Whining

I feel like whining today. I'm not up for the holidays yet and just want to relax! I would like to nap until after New Years! So, in honor of napping here are pictures of my favorite nappers!

Joseph 1st day home

Isabelle's 1st day home

Decorate..paint first

Well...we could not live with the yellow in the kitchen and keeping area anymore. The yellow is fine as a color, but definitely not in this room. I forgot to take a picture of the cabinets, but I will and you can see why it's just blah blah blah with yellow. So, we tried a neutral terracotta color and several greens. We chose shagreen by sherwin williams for the walls. For the keeping room I plan to paint the ceiling cottage cream also by SW. We are going to put bead board up on the bar and paint it the cottage cream too. Oh, I have got to post a picture of the cabinets, because there's on section of them I think I'd like to paint cream too...but that's kinda scary!!!! One day (that'll be when we sell the other house) I want to get custom slip covers for the couch and chairs in the keeping room and some sort of window treatments...roman or something shades for the windows. That mantle, seems like it would be great, but it is a real real pain to decorate and because the mantle is rock everything sits wobbly. Urghh! So, this is a beginning to decorating and as the weeks (months) go by I hope there will be yummy, delicious and pretty progress!

Some pics from last week

I'm sorry to say I did not step up and do my usual job of photography over Thanksgiving! I just have had a lull with blogging and I will get back into it now!

Substitute teaching!

I was a sub today. Oh my goodness I do need a massage! Blork!

Thanksgiving

We have been eating so I haven't had time to post!
Soon, I will get some pictures off of my camera and there will be something to see.
Kelley and Lora were married last weekend. You can see pictures on Mimisusans blog.
Then we had school functions on Tuesday. It was Grandparents day.
Extended family is in town for the holiday and we have all been visiting and the kids have had much fun playing together.

Rehersal Dinner

Look at MimiSusans blog. You'll find her blog on my sidebar!

What happened the year you were born?

In 1970 (the year you were born)

Richard Nixon is president of the US A federal jury finds the "Chicago 7" innocent of conspiring to incite riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention The lunar spacecraft Apollo 13 splashes down in the Pacific after near catastrophe The first Earth Day is marked by millions of Americans participating in anti-pollution demonstrations At Kent State University, National Guardsmen fire into a crowd killing four student antiwar demonstrators A powerful earthquake claims 50,000 lives in Peru 18 year olds are given the right to vote in federal elections Tidal wave driven by cyclone from Bay of Bengal hits East Pakistan, killing hundreds of thousands An anti-war rally is held at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, attended by John Kerry, Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, Andre Agassi, Uma Thurman, Jennifer Lopez, and Matt Damon are born Baltimore Orioles win the World Series Kansas City Chiefs win Superbowl IV Boston Bruins win the Stanley Cup Tearjerker Love Story is the top grossing film I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is published "The Long and Winding Road" becomes the Beatles' last Number 1 song

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Well...at least Matt Damon was born! One good thing happened...other than me!

A Dog for all Seasons

If you click on the games link I have in the sidebar there is a game called A dog for all seasons. It's the the fourth game across in the top row. I've gotten up to 2300, but it's a tricky little game. It seems really easy at first, but then..ahhh..it gets tricky. Give it a try! These are fun little games that even your kids can play.

Kids and Psalm 23

The kids learned Psalm 23 this past month. Each night we learned an additional line. They learned the traditional King James version, but picked this for our blog. I said I would post it once they learned it. I also like the traditional hymn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HndQZlmJPpc&mode=related&search=

Which way is she turning?

This is wierd. Brendon can see both ways. I can only see clockwise. Which way do you see her? Leave a comment. This is wierd, but fun!

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22556281-661,00.html

ASO and Chorus

Last night Brendon and I went to the Symphony. We have half year season tickets, but we had trouble finding a sitter this week. In the end one of them came through and we headed out.
They preformed Ein Deutches Requiem after intermission. It was really awesome and the orchestra and chorus did an amazing job. This piece took them 70 minutes to perform. I can't wait to go to the next performance.

Isabelle as St. Lucia
Joseph as St. Luke

I made him a Dr. kit with black poster board, but you can't see it.

Since the kids attend a Catholic school they had All Saints day the day after Halloween.

They had to dress up as a "Saint" and tell about them.

I am Joseph's room mom so I had to organize a party for his class.

I was about zonked after that.

Well, anyway the kids thought it was fun.

You can do a lot with a pillowcase and poster board for costumes!

HALLOWEEN

The kid had a great time trick or treating last night. Deally's came over to trick or treat too. The Mommies sat on the front porch and passed out candy, while the Dad's took the kids around the neighborhood! I have a candy hangover today!

Pictures...last week and the weekend!

Recap of last week

We have been going full blast this past week. We have had fun, but it's time to sit for a spell. Last week Isabelle had a science project with pumpkins and I took photos for the class. Last Friday the 2nd graders went on a field trip and I was one of the drivers. After school that day we went over and visited Laurie, Olivia and Edison. Then watched Edison while Olivia had a piano recital. On Saturday the kids had their final soccer games and trophy party. Their soccer parties were at the same time so divided up and Brendon didn't have the camera for Joseph's party. Saturday night Brendon and I got all dressed up and went to a fund raiser gala for the school. A friend took some pictures and I'll post them when I get them. It was fairly fun, but the music was so loud that my head felt like it was ringing all night. The next morning while singing hymns I thought my head was going to swirl off because my ears just about couldn't take any more sound whatsoever. On Sunday afternoon we did a food drive for the local food co-op. (It's called "spooky to be hungry" and has been featured in Southern Living.) I was so tired by then that I didn't get any pictures. We have 150 homes in our neighborhood and we collected 557 items (cans, boxes etc)! At first the kids were a little shy about knocking on the doors, but after a few houses they got the hang of it and it was exciting. We did recruit some teens from church to help and I sent each kid with a different group and followed along in the van with the trunk open. I'll post pictures soon.

What kind of cake are you?

You Are Strawberry Cake

Fresh, sassy, and romantic. You're a total flirt, who never would turn down a sugary treat. Occasionally you're a bit moody - but you usually stay sweet!

What Kind of Cake Are You?

Not sure about this, but strawberry cake is good! I came up chocolate with with my 2nd time. LOL!

The Weekend

There's one picture of the kids cutting up on the back porch after school on Friday. The others are of a fishing trip on Satruday with Joseph's class. The red head is Mrs. Leonard Joseph's teacher.

Variety of recent picutres

Today I had my bi-monthly lunch room duty. Then I went and helped deocorate with some fall theme things at the school. That's Joseph hanging out waiting on his sister to get finished with school. Mavis is so funny, she rests her head on the porch rail while she sleeps, which is what she does when she's not barking!

I don't know why the slide show ends with the "add your email to the fan list" Please don't add it...I don't know why it's doing it.

Breakfast?

You Are Toast

Old fashioned and a bit of a homebody, you totally go for comfort food. You're the type who loves to cook for friends, and they love you for it. You truly know what tastes good, and you can often pick out the best dish at a restaurant. You don't fall for food trends. You stick with what's been food for a long time!

What Kind of Breakfast Are You?

Nice Weekend

We had a long weekend. It started out with a half day of school on Friday and ended with a day off yesterday. On Friday we (all four of us) headed over to Marietta and ate lunch at the Aussie Bakery.
Saturday morning we had two soccer games back to back and Mimi and Papa showed up to watch the fun! Next we had a fast drive across the county for Edison's first birthday party. The kids had a hay ride and we got to catch up with some friends.
After that, we came home and got ready for Kelley and Lora's engagement party/shower up in Pendergrass. It was really nice and very pretty!
Sunday we had a church picnic and then came home and took the kids up to Mimi and Papa's for a sleepover. Brendon and I headed out to dinner and then went to the lastest BOURNE movie. I really like this series of movies!
Monday Joseph had a little birthday party at Chuckee Cheese's. He loved it, as do most kids, but I really can't stand that place.
We normally don't have such crazy full on weekends, but this one was ok even if it was busy. Writing this all out felt like one those grade school exercise where you have to use the words, first, then , next and finally.....oh no I forgot to use finally!

Help plan the fall party for Kindergarten!

I'm the room mom for Joseph's class and we are coming up on our first party of the year and need to plan a menu. Here are the parameters we are working with: non sweet snacks, no nuts or nut oils of any kind. I'm just organizing and then will send out an email for volunteers.
I've come up with cheese and crackers, fruit like pineapple and grapes. Some sort of seasonal type food..but what I don't know? Pumpkin muffins? We can also have 100% juice...apple cider seems the obvious choice. I'll save the cranberry juice until Thanksgiving. Send me some more ideas!

Kids had a suprise half day!

I knew I had to pick Joseph up from school early today because he had a doctors appointment. Just before I was walking out the door to fetch him, I had a call from the school. A water main in the area broke and the county shut off all water to the entire area, which included the school. They had to call all the parents to come pick up the kids because no toilets at school would just not cut it! Not to mention hand washing! Apparently the whole school was cheering! LOL...I can just imagine. The kids were so excited!

not much going on

This is what I mostly do.

We are having a normal week. It is raining!!! That meant that soccer was canceled tonight. I feel bad when the kids can't go to practice, but on the other hand it's nice to relax at home! I'm not complaining.

Yesterday I went for a routine visit to the Dr for a thyroid check. It's time to get the routine blood test again. I hate that...because it's really hard for me to do a darn thing without my jolt of coffee each morning. (headache etc...then takes over my day..yes I'm addicted!) Think I will go Thursday morning first thing.

What else? I'm looking forward to this really neat gym to open right near my house. I've been missing going to a good gym for over a year. Last year I was in a regular running routine, but now I run sporadically and that's not good enough.

School is chugging along. We have a half day on Friday and Monday off. They are calling this fall break! Isn't that a hoot? I'd rather just go to school and get it over with!

Next up...fold AND put away

Friday Meme

I've seen these on other blogs. Sort of like those questions you email to people. I'm feeling sleepy today so I thought this would be a fun pick me up.
I tag people who love babies to copy and post this on their blogs too!

. Are there any babies in your family or circle of friends? Yes...3 new ones!

2. Are you one of those people who use a high-pitched, sing-song voice when talking to babies and small children? Yes I do!

3. If you were standing in line next to a *very* pregnant stranger at the bank or grocery store, what would you say to her? Nothing..I usually don't talk to strangers, but I would be helpful if need be (such hold door, give a seat or let go to the potty before me)

4. Similarly, what do you say or do near babies in public? I smile at babies! Sometimes wave or talk.

5. When walking through a department store, are you the sort of person who can go by the baby clothes without even a glance or do you have to stop to ooh and ahh? I usually wonder who I could buy something for!

Fun Quiz ..especially for the Texas Kin!

You Are 36% Texas

You're as welcome in Texas as a skunk at a lawn party.

How Texas Are You?

I tried my best Y'all! How'd you do?

Welcome Liana!

The newest little family member! Brendon's sister adds a 4th angel to her family!

Engagement Party!

Photo's from Kelley and Lora's engagement party last night!

Happy Birthday Nanny! Celebrating 90 years!!!!

Silly Quiz of the Week

Your Summer Ride is a Moped

While it's not the quickest (or sexiest) ride in town It's perfect for getting you around the back roads of Rome or Paris

What's Your Summer Ride?

What did your ride turn out to be? I"m not sure how I'm supposed to get the kids and all on the moped, but it sure sounds like fun!

Happy Birthday Dad!

At the Deally's

We spend alot of time with our friends the Deallys!

Gwinnett County Fair

We went to the fair on Saturday.

Where does the time go?

Remember my post about a month ago where I was looking forward to doing all these activities because both children are in school full time now? Well, I'm not sure where the time actually goes, but it seems I have even LESS time than last year. I do get to take Spanish class two mornings a week. It is fun, but it's taking too much time, so after next week I'm going to take a private lesson once a week.
I'm the room mom in Joseph's classroom. I really had no idea I should ask for a salary when I signed up for this! I spend on average 30 minutes a day answering emails and helping parents and teacher with various things. Still..it is really great to be active at the school! I'm also a lunchroom lady at Isabelle's campus, which is just around the corner from Joseph's. Every other Thursday I don an emerald green apron and spend an hour and half helping the cook and the students and cleaning. Very glamorous!
And, that is where all my time goes!

Silly Quiz!

Try this!

You Scored an A

You got 10/10 questions correct. It's pretty obvious that you don't make basic grammatical errors. If anything, you're annoyed when people make simple mistakes on their blogs. As far as people with bad grammar go, you know they're only human. And it's humanity and its current condition that truly disturb you sometimes.

The It's Its There Their They're Quiz

This week in pictures

Little House on the Prairie

We finished Little House on the Prairie last night. Reading this book as an adult was very interesting. Little House in the Big Woods, the first in the series, was such a wonderful heartwarming story. It was almost an idyllic life. To me they were a little too lonely, but other than that it was such a great time they had together.
Then we come to Little House on the Prairie. I think Ma did not know how aweful it was going to be or she would never have left the Big Woods. First of all they traveled for months in a wagon with 3 kids and a dog and oh let's don't forget 2 horses. Finally they get to where they are going...which is the place Pa finally decided to stop! Keep in mind he didn't have a map or stop for directions (some things don't change) and this does have dire consequences! At this point they must build a house. Ma helps Pa put up a log cabin. At one point a log, the size of a tree, falls on her foot and she says "oh Charles I'll be allright!" Are you laughing yet? Then they all come down with malaria and nearly die except a Doctor happens to be riding into the area and saves them.
It turns out they have settled in Indian territory and must leave. There are plenty of discussions between Laura and her parents about "Indians". I really had to skip over some of these conversations. I know that is what people thought at the time, but I don't even want my kids to hear such horrible things at this young stage in their life. Ma says at one point "the only good Indian is a dead Indian!" Ummm...yep I skipped right over that comment. Ever wonder where Wal-Mart and other people got the idea for emminent domain? It seems it's a "wonderful" little tradition in this country. Pa tells Laura that white people are coming here and settling and that the Indians are going to have to get out. There were many other examples of that kind of thought. I have to say I feel it is downright shameful and it makes me wonder what sort of attitudes do I have in this day and age that will be looked upon similarly in the next century. In the end after only one year in the house they must leave and find new land.

It's going to be

a busy weekend.
We had a busy week. You know I think 4 day weeks are always a little tiring anyway. We had curriculum night at the school last night. Tonight we are all tired. Tomorrow we have the kids first soccer games! One at 10, one at 11 and then a birthday party at 12! Yeah! I will be nuts after all that and then I "get" to go to the Kindergarten social in the evening. Sunday morning I'm helping out in the Sunday school, so I hope I'm helpful. I think I'll be tired.

We are almost finished reading Little House on the Prairie. More thoughts to follow on that book when we finish...I will say I think Ma should have put her foot down and stayed in the Big Woods. What was she thinking????

Panama City Beach...Labor Day Weekend 07

The beach was fantastic. The surf was way down and so everyone was in the ocean the whole time. I love swimming in the ocean and it's always nice for that there. Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend as well.

To the Beach!

We are going to the beach tomorrow! We can't wait. The kids have been counting down the days all week long. I have to do all the chores today though, so I better get started! Hope you all have a relaxing holiday weekend.

A few First this week!

First Day of School!

I took pictures this morning and then after they headed off to school with Dad I noticed the card wasn't in the camera. So, these are after school pics and the glare was bright. I'll take more pictures on Monday. They wear khaki on Fridays anyway. They had a great day!

Happy Birthday Brendon!

The favorite man in the house had his birthday yesterday!

We love him!

Phone calls

The phone rang last night and I looked on the read out screen to see who it was. It was one of the ones where you can't tell and I went ahead and answered it. The foreign sounding voice asked if I was Mrs. Briggs. If you are like me and you hear an accented voice asking for Mrs. Briggs would you assume it was a telemarketer? I did and I did not pay any attention to what they were saying as I was preparing in my head to tell them I was not interested and hang up. Then I heard the voice saying "and I'm going to be Joseph's teacher next year!" What? What? I said...could you tell me your name again?!! Joseph's teacher is Mrs. Leonard and she's from South Africa. I had hoped he would get her, but I had no idea she was from SA. Whew! Close call!

Pictures of the new house

Mom said one of my Aunts (you know who you are!) wanted to see pictures of our house other than the garage! Well, we are slowly coming together, but there are still plenty of bare walls. These are a few pictures that I already had downloaded. Feast your eyes!

Little House in the Big Woods

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0060797509/sr=8-2/qid=1186539272/ref=dp_image_text_0/104-3017771-5527965?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1186539272&sr=8-2

We just finished this book. Did you ever want to live like Laura and Mary?

Julie

We received our yearly update on Julie. We have sponsored her through Christian Children's Fund for the past 4 years. It is a heart warming experience for us. She's 6 years old, her favorite color is red, she likes art and she walks to school. She lives with her mother, father and sister in Brazil. We write to them from time to time and they write to us as well. She really blossomed this past year. We hope she will be our sponsor child for many years and maybe someday we will do a visit trip to Brazil and meet her and her family.

Progress

Moving?

Most of this has been cleared out and the rest will be finished this weekend. I will post a picture of two cars in the garage ASAP!

Flowers

Brendon sent me these on my birthday. Aren't they beautiful!

We are plugged in again!!!

We moved to our new home two weeks ago. Considering all things it was a smooth move as far as moves go. However, my computer connection was not up until this morning. I have felt so disconnected! Now, I will get back to regular posting here.
We have pretty much unpacked and will get finished this weekend.