Bugs in my pie???

Well, for Christmas I made my first-ever pecan pie. Thanks to Tammy for telling me how easy it was (after chuckling first at me thinking it was difficult). It was very good but before we even cut into it Joshua looked at it. And that was it. "Mom, why does that look like it's made of bugs?"

LOL! So, now every time I slice into, or even see or think, of pecan pie - I think, 'bug pie.'

Thank you, Joshua!

Gingerbread Houses 2011

 
Well, they didn't all turn out perfect and pretty - but they sure were tasty! And, we had lots of fun. I'm glad mama and Robbie got to be here with us to make them. It was very messy - but very 'family' fun!

FB response to author's request

I find it very interesting how a single description can appear so very different from person to person. Granted, we might read a description but instead of imagining it to a tee/T (?) we pick and choose the aspects we like and fill in the rest with our own image that 'makes/builds' the look of the character. That is how I got my 13 year old interested in reading when he was only 6. I read to him a paragraph from a book in which the character was described as wearing a red shirt, etc., etc. Then, I asked him to picture that red shirt. I asked, 'in your mind does it have a pocket? Is it a button up shirt, a pullover, a t-shirt, a sweater? Is it long-sleeved or short?' Then, I pointed out that reading can be fun because we can supply our own image with help from the description like making a movie in our heads, and that while we all read the same story - the images will be our own.

This is part of the response I gave on Karen Marie Moning's FB page in which she is/was searching for images of attire that fit a certain character (Barrons) for her comic book. Many of the images were so different than what I had imagined. Then, I got to thinking about it . . . Interesting, huh?

Advice to my eldest son . . .

Be wise,
Set a good example,
Don’t compare,
Learn to forgive,
Take a deep breath.
Listen.
Stop, and think.
Always say something nice,
Bite your tongue before speaking out of turn.
Never assume; have proof.
Don’t retaliate, though it’s okay to defend.
Remember that in the end you will always have your brother, your oldest friend.
When you’re young life seems long and stretched out before you.
But, when you’re older you’ll realize it’s quite short, indeed.
Trust me; I’ve been where you will be.
Don’t roll your eyes, don’t sigh. You’ll be glad you were kind.
Time doesn’t stop. The seconds tick on. Don’t waste good times on anger and tears.
Always –
Be a good brother.

The Polar Express 2011

 
What a wonderful night! I took Joshua to The Polar Express at the National Railroad Museum. We've been three or four times before but boy - has it changed! We arrived just before 6:30. At 6:30 they opened the doors, exchanged paper print-outs for physical tickets for authentic looking souvenirs. We proceeded to find a seat in the beautifully decorated Lenfesty Center. We got prime seating on the inside row so that Joshua could clearly see the projector. He didn't want to sit on the carpet up front which was available for kids so they all could have a good view - of the story & the narrator. Once our seats were saved we walked around to see all the beautiful trees professionally decorated by supporting businesses. It was all very well done and just spiriting to see! Joshua got to play toss the snowball - into the snowman. It was cute. There was at least one other game available, toss the rings on the reindeer's antlers. But, Joshua wanted to wait in line for a tattoo. He ran up to sit in the Big Boy before we finally took our seats. It all began with a wonderful song and dance number by the authentically decked out volunteer staff as conductors - to the tune of Get your Hot Choc - o - lat! It was super-entertaining. Then, we were all served our hot chocolat'. Cups were collected and then, the story began. The narrator was wonderful, the same man from many years ago when we first came to hear The Polar Express. At the end of the story on of the conductors held up his lantern and yelled, "All aboard!" And the crowd swarmed to board the trains. Three laps around the museum grounds - on our first trip our tickets were punched. On the second we received a chocolate coin. And, on the thrid we received our bells - and only those who truly believe - could hear them ring! Before pulling into the station the whole train car sang Rudolf the Red nose Reindeer, Santa's Coming To Town, Frosty the Snowman (in which we learned most folks - only know the chorus - myself included - it was funny), and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. It was a marvelous way to ring in the season! Then, we got off the train and headed into the museum to see Santa. We were the last ones in line but Joshua did a fantastic job waiting. Santa was sitting ont the caboose in the drum head gallery - it was, as always, a perfect set-up. When we finally got to Santa Joshua sat on his lap (boy - has he gotten big) and told Santa he wanted a football - and some food. When Santa asked what kind of food Joshua replied, "Red Lobster." LOL! I had to tell Santa in our excitement to get there that evening - I completely forgot to feed my kid! It was funny. Joshua and I departed the museum - Joshua eating his candy cane Santa had given him. We had a wonderful time! I will miss this in just a few short years.

Christmas Kitties

 

Halloween

Well, Justin didn't trick or treat this year. There comes a time when one is too old to do so. However, conversation with another mom (from Bunko) made me realize - what's the harm. At least here we have specified hours - and I will know where he is. So, I think I'll encourage it next year. The other two had fun, as usual - except Joshua got tired of walking after about an hour. We had Justin T. and Blake along with us this year. Scaring candy out of the neighbors is more fun with friends!

Sweet story in Criminal Minds episode I wanted to share

“Bedtime for Baby Star”

Once there was a baby star. He lived up near the sun. And every night at bedtime that baby star wanted to have some fun. He would shine and shine, and fall and shoot and twinkle oh so bright. And he said: "Mommy I´ll run away if you make me say Good Night!"

And then his mommy kissed his sparkly nose and said: "No matter where you go, no matter where you are, no matter how big you grow, and even if you stray far, I’ll love you forever, ‘cause you’ll always be my baby star."

This was ready by JJ on Criminal Minds in the episode There's No Place Like Home. I thought it was super sweet. I've posted the question on whether it's a real book/story or if it was written just for the show. I don't know yet.

Halloween Treats

Here is some Halloween fun - I have orange-o-lanterns, mummies, and Tyler with his carved pumpkin.

Home

I love my blog. Even if no one reads it but me - it feels like Home. There are times when I miss my kids, when they're just at school. Or, there are times when I miss my husband because he's working, or gone from the house 14 hours a day (well, night - but he sleeps all day). And, I can just click on the orange and white 'B' icon, and see all the things that matter most to me: Pictures of my kids, videos that make me laugh, posts that make me feel mushy, and I have connections to other things that matter to me. For example, links to my favorite authors that remind me of specific books that invoke specific feelings. Or, links to other websites such at DYAC.com that crack me up and nearly cause me to 'pee my pants!' Yes, I do love my blog. And, it does feel like 'Home' as silly as it may sound to some.

being candid

My mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas. My reply, "magical things you can only find on TV shows and in movies!" (As she's telling me, "you need to mop.") Then she said I needed to teach the boys. She said, "what did you have kids for?" I said, "I didn't think beyond the baby years." :) I thought that was a cute exchange.

I really like this quote!

Failure Is Not Fatal - Picture Quotes

You can click on the link but here's what is says:

Failure is a Detour, Not a Dead End.

Losing is a part of life that we all encounter and all must learn to cope with. Just because we fail at something at a time in which we thought we would succeed does not at all mean that we cannot obtain success. Truthfully the only way in which one will never be able to obtain success is if they never tried, or stopped trying.

Never give up on your dreams, for their will be times in which you feel like you have done all that you can. The only dead ends in life are those that are on street signs, if you keep pushing through and fighting for what you know you have set in your heart to do, you will accomplish your dreams. Live by the standard that no one will ever see you quit, because quitting shouldn't even be an option to you. Finish in everything you do, finish with a victory!

YYYYYY M C Aa

Is it stuck in your head yet? LOL! Well, I joined. Family plan - which I got them to include my mom and sister since they live in the same house. I'm excited because Justin & Tyler can go by themselves to use the weights, bb court, swim - I don't have to be with them OR in the building with them. That's wonderful! They are going to take a 3 hour class on Wednesday to learn all thing 'Y.' They will really love that. Joshua, it turns out, isn't too old to take advantage of the Kids Korner. They have a room targeted for his age up to eight. I have my info appointment Wednesday as well. If my mom and sis aren't working I'll have them come, too. So, I'm looking forward to it. I hope I can make a go of it - this time. I sign up for stuff like this and Sky rolls his eyes. Not very supportive. But, I'm bound and determined to make it work this time. Me and Kimber will attempt Weight watchers together, too, at some point. I wish she lived closer so she could go to the Y with me. :(

Wish me luck!

Fall

Finally, the weather is cool and crisp! I took the boys to Delzers Pumpkin place out past Pulaski. The price was excellent! Tickets were $5 each and included 4 'punches.' Any tickets that weren't used up could be used toward the purchase of pumpkins. So, for 4 tickets and a total of 6 pumpkins and one Indian tied colored corn decoration I spent $22! But, money aside - it was quite fun. The corn maze was really good. I got lost and at one point happened upon a dead end with a zombie character (on a post) that actually startled me. LOL! We all opted to skip the hay ride because the line was fairly long. Joshua rode the tractor train and had his face painted. We went through the haunted granary and toured the little petting zoo. The boys tried to get me to buy a kitten. Nope. Three is enough! At any rate, we had a good time. It seems like it's been so long since I've done anything fun with my boys. Although, I do wish I had called my friend, Kimber, to come along but I didn't have the forsight to do so before I hit the road. As the kids get older I'm learning I enjoy doing things with them more - with company. They like having friends around. And, of course, when they have friends around the grown-ups get a little left out - so we parents have to hang together! :) In the end - everyone has a great time - together!

A Right Start

So, these past several weeks, since school started, really - have been chaotic; Unorganized, unplanned, and too highly 'eventful.' Even though I've been trying my best to get to bed at a decent time I ruin any good intentions of starting the next day off right - by not getting up, getting showered, and in general - just 'waking up.' I usually face a morning at the computer working (interrupted by kids getting ready for school, having to alternate taking mine and another to cross-country, phone calls, emails, etc.)with nothing to do until later on in the afternoon. But, since Sky is on nights and is sleeping until 2pm - I find I have to be real quiet sneaking in to shower and get dressed, not being able to take my time, relax, and basically - get a good start (regardless of the time of day).

Today is Monday, the 10th of October. I got up at 5am (no snooze for me this morning), showered and shaved my legs - finally (to which Sky replied, "just put the hedge-trimmer back in the garage." LOL!). I got dressed in actual clothes (not lay around the house in too-small of clothes that show off all my splendor). I already blow-dryed my hair and the curling iron is on. Now, I have a moment to kill while wating for the sweat on face to dry to type this little log, blog. :) On my agenda today is a pto executive meeting at 8, results for Tyler's 'brain' testing at 10, a trip to Lane Bryant to pay my bill (only! No shopping. Well, maybe a little.) and to run by B&N with a 20% off coupon. When I come home I have to call around for window replacement quotes - and perhaps - work an hour. Oh - I do have a confirmation call I need to make for work on Wednesday - but I can do that from a paarking lot. :)

I'm on the right track today. And, being on the right track today will make it easier to stay on the right track tomorrow.

But, I'm not the only one with a right start to her day - Both my kids alarms went off at 4:30 am - I'm like 'What the heck, did I change the time on my clock when I set my alarm?' Nope. So, they 'slept in' and finally got up - get this: on time! Haha! Tyler's completely ready to go! Justin's not far behind (but has an extra 30 minutes anyway).

So, here goes. . . Let the day begin!