I'm a Hooker

Yes, you read the title right!! I am a HOOKER!! Ok, get your mind out of the gutter people...hooker a.k.a crocheter!!! You know someone who makes beautiful pieces of artwork out of yarn with a hooked needle!

I love making things with yarn. I love to make free form pieces. Making up my own patterns if I can't find one I like.

So back in December, Tori asked me if I would mind making her a cowl. A cowl is like a scarf without the "tails". So your neck stays warm and your coat isn't all bulky. Now, cowls are usually done in knitting....I hate to knit!! Most patterns I could find were for knitting. I searched for a cowl pattern in crochet and never found one I was happy with so I made up my own.

So yesterday I sat down and just started a chain and went from there.

I ended up with this one first. I would say this is my least favorite.
This is the second one I made. I really liked the way this one came out!! I love the green & blue.
I was on a roll whipping these suckers out in less than an hour!!! So I decided to make this 3rd one like the 2nd one just a little bigger. This yarn was very expensive...it has been sitting in the cabinet begging to be made into something for 4 years. This is my favorite!
LOVE love love the colors in this cowl!!!

So on my lunch break at school today I went on my bus and whipped up this last cowl.
I really like the way this one came out as well. I plan to make another like this but longer so the person wearing it can use it as a hat and a neck warmer.

All cowls are approved by mr. reeses!!

Family Date

I'm a week late posting this family date. Actually, I had to wait for Megan to put the photos on her facebook so I could grab them and do this post! I really need to purchase a new camera.

We met the girls at their house and headed to a Greek restaurant called "Blackwood's Gyro & Grill". We ordered Hummus dip as an appetizer. It comes with amazing pita bread for dipping.

Meg took this picture of John & I right after a horrible headache hit me. I usually always have BC Powder on me and this time I had none! So I suffered the entire night with my head pounding. I just pushed through it and enjoyed the family being together.

My girls looking pretty as usual.

Tori & Daddy.

Meg & Momma

Tori ordered the Greek Salad...it has loads of Feta cheese and comes with an amazing greek dressing. Meg & I shared the Greek Salad and the Louisiana Rex sandwich. It's a chicken breast with cajun seasoning, topped with cheddar cheese and served on a sour dough roll. John had the Lamb Gyro. It had loads of meat in it. He was frustrated 'cause he didn't know how to hold it once it came undone. Tori re-wrapped it for him. Meg got this picture of him....it was funny!
He had the sauce all over his face. Every time this man eats he has food either in his goatee or in the corners of his mouth. Crazy, but I love that about him!!

Yesterday the school district cancelled school. It rained all day....nothing else. No ice....no snow!

I spent the entire day with my very exhausted husband; he stayed up all day to spend time with me even though he had worked all night long! We had a lovely day together.

Today school is back in session. The area I live/work in had no snow or ice accumulation over night as expected. Others around the state aren't so lucky. Some are without power and they are saying it can be up to 3 weeks before they get it back on. I'll be praying for them.

Have a great Wednesday, everyone!

Oh Meme

My alarm went of at 4:45 am....I text John to see if school was cancelled...he said NO so I got up, got my coffee, let the dog out & jumped in the shower. I was almost done getting ready for the day when at 5:35 they announced on the news that school was cancelled due to the weather. That sucks!!! I could have slept in!!! So I'm waiting and praying for John to arrive home safely. The bridges are iced over pretty good from what their saying on the news and it's only going to get worse. We might even get some snow...up to an inch!! Wow, huh?! LOL Good thing is I get to spend the day with John!!

MarciaBrady @ "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"!!!Phil 4 :13 has tagged me with a meme! It's a fun way to learn more about one another. SO consider yourself tagged if you want to play along!!!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, my mother's sister. Originally my name was supposed to be Kathryn Danielle...my mom & dad were on this kick about naming all their girls first names with a K and middle with a D. But, Mom was I believe 7 months pregnant with me when her sister was dying from complications of Lupus. So my dad promised Aunt Betty if I was a girl they were going to name me after her.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Friday

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Mesquite Turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Two daughters, Meg & Tori

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Well, of course!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Yes!!

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NEVER!!! I'm so afraid of heights!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios and puffed rice

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Cherry Garcia

13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? I guess the eyes

14. RED OR PINK? Red!!

15. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My tummy!!

16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Dad and my brother, Herbie!!!

17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?? Yes! Some already have!!

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Grey sweats and slippers that were made in Pakistan that my girls gave me Christmas 07'

19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The News

20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Black

21. FAVORITE SMELLS? Babies breathe....my husband!!!

22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? John

23. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO POSTED THIS NOTE? YES I DO!!!!

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Not huge on sports....but, I guess Razorback Football!

25. HAIR COLOR? Dark Brown with natural highlights of dark blonde and lots of grey!!!

26. EYE COLOR? Hazel

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope

28. FAVORITE FOOD? Oh my.........um, if I really had to pick I guess it would be anything Italian!!

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? It depends on what kind of mood I'm in!!! I like both!!

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Gran Torino..........OH MY GOSH....WONDERFUL!!!

31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Grey & Red Arkansas

32. SUMMER OR WINTER? SUMMER!!!!

33. HUGS OR KISSES? Kisses

34. FAVORITE DESSERT? Italian wedding cake

35. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? IDK

36. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? IDK

37. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The book of Romans

38. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have a mouse pad.

39. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Didn't watch TV

40. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? Quiet!!! Little children laughing!!

41. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Both

42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? California

43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I guess sewing & crochet

44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? New York

45. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? EVEYBODY!!

46. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? We met in High School

Staying busy

I have been staying busy this weekend trying to keep my mind from thinking to much about my work situation. Thank you ALL for the words of encouragement and love...I know it will work out but it is so hard to see the unknown.

So I worked on the yearbook and we are about 90% done now!!! Whoo-Hoo!!!!

I started making the "giveaway" that I will have after we completely finish the yearbook and submit it to the company!!

I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned my house.

I worked out on the elliptical Saturday for 1 1/2 hours and 30 minutes on the treadmill. I watched CNN as I exercised and watched the people as they came in the gym...I laughed a few times because our gym has recently went 24 hours, there is a fingerprint scanner in the lobby and when you scan your finger it says, "have a great workout" in this man voice....everyone who came in was laughing. I guess you had to be there but you can picture it, huh?!!

I crocheted then felted John a beanie. The color is called "natural". It came out really good.

Here he is on the couch with Reeses wearing his new beanie. It fit perfect!!!

I started running out of things to do today so I decided to make rolls to go with the steak and veggies I was cooking for dinner.
I found a recipe in an old cookbook from 1969 for Rich Hot Rolls.
It ended up making 24 rolls so I decided to take 12 of them and experiment...I melted a stick of butter, added about 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon. Poured that over the dough (which I put in a muffin tin and formed 3 small balls)Topped it with walnuts. They were sticky on the bottom and oh so sinful to eat. Voila...sticky cinnamon buns!!!
Holy cow these were DELICIOUS!!!! John loved these a lot!!! He had 2 and that was right after eating a huge meal.

Rich Hot Rolls Recipe

3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 pkgs. active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110*)
41/4 to 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (I used half bread flour)
2 eggs

Scald milk; add shortening, sugar and salt. Cool to lukewarm.
Sprinkle yeast on warm water: stir to dissolve
Add 1 1/2 c. flour to milk mixture;beat well by hand. (ha... I used my kitchen aid) Beat in eggs and yeast.
Gradually mix in flour until it makes a soft dough and leaves the sides of the bowl. Turn onto lightly floured board; knead 5-8 minutes or until no longer sticky and it is smooth.
Place in a lightly oiled bowl; invert to greased top. Cover and let rise till doubled (1 1/2 hours)
Punch down and shape into desired rolls. I did free form.
Brush with melted butter; let rise until double (30-45 minutes)
Bake at 375* for 15 minutes.

Do try the sticky cinnamon rolls....oh so yummy!!
OK...going to snuggle on the couch with John now and watch our Sunday night shows.

In limbo

I really don't know where to start or how to explain this all that well. I'm still frustrated, upset, agitated, worried, bitter, sad etc.

I have been working for the largest school district in the state of Arkansas going on 18 years. I started back in 1991 as an aide on a school bus. I became a driver 6 months later. I got my own route 1 1/2 years after I was hired. I drove route 524 for 16 years. Last August at our start-up meeting I was told my route had been terminated due to cut backs. I took it really hard and was devastated!! I cried like a baby in front of all my co-workers. I wasn't alone....there were about 20 routes cut all together. But, it all worked out OK...since I had the most seniority out of the routes that were cut; I got to bid on the open routes first. I needed one that went to the middle school I work at and I wanted it to be a special needs bus since that is what I have been driving for 18 years! Just so happened that one of the women that retired came off of a special needs bus...route 500 and it goes to the school I work at as a Social Skills Coach!! I bid on it and I was told it was mine...permanently!!!

There was also news about the people who retired...they would be starting at the bottom if they choose to come back to work. Now, in the past this school district aloud people to retire, get their severance pay, and return to work with their seniority, benefits and route! So those people were pissed as well when they heard this news. They joined together and hired a lawyer and filed a grievance. They won that grievance and the superintendent signed off on it Thursday night.

So I went to see my supervisor on Friday morning. She told me it was out of her hands....I will be losing my route!! The woman who retired off of route 500 wants her route back! (I can't blame her....they did mess with her job as well and I would do the same thing she did!) The route that they said was MINE for GOOD!!! I started crying and told her that it was totally unfair! How could they screw me like this!? They don't even have a route that is open that goes to my middle school. So what does all this mean.....If I don't get a route that goes to the school I work at I will have to quit my job at the school. A job that I LOVE....my kids mean the world to me and I work with some amazing people!!! But, I have better benefits on the bus and it pays more than the school! So I would have to stay with the bus. It just upsets me so much that I would have to give up a job I have worked so hard at for so many years.

So I wait....they don't know when all this is going to take effect. Could be Monday.......could be in a week....a month...nobody knows!! They couldn't give me an answer. I'm in limbo. I have cried so much this weekend over it. John said we just need to pray about it! God has worked things out for us before...he will do it again!!

Hope this makes sense....I'm not good at explaining things when I'm upset (& drinking)

My good friend Ann told me yesterday to just keep saying this.....
I have the will.....He has the way!

I have the will!!!

Digging for gold

So I'm driving home yesterday after work. I'm kinda in a daze...debriefing from the long day I just had. I pull off the freeway and stop at the red light. I immediately feel as if someone is watching me. I look to my left with my peripheral vision....I see a truck and some movement in the cab. I think Oh, it's probably my brother.

I turn to look and see 4 men crammed together in the tiny cab. They are blowing kisses.....sticking out their tongues......saying crap like, hey baby.....whats up....and other crap I couldn't figure out. I look away wishing the light to turn green fast!

The one closest to the window rolls it down and says...can I get your phone number? I hold up my left hand to my face to show that I am married!

The freaking light is still red!

They keep blowing kisses and say yeah, you know you want some of this. I hate to think of where his hand was when he said that!

I'm starting to get really pissed at this point. Do these guys really think women want to hear this crap?! That we enjoy hearing and seeing men treat us like we are a piece of meat?! That we love being disrespected?!

I thought about flipping the bird.....cussing them out.....but, realized I would be stooping to their level if i did that.

So this is what I did........

As I looked straight ahead at the light I put my index finger up my nose.....I shoved it up there and went digging for gold...pulling a little....twirling it around...with the finger still up my nose I turned to my left and smiled as I took the finger out and looked at it.

The look on their faces was HILARIOUS!!!

The light turned green and when I was out of their view I laughed so hard!!! I wonder what they were saying as they drove off!! hahahaha

Joy from Joy in the burbs made my day yesterday with this award!!


She made my Lumpia and her & her family loved it!! That's right Michelle....they really liked it!! haha

Thank you, Joy!!!

Time flies by

When my girls were little the days seemed to drag on and on. It seemed like we were always on the go. Wake up early...get ready for school....go to school....pick up from school......jet home for a bit....go to gymnastics, dance & ballet. Go to GA's on Wednesday nights....competitions on the weekends.

It only got crazier when they became teenagers. It was just different activities.

Somehow I always managed to have dinner on the table and the 4 of us shared that meal together as a family. (family dinner is very important to us)

I recall older people always telling me to slow down.....enjoy the moment....they are only little once....time flies by.

Well, I did slow down (sometimes) I always enjoyed the moments with them (except the really bad ones...I just dealt with them) Yes, it's true....they are only little once.....and YES, it's TRUE time really does fly by!!!!

Now, as adults it seems like time is going faster than it did when they were little. Meg is in her third year of college! THIRD year!!! She will be 21 in a little over 2 weeks!!!

Tori just started her 2nd semester of college! CRAZY!!

What got me thinking about how much "time flies by" is the telephone call I got from Tori Sunday night. Before I get to that let me back up and tell you about the phone call she made to me back in late November. She called to tell me her childhood best friend(since kindergarten)had just gotten engaged!!! We went over to Kristyn's house last month so Tori could try on the brides maid dress. Wow....that really made it real. They will marry in December.

So back to the phone call Sunday night. She got a call from her best friend, Natalie who by the way is like a daughter to me. Her boyfriend, Luke asked her to marry him! John & I were eating dinner at El Canaveral when I got this call....I was trying not to let the tears roll down my cheeks. Natalie is going to be a bride I told John. Wow!!! Not sure on all her details as it just happened Sunday...but Tori thinks they will marry this summer sometime.

So as we were driving home I just thought about the saying, "time flies by"....it sure does!!
Next thing I know Tori or Meg will be calling me telling me of their own engagement!! Holy cow I don't even want to think about that right now!

So all you moms out there who still have little ones....enjoy the good and bad moments....cherish all those family dinners....when life feels as if you are going full throttle---slow down....'cause time flies by.

I leave you with a part of the lyrics to the song that is playing. One of my favorite Joni Mitchell songs, The Circle Game.

And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and dawn
Were captive on the carousel of time
We cant return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

I've been hiding...oh and a recipe

Anyone miss me? Awww...you did! Thanks...I've missed all of you as well!!

I'm sure you figured out why I haven't been around. Yep, the damn yearbook has consumed my 3 day weekend. But, I haven't let it get to me...it has actually been fun! I'm working on all the ads and the baby photo layouts. The worst part is scanning all the photos to my computer; then putting them on the yearbook website. The end is near...

I did take a break from time to time and clean my house. I went grocery shopping and even went to the gym Saturday & Sunday!!! YAY! I plan on going this afternoon, too!

I needed a little stress reliever Saturday night. Baking always relaxes me...but um hello...trying to lose this weight and baking just ain't gonna work right now. So I decided to make Lumpia. I decided to take photos and share the recipe with all of you! I recall some of you asking for this recipe when I did my letter "L" post.

LUMPIA

Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey (you can use pork if you prefer)
1 giant fist size baby carrots
8 cloves garlic
1 cup green onions
1 (8oz) can water chestnuts
1/2 cup bean sprouts
2 eggs
3/4 cup tamari (soy sauce)
2 tsp. sugar
2 pkgs. spring roll shells
1 tbsp. flour
1/3 cup water
peanut oil for frying

Finely chop your carrots, garlic, onions, water chestnuts and bean sprouts.
Add the chopped veggies to the ground turkey....and smash and stir with your hands!! Add the eggs & sugar and continue to squeeze and smash. See where it can relieve some stress... it's fun to play with food. Ok, sorry. Add the tamari and make sure it is all combined evenly. Put in fridge for 30 minutes.

looks gross I know....but all together it's yummo!

Take out your spring roll packages from the freezer at this time to thaw.
Prepare your "sealant" take the 1 tbsp. flour and 1/3 cup water and mix.

Wrap the Lumpia-
1.place about 2 tablespoons mixture on wrap close to edge nearest you. Fold over and pull towards you tight


2. fold over sides making sure to seal with sealant.
3. Roll up to 1/2 inch left...seal with sealant and finsh the roll.

Fry in peanut oil for about 4-5 minutes.

These Lumpia in photo were a little fatter than I usually make them. For some reason the first few I roll are always fatter. Make sure you dip them in some kind of dipping sauce. We love sweet chili sauce....you can get it at any chinese market.

You can freeze Lumpia...I put in ziploc freezer bags and seperate the pieces with parchment paper.

63% done

Just wanted to let everyone know....that my friend, Ashley & I are 63% done on the yearbook! Whoot-hoo!!!!!! We have 25 days to finish the other 37%!!

When we are totally complete with it....I am going to have a GIVEAWAY to celebrate!!! So be looking for that in the next 20-25 days!!!

The stressful days are coming to an end.....ahhhhh.

2nd Scripture

It's the 15th of the month....time to pick a new scripture to memorize!! I did really well and memorized the 1st one in 3 days.

My 2nd scripture is Proverbs 18:8 "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts".

Life Application Bible explains- It is as hard to refuse to listen to gossip as it is to turn down a delicious dessert. Taking just one morsel of either one creates a taste for more. You can resist rumors the same way a determined dieter resists candy--never even open the box. If you don't nibble on the first bite of gossip, you can't take the second and the third.

Best Blog

Awww....this award really made my day!! I received it twice! THANK YOU!!!

First from Michelle over @ Tales from the lunchroom.

Then from Heather @ ...This is the day...PS 118:24

I'm supposed to pass on this award to some bloggy friends. Well, I would pass it on to Heather & Michelle but they passed it on to me...they are sister's who I have really enjoyed getting to know through blogging. I was going to pass it on to Becky from In the Trenches but both Michelle & Heather gave it to her. She is Heather's best friend who I have also enjoyed getting to know.
OK, I'm running out of time...I have to leave for work.


I give the Best Blog 2008 award to...
Joy @ Joy in the burbs
Melody @ Merrie Melody
Jenny @ Jenny and the Princess Peonies

I'm so happy to have "met" all these amazing woman through blogging.

OK, I am really late now.

No Guest Post :(

Well, hubby never took the time to type out had time to write a guest post for me. Makes me mad sad. Oh well.

I cut out some squares for my next quilt. I'm in no hurry to get this quilt done. Just felt like cutting out the squares. I need to buy more material in this color scheme. Definitely some solids and a few more prints as well.


I really need to get to crocheting on the berets and beanies for the market this May. I would like to have at least 20 berets & 10 beanies made for the first day. Also, I would like to have 5 wrap shawls done. Ahhh...that sounds like a lot. But, I know I can get it done.

...period

A few weeks ago John & I were at Whole Foods shopping for some supplements and other stuff. I was on one aisle picking up my Aloe Vera juice and I heard John giggle from the next aisle over.

I went to see what was so funny.

This is what he showed me......

He was laughing at the part that says, "she knows...period".

He went to put it back on the shelf and I immediately said, "hold up....let me read the label" What woman doesn't want relief from those awful sometimes debilitating cramps?!!

I decided to purchase them. They cost $12.99 for 20 tablets. You take 1-2 tablets a day. For me I would need them the 1st & 2nd day. I guess they call them tablets because they are quite big.

My review on Aunt Flo is........IT WORKS! It REALLY works!

She knows...period

This and that

The Scattered mind of a tattooed mini van mom is hosting a " Guest Post". Go on over to her blog and sign up....and have your hubby or someone else write a post about YOU! All post will be up on Tuesday, January 13th.


I made a huge dent in the yearbook this weekend!! I'm feeling a little more relaxed about it! It's crazy because I never did the yearbook when my girls were young....now that they are adults I agree to do one.....I will NEVER EVER agree to even help with another yearbook!

I took a much needed break yesterday and went and got pedicures and manicures with my girlfriends. Ah, that massage chair felt good....Paul (man who does my pedicures) gives great leg & foot massages.....he massaged my arms and hands longer than usual because he said I felt tense. YA THINK!?

John was at a Gun Show with Ron all afternoon. Robbie & I met up with them for dinner. We went and pigged out on Sushi! Yum!

It has turned cold here, again!! Arkansas weather is just insane.....one day it's in the 70's the next it's in the 30's. WTH? I think I am ready for spring!!!

I'm super excited about next Sunday the 18th!! Season 3 of "BIG LOVE" premieres on HBO!

On Showtime is the new show "United States of Tara". This looks funny!! It's about a woman who has multiple personalities.

I'm really excited because John doesn't work Sunday nights anymore so we will be able to watch theses shows together!!

What the heck was I thinking!!!

Back in August my friend and co-worker, Ashley asked me if I would like to design the annual/yearbook for this school year. She is the PTA president and her job entails finding someone to do the annual. The mother who did it last year no longer has a child that goes to the middle school. I thought about it for a moment and said, "sure why not."

What the heck was I thinking? Yeah, I was thinking this will be a piece of cake!! NOT!!

Well, back in November I felt as if I was going to have an anxiety attack doing this yearbook all on my own. When I say "all on my own" I mean....I am photographer, layout designer, writer, editor...I was doing the whole damn thing by myself!!! Well, Ashley is now photographer, layout designer, etc...with me. So, it's the two of us now. Yeah, still stressful!! I finally taught her how to do the layouts and she was actually excited....it's kinda like digital scrapbooking....but not as fun 'cause you have this deadline lurking over you!

O.M.G!!! The deadline is coming upon us fast and we aren't even half way done!! We have about 38 pages done out of 88!!! Holy Crap!! We have to have it complete by February 9th!

Tuesday we locked ourselves up in the classroom with our students and recruited several 6th, 7th and 8th graders to come and help us. We were working on the school photos and we were afraid we were going to put the wrong name to the photo. We told them that they are now on the yearbook staff and we took their photos helping us. We plan on doing a page and thanking them for all their help!

Here's Ashley with two 8th graders who happen to be her son & nephew!

Me with the 6th graders!!

You can tell by our facial expressions we are a little stressed. Unfortunately, I have to re-do the 6th grade layout! Yeah, I was pissed! The photos were to little. I am going to fix it tonight.

So tonight I upload 450 photos to my computer....sort through them....upload them 0nly 20 at a time (that's all that is aloud to the yearbook website)....put all 213 6th grade photos on 6 pages of layouts....type in all 213 students first & last names!!

Yes, I have opened my bottle of wine and I have already enjoyed 2 glasses!!! Heck, ya'll know that when I drink my creativity comes out!!! Here's hoping I don't screw it up!!

Busy

I have been extremely busy this first week back to school. I am exhausted when I get home. I'll catch up on everyone's posts Friday!! In the meantime go check out my daughter, Tori's blog & her best friend, Natalie!

Have a good week, Everyone!!!

Road Rage!!!

Road rage is the behavior by a driver of an automobile or other motor vehicle, which thus causes collisions or incidents on roadways. It can be thought of as an extreme case of aggressive driving. (wikipedia)

So my morning was going so well today. I woke up on time feeling refreshed and ready to face the kids at school! It was raining out so I decided to leave my house 5 minutes early just in case I ran into any trouble on the roads.

I made it through town and hopped on the freeway. About 2 minutes later a man in a red charger became a complete idiot! He started braking which made me brake (mind you I was about 4-5 car lengths away from him) so it wasn't like I was on his butt and he had a reason to be a jerk!

So I changed lanes and than he followed and went right in front of me. And he started braking again!!! Than I changed lanes again....and he followed...braking again!

At this point I was getting REALLY frustrated with him! What the heck did I do to piss him off? Nothing!!!

I changed lanes one more time because my exit was coming up. He stayed in the left lane...than at the very last possible second he pulled in front of me and hit his brakes SO hard my purse went flying when I slammed on mine. I cussed out loud! At this point we were off the freeway on the exit ramp and at the red light. I almost got out of the car to give this man a piece of my mind! But, it was raining and I didn't want to ruin my hair because it came out really pretty today. So I took several deep breaths! I was not going to let this man ruin my Monday!

So the light turns green. 5 cars in front of him go through the light. He crawls through it going about 2 mph. I just followed thinking if this idiot doesn't stop being a jerk I'm going to.....patient betty be patient....deep breaths!! So I almost didn't make it through the light....it was a yellow light but I went through it anyway!

I finally had a chance to pass him when we got to double lanes. I could have really lost my religion on this man but instead I killed him with kindness!

I slowly drove pass him and smiled REALLY big as I waved at him and said, "have a great Monday"!!

I ran into trouble alright! Not the kind of trouble I thought. But I handled it well.

My Monday was wonderful!!!!

Ken & Barbie

We had our "couple date night" Saturday night with our good friends: Ron & Robbie and Doug & Dala. We had a blast as usual!! We went to downtown Little Rock and ate dinner at the Flying Fish.

Everyone sat around the table with our phones out calling each other. We were trying to figure out how to do three way on Dala's phone. She thought it was so cool when I joined her and Robbie that morning with my phone. Well, we finally figured out she doesn't have that feature on her phone. Now she wants a new one!

After dinner we went on a 45 minute horse & carriage ride around the Arkansas river. There were seats that faced each other and then one in the back. John & I sat in the back. It was really beautiful out as well.

We had to stick to tradition (despite Dala & I trying to lose weight) and go to Krispy Kreme. We were upset that the Hot sign wasn't on...no fresh doughnuts! waaa! Oh my that doughnut was delicious!! Yes, you heard me right! I broke my diet and ate that scrumptious doughnut!! I love this picture....look at that appropriate sign above his head. HOT!

It was another great night with wonderful friends full of laughter. Oh, the reason I titled it Ken & Barbie....Ron told a dirty joke about them. You wanna know what it was? Should I really tell it on this blog? Oh, why not.

Why did Ken & Barbie never have children?
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Because Ken comes in another box!

Hahahaha you know it's funny!

Bottomless Pits

So the girls came home and stayed a week over the holidays. We enjoyed having the house full of laughter again....and oh, yes the occasional sister arguments!! I forgot how much those stressed me out. John & I stayed out of it for fear it would make us argue. But, in the end they always make up and act like it never happened. I have 4 sisters so I know all about arguing with your sister.

I also couldn't believe how much these two tiny girls were eating! Seriously! It seemed like every time I turned around they were in the kitchen again! At least it wasn't 'bad' food they ate....it was mostly healthy. I don't recall them eating this much when they lived at home. Maybe they were stocking up for when they go back to college life?! Maybe it was just holiday eating!

Over a one week period we went through.....
4 bags tortilla chips
1 jar jalapenos
3 jars salsa....and one that Beth gave them so thats 4.
3 avocados
16 0z. sour cream
2 cans refried beans
2 big blocks cheddar cheese (can you tell they like chips & dips...nachos)
4 boxes cereal
2 gallons of milk
apples & oranges & bananas
and so. much. more!

Meg & Tori Christmas day 1992.

Meg & Tori Christmas Day 2008

I'm just happy that they came home.....that we shared memories, we laughed together we even cried together. We saw old friends and held new babies.

p.s. I re-stocked my fridge and cabinets yesterday.....Tori came home last night around 7 for the weekend and Meg is coming in this afternoon for a few hours. LOVE IT!!!!!

Scripture memorization

Who would love to memorize 24 scriptures in one year?! Do you read the LPM blog with Beth Moore? They started this challenge. My friend Beth has started a more intimate group.

If you are interested to join a personal group go to my friend Beth's blog and leave her a comment with your scripture. On the 1st and the 15 of each month you choose a new scripture to memorize, meditate on. You buy a spiral index card holder and carry it with you so you can look at it when you have time. On the 1st & 15th of every month we will all meet up on Beth's blog and comment our scripture. We will get to see what scripture the other women choose.
As I was cleaning my bedroom yesterday I came across my little bible I keep in my night stand. I decided to open it up and what ever scripture my eye falls on will be the one I memorize. It opened up to Psalms....I had a book marker of Tori from her middle school days in it....my eye went straight to Psalms 119:10 "I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands".

I have most of it memorized already. I'm really going to enjoy this.

I decided to write my scripture in my food journal. That way I only have to look at one book.

I hope you join Beth & I on this adventure!

Celebration

Welcome 2009!!

I will grow deeper in my relationship with God.
I will lose the weight I gained after I quit smoking.
I will (hopefully) be successful in selling my crocheted berets and wrap shawls.
I will laugh, love & live life to the fullest!


11 days ago John & I celebrated our 21st anniversary. Our plans were to go out to a romantic dinner at our favorite restaurant. Well, when you marry 2 days before Christmas (stupidest thing we've done) it is hard to be "romantic" when every where you go you hear Christmas music and you have to fight the holiday traffic and the long waits for a table! So on our actual anniversary after fighting the crowd at Walmart we decided to order a pizza and go home. Our daughters had come in for the holidays so we spent our evening with them eating pizza and watching a movie. We enjoyed just being with our girls! It was wonderful!!!


So Tuesdays are our date night...so this past Tuesday we decided to do what we were going to on our anniversary. We celebrated 21 years of marriage! We went to Bene Vita's and ate and had some intense conversation and laughed and loved! Of course being the blogger that I am I had to take photos even though John asked me not to. But he is grateful I did...they are already on his facebook. We were seated in a booth in the corner so it was semi-private.

We started out with a Caesar di Tuscano salad. They give you rosemary bread and this parmesan crusty bread that you dip in oil & butter.

I enjoyed a glass of Pinot Grigio

I got the Chicken Piccata and John got the pan seared Grouper. They both have a lemon-caper sauce on them that is to die for. John wouldn't let me take a picture of his (cause he was embarrassed) cause he just wanted to eat.

For dessert we shared a White Chocolate Creme Brulini Tini! Oh my this is heaven in a glass!

John said, "It's exquisite"!

John finally got into taking photos with me!! He took this of me finishing off the tini!

This was our third attempt at taking a picture of ourselves. I set the camera up on the case and rested it on a glass of water...set the timer and carefully had 10 seconds to get on John's side of the table.

We went and watched "Bedtime Stories" it was pretty funny! We liked it.

The day after Christmas we saw "The Curious case of Benjamin Button". If you have not seen this movie I highly recommend it!! It's long 2 hrs. 43 minutes. But you don't even realize it is that long. Be sure to bring tissues because you will need them!!