Forgive the cartoon reference, please.
Anyway, a while back I switched my comment system over to Disqus. I thought all my comments were being emailed to me.
Little did I know that I wasn't receiving my comments!! I have slowly started replying to all comments from the last few weeks. If you thought I was ignoring you, please, please, please know that I would never intentionally let a comment go unnoticed!!! You will ALL hear from me SOON!!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
My Town...
Even though winter lasted too long for me and was too cold for me...I couldn't help but notice how lovely my town is...
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Ed...It's Been Six Years...
My father was not a handy man. He had other wonderful talents, but fixing things was not one of them. He tried to put a ceiling fan in my bedroom when I was younger. It didn't go very well. I had to finish that project without him. My favorite instance of his lack of handiness has to be the grill he got after Jay and I were married. We went to my parents house only to discover that he'd been using the wrong screws for the first umpteen steps. We all had a good laugh and then helped him get the grill put together. I've been thinking about him a lot lately. I miss him.
He was always the punchline of the joke and wouldn't have it any other way. He once dove into a cement pool at a beach condo. He hit the bottom of the pool and did a real number on his skin. It was like road rash. None of us kids would get in the ocean with him the rest of the trip because we all agreed he looked like chum. We called him chum for quite a while after that. He loved it.
He could fall while walking on flat ground. He would just flat out roll, and he didn't have to trip over anything for it to happen. He took a nasty tumble trying to get the sled out of the storage building behind our house when there was an ice storm decades ago. Layton has this same quality. It's like his whole person is magnetized to the earth. He bumps his head on everything he gets near. Sometimes, that makes me miss Ed even more.
We always called him Ed. Friends would ask if he was my "real dad." I'd tell them that he was, but we just always called him Ed. He called his parents by their first names too.
He would cheat at card games. Like a bandit. He was always my partner at Rook. He'd find a way to let me see his cards...the reflection in his glasses...the reflection in the stove...my mother knew we were cheating, but KK didn't figure it out until much later.
He sang gospel. All the time. He'd play the piano and sing at local nursing homes on Sundays. He'd practice before he went. He sang in a quartet for a while. He practiced for that too. There are many hymns that I can't sing as a soprano...because I heard the harmony so many times growing up while he practiced...that's all I know of the songs.
Ed loved potato chips. And salt. And meat. And veggies. What am I talking about...the man LOVED ALL FOOD. He even ate my cooking which he declared as terrible on more than one occasion. He ate it anyway.
Of course he had his flaws, and things weren't always rosy around the house when I was growing up. That's human nature.
My father has been gone six years today, but the things I remember about him will stay with me for the rest of my life.
He was always the punchline of the joke and wouldn't have it any other way. He once dove into a cement pool at a beach condo. He hit the bottom of the pool and did a real number on his skin. It was like road rash. None of us kids would get in the ocean with him the rest of the trip because we all agreed he looked like chum. We called him chum for quite a while after that. He loved it.
He could fall while walking on flat ground. He would just flat out roll, and he didn't have to trip over anything for it to happen. He took a nasty tumble trying to get the sled out of the storage building behind our house when there was an ice storm decades ago. Layton has this same quality. It's like his whole person is magnetized to the earth. He bumps his head on everything he gets near. Sometimes, that makes me miss Ed even more.
We always called him Ed. Friends would ask if he was my "real dad." I'd tell them that he was, but we just always called him Ed. He called his parents by their first names too.
He would cheat at card games. Like a bandit. He was always my partner at Rook. He'd find a way to let me see his cards...the reflection in his glasses...the reflection in the stove...my mother knew we were cheating, but KK didn't figure it out until much later.
He sang gospel. All the time. He'd play the piano and sing at local nursing homes on Sundays. He'd practice before he went. He sang in a quartet for a while. He practiced for that too. There are many hymns that I can't sing as a soprano...because I heard the harmony so many times growing up while he practiced...that's all I know of the songs.
Ed loved potato chips. And salt. And meat. And veggies. What am I talking about...the man LOVED ALL FOOD. He even ate my cooking which he declared as terrible on more than one occasion. He ate it anyway.
Of course he had his flaws, and things weren't always rosy around the house when I was growing up. That's human nature.
My father has been gone six years today, but the things I remember about him will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The One, The Only, Dan Satterfield...
I know I mentioned the AMSTI meeting at Ella's school. I did not mention the coolest part though.
Dan Satterfield was the guest speaker!!!
For those who don't live here, he is our local rock star weatherman...
He came and told all the children and parents about his recent trip to the South Pole!! Ella loved it!!!Dan Satterfield was the guest speaker!!!
For those who don't live here, he is our local rock star weatherman...
She couldn't get enough of his pictures of the penguins. He also had pictures of glaciers, the actual South Pole, the building where he stayed, and the awesome plane that took him there. It was on skis! How neat is that?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Laughing Cow...
I LOVE laughing cow cheese! The light swiss is my favorite. I eat it on wheat thins. Yum. Both of the girls love it too. Ella likes hers on Ritz crackers, so sometimes I pack crackers and cheese for her lunch. It's so much healthier than chips...at least I think so.
Does anyone else love laughing cow cheese? How do you eat it? I would love some ideas for other healthy snacks to pack in the girls' lunch boxes.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
America's Got Talent....But Amanda Does Not...
I am a woman whose talents are few and far between. That is a complete lie. It implies that I have more than one talent. The truth is that I am one of the least talented people you will ever meet.
Some might say that the paragraph above is just me being insecure and having a chronic lack of self esteem.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. If you say something about yourself that sounds terrible but is actually true, is it still an insecurity and self esteem issue?
I need to lose 10 pounds. This statement could be construed as me just thinking I need to lose 10 pounds. In fact, I actually do need to lose 10 pounds. I am not a very tall person, and my BMI is not in the healthy range.
When does truth cross over into self deprecation?
Several other bloggers that I read (totally stalk their blogs daily) have read Beth Moore's new book called So Long Insecurity. I ordered this book about a month ago, and I've been slowly making my way through the chapters. I think this book is wonderful...especially for women like me who suffer from a chronic form of insecurity. I will keep you all updated as I read this wonderful book.
Some might say that the paragraph above is just me being insecure and having a chronic lack of self esteem.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. If you say something about yourself that sounds terrible but is actually true, is it still an insecurity and self esteem issue?
I need to lose 10 pounds. This statement could be construed as me just thinking I need to lose 10 pounds. In fact, I actually do need to lose 10 pounds. I am not a very tall person, and my BMI is not in the healthy range.
When does truth cross over into self deprecation?
Several other bloggers that I read (totally stalk their blogs daily) have read Beth Moore's new book called So Long Insecurity. I ordered this book about a month ago, and I've been slowly making my way through the chapters. I think this book is wonderful...especially for women like me who suffer from a chronic form of insecurity. I will keep you all updated as I read this wonderful book.
AMSTI...
Recently, Ella's school had their AMSTI event for parents. I didn't know much about it before the girls started to school, but it is a great program. AMSTI is the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative. The organization's focus is on improving the education of our children in the applicable areas.
Ella's class has been able to do an in depth study of plants this semester. She has cups of rye grass growing in the classroom! Ella was my teacher for the in class portion. She lead me to various stations and gave me lessons. It was precious. She told me all about roots and baby plants. She even got to peel a bean apart to show me what would grow into the above ground portion of a beanstalk.
In this picture she is showing me the life cycle of corn...from kernel...to popcorn! Her teacher made bags of popcorn for each child to eat after they finished instructing their parents.
The AMSTI meeting also happened to fall during READ ACROSS AMERICA week. Naturally, the Cat was there to create some trouble!
Ella's class has been able to do an in depth study of plants this semester. She has cups of rye grass growing in the classroom! Ella was my teacher for the in class portion. She lead me to various stations and gave me lessons. It was precious. She told me all about roots and baby plants. She even got to peel a bean apart to show me what would grow into the above ground portion of a beanstalk.
In this picture she is showing me the life cycle of corn...from kernel...to popcorn! Her teacher made bags of popcorn for each child to eat after they finished instructing their parents.
The AMSTI meeting also happened to fall during READ ACROSS AMERICA week. Naturally, the Cat was there to create some trouble!
Monday, March 08, 2010
Chili Challenge...
Every February, the Hospice office of our local town has a huge fundraiser. Its the Chili Challenge!!! A silent auction and chili contest are accented by home made desserts and live music.
Various groups and individuals enter their chili for a chance at the grand prize. The judges are always local celebrities, and this year was no exception! Two of the judges were Trisha Black and Bill Hunt. Trisha is the executive director of Spirit of Athens, and Bill is an author, entrepreneur, businessman...an all around renaissance man!!
This year I was blessed to serve on one of the committees for this wonderful cause. Lacy asked me to serve on the sports committee, for which she is the chairperson. We had footballs autographed by Nick Saban, tickets to Alabama football games, lamps, tumblers, water park tickets, and much, much more for the silent auction.
There was a great turn out for the event!
This was the Habitat for Humanity booth. Notice that it is...Under Construction...
These girls are absolutely precious!! Erin and Laura worked a booth for Valley Imaging. They did a great job decorating!! So much more crafty than I...
Hospice had t-shirts and aprons for sell as well.
The children's booth is always a huge hit with the attendees. Don't you just love this cute table and chairs?
The whole day was a huge success. Lots of donations were made to benefit Hospice.
Various groups and individuals enter their chili for a chance at the grand prize. The judges are always local celebrities, and this year was no exception! Two of the judges were Trisha Black and Bill Hunt. Trisha is the executive director of Spirit of Athens, and Bill is an author, entrepreneur, businessman...an all around renaissance man!!
This year I was blessed to serve on one of the committees for this wonderful cause. Lacy asked me to serve on the sports committee, for which she is the chairperson. We had footballs autographed by Nick Saban, tickets to Alabama football games, lamps, tumblers, water park tickets, and much, much more for the silent auction.
There was a great turn out for the event!
This was the Habitat for Humanity booth. Notice that it is...Under Construction...
These girls are absolutely precious!! Erin and Laura worked a booth for Valley Imaging. They did a great job decorating!! So much more crafty than I...
Hospice had t-shirts and aprons for sell as well.
The children's booth is always a huge hit with the attendees. Don't you just love this cute table and chairs?
The whole day was a huge success. Lots of donations were made to benefit Hospice.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Layton's Favorite Hang Out...
Layton loves Chick Fil A. He adores it. Everyday, I ask him what he wants for lunch, and the answer is always, "Chickalay." That's how he says it. So cute. He gets the chicken nuggets and sweet tea. He doesn't order a kids meal because he doesn't like french fries. I know! What child doesn't eat fries? After he finishes eating, he plays on the playground. It's indoors and provides a lot of joy...especially in the cold weather.
On Wednesdays we meet some of his friends there. The moms sit and chit chat while we watch our little ones play and exhaust some energy.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
The End is Near....I Fear....
I have had this blog for almost four years. I have blogged about my children, my husband, heartache, joy, death, life, even politics a time or two. I have loved reading comments and changing the background and layout. But, I have not been able to devote the time to it that really has to go into a blog for it to be good. I am thinking about the end of my blog, and I fear that the end is sooner rather than later. If I were a major blogger and had scads of followers, it would be a really hard decision, but I am small time and know that my itty bitty spot on the web won't be missed very much. Well, Justin Credible, whomever he may be in real life, will probably miss leaving me strange comments. Heck, I might even get caught up on laundry if I'm not blogging! :) Anyway, I promised the hubs that I would let my followers and readers help me decide how soon to end the blog. How soon should I quit scraping the bottom of the barrel for post material?
Deemer and I....
Just another night in downtown with Deemer. Let the good times roll....
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Saturday, March 06, 2010
One Small Step For Three Nuggets...
The children love exploring. That's what they call it. They like to roam all over the farm. On one of their recent explorations, they took Jay's parents with them. Of course I had to immediately get copies of all photographs taken.
The children in the Kubota getting ready to explore.
For this adventure they chose to explore by the streams that cross the farm.
Every day is a struggle for me. I have the urge to tell all three of them what to wear. As a parent you have to pick and choose what you are willing to make an issue out of. In this picture Hadley is wearing generic ugg boots, a tutu-esque skirt, no tights or leggings, and her North Face jacket. Ella has on leggings with a long sleeve shirt. Do you see that pink stuff? That's a pink leopard print swimsuit from last summer. Layton's attire is still firmly under my control. :) At least they were comfortable for their exploration.
The waterfall was their destination. I think it's worth an exploration to get to. :)
The children in the Kubota getting ready to explore.
For this adventure they chose to explore by the streams that cross the farm.
Every day is a struggle for me. I have the urge to tell all three of them what to wear. As a parent you have to pick and choose what you are willing to make an issue out of. In this picture Hadley is wearing generic ugg boots, a tutu-esque skirt, no tights or leggings, and her North Face jacket. Ella has on leggings with a long sleeve shirt. Do you see that pink stuff? That's a pink leopard print swimsuit from last summer. Layton's attire is still firmly under my control. :) At least they were comfortable for their exploration.
The waterfall was their destination. I think it's worth an exploration to get to. :)
And then, it was time to hike back out and head home...
Hopefully Snow is History...
Friday, March 05, 2010
A River Runs Through It...
The children love swimming in the river during the summer months. A while back the children spent the night at the river house with Jay's parents. The next morning they wanted to walk along the river. Hadley chose to sleep late.
Here are Ella and Layton walking along the bank of the Elk River. During the winter months, TVA drops the water level with the dam. It prevents flooding in certain spots and allows cooling water for some of TVAs projects. That's why the water level is so low.
See the pier? Yep, the water drops so low that you can walk all the way out past the pier before meeting water. It's an excellent time of year to make repairs to your pier...except it is too cold to stay out for long.
Here are Ella and Layton walking along the bank of the Elk River. During the winter months, TVA drops the water level with the dam. It prevents flooding in certain spots and allows cooling water for some of TVAs projects. That's why the water level is so low.
See the pier? Yep, the water drops so low that you can walk all the way out past the pier before meeting water. It's an excellent time of year to make repairs to your pier...except it is too cold to stay out for long.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
One Adorable Bath...
I love my little boy. He is so cute. Just look at him in the picture. He was at my mom's house when this was taken.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)