There are moments in my life that really make me realize I'm a grown-up. Most of the time I feel like I'm still 19 years old, but today I felt like a grown-up lady. My best friend Chassidy and I met at the nail place and got our nails done, went to lunch, and then strolled the square and did a little browsing. It was a fun way to spend some of my Christmas money, and I still can't believe we're both adult married ladies.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year!
Saturday, December 29
Monday, December 24
"After all it's only one more sleep 'til Christmas"
As I write this I'm enjoying a wonderfully delicious cup of wassail at my in-laws' house. We're celebrating a beautiful Christmas Eve, and my niece Mackenzie is watching me update my blog! I hope everyone out there is having a great Christmas Eve. If you're not able to be with your family today, call them and tell them how much you love them!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 21
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Droke
Happy anniversary to Eric and Liz! Five years ago today they were married in a beautiful Christmas wedding. I don't have a picture from their wedding, but I figured this one would do. They both look very happy!
Thursday, December 20
Sad news...
Our church family lost a very special member this Tuesday night. Rev. Everett Kennedy passed away. We are all very saddened by this news. It's such a hard time of year to lose someone, and Bro. Kennedy left behind a wife, two daughters and sons-in-law, and 3 grandchildren. He was a very great man, and I'm honored to have known him.
Paul's words to Timothy came to mind when I heard the news. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Paul's words to Timothy came to mind when I heard the news. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Here's a post
I've been terrible about posting this week, and I'm sorry to my faithful readers (all two of you). Just been having a busy few days at work and at home. There's a flurry of stuff to get done since, oh yeah, I start a new job on January 2.
That's something I can blog about. I start a new job on January 2. It's for a company called The Clever Factory. They are fairly small and are hiring a full time in-house editor for the first time. I'm really excited at the opportunity. It's more responsibility and will require me to push myself, but I need something like that.
Anyway, there's a flurry to get all my projects wrapped up at the publishing house, and there's been something to do every single night. Tonight's finally a break though. As well as tomorrow night. Yay!
That's something I can blog about. I start a new job on January 2. It's for a company called The Clever Factory. They are fairly small and are hiring a full time in-house editor for the first time. I'm really excited at the opportunity. It's more responsibility and will require me to push myself, but I need something like that.
Anyway, there's a flurry to get all my projects wrapped up at the publishing house, and there's been something to do every single night. Tonight's finally a break though. As well as tomorrow night. Yay!
Thursday, December 13
Tuesday, December 11
Nieces
I realized reading over my last post that I often write about AbiLyn in a manner that might confuse a reader who doesn't know me. She is not my daughter, nor does she live with me. She is my sister's daughter and is the first grandchild in my mom and dad's family. To say that she is the apple of all of our family's eye might be an understatement and may not be very accurate because we are all becoming more and more smitten with her little brother, Lex, the more he flashes his dimples at us.
I did want to do a quick run-down of her and her little social circle because the older they get the more prominent they may become in my blog. (You're also starting to see them in pictures I post.) First, I should do some background. My sister, Liz, and I ran in pretty much the same crowd in our childhood/teenage years. She was mature for her age, and I, a little immature. We're about 3 years apart so we meshed together nicely, for the most part. We had 2 very close friends in between us in age: Chassidy and Crystal. This made for a very interesting friendship dynamic. There were 4 of us, so when push came to shove two could take sides against another two and never was anyone left out in the cold. The 4 of us could easily fit into whomever's car we were riding in, and when it came time for overnight youth trips there was never any question how we would room: the four of us together, no one left out and no room for an outsider (hey, I'm just being honest).
In 2003 Crystal had a little girl named Lilla. She was the first one to have a baby, and we were so excited she had a girl. The following year, in February, Chassidy gave birth to Kaylee. Again, the four of us were ecstatic. We were even more excited when Liz found out that her little bundle who would arrive in October of the same year would also be a girl! They would be friends...just like we were. (Trust me, I've taken plenty of heat over the fact that I haven't contributed to this group, but they'll be fine.) Also, in this blonde bunch is another little sweetie named Denayen (I totally butchered the spelling. I can't believe it. I'm so sorry, R.) There've been additional siblings added to these girls: Kaylee has a sister named Avery. AbiLyn has Lex. Denayen has a brother named Dallen, but there's something special about this first round of girls. They're always giggles, shreaks of excitement, and bashful little smiles, and they even hug each other when they get to church or Sunday school. They are all such sweet little darlings, and they are so much fun to be around. I feel like an aunt to all of them.
I did want to do a quick run-down of her and her little social circle because the older they get the more prominent they may become in my blog. (You're also starting to see them in pictures I post.) First, I should do some background. My sister, Liz, and I ran in pretty much the same crowd in our childhood/teenage years. She was mature for her age, and I, a little immature. We're about 3 years apart so we meshed together nicely, for the most part. We had 2 very close friends in between us in age: Chassidy and Crystal. This made for a very interesting friendship dynamic. There were 4 of us, so when push came to shove two could take sides against another two and never was anyone left out in the cold. The 4 of us could easily fit into whomever's car we were riding in, and when it came time for overnight youth trips there was never any question how we would room: the four of us together, no one left out and no room for an outsider (hey, I'm just being honest).
In 2003 Crystal had a little girl named Lilla. She was the first one to have a baby, and we were so excited she had a girl. The following year, in February, Chassidy gave birth to Kaylee. Again, the four of us were ecstatic. We were even more excited when Liz found out that her little bundle who would arrive in October of the same year would also be a girl! They would be friends...just like we were. (Trust me, I've taken plenty of heat over the fact that I haven't contributed to this group, but they'll be fine.) Also, in this blonde bunch is another little sweetie named Denayen (I totally butchered the spelling. I can't believe it. I'm so sorry, R.) There've been additional siblings added to these girls: Kaylee has a sister named Avery. AbiLyn has Lex. Denayen has a brother named Dallen, but there's something special about this first round of girls. They're always giggles, shreaks of excitement, and bashful little smiles, and they even hug each other when they get to church or Sunday school. They are all such sweet little darlings, and they are so much fun to be around. I feel like an aunt to all of them.
Library Love
Obviously I love to read, so I also love the library. It's a truly wonderful institution. I mean, I love bookstores too, but there's always the nagging thought of "Oh, this book is sort of pricey. Maybe if I put this one back, I can get that one. Which one do I just have to have?"
At the library there's none of that. They say, "Here is a building we built just for books for you to read." You say, "Okay, how much does it cost to be a member of this wonderful club." They say, "It's free. Just fill out this form, and we will give you a little card that lets you check out as many books as you like. Please just bring them back in a couple of weeks or we will charge you a staggering fine of 10 cents a day."
My mom always took us to the library when we were young, more in the summer when we were out of school, but we knew our way around that children's department in the basement of the old Linebaugh Library like the back of our hand. Our town's library has changed quite a bit. It's in a newer, more modern building. There are computers you can use. There are even movies to rent. I still love the wonderful feeling I get when I come in the door. I even start to get excited when I'm riding the elevator up from the parking garage.
I also enjoy running into people, and I always seem to at the library. That is one of the many wonderful things about Murfreesboro. Last night I ran into the Becketts. Regina is a good friend of mine who is in our book club, and her little girl is AbiLyn's age. It's always so comforting to walk through the door and see friends unexpectedly. Like, "Hey I'm not just out in this world by myself. There are other people like me: living life and running errands and checking out books."
At the library there's none of that. They say, "Here is a building we built just for books for you to read." You say, "Okay, how much does it cost to be a member of this wonderful club." They say, "It's free. Just fill out this form, and we will give you a little card that lets you check out as many books as you like. Please just bring them back in a couple of weeks or we will charge you a staggering fine of 10 cents a day."
My mom always took us to the library when we were young, more in the summer when we were out of school, but we knew our way around that children's department in the basement of the old Linebaugh Library like the back of our hand. Our town's library has changed quite a bit. It's in a newer, more modern building. There are computers you can use. There are even movies to rent. I still love the wonderful feeling I get when I come in the door. I even start to get excited when I'm riding the elevator up from the parking garage.
I also enjoy running into people, and I always seem to at the library. That is one of the many wonderful things about Murfreesboro. Last night I ran into the Becketts. Regina is a good friend of mine who is in our book club, and her little girl is AbiLyn's age. It's always so comforting to walk through the door and see friends unexpectedly. Like, "Hey I'm not just out in this world by myself. There are other people like me: living life and running errands and checking out books."
Bragging on myself
Ask me what I was doing at 4:30 this morning. That's right; you heard me correctly. I said 4:30 AM. I was cleaning my filthy bathrooms. Did I mention it was 4:30?
Here's a little recap of the last 24 hours of my life. Liz had a Tastefully Simple party last night, so I went straight to her house by way of the daycare to pick up AbiLyn after work. I left there about 8:30 and stopped by the library on the way home. I got home a little after 9:00, and David was already asleep. I put on PJs and went downstairs. During all this running around, I kept thinking about how my bathrooms were so dirty I wouldn't have let anyone else even lift up the toilet lids and that I had to do something immediately about it. David and I are about to be flung headfirst into the craziness of the holiday party circuit (fun but crazy), and I won't have time to clean again for about 2 weeks. So, last night while David was snoozing I cleaned the kitchen all except for mopping. When he came downstairs this morning (I had fallen asleep on the couch...I know, I'm naughty) I got up, we talked for a bit, and when he left I started cleaning bathrooms and mopping like a madwoman.
It'll be so nice to go home to clean bathrooms and kitchen this afternoon. This is our last night for a while that we don't have plans, so I fully intend to spend it cuddled up on the couch with my husband. We're having chicken curry, and I can't wait.
Here's a little recap of the last 24 hours of my life. Liz had a Tastefully Simple party last night, so I went straight to her house by way of the daycare to pick up AbiLyn after work. I left there about 8:30 and stopped by the library on the way home. I got home a little after 9:00, and David was already asleep. I put on PJs and went downstairs. During all this running around, I kept thinking about how my bathrooms were so dirty I wouldn't have let anyone else even lift up the toilet lids and that I had to do something immediately about it. David and I are about to be flung headfirst into the craziness of the holiday party circuit (fun but crazy), and I won't have time to clean again for about 2 weeks. So, last night while David was snoozing I cleaned the kitchen all except for mopping. When he came downstairs this morning (I had fallen asleep on the couch...I know, I'm naughty) I got up, we talked for a bit, and when he left I started cleaning bathrooms and mopping like a madwoman.
It'll be so nice to go home to clean bathrooms and kitchen this afternoon. This is our last night for a while that we don't have plans, so I fully intend to spend it cuddled up on the couch with my husband. We're having chicken curry, and I can't wait.
About the quiz results below
Interesting. I've always seen myself as more of an Elinor Dashwood than a Lizzie Bennet. I don't think I'm that stubborn. Hmmm.
Don't get me wrong, Elizabeth Bennet is an amazing character. I would probably do well to adopt some of her strong-willed traits.
Don't get me wrong, Elizabeth Bennet is an amazing character. I would probably do well to adopt some of her strong-willed traits.
Which Jane Austen Character Are You?
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Which Jane Austen Character are You? created with QuizFarm.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You scored as Elizabeth Bennet As one of Austen's most beloved characters, Elizabeth Bennet represents what most women would like to become: strong, independent, and loyal. Of course, she has her faults including a stubborn will of iron and a clinging to first impressions. Overall, Lizzie is bright and lovable...something to admire and aspire to.
|
Thursday, December 6
Watch out for "skunks"!
I totally forgot about another event of last weekend. I guess because I didn't have any pictures from it.
Well, one of the Johnsons' family Christmas traditions is a trip to the Christmas tree farm. You can click on the link to visit their website, but it's a really neat place. We still went out there this year even though no one was getting a Christmas tree. A couple of us wanted to get wreaths, and my mom and AbiLyn even joined us.
As we were pulling in the driveway of the farm I told AbiLyn to stay close to me or Marmee because there were stumps out in the fields, and I didn't want her to fall and hit her head. Well, the minute we got out of the car she starts going on and on about staying with us because of the skunks. She talked about the "skunks" the whole time we were there and riding the wagon and everything. My in-laws were getting such a kick out of it, and I didn't know where that was coming from, but later that night I figured it out. I said "stumps," and she heard "skunks." Bless her heart! I wish I could have figured that out and told her what I meant, but at least she stayed pretty close by while we were there.
Well, one of the Johnsons' family Christmas traditions is a trip to the Christmas tree farm. You can click on the link to visit their website, but it's a really neat place. We still went out there this year even though no one was getting a Christmas tree. A couple of us wanted to get wreaths, and my mom and AbiLyn even joined us.
As we were pulling in the driveway of the farm I told AbiLyn to stay close to me or Marmee because there were stumps out in the fields, and I didn't want her to fall and hit her head. Well, the minute we got out of the car she starts going on and on about staying with us because of the skunks. She talked about the "skunks" the whole time we were there and riding the wagon and everything. My in-laws were getting such a kick out of it, and I didn't know where that was coming from, but later that night I figured it out. I said "stumps," and she heard "skunks." Bless her heart! I wish I could have figured that out and told her what I meant, but at least she stayed pretty close by while we were there.
Tuesday, December 4
A King is Coming to Town
If you remember my Survivor Babylon post from the summer you'll remember that our church does a workshop format for our summer musicals. Well, we adapted that idea for our Christmas musical this year and it worked great! We used to practice for the Christmas musical every Sunday morning and every Wednesday night for almost three months since we couldn't do the every-night-for-a-week-thing like we do in summer because kids are in school. Well, this year we had two Saturday workshops in November, a dress rehearsal the day before the play, and the play this past Sunday. We learned a lot for next year, but I think it was an overall success! This musical was also special because my niece made her theater debut! My mom and dad even got out the video camera and videoed it. The little girl with AbiLyn is her friend Kaylee. I'll have to devote a whole post someday to my friends and how those relationships are now carrying over to their kids. Anyway, congratulations to all involved. You did great!
Two babies
We babysat Lex one night last week while Liz and Eric worked on the sets for the musical, and I killed two birds with one stone. I'd been wanting a picture of my nativity set, and Lex looked so sweet asleep in his bucket that I had to have a picture of that too.
We Gather Together...
I'm finally posting my Thanksgiving stories and pictures. On Thursday, we joined David's parents and his sister with her family for Thanksgiving dinner. It was a feast to put it mildly: turkey, dressing, gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans on top, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and pineapple upside down cake and red velvet cake for dessert. (If you look at the picture of the table you'll see David delicately placing something in his mouth. It's a little sweet pickle. The Johnson family loves these little pickles and don't consider any special occasion complete without them. That's one of the most interesting things about getting married. You don't realize that every family has weird little idiosyncracies that make them each special and wonderful. I have loved discovering all of these things about the Johnsons.) We perused the sale papers, watched a Christmas movie, and hung out all day.
Patty (my SIL) and I decided to go to the outlet mall in Lebanon since it was opening at midnight. She picked me up at 11:30, and we shopped for about 3 hours. (Mall was totally crowded by the way. We had to park illegally.) Friday I slept in very late. Friday night I sent David away and put up Christmas decorations. I'll probably post some of those pictures with the rest of my Christmas pictures.
On Saturday evening we went to my parents' house for a second Thanksiving dinner. We had ham, sweet potatoes, pineapple, hash-brown casserole, green bean casserole, and pumpkin spice cake for dessert. Oh, and we had my mom's homemade wheat yeast rolls.
Doesn't Lex look so happy with his Marmee?!
AbiLyn wanted to take some pictures with my camera, so, being a doting auntie, I of course let her. I love seeing the pictures she takes. Something about the point of view is so childish and cute.
Patty (my SIL) and I decided to go to the outlet mall in Lebanon since it was opening at midnight. She picked me up at 11:30, and we shopped for about 3 hours. (Mall was totally crowded by the way. We had to park illegally.) Friday I slept in very late. Friday night I sent David away and put up Christmas decorations. I'll probably post some of those pictures with the rest of my Christmas pictures.
On Saturday evening we went to my parents' house for a second Thanksiving dinner. We had ham, sweet potatoes, pineapple, hash-brown casserole, green bean casserole, and pumpkin spice cake for dessert. Oh, and we had my mom's homemade wheat yeast rolls.
Doesn't Lex look so happy with his Marmee?!
AbiLyn wanted to take some pictures with my camera, so, being a doting auntie, I of course let her. I love seeing the pictures she takes. Something about the point of view is so childish and cute.
Trunk or Treat
For a Halloween activity, our church has a "Trunk or Treat." Basically, everyone pulls their cars in, decorates the trunks or backends, and hands out candies to the kids. AbiLyn was a bride. Here's a picture of her and her Momma. They're so sweet!
Why I Don't Go to Wal-Mart
I know there are lots of people that have deep, philosophical, political reasons why they don't shop at Wal-Mart. I live in the South, so there aren't many of those people around here, and I don't even think those reasons (wages, benefits, gender disparity, forcing mom-and-pop places out of business, etc.) are why I don't shop there. Let me just tell you a story about last night.
I needed to make a grocery store run, a big one. We had depleted our supplies of just snacking, munchy-type food, plus I needed to get supper supplies for the week. Well, I normally do the shopping alone, but I wanted David to come with me because I knew it would be more fun. I wasn't going to make a list; we were just going to meander every aisle and stock up. I also needed some non-food items, but David suggested that instead of driving across town to Target (I normally shop for non-food things at Target and food at the Kroger right by my house), why didn't we just go to Wal-Mart, and get everything there. I've not been in a Wal-Mart in well over a year, but he insisted it would be fine.
Since we were going to be in there a while, we decided to get something to drink from the McDonald's right inside the door. Well, the woman ordering had two or three unruly kids that she couldn't control and was taking forever to order for her brood, not realizing she was inconveniencing the entire McDonald's. We gave up. Our moods began to deteriorate. Then we entered the Wal-Mart proper. Screaming babies, people blocking the entire large Wal-Mart aisles, walking forever to find what you need, oh and did I mention screaming babies. We got our non-food stuff and decided to finish the shopping at Kroger. Well, we had under 20 items, but there were some (what's the PC way to say this?) non-English speakers with about 50 items trying to pay and cluelessly blocking the way to the other express lanes. I'm serious they acted like they didn't have a care in the world, while people were backing up behind them and fuming!
That's pretty much how every Wal-Mart experience I've had in my adult life has gone. Even David, the former Wal-Mart employee who normally sings their praises, was ready to not return for another year.
I'll stick with Target. It's quieter, shoppers smile and greet each other, people are considerate, and it's just an all-around fun experience to go there (most of the time).
Thanks for letting me rant.
Thursday, November 29
Candy Memories
Anyone who attended TN District Junior Camp in the late 80s/early 90s will appreciate the fact that I am sitting at my desk happily chewing a Tropical Punch-flavored Now & Later. It even came from a little package of four just like they sold at the concession stand. Someone brought in a huge basket of leftover halloween candy, and I'm probably the only one who can fully appreciate the Now & Laters.
Monday, November 26
Thanksgiving Food
There are plenty of pictures and Thanksgiving tales forthcoming, but I thought I'd post the recipes for the food I made this past weekend.
For the Johnsons' feast I made creamy macaroni & cheese. They request it every time we have a big dinner of any sort.
Creamy Macaroni & Cheese
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 cups half & half
2 cups milk (I used skim, but I guess whole might make it a little creamier)
2 (10-ounce) blocks sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 (10-ounce) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked
Note: I use Kraft Cracker Barrel brand cheese (only brand that comes in 10-ounce size) and Barilla Plus brand pasta. Their macaroni has these great ridges in it that really make the sauce cling to the pasta. Also, DON'T rinse the pasta. It washes off those wonderful starches that make the sauce stick to the pasta.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. (Roux will be light peanut-butter colored.) Stir in salt and next 3 ingredients. Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk; cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Stir in half of sharp Cheddar cheese. Stir in extra-sharp Cheddar cheese until smooth. Remove from heat. Combine pasta and cheese mixture, and pour into a lightly greased 13-by-9 baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining sharp Cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. (Bake for additional 15 minutes for a crusty top.)
Additional note: It is essential to have all your cheese grated and ready to go before you start. Once you start stirring this sauce you can't stop until you take it off the heat.
For the Dugan Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday I made a new recipe: pumpkin spice cake. Even though I made it I thought it was delicious!
Pumpkin Spice Cake
1 pkg. spice cake mix
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
1 cup Miracle Whip
3 eggs
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
2 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350. Grease 13-by-9 baking pan; set aside. Beat cake mix, pumpkin, dressing, and eggs in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 32 to 35 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
Beat cream cheese, butter, milk, and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add sugar, beating after each addition until well blended. Spread over cooled cake. Cut into pieces to serve, store any leftovers in refrigerator.
For the Johnsons' feast I made creamy macaroni & cheese. They request it every time we have a big dinner of any sort.
Creamy Macaroni & Cheese
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 cups half & half
2 cups milk (I used skim, but I guess whole might make it a little creamier)
2 (10-ounce) blocks sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 (10-ounce) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked
Note: I use Kraft Cracker Barrel brand cheese (only brand that comes in 10-ounce size) and Barilla Plus brand pasta. Their macaroni has these great ridges in it that really make the sauce cling to the pasta. Also, DON'T rinse the pasta. It washes off those wonderful starches that make the sauce stick to the pasta.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. (Roux will be light peanut-butter colored.) Stir in salt and next 3 ingredients. Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk; cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Stir in half of sharp Cheddar cheese. Stir in extra-sharp Cheddar cheese until smooth. Remove from heat. Combine pasta and cheese mixture, and pour into a lightly greased 13-by-9 baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining sharp Cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. (Bake for additional 15 minutes for a crusty top.)
Additional note: It is essential to have all your cheese grated and ready to go before you start. Once you start stirring this sauce you can't stop until you take it off the heat.
For the Dugan Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday I made a new recipe: pumpkin spice cake. Even though I made it I thought it was delicious!
Pumpkin Spice Cake
1 pkg. spice cake mix
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
1 cup Miracle Whip
3 eggs
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
2 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350. Grease 13-by-9 baking pan; set aside. Beat cake mix, pumpkin, dressing, and eggs in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 32 to 35 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
Beat cream cheese, butter, milk, and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add sugar, beating after each addition until well blended. Spread over cooled cake. Cut into pieces to serve, store any leftovers in refrigerator.
Wednesday, November 21
Quote from AbiLyn
Liz: "Are your ready to go to school?"
AbiLyn: "No, I want to stay here in my nervoushood."
She was meaning "neighborhood."
Monday, November 19
Normandy Lake picture
When you hear me talk about going to the lake, here is where I'm talking about. This picture was on the Nashville Weather Blog this weekend. Pretty fall colors!
Saturday, November 17
This just in!
Lex's wonderful caregiver, Ms. Cassie, just sent me some gorgeous pictures she took of him yesterday!
Here's one.
Here's one.
Wednesday, November 14
My niece and nephew
This picture is a couple of weeks old, but here is a sweet picture of AbiLyn and Lex. These babies are just so beautiful!
I'm laughing as I post this
I've long felt sorry for the unfortunate non-students who live in the vicinity of MTSU in our town. Most of them are elderly people who have lived in their homes for many years. They may be surrounded on three sides, however, by houses that have been made into apartments for college students, but they don't want to move because why should they be run out of their home by a bunch of partying whippersnappers! I really don't know whose side to be on in this story. I can see the neighbors' point about the sofas looking trashy, but I can also see the residents' point about having the freedom to put whatever you want on your front porch. Hmmm.
Fit of culinary motivation
I tried a new recipe last night...Chicken Curry in a Hurry. It really was quick, and it was delicious! Here's the recipe:
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (I used some onion powder instead)
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 cup plain yogurt (1 small container)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained (optional, I didn't use this)
1 rotisserie chicken (from the deli section of your grocery store)
2 cups cooked white rice (optional, we used this)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (I didn't use this)
Heat the oil in large skillet over medium low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes. Sprinkle with curry powder and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the yogurt and cream and simmer gently for 3 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper, and tomatoes (if using). Remove from heat.
Slice or shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Divide the rice and chicken among individual bowls, spoon the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the cilantro.
I did do a couple of things differently at the end. I had tried to keep the rotisserie chicken warm, but it cooled quite a bit while I was tearing it off the bones and slicing it up. So, I left the sauce on the stove and put the chicken in the pan with the sauce to warm it up. We then put rice in our bowls and just served the chicken and sauce together out of the pan. This recipe was so good, and any combination of chicken and rice is good with me. Great bowl of warm comfort food!
This morning before I left I put a roast in the crock pot for tonight, and I'm thinking about making an apple crisp for dessert. I don't know what's come over me! I've also got a bag of Amish friendship bread starter going, AND my kitchen is even clean! Go me!
Friday, November 9
Friday Wrap-Up
I haven't blogged much this week, not because I had a boring week, but because I felt like I never really hit my stride. Every day something weird and quirky seemed to happen that threw me off track.
Monday: Everything was set up to be a relatively normal week. I was going to leave work and make my usual Monday evening Kroger run then go home and make a cheese ball for book club on Tuesday night and get settled in for a quiet tv-night at home. Well, I walked out the door from work to go to my car, and I could feel in the air that something was wrong. I looked back behind our building to the NW, and there was a bank of dark, threatening clouds. So, my whole drive home I was seeing lightning bolts in my rearview mirror and listening to the weather as I tried to beat the cold/storm front to M'boro. I didn't stop at Kroger, so I made it home before the weather. Phone rings: David is having radiator trouble, and is working on his car in between tornado warnings at his friend's house. He doesn't know when he'll be home, so i go ahead and make tacos and eat, and leave the stuff where he can just heat it up when he gets home. He arrives home: wet, tired, and cold at about 8:15. We go to bed early.
Tuesday: Take David to the radiator shop because his car is not driveable. They order a new radiator. I get to work about 11:00. I leave at 2:00 to take him back to the radiator shop to pick up new radiator. Tuesday night was book club at my house, but I was strangely idle all afternoon. My house was clean and ready for company. All I had to do was make the famous cheese ball for a snack. After that was done I watched Smallville until everyone arrived. It felt weird to not be bustling around at the last minute. I had even finished the book we were going to discuss.
Wednesday: Always weird because it's church night. I couldn't wait to be home for some reason. I got home from work and did lots of ironing. I also took some clothes to Phase II (consignment shop). *Expect a separate post some day soon about my weird clothing situation that I feel terrible for complaining about.
Thursday: Finally a somewhat normal day. We ate Chinese food for supper and watched a movie.
Friday: I don't know what this day will entail. Work is a flurry because we are approaching a deadline for the Spring 2008 quarter, so there are lots of last-minute corrections going on there. David is out of soap and shampoo, so if I want a nice-smelling husband I need to stop by Target on my way home. I also have to sort out the kids' shirts for the Christmas musical workshop which starts tomorrow (that will merit a whole other post, I'm sure).
I'm sure about one thing: I'm about to cave and buy some Crocs. I want these shoes in cotton candy of course.
I hope this post hasn't been too rambly. I mostly did it for myself. It's helped me to write it down and look back at how weird this week has actually been.
Monday: Everything was set up to be a relatively normal week. I was going to leave work and make my usual Monday evening Kroger run then go home and make a cheese ball for book club on Tuesday night and get settled in for a quiet tv-night at home. Well, I walked out the door from work to go to my car, and I could feel in the air that something was wrong. I looked back behind our building to the NW, and there was a bank of dark, threatening clouds. So, my whole drive home I was seeing lightning bolts in my rearview mirror and listening to the weather as I tried to beat the cold/storm front to M'boro. I didn't stop at Kroger, so I made it home before the weather. Phone rings: David is having radiator trouble, and is working on his car in between tornado warnings at his friend's house. He doesn't know when he'll be home, so i go ahead and make tacos and eat, and leave the stuff where he can just heat it up when he gets home. He arrives home: wet, tired, and cold at about 8:15. We go to bed early.
Tuesday: Take David to the radiator shop because his car is not driveable. They order a new radiator. I get to work about 11:00. I leave at 2:00 to take him back to the radiator shop to pick up new radiator. Tuesday night was book club at my house, but I was strangely idle all afternoon. My house was clean and ready for company. All I had to do was make the famous cheese ball for a snack. After that was done I watched Smallville until everyone arrived. It felt weird to not be bustling around at the last minute. I had even finished the book we were going to discuss.
Wednesday: Always weird because it's church night. I couldn't wait to be home for some reason. I got home from work and did lots of ironing. I also took some clothes to Phase II (consignment shop). *Expect a separate post some day soon about my weird clothing situation that I feel terrible for complaining about.
Thursday: Finally a somewhat normal day. We ate Chinese food for supper and watched a movie.
Friday: I don't know what this day will entail. Work is a flurry because we are approaching a deadline for the Spring 2008 quarter, so there are lots of last-minute corrections going on there. David is out of soap and shampoo, so if I want a nice-smelling husband I need to stop by Target on my way home. I also have to sort out the kids' shirts for the Christmas musical workshop which starts tomorrow (that will merit a whole other post, I'm sure).
I'm sure about one thing: I'm about to cave and buy some Crocs. I want these shoes in cotton candy of course.
I hope this post hasn't been too rambly. I mostly did it for myself. It's helped me to write it down and look back at how weird this week has actually been.
Monday, November 5
Dig out your coats
Even though I was inside all day yesterday I did open the windows in my bedroom to air out the sickness, and I could tell it was a beautiful day. However, like any good weather junkie I checked the trusty Nashville weather blog, and it looks like the pleasant streak is coming to a close. Wow, it's about to get chilly!
Groans as she crawls out from under a rock...
Well, after a full 24 hours spent hibernating in my bedroom with occasional trips downstairs for food, I'm back among the land of the living today. Yesterday I didn't go anywhere, stayed in my pajamas, and dozed off and on in bed ALL DAY, and still didn't have a bit of trouble going to sleep last night. I think I'm over the worst of the allergy funk or whatever it was. I also watched almost all of the sixth season of Smallville (Thanks, Liz!) I hope everyone had a good weekend and has an even better week!
Thursday, November 1
Yay!
I just got off the phone with my wonderful husband, and he got me a new cell phone! It's pink, and we got it for free...bonus! My other one was literally in two pieces, so I had to upgrade. They were even able to transfer my phone book. I will have to download all my screen savers again, unfortunately.
Wednesday, October 31
Happy Halloween!
Here's a little Halloween/travel list for you, dear readers! (Carla, check out number 8.)
Sunday, October 28
Pictures explained
I finally got a bunch of pictures uploaded this weekend. Here's a few images from my life the past few weeks.
Let me preface this first group of pictures by saying that there are lots of women in my mom's family (granny june, my three aunts, five granddaughters, one granddaughter-in-law and her daughter), and we are all very close! After sequestering away at almost every family get-together and leaving the men to watch a football game or something, we finally decided why don't we just have a girls-only get together (no kids, no guys). We started it last year, and it was a rousing success! So, on the last weekend in September all the women in my mom's family gathered at the Normandy Lake house for the 2nd annual York Women's Sleepover. We stayed up very late Friday night talking and snacking. Saturday morning we slept in, ate breakfast, and then went down to the lake for a chilly swim. Saturday afternoon we had a great potluck dinner! It was so much fun. I'm really glad we started doing this, and I'm already looking forward to next year.
Lex was the only boy who got to be there. This was the first time he met his great aunts and cousins, so someone was holding him the entire time!
On my way home from the sleepover I saw it! The car I thought didn't exist. A pink classic Mustang. I had to take a picture.
On October 4th AbiLyn turned three years old! I can't believe it. She's getting so big. She had a princess birthday cake, and her friends and family came to help her celebrate.
Here's Lex at the party wearing his farmboy shirt!
October 7 was Lex's dedication. He looked so beautiful even though there was a bit of controversy over a boy in a gown. (FYI: I was on the side of him wearing the gown. It was a boy's gown, and after all it's tradition.) Oh, if you're not familiar with the practice of baby dedication, click here. In the first picture that's five generations on Liz's side...Grandaddy and Mom Glenda, Mama Dugan, Dad and Mom, Liz, and Lex (pastor's holding him).
(These are the people who were anti-gown.)
My birthday was October 15, and David got me the most beautiful flowers. For some reason I can't get the picture to turn and save that way, but you get the idea.
On October 17 we went to Walking with Dinosaurs with Mackenzie and Taylor. It was amazing. Life-size dinosaurs. These pictures don't really do it justice...awesome!
Let me preface this first group of pictures by saying that there are lots of women in my mom's family (granny june, my three aunts, five granddaughters, one granddaughter-in-law and her daughter), and we are all very close! After sequestering away at almost every family get-together and leaving the men to watch a football game or something, we finally decided why don't we just have a girls-only get together (no kids, no guys). We started it last year, and it was a rousing success! So, on the last weekend in September all the women in my mom's family gathered at the Normandy Lake house for the 2nd annual York Women's Sleepover. We stayed up very late Friday night talking and snacking. Saturday morning we slept in, ate breakfast, and then went down to the lake for a chilly swim. Saturday afternoon we had a great potluck dinner! It was so much fun. I'm really glad we started doing this, and I'm already looking forward to next year.
Lex was the only boy who got to be there. This was the first time he met his great aunts and cousins, so someone was holding him the entire time!
On my way home from the sleepover I saw it! The car I thought didn't exist. A pink classic Mustang. I had to take a picture.
On October 4th AbiLyn turned three years old! I can't believe it. She's getting so big. She had a princess birthday cake, and her friends and family came to help her celebrate.
Here's Lex at the party wearing his farmboy shirt!
October 7 was Lex's dedication. He looked so beautiful even though there was a bit of controversy over a boy in a gown. (FYI: I was on the side of him wearing the gown. It was a boy's gown, and after all it's tradition.) Oh, if you're not familiar with the practice of baby dedication, click here. In the first picture that's five generations on Liz's side...Grandaddy and Mom Glenda, Mama Dugan, Dad and Mom, Liz, and Lex (pastor's holding him).
(These are the people who were anti-gown.)
My birthday was October 15, and David got me the most beautiful flowers. For some reason I can't get the picture to turn and save that way, but you get the idea.
On October 17 we went to Walking with Dinosaurs with Mackenzie and Taylor. It was amazing. Life-size dinosaurs. These pictures don't really do it justice...awesome!
Friday, October 26
Learning Never Stops
In my work I often have to research terms and products to find out correct spelling, capitalization, etc. Well, today I needed to know if, "In the term Phillips-head screwdriver does Phillips have to be capitalized?" I thought no. I was wrong. The Phillips-head screw and screwdriver are, in fact, named after Henry F. Phillips. Go here if you would like to be as knowledgeable about useless stuff as I am.
Happy Friday!
P.S. Maybe I'll make this a regular feature (Friday Item of Useless Knowledge)!
Happy Friday!
P.S. Maybe I'll make this a regular feature (Friday Item of Useless Knowledge)!
Thursday, October 25
Random Items
First random item:
I'm sporting a look today that is not working at all! I'm trying to get creative with ways to stay warm because I haven't gotten out my fall/winter stuff and I won't have time to do it until this weekend. So, today I'm wearing a long denim skirt, earthy closed-toe sandals, a striped oxford shirt, and a gray wool hoodie. (Eew, this outfit even sounds atrocious!) Anyway, the problem is that the shirt is too big, and my hoodie is sort of pushing out the middle of the front of my shirt, so I look like I'm wearing a maternity shirt! I guess I'll just have to keep my hoodie zipped or something. Really, I just can't wait to get home and put on PJs.
Second random item:
Two, it's a well-known fact that I don't handle change well. The weirdest changes bother me deep down inside somewhere, and today I had to fight that unsettling feeling yet again. Let me start at the beginning and maybe you readers won't get bored. I got my first checking account the summer I got my first job. I was 16 and working at McDonald's. I got a student checking account at the local bank that McDonald's used...First City Bank. It was a Murfreesboro company, and they were so sweet and very small town-ish. Anyway, a couple of years later the inevitable happened. They were bought out by a national bank...First American (this bothered me...new ATM card, new checks, new letterhead on my monthly statement-see what I mean...I'm weird). Couple of years later First American was bought or merged with AmSouth (again, this bothered me). I got married. I transferred my lovely little checking account to my new husband's checking account (which then became a joint checking account) still at AmSouth. Well, well, well. A few months ago AmSouth was bought by Regions. Here's where the problems began. Murfreesboro already had several Regions branches and several AmSouth branches, so they're consolidating. That's right. The lovely little branch closest to my house that I've been going to since I was 16 is closing. This morning the teller informed me that this was their last day to be open, and then directed me to where the nearest Regions branch is. Okay, here's where I go into "big baby" mode. I don't want to go to that Regions branch. I liked my AmSouth branch. It still looked like First City Bank which is where I banked to begin with. Sniff...tear.
I'm sporting a look today that is not working at all! I'm trying to get creative with ways to stay warm because I haven't gotten out my fall/winter stuff and I won't have time to do it until this weekend. So, today I'm wearing a long denim skirt, earthy closed-toe sandals, a striped oxford shirt, and a gray wool hoodie. (Eew, this outfit even sounds atrocious!) Anyway, the problem is that the shirt is too big, and my hoodie is sort of pushing out the middle of the front of my shirt, so I look like I'm wearing a maternity shirt! I guess I'll just have to keep my hoodie zipped or something. Really, I just can't wait to get home and put on PJs.
Second random item:
Two, it's a well-known fact that I don't handle change well. The weirdest changes bother me deep down inside somewhere, and today I had to fight that unsettling feeling yet again. Let me start at the beginning and maybe you readers won't get bored. I got my first checking account the summer I got my first job. I was 16 and working at McDonald's. I got a student checking account at the local bank that McDonald's used...First City Bank. It was a Murfreesboro company, and they were so sweet and very small town-ish. Anyway, a couple of years later the inevitable happened. They were bought out by a national bank...First American (this bothered me...new ATM card, new checks, new letterhead on my monthly statement-see what I mean...I'm weird). Couple of years later First American was bought or merged with AmSouth (again, this bothered me). I got married. I transferred my lovely little checking account to my new husband's checking account (which then became a joint checking account) still at AmSouth. Well, well, well. A few months ago AmSouth was bought by Regions. Here's where the problems began. Murfreesboro already had several Regions branches and several AmSouth branches, so they're consolidating. That's right. The lovely little branch closest to my house that I've been going to since I was 16 is closing. This morning the teller informed me that this was their last day to be open, and then directed me to where the nearest Regions branch is. Okay, here's where I go into "big baby" mode. I don't want to go to that Regions branch. I liked my AmSouth branch. It still looked like First City Bank which is where I banked to begin with. Sniff...tear.
Friday, October 19
Monday, October 15
Going crazy!!!
I forgot the headphones for my iPod today. That's not a problem when I'm in my car (I can hear it through my car stereo), but I normally listen to music all day at work. I'm dying! I'm thinking about going out and buying some at lunchtime!
What Type of Reader Are You?
Apparently I'm a "Dedicated Reader." Click below if you want to take this quiz, too.
| What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more. | |
| Literate Good Citizen | |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm | |
| Book Snob | |
| Fad Reader | |
| Non-Reader | |
| What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz | |
Friday, October 12
Summer Reading
I realize the summer is over, but I'm still working on my self-imposed summer reading project. I've been reading the "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I loved these books when I was a girl, and I hadn't read them since elementary school. I've really enjoyed it. Thanks to Regina Beckett for loaning me the collection. She has the entire set in hardcover with all the dustjackets still intact. These books are now out of print, so I've tried to be very careful with them. I think my favorite thing about them though is the childishly cursive writing inside each cover: Regina Lewis. Cutest thing ever!
Anyway, here is a passage from The Long Winter that I thought was really sweet, especially since I have two little sisters.
“That was over. But they did not speak until they had walked out of town. Then Carrie said, ‘You did that beautifully, Laura.’
‘Oh, it was just buying something,’ Laura replied.
‘I know, but I feel funny when people look at me. I feel…not scared, exactly…’ Carrie said.
‘There’s nothing to be scared of,’ Laura said. ‘We mustn’t ever be scared.’ Suddenly she told Carrie, ‘I feel the same way.’
‘Do you, really? I didn’t know that. You don’t act like it. I always feel so safe when you’re there,’ Carrie said.
‘You are safe when I’m there,’ Laura answered. ‘I’d take care of you. Anyway, I’d try my best.’
‘I know you would,’ Carrie said.
It was nice, walking together. To take care of their shoes, they did not walk in the dusty wheel-tracks. They walked on the harder strip in the middle where only horses’ hoofs had discouraged the grass. They were not walking hand in hand, but they felt as if they were.
Ever since Laura could remember, Carrie had been her little sister. First she had been a tiny baby, then she had been Baby Carrie, then she had been a clutcher and tagger, always asking ‘Why?’ Now she was ten years old, old enough to be really a sister. And they were out together, away from even Pa and Ma. Their errand was done and off their minds, and the sun was shining, the wind was blowing, the prairie spread far all around them. They felt free and independent and comfortable together.”
Anyway, here is a passage from The Long Winter that I thought was really sweet, especially since I have two little sisters.
“That was over. But they did not speak until they had walked out of town. Then Carrie said, ‘You did that beautifully, Laura.’
‘Oh, it was just buying something,’ Laura replied.
‘I know, but I feel funny when people look at me. I feel…not scared, exactly…’ Carrie said.
‘There’s nothing to be scared of,’ Laura said. ‘We mustn’t ever be scared.’ Suddenly she told Carrie, ‘I feel the same way.’
‘Do you, really? I didn’t know that. You don’t act like it. I always feel so safe when you’re there,’ Carrie said.
‘You are safe when I’m there,’ Laura answered. ‘I’d take care of you. Anyway, I’d try my best.’
‘I know you would,’ Carrie said.
It was nice, walking together. To take care of their shoes, they did not walk in the dusty wheel-tracks. They walked on the harder strip in the middle where only horses’ hoofs had discouraged the grass. They were not walking hand in hand, but they felt as if they were.
Ever since Laura could remember, Carrie had been her little sister. First she had been a tiny baby, then she had been Baby Carrie, then she had been a clutcher and tagger, always asking ‘Why?’ Now she was ten years old, old enough to be really a sister. And they were out together, away from even Pa and Ma. Their errand was done and off their minds, and the sun was shining, the wind was blowing, the prairie spread far all around them. They felt free and independent and comfortable together.”
Thursday, October 11
Announcement
Okay, I'm back. Expect some lengthy posts and pictures in the next couple of days. I just wanted to post an announcement that all my family videos are now posted using Godtube. This means that the related content at the end should be clean. So, it's safe to watch. The clips, commercials, etc. that I still post from Youtube will still link to Youtube and you should proceed with caution.
Monday, September 17
Sabbatical
Sorry for the uneventful blog lately. Things are just sort of blah with me right now. Look for it to pick back up around October-ish.
Friday, September 7
"Look at Daddy!"
Notice AbiLyn already telling Lex what to do. She's going to be such a great big sister!
Alexander Eric Droke
Sorry I didn't get to post yesterday. I didn't have Internet access like I thought I might. Anyway, around 1:30 on September 6, 2007, Lex entered the world. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and he was 20.5 inches long! Everything went very smoothly and the family is all doing great! AbiLyn is beside herself with excitement and Mommy and Daddy are very proud! They will probably go home on Saturday. Now for the important stuff...here are some pictures!
Apology and disclaimer
I want to issue an apology in case anyone watching the youtube videos on this site has seen anything they wish they hadn't. I was unaware that, even when I post the videos as private, youtube will still display a list of "related" videos at the end of whatever video you're watching. These are listed because they may have a similar title or something. I DO NOT CHOOSE THESE VIDEOS. Some weird youtube algorithm chooses them. I do not endorse or approve any of these "related" videos. Click with caution!
Wednesday, September 5
Tomorrow is Baby Lex Day!
Stay tuned to Meddlesome Musings tomorrow for news about my new nephew. He'll be born sometime tomorrow. Here's only three Drokes and the baby bump for one last time. I took this video Saturday night. "Cheese!"
Friday, August 31
Ten Years Ago Today
I always loved fairy tales as a girl, and Princess Diana was a real-life beautiful princess (even though she didn't exactly get the happy ending part), so like most girls I was always so intrigued by her.
Labor Day weekend of 1997 I was at Granny June's house. I was a freshman in college, and I had driven down to her house by myself for the long weekend. When I got there I called home to let mom and dad know I had arrived, and they asked me if I had heard that Princess Di had been in a bad car accident. Well, for the rest of the night Granny June and I were piled up on her bed watching the news together. It was so sad, and then when I thought of her boys it became even sadder. I had never seen that much news coverage of something (this was before 9/11, remember). I think I even have a VHS tape somewhere of her funeral.
Anyway, that was one of the first times in my life that I knew I would look back and say, "I remember what I was doing when that happened."
Labor Day weekend of 1997 I was at Granny June's house. I was a freshman in college, and I had driven down to her house by myself for the long weekend. When I got there I called home to let mom and dad know I had arrived, and they asked me if I had heard that Princess Di had been in a bad car accident. Well, for the rest of the night Granny June and I were piled up on her bed watching the news together. It was so sad, and then when I thought of her boys it became even sadder. I had never seen that much news coverage of something (this was before 9/11, remember). I think I even have a VHS tape somewhere of her funeral.
Anyway, that was one of the first times in my life that I knew I would look back and say, "I remember what I was doing when that happened."
Public Notice
Attn: Mr. Sheriff's deputy on I-24 this morning
YOU'RE A JERK!! Speeding, illegally occupying the HOV lane, and then tailgating! If you want people to get out of your way then turn on your lights. If you're not headed to an emergency, obey the traffic laws.
"Citizens Arrayest! Citizens Arrayest!"
YOU'RE A JERK!! Speeding, illegally occupying the HOV lane, and then tailgating! If you want people to get out of your way then turn on your lights. If you're not headed to an emergency, obey the traffic laws.
"Citizens Arrayest! Citizens Arrayest!"
Tuesday, August 28
Ummm...
A couple of weeks ago I brought some sliced peaches to work in a rubbermaid container. Yep...forgot all about that little container with just a little bit of peach juice in it. I just threw the whole container away. I couldn't even bear to open it. It was quite the little science experiment.
Happenings
I'm getting very lazy...I think it must be the heat, but thankfully that will be tapering off soon.
I had a FUN weekend. It was action-packed, but those are the best ones sometimes! On Friday night I went on a little road trip with my sister, my niece, and a couple of girlfriends (Crystal and Kristie). We went to Hohenwald for Liz's baby shower with her in-laws. We stayed overnight with Eric's grandparents in their gorgeous, sprawling home! I've never seen a house that big with just one level. It was awesome. See below for some great pictures of AbiLyn and her cousin, Baby Judah.
Saturday night David and I went to see a play at the Darkhorse Theater. A friend of David's from work has started a theater group and they were performing a play called Cryin' Shame. It was really good. I love seeing live theater like this. It's a small theater, no set changes, no pretention, and you're very close to the actors. You feel the emotion so much more! David and I used to do this kind of thing a lot, but we don't venture into Nashville much anymore except for work. It was really nice to be out and about again on a Saturday night. Although, instead of having a nice dinner afterwards we hit the Arby's drive-thru so we could get on home. David did have to work on Sunday, after all.
Sunday was pretty normal except that I overslept in the morning. I hate when that happens. Sunday night we had a visiting preacher, Russ Cripps. I really enjoyed hearing him. I've discovered he has a blog. Check it out.
So now I'm back into another week. It's a pretty big week, though. Special mentions go to the following:
Congratulations, Crystal, on starting your new job!
Hang in there, Liz. You'll make it.
Baby Lex, we can't wait to meet you! Make sure you're all done baking before you vacate the oven!
Mom, Dad, Carla, Brian: can't wait to hear all about your San Fran trip. Travel safely today!
I had a FUN weekend. It was action-packed, but those are the best ones sometimes! On Friday night I went on a little road trip with my sister, my niece, and a couple of girlfriends (Crystal and Kristie). We went to Hohenwald for Liz's baby shower with her in-laws. We stayed overnight with Eric's grandparents in their gorgeous, sprawling home! I've never seen a house that big with just one level. It was awesome. See below for some great pictures of AbiLyn and her cousin, Baby Judah.
Saturday night David and I went to see a play at the Darkhorse Theater. A friend of David's from work has started a theater group and they were performing a play called Cryin' Shame. It was really good. I love seeing live theater like this. It's a small theater, no set changes, no pretention, and you're very close to the actors. You feel the emotion so much more! David and I used to do this kind of thing a lot, but we don't venture into Nashville much anymore except for work. It was really nice to be out and about again on a Saturday night. Although, instead of having a nice dinner afterwards we hit the Arby's drive-thru so we could get on home. David did have to work on Sunday, after all.
Sunday was pretty normal except that I overslept in the morning. I hate when that happens. Sunday night we had a visiting preacher, Russ Cripps. I really enjoyed hearing him. I've discovered he has a blog. Check it out.
So now I'm back into another week. It's a pretty big week, though. Special mentions go to the following:
Congratulations, Crystal, on starting your new job!
Hang in there, Liz. You'll make it.
Baby Lex, we can't wait to meet you! Make sure you're all done baking before you vacate the oven!
Mom, Dad, Carla, Brian: can't wait to hear all about your San Fran trip. Travel safely today!
Monday, August 20
Long time, no blog
If anyone's been checking the blog, I'm so sorry I haven't posted in a while!
My ten-year high school reunion was this weekend. Unfortunately, I didn't take but one picture. It was really fun, though! We had dinner together on Friday night and then went to the YMCA on Saturday where all the kids could play on the indoor playplace because it was HOT!!! I took AbiLyn with me and she had a great time! It was great to see everyone!
Saturday afternoon AbiLyn and I came back to my house and went swimming! Lesson learned: an asphalt parking lot that has been baking in the sun all day will burn your feet (mine, not AbiLyn's fortunately). I was carrying her back to the car and had to start running. She thought it was hilarious, but I was about to start crying! My feet had huge blisters on them, and David had to rub first-aid ointment all over them. They feel better now, though.
On a sad note, we had a reception after church last night to say farewell to our Associate Pastor and his family: Roy, Carla, Mia, and Ava Duke. The Dukes came to our church 12 years ago to youth pastor. You will all be sorely missed, but we know that God has great things in store for you!
Also, a thought prompted from last night: if I went into Sam's and bought a white cake/white buttercream icing birthday cake for no special occasion would that be weird? I love them so much!
My ten-year high school reunion was this weekend. Unfortunately, I didn't take but one picture. It was really fun, though! We had dinner together on Friday night and then went to the YMCA on Saturday where all the kids could play on the indoor playplace because it was HOT!!! I took AbiLyn with me and she had a great time! It was great to see everyone!
Saturday afternoon AbiLyn and I came back to my house and went swimming! Lesson learned: an asphalt parking lot that has been baking in the sun all day will burn your feet (mine, not AbiLyn's fortunately). I was carrying her back to the car and had to start running. She thought it was hilarious, but I was about to start crying! My feet had huge blisters on them, and David had to rub first-aid ointment all over them. They feel better now, though.
On a sad note, we had a reception after church last night to say farewell to our Associate Pastor and his family: Roy, Carla, Mia, and Ava Duke. The Dukes came to our church 12 years ago to youth pastor. You will all be sorely missed, but we know that God has great things in store for you!
Also, a thought prompted from last night: if I went into Sam's and bought a white cake/white buttercream icing birthday cake for no special occasion would that be weird? I love them so much!
Thursday, August 9
Do you recognize this guy?
I was perusing throught Ninetyandnine.com's Youth Congress blog and guess who I saw? For all my fellow TPOM-ers, do you recognize this guy?
Wednesday, August 8
Becoming Jane
I'm so interested in this movie. Check out the trailer for yourself below. Here's a great critique. How come Jane Austen wrote groundbreaking novels about women who dared to be independent and think for themselves yet we seem driven to pair her up with someone? What would she have thought about that?
Living Vicariously
Just in case you're not able to attend the UPCI's North American Youth Congress this week here's a blog with up-to-the-minute coverage.
Tuesday, August 7
Crocs
As you can tell from reading this blog I devote an inordinate amount of time and thought to my feet and shoes. One craze I have not succumbed to, however, is the Croc-craze. My husband even has a pair of these "it" shoes, but I do not. Anyway, here's an interesting article about this phenomenon. Did you know you can put them in the dishwasher?!
Keep knives away from me
Last night, during the course of making one batch of mashed potatoes, I managed to cut two fingers with two different cutting implements. I cut my left index finger with a vegetable peeler, and I cut my right thumb with a paring knife. I'm such a clutz.
OPPRESSIVE HEAT
Walking in from my car this morning I couldn't believe the heat. It felt heavy. I've attached Nashville's 7-day forecast so you can all see just how hot it is here.
Friday, August 3
Three things
There are three things I know I will see every day during my morning or afternoon commute. They are as follows:
- A car will come barreling up behind me, whiz past, and charge ahead as if they are fleeing from law enforcement. I will see, to no surprise, that they have tags from the Atlanta area.
- Some clueless goober will be camped out in the fast lane doing the speed limit as cars fly by to the right of him/her.
- Something will make me laugh out loud and shake my head. Today it was a VW bug pulling a trailer.
Happy Friday!
- A car will come barreling up behind me, whiz past, and charge ahead as if they are fleeing from law enforcement. I will see, to no surprise, that they have tags from the Atlanta area.
- Some clueless goober will be camped out in the fast lane doing the speed limit as cars fly by to the right of him/her.
- Something will make me laugh out loud and shake my head. Today it was a VW bug pulling a trailer.
Happy Friday!
Monday, July 30
"...Sniff..."
Well, I just finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I actually needed a kleenex. I'm sad the series is finished, but it all ended very satisfyingly and neatly. No complaints here!
Next up for my summer of fun reading...the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Next up for my summer of fun reading...the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Tuesday, July 24
Rediscovering an old favorite
I recently encountered a TV channel in my area that shows reruns of the sitcom Designing Women. I forgot how much I love this show!
Friday, July 20
There's No Place Like Home
"To us, our house was not unsentient matter - it had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see us with, and approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace of its benediction. We never came home from an absence that its face did not light up and speak out its eloquent welcome - and we could not enter it unmoved."
Mark Twain, 1896
Congratulations, Carla and Brian, on your first house! May it be a truly happy home!
Mark Twain, 1896
Congratulations, Carla and Brian, on your first house! May it be a truly happy home!
HP-Day
In case you didn't notice, the ticker on my page is now down to hours, not days!!!!!!! That's right! Tonight at midnight the new and final installment in the Harry Potter series will be released. I'm so excited!
Kudos to Amazon.com. I pre-ordered my copy months ago and selected the Super-Saver Shipping option (I'm such a cheapskate when it comes to shipping). They've been hassling me for days to upgrade my shipping, so I would have it on the release date, which is July 21. However, I got an e-mail last night that it had been shipped, on the 19th. Who knows maybe I'll have it sooner than I thought.
Happy reading!
Kudos to Amazon.com. I pre-ordered my copy months ago and selected the Super-Saver Shipping option (I'm such a cheapskate when it comes to shipping). They've been hassling me for days to upgrade my shipping, so I would have it on the release date, which is July 21. However, I got an e-mail last night that it had been shipped, on the 19th. Who knows maybe I'll have it sooner than I thought.
Happy reading!
Wednesday, July 18
Pickin' and Grinnin'
This past Saturday I went to one of the biggest events of the year in Murfreesboro...Uncle Dave Macon Days. Uncle Dave Macon lived outside Murfreesboro in the community of Kittrell.
From Wikipedia:
Every July the town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee celebrates Uncle Dave Macon Days. This celebration hosts the national competitions for old time clogging, buckdancing, fiddling, and old time singing. In 2007 they will be celebrating their 30th year of the festival. It was named in honor of Uncle Dave Macon and his work to keep old time music and dancing in front of the world.
Anyway, I like to go for the food and the booths of people selling things. I went with my family, including Grandaddy and Mom Glenda, Carla and Brian, and the Drokes. It was really fun (but hot), and here are some pictures.
Also, for all of AbiLyn's adoring fans, here is video of her in a bouncy-thing. I love that you can hear her giggle at the end even though the generator was really loud.
From Wikipedia:
Every July the town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee celebrates Uncle Dave Macon Days. This celebration hosts the national competitions for old time clogging, buckdancing, fiddling, and old time singing. In 2007 they will be celebrating their 30th year of the festival. It was named in honor of Uncle Dave Macon and his work to keep old time music and dancing in front of the world.
Anyway, I like to go for the food and the booths of people selling things. I went with my family, including Grandaddy and Mom Glenda, Carla and Brian, and the Drokes. It was really fun (but hot), and here are some pictures.
Also, for all of AbiLyn's adoring fans, here is video of her in a bouncy-thing. I love that you can hear her giggle at the end even though the generator was really loud.
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