Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Christmas List
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Gift bags…except for Christmas gifts, anything under the tree…wrapped…with pretty bows and ribbon.
2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree?
The weekend after thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Theoretically, the weekend after New Years, but it has taken me as long as March to get it all put away.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Not really, but I humor my family every year with one sip of it for a toast on Christmas Eve. Hubs, on the other hand drinks gallons of it every Fall/Winter.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
My very first electric Keyboard. I had it for MANY years until it finally blew up. The following Christmas, Santa brought me a new one that was HUGE and I still have it to this day. Mini Me plays it when it isn’t a good time for her to be tinkering on the piano in the Living Room.
7. Hardest person to buy for?
My Father. Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of things I KNOW he would like. The trick is that they either cost a buck or two or a couple hundred dollars. (This year, he asked for a mug) For crying out loud dad, I am a grown woman; give me something I can work with!
8. Easiest person to buy for?
Mini Me
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
No, I almost bought one this year, but we are pushed for storage and display space in our tiny abode.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Christmas cards….I buy them every year, sign them, stuff them but never get around to mailing them. Sorry everyone.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I can’t think of one.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
A Claymation Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually around December first, BUT—this year I braved Black Friday. It really paid off, but I will probably never do that again. I am still emotionally scarred and sleep deprived. I couldn’t sleep the night before, so I gathered up the others (my sisters) and we left for the Wally World around 3am with coffee in hand.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
No, but I have recycled the neat canisters and tins I receive with goodies in them. Sorry if you have ever gotten your own back.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Anything that isn’t nailed down.
16. Lights on the tree? Is there an option?
The more color, the better. Our star even has tiny colored bulbs on it. Picture something from the seventies.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Nicole C. Mullen’s Emmanuel
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Anything on Josh Groban’s Noel CD
Anything a child sings. I love hearing children sing Christmas songs, don’t you?
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
There’s no place like home!
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Yes, but not without singing the intro to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star. (See number 16 for details)
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
We go to my grandmother’s home on Christmas Eve and open up gifts from her. Then Mini Me picks out ONE gift from under the tree at home to open before she goes to bed.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
The lack of consideration and patience in people. Stop fighting over parking spots. Start showing some kindness and humility.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I love homemade stuff. Even before I had a child I still loved crafty stuff. My favorite ornament is a really old one that is on my parent’s tree. As a child I wasn’t allowed to touch it or any of the really old ones. Every year I try to find one similar for my tree.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Anything that isn’t nailed down!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
A cat, but that is out of the question. Hubs is allergic to cats.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Until then, here is a little Thanksgiving humor…..
A THANKSGIVING POEM
T’was the night of Thanksgiving, I just couldn’t sleep.
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned - the dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation
The thought of a snack became infatuation!
So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door
And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,‘
Til all of a sudden I rose off the ground.
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.
But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees…
Happy eating to all - Pass the cranberries please.
May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump
May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious, May your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sharona
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Next Four Years
The next four years will not be wished away. I will use this time wisely to teach my daughter about politics, government, and most of all right and wrong. She is a future voter, and if I spend this time trashing our government, what is she going to learn from that?
The next four years will be a time of change. I am a creature of habit, but I am learning to embrace change. After all, if I did not, what kind of wife, mother and friend would I really be?
The next four years will be spent enjoying life. I have high hopes for the next four years, regardless of the state of our Union. I will see Hubs celebrate his 30th, Mini Me hit the double digits and start middle school (YIKES!), and spend countless hours playing Mancala, doing arts and crafts, taking road trips, cooking meals for us to enjoy together, and growing in our relationship with God.
The next four years will be what I make of them. Where do you see yourself four years from now?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
The coffin stops.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Decisions, Decisions
a. Get away from it all. You need time for you. You haven't spent any time on yourself in a looong time. Look at your hair! It hasn't been cut in weeks/months/years! When was the last time you relaxed and read a good book or saw a movie, or treated yourself to a cup of tea at the downtown cafe...ALONE!?!?! Slept in?!?! Watched the Price is Right?!!
b. The night before your day off, you go to bed early and rise early. Get up, put on your crushing music, your comfy sneakers, hat and apron. You are determined to conquer the umteen billion loads of dirty AND clean laundry that have invaded your bedroom. You are going to cull through the mountain of papers and locate the wahtchamajig that you've been looking for since the 2004 Summer Olympics! You're going to suck up every dustbunny, locate every missing gamepiece, wash, and detail your car, take the clothes to the dry cleaners, dispose of the mystery leftover containers sitting in your fridge, create a monthly meal planner and menus for a century! You might even decide to unpack the 25 boxes that have been sitting there since you moved in a month ago!
c. Don't even think about saying "Go half and half on the day", because there is no way that would work. "Survey Says! XXX!!!!"
d. Why in the world would you take a day off now? You're drowning at the office, and taking a day off would just put you farther behind.
So...what would you do?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Anniversary Top Ten
Top Ten Reasons Why I Love My Hubs
1. You can make just about anyone laugh. Even when I didn’t think your jokes were “that” funny when we were dating, I would end up smiling and laughing because you were making everyone else around you contagiously happy.
2. You are the poster child for Patience. You put up with my crazy moods, you persevere when times are rough, you stick to your guns instead of fold when it comes to raising our daughter, and you never doubt God’s plan
3. You are a wonderful Son and Son-In-Law. You have a great relationship with your parents as well as mine. It is good to know that they are “in-rents” and not “out-laws”. I always say that my parents liked me better once I married you.
4. You are always striving to better yourself. After being away from text books for nearly 10 years, you got right back into the swing of things and went back to school to become a CNA and you’re not stopping there. You’re looking forward and I admire that.
5. You are my “Barnabas”- You encourage me even when I am determined to sit and mope. This comes natural for you.
6. You can manage stress exponentially. Not only can you handle your own stress, you are always there to take the load off of me when it is possible.
7. You are everyone’s friend and their “go to guy”. If someone needs something, you’re ready to serve.
8. You are the best listener I have ever met. It makes me feel good that not only can I depend on you to listen to what is on my mind; you do that for all of your friends. You know when to give advice, when to withhold opinions and how to show perspective.
9. You are brilliant, especially when it comes to your Biblical knowledge. – You were given the nickname of “Moses” as a kid. Now I understand why. You are so amazing at rightly dividing the Word. I would always pick you first to be on my team in a Bible Bowl. :)
10. You are one of the strongest Christian men I have ever met. There are days when I wonder why God pitched a tent in my cluttered and worn heart; and then you come to my rescue like a knight in shining armor and remind me why it is, that God made me and put me on this Earth. You’re the type of Christian that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, all of Satan’s angels shout, “RUN!! He’s AWAKE!!!”
I was going to do just 9 reasons, but I figured I would do 10 since we're starting our 10th year together as hubs and wifey.
Also, I wish I had a photo to upload onto this bloggy thing, now that I know how to do it. Unfortunatley, I don't have any "digital" photos of hubs. Perhaps it is time to retire my old 35mm and purchase one of them there filmless electronic picture takers. :)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Tagged!
B. Best Friend- Barry
C. Cake or Pie- Pie ( my father’s Key Lime)
D. Day of Choice - Sunday
E. Essential Item – Eyeglasses, Bible, Lip Balm
F. Flavor of Ice Cream- I prefer rainbow sherbet
G. Gummy Bears or Worms- coke bottle gummies
H. Hometown- Tavares
I. Indulgences- Popcorn, Music, Internet, and of course chocolate
J. January or July- July, tubing at Rock Springs
K. Kids- one, and she’s growing up way too fast!!
L. Last movie I saw in a theater- P.S. I Love You
M. Middle Name- Elaine
N. Number of siblings- two sisters (one older, one younger) and one older brother. FYI-I was the baby until my parents decided to have another one when I was 13.
O. Orange or Apples- Oranges
P. Phobias or Fears- people on T.V. wearing ski masks (you asked!)
Q. Quote- “Be the change you wish to see.”
R. Reasons to smile- Children, especially my daughter
S. Season- Summer
T. Tag 4- Why? Are they frozen? (Kenny, Jamey, Ray and Cristina)
U. Unknown fact about me- I have never grilled anything in my life unless you count the Foreman Grill. I love grilling out, but I have not a clue on where to even start. I am thankful for Hubs.
V. Vegetarian or oppressor of Animals- Omnivore
W. Worst Habit- The inability to say NO (biting off more than I can chew)
X. X-rays or Ultrasounds- X-Rays
Y. Your favorite Food- Calamari
Z. Zodiac – Leo, but who cares?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
It's Great To Be 8!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 'LIL MISS!
8 Random, but signifigant things about Mini Me I bet you didn't know. (And if you did, Kudos!)
- She lost three teeth in the past year
- She was a real trooper and packed up her room and moved to a new home "far away" from her friends and her school to start over in a new home and a new school. I am so pleased that she has adapted so well!
- She learned how to ride her bike.
- She performed in the Children's Theatre Production of Alladin, Jr. She did a wonderful job and had a fabulous time!
- She can play the top part of "Heart & Soul" on the piano. (This is one of our favorite things to do together.)
- She is learning ASL (a little at a time).
- She can do splits and straddles and really wants to take gymnastics.
- She is such a God's Girl! I am amazed on what she retains from Sunday morning worship, and admire her dedication to always being there and be fully engaged.
I could name 100 things, but since the theme is "8" I'll stop.
We had her party on Saturday at the local Bowling Alley and it was a blast! 20 bowlers in all. Everyone enjoyed the time Bowling, laughing, eating pizza and drinking soda. As a momento, everyone signed a bowling pin for Mini Me. It was really nice!! This was by far the easiest party I have ever planned!
Today, she had to go to school (No I won't let her skip on her birthday). She didn't want me to bring cupcakes to class because she isn't a big fan of cake. So, I suprised her by dropping by her classroom and going to lunch with her. The children started lining up at 11:00am and I was there to wish her Happy Birthday at the exactly 11:01 (The time she was offically introduced to this world). She was quite amused by this and we enjoyed our lunch! This afternoon, we'll be heading home for me to prepare her birthday meal (She chose Tilapia, rice and fresh steamed string beans). My parents and my little sister will be joining us . It will be fun. I still cannot believe Hubs and I have an eight year old!!!
So..happy birthday Mini Me! We love you!!!
Friday, May 9, 2008
No Summer Road Trip For Us.
Yup! That's why.
I think we're just going to stick close to home this summer. After all, this is Florida. This is where everyone goes to vacay, right? So, we'll hit Rock Springs, the Orlando Science Center, the beach (for sure...even though we don't live 30 minutes from the shore anymore), Old Town, and other places of the like. These places are all about an hour away from the comforts of home, and that makes my worry 'o' meter stay in the black!
Hubs doesn't like this plan so much.
Speaking of Hubs, he is doing well with his new job. I am so thankful he has discovered what he really enjoys doing in life. (This is so much easier on his body than being a mechanic) I have great news. (Since he doesn't do this bloggy thing and isn't the best at making the time to write letters or pick up the telephone). He finally got the call from the hospital! He starts May 27th!! WooHoo!!! I am happy for him. He has been content working nights at the Rehab/Nursing Facility, but this is what he really wanted. If my memory serves me well, he will be working 7am-7pm in the Neuro Unit. How exciting!!! Now, once he is settled in that, I wonder if he'll go right into LPN school or wait a bit. I am so happy for him!!
So that is about it. Gas prices vigorously inhale and Hubs got the job he was hoping for. As long as I never see a sign like the one above, I think we'll be okay.
That brings me to a question. With fuel/oil prices being what they are, I was thinking about ditching the Van and the Passat (Keep Hub's truck though) and getting a "newer" more efficient vehicle. The passat is quite efficient, but we use the Van alot because we often have other children with us. The van gets very poor mileage, but is very comfortable. We haven't had a car payment in almost 8 years, so I am reluctant to have one again. Also, we have full coverage and then some more (alot more) on our auto policy, which is as added expense that we could do without. (It only took one bad car accident to convince me to do that!) So what do you think? Then, if you think we should swap out, what should we get? A Hybrid? A Crossover? Should we just go small and get a Saturn Astra or Huyndai? Or a Vespa? :)
If I had it my way, I would buy the Scion TC in a 5spd. I love those cars!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Where does the time go?
Other than that, not much is going on. I am staying seriously busy here at the office and temping for the Children's Home. Mini Me is going to be performing in her school drama performance this weekend so I am already busy with her costume details and helping her rehearse, and later this week I'll be making 12 dozen Rice Krispy Treat bars and 8 batches of Puppy Chow and wrapping them all up. I try my best not to rush the days away for fear I'll miss something important in Mini Me's life, but I am really looking forward to summer vacation. Everything won't be so "planned " out all of the time. Yes, I'll still be working full time and temping at the Children's Home (DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYONE INTERESTED IN BEING A FULL TIME RELIEF HOUSEPARENT??), but we'll have more time for the public Library, the Springs, and bike riding. So, hurry up summer vacay, and get here!!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Spring Break
Monday she went to the day camp on the school campus while I worked and Hubs went job hunting with Report Card and recommendations in hand. At the camp, they did artsy craftsy stuff which she loves to do. And they played some ball games and she really had a blast. That afternoon, I took her to the pool and let her swim around for a while to brush up on her skills. (It had been a while since she had been swimming.)
On Tuesday, she went to Camp again and went swimming and had a blast once again. I have come to the realization that Mini Me is going to always get burned no matter how much sunscreen we slather on her. She has a pink nose and pink shoulders, and I promise we caked it on ahead of time and not right before she went swimming. (She would have been severely fried if not) But she had a great time and crashed the moment her head hit the pillow that evening.
Wednesday was Mid- week Bible study and camp. (I got to teach a bunch of exhausted first graders that have been on Spring break all week)
…and today (Thursday) Hubs and I took Mini Me roller skating. Let me tell you something…I am getting too old for this kind of thing (Or I am out of shape, you decide). Mini Me glided with beauty and grace around and around the rink and didn’t fall once. Hubs did his best to make his way around the rink and succeeded with only little swaying. I must give it to him though, he looked good!! I love that man of mine. Only he can entertain a room full of elementary schoolers while on eight wheels. Kudos Hubs! I did very well with the exception of the very end of the afternoon. I crashed HARD into the floor. My right hand is swollen and my wrist and knee are too. Hopefully all will be back to normal by tomorrow morning because I know I am going to be sore everywhere else! All in all today has been a great day.
Now tomorrow is going to be tricky. The agenda goes like this; Hubs has a big interview with the Hospital (PRAY PRAY PRAY) there is Bowling, and then we’ll head to Orlando Friday evening to hang out at the Pop Century Hotel at Disney to join in the celebration of my nephew’s 15th birthday. I just can’t believe he is 15 today! He’s about 6 feet tall and wears a size 435 ½ (give or take a few) So Happy Birthday Ky!
Now only 9 weeks or so until Summer Break! Woo Hoo!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Random Thoughts by Sharona
Hubs has finished CNA classes and clinicals. He is now waiting to take his State test on April 10th. I am so excited and proud of my hubs. This has been a stressful 7 weeks, but in the end it will all be worth it.
More on Hubs: He has an interview with a hospital on Friday to work in the Neuro Unit. Oh how cool!!! He was hoping he could work in a hospital rather than in a long term care facility, and now it looks like it might happen. Hooray for Hubs!
Mini Me is growing by leaps and bounds! I have been reading the blogs of friends who have brand new babies and such, and I just cannot believe how fast they grow. I remember the very first time we put Mini Me in a swimming pool. How cute she looked! A few years later I was so nervous when I put her in arm floaties the very first time! And now, just yesterday she went for a dip in the pool and looked like she should have been born with gills. The time goes by fast peeps. So enjoy it!!
I am still dangerously behind at the office. I am working hard to just keep my head above water, but every time I come up for air, a wave slaps me in the face! I hope and pray that one day I am much more efficient and productive. It is still worth it though. There is nothing better than working in the environment of a Christian school and children’s home. There is no cattiness, no lack of ethics and everyone is positive and upbeat. When something is all wrong, you have a great family to help it become all right. I miss the Chiropractic life, but this is great too!
I finally got in touch with my childhood/teen hood best friend Crista P. It was awesome to talk to her for the little time we had. She has three small children, so her life is pretty much hectic 24/7. I hope that soon, we can find more time to talk. She lives in Tennessee, so I have no idea when we’ll be able to meet again. It has been a few years since Hubs and I have made the trip up to her neck of the woods. Maybe she can come down here and take the kids to see the big mouse.
Well, that is about all I have time to write about right now. I know there is more to write about, like the Cottage girls, and our beast of a van, and my lack of homemaking skills lately and stuff like that, but chew on this for a while.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
"You Know A Change Will Do You Good"
Monday, February 18, 2008
You've Got to be kidding me!
So anyway, I hope I am on the mend. After all, I am here, awake and typing. Hubs was amazing. He bundled me up in every blanket he could find, brought me some water and tissues and he put Mini Me to bed. I finally caved around 11pm Sunday night, and took something for it. So, if I play my cards right, I should be good to go by tomorrow morning. I need to be, it is Hubs' first day of school. Woo Hoo!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Knock on Wood
Thursday, February 7, 2008
So, here we go again
Don't lose faith in me, I'll eventually have something worthy to write. Probably nothing witty or bold, but something. I'll probably plagiarize, steal or embellish alot, so just be ready for anything.
How do you people do it? You people that can also Scrapbook, write stories, cook amazing and creative meals, shave your legs daily (or faces for you men) and think of neat ways to WOW your signifigant other.(Oh okay...I guess shaving isn't creative, but you still have to find the time to do that too) I wish I could be more like you. I haven't a creative cell in my body. I strive for it, but once I review the finished product, I am all but bawling. I am more like the reliable 'ol Bessie that keeps producing the same milk day after day after day. Yes, it is a good thing to be predictable and such, but I would really like to be spontaneous and create somehting that will WOW someone. I have just run fresh out of ideas. The reason behind me bringing this up is because of the up coming holiday (or economical BOOSTER) I have not a clue as to what to do for my husband this year. I usually have what ever it is, planned and carried out by now, but I am staring at a blank page. Any ideas?