Busybees ~ Busybees

The hard truth...

2010-06-28T10:39:00.001-07:00

My sons are learning some hard lessons since we moved to the beach......

#1 We live AT the beach....not ON the beach.
Everyday they want to go to the beach and on the days that we do go, they act as if they are being unjustly stripped of their right to stay on the beach for as long as their hearts desire.

#2 Sunscreen is a necessary Hassle.
"Mom, I don't need sunscreen!" "Get over here or you WILL regret it later!"
You see by keeping them on the shore to slather on the SPF 50, they are being deprived of 5 extra minutes of water time.

#3 Humans CANNOT breath underwater.
"Look Mom, I can breath underwater....cough*cough*.....ok, no I can't!" (this takes place while I have a mini heart attack). No, they didn't really try it on purpose but they are learning this lesson well.

Yep, that's right....My boy is swimming right there.

Oh my, that face.

A Day at the Park

2010-06-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

A Hard Decision

2010-06-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I have been trying to get into the Nursing Program @ ICC in Rutherford County for almost 3 years and despite my hard work and the grades to prove it, I have been passed over twice. Based on this, Kojak and I made the decision to move back to his hometown on the coast of North Carolina in hopes that we would be able to further our educations and careers. It was a Very Hard decision. After we made the decision, I applied to the local community college in Morehead City and was accepted into their Practical Nursing program based on my grades and achievements thus far.
So, as of last Sunday we said Goodbye to family, friends and Rutherford County.
Below are some pics that have been taken over the last couple weeks.

At Shell Point on Harkers Island

Back home......for some reason these boys LOVE mud! I think they got that from me.

An old tree on the island.

My babes!!!!

Toes in the sand, toes in the sand, lookin' like a crab wit my toes in da sand.......hahaha

Big Dal's (Papa) boat he built by himself.....I'm impressed.....hopefully, I will be fishing off that boat sometime this summer.

The backyard in the mountains.

Part of the old driveway in the mountains.

Friends.....Kit don't kill me!

Poppie and his boys.

Shannon.......miss you! And don't kill me!

Moving boxes......ugh!

Mountain views......from Chimney Rock

This is right behind the college where my classes will be.

Hard at work, Hard at play!

2010-04-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Poppy's job takes him out of town sometimes and just recently he got assigned to a job in Lee County. Of course he will be home on the weekends but he will be gone during the week due to the fact that Lee County is more than 4 hours away.
Anyway, since we are moving and Poppy was working on a job here in Rutherfordton we decided to take the boys over to see where he works.

James really enjoyed the track-hoe and was very focused when Poppy let him help swing the bucket around.

Cameron loved it too but when it came time to get off he did not want to budge. I think he would have stayed for the rest of the day if we had let him.
Nana thinks we may have another construction man in the family. I think Poppy enjoyed the visit as much as the boys....I think he loves it when his grand-baby's get so excited over what he does.
Note: We left not too long after the pics were taken......my overly nervous mother tendencies really kicked in when the boys started trying to run around the job site. I'll never make it through the teenage years!

April Already?

2010-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Has it really been that long since I posted? I guess between chasing the boys, Haley's first year in school and my classes I just can't keep track of time. Not to mention trying to plan a move to the beach. Oh well, the semester is almost over and Haley is out of school in June. I can't really do much about chasing the boys, they are boys after all. Well, I've got a few things up my sleeve that I've been wanting to post about so I'll try to do that this week.

Not my best idea!

2009-12-21T09:17:00.001-08:00

Well, Christmas is right around the corner and we all have family traditions that we like to keep. Since my family is fairly new and the kids are getting big enough to participate in things like decorating I figured we could start some traditions of our own. I had the idea to bake and decorate gingerbread cookies with the kids. In hindsight, it was not by best idea....but it was fun!

The kids went a little overboard with the icing....they have yet to grasp the concept of "less is more"!

I realized at one point that Cameron thought he cookie was not fully decorated until the icing was flowing over the sides and onto the table.

And, after this little project I am asking myself again what possessed me to put a white rug under my kitchen table.

They sure did have a lot of fun and we have enjoyed eating our Christmas treats. They were all so cute (the kids, not so much the cookies). Each time they finished one cookie they would inform me who that particular cookie was for. We had cookies for Nana, Nannie, Poppie, Daddy, Mommy, Uncle Donnie, Christopher, Gracie and the other "Gurls". They didn't seem to make any for themselves.....although, they took the pleasure of eating them. Guess, they figured that was more practical than shipping them.

Despite the mess, I am sure we will be doing it again next year.

Now, last night we had our Christmas Play at church. Mom wrote and directed the entire play while the little kids and a few of the older kids did all thew acting. They all did a most wonderful job. After the play, a special visitor showed up to wish the kids a Merry Christmas!

Moma thought that Santa looked A LOT like her first born son! Would that make her Grandmother Christmas? Shhhh....don't tell her I said that!

This year's experience with Santa went much better than previous years.....there were no tears.

Haley and Santa Bo.....I mean Claus!

Here's Santa and Grandmother Christmas again!

Gabby and Annabelle with Santa Claus!

Bo, I mean Santa Claus I don't Gabby fell for the suit.

Santa Claus handed out gifts to the kids and posed for pictures....he did a really great job! His belly even jiggled like a bowl full of jelly!

Pumpkin Pain...oh I mean Pie! Pumpkin Pie!

2009-11-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

I grabbed these pumpkins for Halloween decoration. The sticker said they were "pie pumpkins" but they didn't have to because as soon as Kojak saw them he said "You're gonna make me a pie right"?

For some reason James and Cameron thought they should have candy in them and they were sorely disappointed when I told them otherwise.
So anyway, I decided to take a tip from Pioneer Woman and make some pumpkin puree....to use in Pumpkin Pie, of course.
Only one problem, Pioneer Woman didn't seem to have to hack into her pumpkins.

That's the best knife I have. A 7-inch Santoku, might as well have had a butter knife.

I wasn't aware that some pumpkins came with a very hard, very thick outer shell. Luckily, Kojak had pity on me....or maybe he just really wanted some pie! Either way, we eventually hacked our way into the little suckers.

Pretty huh?

So I baked the first batch on a pan. Then I realized my mistake and corrected.

The next batch I placed in a casserole with some water in the bottom. These came out tender and juicy (except for the shell, of course). Plus they retained that beautiful orange color!

Ahhhh...pumpkin puree!! Looks yummy? Yes?
I used some in the pies below and the rest I put in the freezer. There's enough in there to make roughly 6 pies.

And this is what happens in less than 20 minutes after they came out of the oven. Cameron dug into the one on the right with a spoon.

Lesson learned: Although the pumpkins were a pain I will never make pumpkin pie from a can again. This is THE BEST PUMPKIN PIE EVER!!!!!

Perfect Puree Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

Pumpkin (6-8" diameter)
2 & 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (from above pumpkin)
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 & 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 & 2/3 cup evaporated milk
2 eggs
3 regular unbaked pie crusts or 2 deep-dish unbaked pie crusts

For Pumpkin: Remove stem and cut into quarters. Bake in dish (shell side down) with a little water (water should not touch meat of pumpkin) @350 until tender. Peel off shell or scrape out the pumpkin. Now you can use a hand mixer, stand mixer or food processor to make the puree. Once it's smooth and puree-ish (hahaha), dish out 2 & 1/2 cups for the pumpkin pies. Put the rest in freezer safe container with as little air as possible for future use. No, it won't last forever but it will still be good when pumpkins are out-of-season and you get a hankering for pumpkin pie. Moving on!
For the pie:Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix your puree and the remaining ingredients with the exception of the pie crusts. (Sorry, but I must be very clear here....there are some folks out there that just can't understand recipe-nese). Mix until smooth, may be a little watery. Pour into pie crusts, bake for 15 minutes @ 450. At this point I take mine out, wrap the edges with aluminum foil to prevent the crusts from getting burned, reduce heat to 325 and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Or you could skip the aluminum foil by using a pie crust shield that I need and don't have! Either way, don't burn the pie!
ENJOY!!!!

Girl time!

2009-09-13T10:26:00.001-07:00

It has been totally crazy around here for a few weeks. Kojak finally got started working which relieved a little stress. But then I started the Fall semester and Haley started Kindergarten which added some stress. Mom was losing her job and struggling with what to do.....MAJOR Stress. Well, Haley and I are both getting into the groove of things and Mom's situation has resolved itself for the good. So, to celebrate our stress, de-stress, stress and lessened stress Mom and I decided to do something together this past Saturday. We settled on doing some "bead therapy". We have a place here in the county that hold classes on how to make certain pieces of jewelery. Saturday they had a class on a bird's nest ring that I had seen in there before. So, here's what we made.

One with turquoise beads and the other with an amber color.

Mom's two....one with a pretty stone bead and the other with green glass beads.

Tina took me to class a coulpe weeks ago and we learned how to make a really awesome beaded bead bracelet (picture below). These are the rings that I made at home to go with them.

Bird nest again.

Okay, these are the bracelets that I learned a couple weeks ago and then I taught Mom.

This is the set that she made. Very pretty reds and purples.

NOTE: My nail polish is purple Not black......I only wear black on Tuesdays......JK!!!!!

Memory Lane....

2009-08-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember this? I do....and I did, this morning (bright and early)......*sniff*

(a few months before Haley arrived)

How about this one?

*sniff, sniff*

Lord help me!

Now don't laugh!

Where did the years go?

On the way to kindergarten.

Walking in.

Putting her things in her cubby. (Ignoring Mom and Dad)

Got her name tag and getting ready. (Ignoring Mom and Dad)

Following directions from the teacher. (Ignoring Mom and Dad)

Posing for pics!

Posing!

Playing....ignoring Mom and Dad.

Ignoring...well, you know!

She was all smiles as we were leaving.

Stay tuned for more pics from this afternoon.

Through the tears......

2009-08-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

Through the tears, I......

finished Haley's backpack.....

(inside print),

wrote her a note that will be read to her on the first day of class....,

took pictures of her place at the table.....,

her cubby....,

the story rug....,

and this is where I had to suck it up and stop pouting. She only looks unhappy because she was too excited to want to pose for this picture.

She wanted to check out the kitchen.

And the playground that is RIGHT outside the classroom.

It's killing me...REALLY!!!!
Although, I think I will live through it.

She starts tomorrow at 7:30AM......wish us luck!

A honkin' goodbye.....

2009-07-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was my last day of the summer semester at ICC. It also marked the day I finished my first college diploma (read~ meaningless to everyone but me). General Occupation Technology Diploma....sounds nice.....but still useless, just a stepping stone on the path to success.
Anyway, I wanted to celebrate my minuscule achievement after I got out of class but couldn't really think how so I decided to go on home. As I was leaving the parking lot, I noticed and heard something odd.

Canadian Geese. This was odd to me because they normally stay on the other side of campus near Lake Imogene. Every other semester I drive right by them on my way to and from class but this semester my class was in the rear part of campus and I haven't seen them at all. Anyway, this is the farthest I have ever seen them from the water. So I thought maybe they came up to Congratulate me and tell me to have a nice break.

Okay, it's a long shot but still a nice thought.....a little delusional but nice!

These are some strange creatures!

2009-07-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here's another one.....new design!

2009-07-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

I made this one last night and I think I may make a few more today after class.

This is what I started out with, the brown is the lining and handle.
Note: the colors are not quite right in any of these pictures.

That's the inside. I don't think you can see it, too dark!

Let me know what you all think!

Sassy bag!

2009-07-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the newest addition. It's a little bigger than the others and could be used as a large purse or a tote. Anyway, I found this adorable fabric and I had to do something with it.
It has the cutest little sayings and objects on it!

On the front.
"LIFE ~ Put your heart in it!"
That's a pocket there on the front.

The back side.

Inside layered pockets. Three at the top~ two at the bottom.

This is my Favorite thing from the bag.
"The Princess of Quite*A*Lot"

Cute chair on the front pocket.

Cute chair on the back.

"Bloom where you're planted"

I love Scottish Terriers and that one really is TOO CUTE!

Alright Ladies, let me know what you think of this one!

Sensitive issue!

2009-07-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, James and Cameron are finally fully potty-trained. And I realize that potty- trained kids have their quirks. You know those specific ways that they like to do things. And not to mention the part where they get really independent. Anyway, besides all that, yesterday while we were outside James had to go so Kojak let him go outside. Don't ask. So, while father was teaching said son that he could GO outside he noticed an abnormal purplish spot on James' "Dinky". I asked him all the usual questions, does it hurt?, does it itch? did Cameron hit you? You know those questions we ask on a daily basis around here and he said no to all. Well, being the hypochondriac mother that I am, I immediately began thinking horrible thoughts and vowed to make an appointment first thing this morning. I did (trying to explain the reason for the visit was a little embarrassing) and we arrived there at 4 :00 for our 4:30 appointment. When the nurse came out to call us back, James loudly announced (to further insure my embarrassment) "My pecky's broken!" With a speechless nurse and most of the others in hysterical laughter we waited for the doctor. When he arrived he took one look at James' questionable spot and said the one thing I hadn't thought of........"Looks like someone had a run in with the toilet lid." Followed by James' response " Yeah, it Hurt." Apparently, I didn't ask the right question!

Independence Day

2009-07-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

We took the boys to see some fireworks last night in Spindale......They had a blast. And I was very impressed with my camera for taking some really groovy pics. Enjoy!

I thought the squiggly lines were so cool!

This one looks like a weed or something!

This one was taken after we got back home! They had such a good time!

Baby quilt

2009-06-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

I made this one for my cousin Shellie. A coworker of hers was having a baby shower last weekend. Her colors were Carolina blue and chocolate brown.

This is the first quilt I have done with the free motion stippling pattern. I used Carolina blue thread and it really came out beautifully. I can't wait to do the next one.

I named this blog right.....

2009-06-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

The kids are usually busy, busy, busy but here lately we've ALL been up and running. Weekend before last Kojak, the boys and I went out to the coast to visit for his Mom's 70th birthday. Haley had already been there about a week and she will be there with her Nannie until the beginning of July. (Last trip before school starts in August) Anyway, while we were there we took the kids to the beach and I got a few other pretty decent pictures too.

Haley

Kojak and Donnie took the boys out into the waves.....I was in desperate need of medication.

Cameron got some up his nose.

James!

Miss Haley

Cameron

James

Wet sand was a big attraction.

Little dirt magnets

I love that face of hers.

My Babies!

This past weekend was fun filled as well. Papaw and Theresa came up to visit. Bo was inducted into the Masons on Thursday night and Papaw and Daddy went to be with him for that occasion.

Annabelle.....I only got this picture because I caught her off guard.

Gabby....silly girl!

James is the surfing Popeye! At least he thinks that's a surf board. I can't convince him otherwise.

Now he's paddling out! I hope he's not waiting for a wave.

Daddy.....probably wishing my camera would disappear.

Bo......by the way.....Bo entered a weight loss challenge program through work and since January has lost over 46 lbs. He quit smoking, changed his eating, drinking and exercise habits. Determined that one is. Mom said he even goes jogging while wearing a trash bag over his clothes. Apparently he likes sweating more than I do. But he looks great, way to go Big Brother! Although, I can't say that I like your choice of t-shirts. BOO!

James doing his pirate impression!

As Theresa calls them....the matched set!

Speaking of.....hey you guys, I'm taking your picture!

Jamie, Tina, Gabby and Annabelle.

Mom and Dad!

The whole group except me... I like it behind the camera! Jamie's looking a little too comfortable in his pink shirt!

My boys putting on that glitzy smile...see where they get it?

Bo and Millie....love this picture!

This one too.....it's funny! New torture method.....

The fam!

All in all, it was a great weekend. I love hanging out with family. I'm hoping that we can go to Florida to visit soon.

And thus ends the mass of pictures I've been trying to get on the blog for three days.

Rain, rain.......go away!

2009-05-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

It has rained almost everyday for the past week or so.....don't get me wrong, I know we need the rain. But yesterday we started seeing the down side to getting too much rain.

The ground is completely saturated and not only does that make for a mud slide of a driveway......

but it also allows trees to get uprooted much easier. This is bottom of an oak that is still leaning across our driveway. There was another tree that landed across the driveway but by the time I got there the bulldozer had already pushed it out of the way.

See that's the big oak leaning ominously overhead. This part of the driveway is downhill also so that makes it even more scary. This all happened yesterday during the storm that lasted about 20 minutes.

Here's another sad case. This is the peach tree in my backyard. Two of it's big limbs just snapped right off. They were loaded too so we don't really know if this is a result of the storm or the weight of those beautiful peaches. Either way, they weren't ripe yet so the peaches were a total loss.
Moral of this story: Too much a good thing can be bad news.

Bed Time Energy Spender

2009-05-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

I think I finally figured out how to wear the kids out before bed time. They came up with this mess on their own. And they land on their feet every time.

And yes I know that my children are all in their underwear. Hey I'm just glad the boys are wearing underwear...finally. They've been doing very well with the potty training since I introduced underwear. If I had known that the underwear would help so much with the training I would have bought them a long time ago.

Hahaha, this is so fun to watch!

Put to good use

2009-05-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

Back when I had time to make birdhouses....*sigh*.....I had a few bird villages that were never finished. Mostly because they broke during the first firing or while they were still green. So we put them on a shelf outside the pottery shop.
Apparently, a little wren thought it was the perfect place for her family.

You can't see them in the pictures but there are a few little tiny eggs inside. This made me very happy.

Below are a few pictures of the baby quilt that I made for a friend. I love baby stuff but I get kind of tired of seeing everything pastel colored so I decided to go a different way with this one. This is the first one I've ever made in this pattern or this many fabrics but it came out so nice and my friend was so happy with it!

Close-up...it had eight different fabrics, not including the trim and backing.

Saturday at Lake James

2009-05-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

I went fishing with Mom and Dad at Lake James. Today was the first time I've gotten to go fishing since they got the boat. My got my fishing license for my birthday and today I got to use it. Of course, I didn't catch any fish but it was still fun! I almost dumped Mom out of the boat.....that totally made up for no fish.

It was kind of cloudy and over cast this morning when we first got there but it cleared up and the sun came out shortly after we launched the boat.

Mom....looking for a good spot.

Daddy.....steering her in the cove.

Me. This is in the morning......I'm a little more RED now! Between fishing and yard work today I got a little roasted.

This is the new bag I finished yesterday. To this one, I added some wooden embellishments to the outside.....

......and an extra zippered pocket to the inside. These colors are so great.....I'm loving it! This one is absolutely one to sell, it turned out wonderfully.

And another one.....

2009-05-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend at church, Mary Sue had a fit over Mom's purse I made and placed her order. She said she had to have one, she wanted something blue and she had to have it this week. So, this is what I came up with.

I've always been partial to navy and yellow.....they complement each other so well. I changed it around a little from the others but I think it came out quite nicely.

This is the inside......I just love those polka-dots.

This is the fabric I got for the next one. I think it will be very cute when it's done.

And just wait until you see what I'm doing with these.

Making these purses has been so much fun......I enjoy it so much that I dream of making one for everyone I know. Seriously, I see certain fabrics and I think "oh, that would be perfect for so-and-so!" Really, I think it's becoming a sickness.

Here's the newest ones!

2009-05-11T18:59:00.001-07:00

This is the one that I made for Mom's Mothers Day gift!

It turned out very pretty! It's got some sage, mint green and a rosey pink color.

This one is my personal Favorite so far! I love the colors and it ended up so beautiful! I am very proud of this one!

Inside! That stripe pocket is perfect cell phone size. I have a tendency to lose mine and end up digging for it so I figured this way I would solve that problem.

Another of the inside.....that goldenrod color is more of a green in person!

I bought some new fabrics today for the next one! It's gonna be pretty! I also have the fabrics for Mary Sue's bag that she said she just had to have and she wants it this week. Well, I better get busy.......I still have a baby quilt to finish!

2009-04-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have wondered what that is on my hand in the picture below....It's a completed stamp that Haley put on me last night at Moms house. I was going to mention it in my post but forgot. I'm just used to being stamped, colored or stickered. Of course I forgot about it by the time I went to bed and so I woke up this morning with red and blue patterns on my face and opposite arm.....must have been some transfer during the night. LOL!

Random stuff!

2009-04-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

This monster was outside my door earlier.....I think he's still there.....yep, he is! I actually touched him accidentally a couple times and it never phased him! Isn't he beautiful?

Since the weather has been nicer we've been going outside everyday. And as you can see, after being cooped up in the house during the winter, the kids are all about some dirt! Seriously, we could build a sand castle in their bath tub every night!

Cameron and his sweet baby smile!

These Tonka Dump Trucks have been the vehicle of many laughs lately!

Look Mom, No hands!!!!!
Note: my boys couldn't care less if their clothes are on straight, right-side out or backwards!

I'm not kidding.....Cameron came in here today with his pants on inside-out AND backwards! They won't let me fix them either!

See they even ride down the hill backwards.

Mom, are you watching?

James!

Warning: Below are a few pics from our quilting class. Keep in mind we were just starting and it's hard to get use to moving your fabric around like that when you're so used to just straight stitching!

These are from stencil patterns.....I don't like stencils! I like the free motion much better!

In this one, we were using various free motion designs. If you look close you can make out some leaves, hearts, spirals and flowers. It was really fun!

This one was stippling.....I like it the most!

These are some new fabrics I picked up for my next purse!

I can't wait to get started on it.....but alas, next week I have an exam, a final exam and final exam essay questions to turn in. Not to mention, Kojak wants me to sew purses for his mothers as Mother's Day gifts, Haley's Orientation tomorrow, game on Friday, I'm totally into the Dan Brown book, and I have to finish a baby quilt before the shower! And, I'm sure I've forgotten like 10 things I need to do in the next few weeks! Oh well, I'll probably remember them at the last minute! Ugh, I'm going to bed!

And Another One!

2009-04-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, I just finished this one! I should be in bed....I have to go tutor again in the morning and then go to our quilting class but instead I'm up sewing. What can I say? I'm Hooked! I'll pay for it in the morning I guess!

I can't decide what to call this one! It has 6 pockets on the outside and three on the inside!

Let me know what you think? I so value all your opinions!
I'll post tomorrow after the quilting class!

Smiley bag!

2009-04-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

I'm calling this the smiley bag because.....well because it makes me smile!

HeHeHe...ain't it cute? I added that pocket to front because the pattern was a little plain.

From the side. I want you to see the lining fabric......

.....so, this is it turned inside-out. I added that pocket to inside too. I put the pens there so you could see there are 3 pockets. I am having way too much fun with these...seriously, I put off writing a paper to make this one! Shhhh.....don't tell!

I am so tired of shopping.

2009-04-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I'm a woman who loves clothes but I am just sick to death of shopping. It really irks me to no end when I know I need to buy a few new pieces for my wardrobe, which is a joke anyway that consists mainly of blue jeans and t-shirts. You know, it's spring time which usually calls for some more weather appropriate clothing and I suppose the fact that I'll be.......oh Lord....29 very soon makes me think that maybe I should try to get away from the blue jeans so much. I go to the store and I find......nothing! Well, except for.....yep you guessed it.....another pair of blue jeans! Rutherford County really has nothing in the way of clothing stores anymore. And the few places we do have here are in serious need of some guidance in their purchasing departments. I have found some of the ugliest clothes in the world, right here in Rutherford County. Anyway, it doesn't matter where I go....I find nothing! Nothing appeals to me and even if I find something that does, it looks like I was hit by a train. Which, by the way, might have something to do with the fact that I've had 3 kids and I am in desperate need of some time at the gym....but we won't talk about that, deal? I tend to get a little disgusted with these places......HELLO?......I am not a teeny-bopper and I am not 87.....please include all age ranges when you are making your stock purchases!!!! For the sake of my sanity, please! Anyone have some suggestions that don't require me to drive 100 miles or empty Kojak's bank account?? Anyone?
I guess I'm just one of those people that has to feel good in my clothes....I can't wear something if I feel like I am totally out of my element. Like pantyhose, I despise them with every particle of my being.
Anyway, I went to the store today and picked out a blouse that I thought was really cute on the hanger. I bought it without trying it on because Kojak is NOT the 'holding the purse while you try something on' type. So, I got home and tried it on.....Oh my word....it was hideous on. It had a few small vertical ruffles down the front which were not bad but it was the puffy cap sleeves that did me in. Honestly, I looked like I just stepped off the set of Little House on the Prairie. Needless to say I took it back shortly after.
Note: the jeans fit great!

Here's a new one!

2009-04-16T17:18:00.001-07:00

Project #2 is finished! I decided to make a tote. And man- oh-man, is it a tote!?! It's a bit bigger than I thought it would be but I love it!

This pic kinda makes me think....Smiley cyclops alien!

Inside! That pocket was supposed to be on the outside but I like my pockets on the inside of my bags. (Makes it harder for someone to reach in and snag my pens and you know how much I LOVE my pens! LOL!

And the best part is.....

it's the perfect size for my books! I think I might have to make some more like these. Maybe I'll change it a bit and make the handles longer for shoulder use and/or more pockets on the inside or outside! Uh oh, I'm in trouble!

Oh! Mom and I are taking a machine quilting class on the 25th at a local fabric boutique. I am so excited! I thought maybe I could take pictures so you all can see what we are learning that day! What do you think? Would that interest anyone or would it be too boring to bear?

Games, Easter etc........

2009-04-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here's the latest on what's been going on here on the hill!

Haley had her first T-ball game last week....she was so tickled when she got her uniform shirt and hat! She looks good in green!

Swing baby swing! Awesome!

Run baby Run! You wouldn't believe how funny watching a t-ball game really is! These kids are so awesome!

Haley's on first! Waiting patiently!

Second base!
Mom and I were laughing our tails off that day! It was so chilly but these kids did not care....they were having way too much fun!

Easter Sunday at Aunt Martina's! Here comes the Easter Bunny! (Me in a suit)
Yeah yeah...don't act surprised!

Mom and Dad with the Easter Bunny! Daddy, what are you doing?

Waiting for more pictures!

Chase....Shellie's little boy! He told me he has always been my (the Easter Bunny) biggest fan!

My baby girl! She figured it out pretty quick after I accidentally giggled out loud!
Shellie loves the Easter Bunny too!

Uncle Max and Aunt Martina!

Whew.....the Easter Bunny is tired and hot!

Saturday at the church! That's Gabby in green, Annabelle is back there hiding her face (as usual). Haley and Chase are behind the boys! And of course, the boys were more interested in their candy!

My bunch!

Last night, I started my first solo pattern sewing project! I have made a few things before but I ended up getting Mom's help. I think I've been doing enough sewing lately that the paterns are finally making sense.

So, here it is! It looks a little deformed but that's only because I had my stuff in it already!

Here's another picture. Apparently, my camera is a little fogged or something. Anyway, I like it!
So, that's what's been going on! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend!

A Poem

2009-04-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

I wish I may~I wish I might,
.....have not forgotten my camera tonight!

Okay~Okay, I didn't use proper English and it sounds a little funny but at least it rhymes
for Pete's sake! Cut me some slack people!
Anyway, I was trying to tell a story before ya'll (shut it...I live in the country, therefore ya'll is a word) starting yelling at me about grammer.
A few days ago I heard about a fund raising event that was going on at R.S. Central High School tonight at 7PM called "Dancing with the Rutherford Stars". And then, as with many other things I try to keep in my brain, I promptly forgot about it until this evening. So, I sprang the idea on Mom at 6:15 and we headed to the high school. Now, let me tell you, I'm so glad we did...it was so fun!
First of all, the emcee/master of ceremonies/hostess was Pam Stone! WHAT? You don't know who that is? Yeah, I didn't either to begin with. Well, do you remember the TV show "Coach"? Yes? Really, I loved that show too! Do you remember the big, blonde, goofy assistant coach and his girlfriend? Yes? Pam Stone was the girlfriend! Any who.....she was there hosting and funny...oh my word that woman is hilarious!
So, to make a long story short, we had students partnered with teachers, coaches, doctors, lawyers, parents or grandparents and one elementary age couple (my favorite)! These couples had varying routines ranging from ballroom dancing, swing, and the two-step to Monster Mash, the final scene in Dirty Dancing and a flashback to Grease!
Now, as someone who loves to dance, I was very impressed! They were all so fantastic! It cost 5 dollars to get in and it was 10 dollars to vote for your favorites! And the best part, they all raised a huge chunk of much-needed and well-deserved change for the school.
Note: one gentleman donated $1000 to the school with one condition....he wanted to be home in time to watch the Carolina game.....now that's a man who loves his local high school!
Know what the only drawback to the evening was? I forgot my camera at home!
The End!

Baby blues.......

2009-03-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

I'm just excited because I finally got a few pictures without bumps, bruises or scratches......wait how is that possible? Anyway, ignore the smudged faces please...I do. I've learned over the last three years that I can wipe their little faces until the cows come home but it does no good! They were born dirt and grime magnets! So, look past the dirt please.....just enjoy those baby blues!

I think I have a plan.....

2009-03-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

As some of you know I've been a little frustrated with my attempts to finish my education, (Translation: I'm in pre-nervous breakdown mode). To put things into perspective for you, at the end of this semester I will have completed all prerequisite classes for the Nursing program at Isothermal Community College, yet I have failed to make it into the program. My grades are more than up to par but I have realized that program entry is not merit based as it should be. So, I have decided that as of this Fall I will be applying for the Nursing program at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton. It's about 40 minutes away but it's a nice college with a great Nursing program and a higher passing rate than Isothermal Community College. Plus, there are few other women that I have class with who are going through the same problems at ICC and are planning to attend WPCC.....CARPOOL!!!! And the best part is....it's a merit-based entry program. The down-side is the next program there starts in the Fall of next year (2010), which means I have about a year and a half of nothing to do. So with all of this in mind, I haven't figured out yet if someone is trying to teach me patience or giving me an opportunity. A saying comes to mind, "When God closes one door He opens another". So, starting this summer I am going to start taking a few classes each semester and if all goes well I will graduate with an Associate degree at the end of the Summer semester next year. Which means, if I get into the nursing program at Western Piedmont next Fall I will finish my college career with 2 degrees instead of one. I think it's a good plan. I'm trying to do the best with what I've been given.
Kojak started a new job this week and he seems to enjoy it. Jobs are few and far between right now so he was very lucky that he had a friend who put in a good word.
So, that's the news, as boring as it is.

Around the funny farm....

2009-03-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I haven't been on in a little while but I've been busy and disappointed and frustrated and, did I mention busy? There's been a lot going on around here. First of all, I wanted to let everyone know (in case you didn't know already) that I did not get into the nursing program this time. I'm not going to get into specifics because....well, I tend to get a little upset. Let's just say that some things are not merit based that really should be.
Alright, moving on!!!!!

James, where~Oh~where did your little eyes go?

Happy Birthday Mom! This is the cake I baked and decorated for mom. I think it goes without saying that cake decorating is not one of my talents. I should have remembered that less is more.

James, he thinks this sled is his surf board. Apparently he doesn't care that we don't have snow much less an ocean around here.

James.....they get real excited when they find big rocks in the yard.

Haley with my glasses on!

All three of the munchkins!

Don't ask.....cause I have no clue!

Haley had her first T-Ball practice this morning....this is her in the outfield with Chase (Shellie's son....born exactly 36 hours before Haley).

Taking a drink and a breather....I guess!

Miss Haley up to bat!

Checking out the dirt!

This is her team.....she is the only girl.....and she's taller than all but 2 of them. The little boy on the right end was supposed to be introducing himself but as you can see he's a little shy.

Today was also Work Day at the church. These are the crosses that Daddy constructed and put up today. We changed the cloth after this picture was taken and the new one looks much better. There were at least 3 lawn mowers out there fertilizing, liming and aerating the church lawn.

Daddy building!

Jamie digging holes!

And this is some strange woman who wanted to help but needs to pay more attention and move when the camera is pointed in her direction. Mental note: Don't let Mom hold the camera.

Quotes.....

2009-03-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

A friend is someone who not only accepts you for what you are but makes you feel good about being yourself. ~ Unknown
Dreams are illustrations.....from the book your soul is writing about you. ~Marsha Norman
A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. ~ David Brinkley
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and Third, by experience, which is the bitterest. ~ Confucius
Ignorance is no excuse, it's the real thing. ~ Irene Peter
Fate chooses your relations, you choose your friends. ~ Jacques Delille
It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. ~ Maya Angelou
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. ~ Robert Frost
Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. ~ Mark Twain
The only way to have a friend is to be one. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
God defend me from my friends; from my enemies I can defend myself. ~ Unknown

Sorry guys, I have too many thoughts tumbling around in my head.
Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Seedlings!!!!!

2009-02-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love flowers? Well, I do! I love to get outside in the warm weather and plant them, I love to water them, love to watch them grow beautiful colors and fill the air with their sweet aroma.
My only problem, I don't like spending an arm and a leg to get those coveted little beauties in my hands. Seeds don't usually com up very well around here because of the composition of the soil (a.k.a. Rutherford County clay dirt) but established plants are normally strong enough to thrive. However, plants are, as you all know, generally more expensive. So, I thought I would try something new this year. I bought seeds early to start indoors on my own, petunias, zinnia, english daisy, larkspur, portulaca, and wave petunias. I also purchased some little ready made greenhouse set-ups that come with pelleted peat pots, specially made for seed starting of course. I wasn't sure, at first, if my thumb was green enough but......well, I'm just so happy, check it out. this is what I've had come up in a week.

Zinnias

This is what the little greenhouse looks like......those are portulaca seedlings.

Here are the zinnias again, I already had to repot them into these bigger peat pots. Hopefully, they will keep doing well and be ready to plant outside after the frost.

Haley is extra excited about our mini nursery..... she loves to help me plant outside.

Can we build it???...... Uh, yeah I think so!

2009-02-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

First off, I don't have a lot of cabinet space here and I have a slight addiction to dishes, bake ware, glasses, mugs, bowls, etc. So, the other day I decided to make some room for my extra mugs. Granted, I could throw them away but I really like them a lot.
So, anyway I went down to Lowes. (you know, that place where all the guys look at women funny when they wonder around searching for what they need, and snicker about how we women have no idea what we're doing when it comes to anything that deals with wood, hammers, or the usage of said objects....yeah, I figured you knew) I bought a nice piece of pine, ornamental wooden flowers, hooks, paint and came home. Well, I just wanted to show you all what I made. It's a very simple project but I'm still totally proud of myself.

This is after I put the flowers on and sanded everything down.

And this is the finished product......I painted it java brown, which I wasn't really sure about, but it came out great. What do you think?

Think about this......

2009-02-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

(I got this message yesterday and just wanted to share)

Cellphone VS Bible.

Have you ever considered what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cellphone?
What if we carried it around in our purse or pocket?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it?
What if we used to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?

So, where is your Bible?
Unlike our cellphone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

PSB?.......CHECK!!!!!

2009-02-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

I went to take the PSB Nursing Entrance Exam this morning and I'm pretty sure everything went well. And just like last time, it was very long and alot of common sense.
Anyway, I should find out around Feb. 19th how I scored and whether I will be invited to the group interview session. The group interview will be held on March 4th and the final selection will be made around March 19th. I think I'm even more nervous than I was last time.
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know what's going on with that situation.

Little Blue

2009-02-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking lately......(I know, dangerous right?)....anyway, I've been thinking that if I get in the RN program (PSB Test Tuesday-Final Selection in March) I will be spending alot of time away from the house (in class, on campus and off campus clinicals). And it would be nice to have access to a computer no matter where I am, so Kojak went and bought this for me.

It's an Acer Aspire One Mini and we're calling it Little Blue.....it's so cute and has everything that I need and will need for school. That's our Toshiba that it's sitting on....it's so little.....I love it!

Moving on, we took all the kids for their yearly doctor visits in the past couple weeks.....the boys did exceptionally well this time considering that they normally pitch major fits at the docs office. They were well behaved and very cooperative, they didn't get any shots, they're both 37 inches tall but weigh 35 (James) and 37 (Cameron) lbs.
Haley on the other hand is a different story, while she did act well, she had to get 6 shots to be ready for school in August.....she was not a happy girl.....but she is 48 inches tall and 46 lbs.
I'm in the middle of my last prerequisite class, Anatomy & Physiology II and was really looking forward to taking the summer semester off. But of course, it may not work out that way. I found out last week that I may have to take 2 classes in the summer to remain eligible for financial aid in the fall. We can't afford the entire expense of Nursing school on our own so we can't make it without financial aid. It sucks but it's true.
Anyway, so this semester should be interesting, what with all the fetal pig dissections I will be participating in.....I really feel bad for the pig!
I will let everyone know how things are going with the admission process.

I'm back.......

2009-01-22T18:37:00.000-08:00

Kojak hooked up the old desktop so I would have access to the internet again. Woooo, I am so glad. I have a quiz on Tuesday and an exam on Thursday that I need to study for and I have to watch tonights Grey's Anatomy episode. We'll get the laptop out next week but this works just fine right now.
So, I started writing in a journal in my spare time, just to get things off my chest that I worry or think about often. I feel that when I write down my thoughts or feelings I don't dwell on them as much as I did before. The way things are right now, with the economy, a new president, jobs, going to school, the kids and the general state of the world.....I tend to worry much more than I probably should but I think it's some kind of genetic defect. Worry wartism???? LOL
Anyway, how about you? Do you keep a journal or diary? If so, do you feel like it helps you in any way? If not, how do you deal with your stress or worries?

CRASH!!!!!!!

2009-01-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

Our computer crashed the other day.....bad luck!!!!! Gotta take it to get it worked on this week but it may be a while before we get it back so I don't know how much posting I will be getting to do in the next few weeks. Plus, I started the Spring semester so I will be spending a lot of time studying ( Anatomy and Physiology II) and I'm trying to get prepared to take the PSB again in February( hoping that I will get into the program this time so I can start in the Fall). I should considering that all of my prerequisites are out of the way now! I am still on the hunt for a decent job....keep your fingers crossed that I find one soon please!
I've been using Mom's computer trying to keep up with what is going on with everyone so I'm going to try to post some. Well gotta run....later!

Happy Birthday to my baby boys!

2009-01-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

James and Cameron are 3 today and I'm having trouble believing it's been that long. I won't even get into how well I dealt with Haley turning 5 last month.
Here are some pictures from our trip.

Daddy with his boys on Atlantic Beach....it was a little chilly and windy but it was so beautiful and the kids had a blast.

Too funny to pass up!

They were so cute holding hands!

Under the Triple S pier....part of it was destroyed in a hurricane a year or two back.

So, I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Not home for Christmas.....

2008-12-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready to leave this morning for the coast. We will be gone until sometime after Christmas. I'm going to try to get the net at the library while we are down there. Anyway, I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. Love you all......Merry Christmas!!!!!

Chemistry Update!

2008-12-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

Well the semester is finally over......I'm actually kinda sad though. I have enjoyed chemistry...way more than I had originally anticipated. Anyway, I took my final yesterday evening and made a 103!
I just got an email from Ms. Klahn....my final grade is 100.4! Wow! I'm so happy! Thanks to everyone for your encouragement! And to Ms. Klahn for being an awesome teacher!

My Life's Soundtrack.....

2008-12-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

Thought this sounded fun! You should try it too!
Some of them are quite funny.....
Thanks Becky!

Here's how it works:
1. Open your music library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie.

Opening Credits: My Immortal by Evanescence

Waking Up: There She Goes by The Cranberries

First Day of School: Let's Get It Started by Black-Eyed Peas

Falling In Love: Tuesday's Gone by Metallica

Fight Song: I'm A B***H, I'm A Lover by Alanis Morissette

Breaking Up: Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman by Bryan Adams

Prom: Lithium by Evanescence

Life: Stupid Girls by Pink

Mental Breakdown: Living Dead Girl by Rob Zombie

Driving: All Summer Long by Kid Rock

Flashback: It Ends Tonight by All American Rejects

Wedding: How To Save A Life by The Fray

Birth Of A Child: Bring Me To Life by Evanescence

Final Battle: Nothing Good About Goodbye by Hinder

Death Scene: These Small Hours by Rob Thomas

Funeral Song: Hotel California by The Eagles

Final Credits: So What by Pink

And Yes I Still Listen To Most Of These Songs....call me what you will!

LOVE IT!!!!!

2008-11-26T14:16:00.001-08:00

Kids ZOO!!!!

2008-11-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not talking about my house....although it does feel like a zoo sometimes......I'm actually talking about a place in Forest City that we went to for Gabby's birthday party in October. It has batting cages and video games for the older kids and a huge play "area" for the smaller ones.

See there's a ball pit....we tend to stay out of it though.

And this thingy, those are Kojaks hands down there at the bottom, it's pretty far off the ground....this place is really big.

Cameron....ignore the war-like marks on his face...sometimes the boys just don't get along.

Daddy and Haley.....she stopped for the 2 seconds this picture took up.

Cameron

Cameron

James

Cameron

James.
I'm telling you, these kids LOVE Kids ZOO. They have a little snack bar there too with the BEST pizza. And the best part, adults and kids 3 and under get in free. Kids 4-12 are $3.95. It's cheap, it's fun, it's yummy and it wears them out. LOVE IT!!!!!!

Great Holiday Treat

2008-11-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

Well, a lot has been going on here in the last few weeks. I've been busy with the kids, school and job hunting. Not to mention the upcoming holidays, Haley's birthday and planning a trip to the coast over Christmas. Hopefully, I will be posting a lot of pictures over the next few weeks but I can't be sure. A virus hit our computer a few days ago and wiped out alot of stuff, including at least 75% of all my photos. I'm not happy....but thankfully I had most of them on disc. I'm coping with the loss of the rest.
Anyway, moving on.....in preparation for the coming holidays I've been gathering recipes and Kojak mentioned one I haven't used in a while. Amish Friendship Bread.
I got it from a friend about 4 years ago and it immediately became a favorite in our family. It takes a little time and patience but trust me when I say...It's worth it! It's perfect for holiday dinners and makes a great little gift wrapped in colored Suran wrap. I'm going to be making some so I will be posting photos as I go.
So, I thought I would share the recipe for the bread and starter. I hope you will try it for yourself.

Amish Friendship Bread
***Do not refrigerate or use a metal spoon***
***Keep in a covered plastic or glass bowl***
***Smells awful-tastes divine.***

Start with one cup of starter……
Day 1 -Do nothing.
Day 2 –Do nothing.
Day 3 –Stir with a wooden spoon.
Day 4 –Do nothing.
Day 5 –Do nothing.
Day 6 –Add 1 cup milk, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup flour.....stir well. (will be lumpy)
Day 7 –Do nothing.
Day 8 –Stir with a wooden spoon.
Day 9 –Do nothing.
Day 10 –Add 1 cup milk, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup flour. Stir well.
• Put 1 cup of mixture into 3 covered containers (one cup per container)
• I like to use the small plastic Ziploc containers.
• Keep one container for your next starter batch (start immediately or freeze it.)
• Give the other 2 away along with the recipe to friends or put them in the freezer.
• Can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
To what is left in the bowl, add ½ cup oil, ½ cup milk, ½ cup mashes bananas, ½ cup applesauce, 3 eggs and 1 tsp. vanilla. Mix well.
***I like to measure out the following ingredients the day before (Day 9) and keep in a covered bowl-makes it easier on baking day.***
In separate bowl, mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 ½ tsp. baking powder,
2 tsp. cinnamon, ½ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. baking soda, 1 cup crushed nuts (I like walnuts), 1 cup raisins, and 1 large box (5.1 oz) vanilla instant pudding.
Add dry ingredients to the liquid gradually stirring. Pour into well greased & sprinkled (sprinkle with sugar/cinnamon mixture) loaf pans. Sprinkle extra cinnamon/sugar on top.
Bake in preheated oven for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. Check doneness with toothpick.
***Only fill pans half full…one batch makes 2 large loaves (5 ½ x 9 ½), or 3 small loaves.***
***Can also add ¼ tsp. nutmeg to dry ingredients if desired.***

Ingredients List
(Estimated)
• milk
• sugar
• flour
• bananas
• applesauce (plain or cinnamon)
• vanilla extract
• baking powder
• baking soda
• cinnamon
• salt
• 1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1 cup raisins
• 5.1 oz vanilla instant pudding
• Cinnamon/sugar mixture
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Wooden spoon
• 3 small containers
• Loaf pans

Starter Recipe
Step 1
2 cups warm water
2 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1package dry active yeast
*In extra large bowl, combine above ingredients. Stir well, will be lumpy. Cover and let rise 1 to 2 hours until double.*

Step 2
3 cups warm water
3 cups all purpose flour
**Stir and add step 2 ingredients. Stir well. Cover and let rise until double.**

Use 1 cup of starter for first batch. Freeze the rest in 1 cup containers, use to make more than one batch, or give away with the recipe for others to enjoy.

Had to share.......

2008-11-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

Internet meme you say?

2008-11-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Random facts? 6 random facts? Oh mercy! Alright Becky, I'm game!

And for those of you who don't know, an internet meme is basically a fun way to find out little known random facts about your friends. So, I'm gonna give you my random facts and then I'm gonna pick 3 other people to do their own meme.

Ok, here goes folks!

1. I always knew I wanted to have kids but even after almost 5 years I still can't believe I was blessed with my sweet girl and my baby boys!
2. I know it's time to cut my toenails when they cut holes in my socks. Hehe!
3. I have learned to tune out the kids sometimes.....it helps with my sanity.
4. I don't like big cities, never have, never will.
5. I have developed a fear of heights, especially mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway is not my friend.
6. I'm just a girl, a girl who wants to be happy. You know, the cute little house, my 3 babies, a career I enjoy and dinner at the table with my family every night.

Well, that's the best I could do. And I choose Beth, Bo and Millie to participate and do their own meme.

100th post coming soon!

Our first carved pumpkin!

2008-10-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

I carved our first family pumpkin today! Yeah, I know.....Bad Mommy!
Well, we normally paint a pumpkin but this year I decided we should have a real carved pumpkin!

This is some of the pumpkin innards....I threw it in the yard because the deer will probably eat it up by morning.....if not......good fertilizer. As you can see the green grass has given way to brown as it has been in the fifties here (during the day). It's 32 right now at 12:01 am!

More pumpkin guts and SEEDS! Uh~huh, that's right! I'm gonna dry 'em, salt 'em, bake 'em and eat 'em! Yum! Kojak has never eaten roasted pumpkin seeds.....he's a coastal creature.

Inside......I've never carved a pumpkin on my own before and I didn't realize how hard it was to get all that stringy goodness out of there. Warn me next time people!

Anyway, the kids thought the pumpkin was the coolest thing since Sid the Science Kid (their favorite show).

Cameron and Jack!

James and Jack!

He was very curious!

Haley being dramatic, Cameron acting like he's avoiding the camera, James munching cake.
Mommy says "Say CHEESE"......James says "CAKE".
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Explanation please.........

2008-10-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

I LOVE ROSES! And I have been watching my roses closely this year, they have been abnormally large and especially beautiful.

See, this one is just getting started. Man, that pink is awesome!

Wow! I took the above pics today!

This one and the two below I took last weekend! They're kinda blurry because I didn't realize my lens was dirty......Bad Lens! Anyway, I thought they looked kind of surreal so I kept them.

Note: the dew drops just kill me.....leaves me standing there in my bedroom slippers and pajamas thinking how beautiful nature is! *Sigh*
Then a spider tries to crawl across my shoe and I jump 10 feet in the air! Seriously!

Back to the point....as you can see the roses are all pink, light pink to brilliant pink.....but ALL pink!

So, can anyone explain to me how this very small, very WHITE rose popped up on my
PINK rose bush?
Sorry, just thought it was odd!

Portfolio assignment

2008-10-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

I have started working on my portfolio assignment for chemistry......wait, have I mentioned this already? I can't remember.....chalk it up to this head clogging cold, no sleep and the 3 blue-eyed short people that keep me on my toes all the day long.
Anyway, I have to do a chemistry experiment and present it to the class on December 10th. I decided to come up with some pottery glazes of my own, partly because I wanted my project to be different from everyone else's. The others in my class are making all sorts of things from perfume, soap and aspirin to biodiesel and aspartame. Don't get me wrong I think those things are interesting but they are in the category of typical chemistry experiments. New Glazes? I love that idea! What can I say? I'm a potter and I love glazes.
Now, I was told a while back that having a degree in chemistry was a plus when it came to making glazes but I thought they were kidding. Well, the weren't....there is alot more involved in this than I anticipated. I think I'm getting there though.
I wanted to come up with some different colors with some special effects thrown in the mix. Right, now I'm working on some recipes for light blue, buttery yellow, pink and purple all with some textured and maybe speckled effects. I'm also working on a turquoise color too but only because I like to hear Haley "turquoise". I need to come up with 5 more recipes.
So, I will most likely be asking you all to preview some of the glazes and let me know what you think. Overall, I'm just hoping to come out of this with an A and maybe a few new glazes.

Okay, Seriously.......

2008-10-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

It's 2008, I have 5 people living in my house and I don't own a washboard....nor will I ever own one! I'm a girl who LOVES her washing machine. SO, why is it that people think I can go without it for 3 or 4 weeks? Yeah, it's still under warranty but that does no good when the repair company keeps rescheduling. When they finally show up, they have to order the part and come back a week later. I told them what the problem was when I called for the repair. Now, I say again, what makes people think I can go without my washing machine? Lugging clothes to Mom's house while I'm sick is no fun! Okay, I'll stop whining now!

I'm coping here people......

2008-10-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

JUST KIDDING!!!!! Well, I was coping last weekend with the whole "not getting into nursing school thing" but I'm passed that now, I feel better. And what better way to cope with disappointment and feel better than......you ready for this?

Apple Crisp

Cheesecake

And Fried Chicken!!!!
Oh yeah, nothing is better for drowning sorrows than clogging a few arteries right? Okay, you're right, running would do the trick too but I'm not really in the mood for all that!

Yeah I know none of this is good for my diet but the cooking and baking helped me more than anything. I didn't get to eat much of it anyway. Kojak has a tendency to polish food off pretty quickly.
The cheesecake wasn't that great anyway......I'm still searching for the perfect cheesecake recipe.

So, any well loved cheesecake recipes from anyone would be greatly appreciated. *Hint-Hint*
Well, that's all for now.....gotta go study for a chemistry quiz.

I feel a little better now......

2008-10-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

I talked with my advisor today and she told me that the 10 candidates that were accepted into the program already had Chemistry done. I was allowed to apply for the program because I was signed up to take Chemistry this Fall. At least I know I didn't do anything wrong.
So, Kojak and I have come up with a plan. We have decided that I am going to apply for the day program that starts in the Fall of 2009. If I get in, I would be finished in the Spring of 2011, which is only one semester later that if I had been accepted this time. In the meantime, I am going to finish Chemistry (which, btw, I have a 90 average in right now), and I'm going to take Anatomy & Physiology II this Spring. The only downfall to applying for the Day program is that I'm going to have to put the boys in daycare....I don't like daycare. Haley will be starting school in August so the only problem there is finding someone who will watch her in case my classes run past 3.
To sum it all up, I feel better, I'm moving forward, I hate daycare but have to suck it up, Haley starts school in August and everything else will have to be figured out as we go along!

Update

2008-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't make the cut this time. Apparently, most of the candidates met all the requirements but they could only except 10 for the program. So, I'm going to finish Chemistry, take Anatomy & Physiology II and try again next year. Don't get me wrong, my tear ducts are empty but I'll live. All I can do is try again!

Escaped turkeys.........

2008-10-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

While I'm sitting here waiting for "THE CALL", you know.... the call that will either tell me what I'll be doing for the next two years (nursing school) or what I'll be doing for the next two months (crying), I figured I would let you all know what's going on and ask a favor.
You see there are these two "turkeys" who live next door to me. And those two turkeys decided that 40 years this month after their first date they would go on their first ever Carnival Cruise. On a ship with swimming pools, day spas, the open sea, shopping, 24 hour frozen yogurt machine, a room with a balcony and the food....oh, the FOOD! "That's wonderful, you say?" Well yeah, it is oh so wonderful........for the two turkeys. But here at my house, it's just.......well, it's just......just so unfair! The jealousy seeping out my every pore is unbearable. Hehehe! I mean, REALLY, who said they could just take off and leave their 28 year old baby here to fend for herself against her 3 rambunctious, messy making, accident-prone children? The injustice! So, just in case some of you happen to see these two turkeys (pictured below). Tell them that their daughter is sitting at home desperately envious and riddled with despair.

Mom and Dad, I hope you two have so much fun, you absolutely deserve every second of this trip....it is long over due. Be safe, Love you both, call me when you can!

Oh the waiting....

2008-10-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

IS EXCRUCIATINGLY PAINFUL!!! I should know before the 14th but, come on, that's a week away! I'm not patient when it comes to things like this! I went Monday to get my blood drawn and yesterday I got a TD booster, Hep B vaccine and TB test. It really was not at all like everyone told me it would be....go figure! I will be posting as soon as I find out something! That is, if I get in the program, so if I don't post anything by the 15th you know that I have elected to stay in bed and feel miserable for a week!
On a lighter note: I think I forgot to let everyone know that I added a slideshow to the bottom of my blog with pictures of the family. Okay, now you know!
And just in case I did actually tell you all about the slideshow already....ignore the above note....I have been diagnosed with LMS, ya know?......that's Leaky Memory Syndrome!
Loves!

One Step Closer

2008-10-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I went to the group interview on Tuesday, although I should say that it was more of a group information meeting. There were no questions asked except by the candidates. There were 16 of us there and the program only allows space for 10. Everything went well so I am hopeful. I got the chance to meet with the Director and Assistant Director of the Foothills Nursing Consortium, both very nice people. I went today to get my medical forms filled out and will be going on Monday to get all my immunizations. Translation: I'm going to get poked about 400 times...okay, only 5 times but.....ugh! Anyway, I should know around the 13th of October whether I will be starting nursing classes in January.
So, for right now I am focused on my Chemistry, which seems to be paying off well. I got a 90 on my first exam last Wednesday. Yeah Me!!!! I'll be starting my portfolio project soon in which I will be developing my own pottery glaze recipes. Should be fun, maybe I'll end up with something really awesome! Or maybe I'll end up with glaze that looks like dried mud, who knows?

I Got A Letter Today......

2008-09-17T18:51:00.001-07:00

It reads:

Dear Forever,

You are scheduled for a group information meeting with the Foothills Nursing Consortium Director/Faculty and the Health Sciences Advisor on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 3:15 p.m.

Please bring with you to the meeting a typewritten statement (1-2 paragraphs) on what nursing means to you. Include in that statement what "you" bring to nursing.

This information meeting is a critical part of our decision-making process with regard to admission into the Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program, it is important that you be prompt and present.

So, there you have it people, I'm in the group interview. I cried, of course. (I'm such a sap.)

Okay, I just wanted to update you all! Thank you for the comment Aunt Joan, Hope you all are doing well also. Loves!

The Thief of Always

2008-09-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

So, the other day I did a post on my love of reading and in it I mentioned that I couldn't remember the first real book that I read. Since then, I haven't really thought about it much but I was at Walmart with Beth, discussing books, and it just came to me. The Thief of Always by Clive Barker. It was first published in 1992 and was considered a young adult novel but it has since been classified as a graphic novel of fantasy/horror origin. Whatever!!!!! That's ridiculous! Anyway, I just googled it a minute ago and would you believe.....they are making a movie from it that is scheduled to be out in 2010.
Right now, I am reading The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Beth lent it to me to read and so far it is awesome. Such a wonderful story so far, you should all check it out. The movie for it is coming out October 17th, starring Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and many more. It should be great!

Duck, Duck, Goose!

2008-09-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

Haley and I went to pick up Chris from school today and went down to Lake Imogene to feed the ducks. (The boys stayed home with Daddy).

She had a good time playing around the trees.

Here are just a few of the ducks and geese that started to surround us when we sat down.

This one was a little more curious than I would have liked. Actually, he was quite pushy about wanting his share of bread.

Like I said before, Haley had a good time. At least she did until she grabbed a handful of "ant-hill" dirt. They were all over her shoes in a matter of seconds and she freaked. I think she learned her lesson about ant-hills.

Kojak

2008-09-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Kojak just got back from Piedmont South Carolina where he's been since Wednesday morning. He's going through his training for a job with Direct TV. He will be an installer, it's looking to be a promising venture. Not only is it a good job but the experience will help him out after he has finished his degree. He is home for the weekend and will go back to Peidmont Monday through Friday of next week. Mom is helping with the kids on the days I have class so other than missing Daddy while he's gone, we've been okay.

A Little Help Please!!!!!

2008-09-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, if anyone has any ideas on how I might find the flame test values for chemical solutions, please let me know! I've been looking on the net since last night and can't find what I need!

Confession and Disappointment

2008-09-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

As far back as I can remember, I have always loved to read. I don't even remember the first real book that I read but I'm sure it must have been good because I was hooked. Reading is such an enjoyable past time for me. I read pretty much anywhere, in bed, in the bathtub, curled up on the couch, in the car, outside on the porch, on vacation...heck, reading is like a mini vacation. I have read and love to read books of all kinds. (Except Chemistry....not liking that one much right now.) Suspense, horror, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, historical, inspirational, and literature, I like it all! I've even read a few non-published drafts that I loved written by family members . You know who you are people....please move forward with your books they were wonderful.
Bare with me people there is a point here.
The point is: of all the books I've read, the ones that I love the most are vampire books. I've read all of the Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice and all of her connecting books. Amanda Ashley has some really good ones, as well as, Shannon Drake! I was thrilled when a vampire popped up (very briefly) in one of the Harry Potter books. Anyway, I noticed a book that looked promising a few weeks back and decided to pick it up when I got the chance. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. It had a little sticker that read "Soon to be a Major Motion Picture". The semester was getting ready to end and I knew I would have a little more free time. I went back to get it and noticed that there were two more in the series. New Moon and Eclipse. Above the display was a sign advertising the upcoming release of the fourth book Breaking Dawn. What luck, I love a series.
So, I brought home Twilight and planned to read a little that night, stretch it out a bit, take it in slowly, enjoy taking in something other than Anatomy, Nutrition or Micro.
That, was all good in theory, I devoured that book like it was a hot fudge sundae. And then I nearly sold my shoes to get New Moon and Eclipse and devoured those as well. (Not really with the shoes but I did sell some pottery.) After that I held my breath until the release of Breaking Dawn. I was blue by the time I got to Walmart. Okay not really but I'm almost done here, stay with me people. I finished Breaking Dawn in record time.
Let me say that these books are not racy or trashy or anything of the sort. They are young adult books and strictly rated PG. They are very interesting and very well written. The main story, the characters and plots are so well rounded and beautiful. They have created a phenomenon among younger and older readers alike. True love conquering even the most impossible of boundaries....and I'm a real sucker for a good "Love conquers all" story.

Stephenie Meyer is being hailed as the next J.K. Rowling.

The main two characters are Bella and Edward with the story being narrated by Bella. However, after finishing the series, Stephenie Meyer decided that her Twilight fans needed to read the story from Edward's perspective and started writing Midnight Sun. Everything went fine until someone she trusted let the partial draft leak onto the Internet. Now, she feels like she doesn't know whether she can finish it or not. You can read about her opinion here. www.stepheniemeyer.com/midnightsun.html. She did post the partial draft (long after the leak) on her website for her fans to see so they would not have to suffer in longing.
So, I am very disappointed that this story may never be finished because it is such a wonderful version of the first book. I hope that she can find it in herself to forgive and move forward. Until then I will look forward to November 21st....Twilight the movie!
Okay, I'm done now. Thanks for listening....I mean reading my rambling.

An Explanation.........

2008-09-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

The Divine Secrets of Stupid Girls!

Once upon a time, there were two girls... Silly and Sillier. They met...they bonded...they were forever friends. They did everything together - shopped, ate, stayed up all night, laughed til they cried, cried because they were sad, cried because they were happy, and even had babies at pretty much the same time. No one ever understood them when they were together!...and they were never like this when they were apart. They were in their own special world...a world no one else would ever be able to enter. Today, you will understand a little more about the life of The Stupid Girls.

Rule #1 - EVERYTHING IS FUNNY - And by FUNNY, I mean HILARIOUS beyond belief. Laughter constitutes tears and the occasional snort from S.G. #1 thus bringing tears to the eyes of S.G. #2.

Rule #2 - MEN ARE STUPID - And YES...we mean ALL men...except for our son(s), fathers and those that we know to be 'smarter than the average bear'...and they occasionally have some tendencies! We are firm believers that a man's brain is located in his pelvic region! The space between their ears is just that...space.
Rule #3 - FOOD AND/OR SHOPPING MUST ALWAYS BE INVOLVED - There really isn't an explanation needed. It just is what it is!

Rule #4 - THERE IS NO JUDGING - What one S.G. does is okay to the other S.G.

Rule #5 - NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS...NOTHING - And if this isn't a perfect example...I don't know what is!

Rule #6 - SILLINESS IS A MUST - Any time, anywhere, always!!!

Rule #7 - And the most important rule of all...YOU MUST ALWAYS LOVE YOUR STUPID GIRL!!!

Stupid Girls are like the bacon bits on a bed of plain ole' lettuce...they spice it up, give it some flavor, and bring a little life, excitement, and joy!

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Haley is home....finally

2008-09-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Note: since their happy reunion on Wednesday night, all has returned to normal, they have resumed their efforts at driving Mommy batty with the bickering. But I really am happy they are all together again.

Haley got home late Wednesday night. She was so excited to be back and the boys were tickled to see her. Here are some picks I've snapped since she has been home.

James Everett

Cameron James

All those blue eyes are just too much for my heart to take!
Lord help me, I love my babies!

Nursing school update.

2008-09-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

I took the PSB entry exam today and it went alot better than I thought. I studied alot before hand but most of the things I covered were not necessary for the exam. It was basically a general competency exam, you know, spelling, reading comprehension, basic math, natural sciences. It wasn't what I was expecting. On that note, it is not a pass or fail exam. They don't count wrong answers, they score you by how many questions you answer correctly. A minimum weighted score of 45 is required for consideration and the highest score is like 89 points.
Here's a rundown of what happens next.

Interview invitation letters will be mailed out on September 17th.
Once this letter is received I have to complete my medical forms which include a physical exam, up-to-date vaccines and immunizations, TD booster, chicken pox titer, Hepatitis B vaccine and 2 step TB test. I have a feeling I'm going to look like a walking pin cushion.

The "group interview" will be held on September 30th.
Medical forms must be completed by October 8th.
From that point, the ADN Director makes the final selections based on the candidate's academic record, test results, interview outcome and favorable results of the physical examination.
Our adviser told us today that we should know around October 14th if we have been selected.

There were 26 of us testing for the night/weekend program today and only 10 will be selected. I think my chances are relatively fair.

I also wanted to let everyone know that Haley is on here way home from her Nannies house tonight. Venita decided to bring her back a day early because of the threat of Hannah hitting the Carolina coast line. I will definitely sleep better knowing she is home. We sure have missed the little blue-eyed baby doll. The boys keep asking me "Laley home?" I'll try to get some pictures posted tomorrow of her return.
Well, I have plenty more to say but I have plenty of chemistry home work I need to get done. Good night all!

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree........

2008-08-31T10:55:00.001-07:00

I have always been a little accident prone. From tripping over cracks in the sidewalk to wrecking four-wheelers, but I usually end up with only minor scrapes and bruises. (knock on wood)
Lately, I'm beginning to wonder if Cameron has somehow inherited my mishap magnetism. I've already posted about his confrontation with the can of black beans and the laws of gravity but since then he's just continued to push the boundaries. They went into the laundry room this morning and somehow the laundry detergent fell off the shelf onto his other big toe. The damage was not quite so bad this time, just a little cut behind the nail. Easy band-aid management. His first toe injury, however, just looks terrible and painful. The blood pocket under the nail had filled to the point that it was pushing his toenail up and it kind of scared me. So, I called the pediatrician, who said it would be fine.
I just don't know what to do. I hope maybe it's just because they are little boys and rough-housing is what they do to make it through the day. Most of all I hope he grows out of it soon.
Well, I guess I better go. Need to make a few phone calls....see if I can find one of those big plastic bubbles....do you think I should try NASA or the CDC first?

Woo~Hoo!!!!!!!

2008-08-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well, after torturing Mom, Chris and Kojak by making them act like my patient and practicing all my CNA skills on them (good sports they are), I am happy to say Thank You very much. I took my State written and skills exam this morning in Shelby and I passed both. The 5 skills I ended up doing were Wash Hands (believe it or not has to be done in a very specific way), count and record radial pulse, provide fingernail care, perform range of motion on shoulder and make an occupied bed. I was so nervous.
I was an emotional mess this morning, I'm talking a huge bundle of nerves. I called Mom before I got there just for more reassurance. Then Daddy called me to reassure me. All I could do was cry and say okay. Yeah yeah, I'm a big cry baby, I know.
So, all that stands between me and nursing school is Chemistry and the PSB entry exam (taking it Wednesday). Oh and the interview.
Anyway, thanks for your help, well wishes and pep talks.

Pray for me...

2008-08-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm going to take my State exam at 8 in the morning....think about me! My nerves are shot. I want to say thanks to Mom, Chris and Kojak for helping me to prepare. I'll post the results tomorrow!

Poor, poor Cameron!

2008-08-27T21:53:00.001-07:00

My little man has done it again. No, he didn't get Spray'n'Wash in his eyes or swallow a battery but a few days ago he fell of the bed in their room. He's got a few scrapes from that fall but today he must have decided to torture himself some more. He picked up a can of black beans and dropped it on his toe. He did it while I was at school tonight so when I got home he needed some serious Mommy love. And he got it! He wouldn't let me near the toe to look at it until I bribed him and told him I would take a picture of it. He seemed to think that was fun!
Before he went to bed tonight he was limping around with his big toe flexed up as far as it would go. It was so sad yet so cute all at the same time.

Anyway, I'm going to keep an eye on this little piggy. Hopefully it will start to look better instead of worse. Even though I honestly believe the hospital has a specific room in the ER reserved for the Lupton family (ready and waiting because they know we could show up at any moment), I really don't want to put my baby through anymore torture for a while. So, keep your upper piggies crossed for his lower piggy.

I eat "quantum physics" for breakfast.......

2008-08-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

......not really! Quantum physics scare me. Mommy?????
Okay I'm back. As most of you know I started my chemistry class on Wednesday night and it was everything I expected it to be....weird and confusing! We have a new chemistry professor at ICC and let me tell you~~~this woman knows her chemistry! She's worked and gone to school all over the world and has some very interesting stories! Apparently, it was a spur of the moment thing, our old professor left unexpectedly (hint: he and his wife just had a baby) and Mrs. Clauhn took his place. She just moved here last Friday and started work on Monday! Anyway, I think she's going to be awesome.
So, our first class in chemistry we watched a movie on which we are supposed to write a paper to turn in on Monday. The movie is called "What the bleep do we know?" And yes the bleep really is a bleep, it is not a bleep that covers a four letter word! Anyway, this has to be one of the strangest movies I've ever seen. Okay seriously, my brain hurt after watching it. And the funny part is they made a sequel called "Down the rabbit hole". Don't ask me...I have no idea!
Anyway, it was a little far-fetched but very interesting to watch! There were a few believable aspects to consider but I spent most of the movie wondering if a person would need to be high to really understand it all! It touches on some "quantum physics"...help me?
I'm going to make Kojak watch it with me this weekend and get his opinion. He usually has a different perspective on things than I do and that really helps! Kojak is a very intelligent person so maybe he can wrap his head around the parts that eluded me! If not.... I'm in trouble? Mommy? Are you there?

Lesson learned!

2008-08-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm thinking that most of you have heard about our latest trip to the hospital but I thought I would post it for those few that have not.
I don't think I was a member of the blogging world when Haley had to get staples in her little head or when Cameron had to had his eyes flushed out. Since then we have learned that jumping on the bed is a no-no and it takes 2 seconds for James to spray Spray'n'Wash in Camerons eyes. (Note: all cleaning products have been moved to the farthest reaches of the cabinets....even I have problems reaching them.)
But I never thought that a 2 year old had lightening fast "grab and swallow" abilities that were far more advanced than my reflexes. Or maybe I'm just getting slow! No comments on that please!
Anyway Cameron snatched up an old watch battery that I was replacing and it was gone before I knew he grabbed it. Poison Control told me to take him to the ER and once there they took an x-ray.

See there it is in his stomach. At this point the doctor on call was worried that it might attach itself to the stomach lining where it would begin to leak its caustic fluid and cause....well you get it. They told me that we would have to take him to Mission Memorial in Asheville where a pediatric surgeon would remove it via endoscopy. So we headed to Asheville. Kojak stayed home with James and Mom went with me and Cameron.
After checking in at the ER, the doctor came out and said that they wanted another x-ray to be sure of the batteries location. They took the second x-ray and left us to wait in the lobby. My nerves were shot by this point. The doctor came out again and told us that we could go home. Apparently, the battery had already moved into the "home stretch" of the lower intestine and past the point where they were afraid it might stay.
So, we came home and he past it the next day!
Aaaaah, the joys of having more grabby little hands than I can keep up with.
Lord, have mercy on my nerves!

Update!

2008-08-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

I am currently registered for my last prerequisite class, Chemistry, which starts the 20th. I have to take a PSB preparation class, the 25th -28th. My CNA Challenge state exam is on the 29th. The PSB test is on September 3rd, it's like a general competency entry exam. The board chooses 15 of the best scores to interview and then chooses 13 from those for entry into the nursing program. And if all goes well, I should find out in September whether I have made it into the program, actual nursing classes will start in January and I would be finished the Fall semester of 2010. Yeah, it sounds like a long time but good things come to those who wait, study hard and not have a nervous breakdown. Wait a minute, I don't think that's really how that saying goes but it works for this situation right? So anyway,I'm a little nervous but not......okay, well maybe I'm alot nervous.

Well, that's my update!

Xrays and Grade Reports

2008-08-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days since I last blogged, been a little busy around here. I've been trying to finish up my requirements for admission to the nursing program, Venita came for a visit and picked up Haley to keep for few weeks, I've been in the chiropractors office at least twice a week, and our AC broke which has left us mopping up sweat puddles in this high ninety degree weather. On top of that, Cameron and James are apparently warmer than the rest of us because they shed their clothes and diapers every 5 minutes and go streaking through the house like little wild bandits.
I'm just kidding about the sweat puddle part, although it did seem like we were gonna all melt and run together. Luckily, we got the AC problem fixed so we're cool again. As for keeping diapers on the boys...... there is no hope! Yeah Yeah, I know....it's time to potty train....pray for me will ya?
Anyway, I got my grade report last week, I got a B in Microbiology. Yeah ME!!!!! Believe me when I say, that B was not an easy one! The subject was not too difficult but let's just say that full credit was a hard thing to achieve. So, I'm happy with my B considering the limited amount of time I had to study. I would have taken a picture of this grade report like before, but it went through the laundry in the back pocket of my jeans. Ya know, come to think of it, I lose a lot of things that way. At least I know how to get rid of any incriminating documents I have lying around. Not that I have any of those.
Moving on, my CNA challenge is scheduled for the 12th and 13th and then the state test after that (date to be announced). Wish me luck, I'll let you know how that goes!
I went for Xrays on the pelvic/lumbar region of my back last week and went for the results today. Simply put, there should be a nice curve in my lower back where L5 meets the sacrum, I have more of an angle. So, the discs between L4/L5 and L5/sacrum are a little squished. This my friends may just be the root of the numb spots on my foot. So, they are stretching me on the rack.....maybe I'll come out of this taller! Okay, maybe not but a short girl can dream right?
Anyway, in the last week I have finished 2 good books and seen a few really good movies! Has anyone seen the movie "Penelope"? It's really cute and has a nice "moral of the story" thing going on. "The Other Boleyn Girl" is really good too, but I would not recommend it for the kiddos. The books that I read are Twilight by Stephenie Meyer and The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. Both books were very good, I'm planning to read the other books in the Twilight series. I got the Dunant book a year ago for like 50 cent. Best 50 cent I've ever spent....I love it when that happens.
Okay, so other than all that I've been here at home playing with the wild heathens that have taken up residence in my house over the last several years. Yeah, they like to run around here like they own the place. Oh well, I love them so I guess I'll keep them around for a while....... or 20 years.
Alright, so now I'm done filling in the gap from last week. Stay tuned for more of my incoherant babbling, if you think you can handle it!!!!! Mwahahahaha!

Enterobacter aerogenes

2008-07-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

Enterobacter aerogenes, that's the scientific name for my unknown bacterium. The last few weeks of the summer semester were spent working on unknowns! Basically, I had a broth culture of bacteria on which I had to run a series of lab tests to determine what it was. So, after all the tests were run and my four page report documenting everything had been written, it came down to Enterobacter aerogenes. Man, is my brain tired? Okay, not really! Anyway, I wanted to actually take my camera with me to class to document the whole experience because it was rather interesting but I kept forgetting my camera. (the result of 3 children nipping at my heels all the way out the door) So, instead I thought I would show you all a few pictures from my lab atlas so you could see some of the things that have kept me busy this summer. The pictures below are of different bacterial species growing on various nutrient agar plates. Overall, I came away from this class with a better understanding of microbes, pathogens, the human bodies response to invasion and the awareness of some wicked little critters that I never want to come in contact with.

So, now it's time relax a little for a few weeks and then it's on to Chemistry! Pray for my brain please!
I'll be back to more interesting things tomorrow! Thanks for stopping in!

Backgrounds and Spider Boys!

2008-07-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah~yeah, I know what you're thinking....."My Lord she's changed the background again!" Call me Flaky as a Grands biscuit or as unpredictable as BigFoot but the truth is I'm really just indecisive and I'm a sucker for color. Believe me when I say this probably will not be the last background change you see around here. I think it might have something to do with the fact that I just took my final exam on Thursday and have more time to do.....to do.....well, to do anything! I've been doing a variety of things that a month ago seemed unreachable like going to the chiropractor (much needed mind you), painting my toenails, I watched an entire movie, and colored my hair. It's been nice having some me time but below you will see some examples of my more enjoyable time.

You see, I've had more time to spend with these 2 and all their 2 year old antics!

More time to spend looking into these baby blues, this girl loves dress up and make up time with Mommy.

Oh and this was the most awesome pizza EVER! I think Kojak fell in love with me all over again, well maybe I'm exaggerating but I sure did fall in love with it! Um, pepperoni, canadian bacon & black olives with pesto, then you dip it in marinara! Oh bless my sweet pizza loving soul! And, among all this I had time.....

...to try and figure out how in the name of cheescake this happened! I have a few theories....either my boys have some spider tendencies or they think they belong on Gilligan's Island!
SOS, SOS, Send help soon please!

Finally!

2008-07-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

I've been begging for one of these for a while and now I have one! I was so excited I couldn't decide what to make first. So, I made two batches of Caitlin's Super Snickerdoodles which didn't last very long here. No pictures but I did get a picture of my next project. Oh lordy it was good too. Mint Brownie Cheesecake (A.K.A....10 lbs. in a pie plate)

Yeah -Yeah, I know it looks a little done but MAN was it ever good!

Twin Talk

2008-07-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

I found out very early after James and Cameron were born that the flow of questions would be never ending. No matter where we went people loved to ask questions about them. "Are they twins? Duh! ~ Are they identical? Yes ~ How do you keep yourself sane? I don't. ~ Do twins run in your family? Yes, but identical twins are not genetic." The torrent of questions is endless but for the most part we enjoy answering them all. We love to hear from people who have twins of their own as well and now that the boys are older I find myself asking my own questions of those people with older twins. "Please tell me, does it get better? ~ Will they ever stop fighting? ~ Will I ever be able to take them anywhere without dirt smudges and scratch marks?" The answers I get are most often all yes but occasionally I get a NO to a question or two. So, overall I have faith in a peaceful future......someday!
Anyway, I recently took a picture of the boys but noticed something awesome. Something that my Daddy has been trying to tell us all for a while. I did some research on it so lets start with some information.
Okay, we all know that there are two different categories of twins: identical and fraternal. What you may not know is the important differences between the two.
In the case of fraternal twins, two separate eggs are fertilized by two sperm and develop into two babies. These are known as dizygotic twins, they develop in two separate amniotic sacs and each has it's own placenta. They are as different as any two siblings only they were born on the same day. There is a hereditary connection in fraternal twins where the release of two eggs is passed from one generation to another.
Identical twins are something different all together. Here's what happens. An egg is fertilized by a single sperm at conception but sometime in the following two weeks that little zygote does something amazing. It splits in two. These are known as monozygotic twins and they share one placenta. They are as close to exact as you can get. They have the same DNA, fingerprints, and usually the same dental patterns.
So, here are some statistics I found. 32 out of 1,000 births are twin births. Only 1/3 of those are identical twins. Only 20 - 25% of those identical births are mirror image twins. Mirror image twinning is determined by the timing of the zygote split after conception. There are subtle differences between identical and mirror image twins. Identical twins are typically exactly the same from their cowlicks to their crooked pinky toe (if they have one). Mirror image twins have all the sameness as identical twins but show small variations such as matching reversed moles, reversed dental patterns and problems as well as opposing hairlines and/or cowlicks. Mirror twins are usually different in that one is a lefty and the other a righty. This seems to be the case with the boys. It is too soon to make a definite decision on this matter but so far we are leaning toward mirror image. Poppy is already waiting for Walmart to get in more lefty ball gloves in small. It's just too noticeable to ignore. Cameron has always favored his left and James his right. We have all noticed it but thought Poppy was just looking for an excuse to brag. Hehehe.
Take a look!

New Glaze Load

2008-06-28T09:54:00.001-07:00

Check out the new glaze load on our pottery website. You can find the link to the right or go to www.allfireduppottery.blogspot.com

Photo collage!

2008-06-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

I made this collage (and the ones below), on a program called PhotoScape that Kojak downloaded for me a while back.
I really like it! Don't get me wrong it's not PhotoShop, but it's a great program.
Anyway, I just discovered this feature of the program. It has loads of templates for these collages so I have been having alot of fun. I'll have more up later.

2008-06-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

My Prissy Cowgirl!

2008-06-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

We went to Aunt Diane's to see the ponies on Friday afternoon. Haley was a little apprehensive about riding one at first but she quickly got used to it.

This little pony was named Star and she was ever so sweet and gentle.

So, she liked her newest adventure so much that she asked if she could have a pony to keep in her room. She said, "It can sleep in my bed." I told her I'd have to think on that one for a while, I can only hope that she forgets, bless her heart.

Note that she is still carrying her purse atop that little pony. Prissy girl!

My Daddy!

2008-06-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

Here's Daddy (AKA Poppie)

He's working on the tractor. Come to think of it, he's always working on something.

You can usually find him tinkering with something, whether it's the lawn mower, tractor, weedeater, or tiller. Or he could be working on the pottery shop, his work shed, watering his garden, or plowing the fields. And of course, sometimes you can find him in the house in his favorite chair watching the race or a really good western.

But today, he was outside tinkering with his ancient tractor so he could go plow the garden. Don't tell him I called his tractor "ancient" okay?

Here he is ready to go plow. Daddy, why are you wearing long sleeves in June? Don't you know it's 80 something degrees out?

There must be a wisdom there I haven't obtained yet.

Something went wrong with this picture here (exposure I'm guessing) but it turned out pretty cool I think! Makes Daddys tractor look really ancient! Heehee....snicker, snicker!

Hot Dog!

2008-06-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I'm talking about a HOT DOG!

This is Casey.

She is pregnant and she is Hot!

She is daddy's baby! Mom gave her to Dad for his birthday a few years back and she has been a good buddy for him. He has taught her so many really cute tricks!Anyway, they had her bred about 3 1/2 or 4 years ago and she had some beautiful pups. Now they have decided to have her fixed but wanted her to have one more litter. I think she is due around the 25th of June and she is already so round. Jack Russells are very smart and are awesome jumpers but poor Casey is so round she can't even get into a chair.

So, I will keep everyone updated on our little mommy!

Every cloud has a silver lining.......

2008-06-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

These sure did and they were very beautiful.......

Lovely, I love those gorgeous rays!

They also brought with them a nice little sprinkle of rain!

We needed that sprinkle to bring the temperature down a little. It's been in the mid-90s all week!

So, I guess this cloud had more than one silver lining.

WANTED: Pamper Bandits!

2008-05-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

These two individuals are wanted for questioning in the disappearance of several Pampers Brand Swim Pants!

Please take a good look and familiarize yourself with these faces.

James Everett

Cameron James

They are thought to be Armed (with beautiful blue eyes) and Extremely Rambunctious!

If you have any information as to the whereabouts of these two individuals, please contact me because they are probably into something they shouldn't be!

Thank You!

My baby boys......

2008-05-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Seems like only yesterday I could wrap James and Cameron in the same receiving blanket and they still had wiggle room! So tiny!

Well, they've grown a little since then! They have been sleeping in the crib together for a long time and I'm coming to grips with the fact that they probably won't sleep seperately for a long time! They tend to sleep much better when they are near to each other (must be a twin thing) yet they still have their differences. James sleeps next to the wall and Cameron on the outside...they won't have it any other way! Weird!

But I knew the day was coming when we would have to get rid of the crib and honestly it's been that day for at least 6 months, probably more. They are quicker getting out of that crib than I am getting out of bed!

So, today was the day! We switched out the crib for an Elmo toddler bed! And the boys are so happy! They went straight to bed tonight, no problems! Well, they've never really been a problem but they were so excited to sleep in their Big Bed! Although they weren't happy about me shoving a camera in their faces! Ah, the joys of having a mother who wants to document everything!

I love you, my sweet baby boys, sleep well!

Note: pay no attention to the coral colored shirt on my son Cameron, he wanted to wear his big sister's shirt to bed! Thank Goodness you can't see the pink and brown, striped and polka-dotted trouser socks he has on under that blanket!

Whoville birdhouse......

2008-05-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm picking up this weird habit about wanting to name my pottery pieces and to tell you the truth it's kinda fun! I'm having a hard time with the one below. Honestly, I DID NOT mean for it to look like this but just before I closed it up it kinda started getting all womple-jawed. So, I closed it up quick because I figured I could straighten it out later but the more I messed with it the more twisted it became. Well, I stopped and had planned to cut it off the wheel and chunk it but some thing made me stop. So, there I sat looking at a mangled piece of junk that called out to me in some ghostly little voice that said "I could be beautiful, too".
Darn pottery speaking to me again! Don't tell anyone, K?

After, I cut it off the wheel and it dried some over night, I went back this morning and cut in the hole. And for some reason I couldn't stop there, I thought it needed something more so pulled out my carving tools. A wicked tree here and another over there. I sat her on the shelf and said "I can't wait until you're cooked". End of Story!

Okay, almost! I showed this to Kojak and he said it reminds him of Tinsel Town, I say Whoville, Haley says the Grinchs' House! Help me out here! This piece CANNOT live without a name! Your suggestions are welcome!

Today's the day.....

2008-05-20T10:53:00.001-07:00

Today is my first class for the summer. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7:30, not too bad huh? Okay, so this is my book, looks like fun right? It should be...the thing costs $155! It needs to provide my dinner on school nights! I'm looking forward to this class even though I've heard my instructor is a strict one. Oh well, can't be that bad, right? I have a feeling I might regret that!

Anyway, I'm going to try to get back into the Wednesday night pottery class in June so I'll at least have 3 hours a week to play in the mud! I'm also thinking about going back to work part-time just to make some extra money. Of course, all of this will be determined by how hard this class is and how much time I'll be spending studying and doing my work! I should know a little more tonight.

Well, I've enjoyed my time off but now it's time to get serious again, darn it! I'm going to get ready....wish me luck! And pray I don't have to do any presentations because I don't like those! Hahaha!

Well, here it is.......

2008-05-15T10:54:00.001-07:00

So many people have been asking me about our pottery......okay, not many.....okay no one at all has asked about it but Mom and I love it so much. And seeing as we find it so fun, interesting and very soul fulfilling we thought others might like to watch the processes involved in taking a lump of clay and turning it into something wonderously beautiful. So we started a blog that will be completely devoted to our love affair with clay! Anyone interested? Please visit http://www.allfireduppottery.blogspot.com/ ! You can also find the link right here under Lupton Links!

Just as a preview here are a few new pictures to get you started!

This is the "lump of clay"......duh

These will be tree-hung birdhouses! I think they are really cute, so many variation possibilities and were fun to make! So fun that I made 8 in 2 days! My school vacation has been somewhat productive! Anyway, feel free to "mozy" on over to our new place and see the many stages of working clay. We will be featuring things like working, centering and throwing clay as well as handbuiding, firing and glazing! Also, please know that we really do appreciate any feedback that you can offer!

On a side note......Does anyone keep up with America's Next Top Model? Well, I try to but don't get much time....and don't ask me what would possess me to watch such a show because I have no clue! Anyway my point is last night was the season finale and "Bless it Lord, the winner is a plus - size model! I think it's about time us "not-skinny" girls get some recognition!

Grade Report!

2008-05-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

I got my grade report today.........

I cried!.......LOL

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

2008-05-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

Some new pictures....some old pictures! Are you ready for this?

Silly and serious!

We need to have a name that hair-do contest on some of these!

How many dorks can I fit into one picture? Only two here!

We love you Mom!

Raku Anyone?

2008-05-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know it sounds like some kind of sauce........but it's not! It's a fun, kinda scary but REALLY cool way to fire pottery! It's awesome and we love it! Read on to learn more!

Let's start from the top...well technically the raw clay would be the top so let's start somewhere in the middle, okay? This is a vase I threw a while back and it had yet to be bisque fired (first firing) until last week. It's Little Loafer's clay and a few stripes....simple, plain, no frills......well I have plans for this puppy!

We found out that our former instructor, John King was having a Raku firing as a part of the Rutherford County Art Hop Tour and it was open to everyone! YAH!!!!

Okay, back to my rambling....... below you'll find a picture of our kiln partially loaded.....it's sad to say this is all we had to fire at the time....but there's some really good stuff in there.....

So, we bisque fire this load and wait for it to cool...I didn't get any pictures of it after it was done but I didn't miss the best part of this journey.......

This is what we found at John's place.....alot of cars means alot of people! There were alot of people there to fire their pieces and some were there just to observe! Let's get to the good stuff shall we?

To the right is a picture of my plain and simple vase only it got uglier after I painted it with some raku glazes. I used a glaze called Red Glass and trimmed it with yellow! Cute huh? She's ready for the heat now.....oh yeah! Yep, there's nothing better then being slathered in nasty slim and thrown into a raging hot fire! Uh Huh, you heard me right, so let's get on with it!

I'm gonna throw in some extra pictures that aren't of my stuff because....because....well because they're cool! is that okay with you all.....Good.....on we go!

This is the raku kiln, it's very simple looking but man is it smoking hot! There are pieces of pottery inside that kiln and I'm glad I'm not them! The fire is fed by propane at the base of the bricks.....it's like a flame thrower and the men tend to love it!

That's my cousin Gerald back there in the green shirt and that's John King to the left. John's daughter, Kiowa built this kiln her senior year in college for a project, she is also a pottery instructor at the community college and they are both VERY talented potters!

On we go!

Wow, look at that! That's my piece with the stripes.....I'm getting ready to take it out! It's been in there for about 15 minutes and it is so extremely hot! You'll understand just how hot in a minute....those pieces are red for a reason! Let's see what happens next!

See, I moved my vase over to the "nest", which is shredded paper! And it immediately caught fire.....that's how hot it is!

The fire and oxygen is what helps the glaze make the awesome colors you'll see later!

It's flaming up real nice so it's time to cover it up!

It's covered up to put out the fire and allow it to cool slowly.....it's called reduction! I'm not sure about the chemical processes behind reduction but it works so that's all that matters right?

Okay so lets see the finished product and some other very interesting pieces that were fired today!

Awesome colors, right?

Okay let's see some more!

This is one of Gerald's many pieces....it turned out so well! The outside is beautiful but the inside turned the most awesome shade of aqua green!

Another one of Gerald's! This glaze is called Orange Peel! Very cool!

This is a piece that Gerald dipped in a white crackle glaze.....these are taken out of the kiln and set to the side. You have to blow on it until you hear it start to make little chinky noises then it is placed in the nest and covered! Those black lines are the crackle effect!
This is Mom's plate! it's in Red Glass also.....kinda neat huh? I see a fish, do you?
This belongs to a nice lady named Peggy! She used several different glazes on this one? Isn't it beautiful? Can you see the greenish colored lady bug on the bottom left? And it really is there, it's not just me!
This is my Aunt Diane's fish....I think it turned out fabulous! All those nice colors!

And last but not least, this Gerald's pitcher....he glazed in Alligator! It had alot of purples in it!

Note: Some of these pieces come out looking kinda dull but that's only because of the sooty residue that is left behind. Usually a good dip in some water gives them a nice shiny luster!

A little help here please.........

2008-05-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have any idea where I left this figure? I've been looking for it but I'm guessing that I misplaced it! If you happen to have any info on it's where abouts please let me know! And while you're at it, ask it where it's been hiding for so long!

Note : If you're wondering who that hunk of a man is next to me, that's my PawPaw! Ain't he darling?

Final Anantomy

2008-05-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

Well, Haley came home on Friday and I swear she has grown at least 2 inches! She is happy to be home and the boys were glad to see her......until she started taking up too much room on my lap. Hahaha! Jealous boys! We're trying to get back into the groove of things now....it may take some time! Good thing this semester is almost over! Speaking of school, as most of you know I took my final exam for Anatomy last night! And I actually feel very confident about it even though I was a nervous wreck for two weeks! It was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be and I studied like a mad woman....well at least I did yesterday. Somehow I do better under pressure! Anyway, I have one more class on Wednesday in which I have to do a presentation on conservation! And, I have to bring sesame chicken ( Thanks Again Becky) for our class project! After that I have 12 days off before I start summer classes!

Note: I got 98 on my group PowerPoint Presentation last week!