which can be seen in THIS entry.
Yes, I had a very happy birthday.
Posted by tami at 10:44 AM Comments (7)
February 2, 2007
February Snow
I got my wish. It snowed throughout the night and this lovely Friday morning we were informed there was no school. That’s just what I wanted – a snow day.
Now, here are the movies I watched in January:
1-2-07 Are We There Yet? - If you’re looking for a good, clean family movie, this is it. Actually, this is the perfect movie for a ten-year-old. It’s about a man who offers to take his girlfriend’s kids from Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, Washington. He doesn’t especially like kids and the kids don’t particularly like any man who is dating their mother. This makes for a funny time.
1-5-07 De-Lovely - This movie was a biography of the life of Cole Porter, the famous songwriter and composer. It was also very much a musical and a love story starring Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd. I had no idea who Cole Porter was, but watching the movie, I recognized many songs he wrote including I Get A Kick Out of You, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, and Night and Day. There are cameo appearances from Alanis Morrissette, Sheryl Crowe, and Natalie Cole.
1-6-07 The Family Man - Nicholas Cage plays an investment broker who has everything, everything except a family. In this movie, he gets to see what life would be like had he made different choices and decided to have a family. It’s a great look at the things that really matter in life.
1-12-07 Jane Eyre - I have never read the novel of the same name by Charlotte Bronte, but going on the credit of this movie (the 1996 version) I would love it. The scenery gives beautiful views and the music is very unhurried and graceful. This is a slow-moving, romantic movie. At one point, I almost cried. Not every movie has the ability to stir those emotions in me. I loved it!
1-12-07 The Covenant - Four teenage boys attending school have supernatural powers. When bad things begin happening to their friends, they realize that someone else in the school may have powers also. I have to say, when the movie first started, I thought I had accidentally put in The Lost Boys, but that was only for a split second. My main problem with this movie was that the main characters looked so much alike. There are five main guys and only one has blonde hair. Added to that is the movie is somewhat dark. Maybe my eyes are going bad, but I could hardly tell one of the four from the other. It was worth seeing once and there is a lot of action at the end. Lucky for me, my sister rented it and then let us borrow it, so we paid nada. That’s always nice.
1-19-07 Must Love Dogs - The family of a divorced preschool teacher, Sarah, desperately want her to find a new love. They’ll do anything to help her. Her sister goes as far as putting Sarah’s personal profile on PerfectMatch.com. This movie was predictable, but it had many famous stars which I enjoyed watching.
1-19-07 Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events - I had not read any of these books, so I didn’t really know what to expect. This movie is about three children who are left orphans when both of their parents are killed in a fire. They are taken from one “relative” to another where unfortunate events always occur. I thought this movie was very well done and fun to watch.
1-21-07 Serenity - If you like science fiction, this movie is for you. I found it very interesting, and entertaining, but sometimes hard to understand. I’m not even going to try to describe it.
1-27-07 13 Going on 30 - Kevin bought me this movie for my birthday and it is one of my favorites. I was an 80’s child, so this movie is right up my alley being that there is a heavy influence on the 1980’s. It’s about a 13-year-old girl who wants to be 30. Needless to say, she gets her wish. Jennifer Garner plays the leading role and she is adorable! Oh, and the music is awesome!
Posted by tami at 9:56 AM Comments (3)
February 1, 2007
Skunks
Ashley missed school today. It seems as if she’s been on one antibiotic or another for a month now. One would think she would be so full of medication, she couldn’t possibly get sick. Think again!
She has a cold and an ear infection and is now on a new antibiotic. If things happen as they have been, she will take this medicine for ten days and then as soon as she returns to school on the eleventh day, she will get sick again. We can hope not, but the possibility is real.
Here is the waiting room at her pediatrician’s office:
If you live around here and need a great children’s doctor, email me. There are four or five doctors in this one office and we never have to wait long in this nicely decorated room. Today we waited five minutes tops.
I remember way back, when we went to a pediatrician’s office here in town. The waiting room was back-to-back parents with their crying, sick children. Everyone was in total misery. I remember waiting for over an hour to be seen by that doctor. Now days, I think that is totally outrageous and unacceptable and I would never wait that long again. There are more doctors than one!
I think I saw four or five dead skunks on the way to Lexington. I don’t know why they’re out running around. Shouldn’t they be staying warm in some cozy den? I feel horrible for the dead ones, but boy, they sure do stink!
Posted by tami at 3:10 PM Comments (1)
Names
A friend sent me to a cool website where I found out how many people in the United States have my name.
Posted by tami at 8:31 AM Comments (3)