Meme
Therese sent this to me a little while ago and here-finally-(I know it's what you've all been dying for) it is!
What time is your alarm clock set to? It isn't! My dear husband wakes me up most mornings around 6:30.
What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Kindness--at least I look to see if it's present!
Do you think people talk about you behind your back? I hope not!
What movie do you know every line to? Christmas Vacation
What is your favorite movie? I like so many, I don't think I have one favorite
Is anyone in love with you? Yes
Do you eat breakfast daily? Yes
Do you sleep on your side, stomach or back? Somehow, I always start to sleep on my side/stomach and often end up on my back--go figure
Who was the last person to make you mad? I can't remember. Probably someone I don't know very well.
Are you a lover or a fighter? Ask around. I am a stubborn, stick-it-out-to-the-end fighter. While I don't relish confrontation, I bristle at injustice
Are you a morning or evening person? Evening.
Are you a cuddler? Yes
Are you a perfectionist? Dysfunctionally so
Have you ever wrote a poem? Yes
Do you have more guy or girl friends? Girls
Piercings? Just my ears and I almost always wear the earrings the Captain gave me one Christmas long ago.
Do you have a tattoo? No
Are you patient? Depends on the situation.
Do you miss anyone right now? All my friends and family not nearby
Tea or coffee? Either one as long as it's decaf
Regularly burn incense? Only for special occasions--and usually my altar-serving Boy is in charge of the actual burning
Ever been in love? Yes.
Best room for a fireplace? I love the fireplace in our great room, but in my opinion, the more fireplaces the better.
What do you do when you're sad or upset? Cry, pout, stamp my feet, throw things, any number of mature behaviors...why, what do YOU do???
Afraid of heights? Deathly.
Can you change the oil in your car? Unfortunately not
Favorite flower? Roses
Favorite hangout? The Village Grind or Dawn's house for coffee
Middle name? Theresa
Most romantic sounding language? I love the sounds of all languages--even the regional accents in the US.
Ever been overseas? Twice. Once when we lived in Germany and once to Ireland for our honeymoon.
Anyone else want to play? Leave a note in the comments and let us know so we can read your answers, too! Thanks, Therese. This was fun!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Just Because
Just because the schools out East will force my poor little sis to continue working until after the summer solstice--how inhumane! and...
Just because my little girl "graduated" from preschool yesterday and...
Just because the big girls are finished with school today and...
Just because The Boy checks out next week. (Admittedly, if we're being honest he's checked out several weeks ago) next week and...
Just because the repressed school teacher trapped in my body is dying to get out and dance around for the joy of school's end and...
Just because this is too funny not to share.
Just because the schools out East will force my poor little sis to continue working until after the summer solstice--how inhumane! and...
Just because my little girl "graduated" from preschool yesterday and...
Just because the big girls are finished with school today and...
Just because The Boy checks out next week. (Admittedly, if we're being honest he's checked out several weeks ago) next week and...
Just because the repressed school teacher trapped in my body is dying to get out and dance around for the joy of school's end and...
Just because this is too funny not to share.
Jeff Foxworthy on Educators
YOU might be a school employee if you believe the playground should be equipped with a Ritalin salt lick.
YOU might be a school employee if you want to slap the next person who says, "Must be nice to work 8 to 3:30 and have summers off.
YOU might be a school employee if it is difficult to name your own child because there's no name you can come up with that doesn't bring high blood pressure as it is uttered.
YOU might be a school employee if you can tell it's a full moon or if it going to rain, snow, hail....anything!!! Without ever looking outside.
YOU might be a school employee if you believe, "shallow gene pool" should have its own box on a report card.
YOU might be a school employee if you believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says, "Boy, the kids sure are mellow today."
YOU might be a school employee if when out in public, you feel the urge to snap your fingers at children you do not know and correct their behavior.
YOU might be a school employee if you have no social life between August and June.
YOU might be a school employee if you think people should have a government permit before being allowed to reproduce.
YOU might be a school employee if you wonder how some parents MANAGED to reproduce.
YOU might be a school employee if you laugh uncontrollably when people refer to the staff room as the "lounge."
YOU might be a school employee if you encourage an obnoxious parent to check into charter schools or home schooling and are willing to donate the UHAUL boxes should they decided to move out of district.
YOU might be a school employee if you think caffeine should be available in intravenous form.
YOU might be a school employee if you can't imagine how the ACLU could think that covering your students chair with Velcro and then requiring uniforms made out of the corresponding Velcro could ever be misunderstood by the public.
YOU might be a school employee if meeting a child's parent instantly answers this question, "Why is this kid like this?"
YOU might be a school employee if you would choose a mammogram over a parent conference
YOU might be a school employee if you think someone should invent antibacterial pencils and crayons...and desks and chairs for that matter!
YOU might be a school employee if the words “I have college debt for this?” have ever come out of your mouth.
YOU might be a school employee if you know how many days, minutes, and seconds are left in the school year!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Simply Lovely!
If you've never visited Suzanne of the Blueberry Cottage, do make a point to stop by and see her today. She's running the Make Your House a Home Challenge this month and she's sure to inspire you (I know she did me!) In addition to this challenge, while you're over there, she has a wonderful collection of recipes for natural cleaning. I know a while back SC Mom (Barb) did a terrific post on homemade laundry soap ( If you have that link, Barb, I'd love to post it here, too.)
All these simple things (and a few clever ladies who've emailed me) got me thinking...what if we put together a *Frugal Carnival* of sorts? You know, to showcase not only the cost-savings aspects, but also the beauty that simplicity affords.
We could aim to put something together for later this month. If you have a blog, you can simply post the information at your place and we'll come visit. If you don't have one, you can email me (patjrsmom at yahoo dot com) or leave a note with your tip in the combox and we'll include your tips as well.
What do you think?
If you've never visited Suzanne of the Blueberry Cottage, do make a point to stop by and see her today. She's running the Make Your House a Home Challenge this month and she's sure to inspire you (I know she did me!) In addition to this challenge, while you're over there, she has a wonderful collection of recipes for natural cleaning. I know a while back SC Mom (Barb) did a terrific post on homemade laundry soap ( If you have that link, Barb, I'd love to post it here, too.)
All these simple things (and a few clever ladies who've emailed me) got me thinking...what if we put together a *Frugal Carnival* of sorts? You know, to showcase not only the cost-savings aspects, but also the beauty that simplicity affords.
We could aim to put something together for later this month. If you have a blog, you can simply post the information at your place and we'll come visit. If you don't have one, you can email me (patjrsmom at yahoo dot com) or leave a note with your tip in the combox and we'll include your tips as well.
What do you think?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Works for Me Wednesday!
When it comes to gardening, I am a complete poser. I have had a few minor gardening accomplishments during my married life, but I've been resting on those laurels for quite some time now. (In my defense, the nomadic tendency of the Ark does nothing to help my gardening quest.)
So, last night just after our final women's bible study (about which the Captain later asked, "Did you have a good bible study? Or (insert captivating husband smirk here) should I say did you have a good time visiting with Dawn? My answer? Yes and, of course, yes! Because what came out of that study is a clever little tip Dawn shared with me about gardening. (She, by the way, is the real deal when it comes to all things garden-related and tolerates my low garden IQ when I ask for help).
Complaining of pesky tomato-munching rabbit families in her neighborhood, she told me that the last straw was drawn when she went out to find one of her Sweet 100s crunched beyond recognition. Wanting to stop the free-lunch, she went searching for a simple tip to keep these pesky pilferers at bay. And she found one--GARLIC!
According to her, the only necessary equipment are bulbs of garlic. Just pop them open and plant the cloves along the perimeter of the garden to protect growing plants. Apparently, it repels the rabbits, who don't care for the smell or taste of garlic.
Go figure. And here I thought that Bunnicula story was a work of fiction.
Keeping gardens safe and sound? Works for Me!
For more Works for Me Wednesday, click here.
When it comes to gardening, I am a complete poser. I have had a few minor gardening accomplishments during my married life, but I've been resting on those laurels for quite some time now. (In my defense, the nomadic tendency of the Ark does nothing to help my gardening quest.)
So, last night just after our final women's bible study (about which the Captain later asked, "Did you have a good bible study? Or (insert captivating husband smirk here) should I say did you have a good time visiting with Dawn? My answer? Yes and, of course, yes! Because what came out of that study is a clever little tip Dawn shared with me about gardening. (She, by the way, is the real deal when it comes to all things garden-related and tolerates my low garden IQ when I ask for help).
Complaining of pesky tomato-munching rabbit families in her neighborhood, she told me that the last straw was drawn when she went out to find one of her Sweet 100s crunched beyond recognition. Wanting to stop the free-lunch, she went searching for a simple tip to keep these pesky pilferers at bay. And she found one--GARLIC!
According to her, the only necessary equipment are bulbs of garlic. Just pop them open and plant the cloves along the perimeter of the garden to protect growing plants. Apparently, it repels the rabbits, who don't care for the smell or taste of garlic.
Go figure. And here I thought that Bunnicula story was a work of fiction.
Keeping gardens safe and sound? Works for Me!
For more Works for Me Wednesday, click here.
Catholic Carnival 174
This week's Catholic Carnival is up at A Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars. Stop by and read from a variety of people who remembered the submission deadline on Memorial Day night (you'll notice yours truly was still basking in the glow of the weekend thinking it was Sunday all day...)
This week's Catholic Carnival is up at A Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars. Stop by and read from a variety of people who remembered the submission deadline on Memorial Day night (you'll notice yours truly was still basking in the glow of the weekend thinking it was Sunday all day...)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Short Answer
Okay, so that title will go down in history as the most inappropriate ever, but the worldly wise among us know that the Irish "gift of the gab" isn't just a clever name.
Back to the question at hand--what in the world was I doing here this weekend?
The real reason--and this I can say without question--is that only God knows for sure. And as your detail-obsessed, fellow sojourner I can also say for certain that He's not telling. But His spirit is moving around here and if there's one thing I do know, it's to follow His lead wherever it may go; working against it leads to (feel free to select the analogy of your choice) the unsatisfying equivalent of swimming upstream with lead in your boots--or trying to finish the laundry once and for all.
So, there are many questions being asked, much discernment happening, and tons of prayers being lifted on the Ark. And by God's grace, there will soon be some answers.
Okay, so that title will go down in history as the most inappropriate ever, but the worldly wise among us know that the Irish "gift of the gab" isn't just a clever name.
Back to the question at hand--what in the world was I doing here this weekend?
The real reason--and this I can say without question--is that only God knows for sure. And as your detail-obsessed, fellow sojourner I can also say for certain that He's not telling. But His spirit is moving around here and if there's one thing I do know, it's to follow His lead wherever it may go; working against it leads to (feel free to select the analogy of your choice) the unsatisfying equivalent of swimming upstream with lead in your boots--or trying to finish the laundry once and for all.
So, there are many questions being asked, much discernment happening, and tons of prayers being lifted on the Ark. And by God's grace, there will soon be some answers.
Monday, May 26, 2008
We Remember
In memory of the soldiers and families whose selfless sacrifice protects our freedom.
Want to do more? Check out ThankThem4:
So click on over and help them reach their goal of 50,000 tributes by Memorial Day.
By combining the powerful images of our beloved military men and women with your own photos, ThankThem4 provides everyone with a simple yet meaningful way to personally thank the troops for their tremendous sacrifices.
Just go to ThankThem4 to create and send your message of thanks. You can also embed your message on your blog or Web site. It only takes a few minutes and, remember, it’s FREE.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Joke's On Me
My children have taken to joke telling, especially the three youngest. Driving around in the car, it's not uncommon to hear quips such as, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" "Because he wanted to (insert absurd behavior for chickens of all kinds) rock and roll."
I'm not sure where the "rock and roll" ending comes from, but I can tell you, it packs a real punch for the intended audience, who roars with side-splitting laughter until the joke is told...again.
The new favorite genre of joke, however, is the knock-knock. I don't know what deranged person invented these insipid gags, but if I ever find them, I've got a few knock-knocks of my own to share with them.
Suffice to say, on one of our recent trips to (and/or from) school, someone turned on the open mic, and knock-knock time started. Pained from having answered what felt like a million (although, in fairness to the children, it may have only been 999,999) gags, I was ready--oh was I ever ready!--to pull the plug on the next comedienne who approached the stage. Except that the jokester on deck was celebrating her birthday, and I couldn't shoot down the birthday girl. So, I gripped the steering wheel a little more tightly as she called out:
"Mommy, mommy! Knock-knock!"
"Who's there?" came my pained reply.
"Olive, mommy, OLIVE!" she squealed.
"Olive, who?" I replied sheepishly, knowing this well-worn joke all too well.
"Olive YOU! Get it? I LOVE YOU, Mommy!" and the car again erupted into peals of laughter.
Except this time, the loudest laugh of all was mine.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of laughter. Help me to remember to cherish the sound of joyous laughter from my children. To know that their laughter reflects only a glimpse of the abundance of joy that you bless us with each day. Amen.
My children have taken to joke telling, especially the three youngest. Driving around in the car, it's not uncommon to hear quips such as, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" "Because he wanted to (insert absurd behavior for chickens of all kinds) rock and roll."
I'm not sure where the "rock and roll" ending comes from, but I can tell you, it packs a real punch for the intended audience, who roars with side-splitting laughter until the joke is told...again.
The new favorite genre of joke, however, is the knock-knock. I don't know what deranged person invented these insipid gags, but if I ever find them, I've got a few knock-knocks of my own to share with them.
Suffice to say, on one of our recent trips to (and/or from) school, someone turned on the open mic, and knock-knock time started. Pained from having answered what felt like a million (although, in fairness to the children, it may have only been 999,999) gags, I was ready--oh was I ever ready!--to pull the plug on the next comedienne who approached the stage. Except that the jokester on deck was celebrating her birthday, and I couldn't shoot down the birthday girl. So, I gripped the steering wheel a little more tightly as she called out:
"Mommy, mommy! Knock-knock!"
"Who's there?" came my pained reply.
"Olive, mommy, OLIVE!" she squealed.
"Olive, who?" I replied sheepishly, knowing this well-worn joke all too well.
"Olive YOU! Get it? I LOVE YOU, Mommy!" and the car again erupted into peals of laughter.
Except this time, the loudest laugh of all was mine.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of laughter. Help me to remember to cherish the sound of joyous laughter from my children. To know that their laughter reflects only a glimpse of the abundance of joy that you bless us with each day. Amen.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Grieving
Even if you're not an adoptive parent, chances are you've heard about the tragic accident that befell the family of Steven Curtis Chapman.
If you don't know his story, he and his wife are the parents of six children, including three beautiful girls adopted from China. Through their story, they felt called to share the blessing of adoption with others through the foundation of Shaohannah's Hope.
From the website:
Today, as we grieve the loss of their precious child with them, let's not forget that God will make good on his promises. He will bring joy from this sorrow. Please consider making a donation to the special fund created in their daughter's name. To make possible the miracle of adoption, the permanence of a "forever family", for others; who might one day know the story of this special family whose heart for adoption reached far beyond the walls of their home.
To simply leave a prayer or message for the family, visit the blog set-up In Memory of Maria.
Even if you're not an adoptive parent, chances are you've heard about the tragic accident that befell the family of Steven Curtis Chapman.
If you don't know his story, he and his wife are the parents of six children, including three beautiful girls adopted from China. Through their story, they felt called to share the blessing of adoption with others through the foundation of Shaohannah's Hope.
From the website:
Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, founded Shaohannah’s Hope to reach the church with God’s call to care for orphans and to help more experience the miracle of adoption by reducing the financial barriers, primarily through awarding adoption grants. We are not an adoption agency, but we are dedicated to empowering the church to reflect God’s heart for orphans and embrace them with His love.
Today, as we grieve the loss of their precious child with them, let's not forget that God will make good on his promises. He will bring joy from this sorrow. Please consider making a donation to the special fund created in their daughter's name. To make possible the miracle of adoption, the permanence of a "forever family", for others; who might one day know the story of this special family whose heart for adoption reached far beyond the walls of their home.
To simply leave a prayer or message for the family, visit the blog set-up In Memory of Maria.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Works for Me Wednesday
This handy little bit of information came to me via an email just recently. I must admit, in all my years of saran-wrapping, aluminum-foiling, and wax-papering, I had neither seen nor heard of this simple tip. (Although, I can barely remember to read the morning newspaper, let alone the helpful advice on food preservation materials!)
So, in case you, too, didn't know about it. Here's a convenient way to keep those pesky rolls from propelling out of the box as you use them:
After having been attacked by yet another wayward roll of foil jumping out of the box as I pulled on it, something on the end of the box caught my eye. Written on the end it said, “Press here to lock end”. Right there on the end of the box is a tab to lock the roll in place. How long has this little locking tab been there? I then looked at a generic brand of aluminum foil and it had one, too. I then looked at a box of Saran wrap and it had one too!
For more Works for Me Wednesday, click here!
This handy little bit of information came to me via an email just recently. I must admit, in all my years of saran-wrapping, aluminum-foiling, and wax-papering, I had neither seen nor heard of this simple tip. (Although, I can barely remember to read the morning newspaper, let alone the helpful advice on food preservation materials!)
So, in case you, too, didn't know about it. Here's a convenient way to keep those pesky rolls from propelling out of the box as you use them:
After having been attacked by yet another wayward roll of foil jumping out of the box as I pulled on it, something on the end of the box caught my eye. Written on the end it said, “Press here to lock end”. Right there on the end of the box is a tab to lock the roll in place. How long has this little locking tab been there? I then looked at a generic brand of aluminum foil and it had one, too. I then looked at a box of Saran wrap and it had one too!
For more Works for Me Wednesday, click here!
Wordless Wednesday
Any guesses on the sequence of events happening here?
Photo Credit: Beulah and Hannah
For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.
Any guesses on the sequence of events happening here?
Photo Credit: Beulah and Hannah
For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.
Catholic Carnival is Up!
If you haven't made your way over to Sarah's yet, for this week's Catholic Carnival. Make sure to stop there and see this special Carnival honoring Mary and the Rosary mysteries.
If you haven't made your way over to Sarah's yet, for this week's Catholic Carnival. Make sure to stop there and see this special Carnival honoring Mary and the Rosary mysteries.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
BirthdaySo maybe 38 candles (plus one for good luck) was not a great idea for an ice cream cake. ( You must admit, the few hidden "trick" candles were pretty clever.) It's okay, though. Next year, we'll just buy a cake big enough to accommodate the small fire we set atop it.
It seems cheesy, yet some how surprisingly appropriate to say...even at your age, you can still melt my ice cream.
Happy Birthday, Captain!
Warning
Don't go play this game. Seriously. You won't be able to stop. What? You're clicking over right now?
Don't say I didn't warn you.
H/T The Mouse Says
Don't go play this game. Seriously. You won't be able to stop. What? You're clicking over right now?
Don't say I didn't warn you.
H/T The Mouse Says
New Column
You can read my first column in the Beacon News today: For Some In Youth Sports, It's Not All About Winning.
You can read my first column in the Beacon News today: For Some In Youth Sports, It's Not All About Winning.
Monday, May 19, 2008
To my Godmother on her 60th BirthdayWhat are Godparents Made Of?
Truth and grace, spirit embraced
A hand to guide, a smile of pride
A tender heart, there from the start
Loyal and true, esteemed as few. . .
That’s what Godparents are made of
Words of praise, truehearted ways
Faith to bind, a promise through time
Prayers at night, joyful at light
regarded role, valued as gold. . .
That’s what Godparents are made of
Guardian of light, fairness and right
Duty to lead, there in need
Hope and goodwill, values instilled
Affection and love, blessed from above. . .
That’s what Godparents are made of
© 2001 Teri Harrison
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