June 30, 2007
More Air
Since mom’s oxygen levels were still low this morning, they decided to move her over to U.K. in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU). She should have gone to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) however, there were no beds available. They say she should only be there for two days and will then go back to the Markey Cancer Center.
For this reason, she has no room number and there is no phone in her CCU room.
Posted by tami at 10:13 PM Comments (2)
June 29, 2007
AML
My mom has Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, otherwise referred to as AML. There is no “reason” why she has it. She didn’t catch it anywhere and she did nothing any different than anyone else. It’s the luck of the draw basically and it is very unfortunate.
I don’t talk much about my family and their medical conditions; I figure that’s a matter for them to discuss for themselves. However, my mom has been very open about her diabetes for many years. She takes three shots a day and is as slim as can be. (I say that because a lot of diabetics are overweight.)
A few days ago, they had to do a bone marrow biopsy which is very painful. Then yesterday she had a lumbar puncture. This is where they stick a needle in your back to draw out fluid in order to test it. She has also had three rounds of chemotherapy. She will have chemotherapy twice a day for six days. Her last round will be on the 4th of July.
In the mist of all this, she has had a CAT scan, and many chest x-rays. This morning her breathing was down in the 60’s which is very low. They are making her wear a mask which covers her nose and mouth and the last I heard, her oxygen levels were in the 90’s. That’s good at least, but her sugar levels have been high, normally running around 250.
They moved her to another room on a different wing. This is the wing where she should be anyway. Since they thought she had ovarian cancer when she was first admitted, they put her on this wing, but now she is on the wing devoted to Leukemia patients. So, if you emailed me and I gave you her room number or phone number, just know that that information has changed. Don’t worry if you have sent a card – they will get it to her. I have told everyone who emailed me that no cancer patients at her hospital can have flowers or (I found this out today) fresh fruit. She can’t even have fake flowers with moss at the bottom for decoration. So, if you are reading this and want to do something besides pray, you can send her a card. If you mail them to the house, dad will take them to her. He says if you want to do something, send her gift certificates for places to eat when she comes home, but you know what a joker he is! The nurses just love him ;)
*****
I find myself getting emotional when I begin to think about this too deeply. My thoughts run away with me and I go to dark places. I think about what a wonderful person she is and how she was already taking three shots a day which is more than what most people have to endure to begin with. She carries so much on her shoulders and does so much for everyone but herself. It isn’t fair that she was handed this and I don’t understand it. Why her?
I have to stay positive though and I have to keep her positive. That is my goal. I love her with all my heart and it’s not time for her to go. Period. If I don’t write about it much here, it’s not because I don’t care, it’s because I get depressed writing about it all and reliving what she went through on that particular day. Today was actually very good even though she had to wear the oxygen mask. She was sitting up in bed, she talked to us a lot and she even ate a little. She wasn’t nauseous from the chemotherapy. It was so nice being with her. I have felt bad every time I have to leave. I just want to be there with her all the time, but I know I have things I have to get done. Guido is here at home and we have to have dinner and so on.
*****
Songs can make your emotions churn. This one makes me think of mom and how grateful I am that I have her in my life and grateful that she is such a good person. I am grateful to sit next to her each Sunday at church. I cannot say how I will handle that this week ..
If Everyone Cared
Lyrics by: Nickelback
From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
confusing stars with satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive (I'm alive)
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day, when nobody died
And I'm singing
A, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
would show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive (I'm alive)
Singing A, Amen, I, I'm alive
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day, when nobody died
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day, when nobody died
When nobody died...
ahh ahh...
And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day, when nobody died
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day, when nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died...
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died...died...!
We'd see the day when nobody died
Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray. Thank you for adding her name to your prayer lists at church – the more the better.
Posted by tami at 10:57 PM Comments (2)
June 28, 2007
Bad Teeth
My sister, Jennifer relayed a story to me that I know you’ll just love, so here goes.
Jennifer was cleaning an apartment near her house where an elderly lady had lived and moved out. The place was filthy, but Jennifer figured she could always use the extra money.
While cleaning, she found a full set of false teeth which she showed to everyone.
Both kids (5 years old) were there with her while she cleaned. Since they had seen Billy Bob Teeth, I guess that’s what they thought the false teeth were.
Jennifer said she was outside talking to someone when the next thing she knew, Jesse was sauntering down the path, both hands on her hips, with that upper set of false teeth in her mouth, grinning from ear to ear.
Jennifer told her to get the teeth out of her mouth to which Jesse replied, “There just play teeth mommy.”
Yep. Another gross story and I didn’t even tell you that the teeth belonged to the woman’s deceased husband. And I didn’t tell you either that there was a black hair stuck in the teeth.
I never said a word.
Jesse with that infamous grin and her Nene in the background. Photo taken on 5-27-07
** I will try to give an update on mom tomorrow evening.
Posted by tami at 9:59 PM Comments (2)
June 27, 2007
99% Sure
Ashley had braces put on her teeth this morning.
Here is how she looked a few days ago:
And here she is now:
I think she looks just adorable!
*****
On a very personal note: Please keep my family in your prayers, especially my mom. I had not mentioned anything until now because the doctors weren’t sure about anything, but they are 99% sure now that she has some type of leukemia. There are many different types, so they did a bone biopsy today and we will find out more in the next few days and weeks to come. She is in the hospital and will be for some time. I'm sure you can imagine what an emotional time this is for all of us.
Posted by tami at 6:12 PM Comments (6)
June 26, 2007
In My Own Yard!
Photo taken by Andrew on 5-27-07
As I sat reading outback this afternoon, my sweet, darling Guido walked around down the hill just below me. He began to circle, which is normally a sign that he is carefully, so carefully, choosing an exact spot to poop.
Instead of going, he rolled his head on the grass, walked around in a small circle, and then rolled his whole body in the grass. I noticed that this all took place on the same patch of grass, but thought nothing of it. Actually, my exact thought was, “What scent has he picked up now?”
He went inside for a few minutes, but when he returned to me Andrew came with him. Andrew said, “Mom, I know you love him, but he stinks. He really stinks. Here, smell my shirt.”
Where he had just held Guido in his arms, his shirt did indeed stink. I said, “Okay, he needs a bath.”
Then, as I looked down the hill, there Guido was again rolling on that same patch of grass. I asked Andrew to see what he might be sniffing.
This is where it gets gross.
Lying in the grass was a tiny, dead mouse. It was probably as long as my forefinger and was solid black. It reeked of death, but it couldn’t have been there for long.
Andrew scooped it up on a stick and placed it in a Kroger bag. I hope it has a nice burial down at Winchester Municipal. I'm sure they have had their share of burials.
Kevin not only gave Guido a bath, but he gave the cat one too for good measure.
Nasty Guido rolling around on a dead mouse! What was he thinking?!
Posted by tami at 1:20 PM Comments (5)
June 25, 2007
Learning To Knit
Kevin has now completed his first two knitting projects so I wanted to share them with you.
On DVD 1, he learned how to make a washcloth:
On DVD 2, he learned how to make a mitten:
He is now on DVD 3 and will learn how to knit a scarf. There are more DVD’s in this series; however this is the last one that our local library has. It's a shame because he is really enjoying himself.
Posted by tami at 9:54 PM Comments (3)
June 24, 2007
Canna I Am
Thanks to Gardenwife for this cool quiz. Boy, they hit the head on the nail with me!
Posted by tami at 4:20 PM Comments (1)
June 23, 2007
Younger Versions
While looking through Ashley’s baby book, I ran across two photos I wanted to show you.
The first one was taken the day after Ashley was born, June 4, 1996. This is Andrew holding his new sister:
I believe a nurse gave Andrew a sticker that day and I think it said, “I’m the big brother.” I thought it was nice that they wanted him to feel important too. I’m sure if I looked, I kept that sticker in one of his scrapbooks.
The photo below was taken on July 4, 2000. I guess I am showing it to you because July 4th will be here before you know it!
At that time, Jennifer and Harold were still married and she hadn’t had Sydnee or Jesse yet.
Kevin isn’t really that tall; several of them were standing on a hill, but I love it because we were all wearing our America shirts that day. Someone has the photo with me in it, but I don’t know who.
I guess I should tell you who those people are! From left to right you have: Harold (my sister’s ex husband), Jennifer (my sister), Andrew was 11 years old – the same age Ashley is right now!, Ashley was 4 years old, Kevin (my hubby, standing behind Andrew and Ashley), my Aunt Patt (my mom’s sister), my dad, and my mom.
It’s amazing how fast time flies and how much can happen during that time. I hate to end this post on a sour note, however I’m beginning to believe that time is our enemy.
Posted by tami at 10:52 PM Comments (2)
June 22, 2007
Solicited Advice
I have a friend whose little boy turned two a little while ago. She sent me an email saying that he is showing signs of interest in the potty and she wanted advice as to what worked and what didn’t for me concerning potty training.
Having potty trained a boy and a girl; I believe boys are much harder to train. Way back when I trained Andrew, there were no such things as PULL-UPS, but even if they had been around, I wouldn’t have used them. Ever since I saw them, I have had a natural aversion to the things. To me, they seem just like a diaper as far as texture goes. The only difference I can see is that they open from the sides instead of the top. My nieces used these for a time, so I have seen them, put them on, and taken them off a child. If I were a child they would confuse me. I think I would forget that I had a Pull-Up on and not a diaper because they feel the same, and just pee in the thing anyway.
That’s nothing against you Pull-Up users out there. I’m just giving my personal opinion. My sister used them on her kids and that was fine with me and none of my business. I do remember washing MANY, MANY pairs of little underwear when I was training Andrew; with Pull-Ups, you simply throw them away. I do think the potty training process takes longer when using Pull-Ups though.
This is the advice I gave my friend (She wanted advice for a boy, but this worked for both Andrew & Ashley):
I bought a piece of poster board and lots of stickers. I hung the poster board right on the bathroom wall with thumb tacks. It was bright yellow, which I thought would attract her attention. Every time Ashley would pee, she would get to choose one sticker and place it anywhere she wanted on the poster board. When she pooped in the potty, she got two stickers. I always made a big deal out of that. It helps if you let them choose their own stickers at the store; that way, they REALLY want them, but I already had a lot also! I still have that poster board. I want to get it laminated someday.
Here it is:
I wish I had thought to use poster board with Andrew, but back then, we just used a sheet of notebook paper.
Also, I didn’t let Ashley drink anything after 7 PM and I asked her constantly (about every 30 minutes or so) if she had to go. You have to stay on top of it at all times.
Posted by tami at 11:46 AM Comments (7)
June 21, 2007
What Gets Me Going
I love music; all sorts of music, but I get in different moods. Sometimes I want to hear Big Band or Bing Crosby, other times I want Barry Manilow, and Sting. When I’m in the car, I love listening to 80’s music.
For the moment, I am enjoying the following songs – normally played very loud. If you click on the link and then scroll down, you can click on the name of the song and listen to a snippet.
Dido: Life for Rent - White Flag
Duran Duran: (Reach Up for the) Sunrise - The song is the same name as the album. For some reason, Amazon doesn’t have a clip of their songs. Maybe they don’t have the rights, so if you don’t know it, I’m sorry!
Nickelback: All the Right Reasons - If Everyone Cared (This is one I love to blast in the car.)
Six Feet Under, Vol. 2: Everything Ends Breathe Me by Sia. If you’ve never heard this song, let me just tell you, it’s beautiful. Andrew learned to play it on the piano for me.
Finger Eleven: Finger Eleven - One Thing
Carrie Underwood: Some Hearts - Before He Cheats
Daughtry: Daughtry - It’s Not Over
KT Tunstall: Eye To The Telescope - Suddenly I See
Pink: I'm Not Dead - ‘Cuz I Can
Posted by tami at 5:37 PM Comments (0)
June 20, 2007
Shadow
My Shadow
by Robert Louis Stevenson
from: Child's Garden of Verses
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow--
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an India-rubber ball,
And he sometimes goes so little that there's none of him at all.
He hasn't got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close behind me, he's a coward you can see;
I'd think shame to stick to Nursie as that shadow sticks to me!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an errant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.
Posted by tami at 11:10 AM Comments (0)
June 19, 2007
British Sweater
I have had good intentions of posting something for the past two days, but have never gotten around to it. We have one main computer, which the kids love to play The Sims on and then there is Kevin’s laptop which I hate posting from. I end up waiting for the kids to finish, but by the time they get off, I’m not in the mood or it’s too late.
I hope everyone had a happy father’s day. We had the family over for a day of swimming. It was the first time for that type of thing this summer and everyone had a good time. We gave both papaw and grandfather gift certificates to Logan’s. Kevin says if you want a steak that is the best place to get one.
Yesterday we went to Aurora to pick up more chemicals. It’s a neat place inside and they sell a lot more than just pools. They have hot tubs, pool tables, saunas, tanning beds, outdoor swings and so on.
Oh, how I wish Elle lived on this continent! Kevin rented a DVD that teaches you how to knit. He is just beginning and is doing a terrific job, but it would be nice if he knew someone around here who could knit so that they could knit together while he practiced some and asked questions.
This is what he has worked on so far:
If you don’t know, Elle is an expert knitter. She has made the most beautiful sweaters I have ever seen. I am talking top notch and extremely impressive. Her family is very fortunate to receive such precious pieces.
I told Kevin I want him to make Guido a sweater with the Union Jack on it. We’ll see how long it takes him to learn to do that!
Posted by tami at 11:03 AM Comments (1)
June 16, 2007
A Quiet Place
Right off one of the main thoroughfares here in Winchester, lays a quiet garden. For years, while passing by, I have looked upon its beautiful arbor; heavy with thick, green leaves and dreamed of standing right inside, or quietly reading a book while the fountain poured forth its relaxing water.
The garden I speak of can be found at Emmanuel Episcopal Church:
If I attended this church, I would have to spend some time strolling down the arbor’s path:
I would relish the serene atmosphere and wrap my arms around the old posts, closing my eyes, waiting for a cool breeze:
This is where I would read and think. I love quiet places like this:
These are the things I would do if this were my arbor.
Posted by tami at 8:55 PM Comments (2)
June 15, 2007
Kids Place
Today we took Ashley and one of her friends to an indoor playground called Kids Place. It was only $7 for each of them and one adult is admitted free with each paid child. I think $14 is a great price for hours and hours of fun. If they had the energy, they could have stayed all day because there’s no time limit.
This is a view of one of the slides. Below it, there is an area for bouncing:
Here you can see the ball pit and a slide meant for preschool aged children:
This is the mammoth green tube that people climb up in order to get to other parts of the playground:
Many years ago, Kevin and I climbed that tube and played together.
Here are Traci & Ashley in the ball pit:
My first love as a child:
Actually, I loved the Ms. Pac-Man PLUS game. It was super fast!
As you can imagine, they had a blast and want to return!
Posted by tami at 4:47 PM Comments (1)
June 14, 2007
Black Skin
We took Guido to the vet today to have a few things done, but mainly to have his armpit looked at again. We have tried three or four medicines to no avail. The skin on his armpit is black. He scratches it constantly making it look as though he has fleas. Trust me though, the Frontline is doing its job and he is flea-less (I know that’s not a word).
The vet told us that the skin is irritated; he doesn’t know how, but it is. Now, because he has scratched it so much the skin has become very thick. In addition, the scratching has caused something to move toward the area causing his skin to turn black. He used a word for this, but I cannot remember it. He also said the skin would always be black. He said he may be able to help alleviate the itching and the skin may thin some, but the black skin is there for good.
No problem. I don’t mind the skin discoloration; I just want him to stop scratching. If he’s scratching, that means the skin is itchy and I know how that feels. I go crazy when I have a little mosquito bite. I can’t imagine feeling that itchiness in my whole armpit.
The vet, a super-nice guy, gave him a shot of Prednisone which is a type of steroid. Next week, we will give him one Prednisone pill a day for 30 days. At the end of this time, we will see how he is doing and if this keeps him from scratching.
The vet told us that these pills would make Guido eat more, drink more, pee more, and pant more.
Poor thing, I can’t imagine him panting much more. The vet was great, but he didn’t seem too optimistic that this “condition” would totally go away.
Have any of you Pug people ever dealt with this black skin condition?
Posted by tami at 9:41 PM Comments (7)
June 12, 2007
Just A Swingin'
Kevin’s parent’s bought him a cool swing for the backyard. I had always wanted one like it, but never bought one. (It was a great present for me!)
Here he is looking over the instructions:
Here are Kevin, Guido, and Ashley on the swing:
It is very comfortable and I have already spent countless hours swinging and reading in the shade.
This afternoon we checked in at the Lexington Cemetery to see if the garden was in bloom. There are some flowers now, but I think if you wait two weeks, there will be more of a variety:
This was taken next to the garden:
Posted by tami at 11:18 PM Comments (0)
June 11, 2007
Flow It, Show It, Long As God Can Grow It
One of the things Ashley wanted to do with her birthday money was get her hair cut, so yesterday we took her to the Dillard’s Salon & Spa to do just that.
Here is her before photo. Kevin had rolled her hair in hot rollers for church:
And here she is after:
She absolutely loves it! I don’t have to braid it every night before she goes to bed and she has no trouble brushing it out. She is a very satisfied customer.
While we were at the mall, Ashley found this very cool Alice in Wonderland cup for me in The Disney Store:
It's the best cup EVER!
Now, that’s a lot of coffee!
Posted by tami at 12:33 PM Comments (3)
June 10, 2007
What He Doesn't Know Won't Hurt Him
I love our cat Church, I really do. I’m the one who wanted him and took the initiative to get the family together to pick him up. He was a young little farm kitten when we chose him from the bunch.
His birthday was a few days ago on the 7th and he turned 9 years old. He still has a lot of energy in him, but he can’t jump high anymore; like on the counters, which is actually a good thing.
Before we had Guido, Church liked playing with small little pompons. We would throw them and he loved chasing after them. When we got Guido though, the pompons had to be collected and thrown away. Guido would put the entire fuzzy ball in his mouth and it would get soaking wet. I was scared to death that he would swallow one. All in all, I think Church has gotten used to not having toys around.
I have told you before that when I signed up for my PetSmart card, they asked for my animal’s names and birthdays. Every year they send Guido a coupon for a free toy up to $4.00, however they have never sent Church one. I just figured they had overlooked his name and didn’t worry about it.
That said I was surprised to get a coupon for a free “cat” toy in the mail about a week ago along with a birthday card for Church.
It’s a good thing that Church is used to not having toys because I used his coupon and bought Guido two toys instead:
Sometimes a furry baby needs some new toys.
The cat doesn’t care; trust me.
Posted by tami at 7:02 PM Comments (1)
June 9, 2007
It's A Grand Night For Singing!
Last night we visited the UK Singletary Center for the Arts and saw
It was a wonderful show which was very entertaining, but at the same time had my emotions on a roll. Different songs bring about different emotions, so I would smile and feel like dancing through one, while wanting to cry through another. I’m sure you can relate.
Just a few of the songs I enjoyed were:
* Hooray for Hollywood – from Hollywood Hotel
* Kids – from Bye Bye Birdie
* Money Makes the World Go Around – from Cabaret (this was my second favorite)
* A Piece of Sky – from Yentl
* I’m A Woman – from Nine to Five
* Jailhouse rock – from Jailhouse Rock (my third favorite)
* Push da Button – from The Color Purple (this was my very favorite – AWESOME!)
* Minnie the Moocher – from The Blues Brothers
This was the stage:
There are only four more shows left. You need to go. You won’t regret it!
Posted by tami at 10:14 PM Comments (0)
June 8, 2007
What He Does
I am always curious about a person’s work environment. What conditions do they have while away from home? Let’s face it; no where you go is as comfortable as your own home. So, where do people go and what do they tolerate for that almighty dollar? This is something I like knowing about a person.
I figured I am not the only curious one out there, so I wanted to show you where Kevin works. He is an Engineering Technology Associate Professor at a nearby college. He teaches adults in the classroom as well as online all about computers and computer repair. He can teach any electronics class, but regularly teaches Digital Electronics.
People are often surprised that he knows how to put a computer together from the inside out, but this came from experience. He spent many years working for companies and traveling to different towns in order to fix their computers. I can’t tell you how many hours were spent fixing the government computers in Frankfort alone!
Kevin loves his job. He loves being there around the computers and equipment in his classroom. He has a great rapport with his coworkers; he respects them and they respect him. He cannot imagine any other place he would want to be.
He is also the Program Coordinator for Engineering Technology which means he does scheduling, hires part-time teachers, and does all the paperwork for that department.
Here are a few photos of his classroom:
View 1:
View 2:
View 3:
Now, it would be neat if you would post some pictures of your own work environment on your blog :)
Posted by tami at 5:02 PM Comments (2)
June 7, 2007
VBS 07'
All this week I have been taking Ashley and my sister’s children to Vacation Bible School. I can tell they have all really enjoyed themselves. I’m sure they will be sorry it’s over after tomorrow. I know Ashley will because she has already said so. She said when she gets too old to actually attend; she would like to volunteer to help. She’s a great kid.
I took this photo of Sydnee and Jesse with their daddy, Harold in their classroom tonight. The church had a program to wrap up VBS and let the parents see their child’s classroom. If I’m remembering correctly, Jesse and Sydnee sang two songs on stage with their class.
Harold & Jesse:
Sydnee & Ashley:
I can’t help it if her eyes look red. I can only get them to sit for so many pictures ;)
Posted by tami at 10:20 PM Comments (1)
June 5, 2007
White Out Those Brain Cells!
Did you know you have to be 18 years or older to buy Super Glue?
Did you know you have to be 18 years or older to buy White Out?
I found this out from our friendly cashier at Wal-Mart today when we bought some Super Glue. Something beeped on the register and the screen asked her if I was 18 as the Super Glue passed over the scanner. I thought that was strange, so I questioned her about it.
She said you have to be 18 because younger kids could sniff it. I told her that I could sniff it just as well. She said that they think younger kids might not know they weren’t supposed to do that.
I admit, kids can be naïve, but I don’t think sniffing Super Glue is an accidental occurrence. I also think if they want to sniff it, they’ll find a way.
What kind of kid does that anyway?
When I was in high school I knew a guy who would pour gasoline into a garbage bag and then stick his whole head into the bag and breathe the fumes.
Yes, that takes stupidity. I wonder where he is today and if he regrets doing that.
Here are some one-liners I found on the Internet to describe people like this:
* The light's on but no one's home.
* Not the brightest bulb in the box.
* A few screws short of a hardware store.
* Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
* A few cards short of a full deck.
* A few fries short of a Happy Meal.
* Dumber than a box of rocks.
* The elevator doesn't go all the way to the top floor.
* Fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down.
* Not the sharpest crayon in the box.
* Not the sharpest tool in the shed.
* They are depriving some village of its idiot.
* A few clowns short of a circus.
* A few beers short of a six-pack.
* Dumb as a donkey.
* Dumb as a stump.
* The wheel is spinning but the hamster is dead.
* The cheese slid off their cracker.
* Doesn't know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt.
* A poster child for birth control.
* The elevator goes to the top but the doors don't open.
*****
Do you think the person below has sniffed something?
Just kidding ;)
Posted by tami at 2:42 PM Comments (6)
June 4, 2007
Mondelli's
I failed to mention in yesterday’s post that we ordered Ashley’s birthday cake from Mondelli’s Bakery. If you are a regular reader here, you already know what great work they have done on past cakes.
I took a few photos while we were picking up her cake. I thought you might be curious about the other goodies they sell besides cakes because they don’t have a web site. I told the girl behind the counter that they really need one. That way, they could showcase the original cakes they have decorated.
The cookies on the bottom row of this photo all have elaborate designs. To the far left are palm trees with dinosaurs and then there is a flower with a frog, butterflies, and a fence with a chicken and lamb.
Ashley got a petit four (top shelf, far right) on the day we ordered her cake and then another one when we picked it up a few days later! She said it was delicious. I had to take her word for it, but I have no doubts.
Posted by tami at 6:57 PM Comments (3)
June 3, 2007
She's 11!
We had the family over for Ashley’s 11th birthday this afternoon. She received lots of cards and money and even got a new Yappy dog. Everyone ate cake and ice cream and had a good time.
Click HERE to view the photo gallery. There are 13 photos on two pages.
Posted by tami at 9:39 PM Comments (5)
June 2, 2007
A Slumber Party
Ashley’s birthday is tomorrow and she wanted to have a slumber party, so she had some friends over last night.
Here they are in the pool:
Ali, Traci, Ashley, & Aimee
I wondered while the girls swam: can you have too many floats in the pool?
I got my answer when Ali found a use for them!
She rolled her way all around the pool. It was hysterical!
They ate pizza, put on make-up, played three different board games, watched Nanny McPhee, ate popcorn, cupcakes, and chewed gum, ate suckers, and played “house” (this involves a lot of screaming “babies” – the girls).
When they were playing House, I asked them who the daddy was, and one of them said, “He fell down the steps and died.” I won’t tell which one of them came up with that response!
They were all up past 4 AM, however Kevin and I turned in around midnight. I did awake occasionally to squeals and feet pattering down the hallway, but quickly went back to sleep.
This morning, I got them all up to eat doughnuts and get their stuff ready for home. Believe it or not, the house wasn’t too bad off and it was a quick clean up. Now we just need to make it through her party tomorrow afternoon.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the gifts! She got $30 total cash, pajamas, and a goodie bag full of candy, body butter, lotion, gum, make-up, bubbles and much more.
Posted by tami at 5:30 PM Comments (0)
June 1, 2007
May Movies
5-3-07 The Island - This is a great science fiction/action movie that stars Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson. I don’t want to give too many details of this movie because I know, for me, it was more fun not knowing what the movie was about at all and then slowly finding out. I will give you a hint though: it reminded me of Logan's Run.
5-7-07 Fun with Dick and Jane - This “comedy” stars Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni. We watched this as a family thinking it would really be something light and funny. Sadly, it was neither.
It’s about two people who find themselves out of work. The bills are piling up and the house is in foreclosure. No money is coming in, so they decide to begin a life of crime in order to pay the bills. Maybe I’m being too sensitive; I just don’t think it set a good example for my kids to see people stealing because they couldn’t pay their bills.
5-9-07 Accepted - This was something that Andrew talked me into watching. He loves it and finds it hilarious. I did find some humor in it, but not like he did.
It’s about a kid who graduates from high school and finds himself with nowhere to go to college because they have all refused him. When he decides to create his own college on the Internet to fool his parents, he gets a surprise when students begin showing up for class. This is definitely a movie for teenagers.
5-10-07 Poseidon - This movie is a newer version of the 1972 version titled The Poseidon Adventure. I recognized a few faces, including Kurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss, and Freddy Rodriguez. I found this adaptation to be just as enthralling as the first one.
5-21-07 Stranger Than Fiction - This is the story of a man (Will Ferrell) who constantly hears a narrative of his every move. Since no one else can hear it besides himself, it begins to affect his entire life.
I found this movie to be only mildly interesting and it didn’t end the way it should have. I haven’t seen all of Will Ferrell’s movies, but those I have seen have not been impressive.
5-29-07 The Hollywood Knights - Made in 1980, the best thing about this movie is the music. Throughout the entire film, one 50’s hit after another is played in the background.
It is about a 50’s gang, the Hollywood Knights who pull a lot of pranks and get into trouble with local law enforcement. All the teenagers hang out at a drive-in restaurant which the adults in the town consider a nuisance. The movie takes place on the last night that the drive-in restaurant will be open.
I would not recommend this ever.
5-30-07 Music and Lyrics - This is a cute “date-type” of movie which stars Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant.
Hugh Grant plays a man who was once a member of a famous singing 80’s duo (think: Wham). Whereas George Michael became famous, Hugh Grant is like the other guy who we never hear about and we don’t remember his name. Did we ever know his name? Anyway, he is asked to write a song for a famous singer even though he has never written a good song without the other half of his duo. When he meets Drew Barrymore’s character, she helps him to turn things around.
* Andrew is in love with this movie and the songs. He has even learned to play the music on his piano. Now he’s looking for the soundtrack. Lord help me … I’ve heard it enough!
Posted by tami at 4:35 PM Comments (0)