A special commercial

I'm a big softie-I know it, and making fun of me won't change me. I'll still cry at certain hallmark commercials, the ad for the prevention of cruelty to animals, and of course certain songs are a given, but lately there's one commercial that's really got me. It challenges every person to do one good deed for every person killed in New Hope. Just one good deed in memory of a special person gone way too soon-most of them children.
I'm thinking this is a little bigger than new year's resolutions because the good deed has to be worthy of a child's rememberance. Me not flipping off some jerkwater that cuts me off in Walmart won't count.Something special. The ideas are not coming to me yet but I figure I need to do two a month-and sometimes three to get them done before the end of 2013 so if you have one send me an email or call me because it's almost January 1st and I need to get started.

When do socks die?

It's 18 friggin' degrees outside so I'm in the house doing some cleaning. I've been up since three so don't judge me-this new work schedule is jacking up my sleep something fierce. I honestly would have gone for hash browns at Waffle House had there been one within 2 hours of here.But there's not, so I'm cleaning, and cleaning. I'm seriously thinking of throwing away some socks that haven't had a match in six months (I can see Dwight cringe-those are good socks!).Neither of us wears mismatched socks as a practice and there are several single socks. I'll keep half a dozen to dust with or tie up tomatoes-but the rest are hitting the trash-if I can sneak them past Dwight. Now back to cleaning the oven and organizing the freezer-whoopee...I walk on the wild side.
P.S.
Honey, by the time you read this the trash will be gone don't bother looking for the socks.

Pintervention

Robyn says it's time for a "Pintervention" but come on-the tree was cute-before the kids ate the cherries off.

White Christmas

If this photo seems a little fuzzy, it's because the snow was still falling when I took this picture. This is the view from the back portch. Lots of fun sliding on the roads, but everyone made it home unharmed. I've always wanted a white Christmas-just not on a day that I was planning to travel and not 4 to 6 inches-2 would have been plenty. I wished we could have visited longer with family, but we had a heck of a time on the roads as they were-and the snow continued all night and made travel worse the next day. On a positive note, I've had plenty of wonderful snow ice cream to eat.

Baggin' it ... next year

 The first couple of presents I wrapped looked very cute. But, I wrap for 5 kids-three of which have significant others and one grand child. So that makes 9 add 5 parents and we're up to fourteen. Then add 9 nieces and nephews. That makes 23.One husband makes 24. Add 8 more relatives and that makes a grand total of 32 if I only bought one present for each person(I'm tellin you now, I'll probably never buy just one present for a grandkid)Now notice I said a "couple" looked cute. The last ones have wrapping paper on them, but that's the only good thing I can say. I like to wrap occasionally, but with a minimum of 32 and only 25 days from Thanksgiving til Christmas-it's a little more than my creative self can handle. So next year, I'm buying 2 dozen-make it three dozen bags and lots of tissue paper.

Christmas via Pinterest

In case you're wondering-still hooked on Pinterest. Here's the latest project.  A wreath made with leftover ornaments.
Now, if can just get through this week. Scheduled 60 hours. Trying to get house clean for invasion of five kids and their significant others. Getting groceries for a Paleo,vegetarian meal. Still wrapping presents, but the end is in site. So excited to see the family!!!

Wabbit hunting

These are the three musketeers that went rabbit hunting today-Sally, Bailey, and Bandit.  Biscuit was left at home because 4 dogs with three tracking collars doesn't work all the time. We saw turkey, squirrel, and deer but no rabbits. We had a couple of chases on. They all wear bells so that I won't shoot any of the dogs-it'd be like taking a crack at Santa. It was a good day to walk in the woods. I love the smell of the fresh air and walking with the hubster.

Granny at work

This is me and my grandson at the Day Family Christmas party. The beautiful blanket he's in was made by Grandma Carol. I can't help it-this little man just makes me smile.

What to say????

When most of us were eating large portions of turkey, my baby couldn't swallow hers that well. It seems like reality is finally setting in for her-she knows her eighty-eight year old grandma won't live forever. She gets more and more proof of this each time she sees her. She's getting weaker and talks about her time being short and sometimes she just drifts off in midsentence. I know that nothing I can see can make this any easier for her.
I remember what it's like to watch Grandma fade away. At seventeen, my parents never lied and said that she would be ok. I just kept hoping that one day when I visited she would get out of bed and be the Grandma that I always knew her to be. That never happened.
She never saw me graduate-but she encouraged me in school. She didn't see me get married, but she taught me to use a curling iron.I have cards and letters that she wrote and one of her paintings on my wall, but when I passed a little old lady that wore the same perfume in the grocery store-I got chill bumps and kept looking around. Soon it will be thirty years since my Grandma passed away.
It's easy to get depressed thinking about everything that she missed-but to Lauren-I'd like to say concentrate on everything you've gotten to do with her. She's seen you play basketball and softball. She saw your in your prom dress and on graduation night. She knows you've gone on to college. You've shared so many jokes and stories. She loves you-very, very much-and her going some place else won't change that. I know.

Thanksgiving

I admire all of those people that can post something that they're thankful for-every day in November-and not miss a day-and not get behind-me-ahh, I'm not one of them. I'm not that organized-so I'll give you 22-right up til the big day itself.
1. I'm thankful for my Mom-November 1 st will always be her day.
2.My neice Monica-she keeps me laughing with posts of her kids.
3.My family as a whole-what a bunch-I'd love them even if we weren't blood
4.My husband-he constantly amazes me with his thoughtfulness
5.My horse(sorry I still love that animal)
6.the ability to climb on that horse-not so easy when you're short, chubby,and old
7.the ability to bounce when I fall off that lovable animal
8.the ability to worship as I see fit-I do a lot of praying, but not in a church.. it's more in God's country
9.the right to bear arms-this has become extremely important to me-and it's a right I'm afraid of losing
10. I heard my nephew say my name
11. that my neices and nephews are really cool kids-and they're good too
12. My grandson because he was born on the 12th of November-
13. the sights I have seen this year-the Devils Tower, Old faithful. Artist's Point, the upper and lower falls, the Grand Tetons, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Crazy horse memorial
14. good cameras
15.the rv
16.dog shelters-the work they do and they joy they bring
17. good food
18. good health
19.my yaris
20. the future and all it's possibilities
21. the past and all the wonderful memories
22.the time I have

Biscuit

Biscuit is the newest addition to the farm. He's seen here four wheelin' with Dwight. He came from a rescue group in Midway. I don't know his story-but he cowers when some one yells. He loves to be outside-doing anything. He loves to eat-especially biscuits(go figure). He will eventually sit in your lap with some coaxing-everyone but Dwight. He has no choice-the dog will sit in his lap if he sits down for any length of time. Biscuit has many talents but facebooking is not one of them. When he gets ready to turn in for the night, he climbs in his crate-how cool is that?

I didn't cry...

I didn't cry but my eyes got as misty as they possibly could-and I held my Grandson for the very first time. You know that rush of love you feel when you hold your own child for the first time? That feeling comes back with such a force. It surprises you and catches you off guard. I don't know what I was expecting-but not this much-all at once.
He reminded me of Beth-because she was my first-and Xander has just a little touch of jaundice-that hint of tanning bed color-has always reminded me of that time. A little sunshine will clear it right up.
Of course, he being male was bound to remind me of my own son-but that's where the resemblence ended.Paul was a big baby-and Xander just barely weighed 7 pounds. Plus Xander looks so much like Heath-we tease him and say he has his "mini-me"
Like Lauren, Xander is doing things way ahead of time-he follows people's voices with his eyes and seems to be really good at holding his head up already.
I think the biggest reason I was reminded of my kids were his parents. The love they have for this baby just beams from them. They are totally and completely in love with him-just the way I am-and the way it should be.
I wish every child had this kind of start-to have this much love surround him or her from day one.

For You-Keith Urban(Official Music Video) for Veterans

Well, all I saw was smoke and fire...
I didn't feel a thing.
But suddenly I was rising higher...
And I felt like I just made... the biggest mistake.
When I thought about my unborn child...
When I thought about my wife...
And the answer rang out CLEAR from somewhere up above

No greater gift has man, then to lay down his life for Love.

And I wondered, would I give my life?
Could I make that sacrifice?
If it came down to it, could I take the bullet... I would
Yes I would, For You

Baby, you don't understand... I don't understand it all myself.
But there's a Brother on my left and another on my right
And in his pocket just like mine... he's got a photograph.
And they're waitin' for him back home.
(From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/k/keith-urban-lyrics/for-you-lyrics.html)

And it's weighing on my mind...
I'm not trying to be the hero... I don't wanna to die...
But right now, in this moment, you don't think twice.

I wondered, would I give my life?
Could I make that sacrifice?
If it came down to it, could I take the bullet... I would
Yes I would...

You don't think about right.
You don't think about wrong.
You just do what you gotta do... to defend your own.
And I'd do the same... for you, yes I would... yes I would.

And I would give my life... I would make that sacrifice.
Cause if it came down to it, could I take the bullet, I would.
Yes, I would, I'd do it for you... I'd do it for you.
I'd take the bullet, yea, Yes I would.

Empty Nest

It seems like our little nest will be expanding soon. I thought I'd cave before Dwight but no-it's hit him hard. Chalupa left a big spot to fill... and while I love certain pure breed dogs-I really can't say no to some of the dogs that Dwight has shown me. He's been scouring shelters in Missouri and Arkansas to find the perfect addition to our family. There was a bassett named Roger in Rogers(go figure) that got adopted this morning that might have joined us. We've got emails out for a dog named "Biscuit" in Midway-just looking at him melts my heart and there's a wonderful dachsund named "Cookie" that loves to chase squirrels. She's orange and would give our granddog Loki a run for his money.
I was thinking of getting a gecko-small, quiet animal-but Dwight says they're not good snugglers.
So wish us luck in our search and encourage others to adopt from shelters if they can. There are so many good,sweet dogs available it's scary. So much love to give.

Uploading pictures

So I've been uploading pictures and trying (unsuccessfully) to organize them. I guess it's a good thing to have so much fun that you can't find time to sit and organize memories, but before I forget I have to post a picture of my Dahlia. The first one I ever had to bloom and it ended up blooming three times before the frost got it.

What is a birthday?

 Once upon a time, a little girl once asked me-Mama, what is a birthday? And I answered that it was the day that God decided that you were ready to enter the world. It's funny how things change when you have a child. The yellow dandelions that I pulled vigorously from my flower beds became the most beautiful flowers in the world when someone with short wobbly legs brought me a handful.
Later, I would teach her how to blow the dandelion seeds into the wind and we'd watch them scatter to the wind.
Those seeds were like children-blowing in the wind-going to faraway places like Japan,California, Arizona-never knowing where they'd go-how far or where they'd settle down and take root.
Birthdays are celebrated with cakes, candles, and parties-but for me they will always be the day my life changed forever.

Engagement Party

Today we celebrate the engagement of Beth and Jody!
I hope that they have the wedding of their dreams and that their marriage is a very happy one.

Reba-forget "little sister"

Reba sings a song that says "Little sister don't miss when she aims her gun."
I want her to write me a modern version that says Dwight instead of little sister.
We have never been into the woods and have him come out and say "You should have seen the one I missed" or "the one that got away." IT  DOES NOT HAPPEN- EVER.
There are times when he doesn't see anything-you can't shoot anything if you don't see something(that's my story and I'm stickin' to it), but if he sees it-it's light's out.

He's either really lucky(of course he is-he has me) or really good(of course he is-he has me). Either way you look at it-I'm cleaning deer and it isn't even ten am.

Fall Favorites

So as I absent mindedly dusted, I kept trying to think about my favorite thing about fall. My most favorite thing-and it's really hard to come up with just one. I narrowed it down to ten:
1. the weather-not too hot and not too cold-and it you don't like it the next day will be totally different
2. the fall colors-the brilliant colors are amazing
3. hunting-not just animinellers-it's time to start christmas shoppin  in earnest
4.carmel apples
5. popcorn balls
6. Pumpkin everything-pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin chai latte-feel like the guy with the shrimp in Forest Gump
7.late blooming flowers-my zinnas are still blooming, but pansies and mums are out too
8.Snuggle time-I'll spare you the details
9.the smell of the air-so crisp
10. and my most favorite-time to bring out the flannel pj's. Yeah-it's flannel pj time!

Saying "Yes" to the Dress

Today, Ashley, Lauren, Beth, and myself made the trip to Fort Smith to look at a dress that Beth has spent literally months chasing down. She's called everyone trying to find this particular dress and finally found a sweet lady in Fort Smith willing to help her find it. They located one in Europe-their sizes are a little different, but judging by Beth's measurements-it might work. It was the only one left and it was a long shot.So Beth paid the nonrefundable deposit and had it sent over. Weeks of travel and it finally arrived in the USA-and today we saw her in that dress.
I really wished I hadn't promised not to post pictures. She glowed in the dress and it fit her perfectly. There was never any question of saying "No" to this dress. It was made for her. Designed for her and destined to be.
The lady reminded Beth that a payment had to be paid before the end of the week-and like most young adults sometimes money doesn't come when it should-so Beth nodded and went to take the dress off. I couldn't stand the idea of leaving the dress behind-after we had come so far-after the dress had come so far.
Because I have the most wonderful husband in the entire world, he doesn't really mind if I extend myself a little bit on the old credit card-so I tried my best to smile when I told Beth to grab her dress when it was time to go. She started crying. Then I started crying, Lauren was crying. Ashley was crying. WTF-the store owner was crying.God help me when the wedding actually gets here.
P.S. someone else tried on some veils-and we may have more than one beautiful bride in the future.

Act of Congress...getting the cat spayed

Since early August, there's been a poster announcing a spay and neuter clinic in Newton County and since I have another young female cat-I called and called and left messages trying to make an appointment. I finally got through last Friday only to have them tell me that they were full and I should try in Harrison. Visions of kittens sprang to mind and so I went by the office in Harrison.
The first lady at the desk said they wouldn't be having one for months.What? Don't they realize cats can go into heat twice a year? The second lady told me that they would have one in October-the 7th, 8th, and 9th. Fine-sign her up. Oh no you can't do that until the designated day. When is it? Whenever they get the papers from the vet. No certain day-but it fills up quickly-this was on Friday. Monday, I overslept and didn't make it by their office-and still it was a week way.What were the chances that Monday they would have the papers? So I went by Tuesday-and found out that I should have come by Monday and that they were completely booked.
Vixie had 8 kittens each litter. Her daughter seems to be of the same build and I don't know two people that would take a kitten much less eight.
So I begged Lauren to call Newton County again and see if anyone cancelled. Wednesday was the last day of their clinic and maybe someone might cancell or forget.Fingers and toes crossed. They said have her there by eight am(found this out at 2 am), Great nothing like riding in a car with a crazed cat on four hours of sleep.
Success-she's spayed and I'm supposed to keep her in a quiet place away from other animals, but she went nuts when I attempted to separate her from her mother and brother again so she's sleeping on the back portch.

Before noon

Before noon today, I saw two doe with four fawns, a chicken hawk, a falcon, the North Pole, Lost Mountain, Horn Mountain, the Bobby Hole (a local swimmin' spot). Saw turkey, elk, deer, racoon, and bear tracks. Explored two lakes in Gene Rush and made it home in time to enjoy a root beer float.

Baby, when you're 80

So last night when I got off work, I had a miniature panic attack. I checked my phone and no message from my baby. She was traveling to Little Rock all by herself-and she ALWAYS lets me know she made it ok. I watch way too many crime shows and imagine the worse. She can go days without calling but when I know she's traveling I worry-and she knows it. Without even thinking, I dialed her number. Her sleepy little ass told me she was ok. To be fair it was a little after 1:30 in the morning. Crisis adverted. Baby ok. Mom somewhat forgiven. Lauren-I promise I'll stop worrying when you're 80-maybe.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to my younger sister! When I grow up, I want to be just like you. It seems like everyone in our family has list to do- and yours would read
1-set goal
2-accomplish said goal
3-exceed goal
4-set new goal
5-repeat
Is there anything that you've set out to do and haven't done?(Other than the Dallas Cowboy cheerleader gig). I hope your day is a good one. I love you and am so proud of you!
ps
next year buy flamingo insurance

Kate 0 Squirrel 1

Today I was awaken just past the ass crack of dawn to go squirrel hunting where I wondered around in the woods for a couple of hours. I'm sure the squirrels are still laughing-but they did it so quietly I couldn't hear or see them. Didn't even get a shot off damn it, but the hubster on the other hand. He can hear a squirrel fart.Let's just say it's in the pan. Guess what I'm having for lunch?

Posing Poultry

Now look at this bird-is there anything that screams "Rooster"? I don't think so, but my cute little fuzzy is indeed a rooster. When he crows, the ducks laugh and the other rooster just looks at him like "Man you gotta be kidding me". He's part of the reason I shouldn't experiment with purchasing any more poultry. I thought he was a she. I have done this a lot. So far, there have been 7 roosters and four hens. Now I just experiment with the incubator. My luck is a little better there-only 2 roosters to 14 hens but still isn't he cute? I mean for a rooster that is.

The Day exterminating co

Meet the day exterminating company-other wise know as Huey, Duey, Lonesome(in black) and Afflac. They are not near the pond-where ducks should be. They aren't near the clothes line-where they like to shit nor are they near the feed house-a favorite hangout. They are eating bugs in the driveway. They eat all the bugs and most of my sanity.

Presenting the new bathroom(drum roll please)

So this is the new bathroom. New tub, new toilett, new vanity, new wall(half way up), new floor, and of course new soft brown towels.

Deer Season 2012

What it's not Deer Season yet? Don't kid yourself. Bow season starts in 21 days. That means blinds are up. Birthday Bow will be here in time to play with it and the men around here are talking about bucks. Bucks and more bucks. There are plenty of doe too. Too many in fact.

Bridal Expo

So today I'm headed to the Rock to pick up the "engaged" daughter and do some heavy duty wedding planning. There's a Bridal Expo and we're going. Hopefully, to get some normal ideas and network like crazy.
I know we've got a little over a year to get things done, but sometimes it takes a while to get just what you want.
We've got her dress-and the venue-and her cake topper. I don't think she's decided on invitations just yet-she/he have their guest lists-but no decision on the invitations. They have picked out "Save the Dates"-something we didn't do back in the dinosaur ages.
I'm hoping to order the garter. Pick out a florist. Interview photographers and go over menu options. Wish us luck.

The bathroom contiuned

I already mentioned we're replacing the vanity,sink, toilet, and  perfectly good tub Since we were taking out the vanity, the wall behind the vanity was discolored and you can't find that kind of panelling anymore(circa 1970s) so the wall half way up has been torn out. Gone.
Behind the sink on the vanity was an outlet-that's right directly behind the sink-so it's getting moved to a safer location with a new plug in-one that shuts off in case of emergency-and I've been told that means one more day of labor i.e. one more shower in the RV.
That's not what I'm worried about really. Since the toilet, tub and vanity were taken out-hubster decided the floor needed an update too. So tile it is. In an old house with no perfectly square walls. After the tub incident, I'm almost glad to go to work, but I worry what he will do in my absence. The man has power tools and is not afraid to use them.

The Bathroom Part I

One day, I mentioned that I would like to replace the bathroom sink-it was avacado green and had a spot that showed some severe rusting. As long as the sink was going, I mentioned that the toilet needed to go too-same avacado green-and it never mattered what I cleaned it with-I could never quite get it clean. It would smell clean, but wouldn't look it.
 I thought I was doing something good-I bought a water saver toilett that I liked and a brushed silver facet to go with the new sink that I haven't found yet.
Then the hubster got in the remodel mode-if we were going to get a new sink might as well get a new vanity-ok, so I'm with him on that one. And somewhere it is written that the toilett must match the tub-so the avacado green tub went bye-bye too. Nothing wrong with that tub-it just wouldn't match the white toilett.
So we made several trips to Home Depot and found the tub we both liked-and asked for help from the friendly people there to find the correct drains for the tub we had picked out-they gave us the wrong size.
I wished that were were the woes ended but oh no.The house is old and settled and nothing is perfectly square-I can honestly say Hubby worked 16 hours to install the tub, but it is installed. No plumbing yet, but that sob is in the little slot where it's supposed to go. It's a nice looking tub, but I'm taking a shower in the RV until the bathroom is done(this is my punishment for wanting to remodel something I'm sure).

Animals

On vacation, we saw several animals. These are some of the shots that don't really need to be photo shopped. They are buffalo, two moose, and wild burro. I also have shots of a pronged deer, elk, bear, coyote, fox, and turkey.

Old Faithful

at Old Faithful

 This man was really prepared!!

When we arrived at Old Faithful it started to rain-and the temperature was about 30 degrees cooler than what I'm used to so I put on the jacket and out to the geyser we went-along with a couple of hundred other people. I love the guy that sat in front of me with the umbrella covering his wine glass. The geyser itself gives a couple of perks then blows-pretty much on schedule-we watched it three times and it was on schedule plus or minus ten minutes every time. The crowd making the "ahh..." sound is funny-everyone loves to see this thing go off. I never expected to get to see it and am I glad I did. After watching it go off at 5:10-we hit the trails to look at the other geyers. Before we had returned from the trails, the weather cleared up and Old Faithful spewed again-it was interesting to see it from so far away-it made you realize how high the water was really going. Then, we finished the trails and ate at a cafeteria with a view of Old Faithful-there was a huge portch with some wonderful wooden rocking chairs and plenty of room. We watched Old Faithful for the third time as the sun was going down. A perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Second stop Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone Park is a park like no other. There is a constant supply of beautful scenery. There are waterfalls, geysers, streams, mountains, and lots of animals too. The park has 1000 miles of foot trails-and it might be fun to try and do all of them.We gave it our best shot.

Purple Mountains aka the Tetons

There is no doubt of which mountians "America the Beautiful" refers to.. the trick is trying to capture them on film and do them justice. Here are a few attempts, but nothing  can ever convey their magnificance.

Jackson Hole continued...

Rumor has it that everyone has a twin-never thought mine was Benjamin Franklin.

 Dwight is scowling with the bear because I've taken him shopping to yet another cute store.

 The Bunnery features bread made from sunflower seeds and oats, buffalo burgers, and numerous other goodies-we opted to take triple berry pie on the road for a picnic in the Tetons. The triple berry pie featured blackberries-huckleberries-and rasberries and was delicious.

First stop Jackson Hole,Wyoming

Our first major stop was Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

 On the way we saw two moose with a calf-the calf is not pictured-he was camera shy.

 The town square is famous for the four corners with arches made of elk horns. Dwight is six feet tall-so you can see how really big these arches are.

This is our first sunrise traveling-notice the mountains in the background.

"Cheese"-hand over the fritos

This little guy and hundreds like him are at the base of Devils Tower. Though they look adorable, it is against the law to feed them or take one of them home as a souvenir.

Devils Tower,Wyoming

This is where we went today-among other places-we have so many pictures that we made a Walmart stop to buy another card for the camera-so a little over 600 so far. This is at the Devil's Tower in Wyoming that Dwight took using the tripod and timer-so proud of him-it shows my feet and the top of the Tower too-all 867 feet of the Tower. The movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was filmed here.

Hasta la vista mi amigo

It is with great sadness that I learned today of Chalupa's passing. I don't know when exactly he came into this world or what exact day he left. I do know that he won't be there to jump into my arms when I return home or chase the ducks away for me when I go to feed the animals. I know too that he is in heaven because all dogs go to heaven..especially  him.
While I'll still shed a few more tears, I take comfort in knowing that he led a full life. He rode a bicycle, a motorcycle, a horse, a rv, and a tractor, but his favorite was the four wheeler.. at full speed around the yard and field. He lived in Little Rock and Jasper and camped at Sam's throne. I wish I could tell you his favorite dog food but he preferred catfood over dog food. He loved purple popsicles, green beans, hot fries, and barbeque potato chips.
His favorite sweater was green and brown. His favorite toy was any that squeaked-until he took the squeaker out-which he always did.
I will miss my little buddy.

Last Minute Heebie Jeebies

Ok so I lied about posting from another state. I'm here at home-up early because I have the last minute heebie jeebies. Any one that has ever traveled with me knows that it's not a matter of if I will forget something-it's a given-I ALWAYS  forget something. No matter how hard I try, I always manage to forget something. It's always a relief when I find out what it is and how serious (driver's liscense and passport rank pretty friggin serious).
So I'm going through all of my lists and double checking everything. Remembering trips past & what I forgot-tooth brush is packed-so is hair brush- his and her deodorant(there was a trip that I went around smelling like a guy). I can't think of anything-I've lost my most current address book but have an older one and I have Mom on speed dial. I swear that woman is quicker than google when it comes to addresses and phone numbers. Wish me luck.

25 hours...

yes just 25 hours until we leave on vacation-imagine me doing a dance with hip girations-25 hours. freezer stocked. clothes packed. tooth brush, toilett paper, shampoo, bug spray, atlas and gps, juice,water, milk, soda and beer.Cameras and extra cards. Sunglasses,sun protection, beach towels, and bathing suits.Next time I blog it will be in a different state.Wish me luck-I'm driving the rv on I 80(first time on the interstate for this rookie and let me tell ya-the 23 foot rv drives a little bit differently than the Yaris).

I got the message

Driving home last night, I was a little depressed. Working six days... ten to twelve hours over a holiday. To add insult to injury, the hubster has had the entire week off. So no playing for me. With the oppressive heat, it's taken all my energy just to get ready for work and arrive on time(which was quite questionable on one day). Too hot for my beloved yard sales and not enough water to go swimming.
Then I got a message to call my daughter. It seems  a couple of my friends are watching their son and wondering if they'll ever get to talk to him again. He was in a serious motorcycle accident and it doesn't look good.
So I drove to work with a little different attitude. Yeah, this is my sixth day to work, but my kids are all healthy. They know that I love them. They're out there working and enjoying their weekend.
Update-Aaron Max Brown has passed away but his parents have posted that all of his organs have been a match for someone on the "list". I can't imagine their pain at this time so please pray for them.

Big & Rich - That's Why I Pray (Official Music Video)

For Lee's playlist-or not but I'm singing it to myself anyway.

Vacation Time

Yes, it's almost that time of year again. We had planned to head South-but it's a little too warm-so we changed the destination to Colorado, but there's been a couple of fires. So now we're headed West. Yellowstone Park. Grand Tetons. Mount Rushmore. Big Horn Mountains. Crazyhorse Memorial. Devil's Tower. I'll be curious to see how many pictures are taken this year!

Happy 70th Daddy

Happy 70th birthday to my Daddy. Wish I could help him celebrate, but I take great comfort in knowing that he's with some one that will help him party his pants off. You know Tequila makes your clothes come off.
Can't quite believe you've reached 70! Hope your day is as great as you are.
Do you remember giving us rides around the block on your motorcycle? That made us some of the coolest kids in the neighbor hood.
Do you remember grounding me and making me wash that motorcycle with a tooth brush? (I'm too old to remember what I was falsely accused of).
What about your speech in college on streaking?
Do you remember how many grams there are in a black powder-ram rod? Just ask Patrick-enough to knock him on his ass.
What about teaching Connor to widdle?
Just remember you're a little too old to use the blow torch on your birthday cake next year.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my Daddy and stepdad.
Thanks for taking me hunting and fishing. Thanks for teaching me and my kids to drive. Thanks for the help over the years-but mostly importantly thanks for being who you are-setting a good example for me and my kids and showing love to all. May your day be blessed.

Karma

 I envy the people that make cute, informative blogs. Some people even give directions for crafts and recipes. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. I use my blog to let off steam and think about things. And this is what's on my mind:
There's a saying that goes "Karma is only a bitch if you are." There's also an unwritten rule somewhere that says if you screw with one of my kids you are deserving of my wrath. It's a momma thing. You mess with one of my kids-you mess with me. It doesn't matter if my kid is two or twenty-something. You fuck with one of them and I will take care of your ass. Simple.
That being said. I don't know for sure who stole my son's safe, tv, and computer, but I will find out. Maybe not today or even tomorrow...but I will find out. Consider yourself warned.

Chicken Fest

The family reunion was today. My brother dubbed it "Chicken Fest" one year because of the family's obsession with fried chicken. Which really isn't fair when you consider they have another obsession with Sweet Tea too. Boxes and boxes of fried chicken. Gallons and gallons of sweet tea. This year we had homemade icecream too.
Not much to tell-people got older. There were 85 people there. I ate too much and had a good laugh when some of the old men called me little Katie-I've outgrown anything little a couple of pounds ago.But there were stories from long ago, and a history lesson given. I wandered through the cementary and remembered some of the wonderful,smiling faces that I wouldn't be seeing that day.Then focussed on my grown children-all three made it this year. Beth and Paul drove themselves from two different directions. The church service always seems special to me because I know my great grandparents founded that church. No one in the family can carry a tune in a bucket, but they all sing-really old classic hymns. I listened to my youngest sing-what a beautiful voice-I didn't realize she knew so many of the old songs, but she does. I also noticed that she couldn't sing all three verses of "Amazing Grace" and I know why. She didn't have to tell me, but I remember the last time she sang it and I don't think she finished all three verses then either.It was hard to keep from laughing when Patrick ate the unleven bread-he really isn't a fan. I had another good laugh when I got to show Beth and Paul my dad's new car-they couldn't believe that their Papa was so cool. Their Papa and their "G-K" showed up in a new midnight blue mercedes looking like a million bucks-they both looked so great and happy-it was just too contagious-you had to smile.
My offspring visited with people and each other. I can't tell them how proud of them I am-they way they behave-the way they interact with others-and the mutual respect that they have for each other. It's simply amazing.
I also feel so blessed to have a man that will attend "Chicken Fest" with me. He never gripes about the long trip-and seems to enjoy visiting with all of the old timers. Clifford and he have become buds-now they not only have hunting but bee stories to share. I secretly think he enjoys the dinner too-he started laughing when he saw how much chicken there was(there was also so roast beef and fish).
All in all-a good day.

Weekend

In five hours and 17 minutes, my weekend will begin. I'll get to see some family I haven't seen in a while-wish Leeble could come up, but if I had two toddlers you would only see me at the store when I would run out of toilet paper (and the Sears catalog had been used). I don't know how she does it but they grow up so fast-evidence of my first date this weekend-to watch Beth try on gowns. Then hopefully visit Ms. Marty and the blueberry patch. I forsee blueberry pancakes in my future. Followed by blueberry muffins-maybe I'll eat them with blueberry beer. That's right blueberry beer and it's good (not as good as the muffins). Then it's on to the chicken fest in Rison. In five hours and 14 minutes. Damn it somebody quit screwing with the clock.

whoa...whoa...whoa...

Last Saturday I watched my youngest son receive his college degree. I am proud of myself-I didn't cry until the exit when the band started playing the theme song from Rocky-swear to heaven that song has never made me cry before.
The next day Beth surprised me with a visit and something very shiny on her left hand.It appears I will have a son-in-law before the year is out. My youngest step son will give me my first (of many I hope) grandchild.And Lauren-she's recovering by leaps and bounds. She's helping around the house and doing more and more each day-she listens to the doctors. Everybody just slow down for a little while. Let me get used to all of this.

It's official

I think these pictures say it all. Best Wishes to my daughter and future son-in-law Jody Carson. No date set yet but we're working on it.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mothers in my life. My wonderful Mom and Stepmom, Darlene, Robyn, Lee, Debbie, and Julie. You people are an inspiration to me. I'm amazed at your strength,ability to love, and the way you keep it all together. I hope your day is filled with love and pampering.

Graduation

Tonight I'll watch my son graduate and realize one of his dreams. As a parent you always want your child's dreams to come true, but some where along the way this power gets taken out of your hands. You watch him learn to walk, swim, ride a bike, and drive-and you try to make things easier for him.You catch them when they fall. Dust them off after a tumble and reassure them when they're scared. Eventually they'll be somewhere you can't pick them up. They'll be out of your reach. There will be nothing you can do but stand by and hope that you've taught them what they need to know.You pray that they can work hard enough and have the strength to do what they set out to do.
I know that it's his hard work and determination that's being rewarded as he walks across the stage. I know it's his dream, but I have this unbelievable feeling of pure joy. Somewhere along the way I did something right.
Paul-I am so proud of you,what you have done, and the man you have become. May more of your dreams come true-you deserve the best.

Not your ordinary week

 I remember a long, long time ago driving to work on Monday and thinking that this would just be a boring week. No parties. No special dates. Nothing exciting. I guess I jinxed myself because I got "exciting" and boring is looking really good about now.
But when something bad happens-I feel like God just gives you a thump in the head-like a big wake up call. Things could have been a lot worse, but I'm lucky. Lucky that I have very understanding bosses.Lucky that my cell phone that has no signal in my building picked up when it did. Lucky that Lauren wasn't alone. Lucky that I have a wonderful,supportive family.
Lauren continues to be upbeat-and that really helps-it's hard not to laugh when she makes her little jokes. I had forgotten what it's like to feed someone by spoon. It's been a long time since I brushed someone else's teeth. I appreciate good nurses-and I realize the commitment it must take to be a good one-so I'm proud of our family nurses.
I'm a little busy but I've learned a lot this week:
1. Be thankful for everyday-even if you're young and strong and healthy-accidents happen and your world can change in the blink of an eye
2. Don't be afraid to tell others that you love them and that you're there for them-you never know when those words, that text,letter, or phone call might give them a little more strength
3. God made men and boys. Some boys will never gain the status of "Man"-it's not an age thing-it's actions when others aren't looking. It's doing something nice for no reason and it's showing emotions and not caring if anyone sees a moment of weakness and sharing your strength as well as your love.
4. It's ok to make a mistake-acknowledge it-learn from it-and get on with your life.
All this and it isn't even Friday yet.

"I want my mama"

Something freezes in a mom's brain when she hears these words. It really doesn't matter how old her child is-when I got the call that Lauren was in the emergency room I heard her say that and away I flew.
She's doing as well as can be expected after being thrown from her new horse. She has two broken arms and her face is bruised, but she has no brain damage. Wounded pride maybe,but nothing that time won't heal.

Granny K and Poppy White

Granny and Poppy-At least that's what we hope to be called. My youngest stepson and his girlfriend are expecting in November.I'm congratulating myself-I've known for 5 whole days and haven't bought anything baby related yet... making a Walmart run after work and somehow I think I may take a stroll down the little people isle. A grandbaby!!!!It's still sinking in..but I feel immortal. I have a legacy now. My kids(albeit a stepson but I still claim him) are having children and passing the torch and I'm still young enough to laugh and enjoy it. I have very few expectations-I want a name that I can say and spell.I hope she's healthy(ok -ok or he).

How do you say "Goodbye?"

 This morning I sat on the front portch staring at some pretty amazing snap dragons. Snap dragons are some flowers that I was introduced to as a kid growing up by my best friend's mom. Her name is Margret and she is incredibly talented with anything that grows. I secretly suspect that she planted hundred of poppies just to irritate the local police-that's something Margret would do. I also saw her flip off the officer while calmly talking to him-with her toes-and he was none the wiser. Can't tell you how many leg cramps I gave myself trying to master the art of flipping people off with my toes.
My best friend is trying to tell her mom goodbye and my heart and prayers and love go out to her. Margret has been given just weeks to live.

Hey, Chick!

Wish these little guys could have made their grand entrance last weekend when Connor and Casey were here, but the hatching continues even  as I type this. They weren't supposed to hatch until next weekend so we were a little surprised. So far, we've got 10 chickens and still 20 eggs in the incubator. A new chick is nothing like you would expect-they're just as ugly as a newly hatched robin. These are several hours old-and have learned to old their heads up. They don't know how at first. They walk like a blind, drunk. Dwight dips their beaks into water and it forces them to take a small sip. They're getting strong by the hour. We have to keep it really warm for them-over ninety degrees or they'll freeze.I'm going to go check on the eggs again.

Turpentine Creek

We went to Turpentine Creek this weekend and I learned some things. First of all, I'm proud to say that Arkansas is a state that outlaws the ownership of exotic animals. Turpentine rescues cats-but they probably wouldn't refuse to help any one.They have a coyote, a monkey, and several bears-along with over 130 rescued cats. 130! These cats on average eat 5 to 10 pounds of fresh meat per day. They walk using their claws-so declawing them causes walking problems later in life. No two tigers have the same facial markings-their faces are like fingerprints or snowflakes. Tigers and Lions respond to all scents but they love Calvin Klein's Obsession. They love to make noise at night-Chalupa wasn't going outside to investigate either.

Eureka!

Eureka -Springs that is -where we're headed this weekend. Can't believe it's the weekend already-haven't had time to post my pictures from my last wonderful weekend. Have some great shots to post as soon as I can.
I'm looking forward to exploring Eureka Springs-it's been a very long time since I've spent any great deal of time there. Chalupa's bed is all packed-along with a leash-and I think we've moved into the motor home. Camera is charged-and a kite festival is scheduled at the Turpentine Creek Reservation.Gps is loaded, food, beer(can't forget the beer), blankets, and clothing. See you Sunday night.

Friday at work

The only good thing about working on a beautiful Friday-lots of goood parking places.

Happy 20th...

Happy Birthday to my baby girl Lauren. She turns 20 today and is probably way too busy to stop and read her mother's blog, but someday she'll get bored and catch up on my goings on and what not.
If there's one thing I want her to know today-it's that I gave birth to her but every day since then she's given back to me. I feel blessed 20 times over. I'm very proud of the woman she has become. I'm amazed at her energy, her strong will, and her love.She's one of the most caring people that I know-and she sets an example for others to follow...if she loves you-you know it. I hope she knows how very much I love her.Always have and always will.

"The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they're alive." by Orlando A. Battista

Mr. Battista my daughter shows no weakness..

Arkansas Calendar of Events

If you've never gotten on the computer and checked out the Arkansas Calendar of Events-please do. I was first exposed to this when my kids were all under the age of 12 and were young enough to compete in the Fishing Derbies sponsored by all of the state parks. Lots of fun and cool prizes too.
The calendar lists festivals-Trout Festival in Cotter, Pink Tomatoe festival in Warren, Elkfest in Jasper, Tontitown's grape stomping(must get picked to do this..have to stomp the grapes!!)
it lists events-Junkfest in Mountain View and Marshall, Ice cream social in Berryville, cheesedip contest in Fayetteville.
Lots of great things to do and almost something every weekend. Weekends really should be three days long.
Speaking of days-only seventy five until I will be the proud parent of not one but two college graduates.

Thought for the day

"As we grow up, we learn that people that weren't ever supposed to let us down, probably will. You'll have your heart broken and you'll break other's hearts. You'll blame a new love for things an old love did. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll cry because time is flying  by and eventually you'll lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt. Because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness that you can never get back."

Twin Falls

Today we went to Twin Falls near Camp Orr. I thought the trip would be just Dwight and I, but Lauren, Heath, and Chalupa came too. We've had so much rain that the "Twin Falls" became "Triple Falls."

New blog

Greeting and Salutations. Blogging to you from my very own red laptop that Cupid brought me. You can blame my lack of posts on Dwight;s latest addiction-farmville. I thought it was stupid until I started playing and now I still think it's stupid but I can't stop myself. Gotta try to fix my withered crops and feed my animals.

Monday mornings

It's no accident that I'm in bed until 10 am on Mondays and yes, I realize that sometimes I'm in bed at 7 pm and that calculates to fifteen hours of sleep.But let's be fair-I don't sleep straight through(most nights)-have you really tried to drink more than eight glasses of water per day? Guaranteed you can't sleep eight hours straight. I also have a small dog that thinks he must go out every three or four hours-so after Dwight leaves at three-guess who gets dog duty at 6 am. You can't just let him out-you have to let him back in too-or he will almost beat the door in trying to get your attention.
I know that I will be up until 2 or 3 am-because of work-so I try to keep my schedule the same Monday through Friday and every Monday I wake up the same way. I scoot a little bit closer to the warm spot next to me and try not to wake him up. He scoots further away and I scoot over. Some where around 3 am he deserts me for work and my brain does not register this so I keep scooting over-until I reach the floor or dog duty wakes me up.Happy Monday.

Karma courtesy of "Pinterest"

A whole lotta crap on pinterest just cracks me up especially the little quotes related to Karma.
 My favorite-"Karma is only a bitch if you are"  and a close second "Dear Karma I have a list of people you missed"..

Dear Robyn

Dear Sister-I hope you appreciate my restraint. I played 20 questions with your daughter for more than 5 hours. She wanted to know were you wild and crazy-to which I just laughed. She wanted to know if you cared about your appearance-of course! She wanted to know if you wore anything crazy-don't remember anything out of the ordinary.I should have told her about you peircing your own ears, but that might have come back to haunt me. She wanted to know what you got in trouble for(went really easy on you on this one-ha ha). She wanted to know if you really played soccer-of course-and you were a cheer leader too. I told her that I don't ever remember you wearing your hair in a pony tail until after high school but that your hair was always incredibly neat. That you were a fast runner and even faster swimmer. Do you remember when you and Lee did dives off the highest board at Willow Springs? I could never watch for very long because the sheer height scared the hell out of me. She wanted to know if we fought-I told her of course-all siblings do-and I remember that you got really pissed if someone used your eye shadow and didn't put it back in order(I think Lee got blamed once when it was me). All in all-it was a good trip down memory lane. You've got quite a little lady on your hands.

Newest Obsession (i.e.Pinterest)

One of my friends from work turned me on to a truly addictive website called "Pinterest." It's got crafts-made a soap dispenser, garden rocks, coasters. It's got recipes-baked bacon,zebra cake, 7 up biscuits, cinamon cake, cowboy casserole and a few other things. It's got little motivating quotes and ideas. Lots of ideas. Directions on making laundry detergent and planting pineapple.
The next project is one for New Year's Eve-you take a jar. Write down something that made you smile or laugh on a piece of paper and place it in that jar. On New Year's Eve you get to read all of the papers that you have put into the jar(assuming there is more than one).I'm excited about this(Beth thinks she might do this too). I already have something very important to write down and put in my "Smiley Jar" but it's a secret so I'm waiting til it's safe to write it down. I can't wait to write it down and put it in that jar-but can't risk someone finding the jar and spoiling the surprise.
And then there's this weekend. Rowan's first Birthday-Casey's road trip-Hopper-and Austin. Something tells me my little piece of paper won't be lonely for long.

25 foods

Playing on facebook the other day-I took a quiz on 100 foods that everyone must try -so surprised that sushi wasn't listed. Neither was Belgian chocalate or french bread. But I guess people from different places have different views on what MUST be tried so being from the 25th state to join the Union I offer up my own version of foods/drinks that must be tried-especially if you're to say you've been to Arkansas.
1. Fried Green Tomatoes (this was on their list too)
2. Chocalate Gravy
3.grits
4.Cornmeal gravy-you gotta try it-it's much better than it sounds
5.Frog legs
6.Crawdads
7.Fried venison
8.Morrel mushrooms (again this was on their list)
9.Home made hominy-I just thought the canned stuff was good-the home made version is incredible
10.Sassafras tea
11.Sun tea-made in jar-outside-in the heat
12.Moonshine
13.blackberry cobbler
14.Spiked watermellon(better not use moonshine for this)
15.Pickled okra
16.muscadine wine
17.pecan pie
18.wild plum jam
19.pawpaws
20.trout
21,crappie
22.catfish
23.polk salad
24.turnip greens
25.fried chicken gizzards-don't judge until you've eaten one-the best come from the Shell gas station on 167 S.

Nine days and counting

Yes nine days til I make a road trip with my mom and neice to see Rowan the Red party his diaper off. I'm really pretty excited to see my neice for an extended period of time and then my nephews that are still small enough to spoil and love and cuddle.I'm packing clothes that don't stain-looking into some new running/walking shoes(toddlers tend to be incredibly quick) and in general staying well.How old do kids have to be before they get their own sound system? Maybe something a little quieter-that doesn't eat or poop.

Resolutions

I didn't post my new year's resolutions-they're pretty typical-lose weight.
Do one thing a month to save money(why-so I can spend it on something else). My January project was to make my own laundry detergent-and I did and I love it-and so far it's working really good. Last year, I tried a new recipe every month-and that has become an obsession-now I'm actually limiting myself to one new one a week-with a promise to throw the ones that Dwight doesn't like away(Cowboy sushi goes but Cowboy casserole stays).