First Day of School: Twisted!

For the first time in 18 years, 3 months and 29 days, I am home alone -- today, tomorrow, and every day through the school year. Not only that, but one of my three is at college -- all by himself! I won't be there to wake him when he sleeps through the alarm or to pray with him before he heads off to class or to make sure he eats his veggies!

Thanks to lots of wonderful, praying friends I am getting through it. Well. No tears. No anxieties or worries... though, I do obsessively check my son's twitter feed for glimpses into his collegiate world (he's being stingy with his posts!).

In honor of our life of change, I've created a "picture book" look into this season. Enjoy!

 We've walked far together, our family of five...

Shawn and Gus

Have you heard of the TV show psych? It's a hilarious comedy-mystery show featuring Shawn and Gus, BFFs since elementary school. The actors, James Roday and Dule' Hill, play perfectly off each other. The show is uproariously funny!

I just spent three days with the "real" Shawn and Gus! Yes, I did! It turns out that my son, Nathan, and his future roommate, Logan, are the inspiration for the characters on the show -- even if USA Network didn't know it back in 2006 when the series launched.

Nathan and Logan met in February, the last time we visited Samford. They hit it off right away and decided to room together. But since they only had a couple hours together back then, the families coordinated schedules to attend the same orientation -- just to be sure!

Sunday evening, we got together for dinner... except Shawn texted the wrong address to Gus. Waiting forever for them to arrive, Shawn's mom encouraged him to call Gus and find out where they were. Gus's parents, likewise, encouraged him to call and make sure they were headed to the right place -- as the address given sent them far away from Birmingham. Both guys assured their parents all was well. And we waited and drove in circles, respectively... though eventually we ate dinner, even if really late!

Monday morning, heading in to the opening session, the moms asked the boys to pose for a photo. This is what they gave us. Thanks, guys.

We managed to convince them to let us see their faces. They instantly said, "action pose." "Three. Two. One. Jump." Ta da!

Turns out the boys were just getting started. All week, they made their presence known on campus! They got a frisbee and made themselves at home on the quad -- and by the end of day two, five other guys had joined them. They closed down karaoke night with "A Whole New World" from Aladdin, sung to Shawn's orientation leader, Jasmine!

                            

The boys used their one night in the dorm to rearrange the furniture and find the "perfect layout" for the fall. They ate non-stop, joked non-stop, tweeted non-stop -- back and forth of course, and had the best two days an upcoming college freshman could possibly hope for!

They talked about other stuff, too. Un-Shawnlike, they agreed to hold each other accountable with studies, behavior and balance at school. They discussed how and when and what to involve themselves with on campus. They planned who will bring which "essentials" to school: coffee maker and video game system high on that list!

The "real" Shawn and Gus may be heading off to college for the first time, but together, this dynamic duo is undoubtedly ahead of the curve on adjustment. God arranged for them to be raised in Christian homes with remarkably similar values. He gave them compatible personalities: easy-going, fun-loving and studious. He brought them together in answer to their mutual prayers for a Godly, like-minded roommate. Shawn and Gus are most definitely ready for life at Samford.

The only question left is, "Samford, are you REALLY, TRULY READY for Shawn and Gus?"

Did we make it to Busch Gardens?

So, you'd think a day trip to Busch Gardens is easy. WRONG! 

Take two, necessitated by last weekend's surprise barfing adventure, 

began with this little one:

Ellie the super spinner!

 throwing up in bed Friday night. Rob (yep, the doctor) 

had to call me in to clean the mess. 

He doesn't do puke well.

We thought we'd have to cancel. Again.

But Saturday morning, she awoke bright eyed and bushy tailed...

more on that later.

Ellie and Rob rode Grover's Alpine Express.

I love how they held hands to help her be brave

to keep her hands high

like the big kids do.

We enjoyed our day at the park,

made sweeter because "Katniss" was with us!

We fed her, though... 

No need to hunt!

Finally!!! We got to celebrate Ben's birthday

just the way he likes it.

At Busch Gardens with his best buddy!

Ben and Noah

Besides having a healthy Ellie, "Katniss," and Noah along,

Busch Gardens actually opened their new coaster, Verbolten, early!!!!

Ben and Noah rode it four times! Yes, FOUR!

They declare it the best roller coaster ever!

Oh yeah, back to bushy tailed...

I'm not sure how it started, but the teens started singing

Gray squirrel, gray squirrel

Shake your bushy tail...

on every. single. coaster!

We may have annoyed a few people...

But we sure did have fun!

Happy birthday, Ben!

We'll see how it goes!

Tomorrow is round two of Busch Gardens or bust. 

I sure hope we have more of these:

Ellie, our spinny girl

Nathan and Ellie. I <3 this photo!

Best buddies!

And I really hope we don't need a single one of these! 

Have a blessed weekend, everyone!

I (HEART) Texting

Yes, it's true. I realize it's not as personal as a phone call. I can't hear the emotion or inflection so messages can be misunderstood. But I still love text messages...

With close friends and family.

Like today.

I texted my hubby (whose job doesn't really fit with phone conversations) that we need to eat more fruits and veggies.

His reply: Eat oranges, not apples. Have citrus here, will bring more and eat with sandwiches.
Me: Why do oranges help more than apples? (I'm obviously lost)
Him: The apples are for dinner. But oranges do help fight scurvy. A common condition among pirates such as yourself :-)

(Insert laughter, mine)

Me: Aye matie!
Him: Ha. Good answer.

(Insert laughter, his)

A great conversation had -- over time -- while I cleaned house and supervised schoolwork. He fit his part in between patients.

What's not to love about a slow-evolving conversation?

TTYL! LOL

Child Discipline... As easy as 1, 2, 3

If you believe that, send me $100. I promise, I'll turn it into millions! (Note to the feds: This is not a Ponzi scheme. I do not intend to collect any money whatsoever.... so move along. Investigate the guys driving $100,000 cars with tax forms saying they make $40,000/year. Thank you!)

What was I saying? Oh yeah.... Child discipline. It's NOT as easy as 1, 2, 3. If it was, God would have put the instructions in the Bible: The 10 commandments of child discipline. Right next to the original 10 Commandments. That would have been nice.

Instead, God gave us these wonderful verses:

• Psalm 139:14, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
• 1 Corinthians 7:7, "...But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that."
• Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Each one of us is uniquely created, knitted together by God with gifts and a plan that is as individual as we are. No two people are alike. We know that as adults, but we expect cookie cutter kids. It just doesn't work like that. They're born to be them. Each one different. Each one a special gift from God.

Yet we try -- hard -- to find the discipline method to ensure they turn out okay, to know right from wrong and actually live it. We google the web to discover techniques on how to teach our kids hitting is bad, how to overcome tantrums, or help the picky eater learn to eat even one vegetable. 

We'll never find the answer on the internet. Never.

Child discipline... As easy as 1, 2, 3 is really more about us than them. 

1. Are we willing to ask God to show us our children's hearts? To teach us to address each one uniquely and specifically as He designed them?
2. Will we allow God to reveal our own hearts to us? The fears, the dreams, the expectations we place on our kids. Unfairly!
3. Will we open our hearts to being transformed, no longer conforming to the ways (the methods) of man? Will we allow Him to fill us with His will for our lives as parents?

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Even in discipline, we must open our hearts and minds to God. We must listen to His instruction and seek His guidance for each child and each situation.

There is no "easy as 1, 2, 3." Really, if life was that simple, wouldn't it be boring?

Take a minute today to praise God for your kids' unique gifts. That little personality that drives you batty will one day influence the world. Ask God for wisdom to understand how your feelings influence your parenting expectations. Thank Him for your precious gifts, even in the moments you want to strangle them! 

Lots of love!

Britt!

With a horrible headache, I dragged myself to Ellie's dance class. Knowing we had run out of milk, bread and fruit -- lunch packing essentials -- I drove my sluggish self over to Walmart to pick them up while she danced. Without a headache, I avoid Walmart. With a headache, it's on my list of things NOT to do! Since I wasn't near a grocery store, I ignored that list and opted for Walmart location convenience.

Of course, I ended up with the cart with a bum wheel. Thunka. Thunka. Thunka. I pushed that cart through the aisles, picking up the lunchtime necessities. Somehow, peppermint bark jumped into the basket. Really. I have no idea how it happened. *wink*

(Peppermint bark is my FAVORITE Christmas treat. Certainly, that little package just wanted to make me feel better. Right?)

I headed to the checkout, the Walmart experience I dread most. Grumpiness abounds in the Walmart checkout lines. Customers are rude. Some are down-right angry. Most of the time, store clerks are absent-minded, not interested in me, my groceries, or their job. Not that I blame them.... what a boring job. Swipe. Bag. Swipe. Bag. Cash or credit? Over and over. They stand on their feet for hours. AND they have to deal with each and every grumpy, angry customer who goes through the line.

Approaching the checkout area, I noticed that one lane was empty -- and open. The young lady working that register leaning on her counter talking to three teenagers beyond the next set of registers. I hesitated. Will she do her job? Or, will she keep yammering with the kids? That happens sometimes.

I decided to chance it.

As I placed the milk on the counter, she instantly turned her focus to me. "How are you?" Not thinking about social expectations, I replied, "I'm tired." Exhausted, really, but I didn't go that far.

Chipper, she asked, "Have you been Christmas shopping?"

"Yes."

She exclaimed, "I've met a lot of people who are tired today. It seems that Christmas shopping does that, but at least you're getting it done before Christmas Eve!"

My foggy, throbbing brain started firing. This isn't the typical Walmart experience. I honestly thought, "Pay attention, Karen. This is a special person." I pushed my focus to her instead of my headache.

She swiped the peppermint bark and placed it in a bag as she shared, "Oooooh, I love peppermint bark! Do you know you can make it yourself? It's so much better than this, and cheaper too." I looked directly into her face, and she animatedly explained how to make peppermint bark. She added that if I buy canisters from the dollar store, it makes a great gift. Cheap!

Everything bagged, I ran my credit card through the machine. It didn't read. GROAN! This frustrates me too. Usually, the churlish clerk barks at me to do it again. Not this girl. "Oh no. It didn't take your card the first time. Please swipe it again." As she smiled warmly.

I am in the presence of a human angel!

I swiped. Bubbly, she declared, "Oh good. It worked."

She handed me the receipt, looking directly at me with a warm smile spread across her face. "You have a great night."

Britt, I just did! Thanks.

The Conundrum I Married

God has this great plan for marriage! He partners couples together to balance each other out. Think about it! If you're out-going, I bet your spouse is quieter. You like to have a balanced checkbook, but your spouse doesn't care one way or the other. You're the playful parent, and your spouse is the disciplinarian. Or vice versa.

I married a doctor.... I hadn't set out on marrying a doctor. Not at all. Since seventh grade, I had my heart set on marrying the kind, red-headed trumpet player who sat in front of me in band... He happens to be the afore-mentioned doctor. ;-)

I told you he's cute!

Here's the thing... doctors take care of sick people. It's their job. Right???

And my doctor-hubby happens to be pretty good at it.

Except.

When.

The.

Kids.

Puke!

Really!!!! Whoever heard of a doctor who couldn't handle a little bit of vomit? Blood. No problem. Infections. Piece of cake. Other horribly disgusting things that he's banned from discussing at the dinner table. Easy-peasy. But puke. Everyday common throwup??? No. He can't do that.

Alas... Our daughter is sick. With -- you guessed it -- an upset tummy. She also hates to throw up. Bad combination!!! She fights it -- runs to the bathroom -- too late. And I'm scrubbing walls, toilet, and the floor. Multiple times.

Why?

Because the doctor can't handle it.

Yep. He's a conundrum.

Good thing he's also a cute red-headed trumpet player!!!

College football, mommy guilt and more (it's a good title, trust me!)

Are you ready for some football??? That's actually the "tagline" for professional football, but it's a relevant question at our house. My boys hatched a plan to turn NCAA football Saturday into an event. They've promised to clean the entire house today, shop for the necessary food to nosh and watch football all day Saturday. Our only involvement, cook the food please... and don't cancel the cable! (They lost cable last fall for watching TV instead of doing chores and homework... apparently one season without football was enough to transform their attitudes.) Tomorrow, we will watch -- no doubt SEC and ACC games -- the Big Ten doesn't get any respect in my neck of the woods!

Ellie's not into football yet. She knows to cheer for the Buckeyes. And she knows not to ask to watch "her shows." With three big men in the house, she'll be vetoed every time! She needs to make a collage "All about me" for school next week, so she'll contentedly (in my dreams) cut and paste magazine pictures on her paper. Check out this great collage idea... not sure Ellie will go for it, but I think it's awesome!

Speaking of Ellie, did you read yesterday's post? Here's a picture of her in her Friday hair bows. I didn't think to snap one for the blog yesterday. Isn't she adorable?!

Big bows and a bit distracted :D

Now, about that mommy guilt in today's title. I'm on the radio!!! Luann and Ramona at Encouragement Cafe are featuring labor day stories on their weekly radio show. I'm sharing my mommy guilt moment -- in the delivery room!!! I hope you'll stop by and be encouraged not to let your mommy guilt overwhelm you! Labor Day Stories! Let me know what you think!

I told you the title works! May your weekend be blessed. Love Jesus today. Show his love to others. And ENJOY your family!!! Wherever you go.

Love,

Hurricane Survival Guide

Hurricane Irene packed a powerful punch all along the eastern seaboard. As winds swirled in our area, we decided to document the day to provide a hurricane survival guide for our friends north and south. (If you need a "real" hurricane survival guide, check out this link!)

Rule 1: Choose to embrace the interrupted day! Driving a car in gale force winds on water covered roads is quite dangerous. Stay home and embrace the "unscheduled holiday." We knew the storm was coming -- so we prepared a scrumptious breakfast casserole. (YAY! Power went out during the night AND about 10 minutes after the french toast finished baking... so we actually got to enjoy it!)

Rule 2: Plan appropriately for power outages. Our son practiced piano when the power went out, providing music for our day! (If you don't have a gifted piano player in your family, maybe you can play the kazoo!) No blow dryer? No problem. Let your daughter do your hair! And when you run out of other things to do, dust the house! Especially the ceiling fans -- seriously, we had no idea how dusty ours was since it runs non-stop when the power is on!

Nathan's hands blessed our day!

Ellie did a fabulous job with my hair.
Daisy did not like the howling wind and rattling windows!

Ben dusted carefully, every nick nack too!

Thanks, Rob!

Rule 3: Document any damage as soon as possible. Eagle-eye Nathan discovered the watermark on our kitchen ceiling. We seriously can't find where it came from -- the roof and flashing look good. Time to call in the pros. Bummer!

16 inches long. Sigh.... It grew from there. :(

Rule 4: Enjoy what you can! Ellie painted this beautiful rainbow -- a great reminder that even Hurricane Irene has to end sometime. The boys played wii, once the power came on and stayed on.

Our budding artist

"Whee" -- power's back!

Rule 5: Celebrate when it's over! Once we knew it was over, we got busy cooking. Crackers, cheese and fruit did not really qualify as lunch. Rob made pretzel chicken in mustard cheese sauce. I baked a triple berry pie. We all ate and enjoyed! Then we played Spades -- Nathan and Ben destroyed us!

Pretzel chicken in mustard cheese sauce
Thanks, Rachael Ray!

Triple berry pie
I did not add the tapioca. Great recipe!

Really, dude. You're killing us.
No need to think that hard!

Of course, had we been in the line of the storm, we wouldn't have been able to relax quite so much. We know that. We continue to pray for everyone affected by this storm, especially for those families who lost a loved one.

Love,

Laughter is good for the soul!

Dear friends,
I try to write posts of encouragement, filled with insight... but sometimes, it's just good to laugh!

When we moved to the semi-rural south (more rural than suburban, but not quite the sticks!), my husband expected his medical practice to be a little different. He did not anticipate the extent of the language barrier. One of his first days on the new job, he saw a patient who had "fell out." He kept asking did you fall out of bed? Did you fall out of the car? Each time, she said, "I just fell out." Both of them exasperated, he finally called to his nurse and asked, "What in the world does fell out mean?" The entire office erupted in laughter as she explained that the patient had fainted. We still laugh about it.

A dear friend just sent this medical dictionary to us to help him out... I'm sure he wishes this stuff had been covered in his medical terminology class! Enjoy!!! And if you can think of any to add, please leave a comment!

Blessings and good health!

Artery............................... The study of paintings

Bacteria...........................  Back door to the cafeteria

Barium ............................ What doctors do when patients die

Benign..............................What you be, after you be eight 

Caesarean Section......... A neighborhood in Rome 

Cat scan......................... Searching for Kitty

Cauterize......................... Made eye contact with her

Colic................................ A sheep dog

Coma.............................. A punctuation mark 

Dilate............................... To live long

Enema............................ Not a friend 

Fester............................. Quicker than someone else

Fibula............................. A small lie

Impotent.......................... Distinguished, well known 

Labor Pain..................... Getting hurt at work

Medical Staff.................. A Doctor's cane

Morbid............................ A higher offer 

Nitrates........................... Cheaper than day rates

Node............................... I knew it 

Outpatient...................... A person who has fainted

Pelvis............................. Second cousin to Elvis

Post Operative............... A letter carrier 

Recovery Room............. Place to do upholstery

Rectum........................... Dang near killed him

Secretion........................ Hiding something

Seizure.......................... Roman emperor

Tablet............................ A small table

Terminal Illness ............. Getting sick at the airport

Tumor............................ One plus one more

Urine.............................. Opposite of you're out

I searched this list online, and am not certain of its origin. Giving credit here: http://www.michaelclark.name/jokes/rednecks/redneck_medical_dictionary.shtml

Funny stuff

I gave up twitter this week. Of course, ever since doing so, my kids have been absolutely hilarious! Since I can't tweet their "isms" I decided to dedicate this post to the very funny -- sometimes inspirational -- things they say.

Nathan, "Ethos. Pathos and Logos.  Everything we say boils down to one of these three." Me, "Huh?" (I wonder which one my response falls in.)

Ben, "Which do you like better, Mom? Concrete roads or asphalt roads?" (Really... I see a future in Civil Engineering!)

Ellie, "I can't wait till tomorrow." (Said Tuesday, June 7th.) Mom, "Why?" "Because tomorrow I can be the first one to wish Ben a happy birthday!" Mom, "Do you know that his birthday isn't till Thursday, June 9th?" Ellie, "Yes. That's why I want to tell him happy birthday on Wednesday." (Gotta love a girl with a plan!)

Nathan, "Nice job, Mom." (Said without sarcasm!!! I'll treasure those words said in that tone forever! He's 17.)

Ben, "I really think we need to invent flying cars. I'm not exactly sure what we'd do with all these roads, but flying cars would be a lot cheaper." (See -- he's going to be an incredible Civil Engineer!)

Me to Ellie, "Do you have gym today?" Ellie, "What's gym?" Me, "It's the same as P.E." Ellie, "Mom, can we just call it P.E.?" (At least she didn't say I am out of touch, old, or old fashioned.)

Nathan, "I thought I told you that..." (He has lots of imaginary conversations with me!)

Ben, "Why can't more people write good books?" (He exclaimed after reading a football story written by Tim Green for the middle school boy audience. So much for Twain, C. S. Lewis, and Steinbeck... apparently they aren't all they are cracked up to be.)

Ellie, "Wow! When you invite people to church, they actually come." (Wisdom, from the mouth of a six year old to her mama's -- and hopefully your -- heart! An evangelist to be!)

Thought you should know

Next month, I'll be traveling to Charlotte with a friend for a speakers' conference. My first. Her second. I look forward to learning more about effective communication and refining my skills. I know the speakers there will be encouraging. I'm a bit giddy at the idea of three days for "me" without mommy duties... but don't tell the kids.

When I travel, my quirks will go with me. Of course. So, Leigh, here's your warning. Thought you should know that:

• I sleep with a pillow over my head. Yes, it's true. My little head, squished between two pillows like a sandwich. I've slept this way my whole life -- or at least as long as I can remember. Honestly, I didn't know it was a little weird until my last road trip with a friend. She found it quite hilarious!
• I can't survive a day without popcorn. Perhaps I could survive a day, but I'm certain I can't survive three without it! I share -- but only begrudgingly.
• I don't wake up till the coffee cup has been drained -- at least once. Some days, I need two cups before complete, rational sentences form on these lips.
• I always check the bed for bedbugs. Always. Long before the recent bedbug scare.
• I don't consider myself arrived until the bags are unpacked. Sadly, I'm not a drop the bags and run for fun girl... Unpacking settles me. (Note: I am good at leaving the bags when I arrive before check-in. It's just that I consider myself "checked in" only once I'm "settled in.")
• I always hit the snooze! Always! At least once. Usually twice. Or three times. Why rush the waking process... See note on coffee above.
• I need to know the day's weather report. It's almost as essential as coffee. Don't ask me why. Especially going to a conference in a hotel where I won't be outside... If I go back to college, I think I might study meteorology.
• I sleep best with my sound machine, set on ocean waves. Very soothing. However, I can go without it if you can't sleep with the ocean in the background. I think. Maybe.

That's about it. Now you know what you signed up for -- I'm glad that was non-refundable, because you're stuck with me now!

Note to self

One should never post about watching her mouth, unless she's really ready for the tests and temptations. Today, I actually wished I could trade my kids in for dogs! And I am not a dog person -- except for Miss Daisy, that is.

Seriously, I love my kids. I really do. I do not love my mouth.

Good thing tomorrow's a brand new day!

Good night!

Only a Friend would know...

Hey bloggy friends,
Yesterday, I told you about my very un-birthday weekend... and my plan to redeem it all, thanks to Humpty Dumpty. If you missed it, you might want to read it to fully appreciate the next "episode."

About an hour after the UN-Birthday post, there was a knock at the front door. My husband answered  and the boys peeked around the corner to see who could possibly be at our house at that time of day. Seriously, no one comes to our house at 3:00 in the afternoon.

We hear Rob talking in a friendly tone, so it's not a solicitor. The boys ask if we're expecting something from fed-ex or UPS. Nope.

Then he shuts the door and walks into the kitchen... holding these:

"Daddy, did you get Mommy flowers?" No... I wonder if he's thinking with all the fuss and excitement if maybe he should have. (HINT HINT)

One of the boys asks, "Are you sure they're for Mommy?" HELLO???? Don't I deserve beautiful flowers? Every day, even???

They start guessing all sorts of names. Grandma. Grandpa. Friends from Ohio.

I open the card and LAUGH!!! One of those gut-busting laughs that just feel good.

The card reads, HAVE A VERY HAPPY UNBIRTHDAY!! (All caps, for real...) From a dear friend at church who tickled my heart with joy. I think UN-Birthdays just might catch on.

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

A Very Happy UN-Birthday Year!!!

photo © 2006 Edward Russell | more info (via: Wylio)

'It's a cravat, child, and a beautiful one, as you say. It's a present from the White King and Queen. There now!'

'Is it really?' said Alice, quite pleased to find that she had chosen a good subject after all.

'They gave it me,' Humpty Dumpty continued thoughtfully as he crossed one knee over the other and clasped his hands round it, 'they gave it me — for an un-birthday present.'

'I beg your pardon?' Alice said with a puzzled air.

'I'm not offended,' said Humpty Dumpty.

'I mean, what is an un-birthday present?'

'A present given when it isn't your birthday, of course.'

Alice considered a little. 'I like birthday presents best,' she said at last.

'You don't know what you're talking about!' cried Humpty Dumpty. 'How many days are there in a year?'

'Three hundred and sixty-five,' said Alice.

'And how many birthdays have you?'

'One.'

'And if you take one from three hundred and sixty-five what remains?'

'Three hundred and sixty-four, of course.'

Humpty Dumpty looked doubtful. 'I'd rather see that done on paper,' he said.

Alice couldn't help smiling as she took out her memorandum book, and worked the sum for him:

365
    1
----
364
----

Humpty Dumpty took the book and looked at it carefully. 'That seems to be done right —' he began.

'You're holding it upside down!' Alice interrupted.

'To be sure I was!' Humpty Dumpty said gaily as she turned it round for him. 'I thought it looked a little queer. As I was saying, that seems to be done right — though I haven't time to look it over thoroughly just now — and that shows that there are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents —'

'Certainly,' said Alice.

'And only one for birthday presents, you know...'

From Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll.

I love birthday celebrations as much as I did when I was a kid! Last Friday, I looked forward to celebrating my 45th birthday with close friends, good food, and an amazingly stupendous birthday cake. Sadly, my husband -- who never gets sick -- got strep throat and came home from work at 9:15 a.m. There went the party. After all, who'd want to eat a strep infected cake? No matter how delicious it might be. Certainly strep is not a good party favor! My friends understood and sent me texts, emails and FB messages to make up for it. My sweet kids -- and miserably ill hubby -- apologized and gave me "happy birthday anyway, mom" wishes. 

But it doesn't change the fact that I love a birthday party!!! Much like dear Alice above. 

This year, though, I think I will look forward to celebrating like Humpty Dumpty, all the un-birthdays I can... 364 would be awesome... Of course, I don't want to be as round as he is, and there is some danger of that if I celebrate with too many of Rob's delicious cakes. But I think, just maybe, a happy un-birthday each day, with a gift thrown in for good measure, just might make me forget that I never got my happy BIRTHDAY party!!! Maybe.

Feel free to share this post with my husband -- he may choose to pretend he didn't see it :)

Embracing 45, the good, the bad and the in-between,

Love,

Karen

Perspectives

Ellie's first words this morning were "Mom, do you want to hear the bad thing that happened last night?"

Ummm... not sure sweetie. I'm thinking I'd rather pretend that you were perfect angels last night while Daddy and I enjoyed our date night. Okay, Mom. Focus. This is your kid. Find out the horrible news. Mental battle quickly resolved I ask what happened.

"We were playing on the trampoline and Emma's mom called her." Lost focus again. I start thinking what did you do to Emma? I'm a bad mom before my morning coffee!

"Uh-Huh." I keep my reply simple.

"When she got out of the trampoline, I bounced out and hit my tooth on the table." I'm thinking her teeth look fine to me.

"And my permanent tooth is loose."

Now, I'm waking up. "Which tooth?" I ask.

"This one." YAY!!! Yippee!!!! It's not actually a permanent tooth. It's one of her crazy bonus teeth -- she has an extra set of pearly whites in that little mouth of hers. We anticipate eight years of braces and lots of other expensive, painful dental work.

"Ellie, it's okay if that tooth gets loose. It's one of your bonus teeth and it needs to come out anyway."

She asks, "What happens if it falls out now?"

Sensibly, remember this is before coffee, I explain that the tooth needs to come out so her real adult tooth can come in. I explain that the orthodontist will be happy when it falls out because that means there's room for her real adult tooth.

"But what happens if it falls out now." It may be the need for coffee, but I really thought I explained this already. I explain again.

"Yeah," she replies, "but will the tooth fairy give me money for this tooth?"

I'm a "Food Network" Chef!

I used to think a good dinner included Hamburger Helper and a salad of iceberg lettuce covered in bottled Italian dressing. Twenty years ago, Food Network did not exist. Julia Child was too complicated for me. If it wasn't marked "easy" in my beloved Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, it wasn't likely to find its way to our dinner table.

A culinary nod to my northern neighbors!

That was twenty years ago. Today, I'm a better cook. I learned from the best!

• Thanks to Anne Burrell, I learned the value of mise en place. I now prepare pots, pans, cutting boards and knives before I start cooking. AND I have learned to chop my veggies to a consistent size and shape. Should Anne ever stop by for a quick dinner, she wouldn't find rogue carrot giants floating in my soup.
• From Rachael Ray, I learned that quick meals can taste "yummo!" Thirty minutes is plenty of time to get a tasty, fresh meal to the table. Thanks to Rachael, I stock my pantry and think ahead. 
• From Giada de Laurentiis, I have learned that saying it in Italian makes it taste that much better. Come on, you agree. Say, "Insalata." Doesn't that sound better than salad? My kids crack up when I announce an Italian menu. Really.
• Alton Brown taught me the science of cooking. I understand when and why to add the baking soda. I have learned that it actually is important to preheat the oven. Oh, there's so much more. Thanks to Alton, my bread is light and airy -- or it's not. Either way, it's what it's meant to be. Delicious!
• I've always been a penny pincher, and thanks to Melissa d'Arabian, I've taken good and cheap to a whole new level. We eat better, spend less, and enjoy our home cooked meals immensely.
• Paula Deen, the quintessential southern chef helped me discover my inner southern belle. Really, butter is the secret to just about anything southern. Around our house, we say, "Butter good!" 
• And finally (though others have helped too), I'd be remiss not to mention Bobby Flay. Of course, I married his twin (just check out the picture). He inspires me to push my limits. I even use green chiles once in a while, much to my family's delight!

 

Photo by Bermudatourism.com

Photo by M. Williams Photography

While my name doesn't flash across a television screen, my family declares my cooking a success! Now... I wonder if I can find my inner designer. HGTV, here I come!

Two Weeks Before Christmas

Twas two weeks before Christmas,

and all through the house,

not a creature was stirring,

dog quiet as a mouse!

The stockings were hung 

by the chimney with care,

The tree and the trimmings

were placed here and there.

The shopping was done,

the gifts done up in bows.

How we got done so early,

no one really knows.

For two weeks as we wait,

We'll bake cookies and bread.

We'll play games together,

Thankful we're ahead!

May not happen again,

of that I'm aware.

So please don't you greet me,

with grimace or glare!

Our family wishes you,

your family and friends,

A blessed Christmas season.

May your tasks quickly end!

**My apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, author of Twas the Night Before Christmas.**

FIT Fridays: Under Construction

Hey FB friends and family!

I apologize for the FIT Fridays posting delay... Rob's helping me with some information but he's had a crazy week.

It's a little funny actually. If we make healthy life choices, we put him out of business.

Hmmm.... maybe I should recommend large quantities of chips, ice cream and chocolate instead.

JUST KIDDING!

Posting tomorrow, probably.

Happy, healthy living!
God bless,
Karen