So, if you have looked at my sidebar and read Melissa's blog today, you were treated to some eloquent insight into some great literary works. Then, if you read her brother-in-law's blog, you'll read some inspiring things that he has to say about another great author. So, I thought I would add something I thought about today regarding a popular work of literature by another famous author.
Beverly Cleary. (This will likely only appeal to you girls out there. I hope you weren't expecting a deep theological exposition. If you were...refer to my sidebar at once.) Today my mom and I went for haircuts. She nearly didn't go, because she was nervous about how it would turn out, but desperation overtook her misgivings and off we went. They took her first and then sat me across the room with my back to her, so I couldn't see what was happening. The girl who cut my hair did exactly what I asked and I came out quite happy. I needed quite a bit of damaged ends taken off and she really did a nice job. Then my mom came out very unhappy. The girl cut it too short and then had to ask her boss to correct what she had done, which of course, ended up making it even shorter. I was reminded of the book "Ramona and her Mother" in which Beezus saves up all of her money to get her hair cut professionally and they totally botch the job. Then they select Ramona to get a cut for free and it is adorable and Ramona is torn between being so happy about her hair but so sad for Beezus.
My mom wasn't really that upset...it's hair, it grows. But it made me think of that book and it was a great and lasting memory. It also reminded me of why I'm in school and having to do homework while I have company, and having to leave home 2 nights a week and not getting to tuck T. Willy in, which I absolutely love to do and losing time with MK and the Big Man. There is a reason for all of this. If I can help other children learn to love reading the way that I always have and the way that MK does, and the way T. Willy is already showing an inclination toward...I'll have given them a gift. So off I go to read "Ordeal of the Cheque" and make sense of my assignment. Good night, all!
Monday, January 30, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
About the folks
My parents spent the last 3 or so weeks in central FL. If you know my parents, you'd know how well suited they are for each other. I'm not sure they've ever taken a formal inventory, but it's evident that they share the same spiritual gift: service. They both have servants' hearts and are very willing to DO for others. They spent these last days helping to build a church. My dad actually did the work, because my mom isn't much of a roofer, but they were both there serving and spending time with the people of the church. It's the second time they've taken a trip like this and I'm sure there are more in the future. They had wonderful things to say about the people and lots of fun stories about their adventures. They were even able to do a little sightseeing and enjoyed seeing West Palm and Tampa. And, even though we're a little out of the way, they've stopped here for a few days. MK warms up instantly. As soon as we exchanged greetings, she wanted my mom to sit at the kitchen table for some girl talk and an art lesson. (MK was the teacher.) I wasn't much of a student but my mom had fun. My dad played basketball outside with T. Willy and we all waited for the Big Man to come home from work. T. Willy took a little while to warm up, but he was freely passing out good night kisses at bedtime. They are staying at my in-law's home around the corner and MK went down there with them for the night. I know they were exhausted but she's able to amuse herself with toys we don't have here, so they can sleep while our night owl keeps busy.
Tomorrow we'll go to church and then spend the afternoon together. No big plans. I've enjoyed the tickers on some of the blogs that I read that count down the days till new babies are expected. It's time for me to add a ticker. Pause. No, not a baby...one for the Super Bowl!!! The Big Man's beloved Steelers are in it and we couldn't be more excited. I hope they fare better than the Eagles did last year. He ordered Terrible Towels for the whole family and T. Willy has been dressed in black and gold several days this week.
So, that's what's new. What's new with you???
Tomorrow we'll go to church and then spend the afternoon together. No big plans. I've enjoyed the tickers on some of the blogs that I read that count down the days till new babies are expected. It's time for me to add a ticker. Pause. No, not a baby...one for the Super Bowl!!! The Big Man's beloved Steelers are in it and we couldn't be more excited. I hope they fare better than the Eagles did last year. He ordered Terrible Towels for the whole family and T. Willy has been dressed in black and gold several days this week.
So, that's what's new. What's new with you???
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
We call it...the shoulder dance
Here is a video we shot yesterday of MK and T. Willy in the tub. MK wore a bathing suit so it has a G-rating. Hope it works for you...we got a good laugh out of it. I couldn't get the link option to work, so you'll have to cut and paste.
http://mediamax.streamload.com/anniesueg/Links/GpAnlu4hX8/MVI_1682.AVI
http://mediamax.streamload.com/anniesueg/Links/GpAnlu4hX8/MVI_1682.AVI
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Ramblin'
On Saturday I attended the wedding of one of my former students. I would say that it makes me feel old, but she was only in high school 2 years ago and there are plenty of other things in life to make me feel old. Best wishes to the G's!
MK spent Saturday night with a friend so the Big Man and I rented movies to watch after T. Willy went to bed. It was so fun. We watched them in our newly painted media room. Watching movies has always been one of our favorite things to do together but, with kids and scheduling, we rarely have a chance anymore. So we had a great time. He was home all weekend, so that was really nice. Some of these things have us thinking about some changes in the future. It would be really nice to have more weekends together, especially when I go back to work. When I was home with MK, I dreaded the idea of going back to work. But since I am more focused on what I want to do, I don't mind it so much this time. It's still a bit down the road but it's exciting to see where the Lord will lead.
I am taking 2 classes this semester and they are both on campus. One only meets every other week and the off week is online, so that's not terrible. Both profs seem good but one is really interesting. I think she'll be tough but her class is definitely going to be fun. She gave us each bags that have pockets on the outside for photos. Our assignment this week is to fill the pockets with things about us and then pack the inside too. She had pictures of her kids and a wrapper from her favorite candy then books that were meaningful to her. Pictures won't be hard but I am really trying to put a lot of thought into the books. For certain I'll have "To Kill a Mockingbird" and my big dog-eared Road Atlas. Other than that, I'm stumped. I could put some of the books I borrowed from the library last week, among them "Southern Gardening" and "War Letters". I'll keep looking. We had to fill out a "get to know you" form last week. One of the items was to tell something interesting about myself, I guess a paper version of a Meme. Evidently I was in a goofy mood because I wrote down my "stupid human trick." I can say the names of everyone from my 9th grade Science class. I used to take attendance in the class and realized halfway through the year that I had memorized it. And I still remember it. I am not sure that was the answer she was seeking but it is something odd, er, interesting about me. My dad learned all the counties in WV when he was a child and can still rattle them off, so I guess that's where I get it. I too can say the names of all the counties from my home state, but it's Delaware and there are only 3, so it's much less impressive.
Have a great day!
MK spent Saturday night with a friend so the Big Man and I rented movies to watch after T. Willy went to bed. It was so fun. We watched them in our newly painted media room. Watching movies has always been one of our favorite things to do together but, with kids and scheduling, we rarely have a chance anymore. So we had a great time. He was home all weekend, so that was really nice. Some of these things have us thinking about some changes in the future. It would be really nice to have more weekends together, especially when I go back to work. When I was home with MK, I dreaded the idea of going back to work. But since I am more focused on what I want to do, I don't mind it so much this time. It's still a bit down the road but it's exciting to see where the Lord will lead.
I am taking 2 classes this semester and they are both on campus. One only meets every other week and the off week is online, so that's not terrible. Both profs seem good but one is really interesting. I think she'll be tough but her class is definitely going to be fun. She gave us each bags that have pockets on the outside for photos. Our assignment this week is to fill the pockets with things about us and then pack the inside too. She had pictures of her kids and a wrapper from her favorite candy then books that were meaningful to her. Pictures won't be hard but I am really trying to put a lot of thought into the books. For certain I'll have "To Kill a Mockingbird" and my big dog-eared Road Atlas. Other than that, I'm stumped. I could put some of the books I borrowed from the library last week, among them "Southern Gardening" and "War Letters". I'll keep looking. We had to fill out a "get to know you" form last week. One of the items was to tell something interesting about myself, I guess a paper version of a Meme. Evidently I was in a goofy mood because I wrote down my "stupid human trick." I can say the names of everyone from my 9th grade Science class. I used to take attendance in the class and realized halfway through the year that I had memorized it. And I still remember it. I am not sure that was the answer she was seeking but it is something odd, er, interesting about me. My dad learned all the counties in WV when he was a child and can still rattle them off, so I guess that's where I get it. I too can say the names of all the counties from my home state, but it's Delaware and there are only 3, so it's much less impressive.
Have a great day!
Monday, January 09, 2006
Okay, Thom...here goes
2 Names you go by:
1)Momma
2)Annette
2 Parts of your heritage:
1)Irish
2)Dutch
2 Things that scare you:
1)Rodents
2)Scary movies...I watch them with my hands over my eyes.
2 of your everyday essentials:
1)Fox & Friends
2)T. Willy's nap
2 Things you are wearing right now:
1) My new boot cut jeans.
2) A headband...I do not wear it in public, but it goes on my head as soon as I walk in the door..can't stand hair in my face.
2 favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment):
1)Nanci Griffith, always Nanci Griffith
2)Chris Rice
2 favorite songs at the moment:
1)"Drive-In Movies and Dashboard Lights" by Nanci Griffith
2)"Come Dancing" by the Kinks
2 things you want in a relationship (other than love):
1)trust
2)communication
2 Truths:
1) I am thrilled that Christmas is over
2) I love my life
2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):
1) broad shoulders
2) big smile
2 of your favorite hobbies:
1) reading
2) surfing the net
2 things you want really badly:
1) for my kids to know the Lord
2) to live closer to my family someday
2 places you want to go on vacation:
1) mountains - anywhere
2) Paris
2 things you want to do before you die:
1) go to Paris
2) get my Master's...I'm on my way
2 ways that you are stereotypically a chick:
1) I cry at sappy movies.
2) I cry when I'm angry.
2 things you are thinking about now:
1) My class tonight.
2) The answers to this meme
2 stores you shop at:
1) Walmart
2) Target
2 people you'd like to see answer these questions
1) Noelle
2) Laura (if you're still out there in Blogland)
1)Momma
2)Annette
2 Parts of your heritage:
1)Irish
2)Dutch
2 Things that scare you:
1)Rodents
2)Scary movies...I watch them with my hands over my eyes.
2 of your everyday essentials:
1)Fox & Friends
2)T. Willy's nap
2 Things you are wearing right now:
1) My new boot cut jeans.
2) A headband...I do not wear it in public, but it goes on my head as soon as I walk in the door..can't stand hair in my face.
2 favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment):
1)Nanci Griffith, always Nanci Griffith
2)Chris Rice
2 favorite songs at the moment:
1)"Drive-In Movies and Dashboard Lights" by Nanci Griffith
2)"Come Dancing" by the Kinks
2 things you want in a relationship (other than love):
1)trust
2)communication
2 Truths:
1) I am thrilled that Christmas is over
2) I love my life
2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):
1) broad shoulders
2) big smile
2 of your favorite hobbies:
1) reading
2) surfing the net
2 things you want really badly:
1) for my kids to know the Lord
2) to live closer to my family someday
2 places you want to go on vacation:
1) mountains - anywhere
2) Paris
2 things you want to do before you die:
1) go to Paris
2) get my Master's...I'm on my way
2 ways that you are stereotypically a chick:
1) I cry at sappy movies.
2) I cry when I'm angry.
2 things you are thinking about now:
1) My class tonight.
2) The answers to this meme
2 stores you shop at:
1) Walmart
2) Target
2 people you'd like to see answer these questions
1) Noelle
2) Laura (if you're still out there in Blogland)
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Weekend recap
Not much going on. I've spent late nights this week painting and painting and painting. I painted the bathroom, entry hall, kid's hall, kitchen and one living room wall. Now I only have the rest of the living room to do. But the late nights caught up with me, so I needed a break. Last night I went to bed at 8:00 and woke at 7:45, which is completely unheard of for me. But I feel better and realized I can't do repeated 2:00 a.m.'s like I once could. I'm a night owl for certain, but T. Willy wants to get out of bed no matter how little sleep I've had. The Big Man is off tomorrow and Tuesday, so I should be able to finish.
MK spent the night with a friend last night and I took her and the friend to Build a Bear today. (Em...if you happen to read this, they have a new train ensemble...just thought W might be interested. I also read some neat things about the Strasburg Railroad in PA which looks soooo neat and not super far traveling for you.) MK was given a gift card for Christmas and she still had $$ left on it after a trip in DE. It seems a bit extreme, she has like 10 now, but I know it isn't going to be long and she is going to outgrow teddy bears...I don't think I can stand it quite yet. No rush to grow up. So we did that and then went to McDonald's for lunch.
While at McD's I happened to glance at the headline of our local newspaper. It said that a woman in our town had been murdered. In the 8 years that we've lived here, I think there have been 4 instances of murder that I can remember. I glanced at the article in the machine and saw the woman's name. I knew one person with that last name but wasn't positive it was the same first name. I bought the paper and sure enough it was the mother of one of my 1st grade students a few years ago. There were few details published but it is quite shocking. I was just thinking about them the other day. One day she had not packed him a lunch and brought him something to eat. It was lunchtime so she stayed in the room (small school, they ate in the classroom)and while he ate she just sat and stroked his hair. Something made me remember it, and now I can't stop thinking about it.
So, I'm sorry to end on that downer. I hope you have a great week!
MK spent the night with a friend last night and I took her and the friend to Build a Bear today. (Em...if you happen to read this, they have a new train ensemble...just thought W might be interested. I also read some neat things about the Strasburg Railroad in PA which looks soooo neat and not super far traveling for you.) MK was given a gift card for Christmas and she still had $$ left on it after a trip in DE. It seems a bit extreme, she has like 10 now, but I know it isn't going to be long and she is going to outgrow teddy bears...I don't think I can stand it quite yet. No rush to grow up. So we did that and then went to McDonald's for lunch.
While at McD's I happened to glance at the headline of our local newspaper. It said that a woman in our town had been murdered. In the 8 years that we've lived here, I think there have been 4 instances of murder that I can remember. I glanced at the article in the machine and saw the woman's name. I knew one person with that last name but wasn't positive it was the same first name. I bought the paper and sure enough it was the mother of one of my 1st grade students a few years ago. There were few details published but it is quite shocking. I was just thinking about them the other day. One day she had not packed him a lunch and brought him something to eat. It was lunchtime so she stayed in the room (small school, they ate in the classroom)and while he ate she just sat and stroked his hair. Something made me remember it, and now I can't stop thinking about it.
So, I'm sorry to end on that downer. I hope you have a great week!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
I hope I've posted enough so that MelissaofVA doesn't drop me from her sidebar
MK, T.Willy and I flew to Delaware on the 26th. The next time I write that I am going to fly without the Big Man, please remind me of this trip. T wasn't really bad...but on TWO flights, we were settled in, he was happy and ready to fly, and the flight attendant came by and told us that because we were (on one flight) in front of the emergency exit and (on the second flight) behind the emergency exit, we had to move. Of course, T was not happy after he had to get out of his carseat and move, especially not the first time because it was halfway into the flight. He was ticketed and both times I had to go to the desk at the gate to get our seats together. After moving he pretty much cried for the remainder of both flights. We got glaring looks from people and that was worse, because I knew it could have been avoided. He was fine until they moved us. Fortunately, he did okay on the flights between our home and Atlanta...unfortunately, the Atlanta/Philly flights are longer. Sigh. But we made it to DE and had a wonderful, wonderful trip. We spent time with family and friends. Noelle even made it over for lunch one day and brought her mom and Ava. Thanks so much to my mom and dad for this most appreciated Christmas present.
The highlight of the trip was our visit to Blue Mountain. (http://www.skibluemt.com/tubing/) My wonderful brother took us snowtubing. It was what I dreamed about when we would sled as a child. A lift takes you back up and then you just ride down again. When you get to the top of the lift, you have to "roll out" of the tube. What a sight that was until I finally learned to sit on the edge and just step off. So I am going to try to include a few pictures of that. The first is a view from the bottom of the hill. The second is MK and two nephews riding down and the last is MK and my niece and older nephew while we were riding up.
Since it didn't snow while we were there, I was so happy that MK got to see and play in snow.
The highlight of the trip was our visit to Blue Mountain. (http://www.skibluemt.com/tubing/) My wonderful brother took us snowtubing. It was what I dreamed about when we would sled as a child. A lift takes you back up and then you just ride down again. When you get to the top of the lift, you have to "roll out" of the tube. What a sight that was until I finally learned to sit on the edge and just step off. So I am going to try to include a few pictures of that. The first is a view from the bottom of the hill. The second is MK and two nephews riding down and the last is MK and my niece and older nephew while we were riding up.
Since it didn't snow while we were there, I was so happy that MK got to see and play in snow.
Home projects
I was inspired during the holidays to spruce up the house a little bit. So now we have a "media room." The Big Man and MK drove over to New Orleans and picked up a tv that the Big Man's dad was getting rid of. I did a faux finish and am pretty pleased with it. Of course, every time I look at it, I am critical, but not enough to change anything. We bought ourselves chairs for Christmas so it's coming along pretty well.
I also painted the guest bathroom. I was inspired by a decorating show...this is not the Anniesue of old. MK is unhappy that I took out the fish motif so I'm going to work on a way to compromise. Here are some before and after pictures.
I also painted the guest bathroom. I was inspired by a decorating show...this is not the Anniesue of old. MK is unhappy that I took out the fish motif so I'm going to work on a way to compromise. Here are some before and after pictures.
T. Willy
He didn't quite get as into Christmas as his sister did. He would open presents if we started the wrapping paper but he was more interested in things that were already unwrapped. Here is a shot of him eating a snack while he watches MK open gifts.
Home again
We had a wonderful Christmas. We attended a Christmas Eve service at church and came home and MK was able to open one present. She was so excited about it that I wanted it to last. Here are some pictures:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)