musings, ponderings & reflections

3 weeks from today....

2011-11-26T09:49:00.002-06:00

yep, 3 weeks from today the page turns and a new chapter begins.....

5 weeks....

2011-11-13T18:14:00.000-06:00

in 5 weeks..... a new adventure begins and a new chapter in my life....

Stay tuned....

another month along...

2011-10-31T21:29:00.000-05:00

wow. now it's been another month plus 4 days....

More changes have occurred and more are yet to come...

Changes are good right?

One Month later....

2011-09-27T18:24:00.000-05:00

Well I just noticed I posted one month ago today........Man how things can change in a month......

hiatus

2011-08-27T12:20:00.002-05:00

just going to take a hiatus from my life for a while....
I'll be back.

Trust

2011-08-19T11:38:00.002-05:00

Sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind, and trust.

Trust in God and trust in others....

*just saying*

The scraproom is now the office...

2011-08-02T14:21:00.000-05:00

So much for my sewing and scrapbooking room... it's been completely undone and redone.

The wall colors are Hemp on the top and ceiling. The ceiling is now a nice smooth ceiling with NO popcorn! That just may be my favorite part of the new room! The lower color is Crocodile. The stain on the baseboards and chair rail is Maple. It best matched the dark striations in the cherry wood floor.

We moved the ceiling fan from the living room into the office mainly because of the light situation, but also because the blades matched so well. The light is one of those new LED ones. There's not enough light to even consider it a night light! It's really pathetic, but we bought a nice lamp set and we don't usually use the overhead light in the office anyway. So now we have 4 lighting options!

Bruce came and put in the new plantation blinds. We chose the cherry wood that we used in the living room and dining area. They look nice and match very well!

Now we have a nice new room. If we could just get rid of that ugly old TV! It's on the list, but it's not in the budget yet to buy a flat panel TV. Eventually when we do it will be mounted just above there on the wall.

The last wall you can't see has a futon there for watching TV or incase we have a guest!
The next room will be tackled when I get back from Ruidoso. I hope this next one goes faster now that I have some experience!

Some of the reunion gang...

2011-08-02T13:21:00.000-05:00

Here's most of the gang with our honorary Buttery's... Judy and Allison. We surprised Robert and his daughters with a visit from Judy and her daughter. Robert's wife and Judy's mom were sisters so Judy and Allison are cousins on the other branch, but we've always thought of them as family too!

Buttery Reunion 2011

2011-08-02T13:17:00.000-05:00

Here's the whole gang that made it to Ruidoso, NM for the reunion. Let's see if I can make a list of people make sense....
Front and center is my aunt Edna.
Second row - cousin Jeffrey, daughters Hannah and Laura, cousin Beth, cousin Sarah, me, and my dad.
Third row - Beth's husband Jerry, Jeffrey's wife Nancy
Back row - Carolyn's husband Rick, cousin Carolyn, uncle Robert, cousin Cynthia, Cynthia's husband Karl
oh, and in Jerry's arms is Sam the dog. :)

5 cousins were missing - Edwin, Doug, David, Alice, and Laura

Can you tell this is the English side of my family? No Greta's or other Scandinavian names here...

such a slacker!

2011-07-31T18:42:00.002-05:00

I know I have been such a slacker...
I have been entertaining family, laying new floors and remodeling, and entertaining family again.
One more group to come visit at the cabin later in the week so I hope to use these next 4 days of peace and quiet in the cool mountain air to do some blogging and photo uploading. I have LOADs of photos to upload!

Just letting the peeps know I haven't fallen down the mountain!

The scrapbook room is no more....

2011-06-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

Well after a few days of light packing and a couple days of hard labor...
I have completely emptied the craft room and taken it down to the wall board.

carpet, pad and tack strip = out
nails, screws and wall anchors = out
baseboards and wall plates = out
cheap window blinds = out
ceiling popcorn = off!

one last sanding on the ceiling and more sweeping and cleaning and sweeping again... pick some paint...
then we'll be ready to paint, install the floors, have the new plantation blinds installed and put the trim back

I am contemplating... adding molding around the window. Nothing fancy, just a flat 1x3 maybe? give it a little polish to a blah window opening...maybe.

The biggest decision we have to make is what is this room going to be? We were clearing it out because it is supposed to be the baby room.... but Ken suggested making it the office and making the office the baby room. His basis for this? Once that room is through we can move the office in there and not have to empty the office into... well, that's just it. Where would we empty the office to remodel it? I think it makes sense.

There are two windows in the empty room... and one in the current office...
oh, I hate decisions!

Does anyone have any thoughts?

I am such a flogger...

2011-06-25T12:13:00.002-05:00

So, I am such a flogger.
What? You say?

I say flogger. I am a recent failure at maintaining my blog posts!
The end of school starting brewing up and I wound down.
It's not like I've had a shortage of things to pots, on the contrary and that's part of the problem! I've had too much ging on.

My previous 2 posts excluded, ia have been finishing up ARDs and paperwork for work, tearing carpet out of our house and starting to tear out the linoleum.
We are getting rid of the dirt harboring carpet and tear-easy carpet and going with a combination of tile and hard wood floors. Easier maintenance, longer lasting and hopefully better resell points here in a couple years.

follow up to yesterday's rollercoaster

2011-06-23T15:24:00.000-05:00

So here's my issue with the roller coaster we rode yesterday afternoon...

Yes, I was hurt.

Yes, I understand this wasn't our time. It wasn't our baby.

Yes, I understand that God has a plan for us and knows which baby will be ours.

But.

The more I thought about the whole turn of events the more upset I became for the birth mother.
One of the first things the adoption liaison said to me was that the birth mother picked out our profile a month ago.
Us. She chose us. Us!

She chose us, but didn't act on it by following through with the necessary paperwork until yesterday.

So in my head I am thinking she has thought about us for a month. How we would be the family she chooses to raise her baby. A month. She thought of us a month ago and felt in her heart that we were the right couple.

Then she has her baby, makes the commitment to place the baby for adoption and choses us only to have some entity to step in and tell her that her choice isn't good enough?
How dare they.
How dare they tell this birth mother that just because she has a certain race in her lineage, that only people of that race and Nation will be allowed to adopt this baby.
How dare they assign a 'special advocate' to find a family of the right race and member of its Nation and force this birth mother, who is making the decision of a lifetime, to limit her choices to their choices.

How dare they belittle her values and abilities to make a good choice for what she feels is best for this child.

How dare they strip her of her freedom to chose what is best for her baby.

I thought to myself... This would be like me choosing to give my baby up for adoption and finding the perfect family in France who I think will raise this child the way I would want them to be raised with the values I feel are important and coming to peace with my decision... only to have the United States government step in and tell me that because my baby has American blood the American government will assign a special advocate to make the determination of who can and will adopt my child.

I think that is what has upset me the most.

We will go on.
We will wait patiently.
We will survive.
And our baby will be chosen by God when the time is right.

I am sad that this birth mother's freedom and rights were infringed upon by an entity who thinks they know better.
Shame on you.

a roller coaster I don't necessarily want to ride again...

2011-06-22T10:09:00.000-05:00

I don't blog, or post on FB or talk much about our adoption saga. (yes, it is a saga)

I think mainly in part because I am fearful that everyone who reads about it is just one more person who has the potential of asking the dreaded question that defines the time: "How's the adoption going?"
It's an innocent enough question, but I am afraid it will cause me to think about how long it's taking,

Yesterday my friend was hanging out at my house for the day - her kids were on my side of town at a camp project and it was convenient and saved her from driving back and forth - to those who know where we live? I know it's not that far... but hey it's a good excuse to hang out!
anyway, I digress.

Yesterday she went to get some lunch and while she was gone I got the phone call. Yes. THE phone call from the adoption agency. Not the one we had expected though.
We had been expecting a phone call to say a birth mother has chosen us to go along with her on our journey of pregnancy, yada, yada, yada.

Nope.

I got THE phone call.

it went like this:

Adoption Lady(AL): Alison, how are you today?

Me: I am doing well, how are you?

AL: I am doing good. I have some news for you. I have a 'baby born' situation in Oklahoma.

Me: (*trying to contain my emotions so I can listen and take notes - I don't do this well) Really? Ok... (not really sure what to ask at this point)

AL: Well, the mom requested your profile a month ago, but didn't act on it. The baby was born yesterday and it's a boy. He's 4 lbs, 9oz. The mom didn't have any prenatal visits so we arent sure exactly when he was due. His projected due date was 7/6, but that's just based on her last menstrual cycle.

Me: ok, so he could be 2 weeks premature or none..

AL: exactly. He does have a mild cleft palate, but I don't know anything about it.

Me: Ok, is it palate or lip? Is he in NICU? Is he having any swallowing problems associated with it?

AL: No, he;s in the regular nursery. (insert more details about birth parents and family etc here)

Me: OK, so what do we need to do?

AL: Well, he's Caucasian-Hispanic. The birth mom has a little Cherokee in her as well.

ME: ok, that's is fine (our paperwork specified Caucasian or Caucasian-Hispanic only)

AL: So, can you leave for Oklahoma today?

Me: Uh, yes, if we need to (thinking, "don't I get time to talk to Ken?)

AL: well, you both need to come now, but only one has to stay. (insert more details here) You will need to plan to stay at least a week or two until ICPC clears you to take your baby home. (*our baby* )

Me: That wouldn't be a problem. Do I need to let you know now? Can I call Ken?

AL: yes, call Ken, talk to him. Make your decision and call me back. In the mean time I will get more medical information about the cleft and get the consent papers to release everything to you. The Cherokee Nation has been contacted so we will get their clearance and then move forward.

fast forward 10 minutes...

Me: Are you sitting down?

Ken: yes, I am at BWW getting lunch...

Me: we have a baby born and the birth mom picked us!

Ken: really?!?! what do we do?
(me filling in Ken)

Me: She's going to call us back....

Ken: I'll come home ASAP.

fast forward an hour or so... phone rings again... it's them....

Me: hello?

AL: ok, I got some more information about the Cherokee.

(Cherokee? What about the cleft?)

Me: ok? what do we need to know?

AL: Well, The tribe has intervened. I have never seen them intervene like this. The mom must be more Cherokee than she let on.

Me: (sitting in silence as she explains...)

AL: Well, They are assigning her a special caseworker. They are going to intervene to assure that the baby is adopted by someone who is registered Cherokee Nation....

Me: so what does that mean?

AL: Well, it means that we stop our process completely. Unless the Cherokee Nation drops it and we can begin again we will consider this the end of our process and you won't hear anything else about it.

Me: oh, ok... ... ... ...Thank you...
( I'm not even sure how the conversation ended....)

So.... back to the waiting.....

More on my 2 cents on this later....

A big scare

2011-04-16T11:52:00.000-05:00

So we had a big scare yesterday. We woke up to a smokey sky and the smell of wildfire in our neighborhood and it just declined from there.

A wildfire that started a few days earlier from lightning was growing quickly. The high winds and extremely low humidity had enraged this fire up to 66,000 acres. Then yesterday afternoon the wind shifted sending the now 42,000 acre wild fire straight for San Angelo!

The fire area was still about 10 miles away in mid afternoon, but by early evening measurements on the real time fire weather map indicated the closest and southernmost edge was only 6 miles from our house. To make matters even scarier the mandatory evacuation areas southern border was about 1/2 mile from our house! One of our worries was a mesquite scrub field just feet from our house that goes for several acres toward the direction of the fire.

So around dinner time we assessed and made a plan. Take the dogs to my dad's now so in case there's an evacuation we won't have to worry about them. The cat will go with us later wherever we go.
Done.
Second was to pack ready bags of all the necessities. Ken backed up the computer with all our personal fineness etc. Onto our external hard drive and I packed and pulled out the valuables that we couldn't replace. We packed the bare necessities and then as there was time I added to the pile.

We had our evacuation plan: go to Mike and Debbie's. We had other offers from generous friends to which we were very grateful for.

Around 11:30 PM things had calmed some. The winds seemed to be calming and the chatter online was calming down. We hopped in the truck and drove down to the end of the road of our neighborhood at the border of the evacuation zone. This is where earlier in the evening the SAFD and GAFB fire personnel had been stationed.

Now there were no fire truck waiting, no people. Only smoke and darkness. We pulled out onto why 2105 and looked arose the fields. From here we could see the fire's southernmost edge, the fiery edge. It's close we thought, but with the winds calming and shifting directions...and the lack of fire personnel there we felt a little bit like we were not in immediate danger. At least for now.

We decided to go home and get some sleep incase we had to evacuate in the middle of the night.

This morning we woke to sunny skies and surprisingly clear skies. Te winds seem to be from the south this morning blowing the fire back onto it's self. The evacuation orders for Quail Valley have been lifted and things seem to be starting off like a regular Saturday.

We've picked up our dogs from their overnight stay and visited with the neighbors. Everyone seems to be going about their day, delivering flower orders from the church, yard work, jazz festival... And for us some house work, yard work and dinner and cards with friends.

Ah, the simple things... There's something pleasing about just an average Saturday....

Update on the question for 20 in 10

2011-04-07T08:58:00.001-05:00

So, here's an update on my 20 pounds in 10 weeks quest I have been on.

In the second week I have now lost an additional 2.75 pounds!

I have really tried to not be late, no later than 7 pm. And I have also not had anything after 7 pm except for water.

I was a little worried in the last few days since I had not had time to check my weight, it has been such a crazy week that my meal schedule has been off. I was trying to eat a really good breakfast and a really good lunch then have a very light dinner. But I ate out on monday and tuesday for dinner. This last night was choir practice at church and they had shrimp alfredo! I was good and should a good sized salad a little bit of green beans a few shrimp and just very few amount of noodles. On monday we ate at cheddars - I had the grilled chicken caesar salad with the dressing on the side, but I forgot to tell them no pasta. I do good and I did not eat it! Tuesday we went to our regular buffalo wild wings 4 dinner where I ordered a grilled chicken salad again with the dressing on the side.

Its those darn salad dressings and sauces that adds to people calories more than they realize. I saw a different 1 that said to get your fork in the salad dressing, then pick up your bike of salad. That way you insure an even distribution for every bite of your salads, with out drowning it in salad dressing.

When I weighed myself this morning and saw that despite my crazy schedule I had still maintain my quest, I was so excited and even more motivated than ever! Here's to completing my quest on time and looking forward to a nother great week ahead!!

( I am sure there are some typos in here as I am walking with my voice to text recognition. I will have to fix the errors later when I can sit down at my computer.)

blogged on the go from my android phone

yawn

2011-03-29T07:36:00.000-05:00

OH, it's going to be one of those weeks.
I have planned about 3 weeks worth of work in 5 days..
To top it off Ken left for the cabin yesterday.

Granted he is up there to get work done around the house, but still. He's in the mountain air, that has to count for something!

you know your're an addict when...

2011-03-23T14:00:00.002-05:00

when you get a quick one line email with some good information and you find your self searching for the "like" button.

Yep, I did that.

*sigh*

ME?

2011-03-22T18:19:00.000-05:00

Wanna know me? well, scan me!

shrinking myself...part 1

2011-03-21T19:56:00.000-05:00

I am on a 10 week quest to drop 20 pounds.

2 pounds a week. That's doable right?

I'm not doing a diet, nor Weight Watchers or any other plan. I'm not spending money at the gym or paying for any membership.

I am doing it the old fashioned way. Cut the calories, eat more veggies & better protein (and less of it at dinner) and nothing after 6:30. (except water, of which I am trying to drink more of anyway)

I was going for 6, but that's a little early for our schedule. So I am shooting for 6:30 or as close as I can get.

I had already cut down to 1 diet soda a day. Ken and I had already been trying to eat healthier in the evenings.

So to day is the day.
I hit the cut off mark at straight up 6:30. Let's see how this goes...

10 Mondays!

2011-03-21T11:39:00.001-05:00

10 Mondays left in this school year!

I know, that's it! And actually there are only 9 if you don't count today...

But today it is back to the grindstone with 3 ARD meetings...

*SIGH*

blogged on the go from my android phone

we have a video...

2011-03-20T20:05:00.000-05:00

the adoption agency we are using compiled a video to help market us..

sweet!

We think they did an awesome job...

First sighting

2011-03-17T15:15:00.001-05:00

The first sighting of a bluebonnet for the spring of 2011... in Bronte, TX.

blogged on the go from my android phone

St. Pat's

2011-03-17T11:59:00.002-05:00

it is on this day every year I discover I really don't have much green...especially Kelly green...

Spring Break ...

2011-03-16T12:04:00.001-05:00

Wow.

Spring Break is half over! And what have I done?

Today was my day to tackle laundry and pick up this pig sty of a house. I am slowly working on that, but I keep getting distracted. Earlier it was catching up on Words with Friends games... then I did a load of laundry... but then I got distracted by the birdies building a nest in a bird house my dad made. I have been waiting to get a photo of them in there and this morning was it!
So then I got distracted because I wanted to post it for my 365 Challenge post (see my crafty blog). but of course I had to do a little creative Photoshop to get the photo the way I wanted it.
So.. now, here I am.
I hear that the laundry is done again so it's time to go change it out.
Let's see how long I can stay focused!

I have got to get to the grocery store so we have sustenance rather than junk, which is pretty much all we have at this point. (And it's not even good junk!)

I have to do a little work today too at some point. My goal was to hurry up and get all this done so I could participate in the GYSO Challenge this week.. so far? it ain't happenin'.

And now it looks like we will finish our week with a quick weekend trip to our friend's farmhouse Friday night and Saturday. Which means we won't get home until Sunday - and then. Yep, you guessed it. Work on Monday!

Ack! I have just depressed myself beyond the point of being productive.
Why try? The week is shot.

wait, maybe a Coke Zero can give my the pick-me-up I need, maybe.

See I didn't even stay focused long enough to get off this post!

home sweet home...

2011-03-15T11:19:00.000-05:00

We've returned from another trip to our cabin in the woodsen...

This trip was a short one and relaxing one. We entertained Marq and Janelle for day on their way through to San Angelo and Nacagdoches for their vacation. We ate great food and saw cool sights, did some shopping and of course took them to our hangout to meet all of our friends at the Dreamcatcher.

There were a couple other highlights to this trip. We had a deer with a hole in her ear:

Then on Monday when we were packing up to head down, a single female deer came up and ate out of Ken's hand:

We switched places so I could feed her and she let me pet her while she was eating!

We entertained our group Sunday night with Bambi Bites appetizers followed by Sweet 'n' Smokey Pork Chops, Tossed Salad, and Mashed Potatoes and Gravy.

Ken's photo taking skills lack some when he's had a little to drink... his hat covered the flash.
It was only 9 holes of golf... Dave arrived a little on the toasty side and the rest of us caught up quickly. When you have a whole bottle of wine to your self things like this occur:

vay-cay

2011-03-10T20:46:00.001-06:00

well, we're off for a long weekend of vacation at the cabin.

This trip we're meeting Marquis & Janelle ...the newly engaged couple!

Can't wait to have a few days of mountain air to rejuvenate ourselves.
The rest of spring break will be devoted to work: work-work, nursing home work, paperwork, clean the garage work, clean the house...and lastly clean the backyard.
Wow. That's a lot of cleaning. I have to go rest now, I'm tired just typing all that.

Vacation

2011-03-08T21:16:00.000-06:00

I think I need a vacation to get ready for my vacation next week!

We are heading up to the cabin Thursday evening to meet Marquis and Janelle. This will be our first time together since they became engaged! We are happy they are spending a whole day and two nights with us before heading out on the rest of their vacation.

Ken's got the cabin all fixed up - he went up this past weekend and replaced our wall heater, checked the cabin for leaks and removed the trees that had fallen against the house so our insurance people would be happy.

Because we both have spent a couple weekends up there and we have a ton of things to do around our San Angelo home, we are going to come back on Monday. I am actually looking forward to having a few days for getting things done.

The first order of spring cleaning? The Christmas stuff that is still, sadly in our garage! It is a sad mess.
I hope to get the spring cleaning done quickly, like Tuesday or maybe Wednesday... because the rest of the week is crafting time! I have been seriously neglecting my scrapbooking and sewing. Well, not so much the sewing as I have made a few projects in the past few weeks and over our snow days, but scrapbooking is definitely neglected.

I may not even remember how to turn on my Cricut!
Much less my Gypsy! *gasp!*

Bandelier Bunch

2011-03-06T11:12:00.001-06:00

Friday night we had a mini reunion and dinner... Such a great time catching up with great friends and telling stories, reminiscing, and laughing, laughing, laughing!

Forgot to take a picture of my old house when I first got there so I had to try to take one at night while I was leaving... It didn't turn out so good.

The WOA has come to a close...

2011-03-06T09:50:00.000-06:00

The Week Of Alison has come to a close for the 2011 year.
It was an AWESOME WOA if I do say so myself!

In review this week was filled with lunches and dinners with family and friends, travels to exciting locations, laughter along the way, and reconnections with wonderful friends!

As this WOA came to a close I reflected on the many things I have to be thankful for in my life...
Thanks to everyone who helped make my WOA a huge success and a wonderful experience!

(Although I am sure that I am still only 21 and not a day over...surely I must be, because I don't feel any older!)

Day 7 of the WOA

2011-03-03T23:52:00.001-06:00

Day 7 was a success!

I scored TWO new dresses & paid $20 a piece. One was originally $50 & the other was $85!

We went to the rodeo & had a blast!

Now? Sleep.

For tomorrow brings day 8...

blogged on the go from my android phone

WOA day 5 comes to a close...

2011-03-01T22:39:00.000-06:00

As WOA day 5 comes to a close I would have to say all in all it was a great day. Worked at our coop office today with some great coworkers.
Got a sweet card from a friend.
Came home and the hubby was off earlier than expected so we went for a beverage and appetizer before picking up my dad and heading out toe Red Lobster for birthday dinner.

That has always been my go to spot for birthday meals. We never eat there!
We enjoyed a good meal and I got a little birthday card with some spending money.

Just in time for my trip! *grin*

It's the standard birthday tradition!

tomorrow: day 6 - ROAD trip!

just a WOA thought...

2011-03-01T11:19:00.000-06:00

I just had a thought.

I will be in Houston on my birthday (no I didn't just realize that) where I spent the 1st 13 birthdays of my life including the most important one...the first one!

Just a thought. I'm weird like that!

Day 5 of the WOA..

2011-03-01T07:29:00.000-06:00

I know that it will bring an awesome birthday dinner with the hubs and my dad. I think I want to go to Shogun...

Wondering what else it will bring...

The best birthday present would be an email or phone call from ANLC..... *hoping*

WOA - Day 4

2011-02-28T18:50:00.000-06:00

today on day 4 of the WOA - Monday.
One might think that the fact that it is Monday it would overshadow any potential WOA excitement.

Well, your wrong! :)

Had a really good day at work and got a little birthday gift from my dear friend Carolyn.

A new case for my sunglasses and some Bath and Body Stress Relief lotion in Vanilla Verbena....

Can't contain the excitement!

2011-02-27T21:50:00.000-06:00

In continuing with my WOA activities which also coincides with our annual state convention (TSHA).... we are taking a detour on the way there to go tour Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, TX...

What my car mates don't know is I am taking a second detour... Can't tell you now...

I am about to explode with excitement!!!

at long last...

2011-02-27T15:57:00.000-06:00

“And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”
--from William Wordsworth's poem ‘The Daffodils’

The first signs of spring in my garden ...
The daffodils have been popping up all over in the past few weeks, but today I noticed the first bud.

Ironically since today feels like a hot, windy day in August...

WOA -

2011-02-26T11:18:00.000-06:00

It is the Week of Alison...
Not to copy my friend B completely, I decided to have a WOA this year for my birthday.

The main reason I decided to was because I have a trip for work that will end on my birthday and will be having little birthday celebrations through out the week with friends and family because of my travels.

So, to kick it off I am claiming the Inaugural 1st Annual Birthday Luncheon as the official start!

Let's just say our waitress needs to keep her waitressing job and not pursue a career in photography.
She managed to take 4 pictures. None were great because she couldn't wait for us!
So here's our proof of our 1st annual luncheon.
Many laughs were had.
Many stories were told.
Much food was consumed and even a few adult beverages...

Oh, and you are probably wondering why this is the birthday group...?
Because we all have birthdays with in a a short period of each other... from L to R...
Feb 16th - Feb 25th - March 5th - Feb 13th.
I am the odd one out in March, but it's close!

West Texas Handbell Festival

2011-02-19T20:34:00.000-06:00

so our choir went to the West Texas Handbell Festival in Midland, TX today.

I came to the conclusion that I have too many bells to play! I had an entire octave G6-G7 to play!

Everyone learned a lot!

It was an early start and a long day, but we had a great time! Before I knew it it was over and... I only took 3 photos! I meant to get a shot of all the choirs in the room. There were 7 choirs all ringing together!

Can't wait to go back next year!

Can anyone say Entitlements?

2011-02-18T12:21:00.000-06:00

Let me start this post by saying I will be right there to help someone in need. Notice I said need.

I feel that charity is an essential part of a civilized people. We help those who cannot help themselves.

But when those who are in need are there, not because they cannot help themselves, but because they aren't helping themselves, then I take issue.

Case in point:
I know of a family who has 2 children under the age of 5 and a 3rd on the way where neither parent brings in any income. None, zippo, zilch, nada. They are not handicapped or incapacitated in anyway that would prevent them from acquiring work. The father of this family has had odd jobs in the past, but they never last. Mostly due to poor work ethics and attendance.
The mother of this family, for the nearly 3 years I have know them, has not held a job outside the home.

This year they filed their Income Tax Return. I know what you are thinking... what Income Tax? Well the emphasis is actually on the Return.
And a hefty one it was. $7000!

I haev NO idea how one comes into this position... literally. It baffles me. I mean $7000? really?

Because they knew this was coming their way somehow, they plan ahead. Decide that since no one is helping them out now, they will just find a new place to live.

Oh, and did I mention they are currently WAY behind on their rent?

So what do you do when your household budget is nill and you ow several months rent and you have no immediate potential imcome?

Well, you buy a house of course!

What! you say?

Why? you ask?

Why not?

Why not put $1500 down on a home and move?

I know all of you silly sensible people are wondering how they plan to maintin the monthly payments. I too wondered that. My answer? I have no idea. Mainly because my brain doesn't operate or compute like that.

Which brings me to my title... and the term entitlements.

When entitlements are supporting people so much that they do not feel the need to help themselves we have a problem!

Our society has created a more than one generation of entitlelists.

We have an issue. How do we turn our society around?

happy Valentine's!

2011-02-14T10:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all our family, friends, & loved ones!

i spent the weekend skiing in Ruidoso & now will head back to San Angelo to spend Valentine's with my sweetheart!

Spicy & Cheesy Vegetable Soup

2011-02-03T21:31:00.002-06:00

This is my version of the cheesy vegetable soup I had at Side Oats Cafe & Bakery in Menard, TX.

It'is very thick and rich!

1/2 med. yellow onion (diced)
2-3 large carrots (diced)
4-5 mushrooms (diced)
small crown of broccoli (roughly chopped)
2 C chicken stock
5 T butter
4 T flour
12 oz Mexican Velveeta (cubed)
3 1/2 C milk
1-2 T chili powder
1-2 t cayenne powder
salt & pepper to taste

In a large sauce pot melt 2 T butter over medium heat. Add onions and saute until translucent. Add diced carrot and all of the chicken stock. Add chicken stock if it does not cover the carrots and onions completely. Simmer until carrots are tender. Stir in mushrooms. Lay broccoli on top and cover to steam. When the broccoli is just tender remove pot from heat.

In a large soup pot melt remaining 3 T of butter and add 4 T of flour. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add milk. Slowly bring to a boil over med-high heat, stirring until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to stir. As mixture begins to thicken, stir in cubed cheese until melted. Gently stir in vegetables. Add chili, cayenne and salt & pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and let it stand to thicken before serving.

Snow Day # 3..

2011-02-03T13:05:00.000-06:00

I can't remember the last time we had this much cold and this much snowing for this long of a time!
We have been below freezing since Monday night.
Currently it's 17.

*Brrrr*

So far we haven't hit any temperatures below zero.    But it didn't stop the 12 pack of diet Dr Pepper that I forgot about in my trunk from making slushies.... Oops.

I did venture out this AM to the dentist to see about my molar I broke the cusp off of on Tuesday. They suggest a partial crown. Good News, is it's not hurting and did not break off enough to hit the pulp: Bad News, my insurance only covers 1/2.   They cover 80% on a filling, and only 50% on major work. So my portion... would be $440.
*yikes*

Then I headed out on the highway toward Menard.
I made it to Eden.

And let me tell you it is no Garden of Eden today. The roads are still really icy.   There were parts where there were just two tracks and the tracks didn't even stay in one lane!
I decided in Eden to turn around and go home. I am sure I could have made it on to Menard, but the snow was coming down and blowing so hard I was afraid that it would accumulate on the road and I wouldn't be able to see the tracks in a few hours when I wanted to get home.
So after a careful return trip and a quick trip in to Walmart to stock up... I am home.

We'll see what tomorrow brings. I need to go to Eldorado. Who knows if that will happen or not.
I'll add a picture of us in front of our fire place in a while after my battery recharges for my camera....

Snow day #2

2011-02-02T11:24:00.001-06:00

Well, here I am at home with snow day number 2...

The dogs are being lazy in front of the fire.

And Jack has convinced Lilly he needs his ears cleaned.

And it's 15 degrees out side with no end in sight .....

blogged on the go from my android phone

How the time flies...

2011-01-24T10:10:00.000-06:00

Apparently I was recently abducted and have just returned to the mother planet.
What else could explain my 2 month hiatus from the blog.
Looking back, my last post was regarding Thanksgiving and our cancelled trip to Cali.

Since then we spent about a week of Christmas vacation at our cabin where I got some needed skiing time in.   (needed because I missed skiing and needed because I needed to get my money's worth out of my annual ski pass).

I have also spent A LOT of time at my dad's house going through my grandmother's sewing room.
Somewhere back in the late 50's I think, maybe earlier my grandparents added a sewing room on to the back of the house. This room was accessible through 'the boys room', aka my old bedroom. I never went in there much... for several reasons **which is a subject I will address below & in the future.

So I have decided (with Ken's instance and my reluctance) that I have to pack up my sewing & crafting room to make way for baby Barton.   Because I have been in a creative mood recently I wasn't too keen on 'packing it away' out of reach/use.

Let's move it to dad's!

The idea is much easier that the actual task.

Did I mention my grandmother was an avid, and I mean avid seamstress. She could make *anything* and I mean that literally.    Here's a short list:

tating
cross stitch
embroidery
rug making
sewing of all kinds with all fabrics
some lace
creating her own patterns
hand quilting
applique

And she was an avid collector of fabric, notions and sundries.
The result of the depression? possibly. The result of an Illinois/Oklahoma pioneer upbringing? possibly.
Either way - she didn't miss a scrap. EVERYTHING had a purpose or a repurpose.

**So now on to what I eluded to earlier when I said I would address it below and in the future.
Because this blog is meant to be about our family adventures for family and friends to read and share, I have been toying with the idea of a second blog (which actually would be a 4th because I started two for the upcoming family reunions next summer, but I digress).

I envision this blog being all about creation. I will not limit it to one craft, but plan to cover all my crafting:

sewing
scrapbooking
stained glass
jewelry
cooking
photography

sort of the six facets of my creativity..

which brings me to the place I am now, and am stuck with now... the name of the blog.... I am looking for suggestions.

Any thoughts?

Thanksgiving reflections...

2010-11-25T19:44:00.000-06:00

We celebrated a quiet Thanksgiving day with a rather non-traditional menu.
We ate apricot and cranberry stuffed pork loin, roasted sweet potatoes, green beans and for dessert?
A creamy two layer cheesecake with a gingersnap and walnut crust. The top layer was a pumpkin spice layer... mmmmMMMMMmmmm!

Thanksgiving was as I said quiet at home in San Angelo with my dad.

While I am sad that we didn't get to take our week long trip to California to see Ken's family because of our A/C going out I am thankful for being able to call them today and hear everyone's voices.
I hope to get together with them soon! We're just too far away.

Because of the A/C going out we also decided to not go to the cabin. Skiing opened today at Ski Apache and I am sure they are all thankful that it started snowing today!

As I mentioned in my previous post I am thankful for past 10 years I had with Oscars...so thankful that he brought joy into my life.

I am sure our dogs are thankful this evening for their new heater in their new insulated dog house that Ken built. Especially on the first really cold night of the season... brrrr!

One final thing we are thankful for this year is the hurdles we have overcome to get one step closer to adopting. We have completed our home study and have submitted the first sets of photos and dear birthmom letters for the marketing sites...and now we wait.

So tonight as you sit in your living rooms gathered with your families I hope you too are thankful for as many things as we are............

Ode to Oscar

2010-11-24T18:51:00.000-06:00

Oscar has been gone for 13 days. I am pretty sure he has gone on to take a dirt bath in the big soft dirt spot in the sky...
Oscar had several aliases:

Oscars
Oscar J Kittystone
Oscar, Kitty Vato, El Senior Gato
Okser (thanks to Bing)
Oscars Kitty

My morning routine will not be the same with out Oscar jumping onto the counter for his morning brushing, drink of fresh water from the sink and then curling up in the sink for a nap. It wasn't just the sink pictured above. It was all sinks. He loved sinks.

On chilly mornings he liked to come in to be low dried.   Yes, I said blow dried.
I think his tolerance for this came from being blow dried after 1) falling into the pond and a young kitty and 2) falling into the bubble bath again, as a young kitty.

He wasn't a sissy kitty though, don't get me wrong. Just because he liked to be pampered in the morning did not mean he couldn't live up to the El Senior Gato, head of the Mimosa Kitty Mafia, tough guy image.   He ruled the labs. 3 labs, all terrified, bowed to him and moved aside to make way for the king.

It wasn't just sinks that he loved to nap in. He slept in the dryer...once.   I was changing the laundry and I guess he liked the warmth of the dryer and ...I came back, threw the laundry in, and ... He never mewed a word when I tossed the clothes in on top of him! Well I turned it on and two turns later I hear ka-thud, ka-thud. I fling open the dryer and there he was... with a little peeved look on his face.. oops.

I have pictures of him sleeping in baskets, scrapboook bags, plenty of sinks as I mentioned before, and even the bed, on his back with a hanger hanging off his back leg.

He was always a tolerant kitty. He let the girls dress him up in baby doll clothes and let them carry him around in a basket covered with a baby doll blanket.

He even went to the vet the first few years of his life in the basket.

He was an inquisitive kitty. I know. What kitty isn't? He never minded helping me to clean out the car or even hopping in the Vette to move it across the street. Yep, the loud Vette.

He had his near mishaps because of his inquisitive nature... He once got trapped in the back neighbors trap and had to be rescued in a 6 AM kitty-recon rescue mission.

Oscar was nearly a barn kitty... We had just adopted Whiskers and the neighbor boy walked up with this tabby about 1 year old. He asked if it was our kitty. We said no. Then he proceeded to put the kitty down and tell us to watch over him because he was going out of town for the weekend and his mom said he couldn't keep him.
We weren't going to name him. He was going to go live a life of mousing on the farm... Well maybe next weekend... or next week... Maybe Oscar will go next weekend... darn. We named him. He's ours. And what a great kitty he was!!!

He had 11 years of good quality kitty life on this Earth....

His best kitty friend Whiskers went on ahead of him and probably greeted him in kitty heaven, along with Purry Murry...

Rest in peace Oscar....

wow... it's been a week!

2010-10-30T20:37:00.000-05:00

I would like to know where the time goes...

All of a sudden it's been a week since my last post!

Busy week: ...what'd I do? I've already forgotten!

Oh, well.
The Rangers are playing their first World Series Game ever in the Ballpark and I've spent ALL day cleaning and organizing our cabinets and rooms to try to be better prepared for our home study next Saturday.
I think I have enough done that I won't have to kill my self next week. I do have Friday afternoon and all day Saturday...

He will be here from Ft Worth at 5 next week!

Yikes! That's just around the corner!
And I have to finish our photo collection
And we have to finish our write ups for our profiles.
And...sadly Ken's computer crashed completely yesterday and... our questionnaire was on there...
Time to start over. Drat.

A much needed get away...

2010-10-23T19:28:00.001-05:00

It was short, but oh, so sweet.

And it wasn't so much that I needed to get away as it was I needed to get to...

A quick overnight trip to see Meagan.

Got to Saginaw just before 1/2 time & just in time to see her perform with the Pure Gold dance team & to spend the 3rd quarter with her.

Then today it was a trip in the pouring down rain to Sam Moon. Good thing we had the nav map because it was a typical trip....we took the wrong exit!

It worked out well though as we ended up right on the street we needed!

Then lunch @ BJs followed by pedicures and catching up.

I now have orange & black zebra toes and a new cross * ear rings!

blogged on the go from my android phone

Today is the day...

2010-10-05T09:09:00.001-05:00

Today is the day that we officially begin our quest for adoption.

Up until today we have been gathering information & paperwork. Oh, the paperwork!

But today, our first packets of paperwork revealing every detail of our lives goes overnight to the ANLC...along with a pretty hefty check.

Today IS the day.

blogged on the go from my android phone

ABC's of Me...

2010-09-25T20:29:00.002-05:00

I am doing an ABC's of me layout. This is not going to be a moment in time LO, but rather a mixture of my whole life:

Alison – my first name adapted from my mother, grandmother and great -grandmother's names. I was actually named mostly after my great-grandmother, Alice Adell Maddox Hoss. My grandmother and mother were Dorothy Alice Hoss Buttery and Dorothy Alice Buttery Olson, respectively. My mother decided to modernize it and I already had a cousin named Alice.
Barton – the name I took when I married Ken!
Creating – I am always creating- stained glass, painting, scrapbooking, making jewelry, sewing, Photoshop graphics and photo editing, and most of all usually a mess!
Diet Dr. Pepper – my favorite soft drink!
Eclectic – I have a very eclectic taste; in clothes, décor, styles.
Friendly - I love my friends! I have friends all over and who share so many different interests. I have never been a small group of friends person, that’s for sure!
Girl Scouts – I was a member of Girl Scouts from Brownies all the way through Senior Scouts where I earned my Gold Award. I am currently a lifetime member.
Horses – I always loved horses as a kid. In college I rode actively with the San Angelo Saddle Club and had a horse named Zach.
Ice Cream – what else is there to say, it is the perfect food! I am an ice cream purist though, I don’t want ‘stuff’ in my ice cream detracting from the rich creaminess.
Journaling - I journal in my scrapbooks, on my blog and of course on Facebook!
Keeper – off all the family heritage, photos, and antiques… This is what happens when you are the only daughter of the only daughter…
Laptop – since my first laptop, I have thought I could never go back to a desktop!
Music – I love music! I love rock music, Texas country and so many other styles. I play many instruments and love to sing!
Norwegian – I am of Norwegian heritage on my dad’s side and attended camp as a teenager to learn of the culture and language. I have spent two summers over there.
Olson – my maiden name, not very common here in Texas…
Pets – I have had dogs and cats since I was born. Right now we have two labs; Lily and Jack and two cats; Oscar and Cleopatra (aka Sissy Kitty)
Quilts – I am fortunate as the keeper of things to have been blessed with hand pieced, hand stitched quilts that were made by my grandmother and my great-grandmother. I have some unfinished ones too…
Ruidoso – we are fortunate to have a second home in the mountains of Lincoln National Forest, in Ruidoso. We love our cabin and all of our mountain friends.
Speech Language Pathologist – I went back to school for my master’s, graduated in 2005 and am now an SLP!
Teacher – I was a classroom teacher in Kindergarten, Prekindergarten and Special Education for 12 years before becoming an SLP
Urban Cowgirl - I was born and raised in Houston, but there’s definitely a little cowgirl in me!
Volkswagen – I am currently driving a 2002 silver VW Passat… good thing since I drive a lot for work!
Writer – I have always dreamed of writing and illustrating my own young children’s books…someday…
eXperiment – I love to experiment in the kitchen and create new recipes!
Young at heart – I do not feel like I am 40 years old! My motto has always been you are as young as you feel and I truly believe that.
ZzzZZzz – I have always loved a good nap!

Looking back – It was amazing to me that some of the common letters were the hardest to come up with.

butterflies - part II

2010-09-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

Second page to the butterfly layout. Not sure which page will go left or right side yet...

I used another 1/3 of the transparency from Creative Imagination that I bought years ago. I did some distressing on the yellow butterfly wings which included:

A double layer butterfly that I chalked the top layer and distressed the top layer. The head is a brad, mainly to hold the two parts together while I was chalking and distressing it with the water. The little black butterflies are just secured down the center with glue and then they have black Stickles on the bodies, as does the yellow butterfly antennae. The mat paper is distressed to match the paper on the previous page. this transparency is affixed with small yellow eyelets - on the other page I used larger black eyelets since it was on yellow paper.
Again the title is Tear Drop Cricut font - regular letters at 2" for the yellow and shadow 2" for the black..

butterflies - part I

2010-09-25T08:15:00.000-05:00

A layout I started last night and finished the hidden journaling this morning...
These butterflies were everywhere! I love these photos I took and actually have larger versions hanging in frames in our bedroom. I even caught a little bug walking on the butterflies that I didn't know was there until I printed.

the hidden journaling - this journaling card doesn't have a stop and will come all the way out - but I made the card pretty long and the text stops about 1/2 way down. The flower is partially hidden when it is tucked away; just enough to let you know there's something back there.

I did some paper distressing using two shades of yellow. I couldn't distress where the transparency was because it made it hard to read the text. All but one of the flowers has been chalked to match the shade of yellow-orange.

Part II will have two more shots of butterflies from a separate hike - it will have the big title "butterflies" since I will have more room. I also have the other 2/3 of the transparency that I would like to use, but I am not sure how to incorporate yet. It will be built on a white background for contrast.

Tranquility ...

2010-09-24T20:42:00.002-05:00

I snapped this shot while under the Monjeau Fire Lookout Tower on Monjeau peak in the Lincoln National Forest.

This tower is built out of rock from the peak and was built by the WPA back about 1940.

I am going to do the facing page using a sage green background with the floral & striped paper again. Not sure what photos I am going to use yet - also not sure if I'm going to use another black & white photo or colored.

I think the paper is some left over CTMH paper - the title was cut from the Teardrop Cricut cartridge.
blogged on the go from my android phone

Mexican Canyon Trestle

2010-09-24T20:41:00.002-05:00

This is the facing page of the Tranquility page...
I didn't really like the photo of me so I disguised the frumpyness in my shirt, and me... by creating a fabric covered frame.
I had a square one, but it didn't fit the picture. So I used the circle cutter and covered it with some cream linen.
blogged on the go from my android phone

adoption update

2010-09-24T15:52:00.000-05:00

so we didn't have our 2nd conference call last night, but we did sit down together and make some decisions together.
We originally said we wanted to be gender specific because we both really want a girl, but after talking about it we decided our main priority was a healthy baby. So we have decided to not pay the $5800 extra and possibly extend our match time just to be gender specific.
I also rounded up all the paperwork we are going to need to turn in...birth certificates, marriage licenses etc.
Now all we have to do is fill out our paperwork for the ANLC...
with out making mistakes... they won't accept it with erasures, white out marks, or cross outs! yikes!
Guess I'll make and extra copy to practice first!

post poned...

2010-09-23T19:20:00.000-05:00

well drat.

Our second conference call was to be this evening, but they just called and Jennifer, our contact, has gone home sick.
So we will have to reschedule.

That happens, I know, but I was really looking forward to taking the next step.

hmmm.*sigh*

my heart aches...

2010-09-02T21:46:00.001-05:00

tonight my heart is aching for all of my friends who lost a dear friend suddenly, tragically and way too much before her time.

Shannon Austin Coad was so obviously loved by her friends and her family. My heart is aching for her husband and her two boys that I know were the joy of her life.

I can't know their pain and there are not words to relieve their pain... all I can do is pray for them to heal with peace in their hearts...

taking the first step...

2010-08-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

Today we too the first actual step toward adopting.
We, or actually I, have been culling through website after website trying to find one agency who is a good fit with us.
We have ruled several places out and emailed a few possibilities.
Yesterday we heard back from a couple places and today I spoke to Kate.
Such a positive first impression. I really think this might be the agency for us.

We have a conference call next Tuesday with who quite possible could be our case manager, Jennifer.... I can't wait!

first week in review...

2010-08-27T19:58:00.000-05:00

We have come to the end of the first week of the 2010-11 school year.

So far it's been a great year!   This year starts my 4th year in my current job and I think the best one. One of the parts that will make the start to this year one of the best is that I have all of the same schools from last year. I sort of feel like I can just pick up where I left off in May... or in June as is the case.

We had no staff turn overs either!   That makes a huge difference as well. Everyone has their same jobs. So not only do I not have to familiarize myself with a new campus, or get to know new teachers, administrators, or even children. I don't have to find my way through a maze of someone else's paperwork or decipher and interpret what the previous SLP had in mind when she wrote the IEP goals and objectives and proposed the amount of time she did.

I have started the year on schedule. Not quite ahead of schedule, but definitely on schedule.   A good way to begin. Now, lets hope this trend continues for the entirety of the 2010-11 school year.

blogged on the go from my android phone

People watching and other news...

2010-08-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

So we went to check out one of the newer music scenes in San Angelo last night...

3 blonde girls hanging out at the House of Fi-Fi DuBois listening to The Divas. The most interesting part?
People watching.

Oh, Man. The People. The weird and strange people.

The Divas were good and their music style fit the surroundings of the retro living room lounge feel. The opening act...well it was a guy who played guitar. he played a couple slower lounge style songs and then... he branched out: to some political spoken rant with a little guitar background. It was loud and obnoxious.
So obnoxious, one of the owners, while trying to hear my order, stopped and said "What IS that noise?"...
The Divas joined him for the next song and then just took over. Thankfully.

He did stick around and provide some entertainment. He danced with several ladies. And I use the word 'danced' loosely... very loosely.
Then there was the Charo wanna-be. She decided to put on a side show during a Spanish influenced number and danced around like a flamenco dancer in her shorts and heels...interesting.

Then there was the table of ladies. Well, they were just entertaining.

All in all it was a great GNO (Girls Night Out)!
We will have to do it again real soon!

School Year 2010-11

2010-08-18T07:43:00.000-05:00

Part I

Well, the year is off to a great start! We have survived the obligatory fiscal and financial meetings where we find out how much of the money they are paying us we have to pay back... insurance, taxes, etc.
Since insurance went up (again) I am now looking into buying a Medicine Man from some 3rd world country for Ken's insurance...

Other than that news we did get some fabulous news! We had no turn overs in staff at our coop!
That means we are all keeping our same districts... that means I know all my kids, I know all my teachers, I know my administrators, and I know my way around! That's huge when you're in a job where you have to hit the ground running with no time to 'get your feet wet'.
For the rest of the week I will make the rounds to my districts: today, Eldorado; tomorrow, Bronte; Friday, Menard. Rocksprings has to wait until next Tuesday... just can't squeeze it in!

Monday? The kids descend upon us!
Let the games begin!

Hi-tech posting

2010-08-16T20:48:00.001-05:00

This is me posting from my android phone using my voice to text recognition!

The voice to text recognition is amazingly accurate!

I am thinking of the possibilities now. .. And they are endless.... now i can blog whenever I need to rant -

It's instant gratification for blogging!

blogged on the go from my android phone

the daily grind...

2010-08-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

Well, today it was back to the daily grind.

This morning was an extra early morning. Be in Menard by 8 AM!

Are you kidding me? Do you know how far I live from there?

The saving grace was that me and 3 of my favorite coworkers carpooled this morning.
Connie, Natalie and Audrey and I enjoyed our hour long commute and conversations! Friends can really make your day better!

We had to sit all morning and listen about federal and local legal policies, drug policies, fiscal data, PBMAS data, AEIS data, data... data...data.... then some news about... something... I don't really know, I think I zoned out for a while...

Tomorrow is our office meeting - lots of talk about special ed stuff... probably don't need to zone out for that meeting!

More tomorrow on preparing for the 2010-11 school year and what it might have in store for all the little ones of the area!

Reunions!

2010-08-14T15:09:00.000-05:00

Well next summer will be the summer of reunions!

I switched years with a cousin and am hosting the Mangney/Mangni Reunion the weekend after July 4th and then...

Well, let's just say I got carried away with the planning.
I planned a second reunion for later in the month for the Buttery side of the family!

Ok, so you are thinking "plan once, make them the same" - well that was my thought too.
The Mangney/Mangni reunion is an easy one. We have an established format we have been using for years. Thursday through Monday and everyone is pretty much on their own for their breakfast, lunch and day activities. We gather for dinner and catching up every evening. We are an easy going bunch and like a wide variety of food styles and the easier the better. So, that reunion, easy as pie.

The second reunion, I decided to model after the first. The trouble is... We've never had a reunion. Well, I take that back. There's rumors of a reunion when I was a little girl. I just don't really remember it.
I hope that this side of my family enjoys the format of the Mangney/Mangni reunion!

We'll see, I guess!

Ruidoso Nostalgia...

2010-07-24T13:10:00.002-05:00

I was trying to find an image for a blog post for our family reunion site and ran across this tidbit of nostalgia....

A new endeavor...

2010-05-18T21:34:00.001-05:00

I think I want to embark on a new endeavour.

I have been giving a lot of thought to a new blog. I want this blog to be different than my personal ramblings I write now.
I want this blog, because the amount of content and varied categories, to be more streamlined and professional.

...

more to to come...
just know it will hinge on that. word 'professional'... :)

nearly there...

2010-05-18T18:37:00.003-05:00

So I am nearly there... nearly to the end of another school year.
The 2009-2010 school year... wow. It always seemed so far off in the distance, 2010...

The time has flown this year over all. In some respects parts of the year drug on and I thought they would never end, but overall... it's flown.

Just a few more days on campuses to wrap up paperwork, a few days in the main office to wrap things up, then we're all off to Fredericksburg for some relaxation and trainings...

Then!

It's off to the cabin - and that means posts and photos about hiking and sight seeing around Lincoln County, New Mexico....
I can't wait!

I hope you can't either!

the newest technology on the block

2010-05-16T16:15:00.001-05:00

or at least in our house!

On Friday Ken & I stoppen in our local Verizon store... and about ann hour we walked out with 2 new Motorola Droid phones.
They are having a BOGO free offer & well we couldnt resist...
at this point I'm not sure if I should share with Ken the fact that I am posting from my phone! He'll be posting to his Kenservative.com blog at all sorts of random times!

Well I have wasted away enough of this fine sunday playing with technology... now it's time to commune with nature...

A Sunday in Spring...

2010-04-25T12:02:00.002-05:00

The windows are open.

The house is quiet except for the birds and the dreaming dogs laying in the middle of the floor.

The cat's are not visible as I am sure they are cat napping in some little nook.

The laundry has stopped and for just a moment I sit and relish in the peace and solitude.

The husband is at the cabin with friends.

The daffodils have nearly finished blooming (there are a few late bloomers).

The Texas Giant Hibiscus is growing by leaps and bounds.

And the seeds I planted the other day have sprouted!

Just another fine Sunday in Spring on Mimosa Drive....

I think I'll go make some iced tea....
oh, and change out the laundry... so much for the peace and quiet.

if we all knew then...

2010-04-21T19:43:00.003-05:00

what we all know now....

well, we probably wouldn't be who we are today.

I know, I am not trying to come up with some profound revelation or anything. I am just commenting. A friend had an article published today that this saying fits just perfectly.

I mean really. How many of us would be the same people we are today that we imagined our selves to be if everything we imagined went as we planned when we were 20?

I wouldn't.....

Growing up, my parents, mainly my mom, by word and example taught me school first.
Not only school first, but that college was just what you did after finishing high school. So, as I had been destined to do, I went through college with all of the typical college challenges: changing majors, changing boys, changing activities and basically just changing me. Changing me to find myself and who I was.
I had a plan, don't get me wrong. I'm just not the type of person who makes a plan and gets all bent out of shape when it doesn't work out. I have always been an 'adjust the plan' kind of person.
My plan was a two option plan: (yes, I had options)

option 1: graduate and move to a more lush and less desert-like climate, land a fabulous teaching job near a major University and pursue a masters degree, then find the man of my dreams, etc. etc. etc. settle down and have kids by 30.

option 2: graduate and land a fabulous teaching job, meet the man of my dreams, the future father for potential children, etc. etc. etc. settle down and have kids by 30.

Notice in both of those plans I have everything in order and children by 30.

You know what they say about the best laid plans...

they oft go awry.

And awry they went.

So, let's skip all the dribble and messiness in between then and now.

Skip forward and here we are in the year 2010.... 2010!
yikes how'd I get here!

The year 2010 was like a fairy land somewhere far-far off in the distance.
Some dreamland unimaginable where I turned 40!

40??? yes, 40.
And here I am, 40.

let's reevaluate those plans...

option 1: out the window because I set a personal time-line for myself. I would give it up if it was two weeks or less before school started that year. 3 days after my deadline and one day after accepting a job... I got the call. two in fact. They (Caldwell ISD near Bryan/CS) offered me my choice of 3 positions....
hmmm, where would I be now.

option 2: out the window because while I did land a great job and thought the rest was just going to fall in line.... it didn't.

So.

Here I am. Happily married to someone who completely understands the first few lines of my post as well as anyone one could and... that's it.
Don't get me wrong. We have a great marriage and two beautiful homes and so many friends and family that fill our lives.

As far as having a child. Nothing yet.
Funny, because in all my planning for as far back as I can remember into childhood I vowed to not follow in my Mother's foot steps. I was not going to be that mom that had career first and then family. Not gonna do it.
hhm.
plans....

so much for making them.....

One of my new favorites:

2010-04-11T19:40:00.003-05:00

Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes have quickly risen to the top of my favorite side dishes.

Here's the recipe:

2 medium raw sweet potatoes
1/2 medium yellow onion
1 clove garlic
1 tsp salt & pepper to taste
1/2 -1 tsp chili powder to taste
4 Tbs olive oil
3 Tbs butter

Preheat oven to 325.
Pre-bake a sweet potato in the microwave; 1 medium ~ 2min on high. You aren't trying to cook it, just get it started so it doesn't take so long to roast and make it easier to peel and dice.

Peel and dice the sweet potato into bite size pieces. Finely dice onion. Press garlic clove through garlic press, or use garlic powder.
Toss potato, onion, and garlic together with olive oil. Spread out on cookie sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle salt & pepper and chili powder as desired. Add dabs of butter around on top of sweet potato.
Bake 30-45 min. in oven until potatoes are tender and edges start browning. Stir at least once while baking.

Let me know what you think!

Great Friday

2010-04-02T14:37:00.002-05:00

So, today is Good Friday.
The day is beautiful & the weather is beautiful.

I have accomplished so much today! I have nearly finished the laundry, finished 98% of the grocery shopping for the week (I forgot the cream cheese for Sunday's carrot cake), finished the prep work for the finger foods for card night tonight, pulled a few weeds in the front yard, finished mending Ken's shorts, and I am now sewing on my new shirt for spring.

I need to make a priority to work on the front flower bed tomorrow. It is time.

Oscar, the cat, has helped me with all my tasks today...well, with the exception of the laundry.. He chose to take a nap during this activity.

Well, I am not getting things done by blogging about it....

Time to finish my shirt and then hit the shower before the company comes!

Another State Conference....Another Success

2010-03-29T21:33:00.002-05:00

Well we have passed the point in our year of attending our state conference... Texas Speech Hearing-Language Association... TSHA.

This year our conference was in Fort Worth - over 4 days last week.
I had quite a bit of work associated with the conference this year. I started on Wednesday with a 3 hour evening meeting that included a lovely dinner provided by the hotel we were meeting in.
Then Thursday I presented a full day with a friend from El Paso. We presented on Speech Language Eligibility with Mental Retardation, Multiple Severe Disabilities, and Autism. Let's just say we were exhausted! But alas, we were not through yet! We followed that up with yet another meeting! This time only two hours...and no dinner.
My roomies and friends did wait for me and then we walked over to the Sundance Square area and ate at a great restaurant called Simply Fondue.... Way, Way expensive but OH so much fun and WAY too much food!
To top it off.... they were having 1/2 price martinis and they have an entire page of martini selections. My two: a lemon creme pie to begin with, followed by a raspberry lemondrop martini.
Both were DELISH! I also sipped on a few of the other selections that others bought... I tried a key lime pie, Hypnotic, and a tropical one of some sort that I can't remember the name... No, it is not because I had too many!

Friday continued with some sessions in the afternoon. I was lucky enough to take the morning easy and not have to be any where until I met everyone in the restaurant in our hotel. We all enjoyed some great Thai food and then I took in a couple afternoon sessions. During the mid-afternoon chocolate break ... I won a new workbook and interactive computer game! It was valued at $99!
Friday evening brought a new adventure.... I met up with Cathy, my best friend from elementary school for dinner. We went to dinner with the other girls at Daddy Jack's Seafood in Sundance Square. Cathy enjoyed catching up and we all enjoyed great seafood!

I can't wait to do some more catching up with Cathy. I have really missed her over the years and have thought of her often.

Saturday was a rushed morning to get checked out and get over to the exhibit hall in time for the final drawings for prizes. No matter how much we plan and think we are really prepared for check out there is always a sense of rushing!
We made it in time to help Kathryn get everything she wanted from a booth that was going to offer everything 1/2 off at 11:30.... it was a race! and we were off..... my focus was a large assessment kit that retails at $449! .... I got it! All in all she got everything she was needing to help her contracting practice.

We stopped in for a bite at Corner Bakery and then we hit the road!

Next stop - Home Sweet Home!

(a great trip!)

it is over and I have returned to reality...

2010-03-21T14:07:00.003-05:00

Spring Break is over.
I know what you are thinking... get out an enjoy your last day - it really ends tomorrow AM... well, I beg to differ.
I have so many things to do to get ready to go back to work!
Luckily the laundry is done.

I made the obligatory trip to Walmart earlier...

I don't know who coined the phrase "lazy Sunday afternoon" because the only thing it applies to are the people strolling through the aisles at Walmart taking up the entire lane and then looking at you like you are in their way when you say excuse me to pass!!!

**And I think one even muttered something nasty under their breath at me! C'mon - you can't say it out loud so your kids can hear the kind of person you are?!? Trust me. They're learning plenty from your actions!!!

(ok, I'm done and the blood pressure is returning to normal).. *breathe* *breathe*

I survived and got the venison chili on the stove to cook the rest of the afternoon.
Now I think I will scrapbook for a bit before taking Bing to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D in a while....

an oh, so needed break...

2010-03-11T20:44:00.003-06:00

An OH, so needed break is on the brink!

This has been a whirlwind year and a new adventure in learning how to manage not only my time, but my time while supervising an assistant.

And did I mention this is done while juggling myself between 4 towns?

Whew. I am tired just typing that.

I really have enjoyed traveling to Rocksprings - which is a short 127 miles from my house. No, really, I have. I have enjoyed getting to know the hearing impaired kiddo I am working with. He's a great kid.. no, a fabulous kid, who has had more than his fair share thrown at him in the last 9 months or more.

I have really enjoyed the challenges I have in Menard. Two in particular have kept me busy, but the successes we've had with their therapy has been amazing to me!

I have really enjoyed the supervision aspect and taking care of the assessments and reports. No, really, I have.

I have really enjoyed getting to have a documentation day at home every once in a while. It has been a while since I took advantage of one, but when I do, they are very much needed.

So, all in all, I have enjoyed my year.
BUT.
I desperately need a break.

I can't wait for the 1/2 day of school tomorrow and cards with friends tomorrow night. Then, come Saturday AM we are off to the cabin for 6 days of hanging out with our Ruidoso friends and doing some skiing!

What a weekend!

2010-03-08T20:55:00.004-06:00

What a great weekend!
This past weekend was our spring scrapbook retreat to Covered Bridge Inn in Weatherford.

We had a fabulous trip that started off with a little added drama, that thankfully ended safe and well. Seemed like we'd never get there... but after a pit stop in Mineral Wells, we finally did!

We left on Thursday at lunch and enjoyed a great weekend of relaxing , shopping, scrapping, eating, and a whole lot of laughing!
Did I mention a lot of laughing!?!?

I got some great deals out shopping and did a record 18 12x12 pages! I was working on our Ruidoso album to keep at the cabin. I think I took 130 photos and scrapped just over 1/2. Really a feat for me!
I usually get side tracked when we go to Cat's scrapboook store in Mineral Wells and buy a mini-album and spend my weekend working on that and not completing anything I brought to work on.

I will post photos of the layouts soon... when I recover from the weekend... right now? I need sleep... lots of sleep.

Round II....? make that II B

2010-02-19T07:06:00.001-06:00

Well Round II's plan looks like it will not pan out as thought. (without too much detail_)We are exploring some other options in the same area....
I know that we will find the option that is the one for us...
I just don't feel as confident as that statement above make it sound...

Round II

2010-02-11T18:56:00.002-06:00

Well, we are ready for Round II - after a failed IVF cycle we are ready to go for a second round. This time though the round will be an IUI cycle.
I have a conference call with Dr. Kathy on Wednesday to plan and project some dates...
I am so excited and yet nervous at the same time!

We have decided to go two rounds of IUI if necessary.... then it's get serious about adoption time.
I really hope to not have to get to that point... but if it's God's way...we will embrace it.

Welcome to 2010!

2010-01-12T14:29:00.002-06:00

We have hit the ground running in West Central Texas!

Vacation is over and it's back to work... and work is just as crazy as it was at the end of 2009...

Like I thought things would be different or something!

Looking forward to the next 353 days of this year there are so many projects to do this year at both our homes! I sure hope we can accomplish them all with success!

Here's to everyone's 2010 and a successful and fulfilling year!

Snowing again!

2009-12-29T11:12:00.003-06:00

well... it's snowing again! It has covered all the tracks of vehicles on the road below us and is still coming down!
It's so peaceful and silent when it's snowing...

The Dreamcatcher Gang...

2009-12-24T09:15:00.005-06:00

Brrrr! Baby it's cold outside!
We braved the elements and met the gang down at Dreamcatcher's. The guys hung out at the bar....And the girls hung out in the other room...
I think they lost count of how many Sake shots they had in the boys room...Eventually we all ended up in the bar area... it was cozy!
Then Ken made us a snow angel when we finally got back up to our place...Brrrrrrr! -
As I am adding these photos from last night the thermometer reads about 21. So not much of a warm up yet!

Oh so close...

2009-12-22T13:22:00.004-06:00

This little guy is Alvin because he is just as mischievous as the chipmunk. He was just so sure he needed to eat straight from the bowl. Trouble was he thought the 6 does shouldn't share. So every time he got close the girls started moving closer and he had to be the little buck he is and chase them off. Today we have had 6 or 7 does, Alvin the little young buck, the big 8 point buck we call Scratch and this little yearling we haven't named yet. She's so fluffy! Here's a close up of Scratch.Maybe later today or tomorrow I'll have some takers on eating from the bowl!

a whole 'nother world

2009-12-20T16:58:00.002-06:00

Of course it's all Christmas-y here in the mountains and there's snow up on the mountain, but not really much down in town. And not really much int he upper canyon.. that is until you pass the second bridge!
Then it's like a winter wonderland!
We have snow and ice everywhere. Including the 100 yds of road up to, in front of, and down from our cabin.
Requiring us to use the chains. Not fun when you are only 20 yards or so from your cabin.
We have got to get a 4WD! did realize how much I'd missing having 4WD until now when we need it!
Just put the new deer block out and some yummy corn. Hopefully the big 8 point (or so) buck will meander back this way later and bring some of his buddies for a little early Christmas snack!
There will of course be photos...
Until then I am off to finish decorating and deciding where to hang the skis we brought up.

ready for a break -

2009-12-17T19:50:00.001-06:00

I am ready, but the stuff is not.
I am ready for a 2 week vacation in the mountains, but the stuff..... well not so much. We still have packing. And before packing comes planning. I hate planning the packing.

Just sayin'.

Big Dilemma...

2009-12-12T10:15:00.003-06:00

I cannot believe there is only one week of school left before Christmas Break!
Since I am not in the classroom anymore I guess it just sneaks up on me.

I am not involved in decorating, or Christmas crafts, masses of excited children, or wrapping up semester grades while in the room with a classroom full of over-excited cabin-fevered children...
Just the everyday ARDs, assessments, reports and progress notes to get ready.

On top of Christmas sneaking up on me this year.... I have bought very little in the way of Christmas Presents. I do mean very little.

My dilemma is that we are having Christmas dinner at our house tomorrow with my Dad. He's leaving for a 3 week trip on Wednesday. And as you can guess his present is one of the mass amounts I have NOT purchased.
Ok, before you start judging... it is not for a lack of thought. I have given it plenty of thought.

But what do you get a person who literally has everything he needs and isn't a frivolous person who likes 'stuff'.
Yeah, I don't know either.

So that is my dilemma. I have tried to think of things he might need on his trip. nothing.
I have tried to think of things he might need around the house. nothing.
I have tried to think of things he might want.... nothing.

He is the sort of person who would be very happy with coming to our house for dinner and the handmade card I will give him, but I am not the kind of person who would not be stressed about it, oh, I don't know, forever.

Ugh.
Off to go figure something out.

another post on why I like working where I do...

2009-12-04T19:53:00.004-06:00

So I am going to work yesterday and notice a man at the fence of the B and C store at the Menard County line. He is out of his car taking pictures of the elk that are only 10 fee or so from the fence.

On the way home I noticed they were about 30 yards or so away... I had my camera of course... so I turned around and stopped...
It was about 4 o'clock and oooh soooo cold!
I waded through the tall road side grass to the fence and started taking photos.
Apparently elk are nosy creatures. This big fella started meandering over to the fence.
They had to look back to the guy who drove in... who knows. Maybe they have treats?
Nope. They'd rather see what I have....
These guys were huge! And very nosy and suprisingly friendly.
So friendly they were convinced I had brought them treats. A few licks of my hand though and they quickly realized I had nothing.
Both of the nosy elk liked my hand and then went about their grass eating.

I guess I have to come bearing gifts next time.... anyone know what elk consider to be treats?

Part of the Feast...

2009-11-28T20:19:00.005-06:00

Well apparently I don't think straight when I am hungry. I managed to take a couple photos and that was it. I snapped a photo of the Mesquite Smoked Turkey that we did just as Ken was carving it. After this photo was taken he went to pull the drumstick off and the bone just came out clean! It was a super moist turkey! It was even more special because I served it on one of my Grandmother's Turkey Platters! Then I got a shot of the Stuffed Acorn Squash before I put them in the oven to finish. That's it. Nothing else. Not the Pecan Encrusted Sweet Potato Balls. Not the Rosemary Rolls. Not the Green Bean Casserole. (not that that is anything different). And not the Raspberry Creme Brulee!

That sums up our Thanksgiving at our house.
Then to top it off we had Thanksgiving at our friends and had a fabulous meal - and where was my camera you ask?
Good question.
The answer is not with me! I had left it back at our cabin all the way across town!

Oh well, there's always next Thanksgiving I guess!

Thanksgiving Menu #2

2009-11-24T18:23:00.004-06:00

Well the menu for Thanksgiving #2 with my Dad is a little twist on traditional.

The Thanksgiving FEAST #1 was very traditional with way, way too much food. I really mean it! There were 2 whole huge turkeys and a ham! Plus all the sides and fixin's! And the desserts? Oh, the desserts! Debbie's great upside-down pumpkin cake, pumpkin pies (of course) and my personal fav. - buttermilk pie! And we can't forget Debbie's daughter's homemade Oreo bon-bons! mmm!

So now on to Feast #2:
We are having it a day early so we can take in a long weekend at the cabin.

We will be having Mesquite Smoked Turkey w/ giblet gravy & cranberry sauce, Stuffed Acorn Squash, Pecan Encrusted Sweet Potato Balls, Green Bean Casserole, and for dessert we will have Raspberry Creme Brulee.

Ok, so we're having one really traditional dish, but hey Green Bean Casserole was always my favorite!

Recipes and photos to follow!

Halloween 2009~

2009-11-01T09:06:00.004-06:00

The Great PumpkinThe Count
We make a fearsome couple....

Traci the Biker Chick

The Hillbilly Potentates entertained...

'til the pigs showed up and busted the joint...

And Bruce the walking Whoopie Cushion stole Mae West's wig...

No photos of Lynn as Mae West.....

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Mid-town Trick-or-Treat

2009-10-31T11:25:00.003-05:00

The fire outside was warm... After school the Trick-or Treaters lined the streets and went from store to store in their best costumes!

Traci handed out candy... CJ handed out more candy... And everyone had a great time! Here's a couple of the cutest costumes from the evening....

Now for the adult costume party tonight!

Can you guess what I'm going to be? Or what Ken is going to be?

Brrrr!

2009-10-30T11:16:00.000-05:00

Brrrrr! It's 18 degrees out there!
With two good snow falls this season so far there is quite a bit of snow up on our property. Between 4-5 inches! Thankfully our friends were nice enough to come up to the cabin and turn on our heater so it was nice and toasty when we arrived Thursday night. Nothing like getting in late and wanting to crawl in bed and having to wait for the chill to get out of the house!

Our road... thought we'd never get up it last night! Probably could have used the chains, but we didn't have them!

No birdie visitors right now...

We had a sparkling morning!

And Ken worked hard to get the stairs cleared off... I stayed inside and took pictures. :)

Ahhhh.

2009-10-30T00:37:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's taken us so long to get back up here... Even on the way out the door I was thinking, "Man, we could really do some things around here this weekend if we weren't going"...

But now that I am here I am thinking it took us to long to get back! I missed our friends up here!
Almost all of them met us tonight when we got in. A couple of them came up to our house and turned our heater on so it was toasty warm when we got here.. it was so nice of them!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them tonight and will surely not get enough time with them this weekend. It will be hard to leave again on Sunday, I'm sure.

We'll be back in 20+days though.... we can handle that. right?

When we go here we knew there had been a couple days of snow... but not like this! They had 13" as of Wednesday AM on the mountain and then it snowed all day today! There is 3-4 inches on our porch stairs/railings and they got another load on the mountain! Looks like skiiing is going to be great this year!

Pictures to come in the morning... whenever I wake up! no rush of course!

Good Samaritan in Eden, Texas

2009-10-27T22:08:00.005-05:00

I was on my way to work today. Work which was taking me to Menard, TX.

I stopped briefly to get some go-go-juice in Eden, Tx. A town of about 2500 E/SE of San Angelo.

I scanned my gas card and no workie. I go in to the cashier to pay with the bank card which NEVER works at the pump(that's a subject for another post) and hand the card to the lady who scans it and says no problem, go full up.
Something inside me tells me I should only put in $10. So, I do.
Well, $10.01 to be exact.
Darn pump.

Anyway, I digress.

I return inside to sign the ticket and.... nothing. She scans it again... it says "call for verification"
What? Call for what?
Are you kidding me?
Fine.

Call already.

She calls, enters ALL the information and... nothing. So she repeats. Nothing.

By this point the sinking feeling has set in and I am running through my head all the possible reasons and outcomes of this situation. Did the DH pay the bill? How could I be out of money I just got paid last week! etc. etc.

So she says it isn't declining the card, it just says "card type invalid". Card type? invalid? really?

So I hand her my regular credit card.
She swipes. Nothing. no response.
There's that darn sinking feeling again. panic sets in..

I realize I have pumped $10.01 in gas and have no working card , no check book on me, and only $8 in cash on me.
Great, I am going to be held ransom for $2.01!

She determines that it must be with her computer system and calls Chevron. THey walk her thorugh the typical sequence that mimics us consumers calling the satelite or cable company...
have you unplugged any wires on accident?
have you checked the connection at the back of the computer?
are you sure it isn't taking any card?

really? they need to ask this? oh, brother!

So after unplugging and replugging several wires at the register and in back the link behind me was accumulating early morning coffee drinkers and the machine was beeping incessantly for people waiting to fill at the pump.

The man behind me, who only wanted to buy a coffee was polite and nice and making conversation to laugh me through this situation - mind you I was about ready to slink away to pretend this had never happend. I felt so bad that all these people wanted to be on their merry-morning way with their coffee's and snacks and here they were waiting on me. Well, not me, but the computer with my bill.

Finally the nice man behind me asks if I work in Eden and after explaining my situation he explains that he will leave the $2 that I am short and that he could just stop in and pay him back when I got a chance. He explained that he was the owner of the Eden Echo, the local newspaper.
I assured him he wasn't going to have to do that and that surely she'd be back in a minute and have it working in no time.

yeah, right.

So he digs out enought money to cover his coffee and $2 to cover my gas and leaves it on the counter as he gets the clerks attention... you know small town, he of course knew her name.

She tells me she'll get it figured out and that I was good to go. She appologized several times and I was on my way.

Thanks completely to the good samaritan who paid the difference for my gas.

I will be back through there next Wednesday and will stop in the Eden Echo to repay him. I hope to come up with a idea of somthing in addition to the $2 that I owe him. I really owe him more than that.

I really love working in the small towns of West Texas.....

Cheaper Wall Art

2009-10-27T22:07:00.001-05:00

I just realized that I posted the the O's were 75¢ a piece... they were 75¢ all together! They were only 25¢ a piece!

That's even cheaper wall art!

Super Cheap Wall Art!

2009-10-24T15:35:00.003-05:00

What to do with 3 metal wall initials...O's, that were 75¢ a piece at Kirklands'....
One of those buys that you just can't pass up...
Well here's an idea!

Here's one of the O's:

I used the cardboard from the back of one of the O's display boxes and cut 3 ovals that match the inner oval with an edge to adhere to the back of the O:Used 1 12x12 piece of textured white paper that has a floral scroll that is similar to the cut out scroll work and 2 pieces of 8/5x11 black paper that I cut out the words imagine, dream, and inspire with the Home Accents Cricut cartridge. Then I mounted the ovals behind the centers of the O's and added a little scrolling:And hung them in the living room....

For some reason they dont look so straigt in the photo, but they are...
I figure I am out:

$2.25 - 3 metal O's
$0.80 - 12x12 white paper
$0.15 - 2 - 8.5x11 black paper

a little glue, a little time...

great wall art for a total of a little over $3.20!

I AM still here!

2009-10-17T11:00:00.002-05:00

I have not been a good blogger as of late.

I really need to make a more concerted effort to post.

The start of this year has been INSANE to say the least.

More to come.

ugh!

2009-09-14T21:07:00.002-05:00

I am definitely NOT going to say I am an expert at any subject in my field. Did you get that... I am NOT an expert.

Having said that I think there are others who should admit to this fact as well. I am tired of undoing the damage of others...
I am tired of inheriting kids who have been identified incorrectly, or at the least inheriting kids whose parents have been told their kid possibly has some wierd rare disorder or disability.

This makes double the work for our team. Not only do we have to do our job, but we have to double our efforts and undo the 'damage' done. The 'damage' done to the parents psyche while thinking their children have some dibilitating disorder and the worry and wonder of what the future holds for their precious little one.

Just saying. Don't talk out of your league people! Don't talk.

the trip the the gym that shouldn't have been

2009-09-01T19:23:00.002-05:00

Apparently I should have just stayed home on my butt on the couch instead of going to the gym.

To begin with and a big part of the problem might be attributed to the time I chose to go. I forgot my bag so I had to come home this afternoon before going to the gym. BIG, HUGE mistake! It is not advised to come home and sit on the couch before going to going to the gym.

So after deciding to take the leap I arrive to find the parking lot FULL of cars and kids in little football pads everywhere!
I pull into a space on the street next to a large dually/dooley diesel pick up (another topic for another post!) that is running with people in it. Thinking they are on their way out, i park and go on my way. *more on this later in the post

I notice that the gym has great new machines! Awesome!
Then I realize I am so out of sync with this gym thing that I a) forgot my cell phone b)forgot my MP3 player and c) wore the wrong socks.
*fine* on to the workout.
First the treadmill - not too hard since I have been walking with our friend Mountain Dave at an inhumane pace up and down mountains at 7000+ feet in elevation all summer. Not so true. I have to chose the only open machine that has a little tiny lady and her personal trainer who's joking around with her and pushing her harder and harder. At first I thought "ooh, I'll take advantage of his encouragement" yeah, that lasted like 4 mintues.
So I did 25 mintues on there and thought... ok, let's try the eliptical....

*bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha*

(that's the sound I should have heard coming from the machine... but NOOOooo I couldn't hear it over the encouraging words of the personal trainer still ringing in my ears!

So I think. It's a machine. I am smarter than the machine. I can do this. Really, I can!
Probably Not.
I am a TOTAL dork when it comes to this aparatus!!!!
I watched the people infront of the treadmills for 25 mintues so surely I have figured out their rythm ... surely.
I get on. I think I want to go backwards. that's what I think. What actually happens is that I go backwards for like 3 revolutions. Then before I know it I am going forward!!!! What?!? That's not what I wanted. OK> start over. Think *go backwards, go backwards*.... go backwards.... yeah right. for like 4 revolutions!
OK, maybe that is a higher level skill and I need to go forward 1st.
Going forward.......
then the machine is blinking at me to push a button to start. So I stop to push the button and it starts flashing at me that I should go faster!!! Go Faster?!? seriously? ey-yi-yi....
Try again. Going forward. ... .... ....
what?!? now I am going up and down and not around! and I bounced out of sync all over! GREAT!
This is NOT for me.
I don't get it! I mean I thought I was a fairly coordinated person! I took dance from the time I was little.. and did ballet until I was on toe. I took twirling and changed to color guard when I discovered you could twirl so much more than a little tiny metal rod with two rubber stoppers! I did that up until... well recently since I was still giving clinics and choreographing just a few years ago!
so coordination, I did not think was my enemy. Apparently I was w.r.o.n.g.

So I finished the time today on the bike. oh, so much easier.
whew!

I walk back to the car which is a workout in itself across the street. The closer I get I begin to notice that the truck that was there when I got there is still there and still running. And apparently while I was in there getting healthy they were sitting in their truck polluting themselves and the air around my car! The cigarette smoke was so strong outside and around my car -ok, not so shocking, but you can imagine the shock when I get in my car and realize it stinks IN MY CAR!!!! which has been closed with NO windows open! blech! BLECH!!!!

Head home. (thankfully the A/C ridded the car of the stinch quickly)
I am toodling down Chadbourne in the downtown area.... there is no one behind me for a couple blocks (because they are ALL at the gym!). There is an older truck heading toward me and just as I get in the same block as he is he decides to pull to the right and make a U-Turn right in front of me!!!!
What? he couldn't wait the 6.3 seconds it would have taken me to pass?!?!?!
Then after slamming on the brakes and laying on the horn, which I barely even know where it is, he doesn't even complete the U-turn because he wants to PARK!!! Meanwhile I am still sitting in the middle of the road honking - he is.... O.B.L.I.V.I.O.U.S. - Oblivious!

So I came home. Ah, much safer here. No uncoordinated couch sitting here!

Tomorrow....no elliptical. period.
(No, I don't care what you say, no elliptical!)

The Barton Baby Project

2009-08-21T21:56:00.003-05:00

Well after saving for a few months we have come to the conclusion that with the slow down in the economy, and hence our self owned/run business, we are not making the progress we needed to toward our $5000 goal to pursue Embryo Adoption.

Earlier this year Ken and I went through and IVF cycle to just over $17,000. We flew through our savings. Quickly. We considered the options of saving for a second IVF cycle, but the Dr.s could not pinpoint the reason for the cycle failure and therefore cannot increase our odds of it working a second time. A second option (and much more attainable) is Embryo Adoption. It is much more cost friendly than full adoption and we have the benefit of carrying our child for the 9 months and experiencing the full parenting experinece from begining to new beginings!

We have some very good friends who are going to try to have a fundraiser for us. They had one successful fundraiser earlier in the summer that we helped with. The fundraiser raised money for a young couple who is trying to adopt. They have run through their options and are left with the very expensive, traditional adoption.

In the mean time and to help support their fundraiser a friend suggested I blog about our situation and add a donation button on my blog.

Let me just say up front. I am NOT a person who asks for support or money; from friends or especially family. As many of my friends will attest, I am usually a very private person and don't share the details of the trials and tribulations of my life with anyone. After listening to my husbands frustrations about this I decided that I could just 'put it out there' and see what happens.

So here it is... on the right you will see a "donate" button that will take you to our paypal site.

If you feel moved, click it.

If you do not, thank you for time in reading this post.

*gratefully yours*