Happy 4th of July!

Today is America's birthday, a day when Americans should celebrate liberty and freedom that was hard earned in 1776. In declaring our own independence, we were doing more than breaking away from England: we were breaking away from tyranny, from the idea that some men were fit to govern others without their consent and from the chains of dependency and servitude.

This first taste of freedom led to other inspired causes such as the end of slavery in America, the standing up to Nazi cruelty in WWII and the fight to end segregation. Today it inspires us to give a fighting chance for democracy to those who have not had the same breath of freedoms. None of these causes were easy. None were painless. However they all were worth the fight.

Remember, were it not for those who have gone before or those who are going still today, we would not have the freedom that we have. I mean "we" as in humanity, not limiting this thought to America alone.

I found this clip, and I was filled with gratitude for those who are still fighting for our continued liberties, our freedoms and our protection. Though man can be evil/selfish to the core, there are those who choose to stand and to fight for themselves, for their loved ones and for others whom they will never meet. That's what makes them heroes. Thank you to every soldier who chose, who is choosing and who will choose in the future to stand for freedom.

Gladiators - American Style

Happy 4th of July everyone!

The Mom Test

When I saw this one a few months ago, I knew it would be the perfect Father's Day post.


Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful dads out there!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her, and I asked her not to do that.

"Why?" my daughter asked.

"Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has germs," I replied.

At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked,"Momma, how do you know all this stuff. You are so smart."

I was thinking quickly, "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mom Test. You have to know it or they don't let you be a Mom."

We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information. "Oh...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the dad."?

''Exactly," I replied back with a big smile on my face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Father’s Day to the man who I’m really glad didn’t pass the test. You make the best Dad in the world!

WFMW - Father's Day Idea

Did y'all realize that Father's Day is this weekend?

THIS WEEKEND?!

Now I know how Mr. Right felt when I mentioned Mother's Day gift ideas and he had this blank look on his face...

I told him that I'm getting him a house for Father's Day. Do you think he'll buy it?

With Dad's Day quickly approaching (June 15th by the way), I've decided to take him to one of his favorite places: Outback. He'll be able to have a wonderful steak without the work of grilling it!

Did you know that Outback is running a special offer? If you bring your husband, father, etc. to Outback on June 15, they'll receive a $10 certificate valid on their next visit. So basically, they'll give me $10 to eat there. Bonus!

How it works is: Dad’s (or let's face it, Mom's will wind up doing it as they do most of the tasks around the house) will need to need to activate the certificate online at http://outback.com/dadsday (Note: link will launch during the weekend of Father's Day) where in addition to activation, they’ll automatically be entered in an online sweepstakes to win a $100 gift card when they enter the promo code found on the bottom of the $10 certificate. The certificate can be used at any Outback location from June 18th– July 20th with the minimum purchase of $25.

You can learn more about this promotion and some of Outback’s new menu items by visiting their site. They'll explain anything that I neglected to put in the post.

So free money definite works for me. If you win the $100 certificate, I only ask that you send me a Blooming Onion as a thank you gift.

Head on over to Shannon's place for some other great ideas!

Thank You To Those Who Make This The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

I was having a conversation with a friend of a returning soldier from Iraq. The military man said that he was amazed at what his uniform did for him: on this return trip home, everywhere he went in the airports, people would stop him to say thanks, to buy him a drink or to hug him. He was struck with the thought that so many people would outwardly appreciate him - a stranger - just because he has honor of serving this country. He realized that his uniform was more than just cloth and threads; it was a sign of freedom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I received this email earlier, and I couldn't help but feel the serious beauty that demands nothing less than my utmost respect and my deepest thanks to the men and women who are courageous, brave and more selfless than I. To those serving our country in any capacity, thank you. For those who have fallen in defending and honoring us, I promise to not crush your backs on which I stand a free citizen.

Here are two pictures that were awarded first and second place at the Picture of the Year International this year. Very very touching photos.

First Place



Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac. During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as one of the most powerful in the process: "See the people in the windows? They'll sit right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said. "They're going to remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should."


Second Place



Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have done."

Gratituesday 6

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

Four days ago, when I was having an awkward day, I asked Mr. Right to make us some brownies. That sweet man knows me well; after pouring some into the pan, he handed me the bowl and spatula, making sure that he left quite a bit behind for me to lick clean.

Three days ago, when I had about 3 hours of sleep, Mr. Right gave me a massage to help relax me for a nap. He never once belittled me for being a lazy bum who read most of the day in hopes of it helping me to fall asleep. (I finally got an hour’s nap sometime in the afternoon.)

That same day when Mr. Right called one of our friends with whom we always eat Sunday lunch to ask about the Mother’s Day plans, he spoke briefly to one of the other men. We were all to go to someone’s house for a barbeque. I inquired as to what they wanted our family to bring. The look I received lead me to believe that bringing something never came up. Another call to our friend indicated that we could just bring a side and a dessert.

“So, what do you think you should make?” asked Mr. Right.

“Are you really asking what you think I should make to bring to a Mother’s Day lunch?” I inquired, arching my eyebrows to give the look.

“Ummm, I probably shouldn’t have asked that,” he meekly replied with a smile.

Two days ago, I awoke around 6:30 in the morning with a smile on my face. Ahhh! Mother’s Day! Rolling over to gently wake the man in charge of the morning festivities, I whispered, “If you want to make me breakfast in bed, you’re going to need to get the kids up and get started.”

“Huh?” and a glare at disturbing some sweet dreams is what I got from him. I repeated my statement, adding, “If you’re not doing breakfast in bed with the kids, then I’m getting up.”

“Oh. Yeah. So what do you want?”

“Are you really asking me that?” I asked for the second time in 24 hours.

“Ummm, I probably shouldn’t ask that either,” he meekly replied again.

40 minutes later, after quickly hiding the book I was reading and looking as if I was asleep, I “awoke” to a kiss from The Boy. Next, The Girl sang me a sweet little serenade to the tune of James Blunt’s You’re Beautiful song. “You’re beautiful. You’re beautiful. In every single way. Happy Mother’s Day.” After that came Mr. Right with a huge chocolate chip pancake, bacon and coffee that was going to hit the spot. Homemade cards, morning snuggles and breakfast in bed… it doesn’t get much better than that, no matter what day of the week it is.

The rest of the day was fun with multiple families and as relaxing as I’ll get out. (Oh, and he decided to bring chips and brownies to the bbq.) That night he cooked us steaks. They were so good, I even helped him with the dishes. (They were that good.)

I’m grateful that God has given me such a sweet man who has a funny sense of humor, as well as the insight as to how to treat me like a queen, his queen. Not only is he good to me, he encourages our children to show their affections in their own unique ways. I thank God for His goodness that is so visible through the people in my life.

Happy Mother's Day!

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a...?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, "housewife covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day, I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."*

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?), and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants.





Whatever your title, Happy Mother's Day!

Reunited - Makes Me Feel So Good

Oh. My. Lands.

My ears are still ringing.  Between the The Girl and her friend Bailey laughing and singing and playing and then The Boy and Bailey having a few tickle wars, my senses were on overload, especially since it's been so calm around the house for the past week.

I knew I missed the little critters, but it's always amazing how much my heart leaps when I see them after a long visit.  It really makes me want to cry with sadness from the depth of realization that I've longed for their hugs and then tears of joys that I get to have that sadness immediately removed.  Last night was such a wonderful time to meet, greet and eat... and then pile into the various cars for a 2 hour drive home.

On the way home they kept saying how tired they were.  (They had been up late all week long and it was really catching up to them.)  But because we're mean, we made them stay awake the entire time.  Hey, I wanted them to go to bed when they got home!  But wouldn't you know it?   They perked right up when they saw the new addition in the garage!  They opened every door and crawled into the backseat as if they were ready for another trip.  We'll give them a ride in it sometime later.

Oh, it's good to have the family back together again!  As much as we longed for the couple time, it's always so nice to have the daily squirmishes in the background to seal our love.

Oh and with all the car stuff that we had been through on our "romantic break from the kids" (HA!), I've been meaning to share with you the news about our office.

Look at these... 

In addition to preparing a house and looking for new wheels, I've been packing up our office. Not just my stuff, but all the items in our copier space and just yesterday, I had the good news that I was also packing up my boss' office. Joy oh joy. This is the same man that doesn't want anyone to touch his stuff. I'm not kidding. He's a little OCD when it comes to fingerprints, natural body oils and just his stuff in general. Wanna mess with his mind? Go in and ever-so-slightly alter the position of a picture either on his desk or on the wall. It will drive him nuts until he gets everything back in order. (Not that I've done that, mind you... It's all just a hypothetical guess. Oh look, something shiny!)

Come Monday, they'll all be in a new office. Yeah, baby!!! This move has come so quickly (not really, but with the car thing, it seems really fast); I'm going to have new walls beginning next week. Oh, I can't wait! No more wall of uncovered windows. No more misdirected traffic. No more 14 steps to walk to the office door. (Hey, that's actually bad... I need that exercise. Well, having a large, shared parking lot will make up for it.) Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of my new digs on Monday.

As it's almost Easter, I wish you all the joy of knowing our Savior who died on a day like today for all of our sins. Even if you don't believe it, it still happened just the same. You think this thought is amazing? Just wait two days from now when that same man came back to life and brought redemption to this world. Now that's amazing.

Love In The Time Of Cholera Colds

The girl stayed home yesterday.  She awoke with a 100.6 fever and she had chills that were multipying...  I told her to shape up, but she just stared at me, slightly glassy-eyed.  

After dosing her with dry toast, a large glass of water and some ibuprofen, she seemed to be better.  You know what she's hoping will happen, don't you?  She has to be back at school for "The Big Handout '08".  She's so ready to pass those little papers with cute dogs and cats on them to her friend.  I'm pretty sure she's thinking that she won't get any if she's not there, too.

She recounted that she missed school the two days before Thanksgiving, she was sick after Christmas and if she's not better by tomorrow, she'll miss out on Valentine's.  Holidays don't fair well for her; however, let the record show that she was right as rain on New Year's Eve/Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Groundhog Day.  And she has a good chance of feeling great by President's Day!

Mr. Right and I tag-teamed today.  He stayed home for half a day in the morning; I wisely took the afternoon shift.  Why wisely?  Oh, because I totally missed out on the traffic coming home and I had the wherewithal to stop by our favorite Chinese restaurant for our traditional sickday fare: hot and sour soup.  And since I was there, I had to get something for me too, right?  Well, I did.  So there.  And I even shared it with Mr. Right.  So we fed three people for the price of one.

With The Girl down for a second nap, I spent my time wisely around the house.  I cleaned out The Boy's closet, cleaned out the game cabinet, dusted (YUCK!), recycled papers and tossed out more junk, compiled more for the donation pile, cleaned up the basement and talked to Jeana.  I always love doing that last one.  I know!  We talked on the phone and I liked it!  Will wonders never cease?

Suffice to say, I kicked cleaning-house tushy today.  It's not completely ready, but we're a lot closer now.

The Boy had a friend come over after school because his parents were going to be at their other son's basketball game.  Ten minutes after the game started, she called to say that her son broke his leg and could I keep him for a while.  Of course I said of course.  But I have to tell you... Five hours with this boy is enough!  I know this next bit was on accident, but he put a huge scrape in my wood floor. Did I mention that WE'RE SELLING THE HOUSE?! He's loud, he doesn't have great manners and he's DRIVING ME CRAZY!   Oh, and he's still here.  I'm wondering if his parents took off for Toledo or something...

Thank you.  I feel better now.

The Girl hit the hay around 7:30, after a warm up in the bath.  She was slightly shivering by the time she got in bed, so I treated her to a warm cocoon.  Do you know that is?  It's where you get your kid all tucked in and then you run a blowdryer under the covers so that it's nice and toasty warm.  Pretty soon her shivers disappeared and a smile replaced them.  Oh, how I love that sweet smile.

With no other fever throughout the day, The Girl is hoping to score big at school tomorrow.  Lord willing, she'll sleep the sleep of the healthy and tired.  And all will be back to normal - whatever that is.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.  If I had enough valentines, I'd stuff one into each of your handmade boxes.  But since I don't, maybe this one will tell you how I feel about you instead.

Click here for your special valentine, Valentines!

Day One

Well, it seems that my mind wanted to take a break, even if I hadn't planned one. I just couldn't get myself to blog this time. 

We've been very busy since we returned home last Saturday.  Oh and by the way, no kids were harmed in the making of the trip home.  They actually were really nice to each other as we traveled.  Whew.  

After unloading all the Christmas loot and putting everything away, shopping for food since we had no staples after being gone for a week, planning for a New Year's Eve party at our house with some friends and then shopping for it, cleaning (because - good night!  People are coming over to my house and I need to clean every bathroom in the house!), making a batch of these delicious cinnamon rolls for the company on New Year's morning and making the meal for the night, I just didn't have much time or energy to do much else.  I've decided that I need a vacation to recover from my vacation.  But everything has been worth all the effort.

New Year's Eve was a blast.  We had our traditional party which is with our friends the Brocks and other families who rotate in and out each year.  We have a theme that works for us all: the boys play games all night and the girls watch chick flicks and drink frou frou drinks that I create.  It's a win-win for us all.  

FYI: My new creation this year was a shaken mix of melon liquor with pineapple juice and crushed ice, drain into a martini glass and drizzle Razzmatazz around the edges of the glass.  Yum!  

While the guys played Monopoly, we girls watched Hairspray (fabulous the second time around) and then Music and Lyrics, which really surprised me.  I really liked it despite my preconceived notions about it.  For some reason I decided beforehand that it was a crummy movie, but it was really funny and had some hilarious lines.  Hugh Grant played his part perfectly, signature hip moves and all. (At one point in the movie Grant said that his dance was used to attract women.  Mr. Right, who was in the kitchen getting coffee, ran in and said, "Oh yeah?  Here's my dance that I use to attract women."  Then he proceeded to dance the most linguini-like white man's dance you ever could see.  After recovering from my laughing fit, I ran into the other room to give him kisses.  Hey, his moves work on me.  What can I say?)

Today has been full of eating good food, talking with friends, football and a good nap.  I'd have to say it's been a great day over all. 

Happy 2008 to you all!  May you see all the ways that God blesses you in this coming year.

I'm Not Dead Yet...

It may seem that I've fallen off the face of the planet, but really all that's happened is that I we've been at my in-awe's house this past week. Oh the glory of a week off from work... I had to make those unused sick days come into play before the end of the year or else they would be gone.

We've enjoyed a great week with lots of presents, great food, playtime and football. Can a week get any better? I can't wait to get home to play with some of my new things (like my new coffee pot that grinds the beans, moves it into the filter and then brews it into a thermos, a new pie plate and a new recipe book all about pies. Woo hoo! I can't wait to try some new recipes out and then tell you all about it...)

One thing I've learned this week is that just because your kids can do amazing things, they're still kids at heart. Bickering, frustrations, whining and "Mom! He breathed my air! Make him stop!-No I didn't!" often punctuate the air. Christmas has definitely passed.

Sigh. My work is never done. Say a prayer for me. It may be a long 4-hour drive home today. Hopefully, my kids will live to see tomorrow.

Catch y'all on Monday!

Why God Invented Blogs or Why I Have My Christmas Present Already

I couldn’t decide which title worked best…

Yesterday morning at the breakfast table, Mr. Right told The Girl and me some awful news about one of his coworkers. While his coworker was at work and everyone in her family of four was out of the house, someone broke into their apartment (which sits on a corner and backs up to trees). Not only did the thieves take the Christmas presents, they had all day to take everything else; they cleaned out their food, clothes, clocks, games, money that had been saved to fix their car - everything, even their last can of Who Hash and the crumb that was too small for a mouse.

His work rallied and they collected $600 for them the first day. Mr. Right was just telling us so that we could make a decision as a family to give something to them as well. We were silent for a moment; then I said, “Let’s give them some money, and I’ll go through the pantry and clean it out. We can always buy more food.”

Then I turned to The Girl and said, “The Girl, would you mind if I gave them one of your Christmas presents?”

She asked which one (which was an odd question because she doesn’t know what she’s getting – I wrapped them as soon as I bought them). Knowing that the family of four has two teenage boys – I’m pretty sure that they won’t want size 14 jeans, a cute sweater or pair of earrings, I said, “Well, your Grandma Cora and Grandpa Duck sent you some money for Christmas. Would you like to give some of that to them?”

She didn’t even bat an eye as she said, “Give all of it to them.”

I, on the other hand, choked on my sip of coffee and said, “Honey, you don’t have to give it all. You could give half and that would be just fine.”

Looking me straight in the eyes, she replied, “Mom, I am so spoiled.”   Then she continued to eat her cinnamon roll.

And then I started bawling. She definitely is not missing the give in Thanksgiving gene, just like her Daddy…

As an afterthought, she said, “And we don’t even have to tell Grandma Cora or Grandpa Duck because it’s my money and I can give it away and they won’t get their feelings hurt that I gave their present away.” That girl was worried about her grandparents’ feelings in this act of kindness!

“If you tell them, I guarantee that they will be more pleased with what you did with it than whatever you would have bought,” I assured her.

“Mom, I can’t tell them! Then it looks like I’m bragging, and I don’t want that at all.”

And that is why God invented blogs - so that I can do it for her, without her ever knowing… (Grandma Cora and Grandpa Duck – please don’t get your feelings hurt that The Girl knows more about being Christ-like than your girl ever knew.)

Later, when The Boy awoke and was eating his breakfast, he asked why I was packing up a whole bunch of food. Mr. Right explained the situation, and The Boy quickly said, “Can I give them some of my clothes or toys?”

I told him that he was so sweet, but then informed him that the boys were teenagers, that his clothes wouldn’t fit them and they probably play with different kinds of toys. I did tell him about the money that the grandparents sent for Christmas and asked if he would like to give any of it to the family.

He just stared at me like I had grown a second head. Give away money? His money? Was I nuts?

I told him that whatever he decided, whether it was all, half, or none of the money, that we love him no matter what and that God would rather have honesty and cheerfulness over a begrudging heart. Whatever he settled to do would be left up to him to decide.

A minute later as we’re hustling around the kitchen, The Boy says, “Half.”

I look at him and ask, “Are you sure? God wants you to give cheerfully, so make sure you’re heart is happy about it.” 

“My heart is happy about it. I’d like them to have half of it. Can I have a glass of water?”

And just like that I cried again. That is why I have my Christmas present already. I can’t imagine being any happier or more blessed by these two angels than I was at that moment.

Thanks God for this great gift that I want to re-gift time and time again.

Merry Christmas And I Hope Santa Brings Me One Of These...

(Cue piano bar music)

(In a hushed, calm voice, like one remembering Christmastimes past)

My favorite Christmas song is one that is not usually sung around the Christmas tree. However, it is one that I usually love to sing with full emotions and spirit... with feeling, if you will. I hope that it is one that my children will learn and pass on to their children to come.

No other song that I know of will leave you feeling... well, something, for the special gift-wishing of Christmas. I, too, want this pretty little dolly. I am still hopeful that I will get one this year.

Now, without further adeiu, I give to you Mona Abboud's "Pretty Little Dolly."

May Santa bring you everything your little heart desires too.

(fade to black)

Originally published December 22, 2005

RIP, Santa and Friends

These belong to our neighbors down the street.  They expand across several lawns, this year adding two more to the ever-widening display...

I told them it was overkill, but would they listen to me?  Nooooooo...

Now look what they did to the poor neighbor's yard who lives across the street.  

Let us all have a moment of silence.

How Good Is It? I’m Posting On A Saturday If That Tells You Anything.

The Girl has been listening to Christmas since before Thanksgiving. I don’t know about you, but there’s only so much Christmas music a girl can take, especially I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Silver Bells, and Baby, It’s Cold Outside. 

Don’t get me wrong!  I like these songs, and I sing along with them for a while. But one of the things that bothers me greatly about the 24/7 Christmas music is that most of it doesn’t have much to do with the reason for the celebration in the first place. It’s all about Santa, snow, romance, animals… Where are the songs that sing about the greatest gift of all – Christ? The stations will throw one or two in occasionally – What Child Is This? or O Holy Night, but not enough to make me want to listen to them all the time.

So when I was blessed enough to receive one of the new Michael W. Smith Christmas CD, It’s A Wonderful Christmas, I threw it in the CD player when The Girl and The Boy were in the same room and behaving rather nicely to each other (a sure sign that Christmas is coming soon), and oh my lands  -  it’s fantastic! It’s simply a lovely, gorgeous natural mood enhancer around the Christmas season – perfect for decorating a tree, relaxing for moment with your favorite Christmas drink and for reflecting on Christ in Christmas.

The music is beautiful and inspiring, and as usual, Mr. Smith incorporated the voices of children in some of the songs. My kids take notice and appreciate it when they hear a performer who understands and delights in the special qualities of young voices. The songs have such great qualities of sounds to them; they are meant to be heard by many. And the songs don’t cram Jesus down anyone’s throat, but they’re not afraid to mention his name.

My favorite one? That song would have to be the duet he sings with Mandisa, Christmas Day. I think their voices blend eloquently, producing a stunning sound.

So what I’m trying to tell you is that this CD,It’s A Wonderful Christmas, would make a perfect addition to any Christmas CD collection. Maybe while you’re out picking up gifts for your family, you’ll consider getting this CD for yourself. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed at all.

The Christmas Lists - Uncut Version

Oh it’s that time again – the time when my kids make their lists for Santa.  If you remember anything from last year's lists, then this year's shouldn't be much of a surprise...

Can I just state again for the record that these cannot be my kids?!  I’m mean we’ve already determined that genetically speaking they should be asking for the world to revolve around them. But alas, no – they actually have a sense of decency when it comes to receiving gifts at Christmas. 

All I can say is that I’m so happy that they take after Mr. Right in so many ways…

The Boy’s list

• A Ben 10 Gameboy game
• A kiwi
• A toy dog
• A whiteboard
• Chocolate chip cookie dough
• Ben 10 and the Secret of the Omnitrix movie
• Dry erase markers
• Sonic gift card
• Ben 10 Race Against Time movie
• Meet the Robinsons

Did you see any kind of theme here? The Boy’s obsessed I tell you!

The Girl’s list

• Kiwi
• Pokemon Gameboy game
• Grapefruit
• Large roll of either Tollhouse or Pillsbury chocolate chip cookie dough
• Gymnastic or yoga lessons
• Fuzzy slippers
• Winter pjs
• Stuffed animal
• Sewing machine and table
• Whiteboard with markers and eraser
• Pop rocks
• Mighty Bites cereal from Kashi
• Pumpkin muffin from Panera
• Green alarm clock
• Party dress
• Jeans
• Gift certificate to Claire’s
• A certificate from Mom saying “The Girl doesn’t have to eat outside today” (We’re so mean. When the weather’s beautiful and there are no bugs, we MAKE her eat out on the back deck with us. Oh the tragedy… Next thing you know, we’ll actually go on a picnic and she’ll be expected to go – and HAVE FUN! I know. We’re maniacs around here!)
• Books
• Heely shoes

Now The Girl’s list is a bit longer than The Boy’s, but when you see that she wants Pop Rocks, cereal, a pumpkin muffin and a homemade gift certificate, I don’t really fault her for being a bit more lengthy in her list.   She won't get everything, but she'll get some things that I know she wants but forgot to put on the list.

Ahhh, once again I have lists that mostly are doable. Santa can make his visit yet again. And for that, I’m extremely grateful,  especially since I can finally release my Scrooge tendencies and let them eat exotic and exciting things - like fruit.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just like so many others (because you all know that I don't have an original thought in my head),  I'm thankful for so many things.

• my Mr. Right, who loves me despite my idiosyncrasies
• my kids who still ask to snuggle from time to time
• good health for all of us
• food enough that I never have to worry about what to make
• a job where I'm safe and warm from the winter elements
• although I'm not thankful for the cold weather, I am thankful that it didn't start getting cold until today, the day before Thanksgiving - hallelujah!
• customers who come to Shalee's Diner
• customers who allow Shalee's Diner to come to them
• french fries
• parents and in-awes who are still alive and well (they're all still with us - a blessing indeed!)
• books, books, books
• and last, but not least, a Father who loves me so much that he gives me all the above and more - like unending love and freedom from sin

All in all, I have more than enough for which to be thankful.  And enough pie to feed an army... seriously, how many pies can seven people eat over the holiday?!  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!

A Turkey For Me, A Turkey For You

The first time I heard this song was on the radio, after it came out on SNL. Now, I've never been a huge fan of SNL because although it can be hilarious, it is often off-colored or raunchy; I wasn't willing to sit through hours of it searching for the good stuff.

However, I laughed my head off when I heard it and quickly started singing parts of it. Fortunately, it is a song that if you don't know the words, you can just make them up. Or if you don't like the words that are sung (which there are a few lines that I would have not written), you could insert your own. Kind of like your own Turkey Karaoke.

That's probably part of the reasons why I like it so much.

I hope you will too. (But sing really loudly when he gets the brother line, especially if there are young ears in the room.)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This post was originally published on November 22 , 2006.

I'm a Chili Wannabe!

Well, I'm no Chili (and really, I could never be that cool even with all the help in the world), but here's my nod at having a little halloween fun.

Here's my handmade Witch's Curtain. Easy as pie and I've already gotten quite a few smiles and nods over it from the neighbors and squeals of delight from the kids.

The one time I don't mind having little critters seen around the house...

We're just a little batty around here...

Isn't he a keeper?! He just makes me smile every time I walk by him.

This witch candle holder lights the bathroom in a spooky, yet inviting way.  (Sorry about the poor photo.  I couldn't hold the camera still...)

You can't tell from the picture, but when the candle is lit, it casts little light pictures all along the wall.   

A little haunted house - Mr. Right says it looks like it's on fire.

And finally, this sweet little ghost is my pride and joy only because I made it. Yep, I MADE IT! I know... my "I'm no craftsy person" statement may need to be retired. (I'm making 2 more later this week.)

The one thing I've learned about this little experiment is that trying to be Chili is really hard work, but it's a lot of fun and well worth it.  And remember Chili, imitation is the highest form of flattery.

I Need Another Holiday

There was just too much stuff going on this weekend. So lucky you, I'm going to break it all down into bite-size pieces.

My daughter was part of a "Congressional Hearing" at school. They broke up items about government and had to explain it well to the audience (parents). Then they had judges ask them off the cuff questions and they had to answer well as part of their grade. My girl was part of the "rights" of citizens: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, rights for all people - no matter age, color or ability.

The first question out of the shoot was "Do you think prayer should be allowed in school?" Three students answered in the negative, but then my daughter answered thusly, "Well, I disagree with them. I think prayer should be allowed in school, but it shouldn't be a teacher-led prayer. I think others should be allowed to pray, that time should be set aside so that if anyone wanted to pray, they could. They could even go to a separate room to do it. But I think telling someone that they can't pray is going against their right to freedom."

I sat there awed... and smiling.

Another question asked was "Do you think that we as a country do a good job with respect to those with disabilities?" Again, most of the panel agreed that those with any kind of disability was treated well. But my daughter spoke out in the negative. "I think we don't do a good job with those with disabilities. For example, the deaf have a very hard time communicating when they go out. If they went to McDonald's, they could not order very well unless someone who knew how to sign went with them and communicated to the employee what they wanted. I think if we really wanted to be fair to those with disabilities, we would learn their language to help them feel more a part of the community. If we all had to learn some sign, then they could communicate better with those who could hear. I think we should have a choice to learn signing, maybe in 6th grade when we get to choose our classes. But as a whole, I don't think we do a good job including everyone in the community."

I'm telling you, I was a very proud momma at that point! She gets what so many adults still have yet to learn. Just because we're different doesn't mean that we're not all important... I went back to work feeling so glad that I was able to go to hear my girl.

Do you remember when I lamented about not ever doing birthday parties on time? Well, I decided that I wasn't going to do that this time, at least with my daughter. Her birthday is in July, but with summer vacations for her friends, traveling for us and the general laziness on my part, I thought I would have her birthday party before the end of school. So on Friday, we had our very first multi-girl slumber party for the girl's almost 11th birthday party.

All I can say is that Mr. Right and I are still very, very tired... How is it that tweeners can stay up so late? I was tired just watching them have all that fun!

Dinner was at the girl's request: chicken tenders, KFC coleslaw, homemade mashed potatoes and corn. Everything else was chocolate- chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, chocolate snacks, and for breakfast she requested chocolate chocolate chip muffins. Even I was sick of chocolate at that point, so I had blueberry muffins. Oh so much better for me... Anyway, the girls all had a fun time talking, watching movies, talking, listening to music, talking, doing their nails, talking, dancing, talking... I think you get the gist of it. By 11 AM, they where heading home with instructions from us that they weren't allowed to be grumpy. I bet there were several girls who had naps that day.

Even though we were tired, we went to a free outdoor concert, which was sponsored by a Christian college around here. Although it was overcast and sprinkling every so often, we had a good picnic and we were able to enjoy the music of Brandon Heath and Bebo Norman. It was so relaxing (probably because we had no energy to do anything other than to relax...) The kids even managed to have a good time. And yes, the kids went to bed VERY early without much of a fuss. You know they were tired.

That's it for now. I'll post about our Memorial Day tomorrow, but you probably already know how some of it went.

Ummm... Happy Easter

What? It's a diner. Dogs have to eat too.

Go celebrate the resurrection of Christ, with or without the bunny.