Up most of the night

I am exhausted, mentally and physically.  Katie and I were up most of the night.  Yes, once again it's the "triangle".   Mike and Katie have been broken up for 4 days.  Last night after youth group, Matt asked her if she would be his girl.  She was so happy, and of course she said yes.  Later, she was on the phone with Matt, when Mike IM'd her about 9:00pm.  He was being his usual sarcastic self, when all of a sudden he tells her that he wants her back. He says he can't eat, can't sleep (sounds like a country music song!) He admits that he's been acting badly, but it was out of pain.  Well, she had been reading portions of the IM to Matt the whole time, and when it can to that part she groaned and said "He wants me back"  She denied wanting to go back with him when Matt asked, but then when she didn't respond to Mike's IM after a minute or 2 she gets a beep on the phone.  She tells Matt "I think Mike is calling"  She said she would call him right back. . . .she was on the phone with Mike for 2 hours.  Of course she still loves him, I know that, Matt knows that.  When she got off the phone, she called Matt, but he didn't answer.  I think he must know how the conversation went.  

She knows that she has to make a decision, one that will break the heart of someone she cares very deeply for.  So, she decided last night to take a break from both of them for a few days while she sorts out the mush that was formerly known as her brain.  She's not sure what she wants right now. I told her to get 3 peices of paper.  The first should be a Master List of all that she wants in a boyfriend/husband/significant other. On the other 2, write their names on top.  Then take each boy, write down their strengths, their good qualities, their weaknesses, their bad qualities, how they make her a better person, a worse person, what losing them would mean to her, what staying with them would mean to her.  I said write down what she would change about them and what she would never change.  Then I told her to compare each boy's list to her Master List and write down any observations.  Then I suggested that she pray about it, long and hard.  Don't make any rash decisions.  I don't know how else to help her.  It is ultimately her decision.  It looks as though its gonna be a long day.  I'm going to go now.  I am very sad, and so I must keep myself busy.  Thank you all who sent sweet comments and those of you following this Love Triangle.  Bye

Our very own Idol

Last night was Idol night at Katie's high school.  Of course she made the top 15.  They started with 26 and narrowed it down to 15 last night.  She did really well, and sang Leann Rimes "How Do I Live".  Next week they narrow it down to 10 and they have to sing an R&B song.  Katie is working on a couple, but not sure which one to do yet.  Her X, Mike, showed up with a scanky girl.  I guess that's all he could get on such short notice!  Katie was sad when she saw them together.  I was too a little.  Matt couldn't make it as he lives in the dorm at USF about an hour away.  I wanted to call so he could listen via the cell phone, but the 2 people before Katie didn't show up and then Kate was up and I forgot!  Sorry Matt!  Not much else is going on.  I still have to go feed the animals, but it is cold out (in the low 60's) and I don't feel like going out there yet.  I know, I must . . . so I will when I click the SAVE button on this entry. I've got to go count my chickens!  You all have a wonderful day and tune in a little later!  .:bye:.

Katie's happy

Here is a picture of the new couple.  They are so happy.  Mike is still being a jerk, but I guess that's what jerks do! 

They have their first real date on Friday night.  Matt is taking her out to dinner and then ???    How precious!

I took this picture the other day (on the day that she and Mike broke up) and you can see the relief and joy on their faces.

                                           

"In other News..."  My son is planning on changing schools again.  He wants to go to an Ag college in Georgia.  It is called Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College or ABAC for short.  It is a 2 year degreed program which he will then be able transfer to theUniversity of Florida to finish his batchelor's degree.  It is way more expensive than community college and he has approximately $0.00 in his bank account, so we will just have to see about all of this. He changes schools like he changes underwear!

Betsy is doing great.  She doesn't think she likes "Fuller" anymore, but he still likes her.  She is very private and will not offer any information on the subject AT ALL.  She has been enjoying the warm weather and spending a lot of time outdoors riding her 4 wheeler.  She is really funny.  Her long hair gets so tangled while riding, so she pulls it back in a pony tail and wears a baseball cap so she doesn't have a big mess to brush out.  She looks just like a boy from a distance on that thing!

Well, Robert turned the remaining chickens and pig lose yesterday.  The area they are in is completly fenced in, but about 5 acres for them to roam about on.  The pig has been with us since he was a few days old, and he's used to being fed by us, so we don't think he will go anywhere.  He hasn't really left the barn too much.  Our "hog hunter" dog (has never actually hunted a hog before, she's just a special breed for hog hunting) her name is Pearl and she has been having a blast chasing that pig around.  She's just a year old and she all she wants to do is play with him.  The 4 remaining chickens seem to be doing pretty good.  Our Bassett daddy Elvis can't get at them now, so with a little luck and hopes that a chicken hawk or owl doesn't find them, maybe we can keep them alive. 

Well, this has truly been a long and not so interesting account of my life today. But this is a farm with 3 teenagers living on it, so keep stopping by, the excitement level is bound to go up......and down.  Bye for now!

A good night sleep does a world of good

A great big thank you and a hug to all of my J-land friends who sent me supportive comments regarding yesterday's fiasco.  I am so lucky to have you all to vent to and even luckier that you care enough to send sweet thoughtful words my way. 

Let me begin by saying that it was not a total loss.  My brother-in-law's family did arrive, although very late. They came at almost 5:30.  I left for church at 5:40 to make it on time for the performance and as soon as I did my solo I came home.  They hunted eggs until about 6:30 and I arrived home about 7:05. They had just sat down to eat dinner.  The food was good even after sitting for almost 3 1/2 hours.  The mashed potatoes weren't as wonderful as they were fresh, but everything else held up well.  The best thing was the strawberry pie!!  And the mac and cheese was still piping hot and gooey.  They stayed till about 9:00 and we did have a nice time together. 

Just to let everyone know, Brady is doing wonderful.  (See my entries dated 3/2, 3/3, 3/4 and 3/13) Her scar is healing nicely and her head shape is near normal.  She is really tiny for her age, but cute as can be. 

This was the first time that they have come to our house since we moved in last spring.  There are lots of family problems between my husband and his 4 siblings.  Their mother is the loud mouth matriarch and keeps crap stirred up.  She says she just wants everyone to get along, but we think she likes it this way.  She likes to play one against the other, but acts like she is so hurt that they can't get along. 

Whatever. . . .

Well, Katie and her boyfriend are still broken up and it is for good this time!  Yeah! She has been spending some time with Matt, but since he goes to college about 45 minutes away, they don't see as much of eachother as they would like.  They have agreed to go slowly and not rush right into a big relationship, at least for a little while.  Mike has been a real jerk and his true colors are really shining now.  He has been calling Matt and threatening him if he goes near Katie.  Matt is really laid back and not worried at all, but Mike has been really mean.  Last night he called Matt and said, "I hope you haven't been kissing Kate, because the other night I. .___ . .in her mouth!"  Katie was sitting next to Matt at the time and could hear him as he was talking pretty loudly on the other end.  She about died.  She told Matt it was a lie and that he just wants to hurt her and make Matt not want her.  Of course Matt believed Katie, and told her not to worry that he won't believe anything Mike says, but poor Katie is worried to death what he might say next. She is very committed to being a virgin when she gets married, and so it makes it hard to hear Mike saying these things.  I hope he won't answer his calls anymore.  What a scum bag. 

Well y'all, it's 10:30 and I haven't feed my horses yet.  They are standing in place at their feeding area waiting patiently for me. 

Talk to ya again later!

                                   

No Show?

I hate to rant and rave on this beautiful Easter Sunday, but. . . I must.  First of all, we invited my husband's brother and his wife and 3 kids (Brady's family for you old timer's) and also my husband's cousin and his wife and child.  Well, I don't know about most people, but when I have guests coming I go to a lot of trouble to plan the perfect meal and clean the house till it's sparkling clean.  I decorated the house with spring flowers and my mantle with greenery and spring flowers mixed in with tiny white lights.  It is beautiful!  I made Easter baskets for each child coming and put out 50 eggs for an egg hunt.  The eggs are full of either candy or $1 bills!  Then I made this meal to die for, grilled turkey, sweet potato casserole, 7 layer salad, garlic mashed potatoes, crock pot mac and cheese and homemade yeast rolls.  I made fresh strawberry pies with vanilla whipped creme for dessert.  A meal fit for a king!  Ok, here's my beef.  It is now after 5:00 pm and no one has arrived!  My husband called his brother 3 hours ago and he said they'd be here at 3:30.  Then he called his cousin and they said they weren't going to be able to make it!!! How about calling and telling us!  My delicious food has been sitting on the counter for over 2 hours!  I am leaving here in 20 minutes for tonight's performance of the Easter program at church and so. . . .

I spent about $150.00 at the store yesterday to make everything really nice for today.  I am so angry!!  Anyway. . .Y'all come over and eat all this food!!

I better go.  I have to finish getting ready for church.  Bye

Easter program

                                                                                                                                                              

Tonight was the 1st performance of our Easter program at church.  I have a solo this year and it went pretty well.  There wasn't a packed house tonight, only about 950 people, but it was a nice crowd and the whole thing went really well tonight.  Tomorrow evening is the 2nd and last performance.  Tomorrow will be a hectic day with Easter Sunday morning church, then some of our family will be coming to lunch and then back to church for the program.  No rest for the weary, I guess.  I am not complaining though, I love it.  I have been making my girls Spring purses (supposed to be Easter purses, but I ran out of time!  It takes more time than you'd think.)  I don't really use a pattern and so all the measuring and cutting and iron-on backing for stability and tearing out and sewing again, then tear it out and sew again. . .you get the picture.  I love creating, so it isn't a chore at all.  I'll put a picture of their purses in my journal this week for you all to see.  They are really cute.  Well, this entry has been a hodge-podge of nothing.  Sorry y'all!  I just don't feel right not writing at all today.  OOOOHHHH, Ialmost forgot!!!!!!!!!!!

Katie and Mike broke up.  After 7 months together.  She was sabotoged. (correct spelling, I looked it up!)  Mikes best friend goes to church with us and he told Mike that she has been hanging around with Matt a little too much at church and even held hands once.  So, as Mike's best friend, he felt obligated to report to Mike.  He called her and after he yelled and carried on for 45 minutes, he started to cry and kept saying, "I can't believe you did this to me Kate!"  Of course she felt terrible, but happy at the same time as she has wanted to break up for a long time now.  Matt is over here now and they are so happy together.  They are a precious couple.  It's so cute to watch how they interact.  He's awesome for Katie.  They aren't going to officially date in public for a few weeks as he wants to protect her reputation, but he will come over here to see her.  Well y'all, I am going to run.  It's 4 minutes to midnight and I'm exhausted.  You all have a wonderful Easter. 

                                               HE IS RISEN!!

                                               

          

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

              

                                        

 

Big laundry day

   That is the 1,000,000 question.  If I could give just one example of "drudgery" it would have to be laundry.  The never ending pile. . .  Just when you think you are all done, one of your little angels brings in another arm load.  *sigh*   So, I guess you know what I'm doing today!  Since it has been Spring Break around here, we have been lenient with regards to housework.  So, I therefore have also taken a little breather from it too.  Let me just say. . .it shows.  That's okay, we have guests coming for Easter dinner and it will be all clean and shiney by Saturday afternoon.

Well, let me tell you, that last night we had our windows open and we were fortunate enough to have breathed in the heady scent of orange blossoms all night long.  What an awesome thing that was.  The scent seems to be stronger at night and I felt like I was in heaven with my down comforter up to my chin to ward off the chilly 60 something degrees outside *sorry, just had to brag a minute*.  Today looks promising after a week of rainy weather.  I may go sweep out the carport and pool deck. . .I might wash my car. . .I might. . .not.   I have'nt decided yet.  Anyway, right now I am going to enjoy my coffee and my J-land buddies journals.  Catch ya later!

For Meg

This entry is for Meg.  I wanted to give you a link to find out how to make the purses.  It is made from a placemat with a few extra touches added to it.  Really easy too.  Post pictures if you make one!

http://www.southern-stitches.com/placematpurse.html

http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=53

Barbara

I've missed 2 days!

I have to say that Spring Break has really messed up my journal time!  Between the 3 kids fighting over the computer I haven't had a minute.  I got up early to go on this morning and while making coffee I hear "Welcome, youv'e got mail!"  It was Katie!  She usually sleeps till 10:00 and she was up early and on the computer before I got a chance to finish making coffee!  I kind of freaked out a bit and yelled and both Wes (up early for a class) and Katie twisted it around like I was some kind of Journal writing freak or something!  Well I am, but soooo!  I did have to laugh yesterday at something my son said.  It was a rainy miserable day and I couldn't get near the computer, so I sat down at my sewing machine and made a purse.  Well it came out so cute that I took a picture of it to email to my mom.  Wes saw me take a picture and he said, "OMG, tell me you aren't going to put a picture of your purse in your journal, please, mom."  Well, that made me laugh and so now because he's such a smart a_ _, I am putting a picture of my cute purse right here in my journal for all the world to see. 

Oh well, I can't help being a dork.  This has been the rainiest spring break and no fun for the kids at all.  Katie went to the beach on Monday, but it was overcast and started sprinkling by  2:00.  Yesterday was very humid and actually got up into the mid 80's, but it wasn't the nice 80* temp, it was miserably moist.

The kittens are growing.  They don't have their eyes open yet and are still in the same place where they were born.  We haven't tried to pick them up yet, we don't want her to move them; they are safe where they are.  We lost another chicken and there's one running around with partof it's butt missing.  I don't know what's going on.  Robert still hasn't put a roof on the chicken pen yet, so until he does then I guess we will keep losing them.  We are down to 7 left.  We started out with 12!  We are going to get more once he puts the roof on. 

Well, I guess that is about it for now.  I have a ton of stuff to do around here as usual.  Catch ya later!

20 questions

Just got this from Becky http://journals.aol.com/mumma4evr/Mumma4evrslifeorlackthereof/

I love these, you really learn a lot about people from their answers!

1. If I had a theme song that describes me, what would it be:  I Need You by Leann Rimes. 

          I don't need a lot of things, I can get by with nothing,   but with all the blessings life can  bring     I've always needed something.      But I've got all I want and it comes from loving you.   Your're my only reason, you're my only truth.   I need you like water  like breath   like rain,  I need you like mercy from heaven's sky.   There's a freedom in your arms that carries me through,   I need you. . .

2.  If I could live during any period in history, what would it be:  Easy, the old South before the Civil War (1800 to 1860), of course my daddy would have a big plantation and I'd be in a hoop skirt all day sipping lemondade on the front porch of our antebellum mansion!!

3.  Are there any momentos from past relationships I've hung on to:  Letters in my mama's attic, they've been there for over 20 years.

4.  What did I have for dinner last night:  We went out after church for Hot wings.

5.  What's one food I thought was gross, tried it and now I like it:  Raw oysters!  Love 'em!

6.  Is there one thing I've always wanted to learn to do but never got around to do:  The first thing that comes to mind is play the guitar.

7. What is my favorite movie line: I don't know if I have a  favorite, but there's one I use a lot.  I must explain (sorry, but this is my journal) Everytime I get a front row parking space, I can't help myself, but I say "Looks like we're parking inthe Front rooow!  This is an adapted quote from the movie Major League.  The actual quote said sitting, not parking.

8.When was the last time I went on a big shopping spree:  December 23rd.  Christmas shopping.  Spent about $2,000 in one day.

9.  Describe the nicest date I've ever had:  Valentine's day 2 years ago.  We went to the beach at sunset with a picnic basket filled with take-out from the Outback Steakhouse, We brought a CD player and our favorite CD's and of course candles that we set in the sand.  It was awesome.

10. What is one food I like to snack on while watching TV:  Hello!  Cheez-its! of course.

11.  Have I ever considered running for public office:  Uh, not a chance.

12.  What's my favorite season:  Fall

13.  What one TV character am I most similar to:  Ross from Friends

14.  What's my favorite Easter Candy:  Malted milk eggs

15.  What was my most humiliating moment involving a car:  This was horrible. . . let's just say it had to do with running out of "feminine protection" while out of town, finding some newspaper to lay on the car seat. . .driving like mad to find a store. . .having to get out of the car with you know what all over me. . .not good.

16. What was the last meal I ordered out:  Probably pizza.

17.  If I could build a house anywhere, where would it be:  On a barrier Island in South Carolina or Georgia.

18.  What is one comic strip I enjoy reading:  Blondie

19.  Am I allergic to anything:  Pollen and my tongue swells when I eat pineapple.

20. What do I think is the reason why people like me:  I'm really sweet and funny. (so I've been told) I'm a good listener.

Rainy Day Blues

Well, the rain may be pouring outside, and the blues may have started to set in, but I found a way to chase those blues away.  I bought a new computer desk a few days ago and so I used this rainy day to set everything up and get it in operation.  And I have the before and after pictures to prove it!

 before        after

My old desk is very small and yukky looking and my new one is a nice big L-shaped desk with lots of storage and cubbie holes.  I love it!

So now I feel like I have really accomplished something today.  I did get to grocery shop before the rain came and I bought myself a surprise!  I have been wanting a new sewing machine and they had a pretty decent one on sale at Wally World, so I bought it!  My grocery bill was kind of high!  Anyway, it will be worth it when I start making stuff!  Ok, I must run now.  I have to do a massage this afternoon in an hour, YUK!!! I don't want to go out in the rain. It's also thundering. *waaaahhhh!*  Talk to you later!  ~bye~

Krispy Kreme Kasserole Recipe

OK, I have a request for the recipe for my Krispy Kreme Kasserole.  (Actually, I must give credit where it is due  "Paula Dean's recipe from the food network")  It is sinfully delicious!  You put that 1st spoonful in your mouth and all you can say is "o-h, m-y, G-o-d."  So here it is:

2 Dozen Krispy Kreme donuts (or any glazed will do)

1 Can of sweetened condensed milk

1 15 oz can of fruit cocktail (with juice)

2 beaten eggs

2 teaspoons of cinnamon

a pinch of salt 

Pre-heat oven to 350*.  Cut donuts into 8 pieces (1/2, 1/2 and 1/2 again) and put into a very large bowl.   Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  pour into a large casserole dish sprayed lightly with cooking spray.  Bake for about 45 minutes.

Drizzle for the top:

1 Stick of butter

1 box powdered sugar

Milk or rum (to thin)

Melt butter in a medium sized pot and add powdered sugar.  Add milk (or rum) very slowly while stirring until well blended and the consistency of thick pancake syrup.  Drizzle over warm casserole and serve.  Best served hot or warm, but I wouldn't spit it out if it were cold either!

ENJOY!!

 

      Today is Palm Sunday, the day that we celebrate the Triumphal Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem. We had a beautiful service this morning at church with the most moving music that I've experienced in a long time.  This evening at our Sunday evening worship service we had the Lord's Supper.  I am part of the Praise and Worship team at my church and we presented a very special collection of songs during the communion time.  Some of the songs we sang were:  When I Survey the Wondrous Cross; My Jesus I Love Thee; Jesus Paid it All.  It was awesome.  I hope you all enjoyed your church services today too.   This is spring break week for my kids.  I think Katie is going to the beach tomorrow.  I hope it rains!  I know that sounds so selfish of me, but the beach is an hour and a half away and I hate my kids driving or riding with other teenaged drivers that far from home!  I don't know if I'll ever get used to it.  Wes goes back to school as his spring break was last week.  I am glad that they have the college and high school vacations on different weeks.  The last thing we need is all of them sharing the roads and beaches together!  Oh, big news!  Robert sent Michelle packing.  Well, actually if truth be told, he told Katie to tell her.  I know that might sound cowardly, but the real reason he did that was because he is too confrontational and doesn't always go about things tactfully.  Katie said that she would rather break it to her gently than have Hurricane Robert blow through.  So, bless her heart, she did it.  I like Michelle a lot, I really do, but I have to admit that our house has become a home again.  No one has yelled or smarted off since she drove away.  We all went to lunch after church today and I can honestly say that no one ran home to puke up their food!  It's awesome!  We will all be flushing it away naturally in a day or two!  Well girls, (my dad and brother are the only guys that read my journal that I know of)  It is getting late and I am really tired.  I'm sleeping in tomorrow! YEAH!  Have a great night!   .:~bye~:.  

A nice ending to a long Saturday was the Plant City Classic Car Show.   It is held the 3rd Saturday of every month and we are there every month.  My sweet Betsy is a classic car freak!  Her fave's are 1960's Ford Mustangs, as you can see from the pics.  She gets her drivers license this year and we have people all over the country looking for a good deal on one.  She has stacks of pictures of old cars that she's taken at these shows and no idea what she wants to do with them.  It's a great hobby for her and I can't wait to be able to buy her dream car.  Betsy's dream car is quite different from her sister's.  Katie wants something "high profile", something that will turn heads!  It's never the same model either, sort of the "flavor-of-the-month" kind of thing. 

The lunch at the girls home went well.  We had so much food!  I was so stuffed that I wasn't even hungry at 8:00 this evening.  I am sitting here now with a small bowl of Plant City strawberries, instead of my usual Cheez-its!  Well everyone, I am going to bed early tonight and I'm gonna READ.  Something I have been neglecting with all the chaos around here.  I'll shout at you tomorrow!  Hey, don't forget CHURCH! ~bye~

Saturday

Good morning all!  What a gorgeous day!  It is so bright and sunshiny with a hint of a chill making it so crisp outside.  We are going to the girls home in an hour to begin cooking lunch for them and all the workers.  My hubby is an awesome grill chef and volunteered to cook for them.  We are having:

Beer can chicken (the best chicken in the world!) Grilled mojo chicken quarters (a lemon based "spanish" marinade),B-B-Q ribs, grilled smoked sausage, hamburgers and big fat hot dogs, deviled eggs (the girls home has over 100 egg laying chickens, therefore an abundance of eggs!) Potato salad, baked beans and sweet iced tea.  I can hardly wait!  Wish you all could come!  So, with all that on tap for today I got up early to get some housework done.  Michelle went home last night and will hopefully be gone all this week of Spring Break.  Peace and quiet for a change.  Robert has been in the best mood today with her out of the house.  It's amazing how one person can traumatize an entire household!  And to meet her you would think she was the sweetest girl, but she has some big problems.  We really want to help her straighten her life out (she drinks, smokes pot, has sex, and pukes after every meal!)  We all went out to dinner last night and she pigged out on food that WE paid for and I'll bet that when we came home, she puked it all up!  Anyway, to change the subject, Katie has decided to choose Mike (the boyfriend) instead of Matt (the one we love)  I am devastated. . . .I know she's only 17, but Matt was good for her.  He treated her like a queen and Mike treats her like a door-mat.  Why is it that young (any age really) girls always go for the one who jerks them around?  I don't get it. . . There's time I guess, but Katie is going to graduate in December and some girls do stupid things. . .

Well  y'all, I am going to run so I can lmake myself pretty for today.  I will be back tonight with an update of my busy day.  ~bye~

Kitties!

Kitties are here!  Our cat Bootsie has been prego until this morning when she came to breakfast with no belly!  So, the big question. . .where are the babies?  Well, I spent an hour waiting for her to go back to them so I could follow her, all the while pretending that I wasn't paying any attention to her.  So finally she heads off to the front yard and I sneak after her with my digital camera in tow.  I finally spot her black and white fur deeeeeeeep in the underbrush of our "elephant ear" bushes (that's just what we call them, probably not the real name) and low and behold there they are!!  I could see two solid white ones and at least one mostly black with white.  Anyway we are so excited.

And of course I have a picture for you all!    It's hard to see I know *sorry* but the white you see (above the big stick going across the middle) is one white kitty, if you look real close you can see a little white tail sticking out to the right of the white blob.  I'm not sure if there are 5 or 6.  They were born yesterday, St. Patty's day, also Fred's 1st birthday!

I seem to be having a problem with my pictures lately...if you've noticed there's an empty box with a small red X.  If anyone knows what's going on and how I can fix it, please let me know.  Well, time to run now, the kids will be home from school soon and I haven't gotten much done around here.  I've been gone since 8:30 this morning and therefore, my house isn't where I want it to be.  I like to be able to tell the kids, "well, it was clean before you came home!"   You all have a great Friday!   ..:~bye~:..

ABC's of Me!

Thank you Becky (Mumma4evr's life or lack thereof)

A- Act your age: 41

B- Breast size: 36C

C- Chore you hate: dishes and folding clothes

D- Dad's name: Dwight

E- Essential make up item: mascara and lipstick

F- Favorite singer: Too many! Allison Krause, Faith Hill, my daughter Katie!

G- Gold or silver: silver

H- Hometown: grew up in Westbrook, CT

I- Instruments you play: clarinet, piano

J- Job title: Lisenced massage therapist, mom, wife

K- Kisses, what kind do you prefer: Long, soft and sweet

L- Living Arrangements: ranch style house on a farm with 3 kids, husband and pets

M- Meats, what's you're favorite: A medium rare T-Bone steak

N- Number of people you've slept with:  1, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

O- Overnight hospital stays: 6 including 3 for childbirth

P- Packing habits (for moving/vacation): Last minute of course!

Q- Quote you like: My idea of a balanced diet is a cookie in each hand!

R- Religious affiliation - Southern Baptist

S- Siblings: 1 brother

T- Time you wake up: 6am

U- Underwear of choice: anything that will s-t-r-e-t-c-h and cover up both cheeks!

V- Vegetable you refuse to eat:  none, love them all

W- Worst habit:  procrastination

X- Xrays you've had:  what hasn't been x-rayed?

Y- Yummy food you make- Krispy Kreme Kasserole (bread pudding made with donuts)

Z- Zodiak sign: Libra

 

Happy St. Patty's Day

     And Happy 1st Birthday

                          to Fred!(Tater's big brother)

These are pictures of my sweet boy Fred then and now  

Ok, that done.  Let me just say that it is raining again.  I'm sick of the rain.  Everything is a muddy mess which makes going down to the barn to feed the animals a real treat for me!  So, needless to say it is almost 9:30 and I haven't been out there yet.  I went out to the carport to feed the kitties and realized that the 10 lb bag of cat food I bought yesterday was still in the back of my pickup.  I went to get it and it was floating in rainwater.  I went to pick it up and the bag fell apart and 10 lbs of cat food is now soggy and floating in the truck bed.  SO, what's a smart girl like me gonna do?  I went and got the kitties and put them in the back of the truck (their little paws were underwater)and said, "there you go, breakfast!"  Somehow I don't think they are like me very much today! 

Last night was dress rehearsal for the Easter program at church.  I got home at 10:30 pm.  Needless to say, I missed American Idol (boo hoo), but caught the elimination on my computer this morning.  I was a little disappointed in the decision, but I knew that Lindsey wouldn't win it and it was only a matter of time for her.  Well girls, I am going to run.  Have a wonderful St. Patty's Day!  ...:~Bye~:...

Tater's new collar

                                                                                                                                                                      Take a look at my "PRETTY GIRL" in her new collar!  She's is so proud and showing it off for the camera.  I know it's hard to tell how proud she is because she looks so "droopy", but she was really  excited when I asked her if I could take a picture of her in her new "John Deere" collar.  She just had a bath too and mama spritzed her down with a pretty smelling body spray.  We thought we had lost her for sure today when she followed her daddy and big brother Fred out into the swamp behind our pasture, but after about 1 hour of looking for her on the 4 wheeler, Wes heard her crying and followed her cry until he found her all wet and scared and alone.  She's in for the night now.  Well, just wanted to share the beautiful picture with you all.  Gotta go to church tonight, Easter dress rehearsal and I have a solo....be back later tonight; I haven't forgotten my American Idol update, just a little slow today...

..:~See ya!~:..

Good morning!

 I saw this little blinkie somewhere and just had to snag it as it fits with my family so much.  Ok, I can see that I'll have to give an example.  Here is a good one. . . This is my brother. 

Anyway, my point is, that yesterday I showed the girls how to use my digital camera, download the pictures and then edit them to make them however crazy they wanted.  So, late into the evening they took pictures of eachother and even had poor Matt in on it. I think they got lost somewhere along the way, because I was going to share some of these pictures with you, but I can't find them!   It started out that they liked the picture that I have in my "All about me" section and wanted one like it of them.  I took the ones of Katie and then handed it all over to them, so I will show you the one of Katie that I took and edited: 

 She's a drama queen, but she's a ton of fun!

 

Anyway, I had a good night's sleep!  It was raining off and on last night and we had the windows open inour bedroom and  it was heaven!  I'm sure you know what I mean.  I am going now.  I have to take our 4 wheeler down to the Kawasaki shop to get serviced.  Sound like a BLAST doesn't it?  That's what you get when you are home all day, all the crappy errands.  Love to all!

..:~Barbara~:..

Will it ever be over?

       

This blaahh day is ending in the perfect way for a blaahh day to end. . .rain.  We even had thunder!  I am so tired from my lack of sleep last night that I actually dozed off for about a second while giving a massage this afternoon.  I had two massages to do today for a girl who fell off a horse and is out of commission for a few days.  I was sitting at the head of the table with the person on their back and I was massaging her neck, when all of a sudden I dozed off!  I jerked myself awake when my head slightly fell forward and all I could picture was falling asleep and my head bonking into hers. . . how embarrassing would that be!  I would have just died right there and then.  She was new too, first massage ever.  So now, here I sit waiting for American Idol to start.  Katie and Michelle ran to get some vanilla ice cream so we can use up the rest of these strawberries in a big, thick milkshake!  Betsy is in her room watching TV and Robert is on his way home from picking up Wes from his big fishing trip.  Give it about 45 more minutes and the glorious, wonderful peace and quiet will be over!  Anyway, I have a lot of catching up to do with my alerts.  You girls were busy beavers today or something, I have 20 new entry alerts to read. Ahh, I love it and you know it.  I'll be back after AI with my AI update.  ..:~bye~:..

         

Blaaahh

                 

That's all I can say. . .blaah.  I've had a fairly good morning already; animals are all fed, some laundry and dishes done, but I feel tired and yes, blaah.  As you know from last night's entry I went to bed pretty late.  Robert set his alarm for 3:00 am to take Wes down to St. Pete to meet some people for an all day chartered fishing trip.  Great for Wes, but bad for me cause I was up at 3:00 am too.  Robert woke Tater up and I had to put her out (she was in my bed still). Then I got back in bed just to be subjected to Robert's hollaring for Wes to hurry up! Then they left and oh, you've got to be kidding. . .they didn't turn off any lights!  I'm being blinded by the hall light, the master bathroom light is still on, so I get back up and turn off all the lights and check the door, nope not locked, thank you very much!  Finally Tater and I drop back into bed and fall fast asleep.  Jump ahead to 5:00 am, pounding on the door. . . Robert left his house key!  I get back up, bring Tater with me so she won't pee in the bed, open the door, take Tater out, back in bed, back to sleep. . . .ALARM clock rings at 5:30!  Then it begins, showers, blowdrying, arguing about who's wearing what. . .not much, just my life!  So now it is peaceful.  Just how I like it.  Today is midterms for Katie, Michelle and Betsy. . .they'll be home at noon. (waahh!!)  I'm gonna run.  I have to pay bills. (waahh!!)   ..:~bye~:..

A quick pic of Tater

  Our Bassett puppy *Tater*

It's almost midnight and I am the only one up.  The only peace and quiet I've had all day.  Robert is in a grumpy mood.  The "Grand Central Station" that our house has become is starting to push him over the edge.  Our live-in (starts with an ~M~) is getting on his last nerve too.  She's sweet, but an only child; selfish; airheaded; eats alot (there's more, shall I go on?  Nah, I won't do that to you!) Anyway, he's about to send her packing and that is putting a lot of stress on me and Katie.  So, I have retreated to the comfort of my journal. 

 I took this pic of Tater and daddy tonight while they were watching TV.  Right now she's sleeping in my spot in the Master's bed.  She will be moving when I get in there!  Well everyone, I'm pooped.

  Until tomorrow!  ..:~bye~:..

 

Put your nose right here  on the screen and ..:**SNIFF**:..!  Well?  Did you smell it? No?  Oh, I'm sorry.  The warm Florida air is thick with orange blossom perfume!  God must be burning his scented candles again!  Wish you were here!  ..:~bye~:..

  This is my handsome hunk (aka Farmer Brown).  I made him let me take his picture outside yesterday.  He wasn't too thrilled about it, but I thought he looked so rugged and handsome, that I did it anyway!  Today is shaping up to be another beauty.  I am going out to feed the animals as soon as I get my butt out of this chair.  Everything here is blooming and my eyes are itchy and watery.  I never had any allergy problems until my late 30's, but ooowee, it drives me nuts!  The only thing good about it is that SPRING is surely on it's way.                 

             Have a great one y'all!  ..:~bye~:..

 

 

Sweet pictures of Brady

  Brady Marie

I wanted to add a couple of new pictures of my niece Brady in my journal.  She is doing great!  If you missed out on her "ordeal" you can go back to the beginning of March and catch up.  Anyway, the doctor's say that she is coming along very well.  Poor baby, she's been put through the ringer in her short little 3 months of life!  Aunt Barb loves you!

The Unveiling!

  I am finally finished with the revamping of my journal.  I have been wanting to do this for a long time and just couldn't come up with what I wanted to do, but now that it is done I am really pleased with it.  There isn't much to work with in the way of colors and the limits on space in the All About Me section kept getting on my nerves, but I must say I am happy with it.  If there is anyone with any advise for me let me know.  ::~bye for now~::

Construction Zone

For all of you that happen to be popping in on this lovely Sunday afternoon, I am currently working on a new "re~design" of my journal.  Check back this evening to see the finished project!  ::~bye~::

Can anyone say, deep fried Twinkie!

Above is just a sampling of the atrocities that I put my body through last night!  Once again we went to the Strawberry Festival (last time!)  I couldn't find a picture of a deep fried Twinkie, but I had one. And if a deep fried twinkie wasn't bad enough on it's own, it had melted chocolate drizzled all over it AND powdered sugar sprinkled on it! Yikes!  The strawberries would have been okay, but they were sitting on a biscuit and covered with whip cream! Shortcake, ya know.  I've probably gained 10 pounds.  I also got to see the dreamy John Michael Montgomery's concert.  Very good show.HOT, HOT, HOT!!  So, I am going to get up off this big butt of mine and do something!  Hopefully I can do a little damage control to keep from going up a pant size! or 2!!  Love to all!  ::~bye~::

Long day

Strawberry Festival

Robert and I went to the festival tonight by ourselves.  It was nice.  It was cold, but nice.  We enjoyed middle aged activities!  Eating, sitting and listening to gospel music, eating, looking at the steers, eating....go home!  No rides, no games...great night.  Tomorrow night we will go back with the kids.  As you can probably guess, I am not looking forward to it!  I just hate how much it costs! Just to get in the gate $9.00 each (X 6), then all the rides and food and by the end you've shot $150.00 or more.  It's not worth it...really.  Robert and I spent $53.00 and came home empty handed!  Now add 4 kids!  Michelle's mom doesn't give her much money and Michelle usually spends it on crap.  She is getting her car this weekend, which was part of the deal, she would drive my girls in her car (and her gas) to school every day in leiu of giving us living expenses.  That hasn't exactly panned out.  It better start panning out beginning Monday or Robert will be making a call to her mama! 

I brought 3 puppies to the SPCA today. (boo hoo) I hated it, but the lady assured me that purebred puppies get adopted quickly.  I was sad, but now that it's done, I believe it was for the best. 

 I had 2 massages to do this afternoon.  I have made a decision!!!  Hello! ding ding ding!!  I am giving my notice this week.  In mid April I will be leaving for good.  No more being on call.  It messes up my life.  My dad and I will be retiring for good in the same month.  I love home.  I love love love love being home.  So, it's decided.   I am beginning to feel loopy.  It's after 11:00pm.  I'll have to proofread this in the morning to be sure it makes sence!  Night y'all.  ::~bye~::

A Gift for Sherry, my J-land friend

                   

  This is a special entry for my friend Sherry (secret   life of a stay-at-home mom) whose dad went home to be with the Lord this morning. My thoughts and prayers will be you and your family today and through the painful days to come.  

      

                                             ~Barbara~

Hello Mr. Weatherman, what's going on?

OK, I know its Florida; I know it's impossible, but I swear if it were 10 degrees colder it would be snowing!  It is so damp and drizzley and CCOOLLDD! Wasn't it like 3 or 4 days ago that I was pontificating about the 80* weather?  So, all of you "colder climate " readers of mine, are you laughing at me? Is this your idea of a joke?  Oh well, it won't be much longer before HOT HOT HOT comes our way; I guess I should enjoy it. 

 Farmer Browncalled to say that this is a grilled cheese and hot soup day.  At least thats easy.  Wes is taking his Sociology midterm right now.  He was up late last night and up early this morning studying.  He said he'll probably fail it.  That's not what I wanted to hear.  His idiot teacher told him that only 5% of his students pass his class.  Now what is that about?  Don't you think that if only 5% pass then that means something is wrong with the teacher?  What makes proud him wear that statistic on his chest like a medal?  PLEASE Lord let him pass!  I can't afford to pay for classes that he won't get credit for!  He finished his book report on Robert E. Lee and it was great.  6 pages, double spaced, size 10 font, 1 inch margins.  Not bad.  It was hard for him to summarize a 420 page book into 6 pages or less, but he did it.  And it was good.  Well, I must go.  My washing machine stopped an hour ago and believe me, the laundry is stacked up about waist high, so I better keep it going!  Have a great day!   

Idol Time!!

  It's Idol Time!  I'll be back with my Idol Update after the Show.  ::~bye~::

OoooK.  As I see it, my prediction from last week is waaaay off.  Travis? Travis who.  He won't be back next week. 

 My new favorite guy?     My new favorite girl?           Robert's favorites?                  

 Honorable mentions?   (I hate to admit this after my last update, but. . . . . . . and last but not least .

OK, who do I want to go home?  

Tune in tomorrow to see how I did!!  ::~bye~::