Friday, May 30, 2008

It's Almost Here

The day is almost here when my baby girl will walk down the aisle in her elegant white satin gown. All eyes will be on her as she drifts along carrying her petal basket and smiling as the crowd ewes and awes over her. Of course she's not the bride! She's the flower girl and her big day is tomorrow.

Rehearsal is tonight, and she's been promised a BIG surprise if she does well. You never know what a two year old will do in a setting like this. But, I will be perched at the front of the church (not center stage, of course), but off to the side beckoning Baby Girl forward with a brand new princess Barbie. Her daddy will be nowhere in sight (of Scamp at least). One look at him, and she'll lose it.

The day might even go so well that Scamp requests to sing a song on stage. It's happened before. She sang Jesus Loves Me by herself into the microphone of the podium center stage at my parent's church. I wasn't there to witness it, but apparently she was quite the little ham.

Wish us well, and hopefully pictures will be posted soon of her darling little self decked out in her flower girl dress.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Shockingly...Heartwarming


I know what you're thinking. How could a sweet little Christian gal like me be seen renting a movie like that? You're right. That's why I let my hubby hand the clerk the DVD and hoped he didn't look too closely at it.

But, you are not gonna believe this. It was shockingly...moral. Minimal language, absolutely no hanky panky (minus a few swanky comments) and you have Lars and the Real Girl.

Lars, your everyday recluse, has reached a breaking point and orders himself a lady friend. Albeit she's plastic but he believes she's real. He introduces her to his brother and sister-in-law and asks if it wouldn't be too much trouble for them to put her up in the spare bedroom. They don't want anyone getting the "wrong idea." His family reluctantly agrees due to doctor's orders. He's suffering from a delusion, you know. Then, the whole town takes little miss Bianca under their wing and even elect her to the school board. It's so serious, it's funny -- roll on the ground funny...but surprisingly heartwarming. Who would have thought?

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Little People on the Road Swap

Hey, Scamp here. Mama has put me to work writing this post. Mama's friend Angi invited us to play along in the Little People on the Road Swap.

Mama said I could find a little buddy. You know, like a stuffed teddy or kitkat to ride along with us this year when we go to the Smokies. Then, me and Buddy are gonna do a lot of posin' for the camera on our vacation. Then, Mama's gonna let me help paste those pictures in a scrapbook (and post several on Scamp's Place, too) to send to our partners in crime. Well, Mama says not really crime partners but other kiddos who are gonna play along and send us a scrapbook and some souvenirs, too.

"It's gonna be great!" That's my new favorite saying.

Mama and me want to invite all you bloggers and your kids to play along, too. You don't even have to go on vacation! Just take your new buddy 'round your town and take lots of pictures. Mama added the link to the Little People Swap up above. Go visit to read all the rules and sign up. The deadline is June 10th or the first 50 to sign up.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

R&R


What I'm in need of today! A little Girl's Night Out. I got to go to the movies with my two SILs and my MIL on Mother's Day. But, with Beef working super late this week and me watching Scamp all day and late into the evening, Beef and I both need some relaxation time.

I've been having a lot of fun building Pug Houses (Club Houses) with Scamp this week. She has been wanting to build one every day either using the couch cushions or using blankets to make a tent in her bed. That's what she's taking her nap under today. But, I am so emotionally drained. She is a talker, a non-stop talker who repeats the same thing for 10 minutes at a time and won't take no for an answer (without a little help from me). I just need to close my brain off for a few hours. I think I may need to cry, too, but I'm just too spent!:) I'm off to do...nothing.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Island of Saints

"Island of Saints" by Andy Andrews was my first book to finish for the "I Heard It Through the Grapevine Challenge." Coach Jenny had recommended it on her blog. It is quite an astonishing tale that surpasses the bounds between fact and fiction. When author Andy Andrews unearths German World World II relics on his beach front property, it launches him into a search to find the truth. He weaves a tale of love and forgiveness that takes place on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico where recently widowed Helen finds the badly injured body of a German submarine lieutenant. Her anger almost forces her to leave him for dead because her husband was killed by his countrymen but something deeper compels her to rescue him.

The history behind the story was so astounding. How could the Germans sink our cargo ships right in our own waters and no one know about it? Even if you aren't able to believe the story as fact, you won't be able to walk away from it without being changed. Forgiveness is a remarkable thing that never ceases to amaze me.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Time Travel Tuesday


High School Graduation Edition
What do you remember about graduating from high school? Was there anything special about the actual ceremony you remember? What did you do after graduation?
I graduated from a class of about 350 students in 1996. Prior to graduation, the girls were asked to vote on which color robe they wanted to wear, red or black (like the guys). My sister's red robe looked almost pink when she graduated so I tried to convince my girlfriends to vote for black, unsuccessfully I might add. But, when my fuschia robe arrived, it was 5 times too big and drug the ground. So, I ended up wearing my sister's robe. Thank goodness we had the same color.
My favorite part of graduation was being able to share it with my cousin Chad, who sat right next to me. He had been voted class president and gotten the reigning Miss Tennessee to speak for our class. Chad is such a goof ball and of course cut up during all the speeches. He gave one himself, but I remember he was so sad he cried. He would probably hate that I shared that. I was more glad than sad because I was hoping to leave my geekdom behind.
After the ceremony, our families reserved the banquet room at Shoney's to celebrate mine and Chad's graduation along with another family friend we had grown up with, Brad. After the party, I attended Project Graduation at the middle school. It's an all night event for graduating seniors and their friends with all kinds of food, games, and prizes. I won a Walkman (CD-style). Remember the days of the Walkman before MP3 players? One lucky student walked away with a car. About 3 hours into the night, my dad walked in with a very stern look on his face. The lady who checked me in the front door forgot to do just that, check my name off. It was all a big misunderstanding which certainly freaked my parents out. We were able to leave at 6am to begin our new lives! Mine would start the next Monday since I started a college English class immediately. What was I thinking?

Share your memories!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Generations

Today, Scamp and I went shopping and to lunch with my grandma and one of her sisters, my great-aunt Lura. I grew up in a large family with close ties to all my extended relatives, especially on my mom's side. Her mom had 9 siblings, 5 girls and 5 boys total, and I knew every one of them plus my great-grandmother and great-grandfather. Both my great-grandparents have passed away along with one great-aunt but the rest of the siblings still try to get-together a couple of times a year.

It has been a wonderful blessing to have such a large extended family, and it's really nice for Scamp to be able to know and love them as much as I do. There is so much history they can all share and have shared with me all my life. I remember stories from my great-uncle Bob about growing up in the Great Depression. He was always excited on Christmas because he and his siblings would get an apple and an orange a piece and that was it. We don't even consider things like chocolate a luxury now. I hope I'm able to teach Scamp gratitude living in this fast-paced got-to-have-what-I-want-now society. I know I get caught up in that mind set way too often.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to listen and to learn. I hope Scamp is able to cherish the memories as much as I do.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Slip-n-Slide Fun



Scamp received a toddler-sized slip-n-slide from Aunt Mary and Uncle Josh for her birthday last year, and last week was the first time we've been able to pull it out. We set it up on a little ditch in our backyard to make sliding easier. The top of the slide is a blow-up float while the bottom is a little pool just perfect for her two-year old stature. But, the best fun didn't start until Daddy added her plastic slide. With practice she was able to go from the top of her orange slide to the very bottom pool area with no help. She squealed and laughed every time. Our neighbors even came out to watch her play. But, what happened to the warm weather? Yesterday was cold outside and today is still chilly but sunny. I'm ready for warm weather to stay. And Scamp is ready for more slip-n-slide.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Bike Buddies


I came home with this bicycle seat for Scamp yesterday because the day before she cried when I left for a bike ride without her. I debated over whether to purchase a pull-behind cart or not, but when my cousin told me she had one and had trouble pulling it (too much leg work) I knew I didn't want to get a cart. For one reason, they are pricey plus I can't afford the extra pressure on my feet with the plantar fasciitis. But, this seat (and her helmet) were a big hit. She couldn't wait until we had it together and when I finally got out on the rode with her, she did not want to come home!! My mom used to have a seat attachment on her bicycle and at two or three years old I remember riding behind her. I really enjoyed it then, too.

My favorite exercise used to be walking, and I would have loved to push Scamp in a stroller. But, my painful foot condition prevents me from doing that. So, when I was out with her yesterday on the bike, I felt so blessed. It's going to be a great bonding time for us. We can't wait to go again.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Escape from Rose Petal Cottage


Rose Petal Cottage can be a good thing to keep Scamp occupied unless she doesn't want you to leave. There are two ways out, squeezing through the tiny split door or separating the cottage in two and stepping out. Obviously, the door didn't work in my case because she latched on to my shirt and pulled me back inside. It's was funny to see how many excuses she made up to keep me in. Finally, I had to push my way out. I didn't capture the aftermath on video, but it was ugly. She stood at the top of the stairs wailing and begging for me to come back. I felt so bad, but we had to get ready to go to the grocery store. She did recover though.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Puppy Power

Scamp and I went to visit an older couple that recently moved from our neighborhood. We were able to bond with them over the past several months and actually helped them move. We had not seen them in person for a few weeks, so Scamp and I headed out with baked spaghetti for a few hours to visit with them.

Scamp loves their Shih Tzu puppy named Little Man as much as he loves her. The dog becomes so hyper when Scamp's around to play. They usually have to keep him somewhat corralled with a harness and leash but today they let Scamp be in charge of his leash.

Oh my word! We barely heard a peep from either the puppy or Scamp for an hour because they played and played...until they accidentally knocked over a house plant and needed help cleaning up the dirt. Scamp continued to pull Little Man from room to room where they would hide under tables and in corners to cuddle. They dog literally became exhausted and instead of begging to be petted he begged to lay down and rest, but for only a few minutes because there were more cuddles to be had.

Guess who got the first goodbye hugs and kisses when we were leaving? Little Man, of course. Now Scamp is exhausted, laying in her bed for a nap covered with dog slobber because she wouldn't be still long enough for me to wash her off. What a joyous day for all of us!

Friday, May 02, 2008

I Heard It through the Grapevine Challenge

I saw the I Heard It Through the Grapevine Challenge at Gail's blog. Lynne's Little Corner of the World is hosting, and here's what you need to know:

Where do you find new books to read? Do you get recommendations from friends? From the library? From the person next to you on the plane or train or bus? From other book blogs?
The goal of this challenge is to read 3 new-to-you books between May 1 and November 30 that have been recommended to you. Feel free to read more if you want! Any type of book is OK. It can even be a book by an author you’ve read before. Cross-overs with other challenges are fine, and you can change books at any time. And there will be a prize at the end of the challenge. You will need to sign up before June 1.


All I had to do was look at my Amazon Wishlist to find books others have recommended. Here are my choices:
1. Island of Saints by Andy Andrews (recommended by Coach Jenny), which I picked up at the library today!
2. Winter Haven by Athol Dickson from Sonya's blog.
3. Snow Angel by Jamie Carie recommended by another blogger I just can't remember who.:)
4. The Shack by William P. Young. Recommended by Deanna from my BSF discussion group.
Alternate 1: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George (recommended by Emily from Deliciously Clean Reads. BTW, check her blog out!).


Also, we may play along at Teen Lit Review as well. Happy Reading!

Thursday, May 01, 2008

30 Days of Housecleaning

I think I'm going to have to change the title. What do you think? Of course, I do have a good excuse for why it took me much longer than 30 days to complete the last challenege.

But, I am glad to report our bedroom looks worlds better. From cluttered to classy, here's our improved space:

My back still hurts from all the cleaning we did. Check out the before pictures here. It helps to be motivated by 15 plus women (some of which I didn't even know) coming to my home for a mystery.

I am also really excited about the new bedside tables I purchased. The matching tables to our suit were not available when we bought the set a few years ago. We hunted them down and finally found them, but they were going to cost almost as much as what we paid for the entire suit. An interesting enough, I saw our bedroom suit on the Price Is Right a couple years back. Anyway, here's the before and after pictures:
I went with black to match the marble tops of the other pieces and because the wood color is very hard to find.


The next challenge will be two-fold: organize the downstairs walk-in closets that you cannot walk into and empty the storage room upstairs in order to convert to a playroom. The goal here is to have a mega-yardsale then give what doesn't sale to the Salvation Army.