Aunt B's Adventures

back in the saddle again

2011-01-29T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Blog world how have you been?

Katie's Beg for Prayer

2010-04-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Almost two week ago Jamie (our youth pastor) , Amanda (his wife) , Analy (4 month old) and Katie traveled to England. Last Thursday, Amanda, Analy and Katie were scheduled to fly back to the USA , while Jamie stayed over on business with the univesity.

Due to the recent volcano eruption in Iceland, their flight back to the USA has been delayed several times. Needless to say, they are on an adventure they will remmeber for lifetime, but both are emotionally drained and ready to see family and friends. Katie ask that I ask---NO BEG my friends to pray for them.

I have several prayer request:
1. Pray for no delays on Wednesday for Amanda and Katie.
2. Pray for safe and trouble-free flights back to the US for both the girls and Jamie.
3. Pray for Mathias and the families caring for him in Georgia.
4. Pray for Jamie as he takes care of the girls and his affairs.
5. Pray for the other countries and people affected by this natural disaster.
6. Pray for peace of mind and comfort for the girls while they waiting.
7. Praise the Lord for those who are reaching out and helping them
--specifically Mr. Micheal whose house they are currently staying, Lauren,
Yvonne, and Rose who are nearby and available if they should need anything.
8. Praise the Lord that they have email and facebook to communicate with
those of us back home--I think this has helped.

We are so blessed to have a Church and friends that continually prays for one another.
I love you all.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Lord,
Kimberly Hines
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Zoom Zoom Zune

2009-12-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

The best part of Christmas break is the ability to stay in my pajamas all day long. For me that would be a t-shirt and boxers or jogging pants. I was cleaning the same bedroom I have for 3 days (I’ve spent too much time on facebook instead of cleaned).

When I heard what sounded like a truck mud bogging and hitting another gear outisde. I tried to look out the window to see what was making such a commotion in my yard. But the only thing I could see was dust rising from the dry dirt lane…but no visible signs of anybody. So I poked my head out the front door to see who had driven up .When low and behold the UPS man was right there at the end of the sidewalk. It was nearly impossible to slam the door, run to the bedroom, search for a bra and return to the porch as though nothing had happened. No I had to face the not so ugly UPS man---braless.

I tried to make small talk, all the while hoping, that he doesn’t notice my embarrassment. He reaches out and hands me the small 1 pound package. Most special deliveries are Steven’s. But today the package was mine. So of course, I, like an idiot made a big deal about getting mail. The nice UPS man asked where the package was from. I stuttered around--- Ex-pleasure---some man named Mitch Lebnick….then I kind of started to think oh my …I’ve got dirty mail. Mr. UPS says “you might better open it before Steven comes home”. I laugh and wave good bye. Quiet surprised, like a little kid on Christmas, I immediately rushed in to open the package. The first thing I noticed was a slick black box.

I am really wondering what I had and if I should continue to open it in front of Charlee.

Then I notice the symbol from a promotion sponsored by FORD—Drive One 4 UR School.

Back in November, the high school was participating in a fundraiser sponsored by FORD, if you test drove a vehicle then they would donate some money to the high school. I debated on whether or not to do it, when I said what the heck. I had one of Katie’s best friends to join in on my adventure. We choose an expedition and a really cute salesman picked us. We jumped in the car and buckled up. I asked some questions to act as though, this Chevrolet Loving Girl might be interested. I tried to make connections with the young man by inventorying who I knew and who he knew. It just so happens that his sister is engaged to my cousin’s son. He directed me to follow the signs that mapped our course. I asked if we had to follow the path or could we go on our own escapade. He chuckled and said go where you want. We made the loop around millionaire square, when I inquired if the vehicle had the potential to go from 0 to 60 in 6. Once again he chuckled and said I don’t know, see. I thought he would croak when I slammed it to the floor. He laughed and wanted us to take another loop….needless to say he hated to see us leave. When we returned to the school parking lot, Mr. Wilbur was waiting his turn. I can only imagine that he did not provide as much as excitement as Danyal and me.

Back to the real story, I pealed open the paper to read the words….

Congratulations for your participation in the Drive One 4 UR School program, you have been selected as the winner of a Microsoft Zune portable music player. This Zune is an 8GB Black model ….holds up to 2,000 songs, 25,000 pictures or 25 hours of video.

Whoopee ….I never win anything. Pretty excited about the contents of my 1 pound box, I thought hot dog---Charlee now has her on mp3 player and she won’t mess up Katie’s. I knew the true value of my winnings due to Christmas shopping.

Just last week we looked at an ipod for Katie. She, of course, wanted the ipod Touch. Hoping we could find a cheaper similar thing...I noticed the Zune. So I had a pretty good understanding as to what I had actually won.

Not being able to afford the one she wanted we called around trying to find out who sold iPods the cheapest. During a conversation with Tyler he bargained with us to buy his ipod. It was a graduation gift and he wanted to upgrade to the 300 dollar one ---not sure why….but we snagged up his barely used iPod Touch for Katie.

Steven and I made several comments about this being one of the BEST Christmases she has had. On Christmas morning she opened her gifts—a pair of boots that did not fit, pajamas, jeans, and stocking goodies. She looked a little disappointed. After breakfast we headed across the yard for Christmas with the Hines. Once again she opened some not so “out of the ordinary” gifts. When around the corner Grandpa appeared strumming a guitar. Joy filled her soul. For years she has wanted a guitar.

Long story about the guitar –here’s the short version ---dude in the mountains is selling tools, G-pa notice guitar, inquires, man explains belonged to son, he OD-ed and died, guitar was given to him by grandmother, was her’s, special to him but since he is buying for granddaughter--sold. Tyler says it smells like weed--- great.
Katie is a little more invigorated by her gifts. The afternoon passes I realize I lost a gift…she goes to the trunk and finds her American Eagle bag….Ok things are looking up.

We go to mom and dad’s for Christmas. Tyler brings out the tiny wrapped gift and says here’s one of your gifts that was left in my bags…..Katie is thrilled and Charlee can not keep her hands off of it and wonders why she can’t have her own ipod touch???? She likes to hear the Gator game song—“I gotta a feeling…. tonight’s going to be a good, good night”

My plans are to see if Wal-mart or Sears will exchange it and upgrade for a newer iPod for Katie. Then Charlee and I would share the other one…

Jarred = SAFE

2009-12-18T12:35:00.001-08:00

Praise the LORD!!!! My nephew Jarred is back at his home base and SAFE. He will have a short debriefing and will be home for Christmas in January. Words can not explain the joy that filled my soul when Kelley told me the news today.

Without a doubt, I know it is the Lord who has protected him.

Thank you for all the prayers for him while he serves our country. I am not sure if he will have to return again before his discharge.

Thirty Nine and Holding

2009-12-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

In honor of the BIG 3-9 here’s is a list of the thirty nine quirkiest and unique things that you may and not know about me. One attribute I did not list was my inability to type, spell and correctly proofread. So here is my disclaimer for my lack of “good “writing skills.

2.Born the youngest of 4 to Frank and Clara Nell –2 brothers Kelley, Zane and 1 sister Angela. With barely 5 years between us, we are very close, to the point that when we moved to the big house we all still slept together or very nearby. As teenager, 2-3- or all us were in the same parking lot. At high school dances my brother Kelley always sought me out to dance. Until I was really old, I slept on a cot beside Angela. Most nights, she held my hand till I went to sleep on the other night she made spooky noises.

3.I have lived in 4 houses-the barn house, the BIG house, house I had built in Trenton and our Cracker house that is over 70 years old. The majority of my life, I have been on a family farm. I was raised on a fairly big farm. I have picked more than my share of watermelons, tobacco and vegetables than I care to reminisce about. Although the days of loading tobacco were filled with never ending excitement. The house we live in has shared occupiance with rodents that live, thrive and eventully die in my attic. I 'll be here till we build or a pecan tree falls on it.

4.Although it may not look like it I am a mild perfectionist.

5.I love to cook and bake ---not pies. Beau can testify that I will cook almost anything. I have cooked fresh water cooter, birds and rattlesnake just to name a few.

6.I collect cookbooks.

7.I am half way to retirement. Only 15 years left. After my dear friend Marsha retires, I hope to finish out my last 10 years as the librarian.

8.I despise germs and shiver at the thought of them. Hotel beds creep me out more than words can say. The mire thought that someone slept in my bed the night before makes me want to gag and has been known to cause dry heaving over the findings revealed between the sheets.

9.The older I get the more I look like my dad’s nieces.

10.Nothing is more indulging to me than clean sheets. Pure Heaven.

11.There was a time in my life that I thought I could tan my pasty white body. As a teenager, I would fry unto the point of misery in the sun while picking watermelons or laying on the deck at the lake(I also squirted lemon juice in my hair hoping to be blonder) . Nowadays the folks at the tan bedding chuckle when I say “2 minute is fine”. I cover myself in so much sunscreen I could take my lounge chair to the sun and still remain ---white.

12.You will never find me alone at the mall, grocery store, pool, riding in a car, anywhere. Being the youngest of 4 I hate to be alone. Do you think this is a little OCD?

13. Born procrastinator – no matter how hard I try I am always 10 minutes or more late. Have committed this problem to prayer…but am not diligently seeking guidance. I have however pin pointed the problem—I underestimate how long it takes to get out of the house.

14. I hate to get out bed. I find the greatest of comfort and security in the depths of my bed. The snooze sounds off way longer that I am to wiling to admit publicly. From my humble understanding this is a problem many Quincey are diagnosis with. Gosh, I when our genes interfere.

15.I collect quilts. My favorite story from ENC 1102 was Everyday Uses by Alice Walker. It is priceless.

16My best friend Kathy, graduated summa cum laude. I on the other hand graduated Thank the Laud. I have a no AA, nor have I taken an algebra or foreign Language. My useless BA is in Psychology with all the requirements for a BA in Elementary ED minus the internships. Later, I received my masters is in reading. I have tried to talk my husband into letting me start my doctorate. He says there is really no place for advancement in GCSD to warrant the degree.

17. I am a giver…if I see a need I will secretly try to do my best to help with the problem. I have been known to literally give the vest I was wearing to someone who complimented me on it. Nine out of ten times, I will move debris from the road so others want have a wreck dodging.

18.My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I think it’s the colors’

19.For the last 23 years I have slept with the same brown teddy bear named Whubby, prior to take it was a black and white panda. He has tagged along on most of my vacations, the birth of my 2 children, and he has been on 2 mission trips. What a companion.

20. Scrapbooking has become my newest obsession. I just wish I was good at it.
I don’t like to sit on other people’s furniture (or cars)because it has cooties or maybe a fallen out hair lurking somewhere. Now hair grosses me out more that any other body discharge.

21. I suffer form hormonal headaches- I have 2 killer headaches/ migraines a month. (I have one right now)

22 I am the absolute worse for not staying in contact with people who mean the most to me.

23. I have learned to tell people I love them.

24. I cry every Sunday during the church worship services. My sweet honey has learned that I am okay. I am extremely stirred by the words in the hymns. My mind wonders a hundred miles an hour. I think about my Uncle Jack and Aunt Bernice and that she’ll find comfort. I pray for Jarred am his safety over seas. I pray for Devin and Annie. I think about how much Chris and Jean would love Christopher and Charlee. I wonder why God loves a sinner like me. I ponder why and what the composer was dealing with when they wrote the words. I just love the song service.

25. Gosh nine more to go –what was I thinking. Undoubtedly I am a mom’s girl. Even as a 39 year old, when I am sick I want her near.

26. Everyday I run off the road. It usually follows with the lecture never over correct or you’ll flip. The kids have gotten use to it.

27. I love babies and for the most part all of them love me. My sister and I had a home daycare business in which we had 11 kids under 2. It was the best times.

28. I love to entertain whether it is by a bond fire, swimming pool, or crammed in my house.

29. Pure idiots seek me out, at Wal-mart. Then I am trapped talking and counseling weirdoes. I think they sense that I have a degree in Psychology and feel the vibes that I too am an idiot and will talk to anyone. I love to make small talk with perfect strangers. Three summers ago I had a conference in DC. On the subway, I talked with old ladies, business folks and freaks. Never ride an elevator with me, I will speak to everyone riding—that is unless they have a stray hair dangling waiting to fall. Seriously, at youth camp I invited some kid back to our room for supper with our youth —he brought the silverware.

30. My brother Zane taught me how to water ski. I attempted to ski on a pair. After a few (like 2) attempts I said let’s try one. I got up and have never been able to ski on 2. The most ironic part of this story is I am deafly afraid of the water. It is understood before I jump in that, as soon as I fall, they immediately turn around to get me before the gators and grass does. As a matter of fact I keep a life jacket wrapped around my feet in the event that the boat should flip or I fly out.

31. I am a hoarder of family heirlooms—butter churns , cow brands, water pumps, eye glass cases, old boots –but most of all my girls clothes. It seems as though every outfit as a fond memory I don’t want to forget. Heck, I always leave one of my husband’s shirts behind when I take the rest to the cleaners, just so I can pick it up and smell it.

32. I hate to be a passenger in the car. I usually end up with a weasy stomach and whirling head.

33. I only drink fresh made Sweet tea, Dr Pepper, Root Beer and Mr. Pibb. if I have to I’ll sip on a very cold coke.

34. If I am sitting on the floor, I will make a small pile of trash, in which I have plucked from the carpet.

35. I watch very little TV. My favorite shows include –Little People Big World, What You Get for the Money, before the break up Jon and Kate, Friends but my most favorite--SNAPPED.

36. I have been on 3 mission trips – Washington DC, Erie PA, and New Orleans, LA. Each touched area in my heart.

37. My girls are 12 years apart. Yeah some days I wonder what was I thinking but most days I am bless to have 2 complete different and unique girls. However I don’t think Steven and I will ever be ALONE.

38. I was introduced to my honey love by a student in my class. However the love sory began way sooner. In the late eighties I was to attend ABAC, but due to a high school love decide to stay in Chiefland. If I had gone I would have meet Steven then. Many years later while attending the Wild Beast, I spotted the hottie in Wranglers, when my sister stated He dated ___ he’ll never date you. Months later I attended a Rick Coram Revival at Mount Pleasant some cutie when walking by then turned back to look—I had no idea who he was but my heart skipped a beat. A year or so later I attended another beast feast with date who engaged in a long conversation with this handsome cowboy. Along with persuasion of my aid Missy and student Brandon, I agreed to attend a church softball game. It was here that I finally meet the man I had had numerous chance encounters with. Since that day we have only been nearly inseparable. Occasionally everybody needs a little time away.

39. Last but not least I am a sinner saved by God’s grace. My favorite Bible story is found in Luke 10:38-42. I see myself as both Mary and Martha. Sometime I am caught up in doing the preparation like Martha that I neglect spending time at hHs feet just as Mary did. Take time today to examine your life--- are you busy with the preparations of Christmas or are you spending time with the reason for the season –Jesus.

Kimberly

Come Join Us

2009-11-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

Friday will be Katie's last home game. At 6:45 they will recognize the seniors who play football, the band and cheerleaders. Yes, I know it is hard to believe that Katie Baby is a SENIOR. The only reason I know is because of the endless need for money and all the college junk mail on my kitchen table.

The cheerleaders are undoubtedly the best part of the game.....and no I am not partial.... just ask my mom. I am still debating with Steven about having a tailgating party at 6....hopefully I will win out.

If you can not make it this week we play PK in G'ville next week. Maybe we'll see you before graduation.

No Cows Needed

2009-09-26T16:35:00.001-07:00

The NJAA National Show was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our summer for all of us. Next year’s show is in Denver, needless to say, we are already inquiring about plane tickets and hotel accommodations. I tried desperately to get Steven to go instead of me because I am not as knowledgeable as Steven is about the cattle industry. I thought I would be a fish out of water. Little did I realize that this was more my cup of tea. If you are short on time, scroll on down to Wednesday for the most adventurous day of the week.

I had to beg my mom to go with me. We left Sunday after church and headed to Perry Georgia, a 4 hour trip that took closer to 7 due to all the extra stops. I just can’t help but stop at the outlet at Lake Park. The next morning we had to be at the Georgia Fair Grounds to meet with the other Junior Angus Queens from across the country to attend a Queens Luncheon. I left my mother, Charlee, Dillon and Presley in good hands. Steven’s college friend Doug and his wife accepted us as family that week.

The luncheon was definitely a southern affair.

We had a Chicken Strip salad with roasted pecans and for dessert, none other than pecan pie. After all, we were in Georgia, the world’s pecan capital. The keynote speaker did a phenomenal job. She gave suggestion on how to be a true Southern Belle.
Dress appropriate the less revealing the better
Wear the essential makeup items mascara and lipstick
Remove makeup at night and faithfully use moisturizer
ALWAYS write thank you cards

I excused myself to go to the bathroom---upon entering the bathroom, I thought of my friend, Carrie. I had to go back to the dining room get my camera and take a picture of this… antique silverware for the handles on the bathroom stalls…..priceless.

We returned to the cow barns to find my family totally excited and ready for the next adventure. Ms. Tammy had shown them the hospitality room. The Georgia Auxiliary had a kiddy corral with tons of activities, movies, treats and older kids to entertain them. For the adults, they offered tables to mingle with others. If I must say, the folks from Georgia know how to entertain. They served homemade cookies and pound cake, seven layers cookies, fresh Georgia peaches, blueberries, fresh watermelon, peanuts, chips, sweet tea, lemonade and ice cold water. Swings and rocking chairs were set up for the guest as well. The tables covered with white and green tablecloths were decorated with magnolias, peaches and lilies. Truly beautiful and to think it was a COW SHOW.

We hurried to eat supper so they kids could have their picture taken with the other members. Oh did I forget to mention, that most of our meals were provided free of cost. I love that Georgia hospitality. We ate Monday night with the Johnsons.
That night was the open ceremonies. It reminds me of the Olympics. Each team assembles together and walks in with their states flag. The MC announced the officers, royalties and significant contribution the club has been involved in. Katie is also the Vice President.
For the entertainment, John Berry put on a concert. All the kids danced and hopped around the showing, while the adults reminisced about the songs he was singing. After the concert he signed autographs and talked with everybody.

The final event for the first night was ice cream sundaes provided by the Nebraska Cattlemen. I loved their aprons…

Tuesday wasn’t as adventurous but definitely as busy. We started the morning off with a pancake breakfast. This machine squirts out 4 pancakes in a row and moves along dropping more down the griddle. The chef immediately begins flipping pancakes. As hungry breakfast goers come up to the table, they are handed a plate. That’s when the fun begins. The Chief pancake flipper starts flinging pancakes at them. If it lands on the floor he quickly comments “I’ll give that one to your mother-in-law.” For the kids, he would make pancake artistry. It was a highlight of the week we’ll never forget.

After breakfast the young cattlemen attended a seminar on grooming and caring for your animals. I wrote out flash cards for Dillon and Katie to study for the quiz bowl. Mom read a book and the girls ran around. Nothing special, that was until after lunch. This was my most favorite part of the week—the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Cook off. I know what could possibly fun about a cook off. It wasn’t the cook off that was fun but the skits that followed. Each group of cattlemen cooked their CAB meal. Then they perform a skit promoting CAB, after the skit the judges are asked to sample the product of the cook off. Each state’s group “sets” a table. The judges’ politely chews and savors the meat while asking questions and holding conversation with the youth. Notice the moss used to decorate the table. A new idea for Cindy Jo....The best performance was by a brother and sister that sang “Anything you can grill, I can grill better….no you can’t ….yes, I can.” We sang the song all week long. Unsurprisingly, they won first place. That evening supper was not provide so we went to Cracker Barrel. After wards on our way back to the motel, I noticed a dude painting the parking lot. Being dedicated to my blogging and the need to seek adventure, I had to stop the car and assist the dude with his job. It wasn’t long before Katie barreled out of the car to take her turn. Although the rest of the car wanted to, they remained in the car dying laughing.

Wednesday, the cow shows began. Unfortunately, we left our animals at home. For once we had time to enjoy the show from the other side of the fence. Katie and Dillon along with the Johnson crew had to get up early to serve breakfast to their fellow cattlemen. Mom, Presley, Charlee, Maddelyn and myself sleep in and later explored Hobby Lobby. We watched some of the team sales events to cheer on the Turnpike Creek kids. Lunch was the most delicious ribs…yes I gnawed the mess out of those things. I usually do not eat messy food in public nor do I chew on bones. We headed back to our favorite spot—the hospitality room. We gathered around the table and did some last minute cramming for the quiz bowl that Dillon and Katie were to participate in. Dillon was on a mixed team with kids from Kansas, South Dakota, and Virginia.

His team made it to the Elite Eight.

One of Katie’s fellow team mates decided at the last minute she didn’t want to do it so, Katie completed the quiz for experience.

We had supper on our own at Cheddar’s. We were totally impressed and filled to capacity after the appetizer. After dinner, we took the kids back to the hotel to swim while Katie and I went looking for an outfit. Katie realized after she observed the other queen’s that she need to dress more formal than boots, jeans and sparkly shirt. In other words, we needed to buy some fancy clothes for her to work in the arena passing out ribbons and awards. We ransacked the racks at Kohl’s (I never find anything at that store) with only 15 minutes before the mall closed we hurried through Belk’s. I found a few things but nothing that overly impressed Katie. We decided we should try Target as our last result. Due to all of our hurry, we had not stopped all evening to go to the bathroom. With a little extra time to spare, I thought we could stop. This was my first mistake of the evening. I walked in the bathroom to find some women sprawled over the toilet hanging on for dear life. Let me set the stage-- This lady’s hair is draped over the sides of the toilet, her face can’t be seen, beside her is her purse, shoes flung around the stall, her backside is hanging out, several cups encircled her and she is almost non responsive. Now that I think about it, it may have been the echo of the commode that made her hard to understand.

Being a Good Samaritan, I asked if she was okay. To no avail, she gurgled sometime that only demons can translate. Let me give you a little insight – I do not take care of my own children when they are sick, bleeding or throwing up. I realized I need additional help because Katie had abandoned me. I step outside to see if I could alert management of the lady’s condition. I did not want my fingerprints on nothing if this was a crime scene. The young inexperienced boy in the red shirt was no help. He sent the manager in, not really, he called me outside because he couldn’t come in the bathroom with me. He said they had called her husband to come get her 30 -40 minutes earlier. I wonder how long the woman had laid there with her head bobbing up and down in the toilet. I returned to the bathroom to check on my new friend. Once again, I noticed Katie had left me alone with the woman. I went outside, snapped my finger and motioned to her to come here, when this gentleman starts heading my way. I already had enough trouble without some man thinking I was making moves on him in the Target foyer.
Quickly I said “I am trying to get my daughter’s attention” and he replied “I thought you worked here”.
Note…. I was wearing a blue Hines Cattle Co Shirt and khaki shorts….that would be a negative.
He then added “someone called me, my wife is sick.”
“Oh” I responded, “I know right where she is”.
He followed me in the bathroom. Soon the stall was over following with spectators. The husband was straddling his wife and the toilet, when he realized he could get back out. The manager tries to disassemble the doors to the stall, which requires special tools. He’s fumbling around stepping over the woman. I am offering advice and suggestions as to why she was sick. The husband, well, he is clueless. He commented he had never seen his wife throw up and he didn’t know what to do. When he up and decides that the toilet needs to be flushed. Remember if you will that the woman is non responsive. I have yet to see her face nor has she moved from the tight embrace she has held on the toilet. When the husband says in the sweetest voice “Honey, we…we… need to flush this…then bam with giving her time to move or pick her head up from the deep valley….he flushes. If you know what I know about toilets---- stuff splashes…that is all I am going to say. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, this woman must have been near heaven’s gates to have not jump up and kill her husband right there. Then the manger finally loosens the stall door providing ample room for all. After about 30 minutes, the unmerciful daughter walks in and demands that mom GET UP. Mom still does move only moans and gurgles. Once again I offer the suggestion of call the EMTs to come a least give her an IV. Then the non news watching man says “we don’t have insurance”. OH…..that explains it all. I quickly made my exit to allow the family time to plan what to do. I commented Obama was trying to help and left. Through all the commotion Katie had once again left my side for the hunt to find queenly attire. She finds a black dress on sale for 15 dollars S-O-L-D. WE scrounge around for some bling. I return to the bathroom to find the manger re-hanging the stall door. The woman, her loving husband and over compassionate daughter had left the building. The manager granted them 10 minutes or he was calling 911. They gathered up the woman and left. After I thought about it I wondered if the woman had a heartache or stroke. I’ll never know. But one thing I do know is I can’t believe I didn’t take pictures for the purpose of the blog.

We made it back to the hotel with our bags full of loot. We finished our meal from Cheddars and headed to bed. I had had way to much adventure for one day.

Thursday was yet another day of excitement. Dillon made it to the Elite Eight on the Quiz bowl. Once again we began cramming for the test. I can no longer say that I do not know about the cattle industry. I learned about the reproductive systems and difficulties with ….with …. you know bull problems. Apparently bulls need Viagra too. We know all the prominent members and officers, the background behind the Angus foundation, feeding and watering intakes, you name it, we learned about it. Dillon’s team went up against the team from Kansas which won first place plus on of the members is the son of Gardiner Angus, BIG producers.

Mom insisted that we eat at the Yoder's. It was okay....don't waste your unless your all about "enviroment"

It was a great experience for all of us. Friday we hung out then left to come home after lunch. We are already booking our trip out west for next year's show...get your plane ticket and join us. No cows needed..

Peas Please.....

2009-09-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

IF the week before last wasn’t bad enough, I had to endure yet another week of ….I am not really sure what you would call it. At school, we along with the other 67 plus school districts, kindergarten through 12 grade, started FAIR testing. If you don’t know what that stands for let me explain ….sheer chaos, butt chewings, hate email mixed with electronic progress monitoring that throws you off the Internet each time you log on. This however, happens to be mandated by the state!!! I am beginning to wondering why I choose to leave the class room to assume the position of Reading Coach. Needless to say the last few days at work have been anything less that invigorating.

Last Thursday night, I came home completely exhausted mentally, physically and emotionally, due to “the sister’s” soon arrival. My feet felt as though elephants had trampled on them. I have no one to blame for my feet except me. I like a total idiot wore heels, you know, the uncomfortable kind to run the FAIR Marathon in. The six teachers that tested that day were literally located at the three furthermost points on the campus. I had to run back and forth to assist teachers and combat Internet demons that only Jesus could call out. After school, I had stopped by the store to pick up a few needed items to make tacos.
Any way, by the time I had arrived home I could barely trot as my mother would say. I went to the wash machine to rewash the clothes that had already been rewashed 2 other times, when I noticed a peculiar stench. Not the normal aroma of our cow pen after a heavy rain, more ….well…. a sickening, a foul smell. I took a quick look around my laundry porch, when I noticed the unbelievable. There dripping from my freezer’s door was my Blue Bell’s Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, mixed with blood from all sorts of meats and stank ice from the freezer. I can’t believe as a kid, I loved to scrap it from the top of my Grandma and Grandpa Q’s freezer and make icy drinks. We were too poor to get them from the Jiffy so we thought that was the BEST. My first thought was “Oh no, surely the rest of my peas aren’t gone!!!!! IF you don’t know what I am talking about, check out my last post. We had close to a 100 bags of peas stolen. I could have laid down in my puddle of yuck and cried. But, I did what any southern girl would do I called mom, not mine she lives too far away. I called my sweet blessed, precious, priceless, irreplaceable, loyal, fantastic, kindhearted, dear sweet mother-in-law. She immediately walked the 50 steps over to my house and began helping me rescue my remaining peas, Steven’s deer meat and a couple of packages of corn from 2006. I called the best brother-in law, I never had and his quick thinking, wonderful wife to come and help us eat the Feast of the Defrosted Freezer. I use the words never had, because my honey is an only child, Kelley P. is the closest thing to a sibling he knows. He loves and treats her like a little sister.

Our adventure began. We worked and chiseled.

We used the blow dryer.

We banged and busted. We gouged and poked. My mother –in law and I looked like gold miners digging for treasure in the Alaskan snow. As matter of fact, she even called me a “gold digger”. It embarrassed her so, she couldn’t stop apologizing. I just laughed. I knew what she meant.

We called Pete, a man who use to work on the farm to come get the remaining thawed meat. He was thrilled to death to leave our house with 3 coolers of choice beef, buffalo burger meat, venison, smoked turkey and a whole bunch of other stuff. I believe that the Lord will provide you with opportunities to bless others even when you feel as though you do not have an offering.

Before long we had the freezer empty and it was time to cook all the un-selected thawed remnants from the freezer. We grilled Omaha steaks, pork chops, and turkey breast. I made hash brown casserole. I made a big pot of peas and delicious cream corn.
While we labored on the freezer and prepared the meal, Katie, Dillon and the men worked with the show heifers.

I think this year we are hauling the most we have ever carried to shows. Katie has 6 heifers she is breaking, 2 bulls and 1 Braham, not to forget the ones from last year….I do not know how the child does all that she does. But that’s a whole other post.

At supper, our table looked as though it was set for a King. That was until the peasant smelling (and looking) partakers sat down. We enjoyed the feast of the defrosted freezer. Everybody had a plenty. It’s amazing how my meal went from simple tacos to a full blown dinner on the grounds.

After dinner Kelley, so sweetly she immediately started cleaning the kitchen and the younger men head off to tackle the remaining mess on the laundry porch.

They scrubbed and bleached everything.

Notice Steven's mud boots

The girls and I headed to bed. It seemed just as my eyes would close, my honey would give a holler, I would jump out of bed wondering what the commotion was only to find him seeking my approval—I know your husbands never do that. Finally they had conquered the beast. They placed my precious remaining packages of peas, corn and venison back in the freezer. Steven and Tom must have prayed over the freezer, to date my freezer continues to freeze and no one else has snagged anymore of my peas.

Victims of the Hard Economy

2009-09-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

This past summer, my husband labored intensely the week we were at youth camp to pack our freezer with peas from the garden. He picked, shelled, cooked and then sealed the delicious peas in Ziplocs. Needless say our freezer was packed to the brim. We had well over 120 bags. I had also put up close to 30 bags myself earlier in the summer.

This past week, we had a beef butchered because of the unfortunate death of a cow in the cow pens. My mother-in-law went to the market to pick the meat up and then headed home. When she arrived home, she immediately went to the chest freezer to put the meat away. When she noticed the unthinkable more like unforgivable…… Most of our peas were GONE ….Yes, I said GONE. Someone had stolen all but about 30 bags of our peas. Thank the Lord, my cream corn is still at mom and dad.:~) Being quite alarmed and puzzled, Steven calls me at school to question the missing peas…as though I had, in 2 months, cooked 100 bags of peas. I know we have a lot of dinner on the grounds at church but definitely not that many.

We have yet to solve our mystery, but I am praying not that the person that stole my peas not choke on them, but that they may survive these hard economic times. If any of you know anything about me (and my dad), you know that we would give the shirt off our back to anybody that has a need. I am not an economist, but I undoubtedly know that money, jobs and security are and going to be a thing of the past. I have told myself over and over, that the day would come when we would be burglarized….only I thought it would be our home not our freezer and they would take something of great value, not steal the efforts of my (our) hard labor and food.

I have already informed my dad to plant a few extra rows of fall peas for me. This is just another “good excuse” to spend time at mom and dad’s. As with any canning season, I am sure an adventure awaits….and hopefully no more PEA Thieves will invade our freezers.

Summary of Summer

2009-08-22T17:21:00.001-07:00

I am not exactly sure where I need to start. I am so far behind with my post that I have a million stories to tell and little time to write. As most of you know, I am never on time, but recently I have been convicted about my lack of time consciousness. With that being said, I am going to do picture post to tell about my fast and furious end of school and wild summer. I debated on whether or not to publicize my crazy side, but most of you have seen crazier. I ask, that no one make comments recollecting those times. Here’s a quickly from May to Mid July minus 2 or 3 really good stories that I will give special attention later. It seems that every second of our summer vacation has had some sort of adventure. I hope you enjoy the summary of my summer….

Katie will soon inherit my car. She complains often; excuse me…. she complains daily about the car. She wants a truck. I have tried to explain that not many seniors can drive a car such as ours that not only hits 80 in seconds but also rips the hide off un-expecting rattle snakes.

Unfortunately, much of our late spring and summer has involved slaying snakes. This particular snake lost his life on the side of the highway due to the inability to get off the road fast enough. The first victim of the year was at Ashley’s during a girl’s night out, I noticed the pregnant momma kitty throwing something in the air and then flinging it. I, being too curious for my own good, went outside to see what she was doing. Our youth minster wife, who has a doctorate degree in wildlife, varied that it was a corral snake after reviewing a book on native snakes. We had trouble reciting the cute little snake rhyme “red on yellow kill a fellow, red on black friend of Jack”. Ashley being brave and noble beheaded the snake with a small…very small machete. Beside the rattle snake and corral snake, the other night on the way to church, I slammed on breaks, throw the car in reverse then frankly jammed in the car back in drive and continued with such spastic moves until a poor little corn snake lay dead on the nature trial that leads to my house. Katie’s lifetime friend Danyal, thought I had lost my mind as she was thrown about in the backseat until she saw the evidence of my madness—a dead 12 inch snake. Have I mentioned I HATE snakes?

Towards the end of the school year, my dear friend and librarian Marsha hosted a book fair. The not so intelligent me, thought it would be cute to dress up as Clifford to encourage students to visit the book fair on Family night. Remember if you will, our springs are unbearable hot, but even more so inside a BIG RED DOG costume. I commented that if I should ever, feel the desire to dress up again …I was wearing my bathing suit underneath it. That was until I thought about all the cootie that resides inside….yew yuck. One little boy told his mother that he knew that was a man in the Clifford costume because he had hairy arms. If you haven’t seen arms, let me elaborate…. I barely have peach fuzz on my arms. In the past, I have been known to ride a midsize child’s bike into 40 classrooms hooping and hollering to encourage our kids to attend an event at school. Other than the severe soreness in my legs for days, the bike ride was the easiest and least exhausting. Can you believe that some people had the nerve to ask me if, in near 90 degree temperatures if I would stand in the drop off area and wave to the families. I think, I send this individual a Christmas Card. I’m making a note to cross them off the list.

We’ve celebrated Mother’s Day with muffins for moms. Then our family had a late lunch at our favorite buffet restaurant. The big adventure of the day was driving by the river to see how high it had risen. It was just another day in paradise. lol

Our youth host a spaghetti supper and Mount Pleasant Idol to raise money for youth camp. Steven was asked to serve as Randy. I personally think he is more like Simon.

We had all sorts of talent--- pig calling, cat imitations, and lots singing. The church had the great opportunity to hear my nephew Quin and Maddielyn sing a duet. After the performance, Jamie, the youth minister and MC for the night asked Quin who was his favorite singer and song. With out hesitation he said “Toby Keith, Beer for My Horses and Whiskey for My Men”. The crowd went wild. Did I tell y’all I ate Toby Keith restaurant in Oklahoma City, excellent place to eat and even awesomer atmosphere. I had lamb fries. They weren’t bad.

Katie had cheerleading try outs. At the time, she thought this was great…now …. not so much. Their coach was a college cheerleader and performed competitive so needless to say they train like “athletes”. No comment at this time----

The FFA won the Plates for Plates contest. The club sold the most FFA license plates. This entitled the club to have Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson teach Ag for a day.

At lunch, his personal chef cooked a meal for the members. The food was incredibly different from anything most of our rural rooted kids have ever seen, much less tasted.

I personally along with my table mate Carrie thought it was excitingly different. The chef has a blog, but I have not been successful in finding the site.

We attended the Ranch Rodeo in which my crazy brother-in-law served as the entertainment for the evening as the Rodeo Clown. Although the weather was awful, we had a great time. If you have not attended the event in the past, I encourage you to go this year. It is always held Memorial Day weekend at the Horsemen’s’ Arena in Williston . It is unlike any thing you have ever seen. The best part to me is the buddy pick up. Nah, my favorite is the wild cow milking. Um I changed my mind it is the wild bronco saddling. Okay, I really think my favorite is the event in which they unlaod the horse then quickly saddle him, race to the other end, come back unsaddle the horse and load him on the trailer again. Yeah that's my favorite.

We ended school with a BIG bang and celebration. The kids enjoyed every minute of the day not to mention Charlee crashed the party.
I wonder where the summer went. It seems like just yesterday, that we bid farewell to the students and celebrated the last day of school. A tradition at our school, the teachers create a line and sing……Nah Nah, Nah Hey, hey good bye. Embarrassingly enough, I was get choked up and can’t sing. I usually blame the tears on the sun or allergies.

After 3 years at Kid’s World, we closed that special chapter in Charlee’s life. They have tenderly cared for and loved my baby as their own.

Summer started off with a bang, the first week out Katie headed to the FFA convention in which she won the Beef Proficiency. We recently found out that she did not place nationally but received a Silver medal honor …I thought we entered a FFA contest not an Olympic. My lovely husband went with mom and me to the convention even though he complained about my driving he didn’t show his butt……

Well maybe he did a little. We had trouble with the seats in mom’s vehicle. I think before it was over, we all had to ask for forgiveness for using language only sailors use.

As I had mentioned in an earlier post, for the first time in years, and I do mean years, I attended youth camp. I had a blast. However next year, I want to chaperone the boys. Every night they stayed in our room and entertained us. Ashley served as head “cook” and I assisted and cooked breakfast. We meet the group Unhindered.

They were precious. I invited them back to eat with our youth group, but they had previous an engagement (yeah right). I had a personally hair dress and enjoyed shopping with the girls and Tyler.

Every chance I got, I spent some time at mom and dad’s. It is undoubtedly my most favorite place on earth. I also had the opportunity to cream field corn and sweet corn.

Maybe soon I’ll update the recipe blog and include some of my summer recipes as well as my recipe for canning the most scrumptious corn. We had tons juicy watermelons, yummy eggplants, lots of pots of peas and loads of pods of okra. I love summer vegetables.

Most the summer, I spent as much time as possible soaking up the sun. On this trip to the pool, the Johnsons did some “deep pool dove” to harvest water logged earth worms.

They were more excited about their finds than swimming. We enjoy our pool (and porch), it serves as a wonderful mission field for us to minister to some kids in our youth group and neighborhood. My question to you is ----What do you have that could be used as a vehicle to help others come to know Christ or build a strong relationship with Him?

This has been the most memorable spring and summer that I have had in a long time. It is obvious that I have been busy and have traveled all about because my house is a disaster zone and looks as though we have been robbed. Maybe since school has started back, I will develop a routine that allows for organization and outrageous adventures as we embark on Katie’s senior year and Charlee’s kindergarten year.

A WiLd and CRazY Week.

2009-08-02T16:07:00.001-07:00

Wow what a week. It seems as though we have been around the world and back. Well close. This past week, I had the pure delight of teaching the kids music and missions on the Boomerang Express at VBS. Each night I had a red suit case packed with Mystery Missionary Clues. It was the key to my success. I could spend hours before opening the suitcase.

On Saturday afternoon, well more into the evening, like 11 o’clock, I helped Ashley set up the replica of the land down under-Australia.

Sunday was the kick off and VBS started with an ice cream sundae party.

Monday was the longest day ever. I had to go into work to screen kindergartners. When I left home, I thought I would be finished by lunchtime. At 5:30, I was exhausted and ready to go home, when I noticed I had locked my keys in the car--- I had to wait for mom to bring me a spare set of keys. Needless to say, I arrived at church just in time to swallow my food whole and then dance the night away at VBS. After VBS, we had to completely clean the sanctuary for a funeral.

Tuesday I got up early to fix dressing, peas, & Mac and cheese for the family at the funeral. After lunch, several of us, worked diligently to recreate the Australian masterpiece in the sanctuary. We have the best church members any church could ask for :~). We thought we would take a quick dip in the pool before church, but as with most of summer afternoons we were rained out. So we only had a few minutes.

Wednesday was just as busy. Once again I had to work, this time planning our preplanning week for teachers. This was a GREAT meeting because we were able to clear a few days so I can go to the lake with my family for the first time in years. YEAH Charlee spent the day with her Aunt Margie and Katie and the kids went Meme’s. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, Charlee has been diagnosed with Sensory Integration Issues. Two days a week, we have a “play date”. She loves it and thinks it’s wonderful. Katie had friends over for a sleepover.

They were so funny. They played Barbie’s with Charlee, gave each other pedicures and laughed the night away. I wish I had pictures of the evening. I don’t know what was more hilarious the girls dressing Barbie or all three girls sitting on the side of the tub with mask on their faces and scrubs on their feet. My bathroom smelled like a beauty parlor.

Thursday was the BEST day of the week for me, but not for Charlee. Our youth went tubing down the Ichetucknee River. Each kid rented a huge inner tube, but after all the tubes were passed out we had one extra. We took the extra one for her. I tied Presley, Charlee, and the fish raft that was original brought for Charlee and my boat tighter with some hay string I found on the bank of the river. Being old and less invigorated by cold water, I tugged along the boat for myself. All the older grandkids made the trip with us. Due to my in laws recent kitchen and bath renovations we carried Charlee with us.

We stayed, surprising, together the entire journey, thank the Lord. I was just beginning to adapt to the frigid water when Charlee lend back to see the beauty of the sky when low and behold…… she flipped over. Without considering the near freezing temperatures of the water, I jumped into the water to rescue my child. Take note; I forget to leave my swimsuit cover and shoes on the shore. She was hanging on for dear life to the handles of her tube. I could see her wide eyes through the translucent tube. She may have been in the water less time than most bull riders hang on to a bucking bull. She never said a word nor did she cry….but she definitely made a grab for the boat instead of her tube. Katie noticing the commotion, immediately abandons her tube to help. Thank the Lord the water was shallow, but the current was like a raging river.

Once Charlee was safe again, I tried to position my larger than the hole body, on the tube. Needless to say, I looked like a whale perched on the tube. Katie tried diligently to help. The whole time the current is sucking our massive caravan down stream. Charlee is petrified that she is going to flip again. Finally, I made it atop my raft and then it was to secure Katie back on hers. She being the smartest one in the family “trespassed” on to some strangers dock and jumped back on her tube. We were headed happily back down stream when Charlee speaks her first word after the escapade “See, I told you, I shouldn’t have come”. Yes I should have known from my own past experiences, that a trip down the Ichetucknee is filled with adventure and moments of near death experiences. Example being, when I was a youth at PGBC, my mom hauled a group of wild hoodlum girls to float down the run. During our peaceful excursion we encountered a mom gator, which took it upon herself, to act as a river guide and float along with us. I encourage you to ask my mom about this, as it is much too lengthy and detailed for me to recall by myself.

We successfully made it to the mouth of Santa Fe and the end of the run, ultimately the conclusion of our journey on the watercourse. We then proceeded with our “15 minute” walk back to the put in spot. Unlike the state park, this private section did not offer a taxi ride. Remember I told you, I forgot to take off my cover up, now soaking wet, well mixed with gritty sand, a 40 minute walk along a pebble/ lime rock road toting a boat, a fish raft, two large tubes, and Charlee--- it was miserable.

However, I felt more sympatric for the Musens, a retired missionary couple in their 70’s. Oh, did I forget to mention the massive thunderclouds and rumbling thunder ---the lighting came later. When we finally made it back to the post, I hopped in the truck to retrieve the missionaries (maybe they’ll put a good word in for me). When I got back, everybody was loading up on the church bus. The youth pastor was afraid of the terrible storm that was quickly approaching. Since the kids waited 20 minutes for me that morning, I offered to stay behind to wait for the man to return for the tubes. He had explained earlier, that they had a problem with other people stealing the tubes. I chuckled to myself “yeah right” but I waited any way. Katie, in-between lightning and the heavy down pours, climbs in the back of truck to get everybody a drink. When Lacey comments “Aunt B that man just grabbed 2 tubes” I jumped out of the truck as though I was the Tube Police and bounced over to the truck load with wool boogers and asked for the tubes back. The smoking dude, (to clarify, not smoking hot good-looking), in the back said in a lame kind of way “I thought they were the parks and were free”. Uh…. that would be a negative. I was waiting the houchie in the front of the truck to jump me. Funny enough, he gave them back and they went down the road looking for more tubes to steal.

We returned home to prepare for the final night of VBS. After the commencement service, once again we tore the stage apart. Luckily for a church in Bell, they gathered’ the extravagant decoration for their exciting week. By the time I had made it home Charlee was asleep. I grabbed her to lay her in bed when I noticed she was burning up with fever. I woke her up and gave her some Motrin. The next morning, no fever. By lunch, burning up again. I called the pediatrician. We headed for the BIG town, with everybody in tow. While we were in the doctor’s office Katie and the kids hit the new and awesomely improved playground up town.

At first the doctor found nothing wrong but ironically decided to do a throat cultural--- you guessed it STREP. This broke my heart, Saturday was the annual Quincey Family reunion. I knew there was no way I would reunite with my dear loved ones.

However, Saturday night my wonderful dad picked off peanuts and mom invited us over for HOT BOILED PEANUTS. My southern roots were overflowing with joy.

Mom fixed us sausage sandwiches.

The evening ended with a magnificent view-

Out side of visiting with my parents, this is my most favorite things about mom and dad’s house. Even though Charlee was still a little under the weather, she had enough energy to swing at Meme’s.

It seems as though everyday of VBS was filled to capacity with adventure. Maybe next year’s VBS week will be just as much fun and eventfull.

Pickin' Grass Seed

2009-07-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

My man, on Sundays is the best looking, best smelling man I know. He is the image of anything but a farmer, well that is until you see is boots.

Monday through Saturday is a completely different story. His clothes smell nothing like the man I can’t get close enough to in church. If I could enclose a stractch and sniff you would totally agree. The first time my family meet Steven, they asked if I was sure that he was a farmer ‘cause he looked like a pretty boy in his hot pink Hilfiger (yes Isaid HOT PINK) and starched Wrangler.

For the last few weeks, they have tried to pick grass seed- our new sources of income since we have stopped growing tobacco. However, this past year the rain has caused pure havoc on the seeds. While waiting out the rain, they have spent numerous hours mechanizing on the mean green grass seed eating machines.

Despite the aggrevation, he still pursues the fields as though the bounty is plentiful. Last week, I had the privilege of helping them (Murrell, Robert, David and Steven) relocate to the next field of seeds. Steven has mentioned on several occasions that all of my posts are about my side of the family. So, I decided to do a post on the Hines Brothers men. The partnership originated with two brothers, Murrell and Robert and Murrell’s two sons- - hence Hines Brothers. Steven later bought into the partnership right after we married. They have dibbled and dabbled in almost everything except making moonshine. Come to think of it, Derrick makes homemade blueberry wine. Okay maybe they have been involved in everything.

Back to my original reason for the post, Steven asked me to come to the field and being his work truck, then take him back to the barn to get the semi-truck. When we first started dating it amazed me that Steven could drive a semi truck. I’ll never forget my first ride in the big honker. I was terrified the entire ride. Steven had commented on the rats that occupied the cab. My mind could only think “where I could go if the rat got on me or even worse what if a snake sneaked up on me and slithered upon my feet”. Needless to say, I could barely enjoy the time alone with my honey. Since then I have learned to sit Indian style or better yet only ride with my honey-love if we haul the seeds in the comfort of our truck.

Back to the story—

We load all the kids in the truck.

We stopped at the barn to get Steven’s truck when I noticed the barnyard full of combines. We searched high and low for Steven when Charlee spotted him—so she thought it was actually David. It amazes me the resemblance between all of them. As we peeked around the other machines we soon found our dad. Unfortunately the men have spent more time it seems like repairing the equipment than actually using it.
Part of the convoy proceeded to the grass field- 3 combines, 2 pick ups, 1 semi and a truck load of children. As we drove down the on lane road, I thought-- I hope we don’t meet anyone along the way. The road is very tight and has he most beautiful canopy. It wasn’t long before we meet a car. they pulled over and patiently waited for the band of farm machinery to pass.

You would never know by the excitement, that everyone in the truck was farm kids. Dillon commented that when he gets out of high school he wants to work on the farm. His dad manages one of the BIGGEST farms in Alachua, plus they live on a small farm. He said “I wish Uncle Steven would let me ride with him”. I replied “yeah I wish he’d let me ride some time”, then Charlee chirped in “your too old to ride with dad”. As kid I loved to go the fields and watch my dad and brothers harvesting peanuts, baling hay picking soybeans, that was, until I got old enough to help out.

When we arrived at the hay field, David immediately began picking. Then Steven arrived he cleared a small area to park the semi. As we headed out the gate we noticed Murrell coming with the semi. We all laughed as he cleared his path into the field knocking over small trees and bushes.
Murrell rode back to the barn with us and the adventure was over.

Here's one of our grass pickers that doesn't need repairing.

Charlee's Night Time Routine

2009-07-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

The other night we were sitting around my in laws table, it was getting late when the following conversation went down.

Mom: Let’s go home and go to bed.

Charlee: Can we watch Kai Lan?

Katie: I don’t like that show!!

Charlee gives Katie the evil eye.

Mom: It’s a good show. Last night, they talked about overcoming our fears and it helped Charlee sleep in her bed ALL night long.

Katie: Well, she is Foreignese.

Charlee: No, she’s not.

Mom: Actually, I think she might be Chinese.

Whining Charlee: No she’s not foreignese.

Mom: You're right Charlee, she is Chinese. (Trying to prevent a temper tantrum)

Charlee: Yeah Katie, she doesn’t have 4 knees.

EVERYONE laughs hysterically except Charlee.

*************************

As many of you know, I have struggled desperately to get Charlee out of our bed for several years now.

I have tried everything under the sun and nothing works all the time. Here’s some of the advice I have been given.

Marsha –Give her a CD player and let her listen to stories or music until she goes to sleep. Result – Hollers and complains because she wants to listen to her favorite song again or the headphones continue to fall off her teeny tiny head. Ends with Charlee getting a spanking.

Doctors—reassure her she is okay and let her scream it out. Result: I lose it and spank her for kicking, screaming and throwing a temper tantrum.

Our brilliant school psychologist -- Put her in her bed and don’t say a word. If she gets in your bed during the night put her back in the bed just before she wakes up in the morning so she thinks she spent the entire night in her bed. Where did he get his degree???? Result: What an idiot!!! My kid is a little smarter than that plus she’s a fairly light sleeper.

Tons of others—our kids still sleep in out bed. Result: The need for marriage counseling or divorce lawyer– most men like to sleep with their own wives;~)

Annie—you needed to have moved her out when she was 12 weeks old or two years old. Result: too late advice.

The advice goes on and on.

After we returned home from church camp, I knew something had to be done. And so the adventure would begin. Steven had gone on a trip to Nebraska so I knew he wouldn’t be around to be bothered with the whining, wailing and crying until she went to sleep. Unknowingly, a friend at church, Stephanie gave me the advice that has made the longest running difference in my child’s sleep patterns.

We start the evening off with a good meal, some family quality time (lol). Around 8:30 –9 o’clock, we begin the struggle with bath time and the fight to brush teeth, for most kids this is their favorite time of the evening. Not at our house. To let you know how bad it is, the pediatrician is thinking Charlee may have some sensory issues and is sending us to an occupational therapist. After we have settled down, Charlee then picks 3 books to read. We read the books while I sit or lay in her toddler size bed that is barely big enough for failure to thrive Charlee. At 10, we watch Kai Lan. I am beginning to wonder if this is a mistake.

Out of no where, she starts screaming—“I don’t want to sleep by the window, the monsters are going to get me.” I have not figured out who has taught my child about monsters--- but I will hunt them down and show them what a real monster looks like. After we have the discussion that monsters are not real. I have to get our monster spray out and demonsterize our bedroom.

I spray the windows, under the bed, under the dresser everywhere a monster might lurk. The Mr. Clean man AKA the Monster Man works to keep the monster away during the night while we sleep. Needless to say, either our house is completely free of monsters or it’s the freshest smelling house in the neighborhood. Finally around 11 o’clock she gives in and goes to sleep.

The new thing this week is for Dad to sleep on her side of the bed because he’ll kill the monsters and protect her. I am not exactly sure if we are making any progress but every night she goes to sleep in her bed. Some nights, she sleeps the entire night in her bed . But for the most part, she wakes up about 4 and gets in our bed. I typically lay her back in her bed but on occasion, I am so dead to the world that I don’t even know she's in bed with us. However, the other night the roles were reversed--I got into Charlee's bed during the middle of the night. I rolled over and landed in Charlee's bed on top of her. Steven gently grabbed me and put me back in our bed.

We returned home from church camp on June 24, Charlee’s 5th birthday. Since that night,she has gone to sleep every night since in her bed. It may have cost me a $30 trip to Build a Bear but it was completely worth it.

If you should need some monster spray for your home, it is sold locally at your nearest Hitchcock's, Walmart or Dollar General.

Time Flies

2009-07-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

I know, I have not posted anything in a couple of weeks. My camera is on the blitz. On a good note, that means a trip to TARGET.

I hate it. I have lots to write about but no pictures to guide my stories. Plus it is raining cats and dogs, hence we have not had our daily afternoon swims.....yuck. We've had a fast and fantastic summer, celebrated lots of birthdays and did a lot of canning.

Despite my unwillingness, Ashley has set me up an account on Facebook. Like I, have time to manage two blogs, a Facebook, cook 2 meals a day, work 10 days for GCSD, and swim everyday at 2. Something has gotta give. Not to mention, our school board had the nerve to change our school calendar, so we have to go back to school a week earlier---- no comment. I hope you enjoy the remaining weeks of summer---don't forget the sunscreen.

Youth Group Blog

2009-06-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

I know that many of you follow Ashley's blog...but if not here is the address to our new youth group blog.

http://www.mphighsprings.blogspot.com/

Camp was the most wonderful adventure. I had the opportunity to teach one of the groups for our family group bible study. It made me realize how much I miss the class room. if you currently read your bible day--make it a point this week to look at the verbs or the action words. It is amazing how they illuminate what we as Christan should be doing. Another thing I had the kids do that I am going to use in my prayer journal. 3-2-1

3 praises for the day
2 people who need to know Jesus
1 question - Lord, what do you want me to do for you today? IF you are a night time studier you may want to change it to what did I do to further the Kingdom of Christ today?

I actually have watched the power of Christ make a radically transformation in child's life since he has accepted Christ as his Saviour. Because of this others are coming to know Christ. I think this has been especially exciting for me because most of the people I have seen come to know Jesus were raised in church and basically acted, talked and behaved similar to their previous standard. This person's attitude, language, behaviors, you name it --- made a "flip". If you do not know this ultimate POWER, please let me take this moment to share Christ with you.

Admit--that you are a sinner. We are have all sinned and fall short of the glory God. He wants us to repent and turn from our sinful nature Romans 3:23 Repent means to completely change directions-- make an 180 degree turn. Ask the Lord to forgive you and guide you. For the Wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans
6:23

Believe--that Jesus is God's son. For everyone that calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved Romans 10:13 The gift of salvation is free. All that he ask is that we call upon Him. He does not have a love that is based on conditions. He died a sacrificially death so that you may have eternal life with him in paradise. Our relationship with Him is not based on the works, the money we give or the perfect life we live, but that we yield our life to him. IF you truly seek Him, you will surely find Him. Seek him through prayer and reading the Bible.

Confess--Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. That if you confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9. When we confess it literally means to come clean or admit, we ask the Lord to take the burden of sin away. To accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour, you may say a simple prayer like this:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner,

And need your forgiveness.

I believe that you died for my sins.

I want to turn from my sins

I invite you now to come into my heart and life.

I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Saviour.

In Jesus Name ,

Amen

If you prayed this prayer, I encourage you to seek a local church. Talk with the preacher about your decision and make a public profession of your faith. Become active in church, read the Bible and pray daily. May God Bless you.

Kimberly

Oh goodness, Sakes alive--- Charlee's Five

2009-06-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Happy birthday,

I can't believe my Charlee is five,

She is growing a tiny bit each and every day

like a pumpkin on the vine.

Now that she's five,

No longer a cuddly little baby (lol)

But a precious little girl

That has a lot to see in this big world.

Unfortunately, we were unable to have big celebration today. Steven flew out to Nebraska early this morning and I returned from youth church camp that was at Orange Beach, Alabama. Thank goodness, when Aunt Annie brought her to the church to meet us, she was able to celebrate with leftover cupcakes from Wednesday night supper (thanks Michelle D.) She enjoyed thecupcake and as we sang "Happy Birthday" she looked at us as though we had lost our minds. I am hoping, we can have a blast of a party on the Fourth.

Big Times in Cowtown for Kate

2009-06-13T13:01:00.001-07:00

I am beginning to wonder if Katie needs a personal manager. This past week she was at the FFA Convention. To Katie’s surprise, she took home the BIG prize of State Winner in the area of Beef Production Entrepreneurship, plus a little cash.

Which means another trip will be scheduled on her agenda. Hopefully with some help, from an expert in FFA Proficiencies, she might stand a chance of winning nationally. One of the Judges, offered to help us prefect her application.

Typically they only allow older kids to win, due to the stiff competition higher up, but he felt as though her project has the potential to win-or a least be in the top 5.

Katie owes a BIG thank you to Ms. Marsha Cook for her talent in vivid descriptive writing, her dad for the money and knowledge to help develop her project.

Next week she leaves for the Cattlemen’s Convention, where she will work in the Angus booth sporting her tiara and sash. She’ll enjoy fame, the beautiful beaches, while dancing the nights away. Did I forget to mention, maybe she’ll meet some cute cowboys? What more could a country girl ask for? Sounds like a cowgirls dream. She will travel with my sister and her family.

Katie returns home on Friday and leaves again for youth camp on Saturday. However this road trip mom will be in tow. This will be the first youth camp I have been to in 15-20 years. I am very excited but would like to solicit any prayers that you may want to offer for our kids. A lot of the youth going with us are not Christian nor do they come from families that support them spiritual. I will have to say they are awesome kids and every time I am with them, I am blessed beyond means. I will be leading the middle school youth for our daily church discussion and Bible study. The theme is FLIP meaning that when we accept Christ, we should flip /change from our old self. There will be about 35 people going. Specifically pray for wisdom for the adults, pray for positive attitudes (everybody) safety traveling, that the HOLY SPIRIT will move in a massive way and that lives will ultimately be changed for eternity.

I hope July is not quite as hectic….

Tyler's Graduation

2009-06-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Friday night, we went to my nephew’s high school graduation.

As I thought about my post, the words from the play Fiddler on the Roof came to mind.

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?

I don’t remember growing older
When did they?

When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow so tall?

Wasn’t it yesterday
When they were small?
Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly flow the days,

Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers

Blossoming even as we gaze.

If you haven’t noticed I connect almost everything with a song.

Tyler’s graduation lasted barely an hour where as mine took an eternity.

I had packed snacks to entertain the kids for hours, but before I could pull out the good stuff the grads were tossing their caps into the air. Nowadays the awards and scholarship recipients are honored earlier and boy what a difference it makes. Apparently Ty-man is a tidbit smarter than his old auntie he graduated with BETA honors and a few scholarships in his pocket. Tyler has known for several years that he plans to pursue a career in entomology. Twenty years out and I still am not certain what I want to do. This summer he will have the opportunity to work at the university and get some real hands on experience with BUGS.

On Memorial Day, his mom hosted a birthday and graduation party. It was quiet interesting to see the motley cruel that he has made friends with. Starting on the left is Will the Officer and Gentleman, Anthony the Punk Rocker, Louis the Bilingual Genius, and none other than the All knowing Mad scientist Tyler.

They were all exceptionally polite and extremely smart. Steven and I really got a kick out of them. We had an afternoon of great food, volleyball (even in the pouring down rain and lighting)

the ninja game, and my favorite---swimming pool kick ball.

Everyone in attendance had a great time.

I can’t believe that a year form now it will be me, the mom of a graduate.

A Giggle, a Prayer and a Miracle

2009-05-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

As with almost everything, I am late with this post and a miracle is already in the works--Ain't God Good . See end of post for latest update.

That‘s the first thought that comes to mind when I think of my precious friend Rebecca. She has a contagious smile. With every word she speaks, it is the faintest whisper that resounds with a soft giggle. She has that delightful personality mixed with the purest of happiness that only comes from our LORD above.

It would only be natural for her to be married to a man with similar qualities. Shawn is the sweetest thing. He adores his bride –which is evident in the way he watches her with twinkling eyes and the biggest grin. Not to mention, he has an incredible talent for playing the guitar and singing.

For ten years, they tried to have a baby, in God’s special timing, HE blessed them with Mr. Isaac. He is a bundle of joy. Undoubtedly, he is the offspring of his adorable parents. He was one of many miracles the two of them have encounter because of God’s grace. When Isaac was born, they battled a few difficulties but once again because of God’s goodness he is a thriving toddler. He has stolen our hearts away with his charming smile and chuckle. We just can’t get enough of his sugar, that is, when his Aunt D and Grandma will share with us.

A few weeks ago, Rebecca and Shawn announced that they were expecting again. The entire church was ecstatic. We love babies…

Around 11 weeks, Rebecca went to the doctor for a regular checkup. However, when Rebecca’s routine blood work was reviewed the unthinkable was discovered. The doctor noticed an abnormal high white blood count—round 14.1to 18.1. She also had a positive result for BCR-ABL and the possibility of Leukemia.

The doctor sent Rebecca to oncologist doctor. As Rebecca sat in the waiting room for the first time, she looked around the room at all of these people. Inside she was screaming, “God I don't belong here, I don't belong here. But, I ask you this, who does?????
"Nobody does".

Unfortunately, the findings revealed that Rebecca could have Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia or "CML. Last week, Rebecca underwent a bone marrow biopsy, which consequently will let her family know what they are specifically dealing with.

Shawn and Rebecca are very adamant to not undergo any treats in which harm could be inflicted on their unborn child. Which as most of you know medically….there is very little that can be done for her over the course of her pregnancy. From my understanding, as soon as the baby is strong enough, around 32 to 36 weeks, they will take the baby and immediately begin aggressive treatments for Rebecca.

In many ways we can look at this doom and gloom ….but OUR GOD is a LOVING GOD. Just look at the blessing already in progress—

They live near the world’s greatest medical facility
Tons of family and friends are there to help
Rebecca’s mom is a nurse.
They have good insurance.
Isaac is a good natured baby.
Numerous people are praying daily on their behalf and the unborn baby.

My list could go on and on and on. On every corner of our life, God is there, whether we are on top of the mountain or down the valley. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I know, HE is going to do another miracle in the life of Rebecca and Shawn.

Specific things Rebecca and her family want us to pray for
Peace of mind and assurance for the couple.
Strength for everything--- the pregnancy and the Leukemia both have the side effect of fatigue.
Pray for the unborn baby’s health, between 32-36 weeks they will take the baby.
Pray for wisdom through the decisions the doctors will need to make concerning Rebecca and the baby.
Pray for the family members that will need to care for Rebecca. They will need lots of physical and mental strength. Especially, after the baby is born. They will have to help with a newborn and a two year old.

I have included my latest email I received from Rebecca on May 26 at 7:00

Hello everyone, first of all I want to thank each and every one who is reading this email right now. Thank you for your prayers, thoughts and encouragement. Today I called to check on the Bone Marrow Biopsy report. The report came back NEGATIVE for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and it also came back NEGATIVE for the BCR-ABL the original Gene that came back positive for Leukemia. We are waiting for one last test to come back
Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)

Please keep praying for us. Even in these times that we have went through and going through God Is Good and I praise him ever single day. When I talked to the lady on the phone today about this she said to me this is really weird and strange I said " no its not" I have people praying for me and I have been praying for my self as well.

Tomorrow, I go to the high risk pregnancy Dr. and keep me in your prayers about the pregnancy and keep praying for us the (FISH) results as well. Thank You all again and We Love each and everyone of you.

Love & Prayers,
Rebecca, Shawn & Isaac

Isaiah 41:10

Daddy's Watermelons-- Sweet ans Juicy, Well Not Yet

2009-05-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Y’all know I love Monday nights, this week (last week really) was no different, if anything it was better than most. Angela invited one of our cousin’s daughters over while her mother finished working on a set for the children’s play at church Sunday night. Notice how much she resembles Charlee.

When her Gigi arrived to pick her up, she ran to the car and proclaimed to Gigi that she just had to come smell the kitchen. Angela had fixed the most amazing chicken ‘n rice and green beans with new potatoes. I stewed and fried squash plus fried some chicken. So yeah, the kitchen smelled pretty righteous. After a little begging, Gigi agreed to stay. Aunt Bernice also dined with us. The meal was wonderful. Gigi and Anna had to hurry home with a plate for little brother at home with Grandpa.

After we had finished our countryman’s feast, dad mentioned he needed to go start the pivot and he would take the grand girls for their usual tour of the melon field.

I insisted that we all “load up” and go. Aunt Bernice of course, wanted to clean the kitchen first, but I persisted that the dirty dishes would not go anywhere while we were gone.

Dad wasn’t too sure about all of us loading up in his truck. Really I think he didn’t want to clean out the front seat of the truck (or embarrassed) nor did he want to unload the back of the truck.

Dad fretted over the junk in front and I moved the sharp objects and barbwire out of the back.

Consequently, we decided that the kids could ride with him and the older women could ride in mom’s car.

Even the dogs loaded up for the adventure to the watermelon patch. Each time the truck would stop another dog would jump in and sometimes one would jump out.

When we arrived at the patch the children bailed out like clowns out of a circus beetle bug. Dad cranked the irrigation motor.

Waiting for the motor to gain rigor, dad and the grand kids walked through the corn field.

Papa talked to Katie about his corn crop. He explained to Katie that the planter skipped the two middle rows… which in the end will affect his yield. I hate that, because I love to mix field corn with my sweet for the best cream corn ever.

Finally it was time to hunt for a ripe melon.

Even though dusk was on us, dad had a flashlight to help illuminate the way. Charlee and Papa found what they thought could be a ripe juicy melon.

All the kids, 7 to be exact, plus 3 dogs and 1 older woman (me) hovered over waiting the first taste of summer. Daddy carefully cut the melon as mouths started to water. The moment had finally arrived; dad cut a small piece of the heart for Charlee, and the other kids.

The kids took a bite out of their slightly pink, crunchy slice of watermelon.

Some mouths thought they were eating manna from heaven while others--- well didn’t care much for the bitter sweet delight.

Needless to say the melons still need a few more days in the hot sun to ripen and get a little juicier. Hopefully, next Monday we’ll have red juicy melons.
Tuesday, I noticed another sign of summer---blackberries.

Now every afternoon, we have to stop along our driveway to pick blackberries.

Saturday, Grandma prayed asking for rain to help the blackberries grow so Charlee and she could make a clobber.

Here are some other pictures taken at Meme and Papa’s. The big kids decide to race on their bikes to the second cattle gap. Miss Charlee thought she would go too, only she had a little problem.

She took it upon herself to walk through the cow pasture (where a bull who likes to play tag lives also. As I was washing dishes I noticed a speck --- All the kids made it safely back in the yard.

Charlee Ann and the Stupid Smelly Bus

2009-05-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Charlee has a new favorite book… Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. At night, she tells me that we need to read Junie B. so she can learn how to be a kindergartener. I have quickly learned that we do not need to check out another Junie B book. We have heard words like stupid, dumb, and other phrases not spoken at our home. Needless to say, we won’t be reading any more of them.

This week was our first bite into kindergarten. Due to my involvement in orientation, Big Daddy (that’s what Katie and I call Steven) had to attend with Charlee. The last thing I said to Sleeping Steven before I left was “I am not exactly sure what time it starts but I’d be there around 8:30 or a little after.” Truthfully, this was my ploy to get Steven to spend his money on Charlee some books at the book fair instead of me.

I arrived at work much earlier than normal. I went to the library checked in with Marsha and headed to my office to read emails and make the materials I needed for the orientation.

Clearly, in my mind thinking this shing-ding started at 9. At 8:45 the phone rings…the secretary on the other end says where are you? You are supposed to be at the lunchroom. Get over here NOW. I immediately gathered my junk and ran to the lunchroom. I thought maybe I could sneak in, but those dang loud fly blowers alerted everyone that I had finally made it to the meeting. The crowd then focused their attention on the reading coach, who may know a little about reading but apparently nothing about telling time. I scanned the room frantically looking for Big Daddy and the Princess. They were no where in site. I tried to tiptoe as quietly as my clonking heels would let me to the back of the group. Still wondering where they were. Wendy, the Director of Elem, came over and explained that the principal had already introduced me and that she would redo the intro and then I could speak to the crowd.

It was my time to address the anxious parents and children. I scrambled for words while everyone in the room, listened as offered my future services to them. Okay I lied …I explained that like them, I too had a child starting kindergarten and another that would be a senior next year. I know some of the folks were wondering what drugs I was taking and if their kids would be safe around a lunatic reading coach. As fast as an auctioneer, I said what had to be said and sat down.

It was dang near 9 and Steven and Charlee still had not arrived. At first, I kinda thought maybe they were browsing the book fair. I slipped into the teacher’s lounge and called Marsha –no sign of them. I am on the other side worried…like near panic. I know the booger that Charlee is in the morning, so maybe she just threw a fit and Steven just said forget it.

The group was dismissed for the BIG bus ride; I knew this would be Charlee’s favorite part. I called Steven’s cell again. This time he answers. He is in the front office. I tell him to just meet us at the end of the bus loop so Charlee would not miss the bus ride. I explain to the ever so very nice bus driver that my husband and child needed special treatment, would she mind if we picked them up at the other end. Thank the Lord I work for the school. She agreed.

Finally, I can see Steven and Charlee strutting down the sidewalk like a momma hen with her little chick following closely behind. The bus approached the end of the walk--- no Steven. When the bus rolled to a stop, I crawled off the bus almost beyond the point of humiliation. I noticed Steven and Charlee were headed back to office. The gate was locked and he had turned around. I hollered to come down to the other end of the prison gates that encircles our school. By the time I was reunited with my honey, I noticed a slight sign of disgust in his normally twinkling eyes. However, I wasn’t sure why on such a stress free day he could be aggravated. He whispered “You didn’t tell me that I need my licenses”. I didn’t think anything about it but thought to myself this is just a normal every day adventure for me.

We found seats in the very back of the bus and assumed we were going on a nice bus ride, when the bus driver turned off the bus. Immediately, I thought gosh now what. She gave the young unconcerned bus riders a quick bus etiquette lesson. Then she restarted the bus and off we went. The little girls in the back of the bus giggled and had a great time. Charlee sat motionless the entire bus ride.

Back at the school, we toured all the seven kindergarten classes. Although, I have walked through these doors hundreds of times, it seemed as though it was the first. Charlee’s eyes danced with excitement, but held a look of uncertainty as she peeked into her future at the BIG school. She examined artwork,

climbed into reading loft with Ms Jean,

talked with Annie the puppet in Mrs. Perryman’s class and looked at the plethora of books in her library,

and she reunited with old friends in Mrs. Smithers and Mrs. Welbers' rooms .

After the room tours, it was time to say good bye to all the great teachers we had meet.

We meandered over to the book fair. Of course, Charlee wanted everything. She had a Junie B. book, Wow Wow Wuzzybe, Beginning reader books, you name it, Charlee clutched it tight in her arms. Dad said one book. Charlee returned all of the books but 3 properly on the correct shelf. Determined to increase her library at home, she was adamant on all of them. Dad was just as adamant…. she walked away with the Wow Wow Wuzzybe. (Little does dad know, that we have a stack of books stashed away to purchase later). As we were talking in the library Charlee noticed an old friend walking by. She rushed to the door and hollered RONDA …..RONDA. Unfortunately, her dear friend was on her cell and did not hear her little buddy. However, later on Charlee had the chance to join up with Mrs. Parrish at the teacher appreciation luncheon. Charlee embraced her and talked to her as though they were old playground friends. I apologized for Charlee calling her by her first name but Ronda quickly stated that they were pals and it was okay.

Later in the day, I walked through the front office when the school secretary stopped me. Mrs. Coates asked me to please give her apologizes to Steven. I gave her a funny look and questioned why. She retold about the morning episode that occurred as Steven tried to enter our campus (note close to 8:30). She explained that she knew that he was my husband, but according to our new policy, all visitors must have their driver’s license scanned to determine if they are a risk to our students. When she scanned his license, the screen signaled that Steven maybe a potential threat or sexual offender. She had to verify that he wasn’t a predator and that he was indeed safe to be near small children. I know what some of you might be thinking to yourself….yeah small children aren’t safe around him.

Long story short, we survived the orientation and Steven’s name has been cleared. I hope the other 180 aren't as adventurous as the orientation. If so, I may need meds.

Why I love Mondays

2009-05-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

I love Mondays.....Well..... not really I love Monday Nights. Like most of my dad’s family, we are not early morning folks. We like to lie in bed as long as humanly possible. This is most evident on Mondays. However, the morning is worth the night.

Several years ago, my precious Uncle Jack was fighting an unmerciful battle with cancer. To offer relieve to his family, my sister and I offered to cook for them one night a week. To begin with we cooked on Thursday nights. He only missed two meals at the house. We would prepare the meals at Mom and Dad’s, around supper time, they would drive out to the farm. The farm was one of Uncle Jack’s favorite places. Maybe it is because of similarity and closeness of his and daddy’s family farm which is just across the fields. He loved to see the watermelons growing, the grass turning green, new calves prancing and playing, the sunsets, feeling breeze on the porch while he swung or perhaps it was just spending time with his best friend—my dad.

Even though Uncle Jack passed away a couple of years ago, we have kept up the tradition only it has moved to Monday nights. Occasionally, Uncle Jack’s sweet wife joins us. She enjoys the rowdy company and tons of conversions, usually going on at one time. We absolutely love to entertain at mom and dads. So any Monday, you are in the neighborhood stop by…I am sure we’ll have plenty. We love sharing stories and a meal with friends and family.

Spring time meals are the best. I love all the garden fresh vegetables. However, be care full not to eat too many. My long time best friend's EX had a few too many fresh veggies and needless to say they stopped at several undesignated rest stops between here and Belleview. HAHAHAHAHAHA...

Katie has piano lesson on Monday afternoons . While she is at piano. Angela and I cook. I think Quin will be our next piano player.

My oldest brother Kelley and his wife Melanie enjoying the Monday feast.

Katie and Tyler love to pick and play with Uncle Zane. He is usually the pun of their jokes. He just laughs and takes it all with stride. ( PS He needs a good woman if any of you know anyone)

As you can see, Monday nights are a barrel of fun. This is a great family tradition that I hope continues for a long time. Stop by ... Supper is on the stove. And laughter and good times are waiting for you in the dining room. I'll almost bet you that my bunch will be in the middle of some sort of adventure.

Watch out Claires, Here We Come

2009-05-03T14:39:00.000-07:00

The first Friday of every month you can find the girls and me at our beauty Salon. In December, I make all of my appointments for the upcoming year. At almost all of those appointments, we go through the same routine.We arrive close to 4:30. Sometimes we wait and other times, Kim is ready for us as soon as we walk in the door. Lately, I have surprised Kim and have been on time if not early (yeah for me).

I am usually the first one in the chair. Usually I just get a trim since I am there once a month. Every other month, thank God, I get much needed highlights to cover the ever so increasing gray hair. I keep reminding myself, that in the Bible it is considered a sign of wisdom—well in my case, I wouldn’t call it wisdom.

Since the poor child was an infant, Charlee has regularly gotten her hair cut too. Sometimes it’s bangs only. If she is in a great mood, we’ll stack her hair in the back. If you she her regularly you know that doesn’t happen to terrible often. Don't get me wrong she loves Ms. Kim. One of her favorite things to do is imitate Ms Kim. She loves to curl and style Granny Sheffield and Grandma's Annette's hair. I usually opt out.

While I am getting all re-beautified with the hair, Katie searches book after book, in which she looked through last month, hoping to find a new do. She jumps in the chair and typically goes with the same style. After the cut, she gets her eyebrows waxed and we’re gone.

However, this story is missing one key element. The adventure of getting Charlee’s ears pierced. Each month, we go through the same ordeal. She drills Kim about getting her ears pierced. Did Braley get hers done here? What about Harley did you do hers? Does it hurt? Will you do mine? So dear sweet Kim starts the process—loads the gun, cleans the earrings with alcohol, dots the ears with permanent maker and then Charlee chickens out. Once we had two guns loaded and ready for battle. Occasionally, one of the manicurist would apply stickers used for nails to Charlee’s ears. She’d walk out and act as though she had actually gotten her ears pierced. Literally this has gone on for almost a year--- NO LIE.

She have donned sticker earring as though they were priceless diamonds. She has flashed her permanent marker dots as if she was a jewelry model. I am not kidding ask Shelia and Maxie Clark. At a football game, I sat talking with the Clark family, Charlee strolled up and asked Ms. Shelia is she’d seen her new earrings. Charlee peeled back her hair to flash her fancy earrings for all to see. Maxie looked over and admired and ooh-ed and ah-ed at her beautiful earrings. After Charlee prissed away, he asked if they were Blue Sapphires. I busted out in the biggest laugh…. “No Maxie that would be permanent maker”. He was rather puzzled and I explained her monthly trip to the beauty shop. They chuckled each time Charlee paraded up and down the bleachers.

Not this FRIDAY. As Kate was getting her monthly waxing, Charlee crawled up in my lap observing every move Kim made. Inquiring about whether it hurt Katie, why she was doing this and that…then boom “Can I get the sticker earrings”. Kim explained that the lady with the stickers no longer worked there. Then out of no where came ….I want to get my ears pierced if I can sit in momma’s lap.

Not too shocked by the words spilling from her mouth no one was alarmed. We’d been down this road before. However, this time she was a little less hesitant. We moved back across the salon. from the washing sink to Kim's chair. Kim loaded the gun for the 100th time. Charlee asked if it would hurt. Everyone in the building was encouraging her that it would not hurt. Kim said let me see your ear and…. POW…. One ear down. Immediately Charlee let out a shriek and looked and Kim and through sobbing words said “I think you did something wrong-- it hurt. We all snickered.

One left to go. Kim scrambled around and we all started cheering Charlee on again---I just knew we were going to be leaving with 1 earring. Somehow or another Kim got the other one with out to much chaos. Thank the Lord---I don’t know how I would explain that to Steven.

Read a Book. Who Me?

2009-05-01T20:27:00.001-07:00

Last week while mom was having knee replacement surgery, Angela and I ran to the book store so I could get a book (duh) to read while I stayed with mom. I am not much of a reader. I have so much required professional reading with my job that I seldom pick a up book that requires much thought process. I happened to notice on one of the display table several religious books, when my eyes spotted my favorite TV family--- the Gosselin Family.

http://www.sixgosselins.com/

I immediately grabbed it up as though it was the last one in town. As soon as we arrived back at the waiting area I started reading --- I could not put the dang thing down. I read how Jon and Kate met. I was engrossed as I read about their difficulties conceiving and the joys of raising a set of twins and later on sextuplets. The most amazing aspect is the praise they give to God for what he has done, is doing and going to do for the Gosselin Family. Kate gives countless accounts of how their faith in GOD pulled them through. She told how what seemed to be the bleakest points, blessings would overflow.

Needless to say, the book was a life preserver during the long stays at the hospital last week. In numerous ways, I found that Kate and I could be best friends. I think, if you read Multiple Blessings, you too will see things about her that will make you appreciate and love her. Personally I wish she lived next door.

If you have some spare time, pick one up. It’s an easy read—you will be blessed. I know I was.

Oh, by the way, I have a couple who I’d like for you to pray for. I don’t want to publicize their names but the Lord knows them. She and her husband have had difficulty conceiving. I told the would-be grandma after reading Multiple Blessings, I was praying they’d have quadruplets one for each grandparent, one for mom, and one for dad. Then everyday at 4, I would be there for afternoon feedings and diaper changes. Grandma laughed, but I didn’t. I know the power of PRAYER.

Seriously though, twins would be nice, but if you don’t mind lift this couple up. They would be outstanding Christian parents and have a whole world to offer a child.

Cowboys and Carpenter

2009-04-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks, the Hines Cattle Company men weren’t only busy working cows but also re-roofing my in- law’s house. My brother Zane asked me how they knew how to build things, did somebody have training? My reply was they were just a very talented bunch of men. It truly amazes me that there is almost nothing these men can’t do. I guess this intrigued him because my family has trouble changing out a sink faucet. My dad and brothers are outstanding farmers but definitely not handymen. My dad grows the most beautiful and tastiest field of watermelons. And his garden is so bountiful that he offers his garden to several families at his church, not to mention me :~). During the summer, occasionally his vegetables are served at Wednesday night suppers at his church (about 200 folks). He is the best dirt farmer I know.

Back to the Hines men….they worked cows from daylight to dark—7 days straight, taking only Sunday off to worship and rest. Even then, Steven had some loose ends to tie up. This week they are putting a new roof on one of the other houses in the family. Personally, I think since they are in the building mood..... they should start me a house. Don’t you agree?

Steven had asked me to take some candid shots in the cow pens, but I didn’t get home in time to catch the cowboys in cowboy action. We regret that we did not take more pictures in the past. As many of you have experienced, we are not promised tomorrow with our loved ones and friends. Unfortunately almost 5 years ago, our smiling cowboy and his wife were taken from us in a tragic car accident in which a drunk driver hit them. Since then, I try to take more pictures of the men (and my daddy) around the farms. Here are a few pictures of the cowboys turned carpenters.

After previewing these pictures, I notice that only a few men are working and a few men are directing. Maybe if everybody worked, then they would have finished a little sooner. That's the difference in women -- everybody works so we can get to visiting and enjoying the company. Seriously, the men are very hard workers.

Prayer Request For Clara Nell

2009-04-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

Mom will be having knee replacement surgery Wednesday morning. Please pray that she will have quick and complete healing. She is Diabetic and I am worried about the healing. She is very apprehensive about the therapy and being at home. She had contemplated going to the local nursing home but after a visit changed her mind. I don't think she would like the food nor the smell. Like me, mom is a gag-er so I know she wouldn't like the place after the good meds wear off.

So next week, my spring break won't be at the beach but at mom and dad's so drop by and see us and we'll enjoy the sunset off their porch. Pray also for me, I think I am going to stay at the hosptial with her --- I hate yucky places, where other people's hair and germs may linger. I may just sneak some of the good stuff 'cause you know I am as cottie a phobic as they come.

Thanks

I love the BLOG World

2009-04-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love looking at other people's stuff they put on their blogs. I especially like BLOGS about farm life and country living. It let's me see I'm not the only one who lives a wild and crazy life.

As I was skimming through someone's favorite sites, I came across this blog. As read through the latest happenings, I scrolled across this picture and thought I would wet my pants. It is the cutest thing I have seen in awhile. Now Girls... I know all of you are planning your pictures for next year.... Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

http://farmfreshiowa.blogspot.com/2009/04/happy-keaster.html.

Thank you Jessica for the post and the humor.

A Yucky Day

2009-04-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a …. well ….yucky day? And you wondered if it could possible get any worse?

Let me give you some advice ----don’t ask.

In the afternoons, when I first arrive home, I like to check out the BLOG world and see what’s happening in everybody’s world. Today had been pretty rough at school and I needed a moment before I started supper to catch my second wind. Katie and I sat on the couch nosing into perfect strangers' business, when Charlee appeared. Here's the conversation that made my day a little bit “crappier”.

Charlee: I had to go to the bathroom but I’m okay.
Me: Well, did you poop in your pants?
Charlee: Noooo, I just pulled down my pants and it fell out.
Me: Are you sure you didn’t have an accident?
Charlee: No, I cleaned it up.
Katie: Oh gross…. (mixed with giggles)
Me: Well maybe I need to see if the bathroom is okay. (not really wanting to go, but fearful of what she might do next)
Charlee: Don’t worry, that on my britches is cow crap from working cows at the daycare today. Before Meme picked me up, we had to put them in the pen. But she didn’t see them ‘cause we were finished when she got there. (I would call her a LIAR, but I think she just fabricates stories).

So, I reluctantly headed into the bathroom, pondering if I should go ahead and put on my cleaning house clothes or hope it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Needless to say, I turned around went in my room and changed clothes. Then I grabbed the jug of bleach and went to work.

The more I cleaned, the more I noticed what had been victimized by the notorious Charlee. I lifted my new bath rugs that were freshly sprinkled with stinky. I scrubbed the wall that was splattered with Lord knows what. I bleached the grout and the tile that oozed with yuck. Then, I noticed the base of the toilet….and thought to myself “how can a little 20 pound nothing commit such destruction on a bathroom.” Bless her little heart, she tried to clean up--with the hand towel (that is going in the trash).

Does the scene from Daddy Daycare flash in your head?

As hard and deep as I cleaned, the more I found that needed bleaching. When I thought I was finally finished, I spotted the bath toys, needless to say Barbie is now a true Bleached Blonde.

Disgusted beyond means, I threw a plastic Easter egg away. While I cleaned, Charlee headed out to help dad really work cows and ride the horse. A little while later, she came racing back in the house to go to the bathroom again, when she apparently noticed the cheap, good for nothing poop covered Easter egg I had thrown in the trash. She rushed into the family room, and as if I had committed an unforgivable sin said “That Easter Egg does not go in the trash”
Me: Oh yes it does—it has poop on it.
Charlee: OH NO it doesn’t, you can wash it off and I already did. And away she prised

So I guess I am heading back to the bathroom to re-bleach everything.

I know this is a gross story but remember in my first post, I said that I am always knee deep in some kind of adventure only today it wasn’t an adventure I was knee deep in. ;~)

Handsome Prince Rescues Jilted Prom Beauty

2009-04-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Let me start off with an apology-I am sorry that I do not know how to rotate pictures --you'll have to rotate your computer .

Tuesday, while Marsha and I were in the middle of trying to finish Katie’s Beef Proficiency amidst all the other chaos in my life, in marches Katie and rereads the text in which she had received moments earlier …. I’ve been trying to call you but can’t get a hold of you. I don’t think I can make it Friday……..

Note it is Tuesday, 2 1/2 days before the prom on Friday. Immediately everyone in the lunch bunch offered a replacement …Lori suggested Renee who could lead the Congo …Marsha offered Adam who undoubtedly is a good looking guy …Patsy recommended David because he likes to dance and Minnie sat speechless. Then Patsy thought, well maybe all of us could go and take Clara Nell’s ride and use a red beach towel as the red carpet. My suggestion was Will and luckily his mother was nearby and thought that was a great idea.

However, he didn’t have enough time to get a tux but had he recently purchased an awesome suit. Which I must say he looked very handsome in. Long adventure short, she had a cute date and they had whole lot of fun.

She had an awesome dress, long dangly earrings and a slit cut a little too high for her mother’s liking…but she looked stunning. Did I mention it was zebra print?

Katie, Will, Racheal and Trey headed out for the big night in Meme’s car. They ate supper at The Great Outdoors in High Springs and then went to the Prom at the Gateway Grand. Katie danced the night away (except the slow songs)with her best friend Rachael and their dates. It was truly a night she will never forget. She even taught some of the kids the famous Cotton Eye Joe. Cheri said Katie was PRICELESS-- I already knew that.

Did I mention that Katie’s life saver was Tyler’s Best Friend Will? When they got to the Prom he looked at Katie and said “Let’s don’t slow dance cause that would be awkward.” Katie agreed.

After the prom, Katie and Will meet Tyler and Lacey back at Meme and Papa’s and played ROCK BAND till 4 in the morning. When she got home Saturday morning, I asked how her first date was and she I wouldn’t call that a date—it was Will.

I think everybody had a great time and Will has decide to go to his prom ---without Katie. And Rachael, who only went because of Katie, is already planning for next year's prom. Charlee said she was picking out Katie's dress next year. I tried to explain that Kate didn't pick out her (Chalree's) clothes and she quickly reminded me that yes she does in the mornings sometimes and therefore she deserved the right to pick out her prom dress.

I just wonder what happened to the sweet little the girls I taught in third grade that only wanted more AR points?

I think these two girls will be friends until eternity. God gives us the best gifts---friends.

What could make the evening more like a fairy tale than a hero coming home? A few weeks before Jarred came home at Christmas he served a term of duty in Afghanistan. During that time he fought in one of the most intense battles. Jarred was award the Bronze Medal for his participation in the battle. Anyway, we are very PROUD of him and his accomplishments. Remember to pray daily for our men and women serving our Country. Katie, Charlee and I have made a pac that every time we see an American Flag that pray for Jarred. Charlee is the most faithful about this. Her prayers are precious.

Hope everyone had a great Easter… Katie was suppose to leave Wednesday for ENGLAND but her plans have changed due to a medical condition with the lady inwhich she was traveling with . Anyway she has a passport and ready to travel.

Chocolate Covered Anything

2009-04-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Once a month do you have that carving were you could eat just about anything covered in chocolate?

Well today happens to be one of those days. All day it has poured rain. (Thank you, Jesus for the blessing of rain). Katie and Steven are at the Youth Livestock Sale. This is the first time in about 30 years I have missed sale day. For some reason, I think the sale was able to go on with out me. Imagine That:~) But with the weather we thought it was best for Charlee to stay home. Plus it has been a long week and we have to go back to school on Thursday. Katie did great. But I'll tell that story with pictures.

Now back to my reason for the post---Mid month Munchies. Any way I am busy cleaning and reorganizing my house before the Egg Hunt, we are hosting for my side of the family on the 11th . When it struck me.....nothing is satisfying my hunger needs today. I had cheese grits for breakfast, chicken salad sandwich for lunch and nibbled on Charlee's leftover Valentine candy. Gross I know, but when a woman is in need of a snack, she'll eat almost anything. In my madness of cleaning our Dining Room/ Storage Room. I had a brain blossom--Seven Minute Cookies. This happens to be one of those recipe were you have everything you need in the pantry. I wanted to share my quick fix recipe with you other mid month munchers. This is a recipe, I found in the University of Florida Alpha Gamma Cookbook that Ray Hodge (he was always so thoughtful) gave to me. If you can get your hands on one of these cookbooks grab it and run. It is filled with wonderful Florida Family recipes. ( Carrie, I will try to locate one for Ms. Cindy Jo. She would love the stories and history.)

Seven Minute Cookies

Melt in a pan:

1can Eagle Brand Milk

12 oz. Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup butter

Stir in the following

1 cup Self-rising Flour

1 cup Chopped nuts

1 tsp Vanilla

Drop by teaspoons onto a greased cookie sheet bake for 7-8 minutes @350.

Cool Slightly before removing.

I would have taken a picture of my beautiful cookies but the infamous Charlee has misplaced Katie's digital camera. I am going to the store before Easter to purchase a digital camera...so you bloggers let me know which is best. I have the Canon Rebel with all the lenses and love it but I can barely afford the film and developing cost nor can I put nifty pictures on my post immediately.

Mark and Jennifer

2009-03-24T15:33:00.001-07:00

One of Steven's dearest friends, Mark, recently moved to Miles City, Montana. Mark has spent numerous hours on the farm breaking horses and helping out wherever he could. Mark is very much like family to us.

In his wife's recent post, Jennifer retold of the events of a horrific fire that destroyed a lot of the small town where they live. Please say a prayer for this town and its people.

Here is the address for her post.

http://diamond5.blogspot.com/2009/03/tragic-in-small-town.html

Thanks

We Going to the Fair

2009-03-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

It seem like lately all we do is load cows and head to a show. This weekend is the Heifer Show at the fair. So if you feel the need to feed the thrill …then put on your “cowboy” boots and meander on down to the river.

Katie will be showing 2 heifers. Polly is a calf we purchased last September from EXPRESS Ranches in Yukon, Oklahoma. (Steven is their Rep here, so if you need a black bull let us know). Mr. Funk ,the owner has a wonderful scholarship program for kids …so we are hoping she will strike it big with her. The other heifer, Joy, is a bred and owned calf, meaning the calf was born here on the farm from one of Katie’s prior show heifers. She is a well structured calf and has already one a big award last weekend, but that’s another post. We had a big weekend at the Junior Angus Show but I need pictures to tell the story.

So any way and any who…. here is the schedule for the fair.

March 21---Saturday- 5:00 pm Heifer show, Showmanship to follow the show

March 28, Saturday—5:00 pm Steer Showmanship

March 31---Tuesday—1:30 pm Market Steer Show.

April 1---Wednesday- 9:30 SALE

Check out the journal this week for a more in depth calendar of events.

If you’re feeling like a spring chicken—on Sunday they are having an alumni showmanship contest. Guess who will not embarrass themselves. I can talk the talk and walk the walk…but I can’t show the show cow. HA HA HA

We keep homemade goodies and snacks at the tent so mosey on by and sit for a spell and chat with us, we’d love the company.

Hope to see all you folks at the fair.

Freebie from AE

2009-03-13T08:32:00.001-07:00

If you are not subscribing to Jawan's blog, check it out today. She has a free offer from American Eagle. I will be stopping by this weekend for my free undies.

If you read some of her earlier post this week she has red codes for a free movie from the RED BOX movie rentals. Living in a super small town, we do not have any of these rentals around town, so maybe one of you can enjoy the savings even if I can't . Have a great weekend.

http://themcginnismessage.blogspot.com/2009/03/american-eagle-free.html

Train Depot

2009-03-10T16:42:00.001-07:00

It's a bird....It's a Plane ....It's Clara Nell

2009-03-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

I bet ya’ll thought this post was going to be about a superhero. Well, it sort is. She is quite a character alright. I guess after raising 4 hoodlums I’m surprised she hasn’t been admitted to a mental hospital even if Tyler thinks she should be.

Feb 28 was ‘Ole Nellie’s Birthday and oh what a day it was. Mom and Dad came over for lunch at our house. I cooked some of her favorites Chicken and Dumplings, Fried Chicken, and Banana Pudding. We enjoyed an afternoon of snooping into other people’s business (reading blogs) and cleaning the kitchens (mine and my mother-in-laws). I’ve told mom she needs to get connected and forget the soaps, especially now, since they have same sex couples. Real life is a whole lot more interesting anyways. Plus it goes totally against all the things she told us we couldn't do. Dad brought his Sunday school lesson and sat under the cane shed and studied while Katie washed her steer.

In honor of mom, I thought I would do a flash back of my memoires of mom over my life span.

Way back in the day when jumpers were in style, like well over 30 years ago, my mother thought it would be cute to send me, on the first day of first grade, in a jumpsuit that had a zipper from the crotch to the neck. My teacher wasn’t the most kid-friendly teacher – long story short the zipper stuck and I was in desperate needed to tinkle. Guess who sprinkled? I’m not sure what Clara Nell was thinking but in the end just like a super hero, she came to my rescue and brought me dry clothes.

Like I said, earlier raising four children was could send the most sane person over the edge. When we were younger and lived in the OLD house, a lot of days and nights, Dad was gone selling insurance and then later farming into late into the nights. Mom handled most of the discipline herself --- Back before flip flops were popular, they were typically only worn by, I’m not sure how to say this, but they could only be purchased at places like Pic-n-Save, Kmart, and discount type stores…never would you find flip flops at the mall nor would you pay over 5 bucks for a pair. Now that we know the evolution of the flip flop… not only were these bad boys used as attire for the feet but a they made an awesome impact and unbelievable scary sound when smacked on the fanny. Clara Nell had a quick swipe and swift swing…. whop, whop, whop…. We never knew what hit us. And the Clan was back in line. She didn’t care who, what, when, or where we were. I think the folks at Callahan’s Foodway needed the business, and that’s the only reason they didn’t report mom). Clara Bell wasn’t scared but we were. I could tell stories but I am afraid of what may happen to mom with children’s services.

Mom was an awesome youth director. She planned the neatest events to places like the Studstill’s hunting camp and lock-ins at the church. Because she might read this post, I cannot tell the stories. But I will say this….she thought she caught us but were a little too sneaky.

Let’s skip ahead to when I was 20 and a single mom… Having no one to attend Lamaze with me, my dear sweet mother went with me. If I must say we were the highlight of class. The breathing, the video, the laying on the floor pretending to be in labor, the massage techniques only lead to one thing….wet britches. We would get so tickled and then the other members of the class would start laughing. Usually, class ended early because of us. I don’t know who was more thankful that I had a c-section mom or me---I don’t think if our life depended it we could execute the techniques Nurse Graham taught us to make my labor easier.

One Mom’s and my favorite places is Lake Weir. Tons of childhood memories have been made for both of us here. We like it best when it’s just us and a few select friends. I like to fry in the sun on raft in a itsy witsy tiny tinny winny bikini, while she likes to “bob” under the dock in T-shirt, skirted bathing suits and hat. I’m only sure, after my first diagnosis of skin cancer; I’ll be under the dock with her covered from head to toe. The days are spent relaxing and rest for the night…that’s when the adventure begins. At night, we turn in to rodent warriors combating huge roaches or spiders. I might do a side show of lip singing mixed with theatrical interpretation of the music. Unfortunately, we have lost the home video but the mental image is deeply planted in my memory. Last summer, at 72 years of age, she actually went “tubing” for the first time at the lake. Next time you see one of the boys you’ll have to have them enlighten you. If you know mom very well you know here eye brows were going wacko and she was yelling commands instead of paying attention. From my understanding, she did not fall off. The scene from the movie the Greet Outdoors just replayed in my mind. Come to think, of it before we go in August, maybe I ought to take out a little insurance on the ‘ole gal.

Should you have a medical need concern or condition fear not Clara Nell and Campho-phenique together can cure anything…zits, lie bumps on your tongue, scratches, insect bites, sting weed itches, diabetes, cancer…well maybe not the last two…they haven’t completed the research. Clara Nell stayed with me the days after my surgery and boy was it nice. She waited on me, pampered me and talked when I wanted to talk and read her novel when I wanted peace and quiet. I was pretty well medicated….. so I don’t know if she applied Campho-phenique to my incision.

Anyway I could tell tale after tale about my mom and I know each of you have your on recollections of her. She is truly one of a kind and I am glad she’s my mom.

Lordy, Lordy Look Who's Forty....One

2009-02-21T17:47:00.000-08:00

Steven celebrated his 41st birthday on Thursday. It’s not very often that we get to go out just the two of us. We didn’t go anywhere fancy or romantic but we had time alone—which is priceless. As with anything I am involved in there’s little adventure.

We got a late start because they were working cows and when we returned home he would need to finish breeding the cows. I came home from an almost horrible day at work (it’s not the wok that’s awful but a few of the people you have to deal with). Anyway, I called Steven before I left work to tell him I was taking him on a date just the two of us. As soon as I got home, I started getting ready so he wouldn’t have any reason to back out. While I was transforming from frumpy school teacher to hot momma, Charlee decided to join her dad outside in the cow pens. Later, Charlee came charging in to tell me about her dad’s dealings with the cows…. I’m not going into disgusting detail. Charlee explained how her dad had stuck his arm in the cow and she had “die-a-ribed” on him and to look where she also had die-a-ribed all of her. I immediately replied “I hope you didn’t get that on my carpet”. Lucky for me she didn’t. Not long after that Steven peeked his head in the back door, I remind him that I wanted to take him out to eat. He sheepishly agreed and then stepped inside—he was covered in poop from head to toe. Needless to say this did not set the tone for a romantic night out. He showered and shaved –and turned back into the handsome man I know.

We were going to leave the girls with their grandparents. Most of you know that typically we have to tear Charlee away from her Grandma Hines. Not the case this time. She pitched a royal fit. We tried everything under the sun to bribe her. I even told her we were going possum hunting and that she may get hurt …but she explained the door to the truck would be closed and she would be safe. Finally, I broke down and grabbed my scrapbooking bag which she is forbidden to mess with. She jumped up and acted as though she had never shed a tear and couldn’t wait to get over there and “scrap book”.

Due to time restraints, we decided to go to Backyard. Plus if it’s your birthday you eat free. The waitress sat us down, when Steven realized he left his wallet in his work truck. No free meal tonight. The rest of the evening went fairly uneventful. I even got a kiss good night from the birthday boy.

I have said in the past that Steven married me not out of love, but because I could cook (almost as good as his mother). On Saturday for Steven and Katie’s birthdays, I baked their favorite cake—Brown Sugar Pound Cake. I got the recipe from my friend Kathy. Forever ago, I stayed with Kathy so I could attend classes to get the courses needed for elementary certification (about 15 years ago). We tried out this recipe. I don’t know if she ever fixes it, but my bunch devours the whole cake the day I bake it. I, personally, like the batter better than the cake.

Charlee helped me bake the cake for them. Katie came into the kitchen hollering the cake is burning and opens the oven….about twenty minutes later BIG daddy comes in and opens the oven door again.
If you bake, you know what happened to my cake. What didn’t fall, stuck to the pan.

The remains are the yummiest part....

Brown Sugar Pound Cake

1 cup butter
½ cup shortening
1 pound brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
5 eggs
3 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter and sugar thoroughly. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating at medium speed. Add flavoring. Sift dry ingredients (2times) add to creamed mixture alternating with milk.
Grease a tube pan (I use a Bundt pan). Bake at 325 for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

HINT Place a baking dish with water in it under the cake to make it extra moist. This a secret I learned from Shirley Williams a lady at our church.

Belated Valentine Blessings

2009-02-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

Bear with me through this post... I have been working on it for over a week and can't get the wording correct...but you will get the gist.

“I have learned to be content with whatever the circumstance” Philippians 4:11

There was a time in my life when I thought I need more. I am not exactly sure what I need more of but I needed more. But as I grow older and stronger in my faith, I know that whatever I have or whoever I am is only because of Christ.

Our former preacher’s wife Angela sings a song that each and every time I hear it I sob …I’m talking uncontrollable weeping. When I hear it I reflect on the blessings that I have in my life are gifts form God.

Here are some from the lyrics to the song:

The things that I love and hold dear to my heart are just borrowed,
They’re not mine at all,
Jesus let me borrow them to brighten my life
So remind me, remind me, Dear Lord
Roll back the curtains of memory now and then
Show me where you brought me from and
Where I could I have been
Remember I’m human and humans forget
So remind me remind me again.

With that being said here’s a list of some of my random Valentine Blessings

1. A heavy heart and strong conscious because the Holy Spirit is directing my life.
2. My husband’s picking and poking. Proves he loves me without words.
3. The girls when they argue with one another. I know my children are learning to fight for what they believe in and that no means no.
4. Mom and Dad’s invites during the middle of the week, let’s me know that my family still enjoys fellowshipping together.
5. Early morning calls from my father in law- Mr. Robert, confirms we did not die in the night from a gas leak.
6. Ms. Annette, my mother in law inspecting clutter and offering organizing tips because she wants to help make my life easier and less stressed.
7. Prayer request from my church family – demonstrates that we believe in the power of prayer.
8. Rushed 30 minute lunch – reveals that friendships can be maintained in minutes.
9. Floors that needed vacuumed and mopped that means I have a place to call home ( it may not be much but at least it’s not a card board box)
10. An almost empty gas tank- is a sign that we have traveled nearly 400 miles with safety. The ability to fill it up proves that my credit card isn’t maxed out yet.
11. Paper work, books to read and emails to answer implies that I have been blessed with a job.
12. The phone that rings when my hands are wet or I’m in the bathroom lets me know that I have brothers, a sister and friends that care.
13. The shower dripping or leaking proves that we have running water ( however, Steven fixed it this weekend)
14. An unmade bed reveals that I had a cozy place to lay me head the night before.
15. Dirty dishes to wash shows that my family has food on the table.
16. Electricity bill because I have lights, heater and air conditioning
17. Basket full of clothes that need to be fold – portrays I have clothes on my back.
18. Sunday School students that need to be quieted. Who love to come to church and learn about Jesus.
19. Hairy legs –I have been blessed with legs
20. Student loan bills – I have had the opportunity to go to school.

The list could go on and on… but you get the picture God has blessed me in little and big ways.

Jawan's site

2009-02-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

I stole this from my friend Jawan's blog. It took me a minute to figure out what the man says.

I think it's pretty yucky...but funny.

http://themcginnismessage.blogspot.com/2009/02/hey-dawn.html

Check out her site, she has great ideas for little kids and lots of coupons and savings. A post last week had a coupon for a BOGO free entree.

ENJOY
Aunt B

Seventeen Years of Joy

2009-02-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

February 5th ,1992 – seems like yesterday. It doesn’t seem like 17 years have pasted, when my Katie Baby made her grand entrance. I was scheduled to have a C-Section at 8 in the morning. As with any surgery, no eating after midnight---my plan was to eat everything insight right up till 12. My friend Kathy was right by side taking every bite with me. Kathy decided we needed to make birth announcements for our special delivery. This was before the pretty picture ones were popular. While she monkeyed around on the computer, I had a sudden urge to go to the bathroom. I didn’t’ make it when I felt the most unpleasant gush. Low and behold my water had broken. (It’s a horrible yucky feeling.) Kathy ran down the hall hollering, burst into Frank and Clara Nell’s bedroom and announced GET UP we have to go the hospital. We scrambled around and finally made our way to the Women’s Center. It was rainy and Frank drove about 45 the whole way. When we finally arrived the nurses giggled that they weren’t expecting me till later and ushered us to the room they had pre-prepared. This is one of the few times I have actually been early. Still today, if I am early it’s because of Katie.

My life with Katie has been filled with lots of joys and adventures. She was a gift from God. If you have spend much time with her you will quickly realize that GOD has blessed Katie with a wide range of talents, she is kindhearted, honest as a preacher, and has a contagious laugh. I know that HE has big plans for Katie. I can’t wait to see what the next seventeen years will have in store for Katie.

There's a water bottle under all that hair.

I love to write acrostics so here’s my tribute to Katie using her name…..

Keepsake Keeper-- She has all sorts of memorabilia stored away in her room. She has cards, rolls of toilet paper, Barbie’s, VHS Disney movies, high school stuff and slivers of paper with notes written on them. Katie loves anything that focuses on family traditions. Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday because most of our family gathers at our house for the celebration. Another favorite event for her is grinding cane at Meme and Papa’s. She loves to her meme tell stories about long ago. She collects teacups and ponders who may have owned the cup prior to her. She has a bulletin board that is overflowing with knick knacks from days of ole.

Great grandpa's restored tractor
Aggressive Athlete—Katie hates to lose. She turns into a beast on the court or the field. Everyone wants Katie on their team. She growls, grunts, and attacks the opponent. Needless to say she will do what ever it takes to win. Last year we had an unexpected visit with the Optometrist. She was playing basketball at PE and got all up in one of the boy’s faces and, he poked her in the eye (by accident). It scratched her retina and nearly blinded her –not really but she sure thought she would never see again. Last week she had mentioned that a girl at school said she was afraid of Katie and her friend, because the look mean. I never thought of my child as a bully. Actually, she has a very determined and intense look—not mean. She is friends with everyone .

Traditionally Talented – Like I was saying earlier Kate loves things of yesteryear. She loves black and white westerns especially John Wayne. Katie and Steven spend hours upon hours watching the western channel. Katie loves music and clothes from the 80s. She knows the words to all the songs. I know if she was a teenager of the 80s we would have been best friends. Like her mom, she has a interest in cooking. She loves to play the piano. As a matter of fact the piano she has was Meme’s from when she was a little girl. Kelley, Angela and me also played on the same one. Her name is also a family heirloom- she was named after my great Aunt Grace. She is sucker for antique shops—so Carrie give her a call next shopping trip. She wants an antique car or her dad’s old work truck. The only reason she likes to ride the bus is so she can see over the fence at the junk yard.

Intelligent Individual --- Katie is a brilliant; I have yet to figure out where the brains and her studious behavior derived from. She pulls a 4.O every nine weeks and has been asked by the Biology teacher to attend a seminar at the other university this summer. But due to her travels this spring we had to decline. As a child, she struggled with reading but now loves to read books about the past especially about the Civil War. (Thanks Ms. Crisatello) Most importantly, Kate is very knowledgeable of the Bible –and applies what she reads and studies. She spends time daily studying her Bible. Praise the Lord that Katie has been blessed with brains and she is not street smart.

Katie is wearing meme's shirt from the early 80's.
Earnestly Easy going--- never gets rattled. She is as cool as a cucumber. This is really obvious in her gait and her speech. Katie is never in a hurry (but she is seldom late). In the show ring she appears to be a novice but in reality she’s just taking her time. Katie enjoys life in the slow lane, taking time to smell the roses. This may seem as a good thing and but it can be nerve rattling…especially when I need to be at work on time. I recently learned that Katie doesn’t like to get to school early because she hates going to the gym. That’s a whole other story. I will never have to worry about Kate having ulcers—stroke –or heart attack.

Happy Belated Bithday Katie

26 pair of underwear

2009-02-10T16:21:00.000-08:00

Many of you know Katie shows Black Angus Heifers. Undoubtedly, our family’s favorite show is the State Fair. My mom and dad usually tag along to help me with Charlee. This year, we left on Wednesday. Katie and Steven got up earlyand head out for the fair, I hate getting up in the mornings so after lunch thelate risers traveled south to join the show team. However, Charlee woke up raring to go. She was so excited she grabbed the first suitcase she could find and diligently packed the clothes she would need for our four day venture. The contents of her bag- 2 pair of jeans, 1 shirt, 1 pair of socks and 26 pair of underwear. That’s right 26 pair of underwear.

This was Katie’s 5th year showing at the fair. We have a group of friends that we show with- the Jones’, Smith’s, Beauchamp’s and a friend of Katie’s from school – the Harrison’s. Our group can be found joking, encouraging one another, swapping stories- some of which are partially true ;~), and my favorite part--eating.

Katie won 5 blue ribbons, division Reserve grand champion with her bull and first place in the 16 year old showmanship division. I have joked that if Katie was 60 the judge would have asked her out on a date…needless to say he was very impressed with Katie’s attitude in the show ring. After the show he congratulated us on her. The bull in the pictures is an offspring of her first heifer KIT. Last year we took the bull with Kit as a cow calf pair.

Here’s our adventure at the fair---

We love to eat the fresh strawberry shortcake - we eat try to eat at least two a day. The stand is half way across the fair grounds. We walk about a mile to get this particular one. We think it is the best and well worth the trip.

This year, "The Cracker Johnson Bunch" came to the fair for the first time. Angela commented that all “we do is eat” I beg to differ. We do other things ---Katie and Steven groom and feed cows and scoop poop. Sometimes little sis jumps in and helps with assistance from Ms. Marsha.

Saturday, the last day, offers a little free time for Katie to visit with her show friends. The previous days are hectic but tons of fun and excitement.

I told someone Steven just thinks his days are tiresome ….I’d like for him to spend a day in my shoes – Clara Nell wants to BUY everything, Charlee WHINES about everything and Frank, he’s the biggest kid of all – he drags behind wanting to SEE everything.

One evening after our shortcake journey, we decide to take a different route back to the barn. When what to dad’s wondering eyes should he spot ...but a seal show. He was totally intrigue by the splishing and splashing of the seals. So we stopped for him to watch the wet comedy show. One sneaky seal was behind the net tring to escape. He put on a side show just for the few spectators that remained. Dad chuckled and commented about their personalities . Mom and I went to walk away only to find that dad had only moved to a spot where he could get a better view. I asked Dad if he wanted his picture taken with the silly creatures…NO, NO …well if Charlee did he hesitated …Needless to say she wasn’t as impressed as PAPA. So I convinced him ...Yeah Charlee would love to have her picture taken with the seals. So we got in line to get a picture. I’m not sure who’s happier Dad or the seals… I definitely know it wasn’t Charlee.

After we watch the cow shows and we stroll around looking for something to eat. Steven, Dad, Charlee and myself had a delicous ear of corn...while Mom looked for something a little more appetizing . I think she came back with a corn dog. I think I could have find something better.

Okay I have to admit we like to eat.

We absolutely love Cracker Country. We spend hours upon hours watching syrup being made, biscuits cooked over open fire, asking questions about the smoke house, smelling lye soap and eating kettle corn.

Every year I take a picture of the girls in this salt vat.

By the end of the week not only are the cows exhausted but we are too.

The best part of any trip is going home. Maybe next year you can join our adventure. Don' t forget to pack your clean undies for the trip.

Why I hate Saturdays

2009-02-02T18:01:00.000-08:00

If I ever make it big.... I will have someone to wash my clothes (and put them away).

Let me break it down for you:

2 loads of Steven's Farm clothes

1 load of Kimberly and Charlee's everyday wear

1 load of whites

2 loads of towels

1load of good delicate lights

1 load of dark delicates

1 load of sheets

1 load of Charlee's bed sheets for school.

and that's doesn't include Katie's.

YES that is 10 loads of clothes that I wash and try to fold on Saturdays. Lord help me if I have a headache or need (want) to go somewhere... I have considered hiring someone just to do the LAUNDRY.

Is anyone interested?????

Marsha Cook: The Smartest Person I Know

2009-01-29T18:34:00.001-08:00

I have stumbled across some fairly intelligent folks in my life. For instance; my friend Kathy graduated Summa Cum Laude. I graduated Thank the Laude. My husband is an unbelievable mathematician he always knows exactly how much money I have spent without opening my VISA bill. Rachael, a student I taught in third grade could read 8 syllable words with out sounding them out. I am not really sure what sound “x” makes--- I never learned phonics. Rick Reed use gargantuan words to describe everyday occurrence. When I try to mimic him I can’t even use spell check to find the words. But Marsha Cook takes the prize. She is the smartest person I know.

Occasionally, I would rather ignore a matter rather than actually do something to solve the problem. Point in case…for the last 4 ½ years Charlee has slept in our bed. Some nights, Steven can be found snuggled up on the couch instead of with his wonderful wife because Rooty Tooty Hines has twisted his hair too tight, or has him dangling off the edge of the bed or she has taken coverage under his rib cage . Notice I said Steven goes to the couch, I personally can sleep through a hurricane…..I have had plenty of practice. At lunch, I have mentioned to the YaYas that Charlee will not sleep in her on bed. Patsy offers no help, because her kids slept with her and David. Lori and Ms. Minnie apparently had great sleepers. But Marsha on the other hand had Adam. Her trick to get Adam to take Sunday afternoon naps was to give him books on tape. I thought to myself this will never work with Charlee because she has to have hair to twist and is a whiner.

Last weekend while cleaning one of the two closets in my house, I came across a personal CD player with earphones we had bought Steven’s granny 3 years ago for Christmas. Immediately, I thought of Marsha and said to myself there’s no way. I put it back on the shelf.

Yesterday, I had to stop by the Dollar General to get cleaning supplies and found the deal of the century (no it wasn’t a snuggly) They had kids CDs for $2…that’s right $2. Charlee being the deal finder she is loaded the buggy down . We had everything imaginable …Love tunes, Wedding Hits, and a Spanish CD (I’m not really sure what it was) a Clifford CD and Tractor songs. I bought the latter two and secretly put the others back.

BEDTIME came, I broke out the CD player and the bargain buys from earlier. First we listened to Clifford, Charlee sat criss cross applesauce at the end of bed….determined she would not lie down. About 10 minutes later she wanted the CD switched. She still remained at the end of bed refusing to put her head on the pillow, but she was motionless. Katie actually walked in, spoke to her and she never said a word. Another 10 or so minutes pasted. Being indecisive, Charlee wanted the CD changed for the last time. This time the hand went under the pillow and the strong-willed little girl finally put her head down. It wasn’t long before her eyes closed and she was sound asleep …no screaming….no hollering…no battle … everybody had a great night’s sleep. Who would have known that Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was a lullaby and Marsha would be right.
Let’s hope tonight will be as successful.

Ode to a Brother

2009-01-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

Today is my Brother Kelley’s 43rd birthday. I wish I was creative enough to come up with forty three things to tell about him but I am a slow thinker and an even slower typer. Maybe this should be a post in progress. Here are a few extraordinary things about my brother

1. He’s the alpha and I am the omega of our family.

2. Kelley is very quiet unless he has a story to tell and then you had better listen closely because it is going to be the funniest story you have ever heard.

3. When I was in high school he would let me drive his truck to school and uptown. He had awesome sound system. My friend Kathy Walker and I would turn up the cassette tape(yes it was that long ago) with our favorite song “Whose Johnny” and sing at the top of our lungs.

4. We look a little bit alike. We both have reddish hair, light complexion that always burns at the lake, green eyes and the same build. We both have bulging bellies. We inherited that from my mother’s side of the family. A long time ago it was funny to compare who could blow their belly out the most. Now I try suck mine in and his just stays that way.

5. He’s been a great dad to 3 kids. Jarred is the most unique and respectable young man I know. He is currently serving our country in the US Army. Kaitlyn and Steven are smart loveable kids. All three have a love beyond measure for Kelley.

6. He is a momma’s boy and I am a momma’s girl. Angela and Zane are daddy’s.

7. He can read super fast. I mean so fast you can’t even understand it like this ANHDUAFIAFJHFHOUh. A whole book in milliseconds. The neices and nephews love to have a story read to them by Uncle Goofy.

8. Since 1979, he has sat in the same seat at the dinner table at Mom and Dad’s.

9. Kelley keeps a precise calendar of the events that happen on Quincey Farms. \He started this when Jarred was a little boy.

10. He uses a cow bird for everyday analogies. For instance, he would say I am as thirsty as a cowbird or I am as hungry as a cowbird.

12. He loves to vacation at Lake Weir.

11. He’s my big brother and I dearly LOVE him.

Beauty and the Beast

2009-01-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

Have you watched the movie Beauty and the Beast lately? Well when Katie and Tyler were toddlers we watched it all the time …to the point of memorization. It is an absolutely magical movie and reminds me of my own Katie Grace in many different ways.

Katie –The Beauty
Over the last few months, I have watched Katie turn from a Beauty Queen to Weightlifting Beast literally before my eyes. In October, Katie was nominated as the Junior Class Homecoming Attendant. The weeks before homecoming were filled with all sorts of shopping trips searching for the most stunning dress possible. If I must say we completed our mission. We had planned every minute detail (so we thought).

The first part of the week went off with out a hitch--- because all the excitement with Homecoming activities happens at the end of the week -duh. The unfortunate part was I had had surgery the week before and had a 6-7 inch incision in my groin area and was under strict doctor’s orders to not be out and about –yeah right, who listens to their doctors anyway. So lucky for me, I have great friends that said they had it covered, don’t worry about a thing and I didn’t. Patsy lined up the cars for the parade and the field. Lori did all the running and getting Katie where she was suppose, more importantly stepped in and acted as a mother/personal assistant to Katie. Marsha made the extravagant signs for the car. Ms. Nancy and Michelle along with all the TES staff hollered and whistled at the parade. I’m sure a lot of other people did things but I was on good medication and didn’t really know what was going on. The Tiger Growl was great Katie was able to wear her cheerleading uniform and cheer/dance for the mighty Tigers.

The parade was wild. This is where the adventure began. Besides Patsy arranging a car, Katie’s dad had also lined up a car. I guess he felt the need to get involved in the events. He had talked with Charlie Cox and prearranged to use his antique Stingray Corvette. Steven’s best friend Robert went to pick up the car only to find that Charlie went on vacation and forget to leave the keys. Robert searched high and low for the perfect car for Katie. Robert found this awesome convertible truck. That he borrowed from his Captain at the fire department Did I fail to mention all of this happened on the morning of the parade. Yeah I know… it was a Chevy, tough looking and low - n- behold it matched Katie’s dress. Talk about luck.

After the parade we had limited time to get ready before the evening festivities. We had to take one of my Grandma Flossie’s famous PTA baths. I’ll let you figure out what that stands for. It’s amazing that Katie looked absolutely beautiful that night. But thanks to Dara Wright she transformed Katie into Homecoming Beauty. Katie being Katie picked out a cheap dress to save money. She is always thinking of others. After my post doctors visit Clara Nell and I decide to go back to the Dillard’s and buy the original dress Katie loved. I am glad we did. She was undoubtedly the prettiest one. But I wouldn’t be partial.

You remember the trouble with the car…before Steven had gotten involved we had planned on using one of Shelia Clark’s unique rides. Thank the Lord for Ms. Shelia, we were able to use her brand new, barely 24 hours old convertible --- and it matched Katie’s dress.

I think people may have thought she was vain but we see it as blessed.
As soon as the Half time fluff was over Katie quickly changed into her cheerleading uniform minus her own bloomers. Apparently, she really wanted to cheer. She put on the bloomers Lacey had worn all day--yuck. Personally I wouldn’t wear nobody’s and I

mean nobody’s drawers. (Annie I know you are agreeing with me).
The entire evening was truly magical. It was all Katie thought the evening should be.

Katie- the Beast
If you haven’t heard----Katie is on the THS Girl’s Weightlifting Team. She is undefeated as well as the team for 4 years straight.

She absolutely loves being a part of the team. However, we struggle with Steven’s stories of being the STATE CHAMP … Katie and I snicker and roll our eyes. He asks Kate almost everyday “did you tell your coach I was a state champ”…hello that was 20 something years ago. Here are some pictures of Katie lifting wei

She can bench 140 plus more if she needs to. She never grunts or makes faces. The judges always try to get her to lift more but why should she … she’s already one of the strongest girls on the team. In the clean and jerk division, Katie can lift around a 105 pounds.

She is as strong as an ox and prettier than a picture.

After school Munchies

2009-01-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

This will be the second retelling of this story. The first was deleted by none other than the infamous Charlee.

Friday night , I had a few minutes before we rushed back to town to watch the Bell/Trenton ball game in which Trenton lost and thought I would type a post to my blog with the time I had to spare. My first mistake was thinking I could type a post in 30 minutes. My second mistake was not saving my work as I went. This is a lesson I should have learned in college when I lost my entire Senior Seminar paper…but that’s a whole other story. See I told ya’ll this blog would be filled (wait one minute and let me save) with lots of adventures and mishaps in my life.

Here’s it goes…..

The girls and I had just walked into our freezing humble abode from a long winter’s day at work. Kate rushed outside to feed up then bolted back in to take a quick shower and get ready for the game – of course she had someone she wanted to impress. While she busied herself about getting ready, I sat and typed what I thought was the best narrative I have ever written. As I typed Charlee, burst into the room commented she was hungry and wanted a sandwich for a snack. I ignored her and kept on blogging. The next thing I know she is poking a slimy, bag of Lil’ Smokies left over Christmas in my face asking what it was and could she make a sandwich with it. I jumped up out of the recliner before any gunk could drip on me and went into the kitchen with her to assist with her endeavor for making a snack.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear but wheat bread scattered from pillar to post. Then I noticed the making of Charlee’s sandwich. There on the table lay 2 slices of bread—the heels at that. Charlee had diligently attempted to make her snack with no assistance. As I looked over her creation, I noticed the heap of mustard and the stream that was flowing down the bread and onto the table. The mayo was haphazardly spread everywhere. I knew in an instant I had to help. I was able to convince her that the bread would taste nasty sicne it was form dad' hunting trip last week. I dug in the refrigerator for some fresh sliced deli meat. I thought she might allow me to help but that was totally out of the question. If you haven’t figured it out...Charlee is extremely hard headed. I not exactly sure where she gets it from.

As I was reaching my hand into the bread sack, Charlee scolded me and stated she could get her own bread. So, I stepped back. Sister girl then proceed with the condiments. First was the mustard. I tried to explain that a little squirt goes a long way. Apparently, she loves mustard because it was on thickly spread on both slices of bread and the napkin. Next, came the mayo, she dipped her knife deep into the jar and pulled out the biggest mound of mayo ever lifted by knife out of a jar of mayonnaise. I’m guess as she was transporting the mayo to the bread, it kind of plunged off the knife onto the bread. As she spread it, of course, it traveled to places far beyond the bread. Charlee happened to notice the excessive mayo on the crust and sighed “Geez Lordy”. I thought I would pee in my pants. Now the whole time this escapade is going on, Katie is hollering “Are you going to be ready, don’t make me late.”

We were finally ready for the ham. (Praise the Lord). I opened the zip seal and Charlee grabbed a slice of ham and laid it very precisely on the bread. She reached back in for a second slice. This time she couldn’t get it to lay how she wanted. After numerous attempts she decided what the heck—slammed the two meticulously prepared edible masterpieces together. But before she could sample her creation she reached for an additional slice of ham and placed it at the top of the napkin. Wondering what she was doing I asked and she replied “Aunt Annie always puts an extra piece on my plate”.

Charlee had only eaten about ½ of her condiment and ham sandwich when she decided it was time for her to get ready for the ballgame also. She had mentioned that she was going to wear her cheerleading outfit and muttered something else, but I was back trying to finish my post before getting ready for the game. She ran into the bedroom and later reappeared almost ready for the game---she had on long black pants and nothing else. She asked if I would help her finish putting her wardrobe together. I laid my computer down and we went in the room ---scrounging around for something she wanted. I convinced her to put on a long sleeve black shirt. She topped it off with her OSU (Oklahoma State University, not the team we beat for the Championship) cheerleading uniform. Their colors are orange and black also. I decide since I was in the room I could go ahead and get ready for the game myself. In the meantime, Charlee completed her outfit.

After I got ready I went back into the family room to find my computer DEAD. I frantically tried to figure out what the problem was but could only allude to the notorious Charlee. During this moment of madness in walks the culprit. With eyes batting, says “See I told you this would like look GREAT”. If I must say she looked absolutely adorable, until we got down to the pink socks and black paten Sunday shoes. Its moments like this that makes life worth living.

Katie made it to the game, somewhat on time and got to sit with the man of her dreams briefly, I not sure if he is even aware of that.

Ain't it a beautiful day in the Lord,

Kimberly

Homework, Oh Homework

2009-01-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

We just returned from Katie’s Football Banquet. And now we have English homework to try to finish. I am having a hard time remembering the grammar rules from my days of teaching sixth grade Languages Arts. I am sure that only Carrie would know and implement these rules properly. For instance, in this sentence what part of speech is WELL---Don’t you think that everyone on the team played well?

By the time anyone could or would respond the paper will be graded and more than likely it will be marked “WRONG”. Katie went with adverb since it tells how the team played. I agree.

I would import a picture from the banquet but the picture I took looked more like a line dance move (Electric Slide) than a reception of an award. Plus Charlee forget to turn the camera off --- and the new batteries I bought 3minutes before the banquet are now completely useless. This stuff only happens to me I swear.

2009-01-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

As I sit and try to think of words to describe the details and attributes of myself the words from a John Denver song calls out–

“Well Life on the farm is kinda laid back
Ain’t much an ole country girl like me can’t hack….
Thank God I’m a country girl

Well a simple life never did me no harm
A rasin’ me a family and workin’ on a farm
My days are filled with easy country charm
Thank God I’m a country girl.

When the sun’s coming up I got cakes on the griddle
Life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle
Thank God I’m country girl. “

I have been extremely blessed from Day 1. I was raised by Christian parents. Their faith in God has always been the glue that keeps us together. My mother is my biggest fan. She thinks I do no wrong, well now that I am older and don’t have to make curfew that’s her thoughts. My father taught the importance of hard work. As a child, my school breaks were filled with the joys of hard labor. Which now as an adult I appreciate. Summer days were spent loading watermelons and tobacco baling hay or whatever else needed to be done. The best part about working on the farm was the friendships that were formed. For some odd reason, a lot of my cousins would want to spend their summers working with us--- can you imagine --- working in the sun for a vacation. In all honesty, it was fun. We would turn up the radio (when dad wasn’t around) and sing, tell stories about the weekend and plan our events for next weekend. It was great growing up on a farm. I loved it so much I married a farmer-- a tobacco farmer at that.

October 23 or 24 depend on who you asked, I married the love of my life Steven Hines. The first time I met him I was totally taken by his sweet smile and twinkling eyes. We dated for what seemed like an eternity, and out of the blue he said “wear something nice to work tomorrow and well go to the courthouse”. Yeah I know he is so romantic. We got our marriage license that next day. Nobody knew we were engaged until they read it in the JOURNAL. I won’t get into the details of the “wedding” I would rather my friend Cheri not be put in jail for illegal documentation. We’ve been married for a little over 6 years and I do occasionally, get the seven year itch but I can not imagine anyone but Steven seeing this body naked. It’s an ugly sight. He may not be perfect all the time but God made him just for me and I thank him for that.

We have two girls Katie 16 and Charlee 4. Let me do the math for you—16 take away four would be 12 year differences. Yeah, I know I ask myself the same question “what were you thinking?”. Dr. Cook was so excited she said “Oh, think of the relationship these girls will have.” I sat straight up and replied This isn’t a relationship, it’s a generation gap.” This is most evident in the car when Katie wants to listen to 105.3 and Charlee wants to sing Jingle Bells. They are as different as a missionary and a politician. I’ll let you decide which one is which.

Katie is my companion. I enjoy her more everyday. We love to sing as loud as we can to the 80’s. It always take me back in time to the days of riding in Kelley’s truck with the girls –singing as loud and off key as we can. One morning, I woke up and my little girl had been replaced with this beautiful woman. She is brilliant, a jack of all trades, and as cootie phobic as me. She loves to play the piano, especially songs from Disney movies and eighties. She was a varsity cheerleader and absolutely loved it. She enjoys being outside with the wide variety of animals we have on the farm. Katie has a small herd of Black Angus heifers and shows them at local events. She was the 11th grade homecoming attendant at THS. Her favorite place to be is Church. She is planning a trip to England in the spring with our youth pastor and his wife. No matter how old she is, she still thinks that when she is at meme’s they are suppose to swing and sing. She never ceases to amaze me. She has the Maidus touch.

Charlee is a typical four year old--- very self absorbed. She lights up the room when she walks in. She loves to teach school and play momma with her dolls. She can be found reading books to her dolls and teaching them songs and of course ‘getting onto them for not listening. Charlee loves to clean. If I am vacuuming she will take the vacuum away and finish the job. She loves to do homework especially if Katie is doing homework. It seems as though she always needs to do an “art project” which means she wants to make a mess and that’s the excuse to drag everything out or overflow the sink. She loves to jump in pink Jeep and drive across the yard to Grandma’s. Her vocabulary and stories blow us away. She so petite, and then her mouth opens. Unlike her mom, Charlee requires very little sleep. Needless to say, she keeps us on our toes.

As for me, I am reading coach at the elementary. I think I got the job because I was the only one who had a Masters in reading. I didn’t really want to make that public knowledge since I am awful at writing and seldom pick up a book to read for pleasure. I have a BA in Psychology which explains why strangers want to stop me in Wal-Mart and tell me their life’s story. I have taught school around 12 years and counting the days until retirement (15 and ½ years). I love going to church. I teach second and third graders in Sunday school, the College and Career on Wednesday nights and serve on the Youth committee and occasionally I might be spotted in the choir singing bass.
Since I life on a farm, I spend a lot of time cooking, baking and canning. I love to entertain but our small cracker house makes that impossible unless we entertain on the deck of the pool or huddled around a bond fire. I collect cook books – good one. I like the ones churches and social groups put together. They use have recipes people actually fix. Once again I made the New Year’s resolution to read my Bible through, I want tell you where I am at with that.

I used to be an immaculate house keeper until I had Charlee and the house grew smaller. Like I was saying earlier, we live in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath Cracker House. My father-in-law, Robert and Steven were both born and raised in this house for periods of their lives. When we brought Charlee home from the hospital it was a unique feeling for her to be the third generation to grow up here. Lucky for me, I have air conditioning and heat, an inside bathroom, a larger kitchen and two closets than the mothers before me had. Storage space is limited so my house always looks like somebody robbed us and ram sacked my house. With only two beds and two closets a lot of “stuff” has no place to call home. Needless to say, my house could use a makeover. Hopefully, one day we will build our dream house.

Why Aunt B’s Adventures?
Over the years, my dad has always called me Kimbee. When my nephew Tyler was baby he picked up the B and so the story goes I became Aunt B. I picked adventures because I am always in the middle of some wild escapade no one would believe. I hope you enjoy my blog and the ridiculous and poorly written events of my life.

Love Kimberly