Monday Meme....

As I slowly try to settle into routine here (after several months, you'd think I had it down!), I'm trying to get back to the things I always did...the Monday meme (or the Woman's Weekly Daybook, as some folks call it), Thematic Photographic, etc...so here's the Monday Meme:

Outside my Window...it's cloudy and rain on and off, rather cool, but the rain is needed for the sodded lawn
I am thinking...I am really tired, but it was a wonderful weekend
I am thankful for...a forgiving God, who gave His Son, and the Resurrection that gives me hope and joy!
From the kitchen...I am doing NOTHING...I did a lot of cooking this weekend and I hope that everyone enjoyed the food!
I am wearing...khaki colored jeans and a long-sleeved henley with Pooh, Tigger and Piglet on it - still a kid at heart!
I am creating...nothing right now, but who knows what will happen this week!
I am going...to go pay the cable bill, get Hannah at the bus stop
I am reading...I Do Again (by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs), and The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe...as well as several magazines.
I am hoping...for a quiet week, routine, and peace
I am hearing...someone mowing their lawn
Around the house...Scotty's watching Wow, Wow, Wubzy, Scott's down in the living room, the house is moderately neat and clean, laundry's going
One of my favorite things...the amazing church I've found, First Baptist Church of Lexington...and the blessing of the orchestra and its members, and the LG I'm part of.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Oil change, groceries, "bulky" laundry at the laundramat (you know...bulky...the comforters, pillows, mattress pads, etc)

Monday Meme

Welcome to my first 2009 post of the Monday Meme. I haven't done it in a long time, it seems...so here you go:

Outside my Window...snowing...in South Carolina. No school today...flurries. cold
I am thinking...I suck at being a mom. really.
I am thankful for...a hubby who understands
From the kitchen...I don't have a kitchen yet...darn it all...it's KILLING me.
I am wearing...jeans and a blue "sparkly" shirt, tennis shoes...waiting for the maid to knock for room service - we'll have to leave.
I am creating...nothing. nada. zip. zilch.
I am going...to shop for a few things...
I am reading...Plain Truth by Jodi Piccoult.
I am hoping...for things to get better...for the house to be PERFECT tomorrow so we can move the closing up.
I am hearing...Hannah brushing her teeth, Scotty chattering, TV going
Around the house...don't have a house yet....can't do "around the house"...sigh
One of my favorite things...sleep...not getting much of it right now, and it shows.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: blue tape inspection of the house tomorrow, checking out the Lexington Baptist preschool for Scotty, just surviving one more week in this hotel

Meme.....

From Suzanne, who borrowed from Lisa-Anne at The Berry Patch .

Super simple...You just highlight the things you've done in your life. Mine are in bold.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (from the beach)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Now you know way more about me than you ever really wanted to...

Thanks Suzanne and Lisa!

Monday meme (really late!)

Outside my Window... it is dark...except for the really bright parking lot lights just installed that shine into my bedroom and living room. (today was sunny, windy and very warm!)

I am thinking... I am coming down with a cold, and I SO do not need that. Itchy throat, runny nose....sigh

From the kitchen... the last of the Jambalaya is gone, the veggies are almost gone and the pineapple (bless dear Emily's heart, she carried it from Hawaii!) is still like butter melting in my mouth

I am wearing... capri pants and a brick-red short sleeved shirt.

I am creating... a mess in the office/craft room...but I have cut 90 cards, designed 3 types, and packed everything into ONE tote for MOPS tomorrow.

I am reading... blogs....just finished Hog Wild by Cathy Pickens

I am hoping... for the best man to win.

I am hearing... someone calling a kitty on TV

Around the house... there's a mess...and I won't get to it for a few days yet.

Monday Meme

Outside my Window...sunny and COLD this morning...it's 10 a.m. and 30°.
I am thinking...I had good conversations with long-time friends on facebook last night
I am thankful for...a good real estate agent in SC who is keeping me updated on homes
From the kitchen...nothing yet, I need to go eat breakfast!
I am wearing...a pink KSU/KC Chiefs t-shirt with a HUGE breast cancer awareness ribbon on the back...pink shorts...my jammies!
I am creating...a mess
I am going...to the commissary today
I am reading...Hog Wild
I am hoping...for no allergy attacks this week
I am hearing...thuds and thumps upstairs
Around the house...laundry needs started, bathrooms need cleaned, office is a disaster
One of my favorite things...sunshiny fall days
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: cleaning, cleaning, cleaning...time to start prepping for a move

Monday Meme

Outside my Window...cool and rain, but much-needed
I am thinking...it's a sad day, Charlie's funeral
I am thankful for...facebook...I'm connecting with people who need me!
From the kitchen...mini Red Baron Pizzas for the kids for lunch...they loved it!
I am wearing...a lime green lace-edged t-shirt and dark blue shorts
I am creating...nothing...except in my mind
I am going...to start packing my scrapping area this week
I am reading...The Saving Graces
I am hoping...for safe travels for Scott tomorrow
I am hearing...giggles upstairs, and a friend on the phone
Around the house...laundry going, dishes need done
One of my favorite things...fresh air, no a/c needed
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: bible study, 2 more days of no school...ugh!
Some photos to share:

Taken this weekend:


Swingin' on the Monkey Bars


David in AWE of Isabelle's skills
(my friend Stef's kids)


3 man sliding - Hannah, Isabelle and David


seeking....


looking down...Scotty's hand in mine....rarely
ever get to see this anymore..


The amazement of spotting the perfect red leaf

Captured....


In flight - letting go is the hardest part....



Playing on the new playground at City Park
(notice many of the pictures are at the OLD part - my kids like that better!)

Monday Meme

Outside my Window...Dark, rainy, lightning in the distance

I am thinking...I hope the MOPS newsletter is okay...I'm not happy with it this time

I am thankful for...MOPS week
From the kitchen...I made some great French bread from scratch (recipe can be found on the "Why I love Freecycle post!) and might just try my hand at brotchen
I am wearing...a purple t-shirt from Belize (thanks Sue!) and burgundy shorts (my pajamas)
I am creating...a digi-scrap layout - will finish it tomorrow
I am going...to MOPS in the morning
I am reading...nothing
I am hoping...for a not-too-busy week
I am hearing...only the fan from the computer - it's utterly quiet!
Around the house...everyone is in bed, sound asleep
One of my favorite things...taking pictures
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: MOPS, meetings, picture day at preschool

Four Foods On Friday....

This comes from Fun, Crafts, and Recipes. Because it contained the word CHOCOLATE, I decided to play! If you go to the link above, you'll see there is a prize involved, too..... I actually found this blog thru Sewing Mom's blog post and you HAVE to copy her recipe...because IT SOUNDS LUCIOUS!!! Sewing Mom's blog is one that I visit regularly to drop my Entrecard...

Here are this week’s four questions. This week I’m again going with four questions that all share a theme. The theme is “chocolate”.

#1. What’s your favorite beverage containing chocolate or chocolate flavoring?

Well...Sonic used to make it, but doesn't any more...it was a "Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake"...they used that chocolate that hardens (dipping chocolate) and they would whirl it into a cherry shake. Then, they'd place a cherry on top, and add a liberal layer of that chocolate again...so the cherry was "frozen" in chocolate (and the chocolate would tunnel down into the shake, too)

#2. What’s your favorite chocolate bar? OR Share a pic of your favorite candy, chocolate or otherwise.

Mounds....the dark chocolate...the coconut...but Reese's Peanut Butter cups run an extremely CLOSE second....

#3. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten that had chocolate in it?

I guess it would have to be chocolate covered ants...crunchy.

#4. Share a recipe using chocolate.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookies
by Linda MacDonald (I adapted this recipe from a regular oatmeal cookie recipe)

Ingredients:

1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter-flavor shortening
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla (or cherry flavor/extract)
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups oatmeal
1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
1 package dried cherries, chopped

OVEN: 350 degrees

Directions:

1. Cream shortening, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla with mixer in a large bowl.
2. Stir in remaining dry ingredients and mix well.
3. Drop by teaspoonfuls or mini-scoops on ungreased cookie sheets.
4. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until lightly brown.

Ooooh....a FUN one!

From Heidi, over at Heidi's Moments:

My roommate and I once: got into a fight and he pushed me out the window (he also didn't STAY my roommate after that...oh, and he was SUCH a weenie, and a wimp, too....I wouldn't have fallen out the window, except they were HUGE floor to ceiling windows (in an old house, so they were like 9 foot windows!) and they were wide open. The screen didn't stop me from falling, either)

Never in my life have I: broken a bone

High school was: hard...but I wouldn't change anything...it's what made me who I am today

When I am nervous I: get nauseous

My hair is: going gray...sigh.

When I was 5: I loved to pick strawberries in my uncle's garden

By this time next year: I will probably be tearing my hair out wondering why I volunteered to be the registration co-chair for OCSC AND the Creative Arts chair for MOPS, AND the newsletter editor for MOPS, AND the coffee group treasurer/roster manager AND whatever else I'll managed to get myself into.

I have a hard time understanding: how people can be so ignorant and narrow-minded about people who are different from them...whether it's race, religion, physical or mental ability...we are all in this world together, and you need to learn to judge not by what you see, but by what you know to be.

You know I like you if: I invite you over to my house and don't apologize for the mess. That means I'm very comfortable with you!

My ideal breakfast is: OUT...slow, quiet and thoroughly enjoyed because I won't have to clean up or worry about burning the bacon, making watery pancake batter, messing the omlet flip....

If you visit my hometown: you will be surprised to see that I tell the truth when I say you can walk across a big bridge and be in another country! AND you can stop, while on that bridge, and place your feet on either side of the International border, and be in two countries at once!

If you spend the night at my house: I will give you my bed because there is no place else to sleep...I'll sleep on the air mattress

My favorite blonde is: well, two of them...Scotty and Hannah!

My favorite brunette is: my hubby (he is hunky!)... 'cept that he does not have much hair anymore, but I don't mind! (I'll have to DITTO you on this one, Heidi!)

The animal I would like to see flying is: a Pegasus...because that would mean they are REAL!!!

I shouldn’t: be so snappish all the time. 'nuff said.

Last night I: ate Chinese, read to Hannah, read several chapters in "The Yada Yada Prayer Group" (again, because I LOVE that series!), and fell asleep

If I could have any car it would be: a 2009 (since 2008 models are almost obsolete, anyway) fully loaded Chrysler Town and Country...though I love my Kia Sedona...so if the Sedona came with all the bells and whistles that the T&C has, well, I'd take that!

tagged...

I was tagged by Suzanne (Happy Girl Sue) awhile back, and didn't play, but finally have a few minutes, so I thought I'd play:

Come up with 5 things that would be on your gift wish list. It has to be something totally fun and possibly frivolous. There is no cost limit, but be realistic.

1. A room for myself. Of course, this can't happen unless I have a house that has the space to make it happen. But I would TOTALLY want a nice, bright, airy room with lots of shelves and storage to scrapbook and stamp. It would have all the necessities, along with a big enough table to have a few friends come and scrap with me...lots of counter space to set up a Cricut, Cuttlebug and whatever else was needed!

2. A laptop or 2. This means that we'd have to become a wireless family as well (of course, I'd be sure my wireless connection was secure, AND I wouldn't label it CrazyPsychoNeighbor, lol) This way, if I want to be on the computer and Scott's doing school work, we could still have it. Sometimes it's tough to only have one computer.

3. A digital video camera. We currently have a decent video camera, but no way to transfer any of the video to the computer. I bought a kit, but for whatever reason, we can't get it to work. The video transfers, but the sound doesn't...or we only get a few seconds before it fails. I'm going to lay blame on our computer for this one....

4. A long lens for my camera. I LOVE my new camera and it takes AWESOME pictures (especially since I am learning how to USE it!)...but I'd love a long zoom lens so that I could get some great shots of things that are currently not possible with my 18-55mm lens.

5. A trip to Creating Keepsakes University or a Scrapbooking Cruise. This would, of course, include unlimited purchases, any and all classes I wanted, etc.


So, I'm going to tag Sue, Suzanne Balvanz (dang all those Suzanne B's in my friend list!), Lisa B, Renn, and Heidi.

Random Q & A

a "tag" from Kim at Ketchup...


Random Q & A

1. What is your middle name? Bernadette.

2. Do you have kids? 2 kiddos...they alternately wear me out or keep me sane. here's a recent picture (taken today at Topeka Mall)


3. If you were another person, would you be friends with you? Yeah...I'm lots of fun, and I am a great cook!

4. Would you bungee jump? Sure, why not? I love a thrill

5. What is your favorite cereal? Special K with Strawberries

6. When was the last time you cried? Wednesday when I watched the Sunday service at SCCC...where they remembered my friend Cindy

7. Do you still have your tonsils? Nope, had them removed when I was 21

8. What is your favorite ice cream? Denali Moose Tracks

9. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No, I don't.

10. What's the first thing you notice about people? Eyes

11. What is the least favorite thing about yourself? Lack of self-esteem/confidence

12. What are you wearing right now? Khaki jeans, burgundy print top/hoodie, black cardigan, white socks

13. What do you think are your greatest accomplishments? Two children

14. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple Mountains Majesty

15. Favorite Smells? grilling meat, the top of a baby's head after a bath

16. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Scott...telling me he's on his way home

17. Favorite sport to watch? Football - GO STEELERS!

18. Hair color: colorbox red

19. Eye color: Blue/grey

20. Scary Movies or happy endings? Happy endings.

21. Favorite food: anything chocolate...especially the Chocolate Loving Spoon Cake from McAllisters!

22. Favorite dessert: See above

23. What is on your mouse pad: a bunch of CD's and a pair of headphones. Oh, wait, you meant what PICTURE? It says Yahoo! (as in email, internet, etc)

24. Favorite sound: QUIET

25. What did you watch on TV last night? MASH...Thursday TV sucks.

26. Summer or Winter? Summer

27. Do you have a special talent? I've played the trumpet for 30-some years (on and off) and I can sing decently...plus scrapbooking, stamping and crafting are my talents.

28.Where were you born? In Canada

29. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate? Dark

30. Favorite flower: carnations...they last...both fragrance and physically...


Okay....I know this was long, but if you got this far....consider yourself tagged. I want to hear these answers from you!

ABC's of ME...

A - Attached or Single? VERY Attached. Forever.
B - Best Friend: ummmm...at the risk of insulting people, I will do this: Best friend: my sister, Susan, best adopted sister/friend: Lisa and Barbaralee, best internet adopted cosmic sister/friend: Suzanne. Please don't be hurt if I didn't list you. These are the people who mean SO much to me!
C- Cake or Pie: Is there a reason I must choose? I love them both!
D- Drink of Choice: Diet Caffeine Free Pepsi, with my German coffee coming in a close second Essential Item: My computer
F - Favorite Color: Purple
G - Gummi Bears or Worms? Gummi bears - but they are better if they are REALLY German...
H - Hometown: Madawaska, Maine. From there, I have lived too many places to count.
I - Indulgence: Chocolate anything
J - January or February? January - Hannah and Donna's Birthday
K - Kids: no thank you, I have two already!
L - Life is incomplete without: sticky wet kisses from my kids (and clean dry ones from my hubby!)
M - Marriage Date: November 21
N - Number of Siblings: One, a sister - who is terrific...and several adopted sisters who came into my life late, but are wonderful...and a brother, whom I don't know...and Carmi if he still wants to be my adopted brother!
O - Oranges or Apples? Apples...cold chilled, crisp, Granny Smiths. Pass the salt shaker please!
P - Phobias/Fears: no real phobias...I do fear being rear-ended AGAIN...since I've had that happen three times now.
Q - Favorite Quote: Emily Bronte: Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.
R - Reasons to smile: Kids, sun, love.
S - Season: Spring, when everything starts to grow!
T- Tag Three: Tag yourself, please....I don't think I've got three friends who haven't been tagged!
U - Unknown Fact About Me: As a baby, I almost lost my big toe - I refused to wear shoes no matter how many knots my mom tied. I stepped on a piece of sheet metal being used by the guy in the downstairs apartment who was working on his car. I still can see stitch marks almost 40 years later!
V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? Gimme MOOO! please! If it ain't mooin, it don't go on my plate!
W - Worst Habit: Something best not stated on the world wide web, thanks.
X - X-rays or Ultrasounds? No thank you, I've had enough for awhile.
Y - Your Favorite Foods: dark chocolate covered fruit - any kind, but particularly raspberries and strawberries
Z- Zodiac: Sagittarius, the Archer. Shot many an arrow into the air....