Resolution Revolution

It is that time of year when we in the Joe house like to reveal our plans for the coming year. I had big plans for 2006 and crossed a few off my list. This year my list will be shorter and hopefully a little more attainable. :o)

Eat healthy (this will of course still include chocolate, coffee and diet drinks)
Get moving (notice I didn't say E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E? moving can be in the form of dancing, walking, cleaning, shopping etc)
Find a hobby
Have a family supper 4 nights a week (cereal counts too)
Date night at least once a month (Joe you have to be good and nice to me though)
Spend money wisely (Hey wait when you don' t have it don't you usually spend wisely?)
If something breaks I will fix it or call someone who can.
Delegate chores
Obliterate snores (it just rhymed)
Hug my daughters every day
Pray every day

I have no plans to be up at midnight tonight. It will be among a handful of times I won't see the New Year in. This will be our first New Years Eve in the new house. I wonder if the neighbors here are as rowdy as the ones in Muskogee?? Muskogee folk set off fireworks. These Fort Gibson folk may get out their guns for all we know. All we have is a pellet gun and that won't make much noise.

I need some coffee now.

December 24th Birthdays Cubed

I have three people in my family who have a birthday on December 24th: My Aunt Joyce, my brother Tom and my brother-in-law Ronnie all have a birthday today.

As long as I can remember up until about 10 years ago Aunt Joyce had a birthday cake for her and my brother. They always had their picture made together. Neither of them particularly enjoy having their picture taken but endured the torture on a yearly basis. One of my favorites is when Tom is about 8 years old and he is saying something and Joyce is looking at him and laughing.

The way our family does it so Joyce and Tom really have a birthday celebration is we all (18) go out for lunch at Western Sizzlin and bring gifts for their birthdays. We all sit together and our waitress gets a very good tip. :o)

We had birthday cobbler for Ron at g-mom's house last night after our traditional grilled cheez sandwich and tomatoe soup dinner. ANP what do y'all like to do for Ron?

What a special gift to have a baby on this day. Looking down at the face of your child, just as Mary looked into the face of Jesus.





Happy Birthday Tom, Joyce and Ron!

Coolest Gifts Ever

Oh I can't wait for Christmas morning. I got Joe two of the coolest gifts ever! He will like them so much he may throw all the gift wrap aside and kiss me right on the lips in front of the girls. (EWWW MOM AND DAD ARE K-I-S-S-I-N-G!!)

Let's hope so anyway.........

if you want to know what they are, email me and I will send you a picture. One is so cool I will score MAJOR points for even FINDING it, much less getting it here for Christmas.

.......just three more days. The anticipation is killing me. ;o)

It will just be marvelous

12-27-06 Due to technical difficulties beyond my control (a terrible night's sleep and a volcano in his gut) Joe was not quite up to rolling around in the wrapping paper, but did smile at the gifts: The Official Batman Handbook and a Marvel Edition Monopoly game and some Marvel Matchbox cars....with the coveted Captain America car.)

4:02

What does that mean you ask??

4:02am is the exact time I have been waking up for the last week. I have no idea why. Every day when I wake up and the clock says 4:02 I am amazed. Sometimes I can go back to sleep and sometimes I get up and do something for a while until I get sleepy again. Sometimes I pray for who ever pops in my mind first....sometimes it is Karina and the babies. I don't know who it will be tomorrow. Maybe one of the doctors at work, Dr. Elgin....his little mother died today.

If you have something you would like for me to talk to The Big Guy about tomorrow, say about 4:02 am, just leave me a comment and I will talk to Him about it.

Really it is kinda nice. No one to talk to except God and no distractions. Is He showing me how to find the time to talk to Him?

Updated photo

I updated this post with a picture.....please take a look at my pretty Birthday Girl. :o)

Thanking God for a small thing

Thank you God for your provision in this "small" thing that makes a big difference in my life:

Recently my employer updated our Business Office computers at work, equipping us with internet at all computers, not just one in the back of the office. As you know, I work at the front desk and get to greet all our patients coming in our office. This is not a hard job, but the stress is a little high especially when we are busy.

Anyway, I have been checking the website for my favorite Christian radio station: KXOJ and until today, they have not had the "listen" button. Today, when I logged on, there it was!! I can now listen to uplifting Christian music at my desk. This music encourages me and keeps me happy, so much better than secular music.

When I feel happy inside, I will be a more effective employee and be able to greet all our patients with a smile ;o)

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Here is a tidbit I heard on this great radio station today:

God is NOT looking for a steeple, he is looking for a people.

~

He is looking for his peeps

I want to be God's Peep! Do you??

Boys and Bears

Last year Carly's best friend was a Build a Bear, now it is a boy.

I just couldn't wait!

I ordered this ornament for Joe (despite what the camera date stamp says) for his stockingthis year. I just couldn't wait to give it to him. Do you recognize it?? It is our very own Jenn's creation nicely put on a ceramic ornament at www.cafepress.com
















Isn't it just adorable

Happy Boobah Cassidy

Seven years ago today Cassidy Faith Joe was born into our family. She came into the world fast and furiously....just like she lives her life.

For seven years old she sure knows a lot and is not shy about telling you what she knows. Lord only knows if she is right or wrong sometimes.

She sings from the time she wakes up til she falls asleep at night or when our ears get tired, which ever comes first.

She is not your average girl either. She loves to play with Matchbox cars. She and Carly construct large mats with roads, shops and houses. Her cars talk to each other and have little car-families. She only likes real-life cars...no race cars. I think her favorite is a Mini Cooper or a VW Bug with no lid. (Cassi-speak for a convertible)

She wants to be a big sister or at least the Boss of her big sister Carly. :o)

This morning she told me "Mom I am never gonna get a job. I am gonna just stay home for ever. " I asked how she would do that. She has it all figured out. "I will just let my Honey go to work."

Cassidy Faith Joe, we are blessed to have you for our little sister and our baby daughter.

Happy Birthday

Norwegian Treats

We recently received a pleasant surprise in the mail.....a package from Norway! Nerdine sent us a bunch of stuff about Norway and a very newsy informative letter.

We got a book about Norway and the Vikings, several post cards, one of her work, and some Norwegian chocolates. We have not eaten them yet......not for lack of trying on the girls' part though. There were also two Viking bead necklaces. That is right up our alley. We love to make beaded jewelry here in the Home of the Joes. There was also a treat for me: a cd of Norwegian music made by Nerdine.

I have a picture of all the loot, but don't have it downloaded. We are still having computer woes....nothing horrible, just annoying....so stay tuned for pix.

Last night Cassidy was trying to tell PrayerfulMom about the package and she said," We got a package from Nerdino, our friend from the blogs. She is from (MOM WHERE IS SHE FROM?!) Norway. It is very far away."

Carly piped up and we had the thought at the same time. In "A Cinderella Story" one of the characters says Norwegian salmon is from Norwegia, so of course we had to laugh and say that too.....

************************************

Thanks Nerdino!!

Weird Schmeird Etc

Leslee is so bossy. She wants me to post weird things about myself. Well first off, I am not weird. Y'all are. I could post a whole bunch more weird things about you than I could about normal little ole me, but here goes:

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the '6 weird things about you.' People who get tagged need to write a blog post of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says 'you are tagged' in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I recently started listening to classic rock on STAR 103 . When I started to like it i thought to myself, "I am finally grown up." In my mind, only older adults liked that station.....and now that I am about to turn 38, I finally feel like an adult. (I bet Joe is so relieved.)

2. I peel the top off of pizza and eat it first, then the crust.

3. I sleep with ear plugs.

4. I find a scent I like and wear it all the time until I get tired of it, or find something I like better. Currently I am still loving warm vanilla sugar but would also like to try some Pink Sugar from here. If Joe found something he liked I would wear that too, but his nose gets itchy when it smells perfume. (I will also add here that I love a good smelling man!)

5. I blush VERY easily. My face always gives away my emotions, no matter how hard I try to hide them.

6. I have only been drinking coffee for one year. (and I love it!....another sign I am grown up.)

Bonus weirdness:
7. I have freckles between my toes.

8. I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue.

9. I am pretty smart and intuitive about certain things (don't tell Joe) It just gets lost in this dingy shoulda-been-a blonde head though.

10. I hate those mail-in cards in magazines and rip them all out when i read the magazine.

Tagging: BandGirl, Carly-Fries, Ted, ANP, and Nerdine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today I will go to the annual Sister's Christmas Lunch with my mother, her sisters (7 total) and all my girl cousins. We will eat and have a gift exchange at Aunt Ruth's . It might get nasty. They like to play Dirty Santa and I don't. I think I posted about that last year. I love to see everyone and visit and laugh at how old they have gotten! haha

My gift is pretty cute: a snowman mug with a matching stirring spoon, some "dash/smidgen/pinch" measuring spoons, hot chocolate, mini flavored coffees and creamer.....all things I love. :o) Is it wrong to take things you would like? I usually do, and have even ended up with my own gift (and promptly returned it for the cash)

Here are all my aunts: Betty, Ruth, Iva, Mary, Thelma & Velma (my mom) and Sandra

Did I tell you that Carly won the MRMC "Holiday" card contest? Her design will be featured on the card sent out by my employer. She won a $25 gift card from Walmart. As soon as I receive our copies, I will post a photo.

I have more to post but will save something for later........

Merry Christmas

Snow Ice Cream

I used to love it when Mom would make snow ice cream when we were little......here is a good recipe:

1 cup Half & Half
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash of salt
5 cups of fresh, clean snow

I think you could also use liquid vanilla coffee creamer....what do you think?

We only got a few inches of snow last night. Not near as much as the rest of our state. There were blizzard conditions near the OK/KS border. We have been lucky, no power outages in our town. That is what is the worst I think.

I went outside this morning and only had to sweep off my car a bit and break a little bit of ice accumulation from yesterday, otherwise it wasn't bad. I left in plenty of time and only drove 30mph the whole way.

Everyone in the clinic made it but one person and there have only been 5 patients so far. We will have to find a bunch of busy work for everyone. I brought movies just in case! haha

Snuggle up with a good book or your honey and stay warm today!

and God said, "Let there be ice."

We are watching the news here in Oklahoma and there are nasty predictions of up to 10inches of snow and ice accumulation. Who knows if I will be able to make it in to work!? My dad, being the sweetie that he is will call me in the morning to make sure I don't need a ride. Uncle Joe says he will put his foot down if it is really bad and make me stay home. I don't think he will have to try too hard. ;o)

I sent Uncle Joe to the store for snackies and staples ("code" for toilet paper) I on the other hand will be in charge of our entertainment. I am sneaking off to Blockbuster for a movie!

Maybe we will all get to snuggle up in bed tomorrow and look at the snow falling down and have a nice pot of stew........mmmmmmm

How is the weather in YOUR neck of the woods??

Christmas Came Early!

I got an early Christmas present from Emma.....can you guess what it is??

Don't you think my Blogger Diet is working out for me? Look how skinny I am! And my hair!! So long and luxurious, and I didn't have to do a thing to it!

Thank you very much Emma...I love my new metropolitan chick template. It suits me to a "T" , was just what I wanted, and fits perfectly. ;o)

Black Friday

*Yawn*

Yep...I did what I haven't done in YEARS: ventured out on Black Friday to do some Christmas shopping.

My friend, Beverly, and I decided Wednesday that we would do a little bit of shopping before work today, since we were the skeleton crew on duty today at the clinic.

We agreed to meet at JCPenney's at 5am...when the doors opened. We were among the first so we received a cute little Mickey Mouse snow globe. He will adorn my desk this holiday season.

We found a few bargains there, some for me and some for the girls. I ran out of arm space before making it to the men's section. (sorry honey) I know I know, I probably shouldn't have been buying things for myself, but they were such good dealeos and I needed them really bad. (a purse and wallet ok? i have carried the same dysfunctional and marginally ugly purse all summer.)

Sears dished out some shoes for some of our honeys then we decided to go to KMart where they had only 4 check stands open. Now you tell me what moronic company has only 4 check stands open on BLACK FRIDAY?? We were smart and went back to Electronics and still had to wait in a small line, but we were in and out in 30 minutes I guess. That included a small visit with my parents in the middle of the store. My dad even got out! I don't think that has ever happened! They scoped out some gifts for the girls and snagged some pop (that is soda to all you northerners) on sale.

We were ready for breakfast about 7am and decided to go have a sit down breakfast before work. A fine end to a fun shopping day. There is never a dull moment when Bev is around. We liked looking at all the "unique" people out. We saw a woman with huge hair, 2 women in their pajamas in public, and saw an old lady bring her dog, who was wearing a sweater, to KMart.

The day at work was pretty boring but everyone who had been sick over Thanksgiving came in since their doctor's office was closed. We got to leave early so not all was lost. I even sneaked in a trip to Walmart and made a huge dent in my shopping for my family of Joes.

I usually buy Joe themed gifts. I wonder what the theme this year will be? I will marvel and amaze you at my shopping prowess. I am a Wonder Woman when it comes to snooping out dealeos. ;o)

Who has their tree up already?? Not us.....but the girls are after me already to get it up. I may appease them this weekend.

Gobble Day

Cassidy's teacher had an activity in the Writing Center: Write a letter to a turkey.

Here is what she said she would write:

Dear Turkey,
You better run and hide or we will eat you for Thanksgiving!
Your Friend,
Cassidy

In other news:
Carly is a finalist in a Christmas card contest! We will keep you posted. Shhh she doesn't know it either!

In other news
I haven't felt much like bloggin' lately
We (actually Joe made the dealeo) finally sold the old house and will close on it next week. (Praise the Lord!) Everything is finally moved out and into our garage. I never thought the day would come! We sold it to a man who is going to remodel and resell it. We will be semi out of debt in about a week. Can I see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel? I think I can! It is the color of cash! haha

In other news
Go to Joes Place and see what he got to do last week while I was partying with 6 12 yr olds.

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone! You each are counted among the blessings in the life of the Joe Family.

Survivor Story

I survived Carly's 12th birthday slumber party!! I planned, I prayed, I facilitated and I survived!

Two of the guests came home from school with her so the festivities started early. I actually thought that she might get some work done before the party. Boy, what was I thinking? She didn't seem stressed about the house, so I didn't either. (I mean hey, it's not like it is filthy dirty any way!)

We made mini pizzas, had nachos, carrot cake (Carly's favorite made by Uncle Louie) and they giggled and squealed and did what 12 year old girls do best: talk about boys. We even loaded up in the back of the truck and went visit a couple of boys. They thought that was pretty cool and I got a kick out of the reaction of the boys when a truck load of 6 girls drove up to their houses. :o)

They piled up in the living room about 11pm and watched movies til 2am they said. Not me....I went to bed and was sawing logs. I got up about 430 to check on them and it was a sea of arms and legs in the living room. Two of the girls slept together on the couch....good thing they were skinny little things.

They all woke up about 9am and Uncle Joe and I made pancakes for them....then it was time for them to start going home. Parents arrived and the party was over.

I think they had a good time and I was glad to see Carly having a good time with new friends.

Now it will be Cassidy's turn December 11th.

Bicentennial Post and Computers

Woohoo!! This is my 200th post! I never knew I had that many words in me and that anyone cared about reading them. :o) Thanks for being here with me along this road that is my life.

We were in the Java Cafe today (the breakfast served at our church on Sunday mornings) and guess what happened? The church had a computer they didn't need any more and someone told someone about our smelting accident. We left the church with a used perfectly capable computer!! God is so good! The computer has most of the things we had on our previous one and what we need to add is little things. Yippee!!

Happy Birthday to Pa-Pa Utah today. A memorable birthday we spent with him was when we went to Bozena's here in Fort Gibson. It was Oklahoma's only Polish restaurant and we had a good time. The owner Ziebiegnew came out and sang for us. I was pregnant with Carly at the time, so that was 12 years ago. We ate either pickle soup or saurkraut soup. I don't remember now......

At any rate, today was a pretty good day. Nice weather, kids got along and the short cakes are in the oven. Now we just need some icecream. ;o)

The Meme According to Josefina

1. Explain what ended your last relationship? My ex husband thought it was ok to be mean and nasty and be with other women.
2. When was the last time you shaved? this morning thank you very much
3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.? trying to wake Joe up very sweetly. he wouldn't stand for it.
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago? putting the short cakes in the oven
5. Do you have any famous ancestors? does Uncle Joe/Batman count? Truthfully I can't think of any.
8. Have you had to take a loan out for school? NO
9. Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile? My who?
10. Last thing received in the mail? duh an envelope
2. Do you ever leave messages on peoples answering machines? yes
13. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to? George Strait 1986
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? Never been to the ocean beach only the lake beach and there are too many rocks there to make it look good.
15. What was the most painful dental procedure you have had? I had to have one tooth anchored to another tooth and "gently" guided into a more straight angle. It wasn't gentle and it hurt.
16. What is out your back door? My porch which holds a cat box, a chair and some green army men
18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair? Never been to the ocean but when I go, I'll let you know
21. Do you re-use towels after you shower? only the ones that i dried my hair on, and only on my hair again....
22. Some things you are excited about? ;o) hmmm let me see.....i am crazy about that special someone, my kids being happy....and the holidays coming up.
23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO? Peach
24. Describe your keychain(s)? lots of keys and a purple hook thing, and a royal blue stretchy cordy thing that i put around my wrist.
26. Where do you keep your change? of clothes? in my closet. oh. coins, in the cup holder of my car
27. What kind of winter coat do you own? i have a black leather bomber jacket and a purplish coat with fur around the hood, and a super long black leather coat I got from UJ a few years back. (it was the bestest Christmas gift ever. i had wanted it so bad, but never told anyone because it was too expensive......how did he know?)
29. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed? closed. i don't like the cat pouncing me at night, and you never know when you might need a little privacy.....for reading or something. ;o)

And there you have it. The most unique meme I have every done.

Fashionably Late Wishes

Happy Birthday to Seeker!!

S-mart
E-nergetic (she jogs every day with PR)
E-agerly awaiting the arrival of twin grand daughters
K-ind
E-ver so craaaazy about her grandchildren! (as well she should be have you seen them??)
R-isible (look it up)


We hope your day was full of fun and lots of love from those grand-boys. I bet the twinnies were wondering what was going on outside too! :o)

We love you and are SO glad to call your our Far Away Friend.

Much love,

The Joe Family

1986 was a good year

These are not really awkward pictures, but something I had been working on when Anne requested awkward photos of our youth. This will have to do since our computer melted in a smelting downloading accident. Tedly is on the job in Geekville trying to get us a new one on loan.

Oh, and I don't know why the pictures are hidden. I am posting this and hoping that another one of you might offer a suggestion. (hint: Emma please help me!) Right click on the square and left click on "open link" and the photo will open in a new window.

This is my Best Friend (or BFF Best Frin Forever as we said in High School) Carol. She was one year older than me and her grandma lived across the street from my grandma and we became friends in 1985 and have remained friends ever since.

These pictures were taken the summer of 1986 right before we were going to a rodeo with some guys. I have always loved the pictures and she even had a pencil drawing done of th top one that hung in my room for a long time.

We were in a herd of girls, otherwise known as a gaggle of girls and we called ourselves S.M.A.C.K. (Suzy, Mindi, Angie, Carol, Kelly) We were all in Colorguard together, attended church together and generally spent all our waking hours with one or more of each other. If we weren't together physically, we were together on the phone. (the old fashioned ones with CORDS! haha)

We talked mostly about boys and who was "going with" whom but we also were laying the foundation for lifelong friendships. The secrets we told each other then are still in the vault. We know too many secrets about one another now to ever stop being friends! :o)

Carol and I have remained friends through boyfriends, college, moves, divorces (mine not hers) and babies, and are now enjoying a much less logistically challenged friendship since she moved to Sallisaw about 2 years ago. (I am so glad!)

Our hubbies even get along well....hers is a Band Director and mine is a music man, so you can imagine all they talk about is music and kids (and their beautiful wives of course!heehee!)

Carol I just want you to know how much you have always and continue to mean to me. You are a wonderful example to me and I am so blessed to call you my lifelong friend. I don't know how you ever put up with my boy-crazy self, but you did and I thank you. Thank you for talking, laughing,climbing, plotting, writing, praying, walking, twirling, driving, crying, planning, advising, giggling, and loving me for over 20 years. I look forward to many more :o)

Yippee!!

What a great moment this is in my day. The children....yes I used the plural word there...are both gone to my (wonderful) Sister In Law's house for a sleep over. Her oldest, Elle, is having a sleep over and Carly is attending that. Cassidy is there also as the guest of Elle's younger sister, Alli. Both our girls were so excited all day.

Joe and I were pretty excited too. It has been a long time since we have been all alone in the new house. ;o)

We drove to Tulsa for Thai food and are now about to enjoy a quiet evening. Well maybe just a little noise.....there is a good football game on.

Woe Is Us!!

Yikies!! Yesterday I walked through the dining room and smelled something hot. You know the smell....like when you first turn on the heater. I checked: no, heater was not on. Carly's flat iron was on, but not smelly. I even leaned down very carefully to smell it. I walked by the computer again and was horrified to realize the smelly hotty smell was coming from my computer!!! It was off and blinking and would not turn back on. BTW I was trying to download a video of Uncle Joe playing a cool guitar lick.....I always knew he was hot guitar player....but oh my!! He melted the hard drive!

TGIF

Here is an updated photo of our bedroom after my parents helped me hang the curtains that coordinate with my "new" bedroom ensemble. We just love it and it satisfied our need for a java-colored room. (Thanks!)

See my exercise ball in the corner? I step over it every day and call that exercise. haha Seriously I really need to get on the ball and get back to exercising and toning up my tummy. :o) (No pun intended)

Uncle Joe and GrandPat went to a local music store to hear a guitar player named Bugs Henderson. I don't know anything about him, but you can read about him here:
I hope they have a good time. Maybe he will inspire some new guitar licks for Joe to play for us tomorrow.
(Update: Joe came home with a rockin' cd of this man's and it was great!!)

Cassidy's school sponsored a "Trunk or Treat" tonight. Have you heard of that? The participants parked their cars and opened their decorated trunks and passed out candy to the children. It was over quickly but Cassi was happy with her small haul of candy. I am sure she and Joe will sit in the floor later and ooh and ahh over what she got.

Carly is having her first sleep over guest tonight: her bestest cousin, Elle. Not too much giggling is coming from the living room just yet, but the night is still young. ;o) These girls are so funny together. They can find a treasure in anything you put before them. Tomorrow I imagine them outside in the garden or under a tree creating a little city of nut shells, pine needle houses and rock cars. You just never know what they will create together. :o) I love that about them. They are very different, but also alike in a lot of ways.

I am just glad it is Friday.

The eyes have it

Here is the "face" in our kitchen watching us cook.
He kinda looks like that creature on FarScape. What do you think his name should be??














This "face" creeps me out. It is in our bathroom. Good thing Batman is there too. I am thinking of hanging SOMETHING over this face, or at least the eyes. haha

















Posted by AJ

Happy Boo Bah!

Happy BooBah to Jen!

She is turning 33 today

Go on over and wish her a happy day........

We called to surprise her with our own Okie Singing Telegram :o) Joe picked out Happy Birthday on the guitar and the girls and I sang along.

Cuppa Joe

Ever wonder where "cup of joe" came from??

Go here to find out.


Mmmmmm I already have my grande joe. (he is 6'2")

:oD

I Got a Wild Hair.......

Before
















After

Whaddaya think??

I like it. I did it while Joe was asleep again. What's up with that?

The Clown Who Couldn't Spell

Bless his heart....he can't spell.














He was very sweet and boy, could he make a balloon thingamajigger!

House-o-Joe's

Here is our "new" home....actually it is the 20+ year old house that my dad built for his parents in 1983. It is right next door to the house I grew up in, so I really moved "back home"! This first view is the kitchen. The floor was updated as well as the sink (I don't think that is visible in this photo, but it is great! Thanks Mom!) and just freshened up with a nice coat of paint. We left some of Nan's things here and there...the little shelf by the back door for one.
There is a great plate rail above the cabinets that Joe promptly filled up with all our doo-da's. Some are antiques some are just things that tickled our fancy. Notice the Hello Kitty lunch box? The block letters below it originally spelled C-O-U-N-T-R-Y or W-E-L-C-O-M-E and Uncle Joe, being the creative dood he is, rearranged it to spell M-E-O-W. :o) I thought it was funny!
Here is the girls bathroom. We thought coming here they would be so excited to have their own bathroom. The shower has a seat in it and the spiffy new shower curtain is just what they like. OH BUT NO!!! They want in the big middle of mine and Joe's bathroom!! We have the bathtub/shower and they LOOOOOOVE to take baths. Oh well, it saves me from having to clean TWO bathrooms. So, I guess this is really Charlie the Cat's bathroom.
This room is the brain child of me and my parents. They are both aware that I struggle with a Laundry Monster on a daily basis so we re-thunk the layout of this room, took out a freezer and a cabinet and added a laundry folding station! It has a large table for folding, shelves underneath to hold 4 small laundry baskets for sorting clean/folded laundry and 3 large laundry hampers for sorting dirty laundry underneath the table. Dad also added a sturdy pole for hanging laundry. That is my favorite. This has saved a huge mess in our living room and bedrooms. I LOVE THIS ROOM!!! (and it smells good!)

Here is our bed room. As you can see, it is small, but CLEAN. Bedzilla has taken up most of the room. I love our King sized bed and hated the thought of giving it up, so we didn't. The bedspread is Mom's deal-of-the-day that she found at a yard sale just up the road in the new housing addition. If the owner's husband was telling the truth, it is a $800+ set and we got the whole ensemble: comforter, bedskirt, pillows, shams (that I dont' have pillows for) and 2 curtains, all for $100! I caught them at the perfect moment: CLOSING TIME! Despite our best efforts to enjoy this comforter, we still sleep with our old one (It is just so comfy!) and just put this one out for show.

One thing that you cannot see in this picture is the great bookshelf Dad put in a dead spot on the wall just around the corner to the right. He raised it off the ground so there is storage down there for our one suitcase and 5 shelves to hold all our books/magazines etc. He painted it coffee-bean brown for us, the color we actually wanted on the walls but decided against in such a small space.

My parents worked so hard on this house for us all summer and words cannot ever express my gratitude for their tireless work for me and my family. I choke up with emotion every time I try to speak my gratitude to them.

Nan has been gone for almost a year now, hard to believe. I know she (and Pap) would be so very very glad that we are living in her house. She would be glad that Joe is working in her yard, making a garden. She would be glad that Cassi has the Doll Room and kept her shelf for dolls, and even rescued a baby doll from a garage sale just last week. She would be glad that Carly is using her bedroom suite that she saved for us all these years. She would be glad that her house is filled with the sounds of little girls laughing, crying, singing and fussing. She would be especially glad to hear the music that comes from within these walls from Joe & Cassi. She would be glad to see our daughters making friends all through the neighborhood, playing outside and riding their bikes. She would be proud of me for helping to make this house into a home.

More pictures will follow , so please stay tuned!!

Sam & Ella Ain't Got Nuthin' on Uncle Joe

Here are a couple of pizza's Uncle Joe whipped up this week. He made the pizza dough from scratch too......































They were very yummy in our tummies.

Fair Fotos

Here is my dad....Papa to the girls. Do you like his hat?? He is a hat guy. Always has one on and loves to see his grand daughters wearing hats.

Here is a cool cake we saw at the Cake Contest. I thought Uncle Joe, Ted, Roy and Kahuna might appreciate this one. :o) The contest was featured on The Food Network. We could see cameras in the middle of all the cakes, but we steered clear of them. They had the most fabulous wedding cakes I have ever seen. I would have hated to cut them!

I assume this is a brown sugar "sand" castle. I bet it is very sticky. Do you like Cassidy's pony tail holder? I put something bright on her so I could spot her if she got seperated from us.

Carly, Salani and Cassidy on the way to the fair.

They looooove their cousin Salani. They fight over who gets to sit by her. I am sure she gets sick of being in the middle all the time! She is literally and chronilogically in he middle of them. She is 8, Carly 11 and Cassidy 6. Just the right spaced between them.......

The Law of PP

My fatigue factor is directly proportional to the probability that I will get a call to do a drugscreen.

I was sitting at the computer about to fall asleep about 11:15pm this evening , ready to turn in when the pager went off. I had to drive to the hospital to collect a drugscreen. The donor could not go and I had to wait for 30+ minutes for her to finally go.

*Yawn* I am feeling Mr. Sandman again........

Good night Bloggers

Meme Me

I am very tired and have nothing better to post than this.

1. How many keys are on your keychain: 8 identified and 1 unidentified
2. What curse word do you use the most: holy canoly!
3. Do you own an iPod: no
4. What time is your alarm clock set for: 6:00am (do i have to admit how many times i hit snooze too? OK 3)
5. How many suitcases do you own: 1 and i have to share it with Uncle Joe.
6. Do you wear flip flops even when it's cold outside: Only if it is for a short while
7. Where do you buy your groceries from: Harps/Walmart/Albertsons
8. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture: both. i have too many pictures of others and not enough of
ones with me in them.
9. What was the last movie you watched: The Illusionist (it was ok but wait for the video)
10. Do any of your friends have children: all of them i do believe....one even has 5
11. If you won the lottery, what's the first thing you would buy: my house
12. Has anyone ever called you lazy: Not lately!
13. Has anyone told you a secret this week: it is Sunday so the week is still young!! I am hopeful.....
14. When was the last time someone hit on you: Saturday morning...Uncle Joe hit me on my arm and it hurt.
15. What did you have for dinner: cereal and toast
16. Do you wear hoodies often: no not often
17. Can you whistle: oh yes....very loudly too.
18. Have you ever participated in a protest: just protesting work
19. Do you think people talk about you behind your back: yes on a daily basis
20. How big is your local mall: it is big but a lot of it is empty
21. Are you shy around the opposite sex: yes they make me nervous especially when the smell good
22. When was the last time you laughed so hard your sides hurt: last week when Joe read me his Western Love Story
23. What movie do you know every line to: Wizard of Oz, Babe, Joe vs the Volcano, most Disney movies
24. Do you own any band t-shirts: not currently, but i used to.....
25. When was your last plane ride: sadly, 1993.
26. How many chairs are at your dining room table: 6
27. Do you read for fun: yes doesn't everyone?
28. Can you speak any languages other than English: I am fluent in the language of Love *snicker*
29. Have you ever cried in public: yes and i really hate to. i hate for people to see my ugly cry-face

wow that took 30 minutes.
now i am really really tired.

good night all

Fairly Fun

Whew. I have never been so glad to be home! We had a buzzy-bizzy-bee day today.

We had an early rise (which was hard after a late night at the Fort Gibson vs Sallisaw game AT Sallisaw, an hour away) and went to a Pancake Breakfast at Cassidy's school. For some reason I thought they would also have other food items. Wrong. It was pancakes. Only pancakes. Served with apple juice and coffee as thick as mud. Needless to say I ate only one pancake. (I am a pancake snob...i will only eat them with Griffins Butter Pecan syrup and sausage)

Outside in the parking lot, they had rented parking spaces to have a community garage sale. We found a few treasures: some cherry capri pants for G-mom (hope she doesn't see this before we give them to her!) a cute little Smore marshmallow snowman picture holder, several shirts for Carly and some cool jeans, a ginormous pot for Uncle Joe to make dumplins in and a wonderful stuffed monkey that Cassidy named after her teacher: Mrs. Roff. I wonder if she would find it as funny as we did??

We had the energy and the spare change to go to one more garage sale after leaving the school and found several more treasures: a leather Fossil wallet for a quarter, a baby doll for 75 cents (Nan would be so proud of us for rescuing her!) and a sparkly purse for Cassidy. By the end of that treasure seeking escapade it was time for us to get ready to go to the Tulsa State Fair with Papa.

Papa picked up my niece, Salani, then me and the girls and we were off for some fun at the Fair. (UJ stayed at home. He didn't feel too good)We got there about 1230 and immiediately found our favorite fair food: roasted corn. We got four ears and had a seat and got all buttery and salty and enjoyed our corn. We smiled with corny teeth the rest of the day. Our other favorite fair food is Cajun Shrimp On A Stick. You talk about SO good!! We look forward to that every year. We also ate a funnel cake and frozen cheez cake. We got only one cheez cake and shared and it was 'just enough' for everyone to get a good bite or two and not be overloaded.

The girls got to ride several rides, maybe 5 each. Dad did the math on the last ride the girls rode and figured each time the ride started, they made $125.00!! Holy canoly!! That is just insane! There were several new rides but the lines were too long for Carly to ride them. I saw a few I would have liked to try, but at $4 to $5 a pop, I just couldn't bring myself to pay that! Carly is at that inbetween stage in her life. Not a child and not a teenager so she had difficulty finding things she wanted to ride with the little girls. Next year we will plan a trip and bring someone her age to ride with. :o)

It was a long day but a fun day. We had to listen to the gaggle of giggling girls in the back seat all the way home from Tulsa but they were singing and laughing, so we didn't even care. I love to hear them getting along happily.

I took several pictures, but I am just too tired to download them right now. (Blogger is so naughty it probably wouldn't have let me download them anyway.)

Hoping you all are having a great weekend!

Pepper Rallies and Pizza

Cassidy came home from school last Friday very excited. "Mom guess what we had at school today? A parade and a Pepper Rally!"

It was Homecoming and they had an all school parade and a Pep Rally. :o) heehee!!

If you have never been, I recommend you try The Incredible Pizza Company. My mom and I went along with Carly's Girl Scout troop for a big Field Trip. It was so much fun! They have several themed rooms to eat in (Family Room, Diner, Starlight Theater and Gymnasium) and lots of activities for the kids when they are done (Go Carts, Bumpber cars, Mini golf, Bowling, games games games) They don't use tokens or quarters for the games/activities either. You put money on a "credit card" and the kids scan it to play games. The prices were very reasonable. The girls each got $12 on their card and that was more than enough to play everything they wanted. We even had to scold some of them to "spend your money so we can go!"

I want to take Cassidy back there soon since she didn't get to go with us. Maybe Carly will volunteer to show her the ropes.

Happy Fall Y'all!!

I am Falling

It is finally starting to feel like Fall in Oklahoma. The weather is getting chillier and chillier in the morning and evenings. I am outside watching Cassidy play with one of the little neighborhood girls, Molly, age 4. She knows everything and isn't afraid to tell you about it. Cassidy is getting a run for her money.

Carly has a flat tire on her bike so she has been homebound for a week. Good thing the phone lines work! She and her friend, Madison, have been keeping the lines hot. She went to Meet You at the Pole yesterday at 7am. She got up so good and mom actually got her to school on time. I was a little nervous though as a storm was brewing complete with thunder and lightening. Later she went to a Youth Rally in Muskogee and had a blast

Halloween should be fun in this neighborhood. I remember when we lived here as a kid that it was packed! I am looking forward to it. We usually don't participate in "Halloweeny" type stuff but it might be OK to pass out some candy. We lived in Muskogee for 10 years and had only 2 trick or treaters. I expect hundreds here. It is a nice and safe neighborhood and the town knows it. :o) Gotta stock up on some candy now!

I am craving Thai food so bad right now. I have been for a couple of weeks. Seems we usually have some excuse to be in Tulsa every month or two so we can get a fix. Maybe we just need a date night for Mom and Dad. :o)

I am also wanting to make some caramel apples. Real caramel apples complete with the stick. I haven't done it since Middle School!


If you need a good laugh, go on over to Joe's place and check out his Western Love Story. He had me cryin' the first time I read it.

How is the weather in your neck of the woods?? This is my favorite time of year......

Host My Hubby

I have come to realize (after some good advice) that I need to find a hubby.

It is hard to think of a hubby for me.

Will you help me?

No rock climbing- too fluffy

No jogging- too bouncy

No recreational geometry- too silly

No guitar picking- i love my nails!haha (that and my fingertips got numb after a lesson the other night)

No kick boxing- I live with Batman...I don't need kick boxing to protect me

No kayaking-too far to travel to the rapids (unless McBunni invites us over!)

No water skiing- too bouyant (Islands in the Stream)

No singing- I sing through my nose I am told (i still don't believe it......heehee!!)

No sculpting- too muddy

No painting-unless it is by numbers

No cake decorating-too many calories.....and i would HAVE to taste my work!!

No bead making- i hear it involves hot tools and that is just what i need lying around my house a mini-flame thrower.

No golf-too long and it looks boring....although i have it on good authority it is loads of fun.

No wine tasting- it made me tipsy and almost fall down. ;0)

What would you suggest my Blogger Friends??

A Boy of Summer

Please visit my brother in law, Jory-San's blog for a tribute to his late friend, Jeremy.

Ugly Car Contest

Here is my submission for the Ugly Car Contest over at Susie's place.

It is a hearse that my Father In Law's neighbors drive daily. It has a flaming skull on the front quarter panel and some scary graphic on the back quarter panel. (I took the picture back in May on a rainy evening, so that is what the white specks are.) Needless to say these neighbors go all out for Halloween.....with lots of yard decorations, house decorations and of course the hearse front and center. It kinda gives me the creeps with the scary graphics. *shivers*

I will look forward to using my nice shiny new stapler and set it next to my spiffy red fan.

If I see any other strange vehiclemobiles I will be sure and post them too.

You know.....

You know you are from Oklahoma if you have to use your heater and air conditioner in the same day.

Yesterday I had a call to do a drugscreen collection about 2:30am. It was very chilly and I had to use my heater on the way. After work yesterday, it was very hot in my car and I had to use the a/c a bit just to cool off.

We have had wonderful weather lately. Chilly mornings and warm afternoons. Makes me wish we had a picnic table at work.....or better yet a hammock to lay in a read. Ahhhhhh wouldn't that be heavenly!

Please keep Joe's mother, G-Mom, in your prayers today. She is having an angiogram and at least one stent put in her heart, and possibly more. She will be at an area Heart Hospital where they specialize in cardiac care, so she will be in excellent hands. Our prayer is that she come through safely and without incident, and that this procedure alleviates some of the symptoms she has been having lately that have prohibited her from enjoying her normal active life. She loves to be active in the lives of her grand-daughters and grand-son (and grand-dog) and they love to be with her. They especially love taking turns spending the night one by one. There
are 4 grand-daughters here locally and they keep her hopping!

One day last week something strange happened to me. I wasn't having a particularly BAD day at work....just feeling a little stressed. This man checked in and when I asked him what he was here for he answered me in a Donald Duck voice! I put my head down and laughed so hard, then got so embarrassed for laughing that my face turned 9 shades of red. It broke the tension that had built up in me and was so funny! He also had other voices, but none of them seemed quite as funny as that unexpected Donald Duck.........

Yesterday Cassidy told me "Mom I don't want to ever hurt Jesus' feelings cause he is my favorite."

Carly and I went to a foot ball game here Tuesday evening and of course she wanted to pal around with her friends. (Who wouldn't?) She went up and down the bleachers so many times that her legs were sore the next day. I am so glad she is making friends. She seems to be happy and having a good time with them too. THey are a little herd of giggly girls doing all those things giggly girls like to do.

The Courtyard Bistro Gig

The Courtyard Bistro gig that Uncle Joe had Friday night went off without a hitch. He had a nice quiet evening picking and grinning for about 13 people (including the owner and her assistant). The music he chose was nice jazzy type music that wasn't too loud or too busy. We visited with each other as we listened to him. He played everything from jazzed up gospel, show tunes and some original compositions. He used a gizmo called a looper that records a 30 second snippet of music and plays it in a loop. (That is why it's called a looper DUH!) You can add layer upon layer of music to this 30 second snippet. He used that, and made a one guitar performance sound like several. (pretty cool!)

Look who showed up at the Bistro! It's Leslee!! And Peanut!! What a surprise that was. She called to say she was on her way to Tahlequah to visit her family and wanted to stop by. She followed my expert directions and found the Bistro without getting lost. ;o) Leslee is pictured here at our home claiming the "Furthest Traveled" prize.

It was a fun evening and the food was fabulous. We (Me, Leslee and my FIL Patrick) all had Corn Chowder followed by an Italian Tomatoe Pesto Sandwich (tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber sauce, chipotle sauce, tomatoe and cheez on ciabatta bread Yum) followed by the most wonderful creation.....at the moment the name escapes me.....Leslee help me out here!! It was a crunchy/gooey chocolate brownie with very vanilla icecream and whipped cream on top. That and three spoons made Leslee, Peanut and me very happy girls! Hey chocolate ALWAYS makes ME happy!!

Joe made $6 in tips and got a free Mocha Freeze.

Something funny: the owner, Donna, asked if Leslee and I were sisters. :o)

The evening ended with Joe playing some gospel music and Donna, Leslee and me singing along.

It was a good day.

UJ Strips

Go on over to Carly~Fries blog and see UJ's strip.

P.S. it really isn't that far to the kitchen

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Sunday Funnies

I may or may not have been tagged by Susiebadoozie:

1. Three things that scare me: creepy men, tornadoes, public speaking (i have made progress though...now I dont' vomit at the thought of it!)

2. Three people that make me laugh: Laurie Notaro, Will Ferrell, Steve Martin (what? oh you mean real people? ok then, Carly, Ted and Joe)

3. Three things I hate the most: fake people, liars (the fall under the fake people category don't they?) celery and SPAM

4. Three things I don't understand: rocket science, computers, foreign languages

5. Three things I'm doing right now: sitting, typing, breathing

6. Three things I want to do before I die: see the ocean, (i was actually thinking of this today, and for the life of me can't think of the one thing that i thought of!!) see a foreign country, see my children have a happy life

7. Three things I can do: tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue, make some great lasagna, play the flute

8. Three ways to describe my personality: sweet, happy, dingy (it's true, and i just laugh at myself)

9. Three things I can't do: back a trailer, eat SPAM, make pie crust

10. Three things I think you should listen to: Michael Buble', Jazz music, Adrian Rogers' preaching (Love Worth Finding of Memphis or www.lwf.org)

11. Three things you should never listen to: people who tell you not to try, people never have anything nice to say, Mar!lyn Man$on.

12. Three things I'd like to learn: how to sew, how to speak a foreign language (French), cake decorating

13. Three favorite foods: Pizza (Hawaiian), chocolate chip cookies, Tex-Mex

14. Three beverages I drink regularly: (in random order) Coffee, Diet Pepsi, Crystal Lite

15. Three shows I watched as a kid: Gilligan's Island, Batman, The Little Rascals

So there you have it. Useless information about me. Oh great. Joe just told me that I just sold a "How to Speak French" CD in our garage sale. (which incidentally went well....we got rid of a lot of treasures and made a little bit of money) SSSShhhhhhh don't tell, but I also sold his SPAM cookbook in the sale too. *snicker*

Have a great Labor Day Y'all! We will be at the grandparent's having a cook out. No one makes Potatoe Salad like Nana! Question: Do you like cold or warm potatoe salad? We eat ours as soon as Mom boils/mashes the taters so it is still warm. That is the way we grew up eating it, so I never knew any different. Mom does make certain OutLaws in our family some cold tater salad though. I think she might like them a little bit. ;o)

Things I Would Love to Say at Work But Shouldn't

I can see your point, but I still think you are full of flarkey.

I don't know what your problem is, but I bet it is hard to pronounce.

How about NEVER!? Is never good for you??

I see you have set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public. (there was a woman who came in the office in her bathrobe today. she was not a patient...she brought someone in. c'mon now, how hard is it to grab a bra and teeshirt? she had pants on and a bathrobe!)

I am really easy to get along with once you people learn to worship me.

I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.

I am out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...........beeeeeep!

It sounds like English, but I don't understand a word you are saying to me.

You are validating my inherent distrust of strangers.
(wow this one is true....i can peg a liar, a druggie and a cheater within the first few minutes of checking them in.)

I am already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
(i may try this one on my children. i have it on good authority it works.)

I will always cheristh the initial misconceptions I had about you.

Thank you, We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view
(now go back to your room....)

The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
(it actually means you are an idiot and you are weird)

Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
(what color is the sky in your world?)

What am I ? Flypaper for FREAKS?
(no, but some of y'all are!)

I am not being rude, you are just insignificant.

DO I LOOK LIKE A PEOPLE PERSON?!
(actually I probably do.......)

I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
(thank God!)

Sarcasm is just one more service we offer at no extra charge.

If I throw a stick will you leave?

Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?

Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
( i have no response to this)

Nice perfume, must you marinate in it?
(one of our allergy shot patients comes in and has bathed in her cologne. we want to tell her that if she would lay off the cologne, she might not need the shots......and it isn't even something that smells good.....it smells like bug spray!)

Chaos, panic and disorder-my work here is done.
(I am SO good at confusing people.....it is a gift.)

How do I set a laser printer to stun?
(how about KILL!?)

I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paychecks.

(in all honesty, I really am thankful for my job and my co-workers......well some of them. the others are just annoying)

Disclaimer: I am not the author of these witty comments. The copy I have does not list an author.....and I plan on using some of these tomorrow. ;o)

Lookie what Emma did!

Blogger Arteests

The Art Show is up at Carly Jo's place.

Please go and take a look. What talented little bloggers you are!!! Thank you all for playing along. I love the diversity of the portraits and the diversity of the mediums! ;o)

Baby Steps

Today is my birthday!

I am a one year old Blogger.

Blogging has been so fun over the last year. I am amazed at how large the world is and how small it seems in the blogosphere. I have friends from all over the USA to Norway to Japan to Australia!!

Thank you all for sharing your lives with me and thank you for letting me share our little corner of the world with you. I consider you all friends, even though we may never share the same oxygen. :o)

I think it is funny, the posts that I think are witty and funny sometimes got very little if any traffic, then something that I thought would totally flop got lots of traffic and people thought it was hilarious. Go figga! We also talk about y'all like you are right next door, and you are your screen names and not your real names. It is difficult for me to call you by your real names!

I hope I get to meet some more of you in the future.

So where ever you are today, have a piece of chocolate or a sweet treat of your choice in honor of my Blogger Birthday!

The Cookie Hider

This week I went to the grocery and got an assortment of foods for Cassidy to take in her lunchbox. I hid the Little Debbie Crunches because she would sneak around and eat them all. I never said "I am hiding the cookies."

Yesterday when she saw me after work the first thing she said to me was, "Mom you sure did hide the cookies good!"

I guess she had been looking for them.

Self "portrait"

For CarlyFries:
As you may or may not know, I cannot draw well, but I do have "photoshop skills"

haha

Happy Anniversity Joe

Today, 13 short years ago I married my best friend.

Since that day my life has been filled with music and laughter almost every day. ;o)

We have had good times laughing at one another,mainly me..."Who has the Daddy?"
(if you need to hear the story behind that one, email Joe and I am SURE he will LOVE to tell you)

Sampling Joe's cuisine from Spam Muffins to Cheetoh Rolls to Salsa to Pepper Jelly to Pizza Sauce ala Uncle Joe.

Our life has been filled with
sniffles and snuggles
fights(not many) and make up's
repeated questions
rolling eyes
two little girls bringing us joy(and sometimes exasperation!)
gardens and guitars
coffee and conversation
scrabble and scraps (play-fights)
blogging and bloggers
books and movies
love and laughter

Thank you Joe for waiting for me, for keeping me and loving me.

Rock City

I just love this natural shot, don't you? I especially love the natural electric cord coming from the natrual rock formation don't you???

















Mushroom Rock. I thought we missed it until I was reviewing these pictures this week! haha!!
We were too busy planning crazy photo ops and trying to get the groups of people behind us to go on ahead. They wouldn't go so we employed them to take pictures of us.















This is totally how she looked. Honest. This is not a fake picture.






















This is Fat Man's Squeeze...right before I got the Yelling Fraidy Cat Man back for scaring the life out of me. ;o)















I couldn't believe my luck! I caught her just as she fell down. See? I told you it was the Gobhole Phenomenon! And look! She saved the camera!!! ( I guess she has fallen down enough she is a pro.)

For some reason this was a delayed reaction for me. I had to read it three times before I got it.

Why Terry Cloth Shorts Should Be Banned

This is the meanest thing I have ever done to a stranger.

Oh Lonesome Me

*Oh lonesome Me*

Uncle Joe, Carly and CassiJo have gone on a little trip with G-Mom for one last HooHa before school starts this week. (a hooha is Oklahoma talk for a fun trip) They went to Fort Smith Arkansas for a few days to west and wewax. They are staying in a hotel with an indoor pool....every kids delight.

That leaves me with a lot of free time.

I am not used to free time.

I have been a busy bee since I got off work about 6pm. I went to our old house and loaded down my car with stuff to bring over, watered the Cherokee Purple Tomatoes, almost had a heat stroke, got stopped by a 300 car train on the busiest street in Muskogee on the way to Staples for office supplies. I ran into one of my favorite cousins and had a good laugh in the parking lot talking about our kids. He has two boys and we of course have two girls....so we have lots to laugh at! We get so tickled at each other we are crying with laughter before we leave each other. (We are pretty close...our moms are twins!)

I got what I needed at Staples which included some buble' wrap to mail a surprise to someone, and some items from the sale rack. (did you think the link was going to reveal the recipient?haha!)

Dad called on my way home and we loaded up the computer desk he built for us this weekend. (All this and I still haven't made it home to change clothes and I am sweatin up a storm by now in my black pants and long sleeved shirt!)

I ate some yummy left over lasagna from Lunch with The Aukerman's and sat down at the computer for a game of Scrabble.

There we dirty dishes calling my name so I hushed them up and got them all nice and squeaky clean and put away in their homes, and even relocated a few to a nicer, more convenient neighborhood in my kitchen.

I chatted on the phone with her and her ,and now I am getting sleepy. I have had a very productive evening. I just hope I sleep well. Sometimes when I am alone, I don't sleep well, but tonight I think I have worn myself out.

I have been laughing at the cat, Charlie "White Sox" Pesednick tonight. He has been pawing at the computer screen as I type. He sees the letters and the cursor moving and keeps jumping up there to attack them. :o) I think he might miss Carly and Uncle Joe. They are his favorite humans. He doesn't like me or Cassidy too much. He scratches us alot. I especially love it when he claws my feet when he is hiding under the bed, or comes into the bedroom early in the morning and scratches me on the face. I don't understand why he does that. I love him and love to pet and love on him! Maybe I smell funny or something. hmmmm

*Yawn*

Good night Bloggers!

PS: Stay tuned for more Gobhole Adventure pictures.........

Chocolate Heaven on a Stick

This is a "Snickers Caramel Apple" it was like Heaven on a stick. It was a Granny Smith apple (the best kind!) covered in caramel, rolled in peanuts and drizzled with chocolate. If you ever see one of these in the mall where you are shopping, run to it! Buy it and dig your teeth into it and be happy God made apples for us to slather with caramel.

Gobhole Underpass

Here is one of the rock formations we encountered at Rock City. Left click on picture if you can't read the sign.

Do you know Susie like I know Susie?

I was so worried about The Gobhole Girl coming to my home. I was afraid that we would pick up this creature at the airport that had a little cloud over her head. I was so pleasantly surprised. What came out of the terminal was a brightly colored gal with a bright smile and a boy in tow.

Here are some tips and observations should The Gobhole Girl ever decide to visit you.

1. she is not a morning person. do not speak until spoken to, usually after a few slurps of coffee.

2. she loves coffee in copious amounts. keep lots on hand. buy a starbux franchise.

3. she needs her lip gloss/stick available to her at all times and applies it frequently.

4. she does spill things often. have papertowels or other absorbant material on hand.

5. her hair is fabulous, don't be jealous.

6. her feet stink. i did not smell them but she told me she could. i just trusted her on this one. (mine however did not as i sprayed them with deo! haha)

7. she is prepared for any toiletry emergency. she has anything and everything you could possibly need or ever want in the way of toiletries. (Granny you will be happy to know we kiped all the samples we could for you!)

8. she eats like a bird. we finally figured out we should share meals and she still only ate half. there must be tons of take out boxes at their house.

9. we noticed a lot of the same things. the only difference was that she said it out loud. we saw several sights and looked at each other and laughed because we knew what we were thinking. (eg: Shoe Hangage....your feet should NOT overhang any where on your sandals. Your sandals should not make any noises while you walk....we were behind a woman whose sandals were blowing air everytime she walked. )

10. we are both note takers. we both have large amounts of notes from the lessons we had. we could probably reinact the lesson for you should that need arise. (please email me for fees)

11. never assume that anything hanging out of your nose, stuck in your teeth, in your hair or on your clothes will go unnoticed. she will notice and she will tell you. that is the sign of a true friend.

12. she is a very passionate person, especially where she sees injustice.

13. we both drive with our hands at 10 & 2. if you don't know what that means then go back to drivers ed. it is the correct way to do it, and that's all there is to it.

14. she has intestnal problems. let's just leave it at that. you want the truth?? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!

15. she can sniff out a bargain in all retail shop

16. she is a great problem solver

17. her list of things she noticed me will exceed this list by far.

18. she only drinks Pepsi. from bottles in cups of ice.


Let me also warn you that the Gobhole Phenomenon is contagious and totally transferrable.
Since we have been together I have tripped on more things than I ever have in my life.
I have managed to hit my body parts on more stationary objects than ever before. This would include a zillion pound rock and walls of all sorts.
I ran into three displays at the grocery store just yesterday.
We ate supper at Fazoli's Saturday night and while she managed to keep herself clean I left with spaghetti sauce all over me! (including my pants!)
We were nearly run off the road. Our short cut road just ended abruptly for no reason.
We received the worst service in every restaurant we went to, including being over charged. (This is a new thing for me as Joe and I usually receive great service!)

Hopefully the effects of this phenomenon will fade as they travel back to Idaho today. I may bump into a few things today in her honor.

Thank you Gobhole Girl (and Dyl) for coming to our home and sharing a week of our life.

Day Duh and Tree

We somehow managed to get to the conference just as the first speaker was starting every day. I will count that as a blessing. I (and Susie I believe) would not have wanted to be in that hall with 4,000 women buzzing around. It gave me a bit of claustrophobia, and I could not help staring at everyones shoes.

Day Two we got to hear two new speakers: Jan Silvious and Donna Otto. Both these women were very funny and gave us a wonderful lesson. They both had books for sale in the "bookstore" but we did not buy any. I will be checking some of them out in our local library.

We had a long lunch break and decided to walk downtown for some lunch again. Did you know that on Saturdays that a lot of the downtown merchants close?? We didn't. There was a young woman outside the conference center handing out flyers advertising free cookies to conference attendees so we (of course...who is going to turn down free cookies?) headed down there. We located the deli quickly as we had seen it the previous day but decided to walk around a bit and just survey our choices. There were not other choices so we walked back to The Steamboat Deli where we were treated to a local who blurted out a very politically incorrect statement that I won't even repeat. We just looked at each other and inched as close as we could to the entrance of the deli. (for a quite yummy lunch I might add)

We had some time later to do some shopping at a HUGE mall near the conference and had a ball shopping for our family. I found Joe a cute shirt with a jazzy fellow running that says "Cuppa Joe on the go" Susie sniffed that one out for me. I missed it. I repaid the favor when I sniffed out a couple of Calvin and Hobbes books on Clarence's Rack at Barnes and Noble later. Why is it I could find all kinds of things for my family but had the hardest time finding something for myself. I hate that. Oh well, it gives me another reason to do some shopping TODAY! haha)

After a late supper...come to think of it all our suppers were late (We were having some difficulty with the time difference) we went back home to blog a bit and to bed. You know we didn't turn the TV on once while we were attending this conference?

Day Tree was very short, and actually more of the same with one difference. We discovered there were RECLINERS in the bookstore. They had a video feed in there so we got to listen to the last round of speakers in style!

All in all it was a good conference. The speakers were very inspiring women of God. You can tell by the way they act and speak that they are very intelligent and very in love with our Most Awesome God. We both came away inspired and challenged to make changes in our lives....ones that will continue to feed us and help us feed others by the word of God.

One thing that Kay Arthur said was that we are like a precious jewel in the hand of God. Can things still get to us? Yes. She points to the cracks in her fingers. BUT remember ladies that nothing can get to you without first having been filtered through LOVE. It has to pass through the hands of God before it gets to you.

If you ever get the awesome chance to go to a conference like this by all means go. It was so awesome being in a room with 4,000 women who love God and were there to learn and grow.

~AJ

Day One

1. The first day of the conference was wonderful. The speakers were great and we spent a lot of the day hearing some of the wonderful Christian ladies I have heard on the radio: Janet Parshall and Kay Arthur. The other speakers are ones that I have never heard of but were great, save one, who was too loud and we politely ducked out for a break during her rousing lesson. (We could hear her lesson on the speakers outside in the foyer so we didn't miss anything but the loudness of it.)
   
   Let me give you a run down of the Idiot things that happened today:
   1. we didn't judge our travel time well enough and were late
   2. we had to park in the highest level of the parking garage
   3. there were no "edge" seats in the place and we had to crawl over people to sit down.
   4. we both forgot to pack our Bibles and gladly bought ourselves new ones in the book store. :o)
   5. both meals we had today were served by the two slowest waitresses in the nation, but we were nice and tipped them anyway. (our tip was, "Don't eat yellow snow.")
   6. we, along with 20 other women took over the men's restroom when the line to the ladies was too long.
   7. when we left to come back home we were almost run off the road by a crazy driver passing us on the RIGHT hand side of the road, scaring us half to death.
   8. the key to our room was deactivated when we got back from the last speaker 9. barnes and nobel closed and we didn't get through smelling the books. (heehee!)
   
   I think these are all a result of the "gobhole phenomenon".
   
   Truthfully, we are having a good time and enjoying the teaching we are hearing and just looking foward to hearing from God.
   
   Here are some pictures to look at:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   here is Susie at her favorite purveyor of coffee beverages: Starbucks. It was in the swanky hotel where we had a $9.00 club sandwich.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   We had a much better supper at Cracker Barrel, as you can see it was teeth pickin'good. I just love those rockers on the front porch. It was here she tasted her first fried okra. We had fun shopping in the store for the kids. Didja know they will ship stuff home for you? Cool huh? That way you don't have to lug it home.
   

Gobhole Adventure in Oklahoma

The adventure has begun y'all!

Susie and Dylan arrived safely in the state of Oklahoma last night about 9:30pm. We arrived a little early at the airport and it was the longest wait of our little girl's lives! They asked every few minutes, "How much longer Mom/Dad? Are they here yet?"

We spotted them way off down the hall and recognized everyone immediately. We had made signs to welcome them and even had someone come up and ask to see who we were meeting when they walked up- I guess they had no idea what a Gobhole Girl was. (who would?)

Susie has a beautiful smile and is more beatiful in person. Dyl wasn't a bit shy and will fit right in with the Goofballs at our house! (ie Carly and CassiJo) He fit in so well that they all had to be paid a dollar to be quiet on the way home from Tulsa. It was the hardest dollar Carly ever earned and Cassi fell asleep so it was the easiest for her! :o) Heehee!

We made it home after a snack at McDonald's and visited a little while until everyone got sleepy.

They are still snoozing because their bodies are still on Idaho time......two hours behind us. Our girls are up and wanting to play.

Good morning and let the games begin!! :o)

PS Note to self: ALWAYS CARRY EXTRA CAMERA BATTERIES! (i did it again......the batteries died right before they got here)

Gobhole Day

Today is finally here!! The Joe family has been anticipating this day for months and months and it has finally arrived.

Susie will arrive in Oklahoma this evening and we will begin a 6 day Gobhole Adventure! I am anticipating lots of fun, maybe a fall-down or two, laughing til my gut hurts and maybe some odd people watching.

Please pray for their safe arrival and return trip........

More to come

PS We are moved!! Well mostly moved.......pics to follow

The Graduate and The Girl

Proud parents of the graduate.....the KINDERGARTEN graduate.
















CassiJo waiting for her big moment to cross the stage.

Things have been so hectic around here I failed to get CassiJo's graduation pix posted more timely. Here she is in all her kindergarten glory. By the way, she is very smart and knows a lot of stuff. If you have any questions about life or candy you need answered please leave them in the comment section.

Breaking news: she is learning that she is FINALLY big enough to ride her big girl bike. It had been too tall the last few times she tried to ride it, but with the growth spurt she has had, she can finally touch the ground. (No training wheels either!)

Here is our 5th grade graduate. She will be attending Middle School when we move next month. She is a little nervous but has learned that some of her friends from her old school have also moved to our new town.

Our new neighbors have 3 young boys (and one more on the way) so hopefully CarlyJo will have lots of opportunities to babysit. She has been working really hard with Papa (my dad) mowing and helping him so she can earn enough money to buy an ipod or shuffle thingy. I am very proud of her for sticking with it. (It also helps that Papa is keeping the money til she has enought....that way she is not tempted to spend it. haha!)

Bloggers Meet Part Duh

Peanut Snail Rescuer! She wanted to take them home but Mom said no.
















Peanut's first bite of Sam & Ella's great pizza. Stretching that cheez to its limit!
















Bloggers Unite: Aunt Josefina (yes my hair is a reddish color! Note to self: don't try a new hair color while your hubby is napping. It disorients them.) Leslee and Uncle Joe
















Peanut "fell" in the Town Branch where we were playing. (I think she did it on purpose to get wet!)




















Lesee and CarlyJo cooling off in the Town Branch

As you can see we had a great time. The children got along wonderfully and I was so nervous I chattered the whole time and Leslee could barely get a word in edge wise. We laughed so much my mouth hurt when we left. :o) That is a good thing!

There were some interesting folks there too. I'll direct you to Leslee's blog to read about them.

We left after about 3 1/2 hours of fun and promised we would do it again soon.

Thank you Leslee for making time to play with us. We had a great time and we look forward to seeing you and Peanut (and maybe Nickel next time) again soon.