Bits and Pieces

2010-07-22T16:39:00.000-05:00

OMG! What a week. I feel like I need to shower for 3 days and then sleep for 3 more. This week was football camp for my ds and 2 nights of team evaluations, tonight is the last night. All I did was sit and watch and I feel like I have been through the ringer, it is H O T! My son has been amazing and I am so proud of him. We did vote this last Tuesday and am very anxious for November to get here so we can make some much needed changes. As far as stitching goes, I got my order today from 123 so I can start adding the beads to my WIP. I keep saying I am going to take a pix but I always seem to forget. I really want to complete it by August 1st. My son and dh head off with the scouts this weekend to do a 7 mile backpacking overnight hike. So, it will just be and my dd. I think we will go to the Stitch Store I have heard so much about and just chill for the weekend. I can't believe school starts here in just over 2 weeks. I remember not starting until after Labor Day. Once I get the pictures from football organized, I will post a few. Till next time - stitch on!

Current WIP

2010-07-17T23:35:00.000-05:00

This is my current WIP. It is my first bead project. So far so good, it is a pretty fast stitch but I haven't started the beads yet. My only regret is I bought fabric that was not dark enough so my white is not showing up as much as I would like but I will live with it. I hope to get it finished before August 1st, ambitious I know. Thanks for looking. I will post progress pics as I can.

I did it again....

2010-03-06T20:41:00.002-05:00

It has taken me another month to post here. I can't seem to remember to add posts to this blog. I think Facebook is just to easy to use and faster. I will post updates as I can but can't promise anything LOL. Spring break is in full swing for me and dd. We are taking care of our puppy who had surgery yesterday for the next few days and then will head out for a few days break. The guys are going camping next weekend so it will be a long girls weekend. We may go to the movies and do some minor shopping. I plan to pick up my knitting needles tonight and relax now that I have finished an entire sheet of paper full of "to-do's". Only thing left is dr. visit and car shop visit on Monday and cleaning the house tomorrow but I am looking forward to that.

You know every time I type a post I wonder who, if anyone is reading it. Even if nobody reads the posts I enjoy keeping up with the blog as much as possible. So, if you are out there - say hi and let me know.

Wow...

2010-02-05T23:35:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it has almost been a month since I posted something on here. It is proving more difficult than I thought to keep up with a blog. Between work, school and the kids schedule I am lucky to be able to check my email. I will continue to post when I can. I need to figure out how to update the tickers without having to redo them every time which is a big pain!

We survived January. We decided to go to Chattanooga for Greyson's birthday and had a good time doing whatever we felt like, although we did a ton of swimming at the hotel and played some games. We celebrated Allen's birthday with a BBQ dinner and a play with the in-laws. My father in law retired on the 29th so we had a surprise party for him and it was a lot of fun!

AJ's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks so I am having to start the planning now. He wants to go to Stevie B's with 14 of his closest friends. I guess I need to get the invites this weekend. They are going on a 3 mile hike tomorrow with the Boy Scouts so I am sure they will be tired when they get back. He has decided to stay in scouts which makes me really happy. He is also doing really well with his physical therapy. I noticed he does better if nobody goes back with him. It is so difficult to sit out there in the cold waiting room and not go back with him but I know it is the best for him.

School is in full force both job-school and my graduate school. My classes this semester are more difficult than last semester which is one reason why I find myself spread thin. May can't get here fast enough. It looks like Ash and I will be going to Asheville,NC for a couple of days over Spring Break to see Biltmore and just chill. We have never been so we are excited.

Need to get to bed. I have a paper to finish tomorrow and a textbook review to do for Pearson Publishing. Hope everyone is doing okay.

It's Friday

2010-01-15T13:35:00.002-05:00

and I survived the first week back! I can tell that the first part of the week is going to be very taxing, especially Mondays. Next Monday is a holiday and Tuesday is a furlough day so I am off for a week. Next Thursday we are heading out of town for Greyson's birthday. So, we have a busy couple of weeks.

We got our treadmill on Wednesday and are in the process of making room in the study for it. We just removed one of the desks and rearranged the furniture so now we get to put it together. I am so excited about finally getting one. It will be put to good use.

Off to take ds to physical therapy...

And we're off -

2010-01-12T22:50:00.003-05:00

School started up again for me and the kids. Monday was my first day back and man was I tired when I got home. Of course I leave my house at 6:45 am and return to my house at 8:00 pm so I don't know why I would be tired?!? My classes at GSU are going to be a lot of fun, I just love being a student. It does not matter what I am learning - knitting, tatting, internet courses or whatever. My Adult Learning prof is from Oklahoma so I KNOW that will be a great class. My Ed Stats class will be a challenge but I am still excited about it. My classes at GPC are packed once again. I only have 15 minutes between all of my classes on M & W. Thank goodness the lab is only once a week.

I think we are going to try to go out of town next week for Greyson's birthday but only for a couple of days. The weather is just too cold to do much right now. We are thinking of going back to Chattanooga and maybe staying in the Choo Choo this time. We might just go to Savannah. Well I am fading fast, 6:00 AM is about 4 hours earlier than my body likes to get up!!

Still cold but a little better...

2010-01-09T21:46:00.001-05:00

It is a little warmer today but Monday it is supposed to be in the 50's. If I can manage to stay inside till then I should be good. However, I think we are going to see a movie tomorrow if ds is feeling better.

Took down, well almost, the Christmas decorations today. All that is left it the tree. I went through 15 years of decorations and reorganized everything so it took most of the day. We watched All About Steve and I have to say was a little disappointed in it. Sandra Bullock can do so much better - Blind Side for instance.

My statistics text came in the mail today and I am slightly freaking out. I don't have the courage to really look at it. I did flip through it enough to give myself a panic attack. This will be a true test for me this semester. Spring is always the worse semester for a student and a professor and I am both so not sure what I have to look forward to.

Need to get some medicine in my son before bed. Nite all...

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2010-01-08T11:45:00.002-05:00

Well it snowed here in Georgia yesterday and yes they closed the schools. We literally got a dusting - if that. You can still see the grass! Anyway, the son is home today and is thrilled. I remember going to school with drifts of snow over my head! But that was another time and another place.

I finally had a full day with my Body Bugg. I decided to wear it on a day when I did absolutely nothing...really just dishes and taking a desk to the trash. The rest of the day was spent working at the computer and reading. I was amazed how much calories I burn by doing very little. I am anxious to see how it looks Monday after my days return to normal after the break. I had my coaching session yesterday and had no idea this little jewel could do so much. It will take me a while to figure it all out, kind of like the cell phone I still only use about 10% of. Not really sure what 4G is but I hear it is cool! Speaking of my phone, I found a cool app that will allow me to scan the bar code on any item and it will automatically upload the nutritional information into a program. Isn't that awesome??? Just hope I can figure it out and get it to work.

School and work/school starts Monday. I got two of my texts yesterday and this one class is going to be a challenge. By challenge I mean staying awake. It is the Psychology of Adult Learning, even the title made me yawn. I hope the professor is interesting. The other class is Quantitative Research in Education AKA Educational Statistics and this is going to eat my lunch. The only thing I hate more than math is statistics! I don't hate math as much as I am scared of it. I have survived regular stats and engineering stats so I hope this one is similar but it looks really different. The professor used to work at the same GPC campus as I do. I thought he was familiar.

Watched the BCS Championship last night. I did want the "other crimson" to win but felt horrible about Colt McCoy being injured. I felt bad for their freshman QB who was thrust into the awful situation. I did get irritated with some of the coaching calls. Almost enough to make me switch sides...almost! I am not sure what the outcome would have been had McCoy played. I know both teams would have played a different game so who knows. Being a Sooner and having survived a year where our QB was injured twice and we pretty much started a new offensive line every game, I really felt bad for McCoy. I guess next year will be very interesting with all the changes in the Big 12 and SEC.

Guess I better go make some lunch for the kids. Ash is home sick from work today. I think she has bronchitis. Need to make a Rx run for some meds I guess.

Hugs,

Got my Bugg...

2010-01-06T13:15:00.002-05:00

So, I got the Body Bugg yesterday and am wearing it today. The odd thing is you can't tell if it is working until you upload the information into the computer at night. I hope it is working. I guess we shall see. Anyway, it is super cool.
It is so cold here that it makes you not want to do anything but sip hot coco or tea and snuggle. Normally I would not mind but next week starts our family challenge. It is supposed to snow tomorrow night and ds is so excited. He thinks he will miss school the next day, again we will see. I am heading to the grocery store tonight so we don't have to get out anymore than necessary.
Time to do some housework...

Brrrrrr....

2010-01-03T20:19:00.002-05:00

It is so cold in my room I am actually thinking about putting my gloves on. We had a busy day that started with the best Mexican food I have in a very long time! It was so yummy but now I am stuffed. We cleaned out the 2nd desk in the study and the file cabinets so we can move them out this week and make room for the exercise equipment. I can't believe how much stuff we through away and shredded from 1 desk! It feels good to have it finished and ready to move. Tomorrow thinking of taking the kids somewhere for the last day of break. Guess I better go see about dinner!

Movie Day

2010-01-02T20:36:00.002-05:00

Movie day was a success! We saw Have you Heard about the Morgans, the Blind Side and the kids saw the Squeakel. The Blind Side was as good as I have heard from others and the Morgans was actually really cute. We laughed out loud several times. I have never been a Sarah Jessica Parker fan but she was actually tolerable in this movie. The kids loved the Squeakel and all I hear around the house now is "NO, not the dutch oven". I guess I will have to see the movie for that one. We watched Night at the Museum 2 and laughed just like the first time we saw it. The Pharaoh is hysterical!! The gag reel is funny too. Hubby and I are going to watch the Proposal after the dishes are done. Tomorrow is a birthday luncheon for Allen's aunt and then moving some furniture out of the study to make room for the bike. Hope everyone is enjoying the new year so far.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T15:31:00.002-05:00

Did some cleaning up today, sewed some buttons on hubby's shirts, got two of our new lights put up (hubby did) and smoking some brisket, bologna and chicken for a day of food, football and games with family. I hope you are all having a wonderful day today and rest of the new year!

New Years Eve

2009-12-31T11:57:00.000-05:00

and time for some football. I really slept late today so I am getting a late start on things. I have a little work to do with my school stuff but after that - FOOTBALL!!! Go Sooners!

Hump Day

2009-12-30T19:37:00.003-05:00

You know, that is the perfect description of a Wednesday! Did some shopping today. Finally got the new lighting for the dining room, kitchen table and entry way. We still can't decide what to do in the actual kitchen. Darn those vaulted ceilings! Did some grocery shopping before the rain/sleet hit, made some yummy homemade nachos and tacos and am now settling in for the night. Family made it home to Oklahoma despite the winter weather there. I love having my family visit and hate it when they leave! I will post a couple of pictures that you will probably see in next years newsletter. I think we are playing games tonight once I see which child wins the argument!

New Layout

2009-12-29T22:59:00.002-05:00

Boy this color is bright and hard to see but it is the only New Years background I liked. I will have to change it in a few days anyway. I like the color combination but it is hard to read. I finally managed to get the tickers up and working. They start on New Years Day so I will try my best to keep up with those as well. Off to bed with my new Steve Berry book!

Blog losing to Facebook!

2009-12-29T13:47:00.002-05:00

I started using Facebook and have been neglecting my blog. I am going to try to do both. I changed the layout to V-day because I really couldn't find a cute New Years or Winter layout. I will keep looking. I hope everyone had a great Christmas. What did everyone get? My favorite gift was having some of my family here from Oklahoma to share Christmas with. They left this morning - always sad. My dd turned 20 on Christmas, no longer a teenager! We don't have any plans for New Years, except to watch some football. I plan to stitch some before the semester starts back up. I officially was accepted to the PhD program at GSU this fall. I plan to take at least two classes this spring. I can't enroll until the first day of classes though which makes finding classes a challenge. Ashley has 4 classes this spring and we will still be able to carpool at least one of the two days we go to GPC. The New Year will bring a start to a healthier New Year. We are converting our study into a workout/reading room with a bike and treadmill. The weights are going to stay in the garage for now. I plan to update my tickers and add one for the family as a whole. This is now a family effort. Not sure which program we are going to follow but I know what works for me so we may keep it or try something new. I did get the Biggest Loser Wii Workout so I am excited about that. Well, off to do some returns and get new lighting for the kitchen - after that, with the exception of the flooring, the kitchen will officially be finished!!!

Ugh!

2009-09-26T09:52:00.002-05:00

Wouldn't you know it - as soon as I start this again, I get sick! It is really just allergies but yuck! I will weigh again next week to see how things went this week. All I can hope for since I can't do much exercising is to stay constant or to loss a little. The walking has not been possible because of all the rain and flooding. I think I will have to get a Walking DVD to do in the house. Patience.....

It's been a while....

2009-09-22T18:15:00.002-05:00

Well, I can't believe how long it has been since I posted to my blog. I have decided it is time to start my weight loss journey again. I put it on hold until my shoulder was better but I can't wait forever! It is really not getting any better so I have decided to move forward as best I can. The only exercise I can do is walking and riding my stationary bike (assuming it is still working). I have to keep my arm immobile so it will be fun but I am going to give it a shot anyway.

I removed my tickers and plan to create new ones starting in the morning. I know this will be a very slow process but it took 45 years to get to this weight so it will take a while to come off. It will be even slower without my FIRM workouts now. But as long as it is in the right direction, that's okay.

Till tomorrow...

What a day!!!!

2009-02-21T16:41:00.001-05:00

First of all, I lost 3 pounds which is what I gained last week with the 12 inches lost. So, I am where I was 2 weeks ago but that is okay because I feel great.
The best news is I received my acceptance letter to the PhD program at GSU...I am so excited and can't wait to be a student again!!!!

WOW!!

2009-02-15T18:51:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it but I have lost 12 inches in two weeks. That is amazing. I can sort of see it but I am starting to feel it. I have so many more to go but this is a great start. I added an inches lost ticker too - a mini version.

I haven't been able to stitch much since I am out of the correct color to finish the design. I did frog and fix a year today though. I plan to get the thread tomorrow so I can finish this within a week!

Off to the grocery store. Planning every meal is a pain to do but so much easier later.

Almost finished

2009-02-10T18:52:00.001-05:00

I only have one more generation to add to my stitching project then it's off to the framers. I have been working on this project for almost a year. I am so glad it is almost finished. I am really wanting to get back to my L&L Angel that I am about 60% of the way through. I can't post pics since it is a gift but I will after the event.

Another 5 pounds down....

2009-02-07T09:20:00.001-05:00

And it was a zero buster so I am treating myself to a new DVD and day and evening with my hubby!! So, no stitching today but I will tomorrow. Off to ds Pine Wood Derby Race!!

I Stitched!

2009-02-05T23:43:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I picked up my needle but I did last night. I was so burned out from having to frog so much but I am getting back on track. I am so close to finishing this monster!! I am dying to get back to my Angel. Today is Friday for me so I plan to stitch and watch movies tomorrow afternoon (while doing laundry of course).

I have been doing the FIRM for over a week and LOVE it!!! I did my first complete with weights last night and tonight. A challenge but fun!! I also posted a weight loss ticker to my blog. I need to lose more than the ticker shows but I can only fit a certain size on here with the layout.

More later...going to read and then to bed!

MIA...

2009-02-03T19:12:00.001-05:00

I had no idea it has been this long since I posted. Not much new going on here. No stitching recently, got burned out after having to frog a generation - 3 times, maybe this weekend.

I started doing the FIRM and lost 5 pounds the first week. I hope it continues!!!
More later...

Love this and it is so true!!

2009-01-25T11:12:00.001-05:00

You know you're from Oklahoma if:

1. You can properly pronounce Eufaula, Gotebo, Okemah, and Chickasha.
2. You think that people who complain about the wind in their states are
sissies.
3. A tornado warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and look
for a funnel.
4. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor on
the highway.
5. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
6. You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by
the distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.
7. Stores don't have bags, they have sacks.
8. You see people wear bib overalls at funerals.
9. You think everyone from a bigger city has an accent.
10. You measure distance in minutes.
11. You refer to the capital of Oklahoma as "The City."
12. It doesn't bother you to use an airport named for a man who died in
an airplane crash
13. Little smokies are something you serve only for special occasions.
14. You go to the lake because you think it is like going to the ocean.
15. You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.
16. You know cow pies are not made of beef.
17. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding
date.
18. You have known someone who has had one belt buckle bigger than your
fist.
19. A bad traffic jam involves two cars staring each other down at a
four-way stop, each determined to be the most polite and let the other
go first.
20. You know in which state Miam-uh is and in which state Miam-ee is.
21. You aren't surprised to find movie rental, ammunition, and bait all
in the same store.
22. Your "place at the lake" has wheels under it.
23. A Mercedes Benz is not a status symbol. A Ford F350 4x4 is a GT.
24. You know everything goes better with Ranch.
25. You learned how to shoot a gun before you learned how to multiply.
26. You actually get these jokes and are "fixin" to send them to your
friends.
Finally, you are 100% Oklahoman if you have ever heard this
conversation:
"You wanna coke?" "Yeah." "What kind?" "Dr. Pepper."

Family Day!!

2009-01-24T20:40:00.004-05:00

We had such a good day! We got up and went straight to the King Tut Exhibit. That was amazing. It was so hard not to touch the artifacts. I was actually more interested in touching the rock part but they still wouldn't let me. Some of the pieces are simply beautiful and others are plain but elegant. We finished up in the bookstore where ds#1 bought a scarab and a stuffed bear for Greyson.
After walking almost 8,000 steps at the show alone, we were exhausted so we went to Durango's Steak House in downtown Atlanta. The one by us closed a few years ago and it is one of our favorite places to eat...pepsi products and yellow queso!
We then headed over to Sam's to pick up Greyson's cake and few other items and then home to drop stuff off and let the poochies out for a bit. We then piled back in the van and headed to the movies. We saw Inkheart which was really cute! I love Brandon Frasier. Ds#1 loved these books so, needless to say, he loved the movie too. We then stopped for a quick sandwich and came home.

We sang Happy Birthday and had cake and ice cream...a real treat! The pictures are of the cake and Greyson's Memorial Candle. Almost 15,000 steps later I am pooped!! So I am posting this and sitting down in my comfy chair to frog some stitching and rest my barking dogs!

The Weekend!!!

2009-01-23T20:06:00.002-05:00

Yeah, it's Friday. Tomorrow we are going to celebrate Greyson's birthday. We are going to see the King Tut Exhibit, lunch as Durango's, a movie and then some Wii Sports Family Competition. I ordered the sweetest cake for him. I will post pictures tomorrow. I plan to stitch some tonight on my "gift". I may get finished in the next couple of weeks. We are going to start painting the house next weekend so I want to get as much done as possible.
Classes are in full swing now. All my classes are packed. I actually had to have a student sit on the floor this week because there were not enough chairs. I really felt bad but I bet he gets there on time from on to avoid sitting on the floor again!
I can feel Spring coming and am getting excited about the new exercise program. Once dd foot get heals we will be able to do it together. She has been doing the upper body workout on our new gym. I just ordered my first Firm product and am anxious to use it. I have a major aversion to sweating (probably because I do it all the time) but I have decided TOO BAD!! I have also really been increasing the water and will do my first weigh in tomorrow so we will see how it is working.
Off to stitch - will post pix tomorrow.

Smokin' Needle

2009-01-20T13:52:00.003-05:00

Wow, I have been able to stitch like crazy today. I am doing laundry and anything else I can to avoid any of the "inauguration" stuff aka the beginning of the downward spiral of American Freedom and Individual Rights. The crowds reaction to President Bush and his family is a direct reflection of the people responsible for this election. The double standard and disrespect is pathetic. I can say that I will give as much respect to BO as President Bush was given throughout his presidency. So, I guess NONE!
On the bright side, I have been able to get a lot of stitching done which is great since I need to finish this project asap. I can't post a picture since it is a gift but I can say it is the most impressive piece I have ever stitched...and the most time consuming. I will post a picture after the recipient has it.
Back to stitching and folding...

Spelling, Stitching & Sleeping

2009-01-19T10:38:00.002-05:00

This was the big spelling bee weekend. Ds competed against elementary schools, middle schools and high schools! We were not aware of that until we got there. Anyway, he did not make the top 12 but was in the top 50. He has been so very nervous almost sick this past week. He was very upset after the results were announced saying he let everyone and the school down. This is the first time that he has not succeeded at something and it has been very hard for him to accept. Being in the top 50 in this county is nothing to sneeze at. He was one of the youngest competitors. The words were incredibly difficult and even the pronouncer could not pronouncer them a lot of the time. They had to know how to spell words from other languages too. I believe the winning word was “dicotyledon”.
I have finished another generation on my stitching and hope to get a start on the next today. I had to frog the date and redo it but that was okay. I hope to get it finished in a couple of weeks so I get it to the framers. I am also anxious to get back to a different project, mainly my L&L angel. I am about 3/4 of the way through her and then will start on the next one.
The problem this weekend has been my sleep. Having to teach nights this semester has really thrown off my clock. I can't seem to sleep for anything. Now I know how babies feel when they get their days and nights mixed up! I am having to force myself to bed and then force myself to get up. I hope I adjust better this week or I am going to be really grouchy. Thank goodness it is a very short week for me!

We're off...

2009-01-14T14:23:00.002-05:00

The semester officially started on Monday so I am half way through my week. I have Fridays off! My classes are packed! I swear if one of my ENVS students sneeze half the class will fall over. We are packing in like sardines! I am looking forward to getting this semester over with so I can start teaching the new hybrid courses and start taking classes myself.
I started full force on Weight Watchers again. It is really hard to do with my schedule this semester. Teaching only at night has me all backwards. I am sure I will get in the groove soon but in the meantime, its hard finding foods I can eat that are low in points but convenient. I need to find a way to increase my fruit and veggies!! The water will also be a challenge since I can't run to the potty all the time during class. As long as the scale goes down, I will be happy!
We are going to start painting next weekend. I can't stand the white walls anymore. This weekend is the spelling bee so we will be out very early for registration, 7:15 AM - like I said very early!

Pictures...Finally

2009-01-11T12:40:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures from Christmas including dd in her get up, dd birthday cake, ds and his OU gear, dd and her favorite video, the mess, ds enjoying his gift, the tree before the chaos, Tabitha enjoying the warmth from the lights.
I made the pictures small so they would fit on the site. It was hard trying to decide what to share. We had such a good day and dd enjoyed her birthday. I will post pictures of Oklahoma if I can find them!

I stitched today!

2009-01-10T19:37:00.003-05:00

I actually got to stitch a little today. I am working on my Mothers Tree. I have four generations left. I can't wait to finish it. I have been working on it since last summer. I am dying to get back to working on other WIPS.
My dd set me up with a Facebook. I am still not exactly sure what it is or what the purpose is but I will give it a try. We finally got the Christmas decorations down and all thats left is the tree and moving things back to the attic. There has to be an easier way to store holiday decorations. I really would leave my tree up year round and decorate according to season or holiday but I think my dh would kill me if I did that.
I am still working on getting some pictures loaded. Everytime I think about it I am doing something like taking a shower or doing dishes and then forget when I get back to the computer.
Tomorrow is my last day of vacation. I do have a little bit of work to do before classes start on Monday but it shouldn't take me too long. My goal is to only do work stuff during my office hours. We'll see! I need to stitch one generation a week if I am going to get this project finished in time to get it to the framers.
Family is wanting to challenge each other to a game of Wii so better run...wish me luck!

Schools In!

2009-01-06T17:53:00.002-05:00

Public school started yesterday so ds is back. Dd and I go back this coming Monday. I am NOT looking forward to it. This is the first time I have not looked forward to a new semester. Too many changes that I don't care for. Oh well, guess I should focus on the students.
Everyone is finally getting over this gunk that we have had, only ds was spared. Today my ears popped and my headache went away. So, I hope to get some pictures uploaded sometime today. We are watching TU in the GMAC bowl tonight. We cheered Texas last night, can't believe I just said we cheered Texas!!! I am nervous about our game on Thursday but for now, we are number 1!!
I hope to get completely back on WW next week and start this exercise program. I am actually looking forward to it. I really like the boxing on the Wii. I think we are going to actually look into getting a boxing setup for the house since ds likes it as well. He broke the one he got for Christmas, one punch and it was gone!
Off to get the turkey out of the oven.

It's a New Year

2009-01-02T13:16:00.003-05:00

Well, time to get back on WW and continue the journey. Once I get over this nasty cold, flu, infection or whatever it is, I plan to continue with WW and a new exercise program. I am so ready - except for the exploding head!! I haven't had any desire to stitch even!! Wish me luck...

Happy New Year's

2008-12-31T21:39:00.003-05:00

Since we are all sick with cough, colds and/or flu we are having a family game night and staying in and watching movies. I haven't been able to hold my head up to stitch at all and have not had a voice for 3 days now my throat is so sore but no strep just drainage and irritation. Night is the worst because I get so dry.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a safe, HEALTHY and happy new year. My New Year's Resolution - NOT to be sick NEXT New Year's!!!!

I'm Back!

2008-12-23T17:22:00.002-05:00

We got in at 12:30 AM this morning from Oklahomas. We drove straight through. It was an exhausting drive since I had to drive it all myself. Dd is getting around better but still can't drive. We just keep her wheelchair in the car now and she uses crutches in the house. We had a great time in OK eating all our favorite foods and visiting family. We made it to Edmond to visit Great Grandma. Also, my first great niece was born while we were there - great timing huh? I finished all my shopping and even managed a short trip to Silver Needle and bought two complete kits. I could shop for hours in that store! We visited a cemetery that my grandma remember in Edmond that turned out to have several of our ancestors buried there. I took some pictures to add to the tree file. It was so strange seeing them. I still have to shower, unpack and finish wrapping....sigh!!!

It's Official!

2008-12-14T22:24:00.002-05:00

Winter Break has begun. I am heading to Oklahoma in 3 days!!! I am so excited. I have a long list of places to go and things I want to do. I just really do not look forward to the long drive! Will write more later...

I am so tired!

2008-12-10T17:58:00.001-05:00

Tonight is the last final for this semester. As usual students are bickering over their grades and once again mostly for plagiarism and not following instructions. I will be so glad when tomorrow comes. I am getting my usual end of the semester illness too - scratchy throat and achy! I truly do not understand why it is so hard to follow instructions and they are not hard instructions either.
With dd in a wheelchair now it has been a real pain getting around and around the house as well. She is also wearing one of those space boots that inflates and deflates but weighs a ton. She is taking her last final as I type. We hope to leave for Oklahoma sometime next week after grades and laundry and rest!!!

National Championship Here We Come!

2008-12-08T21:35:00.002-05:00

OU is #1!! We are off to face Florida. I tried to get tickets but they were pretty much all gone.

Finals are this week and I am so glad. It has been a very trying few days. I can't wait for Thursday!!

Finally!

2008-12-04T15:25:00.003-05:00

It is the last day of classes for this semester. I still have finals next week but no more lectures! But lots of grading to do. I hope to get a lot of it finished tomorrow. It is raining and cold here so it will be a perfect night and day tomorrow to hunker down and get some work done, listening to my Celtic Thunder and Christmas playlist of course. Maybe just maybe I will be able to stitch a little this weekend, wow - what a thought!

Chinchilla, Falsetto, Festival and Tissue

2008-12-03T10:17:00.002-05:00

What do these words have in common? These are the words my ds spelled correctly today to win the school spelling bee!! He advances on to the county level in January. It was more nerve wracking than watching an OU football game...against Texas!!!

How did I spend the evening you ask?

2008-12-02T00:30:00.002-05:00

Why in the ER of course! My dd has been having dizzy spells for the past week. She passed out in class, fell face first on the floor at work and tonight fell down the stairs. They ran every test and did every scan possible. The only explanation is Vertigo or something else in her inner ears. She now has a cast on her foot/ankle and is on crutches which are really fun when you are dizzy all the time. So tomorrow will be spent running from one dr to another. I missed my class tonight and will miss tomorrow as well. I hate that but she takes priority! Well, I better get some sleep. What is it about ER's that are so exhausting?

Big 12 Championship Here We Come

2008-11-30T18:16:00.004-05:00

OU is heading to the Championship game against Missouri and if we win there we are off to face, hopefully, Florida for National Champs. It was close and I feel really bad for the Texas fans but if there shoe was on the other foot....I'm just saying.

Anyway, not a bad birthday present I must say!

Bedlam!

2008-11-29T10:37:00.003-05:00

I can't believe the OU - OSU game is today. This week has flown by. Thanksgiving came and went so fast. We had a good day - good food, family, games and fun. Dd saw Twilight twice while I did some Christmas shopping, still have a long way to go on that. We are putting the tree up today and decorating the house. I am looking forward to it since we didn't do anything for Halloween or the Fall.
But this afternoon and tonight - it's all about the game. The kids and I wearing OU stuff in the living room watching the TT-Baylor game and then the OU-OSU game with dh on the computer wearing his Texas hat. Repeating the conditions of last week can't hurt, huh? If we win, that's it we are off to National Champs!!! If we loose, then there is always next year!

Happy Turkey Day

2008-11-25T18:40:00.003-05:00

I plan on stuffing myself on Thursday (points be dam*&#). Then do some shopping over the weekend but stitching the majority of the time. I hope to sneak off to a movie with dh IF I can find something to go see. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend.

65-21!!!!!!

2008-11-23T01:41:00.000-05:00

Need I say more?

Boomer Sooner all the way!

Go Sooners!!

2008-11-20T13:14:00.003-05:00

I just realized Thanksgiving is a week from today. I have not even bought groceries yet. I can't believe the time has gone by so quickly. This weekend will be spent buying food, shopping for gifts and decorations and CHEERING FOR OU!! I am so nervous but excited about the game. Dd works so she will miss most of the game. I will need to find something to do while its on so I don't bite off all my nails!

Amazing

2008-11-16T09:44:00.002-05:00

If you ever get the chance to see Celtic Thunder - you must go! It was the best concert/show I have ever seen. We had excellent seats, the sound was awesome, they sound better in person, the little theatrics were fun and everyone of them can sing (in their own way) and they are adorable and funny! Dd and I both enjoyed ourselves, even though we were starving after intermission. Our quest to find a place to eat didn't work so well. The three places I knew of downtown were all closed so we tried to wing it but that didn't work. So after the concert at midnight we were hitting Sonic (once I made my out of downtown that is). We loaded up on DVD's, posters, mugs and so on (hmmmmm - I wonder where MY share went to?) The song playing is one of theirs and one of my favorites but it is a little old school. Dd likes the more contemporary ones. During Danny Boy you could have heard a pin drop. They sung it acapella and it was amazing. They are heading out west so everyone keep a look out.

Thunder tonight...

2008-11-15T10:19:00.003-05:00

Celtic Thunder that is! Dd and I are off to see Celtic Thunder here in Atlanta. We are both so excited. I can't wait. We have orchestra seats and are ready for our girls night out!

Two Weeks...

2008-11-13T22:05:00.002-05:00

I can't believe there are only 2 weeks until Thanksgiving. I haven't even had a chance to get the fall decorations up. What's the point when in two weeks I put up Christmas stuff. I am not at all ready for the holidays. I realized today I only have 6 more classes before finals!!! WoooWhoooo! I guess I need to get organized and get my menu planned and house cleaned.

No fun today...

2008-11-10T23:20:00.003-05:00

I had to teach a class on the perils of global warming...with a migraine. Lecturing on that subject is torture enough but with a headache, its impossible. I had to present both sides of the debate - the science behind it NOT the media side. I was actually asked why they didn't learn some of this stuff in high school. I ask that same question - daily!!!!

Needless to say, no stitching today or tonight. I am taking my MH kit with me to the in-lwas tomorrow afternoon and will attempt it. Here is one I would like to get for next year, assuming I can handle the one I have already!

I Failed This Test!!

2008-11-09T20:57:00.002-05:00

What it took to get an 8th grade education in 1895

--Remember when grandparents and great-grandparents stated that they only
had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out. Could any of us have passed the
8th grade in 1895? This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina, Kansas, USA. It was taken from the original document on file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina, KS, and reprinted by the Salina Journal.

8th Grade Final Exam: Salina, KS - 1895
Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.
2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications.
3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph
4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of"lie,""play,"
and "run."
5. Define case; Illustrate each case.
6 What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.
7 - 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you
understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.

Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels
of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50cts/bushel,
deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to
carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for
incidentals?
5. Find the cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per
metre?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 p! ! er acre, the distance of
which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt

U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and
Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849,
1865.

Orthography (Time, one hour)
1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography,
etymology, syllabication
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals,
diphthong, cognate letters, linguals
4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u.' ! !
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e.' Name two exceptions
under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis,
mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the
sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood,
fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain,
feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by
use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.

Geography (Time, one hour)
1 What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba,
Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the
sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the
earth.

Notice that the exam took FIVE HOURS to complete. Gives the saying "he only
had an 8th grade education" a whole new meaning, doesn't it?! Also shows you how
poor our education system has become... and, NO! I don't have the answers,
and I failed the 8th grade test!

I must have this...

2008-11-08T21:58:00.002-05:00

I don't have any Thanksgiving cross stitch and I really like this one. I think I will add to my wish list.

I need to find some projects that don't take quite so long. So far all my WIPS are Lavender and Lace designs and they are not exactly small! I have to admit they are my favorite though. I think I will start on my first ever Mill Hill kit for Christmas. I have never beaded before so this will be a first.

Fall

2008-11-08T21:52:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. We have been cleaning and organizing the house for the holidays. Today I cleaned the windows and doors and the living room, reorganizing things. I love it when the house is clean and the windows are open and fall is in the air! I am hoping to stitch some on my Mothers Tree this weekend.

Scared to the core...

2008-11-08T21:48:00.003-05:00

You know that phone call a parent never wants to hear, we got it last night (one of them anyway). Dd had her first accident last night. It was a minor fender bender but enough to scare the (*#) out of me and her dad. She is pretty shaken up but she will recover. I am just happy nobody was hurt.

I Love the Fall

2008-11-07T16:31:00.002-05:00

I love the colors and weather of Fall. It is my favorite time of the year so naturally it goes by 5 times faster than other seasons. This is the view out back right now. I want to get a picture of the street with the trees, beautiful! I need a fall cross stitch piece!

What can I say???

2008-11-07T10:03:00.003-05:00

My son is a genius. I better not let him hear me say that. He got his report card and once again he got straight A's and E's...14 of them. He also got "A's" in his advanced classes. He received two awards...the Principals Award and the Achievement of High Excellence Award. I am amazed by him every day and sometimes every hour. At times I wonder what it would be like to be inside his head for just a little while. I think I would get overloaded but it would be nice. Maybe I should try since I am going to be needing all the help I can get when I start GSU next semester.

Here are my two boys in the mountains. What a pair they are but a cute pair!

GSU is still waiting on two letters from my former advisor and professor at the University of Tulsa. Once those are in my application packet will be complete. I am hoping they get them in before the deadline...Nov. 15th!! I did get my old GRE scores in and they accepted them so that is taken care of anyway.

I started streamlining the classes I am teaching next semester. I made up all new projects, schedules and syllabi for each class. I am teaching Historical Geology as well and I haven't taught that in a while so I have a little work to do there. I can't believe we have less than a month and this semester will be over! I am so looking forward to the break. We are heading home to Oklahoma before Christmas even if only for a few days. I need a Taco Bueno fix (and a family fix).

What a sad sad day for America!!

2008-11-05T17:25:00.002-05:00

At least it is over - that is the only good thing about all this. My dd and I decided to have a "Spread the Wealth Party" to celebrate. Here are our choices of what we want from others:

Home - I chose Brangelina's home in England (I thought about BO's house but I don't think I would let my dog live there) and dd chose the White House. I am contemplating the home of someone I know who has a nice location and a pool but just for the summer months.
Car - I chose Nancy Pelosi because she has a driver and dd chose David Beckham's.
Jet - I chose John Travolta's and dd chose Tom Cruise's.
Yacht - I chose Al Gores and dd chose George Clooneys.
Bank Accout - Any of the following will do: Barbara Streisand, Sean Penn, Jessica Alba, Whoopi, Katie Curic, Madonna. DD chose Scarlett Johanson.
Job - I am quitting mine because I will not need to work since BO will take care of all my needs, heck - I don't even need to think for myself anymore. DD chose BO's new job once the bleeding hearts are cleaned up.

We decided to make the other BO's (Oprah) house a haven for illegal aliens and they should of course have her funds as well.

I wonder if how long we have to wait to start getting checks and property? Do you think he will start as soon as he takes office? I hope so - I really want a vacation. I encourage all of you to make your list so it is less WORK on the new administration.

All I can say, they asked for it and boy are they gonna get it!!!!

Disillusioned

2008-11-03T22:46:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had something happen to you that shakes you to your core that makes you wonder how, what, where and why about almost everything? I lost a friend today and it hurts more than I can find the words to say...

I am Scared!

2008-11-02T16:13:00.003-05:00

And not because it is Halloween but because of the election on Tuesday! I am very concerned about the way half of this country thinks. The sense of entitlement and the "give-me" generation is unbelievable. I am not sure if it is because I am a military brat or because I lived in other countries and have seen the "greener" grass but the liberal mentality is truly foreign to me, makes about as much sense as Chinese does! I am a college professor and I teach physical science no less so most people, fellow faculty and students included, automatically think I am liberal. I try to explain to them that I am so far to the right that conservatives have to wave at me.

I may not be happy with the way the last two years have gone but I am happy GWB was in the white house. The alternative would have been devastating. The blame game is so old. The partisan crap is ridiculous in the country now. It will be our downfall. I am not a McCain fan but I can not tolerate socialism, Marxism or the double standards that are blatantly obvious this year. I do care about the economy and taxes, blah blah BUT the security of my family is my highest priority and without a secure homeland - NOTHING -economy, immigration, taxes - matter. I can not watch the greatest country in the world abandon all the principles it was founded on. I am voting straight Republican because that is what I am and how I believe. I can only hope and pray that there is truly more common sense in the world than the media leads us to believe. The only democrats I know are fellow faculty and that is just an assumption based on trends. Everyone in my family, near and far, is voting the RIGHT way. I refuse to believe that my father, grandfathers, uncles, cousins and everyone else who have dedicated and given their life for this country did so in vain!!

I truly am scared...for my children, grandchildren and their children.

Finally...

2008-10-26T21:17:00.002-05:00

We finally broke down and bought me a new laptop today. I am not sure you can visualize a Charlie Brown laptop but that is what mine was! The battery was shot so it had a big hole in the bottom, the internet quite working, the keys were sticking and I was getting very stressed out whenever I needed to use it. We have been looking at them for a while but I literally had no choice today so we just did it. I LOVE IT!! It is so nice to have one that works. I have not done anything except transfer files and set it up so I can use it tomorrow. What a relief!!!

GREAT NEWS!!

2008-10-25T10:02:00.002-05:00

I found out that I do NOT - I repeat DO NOT - have to retake the GRE!!! The director of the chemistry waived the requirement since I already have a MS degree. Whew! I am so relieved. I just have to push the paperwork through and fast! I am so excited and nervous about going back. What a relief!!!

WIPS

2008-10-25T09:50:00.003-05:00

Here is Ashley cross stitch piece. She is making ornaments and this is my favorite - it's purple!

Here is my progress so far. I finally finished the tree...yeah no more green!

It's Only Fair

2008-10-25T09:45:00.003-05:00

I posted a picture of Daphne so I have to post one of Angel taking a nap. Both dogs are so rotten, lovable but rotten!

Sshhhhh, do you hear that?

2008-10-20T09:56:00.003-05:00

Nothing. Silence. Quiet.

I am alone (well, except for the 2 dogs and cat). Everyone is at work or school. I never noticed how quiet the house can get before. As you can see, Daphne is enjoying it! I am going to take advantage and delve into the quantitative portion of the GRE today - oh yeah! I want to take the test at the end of the month so I am try to pace myself so I don't forget stuff before I take it. Maybe I will get some stitching done tonight after laundry, only 3 loads left!!

A Wonderful Day!

2008-10-19T17:15:00.005-05:00

Why? I spent it with my kids and dh baking cookies, icing cookies, making a roast with potatoes and carrots. But best of all, my dd started cross-stitching!! She is sitting in my stitching chair with a cup of hot tea just stitching away! Sigh, I am so proud! I will try to post some pictures. I am still trying to figure out how to post the pictures in different places on my page.

Here are the cookies - take your pick. We have bats, ghosts, pumpkins, cats and all sorts of scary critters in all different colors.

I studied a little this morning and made a 20/20 on the post test so I decided to spend the day with the kids and it was fun. I am going to start studying the math stuff tomorrow but tonight - I am watching a movie and stitching "with my daughter"...yippee!!

She will kill me posting this picture, in case you can't tell she is not feeling well today but still cute!

Oh, I uploaded all my christmas songs to itunes and my iPod so I have been listening to my favorites today.

What a wonderful day!

It's Fall....

2008-10-18T16:26:00.003-05:00

I love this time of the year. The weather is so nice!
We went to the Smokies this past weekend and the foliage is amazing. I will try to post a few pictures. We had a great time visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. I went to my favorite LNS - Dixie Darlin' and bought a few things to keep me busy this winter.

I am studying for my GRE right now so I am afriad I will not have much time to stitch. I have completed about 50% of the tree on my Mothers Tree stitch. It is really getting old doing nothing but green.

I started weight watchers in August and have lost 21 pounds so far, even with vacation! I weigh in on Saturdays but I think I need a new scale. The one I have gives you different readings 1 minute apart. Speaking of WW, I need to go get some water. I will try to get some pictures posted!

Kim

One Word Game

2008-07-09T20:46:00.003-05:00

Rule: You must answer the questions using only one word. Then tag four others.

1. Where is your cell phone? counter
2. Your significant other? Allen
3. Your hair? mixed
4. Your mother? Gabby
5. Your father? James
6. Your favorite thing? Children
7. Your dream last night? absent
8. Your favorite drink? Tea
9. Your dream/goal? Happiness
10. The room you're in? Bedroom
11. Your hobby? CrossStitch
12. Your fear? Water
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Oklahoma
14. What you're not? Thin
15. Muffins? Banana
16. One of your wish list items? Money
17. Where you grew up? everywhere
18. The last thing you did? email
19. What are you wearing? clothes
20. Favorite gadget? iTouch
21. Your pets? 3
22. Your computer? Laptop
23. Your mood? Tired
24. Missing someone? Yes
25. Your car? Nissan
26. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
27. Favorite store? craft
28. Like someone? Yes
29. Your favorite color? Purple
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31 Last time you cried? Today

I got this from Kimichigan...thanks. If you read it, consider yourself tagged.

Where have I been?????

2008-07-07T20:42:00.002-05:00

I honestly couldn't tell you. The summer is almost over and we have not done much of anything. We painted the entry hall and thats it. I keep saying today we are going to paint but for some strange reason - it never happens.

The fourth was very quiet for us, for a change. We watched the big display in our county and then came home to set our own off.

I have been stitching as much as possible and been reading the Elm Creek Quilters novel series, not a good idea since I can't stop reading when I start.

I will try to post an updated picture of my stitching soon.

April 15th already!!!

2008-04-15T22:21:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it is April 15th. I have alreay done my taxes but I can't believe the month is half over. My dd only has 5 weeks until graduation. I think it is finally starting to hit me that she is actually graduating. It is really bitter sweet.

I only have 2 weeks left myself and am so ready for the summer. I have family coming to visit for graduation and then our trip in June and July. It is amazing how fast this year is going. Other than getting ready for the end of the semester not a lot going on...

It's over.....

2008-03-28T20:56:00.002-05:00

March has finally come to an end and it is Friday!!! This month was horrible and I am so ready for April. I have actually stitched a little today and hope to more this weekend. I did buy a new book so we will see what happens.

I stole this list from another stitcher but I thought it was fun.
Look at the list of (100) books below. Bold the ones you’ve read. Italicize the ones you want to read. Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in. (Movies don’t count.)
1.The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25 . Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett) reading now
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible been ahile though
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger) reading now
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

Feel free to "steal" from me and pass it on...

Catching my breath....

2008-03-21T16:58:00.002-05:00

Well, the month is finally winding down and for the first time in weeks I have a weekend at home. So, guess what? Cleaning time! My workshop was cancelled so my weekend opened up which is good since it is Easter and we have two chruch services. My trip to SF was super fast. They had every minute of my day planned down to the trip to the airport. It was very rewarding though. The kids are getting ready for their spring break in a couple of weeks. DD graduates in less than two months!!! OMG!!!

What a few weeks this is going to be....

2008-03-12T16:04:00.002-05:00

My break is over and it was way too short! I spend it in the desert and the weather was awesome. We had a really great time. I am going back this summer and taking the kids with me. But, alas, it is back to work this week. I have a trip to SF this month, a workshop I am putting together, evaluations and the all that good stuff this month. I will be so glad when April gets here.

Not much stitching lately and probably not for a while yet...

SPRING BREAK...FINALLY!!

2008-03-02T18:37:00.002-05:00

I am so ready for a break. I leave this week for a few days of vacation. This month has turned into a very busy and stressful one which makes me even more anxious for this trip. I will post a few pictures when I get back...take care.

I'm going on a trip!!!!

2008-02-27T10:33:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it but I am actually getting to go on a trip!! I am going to Phoenix to visit the sweetest relatives. I am also going with my mil who is nice enough to let me tag along with her. I can't wait! It is the first time I have taken a vacation without my kids or hubby. I hope to relax, stitch and crochet a little. I also hope to come back with a bunch of pictures and yes...ROCKS!!!!
DD is doing okay after her surgery. She is still in some pain but went back to school today. I hope she was able to stay awake for most of her classes.

Update of SAL

2008-02-25T16:39:00.003-05:00

Here is my progress so far with my L&L SAL. She is coming along nicely. I can't wait to get into the greens and burgundy's of her dress.

My dd had surgery on Friday so I haven't had much time to stitch but I hope to get more done this week and next.

Ugh....

2008-02-19T20:17:00.002-05:00

That is a perfect word to describe that mood where you just are overwhelmed with things to do and you have no idea where to start or even how you are going to make a dent in things.
We found out late last week that dd is going to have surgery on her jaw this Friday. She is actually looking forward to it. She has been in pain so long she is relieved. I just hope this fixes the problem but I am not sure it will.
I guess I better and try to make that dent....sigh!

Today is my son's birthday!

2008-02-17T12:21:00.002-05:00

I can't believe he is now nine years old!! We are having his party after scouts so it has been another busy weekend. We found out this week that he also tested so high on his testing at school they automically put him in the accelerated program. We don't think it will be the best option for middle school but for elementary school it is great.

I haven't had much time to work on my SAL. My fault...got a new book and I pulled out my crochet as well. I hope to get some stitching done this week. I also found out I will be heading to an all expense paid trip to San Francisco in March. The publisher of one of my textbooks is footing the bill...can't wait!!

Well, off to get the cake.
Let's get this party started!

My SAL

2008-02-08T16:24:00.000-05:00

I hope this picture works. Here is my first L&L angel. She is also my first linen piece. I have several other L&L angels I plan to do after this one. I got my fabric for the Dove of Peace so I am going to start that one soon and work it in as a rotation.

My family are coming in tonight so no stitching this weekend for...

What a night....

2008-02-05T14:46:00.000-05:00

We spent the evening in Urgent Care with ds. He has strep and a bleeding bruise on his scalp...really bizarre and kinda scary. So, I was up all night checking on him. He seems to be okay other than his troat.

Today is voting day and I feel like I am choosing the lesser of two evils. My candidate decided not to run this time around so I am a little bummed. It is dd first voting opportunity so she is excited. Since she plans to go into politics, this is a big day for her. I have my camera ready.

I have been stitching on my SAL and plan to post a picture soon. I hope to get to stitch tonight after things settle down.

My brother and nieces are coming back out this weekend and we are headed to one of the nearby animal parks IF the weather cooporates anyway.

I STITCHED....I ACTUALLY STITCHED!!!!

2008-01-28T18:51:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it but I did get to stitch for about an hour or so yesterday. I was so angry because I stitched through an entire episode of Band of Brothers and realized I was off by a row so I had to frog half of what I had done. I would not stop until I got back to where I was so it took more time - but I stitched. I also got my fabric in today for my Dove of Peace so I will rotate that in sometime.

I went to a Pampered Chef party yesterday. I ate way too much food but it was fun and I LOVE their products. I am trying to decide on what I want versus what I need. Anyway, I plan to stitch a little tonight after the kids go to bed. I finished reading the new Steve Berry book so plenty of time to bedtime stitch...yeah!!

Baby it's cold outside...

2008-01-25T22:16:00.000-05:00

It has been really windy here which makes it so much colder than it really is. I have actually resorted to wearing a jacket this week. I only wear it about a week out of the year so I guess this is it.
This was a really short week and I am glad. I needed the extra day!! I finally got my tree decorations down...not the tree mind you - it is still up. I hope to finish that this weekend. It takes three of us to get take it down.
I got my BareEscentuals in the mail today so I am very excited to try it. Ashley really likes hers and it looks great on her but then again, everything looks good on her. I am waiting on some fabric to get here so I can start on my version of the Dove of Peace. I am actually going to take off the dove and add a verse. I am going to rotate that piece and the SAL. I need to finish my papilion too. It is not so much cross stitch as fancy stitcing...fun though. I REALLY want to start on my Chatelaine mystery but I have too much going on right now to take that one on, plus the supplies are very pricey!!
Well, off to bed for me. Blog with you soon.

Long Weekend

2008-01-22T19:32:00.000-05:00

Well, our long weekend is over and we are all exhausted! We had a very busy weekend celebrating Greysons birthday. The weather was forgiving but thats about it. The important thing is I survived another year - I am still not sure how that happens, although I am sure my two earthly angels have something to do with it. We saw The Waterhorse this weekend and it was a surprisingly good movie. We have Allens birthday coming up next week to look forward to. This is our season of holidays and birthdays. I am not sure yet what we are doing for Allen but I think it will include a Wii Party!
I finally started taking down the Christmas tree and decorations. It will take me all week but it will be done. Taking down the tree is always so depressing. The house looks so bare after it comes down. I guess I shouldn't worry too much...only 300 days till it goes up again!!

Weekend is finally here...

2008-01-17T23:06:00.000-05:00

We had a little winter weather last night, nothing major. The kids were all excited that school was going to be canceled but alas, no such luck! We all went to school today. We were planning to go out of town since Monday is Greyson's 4th birthday but the weather has put a crimp in our style so I am not sure what we are doing just yet.

I will post an update of my WIP on Monday once I scan it. Other than that, not much going on here. Winter is upon us...

See if this works...

2008-01-14T17:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I tried posting a link to my WIP pics but it won't work so I will see if I can upload them here...keep fingers crossed! I am working on a design I downloaded from Papillon.com. You choose your own colors. I am about 1/3 of the way finished. I plan to work on it tonight. I finished the new Steve Berry book so I have more time to stitch.

Quick post

2008-01-13T01:11:00.000-05:00

My brother and my two nieces are visiting so I have not had a chance to post anything. Not much news anyway, just visiting with family. I am still working on posting pictures and will try to get that done this week...

First day down, about a gazillion to go...

2008-01-07T23:53:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day of the semester. While my semester is really light compared to normal, the first two weeks are always tedious. My classes seem to get bigger and bigger every semester, I guess that is a good thing!

I finished AJ's Harry Potter scarf while I watched TU destroy Bowling Green, what an awesome game it was. Now if it would only get cold enough for him to use the scarf...I know the cold will be here soon.

My brother and my nieces are coming out for a visit this weekend so no stitching for me...only cleaning and more cleaning. I am ready to work on my angel. I really have to do something about the light in my living room. I can't see the squares on the linen in that room so I have to stay confined to my room.

Well, off to bed. Have a great day. I promise to get some pics up soon.

Decisions...Decisions

2008-01-05T21:01:00.000-05:00

After looking for months and months and scrounging through magazines, we have finally found our flooring and our colors! We had decided with travertine for the kitchen but when we laid it out we did not like it. So, we decided to with the wood throughout the downstairs. The decor for the kitchen is going to be country staying inline with the greens and reds we already have (and my new teapot-which I L O V E). We are almost finished in the front bathroom...only flooring, molding and the new faucet left.

I haven't worked on any of my craft stuff but have to finish AJ's scarf so I can focus on my SAL. I am determined to get one of Greysons angels done and start another one. My scrapping is in the pits, I haven't scrapped in forever. I just don't enjoy it right now and haven't for sometime.

Well, off to watch a Jerry Lewis movie or box depending on which kid wins the argument...

Final Day

2008-01-04T08:34:00.000-05:00

Well, today is the last day of my break and it is going to be spent running all over the place for dr. appts, hair appts and all that. Yesterday was supposed to be my day to what I wanted and I did for about 2 hours in the afternoon. I was able to read some of my new book...the new one by Seve Berry. He is becoming one of my favorite authors.

The kids all had a good day back to school yesterday. DD schedule got messed up and she didn't get into her law class since it conflicted with her honors history class. She wound up in sociology. She also has all coaches for teachers, her math is mostly the football team and ironically the teacher is the football coach...hmmmmmm?

Well, I am off to start running my day off. I am getting my hair done today so I can get rid of the "anti-skunk hair" as my dd calls it. I hope to post a couple of christmas pix sometime today...notice I said hope!

2008? WOW!

2008-01-02T13:30:00.001-05:00

I can't believe that I have not posted for months. I hope to do a better job of keeping up with everthing. I am also using this site for my SAL so I will be posting some pictures as I go (assuming I can figure it out).

For now, I hope you all had a great holiday and looking forward to the New Year!
God Bless.

Back to school AKA work!

2007-03-13T11:56:00.000-05:00

I can't belive how fast my spring break went by. I only had 1 day of doing nothing and for the life of me I can't tell you what I did do!! The bright side is I am past the midpoint for the semester so it's all downhill now.
I started my second cake course last week. This one is Fondant and Gumpaste (sounds yummy, huh?) It is easier to do than buttercream! I actually like the look more. We have to "design and create" a cake for our last class. I will post pictures once I decide what to do. I am not sure if I want to keep going in April or take a month off. I have to have physical therapy on my right shoulder/arm (and lower back) so it hurts to do too much right now. If the pt doesn't work, I have to have surgery. Needless to say, I do NOT want to do that so I am really "babying" my arm.
I guess that's all for now...

Spring Break!!!

2007-03-03T16:14:00.000-05:00

Finally!! I didn't think this weekend would ever get here. I am posting some pictures of AJ and my class projects. We are heading out to the observatory to watch the lunar eclipse tonight. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Over already?

2007-02-25T23:29:00.000-05:00

I can't believe the weekend is already over. It really just started....
We managed to get the majority of the house cleaned, still have a couple of rooms and some laundry to do. I am on spring break next week so I want to get the house clean so I don't spend all week cleaning! I will post some pictures this week once I get my grading caught up.

Have a great week...

And the winner is....

2007-02-22T21:17:00.000-05:00

AJ! He won a blue ribbon for his science fair project tonight. I will post pictures as soon as I can get them off the camera. All of the students did a great job!
I am so glad the weekend is here, I am so tired. I have not been home a single night this week and I can feel it - plus my house looks like a tornado hit it (actually, I think a tornado would even avoid it right now). I have nothing planned for tomorrow except AJ's regular visit to the lab. I plan to cross stitch and watch TV - assuming I can find something during the day to watch.

Let the weekend begin...

Ever wonder

2007-02-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
why you don't ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
why doctors call what they do "practice"?
why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?
why Noah didn't swat those two mosquitoes?
why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
why they don't make the whole plane out of the material used for the indestructible black box ?
why sheep don't shrink when it rains?
if con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

Some funny label instructions:
On a Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping. (darn, and that's the only time I have to work on my hair).
On some Swanson frozen dinners: "Serving suggestion: Defrost." (but, it's "just" a suggestion).
On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do not iron clothes on body." (but wouldn't this save me more time?)
On Boot's Children Cough Medicine:"Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."
On Nytol Sleep Aid: "Warning: May cause drowsiness." (and...I'm taking this because???....)
I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one: On a child's superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."
On the tag of a reversible jacket: "Wash inside-out" (which way would that be??...)

My First Post

2007-02-21T15:27:00.000-05:00

Well, it's a start anyway. I have found there is way too much I want to add so I will have to rotate my pictures on the site. So, this should be fun. Please post any comments to the site as only friends and family will see them.

It is rainy and 64 degrees here today, not your typical February day...must be global warming (I also think that is why my car wouldn't start on Monday). Munchkin managed to stay at school all day today. She has been sick since Friday with a viral infection and she has been miserable. I just hope AJ doesn't get it. We had AJs party on Saturday which went really well. He made off like a bandit. He has more money than I do now and his will last him longer than mine will me. "Somebody's Gotta Say It" came out yesterday and I can't wait to get my copy. I know I am going to enjoy this book. I had my next to last Wilton class last night. I am going to post pictures of my first cake and some other stuff we made in a couple of days. The kids are here so its time to begin the afternoon drill...take care!