9:30 pm Sunday.
We arrive home from Meme and Papa's to a hoarse meowing coming from our neighbor's enormous bush. When I say enormous I mean one-story house tall and 10-15 feet in diameter big. This is no flimsy bush but could easily hide a grown man if he could maneuver his way through the maze of tightly tucked limbs.
Scamp and I walk over to investigate. My heart is hoping the muffled meowing is from a kitty but could very well be the chirping of a tree frog. Even with the light from our front porch we can't see into the dense bush, so I retrieve a flashlight. Scamp is so excited to find what is lurking inside, but I can't see anything except branches. The meowing grows more distinct as I make my way toward the back of the jungle of limbs. "It's a kitty!" I exclaim to Scamp, almost sure that the tiny creature has nearly lost his voice from meowing continuously.
Matt arrives with his hefty high-powered flashlight and squeezes his upper body into the center of the bush. "I see it," he says. "It's just a baby," who has apparently lost his mama. Scamp's anticipation of seeing the kitten grows, and she ecstatically climbs into my arms to wait. But, the kitten has become frightened and moves farther away from Matt still half wedged in the tree. We move over to the other side of the bush on the front of our neighbor's house. I'm surprised they haven't come out with a baseball bat to catch us "cat-burglars" sneaking around on their property.
After about 15 minutes we give up since it's so late and too hard to see anything outside much less inside the bush. We put Scamp to bed, but Matt and his determination decide to hunt more for the kitten. We didn't realize our cat, Scratchy Paw Paw, was outside and has chased the poor baby kitty out of his hiding spot. But, Matt hears the baby across the street and proceeds in prowling yet again in another neighbor's bushes. With no luck however. He returns inside in defeat except for the fact he wasn't arrested! We accept our failed rescue and hope the kitty is able to find his mama. We put it all behind us...we think.
Read the rest of the rescue later...
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Great Smoky Mountains 2008 Day 3
The third day was our trip to the Aquarium. We first stopped at one of the parks along the scenic highway going out of downtown Gatlinburg. This detour is most certainly becoming a tradition in our family. We always make several family pictures. Here we all are minus my mom.
This is the first exhibit you see upon entering the aquarium. We we so glad we were able to use our free tickets. One of the best parts of the center is the shark tank. You step on a moving belt and spend 10-15 minutes following an enclosed shark tank, but there are many more fish besides the sharks. Scamp was freaking out most of the way through especially when we would go under the exceptionally long swordfish with their sharp beaks all plastered to the tunnel ceiling. It's really hard to take good pictures inside the tank, so I'm not going to post those.
There were a few mini aquariums where you could climb inside for a picture. Scamp and Bubby really enjoyed these. My mom, too, as you can tell!
This was the entrance to a miniature cave where all adults had to crawl inside. Scamp thought this was her own little clubhouse.
She really enjoyed meeting the "stuffed" shark. She gave him hugs. She would have been terrified this same time last year. She used to be so afraid when Chuck E. Cheese would come visit her!
We came back to the cabin afterward. The guys all left to ride the slick track cars while the ladies and kiddos under 12 stayed behind. Scamp and Bubby played hide-and-go-seek. I think this is just an adorable picture. Scamp loves her Bubby. That was the end of our stay. We left the next morning. I'll post our family pictures we took prior to leaving later since this is already a pretty long post.Friday, July 11, 2008
The Great Smoky Mountains 2008 Day 2
If you've missed Day One of our Gatlinburg vacation, click here. Day 2 started of with a bit of excitement as we left our cozy cabin in Pigeon Forge and made our first drive into Gatlinburg. Nephew Bubby claimed our second back seat as his own and rode with us the remainder of our stay. I failed to mention that when we arrived our first day, our car started to overheat in the stop-and-start traffic into Pigeon Forge and escalated in temperature when we trekked up the windy mountain road of our cabin. We spent most of the trip with the windows down (thankfully the temperature was only in the 80s) and the heater on full blast to calm our engine. We didn't break down, thank the Lord. Therefore, we chose to park our car and take the Tram from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg, a carnival/ice skating rink of sorts on top of one of the mountains.
Bubby was all smiles here, but he was a bit nervous. He braved through the at times jerky swaying and the overly packed corridor of the Tram car. I didn't get any pictures out of the Tram this time due to all the sight-seers blocking the windows. You can see more pictures of Gatlinburg from our trip last year here.
Our first visit at Ober Gatlinburg was the bear exhibit. It was a bit shabby because they were making lots of renovations, but we still managed to see some chubby ole' black bears sunbathing.
Nana packed us a picnic, and we ate in a small grassy area off to the side of the parking lot.
Several of my family members got all-day passes to ride the carnival rides, water slides, and the chair lift. Here's my dad following up my mom and niece to the top. Scamp and I took a turn also with Bubby and his mom (my sis Julie) leading the way. Scamp kept yelling, "I'm gonna catch you Bubby and JuJu."
You have the option to ride to the top of the mountain or get off halfway and ride the Alpine Slide down. We came here when I was twelve, but I was much too scared to attempt the slide that time. But, my free spirit (Beef's saying "Yeah right" about now.) got the better of me, and I rode down. Here's my BIL Bill and nephew Billy on the back left and Beef on the back right coming down.
The view from the top is breathtaking. It's so calm and serene except when you're with a two-year old and five-year old who chase each other screaming until the smaller of the two falls down! Poor baby!!
We stayed longer at Ober Gatlinburg than intended, so we waited to the next day to attempt the Aquarium. Box and Rocks were tuckered out and needed a cool breeze to help deter the intensity of the heater. Anyone care for an Ogle Dog? We missed our chance. Catch us here again for Day 3.
Monday, July 07, 2008
The Great Smoky Mountains 2008
We loaded the car up Sunday morning with Scamp in her jammies and her two buddies, Box and Rocks to head to the Smokies. It only takes us 3-4 hours to get there, and we met up with my parents and sister's family halfway.
We stayed in the Black Bear Resort in a chalet, and here's a partial view off one of our balconies. Scamp called our cabin the Big House. She loved that she got to spend so much time playing at the house with her cousin Bubby. There were 5 bedrooms and a jacuzzi tub in every one of them. It slept eighteen, but with a party of 10 we stretched out. Scamp slept on the floor on a mattress off a pull-out bed in our upstairs room. She loved it.After relaxing for a little while once we'd arrived my mom, sister, and I headed to Kroger and picked up groceries for our four day stay. My mom always packs tons of drinks, snacks, and picnic stuff. We (my mom mostly) cooked breakfast and dinner daily, then we packed a picnic and ate at a couple of parks for our lunches. We didn't eat out our entire stay minus the trips to and from our destination. That saved a ton on money.
We went to the Wonder Works Museum on Monday before lunch. This was one of our favorite parts. A camera distorted our images on a huge screen as we danced to lots of disco music. A picture from this angle made us look like shadows.
After leaving Wonder Works my sister, her husband, Beef, and I attended a time share presentation and received 8 free tickets to the Ripley's Aquarium. It was my first presentation, but the guy was really nice even though we were only interested in the free tickets. He graduated from the same school Beef and I did.Later that night, we went to Old MacDonald's Mini Golf where the pigs really do fly. I don't think we were supposed to sit on the livestock, but it made for a funny picture.
Beforehand, my niece had the idea to put Box and Rocks into her backpack. I've already mentioned that these buddies tagged along so that I could take pictures of them and make a scrapbook for our swap partners in a different state.
They even played golf with us. Many people looked at me strangely because I was always posing the raccoons for pictures.
Here we are from left: my niece Alex, Scamp, me, my nephew Bubby, and my mom. Scamp didn't play, but she roamed around with Nana and petted the talking animals. She requested to pet the "dirty little pigs." The things she says! Bubby had a fun time and did really well putting.
Scamp decided to show up her daddy in a game of Dance Dance in the arcade there. She's got moves! That's all for day one. I'll post more in a day or two.Saturday, July 05, 2008
How to Properly Care for Our Fickle Yet Beloved House Cat, Mr. Paw
Kailiani at An Island Life has started a Group Writing Project. This weeks theme is "How to..." A random winner will be drawn on July 17 and will recieve a $30 Amazon giftcard. See the link above for the guidelines to participate. Here is my entry:
Dear Janice, (our adored nanny for hire),
With all due respect, I am exceptionally grateful to you for your commitment to care and nurture our beloved cat whilst we are away. I have left you a few simple and may I say quite concise instructions of his proper care. Please read as follows:
Monday
7:02 am Scratch P. Paw or Mr. Paw as I will be referring to him for the remainder of our correspondence requests his first bowl of kit chowder to be served in a glass (please do not bother with plastic or the like as Mr. Paw is highly inconvenienced by the squeaky clamor the outer waxy layer of such bowls produce as he is feasting on his delicacies) dish, his favorite in red, slightly warmed over an open flame of due proportion and mixed delicately with a cream of goat’s milk.
7:05 am Mr. Paw may not finish his platter immediately but may savor the like as you in return may offer him a chilled concoction of bottled well water and savory lemon peel to cleanse his palate.
8:54 am Upon your return if in fact you have left the premises to parade the city streets in a mild mannerly fashion, of course, for an errand or two Mr. Paw requests to be walked. Although but slightly finicky Mr. Paw does enjoy the fresh breeze of the morning air as he is pranced about upon yonder leash through the cropped grass of our beloved neighborhood. He prefers not to allow his delicate paws to touch the rough, and decidedly uneven, surface of the commoners’ road of pavement. His pace of choice is a brisk yet expectantly gentle scamper as to not ruffle his coat of velvety fur.
9:09 am Mr. Paw will expect to be efficiently littered at this time. I do regard this is a delicate procedure, but I assure you, you will succeed in your efforts if you stay within these succinct guidelines. Place Mr. Paw within eyeing distance of his favored littering box but do not exit in haste. If he is ready upon immediate arrival you willst need offer some further assistance and perhaps a bit of coaxing with light fanning and gentle humming to summon forth his efforts. If Mr. Paw becomes agitated by your choice of tune to the point of spitting or hissing you must abort, I say ABORT child or you may receive a good lashing. Proper anesthetic is hidden under the back cupboard among various other elixirs and the like.
10:22 am Mr. Paw requires massage at this point. With scantily light fingers begin at his lower back and work your way up to the tips of his ears. Too rough and he will reciprocate in an ungentlemanly behavior. Too light, and he will speak unpleasantly until the job is done to his liking.
11:17 am Mr. Paw will take his mid-morning nap. I dare say he refuses to fluff his own pillows. You will be expected to accommodate his fickleness and fluff both the left and the right feathered pillow of his napping quarters. The center bundle is to be left untouched as too much fluffing causes an uneasy lumpiness that sets Mr. Paw into a frenzy of spats.
12:06 pm Din-din is expected on the dot. His midday meal should be proportionately halved between a moist succulent potted duck and a dry basted fish tender. The local grocery conveniently carries both delicacies. You will promptly be reimbursed for any costs you incur minus the 20 percent the grocer will demand for immediate service.
1:16 pm Mr. Paw delights in his afternoon nap. Again, you must fluff the pillows and lightly massage in the exact fashion of the aforementioned instructions. Any change of routine will cause serious consequences on your part.
3:34 pm Mr. Paw requests to be promptly woken from his nap with gentle birdsong. If your imitation of the sweet voiced swallow is lacking, you may attempt the mating song of the yellow canary. Be fore-warned that if Mr. Paw isn’t delicately woken, he will respond distastefully.
5:54 pm Supper is to be served. Mr. Paw’s evening tastes vary drastically therefore he will make his cravings known at this time. It is best if you inscribe his exact instructions on parchment and dictate them back to him before proceeding in the preparation.
7:29 pm Mr. Paw relishes his evening moonlit scamper. Leash-liberated and fancy free, Mr. Paw expects to romp and play free from the burdens of his tedious day. You are not to interfere in his play of choice.
8:59 pm Time to bed Mr. Paw. Again begin with the pillows but end with your best rendition of Over the Rainbow. If your voice is incapable of rendering the beautiful melody, Mr. Paw may fall into a fitful sleep upon which you must rock him until his restless slumber embarks on a beautiful journey of tender dreaming.
Congratulations. You’ve survived day one. Now, that you’ve perfected Mr. Paw’s proper care I expect day two will be just as fulfilling. Thanks be to you for your cordial service.
Sincerely,
Mr. Paw’s Mother-of-Sorts
Side-Note: I left these instructions as a joke for my friend Janice who so graciously cared for Scratchy while we were on vacation. I'm so glad I had a reason to post this.
Dear Janice, (our adored nanny for hire),
With all due respect, I am exceptionally grateful to you for your commitment to care and nurture our beloved cat whilst we are away. I have left you a few simple and may I say quite concise instructions of his proper care. Please read as follows:
Monday
7:02 am Scratch P. Paw or Mr. Paw as I will be referring to him for the remainder of our correspondence requests his first bowl of kit chowder to be served in a glass (please do not bother with plastic or the like as Mr. Paw is highly inconvenienced by the squeaky clamor the outer waxy layer of such bowls produce as he is feasting on his delicacies) dish, his favorite in red, slightly warmed over an open flame of due proportion and mixed delicately with a cream of goat’s milk.
7:05 am Mr. Paw may not finish his platter immediately but may savor the like as you in return may offer him a chilled concoction of bottled well water and savory lemon peel to cleanse his palate.
8:54 am Upon your return if in fact you have left the premises to parade the city streets in a mild mannerly fashion, of course, for an errand or two Mr. Paw requests to be walked. Although but slightly finicky Mr. Paw does enjoy the fresh breeze of the morning air as he is pranced about upon yonder leash through the cropped grass of our beloved neighborhood. He prefers not to allow his delicate paws to touch the rough, and decidedly uneven, surface of the commoners’ road of pavement. His pace of choice is a brisk yet expectantly gentle scamper as to not ruffle his coat of velvety fur.
9:09 am Mr. Paw will expect to be efficiently littered at this time. I do regard this is a delicate procedure, but I assure you, you will succeed in your efforts if you stay within these succinct guidelines. Place Mr. Paw within eyeing distance of his favored littering box but do not exit in haste. If he is ready upon immediate arrival you willst need offer some further assistance and perhaps a bit of coaxing with light fanning and gentle humming to summon forth his efforts. If Mr. Paw becomes agitated by your choice of tune to the point of spitting or hissing you must abort, I say ABORT child or you may receive a good lashing. Proper anesthetic is hidden under the back cupboard among various other elixirs and the like.
10:22 am Mr. Paw requires massage at this point. With scantily light fingers begin at his lower back and work your way up to the tips of his ears. Too rough and he will reciprocate in an ungentlemanly behavior. Too light, and he will speak unpleasantly until the job is done to his liking.
11:17 am Mr. Paw will take his mid-morning nap. I dare say he refuses to fluff his own pillows. You will be expected to accommodate his fickleness and fluff both the left and the right feathered pillow of his napping quarters. The center bundle is to be left untouched as too much fluffing causes an uneasy lumpiness that sets Mr. Paw into a frenzy of spats.
12:06 pm Din-din is expected on the dot. His midday meal should be proportionately halved between a moist succulent potted duck and a dry basted fish tender. The local grocery conveniently carries both delicacies. You will promptly be reimbursed for any costs you incur minus the 20 percent the grocer will demand for immediate service.
1:16 pm Mr. Paw delights in his afternoon nap. Again, you must fluff the pillows and lightly massage in the exact fashion of the aforementioned instructions. Any change of routine will cause serious consequences on your part.
3:34 pm Mr. Paw requests to be promptly woken from his nap with gentle birdsong. If your imitation of the sweet voiced swallow is lacking, you may attempt the mating song of the yellow canary. Be fore-warned that if Mr. Paw isn’t delicately woken, he will respond distastefully.
5:54 pm Supper is to be served. Mr. Paw’s evening tastes vary drastically therefore he will make his cravings known at this time. It is best if you inscribe his exact instructions on parchment and dictate them back to him before proceeding in the preparation.
7:29 pm Mr. Paw relishes his evening moonlit scamper. Leash-liberated and fancy free, Mr. Paw expects to romp and play free from the burdens of his tedious day. You are not to interfere in his play of choice.
8:59 pm Time to bed Mr. Paw. Again begin with the pillows but end with your best rendition of Over the Rainbow. If your voice is incapable of rendering the beautiful melody, Mr. Paw may fall into a fitful sleep upon which you must rock him until his restless slumber embarks on a beautiful journey of tender dreaming.
Congratulations. You’ve survived day one. Now, that you’ve perfected Mr. Paw’s proper care I expect day two will be just as fulfilling. Thanks be to you for your cordial service.
Sincerely,
Mr. Paw’s Mother-of-Sorts
Side-Note: I left these instructions as a joke for my friend Janice who so graciously cared for Scratchy while we were on vacation. I'm so glad I had a reason to post this.
Running Low on Ideas
This post will be stickied for awhile. Scroll down for new posts.
Don't get me wrong, I love blogging. But some days I don't have much to say. I love to post picture after picture of Scamp, and I'm sure you guys don't get too tired of that. But, every once in awhile I like to do something different. So, I need your help.
Don't get me wrong, I love blogging. But some days I don't have much to say. I love to post picture after picture of Scamp, and I'm sure you guys don't get too tired of that. But, every once in awhile I like to do something different. So, I need your help.
I've seen several other bloggers do this in the past: ask their readers to post questions. So, what would you guys want to know about me? Anything at all. And they don't have to be just typical questions like "where did you go to school?" I like those questions, so if you don't know ask. But, I love questions that cause me to think, too. Also, feel free to ask more than one question or comment several times with questions.
I'm not sure when I will start posting the answers and who asked them, but it will be pretty soon. So, don't be afraid to dig deep with your questions! Thanks!!
We're Home
We returned from our trip to Gatlinburg on Thursday. We were all so exhausted, especially Scamp. She didn't get many naps on the trip, but she had such a big time playing with Bubby at the Big House (our chalet). I hope to post a series with plenty of pictures this next week about our vacation.
We celebrated the 4th at my cousin's house in my hometown. Everyone brought fireworks then several of the guys put on a show for us. It was great. Today, we're going to hubby's hometown for the Jamboree, a two-day craft event with live music, clogging, and lots of greasy food. Should be fun!
Happy Independence Day!!!!
We celebrated the 4th at my cousin's house in my hometown. Everyone brought fireworks then several of the guys put on a show for us. It was great. Today, we're going to hubby's hometown for the Jamboree, a two-day craft event with live music, clogging, and lots of greasy food. Should be fun!
Happy Independence Day!!!!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Meme About My Kid(s)
I borrowed this from Lauren:
1. Link your tagger and list the rules on the blog.
2. Share 7 facts about your kiddos on your blog…random, weird, funny…whatever you want!
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post
4. Don’t forget to let the tagged people know!
7 things about my kid:
1. Scamp always has time for a song. She often makes up her own words to her favorite tunes.
2. One of Scamp's favorite foods is bologna face. Her daddy showed her how to eat eyes, a nose, and a mouth out of the bologna, then sport it for all to see. She doesn't seem to mind the grease as much as I do.
3. One of Scamp's newest sayings is "I'm ready to rock!" I have no idea where she picked it up from, but it seems appropriate to her yell it right before she dives off the coffee table.
4. Scamp's favorite outfit is the one she came out with the day she was born and often she will appear clothesless for all our neighbors and company to see. Our Thursday night group is immune to her antics since she derobes almost every time they're here.
5. Scamp is a Daddy's Girl...still. Many a night she will scream and cry and rip herself from my arms if I try to put her to bed. "Daddy put me to bed, Mama!" "Get away, Mama!" She loves her Daddy!
6. Scamp loves to talk on the phone and will request to call her Nana often. "Hello, Nana. I have a booboo. I paying (playing) with kitkat. I love you." She's a talker.
7. Scamp loves to cook. Anything related to playing kitchen, and she's all over it. She loves to play "drive-thru" the best. Out of no where she'll put on a hat or find a hole to peep out of and say "You want burger and fries? Here you go, sir."
Can you tell just how precious she is? I'll tag a few people just to play along.
1. Sonya
2. Momma
3. Coach Jenny
4. Annie
5. Donetta
6. Jeannene
7. Chappyswife
1. Link your tagger and list the rules on the blog.
2. Share 7 facts about your kiddos on your blog…random, weird, funny…whatever you want!
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post
4. Don’t forget to let the tagged people know!
7 things about my kid:
1. Scamp always has time for a song. She often makes up her own words to her favorite tunes.
2. One of Scamp's favorite foods is bologna face. Her daddy showed her how to eat eyes, a nose, and a mouth out of the bologna, then sport it for all to see. She doesn't seem to mind the grease as much as I do.
3. One of Scamp's newest sayings is "I'm ready to rock!" I have no idea where she picked it up from, but it seems appropriate to her yell it right before she dives off the coffee table.
4. Scamp's favorite outfit is the one she came out with the day she was born and often she will appear clothesless for all our neighbors and company to see. Our Thursday night group is immune to her antics since she derobes almost every time they're here.
5. Scamp is a Daddy's Girl...still. Many a night she will scream and cry and rip herself from my arms if I try to put her to bed. "Daddy put me to bed, Mama!" "Get away, Mama!" She loves her Daddy!
6. Scamp loves to talk on the phone and will request to call her Nana often. "Hello, Nana. I have a booboo. I paying (playing) with kitkat. I love you." She's a talker.
7. Scamp loves to cook. Anything related to playing kitchen, and she's all over it. She loves to play "drive-thru" the best. Out of no where she'll put on a hat or find a hole to peep out of and say "You want burger and fries? Here you go, sir."
Can you tell just how precious she is? I'll tag a few people just to play along.
1. Sonya
2. Momma
3. Coach Jenny
4. Annie
5. Donetta
6. Jeannene
7. Chappyswife
Friday, June 27, 2008
We'll Be on the Road
For some reason Beef's upstairs computer is not talking to my laptop. Who knows what my new baby has done to Bertha (aka Beef's stationary computer) now? I hoped to post the fun we had at my niece Alex and my nephew Billy's birthday party this past weekend. They had the hook-up on karaoke, and boy, we sang our hearts out, but Bertha is hiding those pictures from me.
Instead I will talk about the Little People Swap Scamp and I are participating in. Here she is with her new buddy "Box" who was set to accompany us on our vacation this next week. Following which he would have been sent to our Little Swap Partner up north.
But, Scamp quickly became attached to this little scraggly raccoon and carried him in her shirt for a few hours as her new baby. How could I send him away?
So, we picked up a new "Box" (Box #2), identical to his brother minus the chocolate milk stains Box #1 sustained a couple of weeks ago, who will also be traveling with us. Boxes 1 and 2 will pose in many a picture in the Smoky Mountains, then Scamp and I will be making a scrap book and sending it, Box #2, plus a few other goodies to our New York partners, who will in turn send us their scrapbook fun.
I won't be posting much this next week but will have lots to share when we return. See you soon, and don't forget to leave more questions for me.
Instead I will talk about the Little People Swap Scamp and I are participating in. Here she is with her new buddy "Box" who was set to accompany us on our vacation this next week. Following which he would have been sent to our Little Swap Partner up north.
But, Scamp quickly became attached to this little scraggly raccoon and carried him in her shirt for a few hours as her new baby. How could I send him away?
So, we picked up a new "Box" (Box #2), identical to his brother minus the chocolate milk stains Box #1 sustained a couple of weeks ago, who will also be traveling with us. Boxes 1 and 2 will pose in many a picture in the Smoky Mountains, then Scamp and I will be making a scrap book and sending it, Box #2, plus a few other goodies to our New York partners, who will in turn send us their scrapbook fun.
I won't be posting much this next week but will have lots to share when we return. See you soon, and don't forget to leave more questions for me.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fun Meme
I borrowed this from Annie.
1.What is in the back of your car? Scamp's turtle float, my fold-up lounge chair. You never know when you might need to lounge by the pool!
2.What color is your toothbrush? white with green stripes
3.Name one person who made you smile today. Scamp. She's sick, but she still woos my heart.
4.What were you doing at 8:00 AM? making scrambled eggs for Scamp and myself
5. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? watching Super Dog as Scamp calls it (Underdog, the movie) for the second time with my sick girl
6. What is your favorite candy? milk chocolate with caramel
7. What is the last thing your said aloud? "You stink," to the cat.
8. What is the best ice cream flavor? cookies-n-cream
9. What is the last thing you had to drink? does drinking melted Popsicle count?
10 What are you wearing right now? plaid shorts and a collared shirt, so preppy today
11. What is the last thing you ate? orange popsicle
12. Have you bought any new clothes this week? no, but last week I bought a couple of swimsuits
13. When was the last time you ran? gross but I ran around the car earlier this morning to help a sick Scamp
14. What was the last sporting event you watched? my niece play softball. They've been winning a lot of tournaments.
15. Ever go camping? Yes but not often
16. Do you have a tan? A bit
17. Do you take vitamins daily? no. I can't stand to swallow pills.
18. Do you go to church? Yes
19. Do you like Chinese food more than pizza? Of course
20. Do you drink your soda with a straw? out in a glass? I don't normally drink soda, but when I do I don't use a straw.
21. Are you someone’s best friend? Maybe. Is anyone claiming?
22. What are you doing tomorrow? Hopefully going to the library to return overdue books.
23. Where is your dad? Working in the hot sun.
24. Can you say the alphabet backwards? I used could.
25. Do you have a maid service clean your home? I wish.
26. Do you have a favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? I don't have much choice. I wear tennis shoes with inserts.
27. What color is your car? Striped black, brown, gray with a white tummy. Wait! That said car!! LOL. In that case, black and silver.
28. How do you like your popcorn? Light
29. How did you get your worst scar? Recent surgery.
30. Look to your left. What do you see? Carpet that needs to be vacuumed and Scamp's riding pony.
31. What color is your watch? I don't wear one.
32. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Steve Irwin. I miss him.
33. Do you use chap stick? Yes, medicated.
34. Do you have a dog? No, but Scamp would claim all the neighbor's dogs as her own.
35. Last person you talked to on the phone? Beef, called checking on Scamp.
36. Have you met anyone famous? From afar. Does starring at the back of Vince Gill's and Amy Grant's heads count?
37. Any plans today? A trip to the grocery store or else we won't eat supper.
38. How many states have you lived in? One.
39. Do you dye your hair? Highlights.
40. Do you like cats? My favorite.
Wanna play? Tag… you’re it!
1.What is in the back of your car? Scamp's turtle float, my fold-up lounge chair. You never know when you might need to lounge by the pool!
2.What color is your toothbrush? white with green stripes
3.Name one person who made you smile today. Scamp. She's sick, but she still woos my heart.
4.What were you doing at 8:00 AM? making scrambled eggs for Scamp and myself
5. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? watching Super Dog as Scamp calls it (Underdog, the movie) for the second time with my sick girl
6. What is your favorite candy? milk chocolate with caramel
7. What is the last thing your said aloud? "You stink," to the cat.
8. What is the best ice cream flavor? cookies-n-cream
9. What is the last thing you had to drink? does drinking melted Popsicle count?
10 What are you wearing right now? plaid shorts and a collared shirt, so preppy today
11. What is the last thing you ate? orange popsicle
12. Have you bought any new clothes this week? no, but last week I bought a couple of swimsuits
13. When was the last time you ran? gross but I ran around the car earlier this morning to help a sick Scamp
14. What was the last sporting event you watched? my niece play softball. They've been winning a lot of tournaments.
15. Ever go camping? Yes but not often
16. Do you have a tan? A bit
17. Do you take vitamins daily? no. I can't stand to swallow pills.
18. Do you go to church? Yes
19. Do you like Chinese food more than pizza? Of course
20. Do you drink your soda with a straw? out in a glass? I don't normally drink soda, but when I do I don't use a straw.
21. Are you someone’s best friend? Maybe. Is anyone claiming?
22. What are you doing tomorrow? Hopefully going to the library to return overdue books.
23. Where is your dad? Working in the hot sun.
24. Can you say the alphabet backwards? I used could.
25. Do you have a maid service clean your home? I wish.
26. Do you have a favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? I don't have much choice. I wear tennis shoes with inserts.
27. What color is your car? Striped black, brown, gray with a white tummy. Wait! That said car!! LOL. In that case, black and silver.
28. How do you like your popcorn? Light
29. How did you get your worst scar? Recent surgery.
30. Look to your left. What do you see? Carpet that needs to be vacuumed and Scamp's riding pony.
31. What color is your watch? I don't wear one.
32. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Steve Irwin. I miss him.
33. Do you use chap stick? Yes, medicated.
34. Do you have a dog? No, but Scamp would claim all the neighbor's dogs as her own.
35. Last person you talked to on the phone? Beef, called checking on Scamp.
36. Have you met anyone famous? From afar. Does starring at the back of Vince Gill's and Amy Grant's heads count?
37. Any plans today? A trip to the grocery store or else we won't eat supper.
38. How many states have you lived in? One.
39. Do you dye your hair? Highlights.
40. Do you like cats? My favorite.
Wanna play? Tag… you’re it!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Ick
We are suffering from the Ick around here -- some sort of nasty stomach virus going around. Beef and I have both had it, but I can't seem to shake some of the symptoms - nausea and just overall no energy. We're fairly certain it's the stomach bug and not anything else. Scamp has not come down with it, so please prayer she doesn't. We leave for vacation next week, and we'd hate to carry that with us.
I'm off to lay down. I've already taken my nap, so now it's time to watch a movie -- Fool's Gold. Have you seen it?
I'm off to lay down. I've already taken my nap, so now it's time to watch a movie -- Fool's Gold. Have you seen it?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Fancy Pants
When Britisher Lady Sydney Hathwell's father dies, the American who planned to wed her suddenly reneges. Stranded in America and penniless, Sydney contacts a relative in Texas who, mistaking her male-sounding name, invites his "nephew" to join him on his ranch. "Big Tim" Creighton, however, is appalled when this mincing fop arrives at Forsaken. He determines he'll turn Fancy Pants Hathwell into a man before the boss returns home. From the get-go, he has "the kid" mucking stalls, clearing and plowing a field, and assisting with a difficult calving. But when Sydney's true identity is uncovered, Tim resents being deceived. Yet in time, he also finds that he doesn't like all the attention Sydney garners now that she's wearing pretty gowns...Together Sydney and Tim will discover the importance of family and what it means to be a man--and a woman--of God. From book jacket.
This was my first book by Cathy Marie Hake. The cover of the book was really what drew me in. I can't help it, but I do judge books by their covers. Most of the time I'll pick a pretty cover or a plain one unless someone has recommended the book. As is the case in the life of Lady Sydney Hathwell. She assumes the role as a male to get away from an unwelcome romance and is thus judged by her appearance.
This was such a fun piece of historical fiction. I've seen many a movie where the plot revolves around a female masquerading as a male, and they always crack me up. As did this book. I also enjoy books where the characters grow, change, or discover more about themselves, which Lady Hathwell did as well. If you like romantic period pieces, you won't be let down.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Miss Independent
My baby is only 2 years old, but she's already wanting her own independence. Oh, the days when I would rock her to sleep...then the days where I would rock her while reading books and singing before bed. But, now she wants to sit on the ottoman or lay on the floor with a pillow while I sit lonesome in the rocking chair.
"Baby, you wanna sit in Mama's lap?" I say.
"No, I sit here." replies my rascally Scamp.
Today we went swimming. She loves her turtle ring float, but she let me carry her around the pool for awhile. She didn't even realize I was getting my snuggles in. I'll take what I can get because before long she'll be swimming away from me.
"Baby, you wanna sit in Mama's lap?" I say.
"No, I sit here." replies my rascally Scamp.
Today we went swimming. She loves her turtle ring float, but she let me carry her around the pool for awhile. She didn't even realize I was getting my snuggles in. I'll take what I can get because before long she'll be swimming away from me.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A Flickr Meme
Thanks Stacy for this neat idea.
Here’s how it works:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image. (I cheated on a couple)
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.
d. Save and share your mosaic.
1. What is your first name? Shawna
2. What is your favorite food? Fried Chicken Sandwich
3. What school did you go to? MTSU
4. What is your favorite color? Purple
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Matthew McConaughay
6. What is your favorite drink? Raspberry Lemonade
7. What is your dream vacation? Australia
8. What is your favorite dessert? Molten Chocolate Cake
9. What you want to be when you grow up? Author
10. What do you love most in life? God
11. What is one word that describes you? Sincere
12. What is your flickr name? nutritionshawna (had to type in nutrition)
1. For Shawna!, 2. Tastes Like Chicken, 3. florida gators vs. middle tennessee state 9-9-00, 4. Purple fingers, 5. Matthew McConaughey, 6. msh0508-20, 7. Sydney on the harbour, 8. Everyone's Favorite!, 9. "Timemachines", 10. From above..., 11. sincere thankfulness, 12. Fruit Salad
Here’s how it works:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image. (I cheated on a couple)
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.
d. Save and share your mosaic.
1. What is your first name? Shawna
2. What is your favorite food? Fried Chicken Sandwich
3. What school did you go to? MTSU
4. What is your favorite color? Purple
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Matthew McConaughay
6. What is your favorite drink? Raspberry Lemonade
7. What is your dream vacation? Australia
8. What is your favorite dessert? Molten Chocolate Cake
9. What you want to be when you grow up? Author
10. What do you love most in life? God
11. What is one word that describes you? Sincere
12. What is your flickr name? nutritionshawna (had to type in nutrition)
1. For Shawna!, 2. Tastes Like Chicken, 3. florida gators vs. middle tennessee state 9-9-00, 4. Purple fingers, 5. Matthew McConaughey, 6. msh0508-20, 7. Sydney on the harbour, 8. Everyone's Favorite!, 9. "Timemachines", 10. From above..., 11. sincere thankfulness, 12. Fruit Salad
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
We're Halfway There
Wednesday...Hump Day (the middle of the week). We have made it over halfway through VBS. Each day has been a little better as far as less exhaustion. Beef and I started Sunday off with the two-year olds in the nursery. 18 of them. No that wasn't a mistake. About five of them left right after choir was over in the service. Then, the nursery director sent in the cavalry. A couple of ladies came and took another 5 of them on a 30-minute buggy ride.
But, for VBS myself and two other ladies have only had about 7 but for twice as long. The kids have all been really sweet, but we have had a few melt downs. Thank goodness only one at a time though. I think all the other classes are going well, but I've only really been focused on Scamp's class. They are the workers' kids. I can't wait to see everything that God is accomplishing this week.
But, for VBS myself and two other ladies have only had about 7 but for twice as long. The kids have all been really sweet, but we have had a few melt downs. Thank goodness only one at a time though. I think all the other classes are going well, but I've only really been focused on Scamp's class. They are the workers' kids. I can't wait to see everything that God is accomplishing this week.
Monday, June 09, 2008
VBS Week
First day of VBS.
E...X...H...A...U...S...T...E...D!
May not survive the week...
Need nap...
DJksjfkdsnfjdekfejd Where am I? siefhjierfiefis................
E...X...H...A...U...S...T...E...D!
May not survive the week...
Need nap...
DJksjfkdsnfjdekfejd Where am I? siefhjierfiefis................
Friday, June 06, 2008
Reflection
I really miss Weekend Reflection because it was a way for me to reflect back over the week and see how God had blessed me and my family. So, I just want to take a minute to reflect now and just be thankful.
Often times I find myself envying others' new homes, and I have to remind myself that got provided for us with ours. As my husband and I both agree, our house may not be as nice as some of our friends, but people want to come and hang out here often. God provided us with exactly what we needed to be able to welcome others into our home, and that is far more of a blessing.
I am thankful for the ability to be able to get out and go. Sometimes I take that for granted. I often grumble about my sore feet, but I still have the ability to walk and to play with my daughter. I can still leave the house and go to the park, the store, or the movies whenever I want.
I am so appreciative of my loving husband who often takes my grumpy and irritable moods with a smile. I struggle in this area daily and am brought to my knees in repentance over and over. I am thankful that God can change me...if only I'll be willing to let him.
Those were just s few things that have been on my mind recently. Sometimes, it's nice to write them out in order to put them in perspective. Have a wonderful weekend!
Often times I find myself envying others' new homes, and I have to remind myself that got provided for us with ours. As my husband and I both agree, our house may not be as nice as some of our friends, but people want to come and hang out here often. God provided us with exactly what we needed to be able to welcome others into our home, and that is far more of a blessing.
I am thankful for the ability to be able to get out and go. Sometimes I take that for granted. I often grumble about my sore feet, but I still have the ability to walk and to play with my daughter. I can still leave the house and go to the park, the store, or the movies whenever I want.
I am so appreciative of my loving husband who often takes my grumpy and irritable moods with a smile. I struggle in this area daily and am brought to my knees in repentance over and over. I am thankful that God can change me...if only I'll be willing to let him.
Those were just s few things that have been on my mind recently. Sometimes, it's nice to write them out in order to put them in perspective. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Pool Party At the Boro Shores
We had an awesome pool party in our backyard yesterday. Two of my friends and their kids came over for a yummy picnic and a dip in one of our two pools, the bigger pool for the big girls (including us moms) and a small pool for the wee ones.
Scamp has been in the pool almost everyday, at least twice a day -- once before nap and once after. I wasn't able to show all the pictures because my little one decided she was more comfortable swimming, swinging, and tromping around in the buff half the day.
They finished off the day with some ice pops in the warm wee pool, I mean wee ones pool. Fun stuff!!Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Here Comes the . . . Flower Girl
The wedding came and went this past Saturday. It was an exciting but long and exhausting day that began when we left the house at 9:30 am. We learned the night before that we were expected to be dressed for pictures at the church by 11 am. But, Scamp's hair appointment was at 11 am. Thank goodness her Aunt Sha Sha (Shan) was doing her hair. We called her Saturday morning to ask if we could come an hour early.
We booked it to the church after Scamp's hair was sufficiently fluffed and made it by 11:45, but the bridesmaid's weren't ready yet. So, we were right on time. Scamp did fairly well with pictures, especially sitting still. And fifteen minutes before the 2:00 pm ceremony I sneaked out of the nursery where Scamp and the other girls were waiting. I had saved myself a seat in the third row from the front near the center aisle so that I would be visible to Scamp and help with any "complications."
Finally, Scamp and the bridesmaids arrived to the rear of the church. I could see her wide, mischieveous grin spreading. She was so excited. One by one the bridesmaids came forward. Then, it was time for Scamp's big entrance. Smiling with her tongue sticking out, she caught sight of me and ran, forgetting to drop her petals along the way. I grasped her, gave her a big hug and sent her to the front with the others. She wasn't quite sure what to do and started making a few circles on stage and finally ran back to me. I could sense she might steal the show from the bride if she was left to her own devices.
Singing "Jesus Loves Me" into the mic before the wedding. I think Scamp would have tried to serenade the crowd during the vows.
I quickly handed her a bad of emergency cookies and toted her to the back row where her Daddy was nicely hidden. Feat accomplished although she didn't exit with the other wedding party. Everyone got a good laugh out of her speedy entrance, and the ceremony went peacefully with the bride being the center of attention.
We booked it to the church after Scamp's hair was sufficiently fluffed and made it by 11:45, but the bridesmaid's weren't ready yet. So, we were right on time. Scamp did fairly well with pictures, especially sitting still. And fifteen minutes before the 2:00 pm ceremony I sneaked out of the nursery where Scamp and the other girls were waiting. I had saved myself a seat in the third row from the front near the center aisle so that I would be visible to Scamp and help with any "complications."
Finally, Scamp and the bridesmaids arrived to the rear of the church. I could see her wide, mischieveous grin spreading. She was so excited. One by one the bridesmaids came forward. Then, it was time for Scamp's big entrance. Smiling with her tongue sticking out, she caught sight of me and ran, forgetting to drop her petals along the way. I grasped her, gave her a big hug and sent her to the front with the others. She wasn't quite sure what to do and started making a few circles on stage and finally ran back to me. I could sense she might steal the show from the bride if she was left to her own devices.
Singing "Jesus Loves Me" into the mic before the wedding. I think Scamp would have tried to serenade the crowd during the vows.
I quickly handed her a bad of emergency cookies and toted her to the back row where her Daddy was nicely hidden. Feat accomplished although she didn't exit with the other wedding party. Everyone got a good laugh out of her speedy entrance, and the ceremony went peacefully with the bride being the center of attention.
Reception. Scamp was starved.
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