faroutmom blog

The Provident Woman--yup...again!

2009-12-03T14:15:00.002-06:00

A while back, I told you about a blog that I now love. Actually, I haven't posted anything else since then...but whatever. The Provident Woman is a beautiful site. The writer and her family are beekeepers. They sell their honey and other goods at their local farmer's market and online. She is currently running another great giveaway! She recently went to meet the Pioneer Woman...you can link to her from my sidebar. While she was there, she thoughtfully had PW sign an extra copy of her cookbook to give away. And a t-shirt too.

Head over to The Provident Woman and enter today!

The Provident Woman

2009-10-26T13:05:00.002-05:00

A while back, I began following a blog that I now love. The Provident Woman is a beautiful site. The writer and her family are beekeepers. They sell their honey and other goods at their local farmer's market and online. She is currently running a giveaway! There are some yummy things in the giveaway! Hop on over there and check her out and while you are there, be sure and sign up for her giveaway!

Busy, busy Autumn!

2009-10-24T20:01:00.033-05:00

Fall is always busy for our household. We celebrate 4 birthdays, both Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts have lots of things planned, plus we have fall outings such as the pumpkin patch to do. This year, we also started homeschooling. We are busier than ever this year, I think.

Skater's birthday is technically still in the summer(9/17), but it is the start of the Fall season for us. He turned 10 this year! He is still sporting his skater/rock and roll style. He loves rock music and Green Day, The Fray and Nickelback are his current favorite bands. He is doing well in school and his favorite subject is Astronomy. He also holds a freakish fascination for public officials, so he was excited to see the Governor at a Army Departure Ceremony for a friend of ours who is headed for another tour overseas. A couple of weeks later, he was even more excited to meet the Mayor of our town at Scouts.

October for us kicked off with a Cub Scout family campout. It was great fun for the boys and their families too. This year, we had a chili cook-off. I love chili so that was fun for me! Our Chicken Chili didn't win, but several people mentioned they liked it. While at the campout, Rock Collector and one of her Brownie friends were able to earn their Eco-Explorer patch by gathering up the other girls at the event and going on a scavenger hunt/nature hike. They had a great time and were able to recruit another girl to join GS.

Next on the calendar was Rock Collector's birthday. She turned 8 this year! She is gir.ly girl all the way! She is very involved in her Brownie Troop and is great friends with many of the girls. She is still listening to Han.nah Mon.tana and Ta.ylor Sw.ift. Her favorite TV show right now is iCarly. Her birthday was spent at the movies with 4 of her best friends. They had a great time. She told me on the way to the theater that the thing she was most excited about was that she and I were getting to spend a bit of time together...just the two of us. Makes a mom wonder why she doesn't have 20 more! She is enjoying school and her favorite subject this year is reading and spelling. She is way above average on both and way ahead in her book in spelling. This week, she gets to go ziplining with Girl Scouts and is starting caroling rehearsals!

Now we have come to Shorty's birthday. She turned 3 this year. I can't believe how big she has gotten. She is smart as a whip and beautiful to boot! She is into digging in the mud and changing clothes 15 times a day. She likes to "wash" dishes. She is fearless and recently, on a visit to a barn, rode a horse named Chester that belongs to some friends. She didn't want to get off and give someone else a turn. Chester is now the name of every stuffed toy she owns. She is completely potty-trained in the day time and is very particular about which under-pants she is going to wear. Her current favorite TV shows are Wonder Pets, Max and Ruby, and Dora.

Professor will turn 5 in a few weeks. She is a joy to be around! She is snuggly, sweet and stinkin' cute. She enjoys playing with her Polly Pockets and their doll house. She has started K4 this year and is learning a lot. She has days when she just doesn't want to do school, but they are backed by days where that is all she wants to do and she catches up. She also loves Han.nah Mont.ana, Tay.lor Sw.ift, and iCarly. But, she still loves the little girls shows too. Little Bear, Miss Spider and Max and Ruby are among her favorites. Her favorite colors are pink and purple.

This fall we have sold popcorn for Cub Scouts and are gearing up to sell cookies for Girl Scouts. We have begun thinking about pine wood derby cars for both of our scouts. Our local indoor water park is offering free admission for the next month (got to take advantage of that offer). Pumpkin patches are calling our name and we have already carved Mr. O'Lantern and roasted the seeds with friends. We will be caroling in early November and again in December with Girl Scouts. Rehearsals for that will be frequent in the the next two weeks. Thanksgiving is coming, too.

Whew! That's a lot! Happy Fall!

Photos are from a trip to a good friend's stables. Dave captured this image too — could be a painting.

Whippersnapper

2009-09-29T22:13:00.002-05:00

Jokingly, during school today, I called Skater a young whippersnapper. We both laughed about it and then he got serious and asked me "what, exactly, is a whippersnapper?"

So, I, like a good homeschool mom, wrote it down on my "to-look-up" list. Well...here is what it means and it's origin:

from this site:

Someone who is young and tenacious and new to a task, and sometimes perhaps shows a little bit of cheek or enthusiasm is referred to as a young whippersnapper.

So what is the origin of this phrase?

Well it has to do with cowboys, no less, and the task of looking after the cows.

One of the easiest skills to master was that of cracking the whip. So since this was usually done by a beginner who did not yet have the other skills which were harder to master at their command, then it became known as a whippersnapper, and the phrase has stuck and moved into common parlance.

So, I guess this whole homeschool thing isn't just for the kids to learn...I learned something today too. And, truth be told, just about every day so far!

5 Minute chocolate cake in a Mug

2009-08-16T00:41:00.000-05:00

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts..
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Getting some Edumacation!

2009-08-07T22:34:00.002-05:00

After much thought and prayer, we have decided to homeschool the kids this year! We are excited and scared and nervous and happy, all rolled into one. The kids have wanted us to do it for a while now and now we are doing it. Any advice is welcome!

The Tasty Kitchen

2009-07-17T23:48:00.003-05:00

I have followed the Pioneer Woman for a couple of years now. She has started a new website call Tasty Kitchen that is similar to Allrecipes.com. The biggest (and best) difference in the two (in my opinion) is that all of Ree's recipes are on Tasty Kitchen. You can submit recipes, make friends, rate recipes. You can save your favorite recipes to your own recipe box and you can print recipes. Click over and add your favorite recipes. Look me up while you are there so we can be "friends." My name over there is FarOutMom.

Shorty Speak

2009-06-03T15:50:00.003-05:00

Shorty is our 2 1/2 year old daughter. She says things wrong. It's funny.

"nuffy"= nothing
Mom: Shorty, what do you have in your mouth?
Shorty: Nuffy (while smiling innocently and trying not to chew on the chips that she snuck out of the cabinet)

"sinky" = drink
Dad: What is it that you are screaming to get?
Shorty: Sinky....pop...mine.

"felph" = self
Skater: Do you need me to help you buckle your seatbelt?
Shorty: No...felph.

"comey" = thank you (I think this one started because of her hearing us say you're welcome...I don't really know)
Rock Collector: Here you go Shorty...here are some crayons for you to use.
Shorty: Comey, Sissy.

Now, feel free to start using these words in your daily vocabulary as we have in our family.
What are some funny toddler-speak words have been heard around your house?

To Maintain a Healthy level of Insanity...

2009-05-19T16:56:00.001-05:00

I posted this on my first blog over a year ago. I find some of these VERY amusing. Had to share them again!

1. At lunch time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice !

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write 'For Marijuana

6. Finish All Your sentences with 'In Accordance With The Prophecy.'

7. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.

8. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat,with a serious face.

9 . Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go.'

10. Sing Along At The Opera.

11. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area and Play tropical Sounds All Day.

12. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.

13. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'

14 . When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'

15. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

The Motions

2009-04-28T15:46:00.002-05:00

I have been feeling like this a lot lately...the song is timely. I have added the lyrics under the video. I like reading them almost as much as I like listening to them.

This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break,
At least I'll be feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

'Cause I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

take me all the way (take me all the way)
take me all the way ('cause I don't wanna go through the motions)
take me all the way (I know I'm finally feeling something real)
take me all the way

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

take me all the way (take me all the way)
take me all the way (I don't wanna go, I don't wanna go)
take me all the way (through the motions)
take me all the way

I don't wanna go through the motions

Urban Dictionary

2009-04-16T13:48:00.002-05:00

Flea, of The Good Flea did a meme and invited everyone to steal it, as she did from some unexpecting stranger. She's immoral that way (so she says). So, as long as she has it, I guess it is hers to give away, and I accept. Here are the directions...

Answer each question by typing in your answer on Urbandictionary.com. You MUST use the first definition!

1. Your name: Andrea

Andrea comes from the Latin meaning "Womanly" or "Beautiful Lady". She is steadfast and confident,honest and reliable.A tower of strenth for thoughs she cares for and a rock to the family.

That girl is quite the andrea.

2. Your age: 34

I will leave this one out...I just can't post that...lol.

3. What should you be doing: Cleaning

v) The act of shoving everything in a closet and calling it decent.

"I'm cleaning my closet."
"Where are you shoving all your stuff then?"
"My room."
"Ah."

4. Favorite color: Purple

Extremely potent marijuana, specifically marijuana buds that have a purple hue to them. Also accompanied by a fragant, usually fruity smell and mad perma-grin.

Yo, you gotta come over and smoke, boy! I got the purple!

Note from the author: I may change my favorite color.

5. Birthplace: Grove

A state that is actually not as bad as people think. Tulsa and OKC are a good size for a city with being too big like houston. The only thing country about most of the peopleis the attitude, and that is regarding to being friendly and waving to people(although as with everywhere some people are just dicks). Also the home state of the flaming lips.

"Man oklahoma gets a lot of good music,(especially at the stillwater bars{mike's college bar never let's down with their musical acts}). "

The town that I was born in had a really weird definition...sooo...the state will have to do.

6. Month of your birthday: April

a female of wise words. Often regarded as a "panda" person. These types of females are very energetic and friendly, and when you see these types of girls down, you feel down too.

"hey, dont feel so down. Thats not very april of you"

7. Last person you texted: Jill

a really awesome girl

wow, look at that jill who just pulled over by the cops, man

again...just couldn't use the first definition...

8. One of your nicknames: Andy

Excessively endowed. Originally derived from the Greek, "Andreas", meaning manly. "Word is, he's andy."

hmmm...that is weird.

9. What are you doing this weekend: Nothing

Actually means "something," but is used when you don't feel like explaining.

Hey, whatcha doin'?

(clearly working on something complex and important) Nothing.

YUP

10. Random word: tango (the cat)

aka Target.

Used in the military to signify target has been located/confirmed

Echo Foxtrot to Uniform Zulu, Over
You are 5 by 5 Echo Foxtrot
Eyes on Tango.
Execute execute execute.

So...there you have it...steal this meme...it is fun. Sometimes naughty. And you just might learn something.

Chick-Fil-A

2009-04-03T09:44:00.001-05:00

by Tim Hawkins

Stellan...again

2009-03-25T12:24:00.001-05:00

He is not doing well today. He has been in prolonged v-tach. Please pray.

Stellan

2009-03-23T21:15:00.003-05:00

If you have read my blog at all, you know that I have asked you to pray for MckMama and her family several times in the past. Well, I am saying it again tonight as Stellan (also known as MckMuffin on www.mycharmingkids.net) is having some of the same heart problems that he had in utero. Please send your prayers up for him, his family, the doctors and nurses. Also, click over to her blog to let her know that you are praying.

For my Tulsa friends

2009-03-02T16:54:00.002-06:00

I love Tulsa and lots of the people in it. I miss it.

Rules for Driving in Tulsa , Oklahoma

If your Tulsa map is more than a few weeks old,
throw it out and buy a new one. If you're in Broken
Arrow where one street has three names...such as Lynn Lane
aka, 177th E. Ave and 9th St ...... and your map is one day
old, it is already obsolete.

Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere.
Tulsa has its own version of traffic rules.

All directions start with 'Get on Memorial'
which has no beginning and no end. Everything in Tulsa is
'just off Memorial.'

The morning rush hour is from 6 to 10. The evening
rush hour is from 3 to 7. Friday's rush hour starts
Thursday morning.

If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be
rear ended, and possibly shot. When you are the first one on
the starting line, count to five when the light turns green
before going to avoid crashing with all the drivers running
the red light in cross-traffic.

Construction on I-44 is a way of life and a
permanent form of entertainment.

All unexpected or strange sights are explained by
the phrase, 'Oh, we're in Jenks.'

If someone actually has a turn signal on, it is
probably a factory defect.

All old ladies with blue hair in Mercedes have the
right of way. PERIOD.

I-44 is called the Skelly Bypass. No one has ever
figured out what it
bypasses... State Highway 51 is either the Broken
Arrow Expressway or the
Keystone Expressway, depending on which way
you're headed. US64 comes
up Memorial from Bixby, joins 169 for a few miles,
and then heads west
with SH 51 towards Sand Springs. Several highways
like the Creek
Turnpike have no number. We don't understand it
either.

Maps of Tulsa show an Interstate 444 in downtown
Tulsa . If you find it, let us know. The alleged I-444 is
half of the inner-dispersal loop, which is not for the faint
of heart.

Highway 169 in rush hour is the Tulsa equivalent of
NASCAR.. Just shut up and drive like the rest of us.

If asking directions along North Utica or in west
Tulsa , you must have knowledge of Spanish. If you're on
East 21st Street , Mandarin Chinese or Vietnamese will be
your best bet. If you stop to ask directions on Pine or
Peoria , you better be armed.

The minimum acceptable speed on the Broken Arrow
Expressway is 85.
Anything less is considered downright sissy.

If it's 100 degrees, Thanksgiving must be next
weekend. If it's 10 degrees and snowing, it's
homecoming at TU. If it's rained 6 inches in the last
hour, and it is spring, it's opening day for the
Drillers. If it is fall, the Tulsa State Fair is going on.

All amusement parks, stadiums, arenas, race tracks,
airports, etc., are conveniently located as far away from
EVERYTHING as possible so as to allow for ample parking on
grassy areas.

With these simple rules in mind, you are now ready
to drive in Tulsa .
Please try and keep up.

Our Oldest Girl

2009-02-27T10:33:00.002-06:00

Rock Collector--age 7 years, 4 months

Tall Grass Shorty

2009-02-18T16:27:00.002-06:00

For your viewing pleasure! Shorty-age 2 years 4 months

A funny

2009-02-05T14:53:00.002-06:00

It has been soooo long since I have posted on here. I don't know why, I guess I just haven't felt like it. So, here is something that I thought was funny.

The Best Smart Ass Answers of 2008 !!

SMART ASS ANSWER #6
It was mealtime during an airline flight To Canada. 'Would you like dinner?' the flight attendant asked John, seated in front. 'What are my choices?' John asked. 'Yes or no,' she replied.

SMART ASS ANSWER #5
A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate in Florida to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket and he opened his trench coat and flashed her. Without missing a beat, she said, 'Sir, I need to see your ticket, not your stub.'

SMART ASS ANSWER #4
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store in New York but she couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, ' Do these turkeys get any bigger?' The stock boy replied, 'No ma'am, they're dead.'

SMART ASS ANSWER #3
The police officer in Montgomery got out of his car as the kid who was stopped for speeding rolled down his window. 'I've been waiting for you all day,' the officer said. The kid replied, Yeah, well I got here as fast as I could.' When the cop finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket.

SMART ASS ANSWER #2
A truck driver was driving along on the freeway and noticed a sign that read: Low Bridge Ahead. Before he knows it, the bridge is right in front of him and his truck gets wedged under it. Cars are backed up for miles. Finally a police car comes up. The cop gets out of his car and walks to the truck driver, puts his hands on his hips and says, 'Got stuck, huh?' The truck driver says, 'No, I was delivering this bridge and I ran out of gas.'

SMART ASS ANSWER OF THE YEAR 2008
An Alabama college teacher reminds her class of tomorrow's final exam. 'Now class, I won't tolerate any excuses for you not being here tomorrow. I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury, illness, or a death in your immediate family, but that's it, no other excuses whatsoever!' A smart-ass student in the back of the room raised his hand and asked, 'What would you say if tomorrow I said I was suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?' The entire class is reduced to laughter and snickering. When silence was restored, the teacher smiled knowingly at the student, shook her head and sweetly said, 'Well, I guess you'd have to write the exam with your other hand.'

A BONUS EXTRA
A woman is standing nude looking in the bedroom mirror. She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.' The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'

My Name? Oh, it's...

2009-01-22T09:35:00.002-06:00

I completely stole this from my bloggy friend Kelli. I'm not a bit sorry either. Feel free to steal it for yourself! Love, A-Far

YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Lucky Windstar

YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
A-Far

YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Purple Dragonfly (not sure if that qualifies as an animal)

YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Dyan Grove

YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Faran

SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Orange (Dr.) Pepper

NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Ferman Henry

STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Red Snicker

WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names)
Faye Wayne

TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Trimble Tulsa

SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Autumn Lily

CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Banana Shirty

HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Biscuit Magnolia

Too busy reading

2009-01-14T10:23:00.003-06:00

I have been too busy reading the Twilight series that I haven't posted anything or even updated the reading list on this blog.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the series. I never thought that I would like to read a vampire book, but here I am. I started the first book, Twilight, on Christmas Eve in the car on the way to Oklahoma. I finished it quickly and couldn't wait to read the next one, New Moon. In quick succession I read the last two books, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. I finished Breaking Dawn on Tuesday morning. It should have been done on Sunday, but I didn't really do any reading that day and ended up being out of the house most of the day on Monday...oh well.

Anyway, I finished the last book about 24 hours ago now and I am already thinking about reading them again. Is that so wrong?

Any thoughts from anyone as to what I should read next? I have some things lined up, but none of them are calling out to me at the moment. I am starting Death by Cashmere by Sally Goldenbaum. It is a knitting mystery. I like those. It just isn't getting me excited after Twilight.

What are you reading?

46

2009-01-02T15:34:00.003-06:00

The number of books I completed in 2008. That does not include the eleventy million books that I read out loud to the kids. Interesting FarOutMom trivia, no? Here they are...just for my own record keeping.

DECEMBER
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber
Death Swatch by Laura Child
-----
NOVEMBER
Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
Sail by James Patterson
-----
OCTOBER
8 Sandpiper Way by Debbie Macomber
-----
SEPTEMBER
The Beach House by Jane Green
Dyer Consequences by Maggie Sefton
-----
AUGUST
Chili con Corpses by J.B. Stanley
Fit to Die a supper club mystery by J.B. Stanley
Carbs & Cadavers a supper club mystery by J.B. Stanley
Murder and Salutations by Elizabeth Bright
Deadly Greetings by Elizabeth Bright
Invitation to Murder by Elizabeth Bright
-----
JULY
Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster
Hush My Mouth by Cathy Pickens
The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society : a novel by Beth Pattillo
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs
-----
JUNE
Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik
Frill Kill by Laura Childs
Hog Wild by Cathy Pickens
Done Gone Wrong by Cathy Pickens
Southern Fried by Cathy Pickens
-----
MAY
Cindy and the Prince by Debbie Macomber
Sisters, Ink by Rebecca Seitz
Mercy by Jodi Picoult
Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster
Someday Soon by Debbie Macomber
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
-----
APRIL
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
Chicks with Sticks (Knitwise) by Elizabeth Lenhard (third in a series)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
-----
MARCH
Knit Fast, Die Young by Mary Kruger
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
The Spiderwick Chronicles (Book 4 & 5)
-----
FEBRUARY
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 2 & Book 3
-----
JANUARY
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1 by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Twilight

2008-12-31T07:53:00.006-06:00

So, I know I'm a little behind the times, but I have to say...oh.my.goodness!

Why have I not read this series before now? I had not even heard of it until the movie was getting ready to come out. I am now a freak about it. Stephenie Meyer has me hooked. It is filling the gap that Harry Potter left in my heart when the series came to an end. I was way behind the times on that one too, by the way.

I don't like to see a movie that is based on a book if I haven't read the book yet. So, when a friend, who also hadn't read the book, went to see the movie and then told me that it was SO excellent that she went out and got the books and had already read the first one two or so days later...I had to follow suit.

I finished to book very early this morning...I think it was about 2:30 or close to 3 am. I was so sleepy, but I seriously considered starting New Moon (the second in the series of four). I decided that since I have 4 kids who would be waking at their usual 7 am that I better not, though. I have decided that there will be no more reading of anything until the series is finished. I really don't think it will take me very long.

I am ready now to see the movie. I need to see if it is still playing anywhere near me. I may have to wait until it comes out on dvd at this late date, but I can wait...I have reading to do.

Mistletoe

2008-12-19T16:05:00.005-06:00

This Christmas I'm putting mistletoe in my back pocket so that all the people who annoy me can kiss my ass!

Devil's Cape

2008-12-09T09:02:00.004-06:00

As you probably know, I love to read. I read lots of different types of books. Sometimes, I read what others have to say about certain books and it makes me have to stop what I am doing and request the book from the library. Well, Devil's Cape by Rob Rogers is one of those.

My bloggy friend, Flea hosted a book club at her house recently and Mr. Rogers was there. He signed Flea's copy of his book and the Good Flea is giving it away on her blog. Head over there to Flea's place to check out her review. Just try to not want to read it from her review, I dare you. While you're there, leave her a comment for a chance to win the book for yourself.

Vodka can be bad!

2008-11-24T10:15:00.004-06:00

A new priest at his first mass was so nervous he could hardly speak.

After mass he asked the monsignor how he had done.

The monsignor replied, 'When I am worried about getting nervous on the pulpit, I put a glass of vodka next to the water glass. If I start to get nervous, I take a sip.'

So next Sunday he took the monsignor's advice.

At the beginning of the sermon, he got nervous and took a drink.

He proceeded to talk up a storm.

Upon his return to his office after the mass, he found the following note on the door:

1) Sip the vodka, don't gulp.

2) There are 10 commandments, not 12.

3) There are 12 disciples, not 10.

4) Jesus was consecrated, not constipated.

5) Jacob wagered his donkey, he did not bet his ass.

6) We do not refer to Jesus Christ as the late J.C.

7) The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not referred to as Daddy, Junior and the spook.

8) David slew Goliath; he did not kick the sh-it out of him.

9) When David was hit by a rock and was knocked off his donkey, don't say he was stoned off his ass.

10)We do not refer to the cross as the 'Big T.'

11)When Jesus broke the bread at the last supper he said, 'Take this and eat it for it is my body.' He did not say 'Eat me'.

12)The Virgin Mary is not called 'Mary with the Cherry'.

13)The recommended grace before a meal is not: Rub-A-Dub-Dub thanks for the grub, Yeah God.

14)Next Sunday there will be a taffy pulling contest at St. Peter's not a peter pulling contest at St. Taffy's.

What is your Native American Name?

2008-11-21T15:44:00.005-06:00

With Thanksgiving coming up in less than a week, I thought it would be nice to find out what my Native American name would be. Let me know what yours is!

Your Native American Name Is...

Anevay Awanata
Your name means: Superior Turtle

What's Your Native American Name?

Does that mean that I am super slow? Just wonderin!

Christmas Getting to Know you

2008-11-17T15:22:00.003-06:00

A friend sent this to me in an email, so I decided to post it here as a meme. Feel free to steal it! I think I will tag a few too.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? paper

2. Real tree or Artificial? fake is what I have, but I like the smell of real. Someday we will try a real one.

3. When do you put up the tree? Anytime after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime in January

5. Do you like eggnog? No, but I buy it for FarOutDad and Skater..they love it

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Holly Hobby sleeping bag. I don't know why I remember that, but I do.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Any gift exchange that involves people I hardly know. (i.e. FOD's co-workers)

8. Easiest person to buy for? the kids...they always give great hints, you know, during every commercial break.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail when I do it...I am terrible about it.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of a bad gift right now.

12. Favorite Christmas movies? Elf, Christmas Vacation

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? This year, I started in November, unfortunately I don't usually start until December...I have good intentions though to start earlier..does that count?

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes

15.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cheese Ball, buckeyes

16. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night

18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? depends on the year...this year we will travel

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? of course

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? BOTH

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? long lines everywhere

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? The more colorful, the better for me

24.Favorite dinner food? Chicken and Noodles over Mashed Potatoes

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A great time with family

Now, for the tags. Straight Shooter because I know she is in need of blog fodder...NOT! Kellie because I want to know a bit more about her. And lastly, The Good Flea because I think she needs some mindless things to keep her going. She is a busy lady.

Cold Feet

2008-11-11T09:37:00.006-06:00

No, I'm not backing out of anything. I mean that my feet really are cold. We live in the bottom part of a two story house and it stays pretty cold down here. My regular cotton socks are NOT cutting it. And Shorty and Professor's feet are always cold too. (That might be because they refuse to leave socks of any kind on their feet.)

Anyway, I am about to embark on a new adventure for me. Knitting Socks! I want some pretty, warm and wooly socks to wear on my ice cubes feet. I think I may try some smaller, kid-sized ones first. I also have a pattern to crochet some, but I think the knitted fabric will be better for socks than the crocheted. My first sock will most likely be coming out of this book or this book. I have them both checked out from the library.

Anyway, I will post some progress pics when I start them. Stay tuned...this should be interesting since I have only ever knitted rectangular objects. (i.e. scarves, dishcloths) I have heard that they are easier than they seem and that I will become addicted to both making and wearing them.

Happy Election Day!!

2008-11-04T09:05:00.003-06:00

Please Go Vote!

It sounds cliche, but every vote really will count this election.
Exercise your rights! Our country depends on it!

Another Prayer for MckMama

2008-10-28T16:22:00.004-05:00

I know I have asked before, but MckMama really needs some prayers. Her baby, Stellan will be born tomorrow morning via c-section. She is scheduled for 9:30 in the morning. Please read this post on her blog. A prayer vigil is being arranged.

Top 10 Tuesday

2008-10-21T09:05:00.004-05:00

This week, let's take a moment and talk about kidTV. With four kids, we watch a wide range of kids shows. Some I like, some...not so much. Here are 10 in the "like" category. Some of them I have found myself watching even after the kids have left the room. I'm not telling which ones.

Hi-5--The two little girls both love this show. There is cheesy acting, make-believe stories, singing, dancing and cool costumes (to a 4 and 2 year old at least). I enjoy it because it gets the little ones dancing. A dancing 2 year old...awesome.

iCarly--This is one of Rock Collector's favorites. I like it too because of the older brother, Spencer. His character is hilarious. A bit of Jim Carrey mixed with a bit of Ben Stiller. Physical comedy like Jim. Goofy, not-so-smart-ish, not great in the luck department like Ben. A weird reference maybe...but it fits in my brain.

WonderPets--The Professor used to love this one...now she says it is too baby. She still watches intently when it is on though. She's not so grown up as she thinks. Shorty is really starting to love it too. In fact, she got a Ming Ming plush for her birthday the other day and hardly puts it down.

Naked Brothers Band--This one is of course for Skater. He likes the music, relates to the boys a bit, can see himself in their band, I think. He had their cd's and we mark on the calendar when new episodes are going to be on so that we can be sure to watch.

Miss Spider--If you like the books, you will love the show. The stories are great, the colors are beautiful. Makes your children think of preying mantis' as teachers, and ants as ranchers.

Oswald--The voice of Fred Savage on an extremely round octopus. Squiggy from Laverne and Shirley as the voice of a penguin named Henry. Cute town they live in. They are best friends with a Daisy and a dog named Weenie. Slow paced, no yelling...I like it.

Franklin--Another show based on a series of books. Did you know that Franklin can count by twos and tie his shoes? If so, then you will probably like this show.

Pinky Dinky Doo--This one is new so if you have older kids, you probably have never heard of it. Pinky is a girl who like to tell stories to illustrate a lesson. After the story (which she tells to her baby brother inside of a big TV box called the story box) there are questions about the story. There is a word of the day that gets used throughout the story. It is the Professor's new favorite show.

Strawberry Shortcake--She is back and better and bigger than ever. She has new movies a couple of times a year and a weekend morning show. All the girls love her. She is pink and cute and musical for the little girls. She is pink and cute and hip and cool for the older ones. She teaches a lesson in every episode. She is an empowered woman..hee hee.

SpongeBob SquarePants--Sometimes I tell myself that I am tired of this one as it is on so much. But then, I will sit and watch it with the kids and crack up at it. There are some really funny things that happen. Plus, all the kids laugh out loud when it is on, and I love that.

What, if any, are your favorite kids shows? Or what are your kids favorite shows?

Happy 2nd Birthday Shorty

2008-10-16T10:19:00.003-05:00

Praying for MckMama!

2008-10-13T16:47:00.003-05:00

You may have noticed in the sidebar a button about MckMama and her unborn baby Stellan. Stellan has many heart issues and MckMama and her family were told that he would not live but a few days, if that. He is still alive several months later and doing rather well considering all of his issues. There was a huge prayer vigil for him at that time and God did some awesome things in that family.

The meds that MckMama are taking to keep Stellan's heart working are making her very sick now. She has been admitted to the hospital and taken off of the drug as it is upsetting her own heart. If Stellan doesn't do well without Mama taking the drugs, they will have to take him a bit early. Every day he can spend inutero the better, of course.

I don't know these people personally, but have been following her blog for quite a while. Please pray for their family, the doctors, MckMama and Stellan. They could use it. If you want, grab her button for your own blog so others will see and maybe feel led to pray also.

Happy 7th Rock Collector

2008-10-12T09:34:00.002-05:00

Some Cow!

2008-10-10T13:44:00.003-05:00

update: for the record, the Good Flea is not a cow. She is a lovely human being. Fred and Bessie, on the other hand, are definitely cows. End of message.
******

Ok...so that was supposed to be a reference to Charlotte's Web. I know...it is supposed to be Some Pig, but hey, that just wouldn't make sense with the rest of this post.

The Good Flea of Fred & Bessie fame is having a give away for her birthday! She is 41 today and is feeling a little blue about not having a party that she didn't tell anyone that she wanted. Check out the rest of her story here and enter to win a cool tote bag.

Top 10

2008-10-07T09:34:00.005-05:00

I forgot to do "Not Me! Monday" yesterday, so I think I will do a Top 10 Tuesday this week.

My Top 10 TV Shows: (In no particular order)

The Biggest Loser--I would love it if faroutdad and I could go on the couples version of this show. It changes lives.
American Idol--I wish I could sing.
Project Runway--I also wish I could design something, get everything I need for it, then make it. And it looks good. Also, I have a "girlfriend" crush on Tim Gunn.
ER--I am so excited that Carter is returning! I am also so sad that he is returning for the LAST season. SUCK!
The Office--I laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh. Some people don't get it. And that's ok.
Young and the Restless--I have watched it since I was little with my Mom and Grandma's. You can't watch a show for that long and then just quit. I'm no quitter.
Hammered--It is comic genius wrapped up in a DIY show. LOVE.IT.
The Shield--It's on FX and a lot of people have never seen it. It is the most well done show out there. This is the last season of it too...boo hoo. I highly recommend NetFlix-ing the whole series.
Nip/Tuck--my guilty pleasure. Not great acting, crazy plot lines. I enjoy it.
Dirt--Again, not great acting with crazy plot lines. I love FX! Hee hee.

I'm not sure if Nip/Tuck or Dirt are coming back on...but I like them and hold out hope that they will.

There you have it. What do you like to watch? Do you have any "guilty pleasure" shows? Shows that you MUST see? Shows you hate? Anything? You still there? Hello?

Friday Jeopardy

2008-10-03T09:35:00.004-05:00

update: Thank you to the never fairy for pointing out that Sleeping Beauty also has parents who survive the whole movie. I also thought of Shrek 2. Fiona's parents, while one IS a frog are both present and alive. My sources this morning were regrettably unreliable.

Welcome to the Disney edition of Friday Jeopardy. Some useless knowledge to amaze your friends with...lol!

answer:
101 Dalmations and Peter Pan

question:
What are the only two Disney cartoon features in which both parents are present and don't die throughout the movie?
answer:
Yensid

question:
What is the Sorcerer's name in Disney's "Fantasia?" It is Disney spelled backward.
answer:
Two miles

question:
How tall would you have to be in proportion to the Spaceship Earth ride at EPCOT, if it were golf ball, to hit it?

What's for dinner? Wednesday

2008-10-01T10:17:00.003-05:00

Hmm...that is an excellent question. I think that tonight we will have an old stand-by in our family. We haven't had Dorito Bake for awhile.

What you need:
1 bag Doritos corn tortilla chips (regular not flavored)
2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
1 can Ranch style beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
2 c. grated cheese (or more)

What you do:
In a 9x13 pan, put a thin layer of crunched up chips. Then layer in the meat, the Ranch beans, the cream of mushroom soup, the Ro-tel, then another layer of chips (I don't usually crush this layer) to cover. Finally, cover the chips with cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Add a dollop of sour cream and enjoy!!

Not Me! Monday

2008-09-29T09:26:00.003-05:00

Check out MckMama and see what other did NOT do at My Charming Kids.

as for me:

I did NOT just sit and watch an episode of Hi-5 with the girls...and enjoy it. Nope, I don't enjoy that show. Besides, so what if I do!

I did NOT check my blog several times a day last week to see where the visitors to said blog had arrived from and where they lived.

and if I did do that, then

I certainly did NOT get a thrill when one of those visitors to my blog was from another country. (I think I am weird in this way)

What did you NOT do this week?

Friday Jeopardy

2008-09-26T10:07:00.008-05:00

answer:
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

question:
What is the term for the "fear of long words?"

(no, I'm not kidding!)

*****

answer:
730

question:
What is the average number of crayons a child will use by their 10th birthday?

*****

answer:
WD-40

question:
What was invented in 1953 and first used by Convair to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion? The same product also dissolves cocaine. The product name means water displacement, 40th attempt.

*all trivia today was found on www.randomfactsuselesstrivia.com

What's for dinner Wednesday

2008-09-24T14:44:00.007-05:00

It was a bit rainy and cool here this morning, which made me a little hungry for some nice, warm soup. One of my favorite things to make on days like today is crock pot soup. My stepmom used to make this all the time, and I love it. It is also great for days when you are busy as it is mostly a "dump" soup. You dump in a bunch of stuff and you are done.

What you need:
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef, browned and drained
1 med. onion, diced
3 cans minestrone soup
2 cans Ranch Style beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
1/2 c. egg noodles

What you do:
After browning the meat, put everything (except the noodles) in a crock pot. Cook on low 4-8 hours. Add 1/2 cup egg noodles in the last 20 minutes before serving. The cooking time is not extremely important, as you are really just heating the ingredients, not cooking them. The soup is ready when you are.

Variations:
You can also make this on the stove top if you want to. It tastes the same. Just simmer everything together, add the noodles and cook until they are done.

You may need to add a little broth or water if the soup is too thick. I, personally, like it thick.

You can leave out the noodles. They just make the soup thicker (a bit goulash-y).

I serve this with sour cream and grated cheese on top because that combo makes everything so yummy.

This soup makes awesome leftovers. If fact, I hear of stories that some people make it the day before *gasp* on purpose.

What's for dinner at your house?

not me Monday

2008-09-22T11:24:00.006-05:00

Today is the first "Not Me Monday". It is a blog carnival hosted by MckMama at mycharmingkids.net. Pop over there to see what others did NOT do recently.

*****

I did NOT let my kids eat Skater's birthday cookie cake for breakfast on Thursday.

I did NOT sit and watch a whole movie while Shorty was playing and the other kids were gone with FarOutDad.
I did NOT forget to take Skater to a Cub Scouts bike ride.
I am NOT sort of happy that we forgot. (my butt hurt for days last year)

Friday Jeopardy

2008-09-19T21:46:00.009-05:00

Friday jeopardy is a new installment here on the FarOut blog. Enjoy the first round.

answer:
2 Million

question:
What is the number of flowers a bee has to tap to make one pound of honey?
answer:
Dodge City, Kansas

question:
What is the windiest city in the US? (Chicago actually falls pretty low on the list.)

Happy 9 years Skater

2008-09-17T08:50:00.001-05:00

We Remember

2008-09-11T09:06:00.002-05:00

Food-wise?

2008-09-05T11:58:00.005-05:00

I haven't done a quiz in a bit, or a post for that matter. I liked seeing the jets when the page opened. Oh well, I like quizzes and lists so I put them here. Enjoy and feel free to steal the list!

I snatched this from a crochet blog that I read, Tiff Crochets.
I didn't do the (c) part. This is my blog and I will do what I want. :)

a. Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
b. Bold all the items you’ve eaten. (I made them orange so you could see them)
c. Cross out or italicize any items that you would never consider eating.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile/alligator
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. baba ghanous
11. Calamari
12. pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses (I don’t know - sounds like stinky cheese)
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/€80/$120 or more
46. Fugu Fugu to eating blowfish!
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbread
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears, and funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

So if you wanna play along, just follow the rules as stated above. Leave me a comment so I can read your list. I'm nosy that way.

U.S.A.F Thunderbirds

2008-08-26T10:54:00.008-05:00

We went to the air show this weekend. It was a long day but we had a great time. They saved the best for last (no offense to the Navy's Blue Angels or the Army's Golden Knights). The Air Force's Thunderbirds caught the attention of everyone with their "near-miss" passes and precision flying.

There was one pilot in particular that caught the attention of Rock Collector. It was this one:

This is Maj. Samantha Weeks. She flies the number 5 jet as the "lead solo". Which means that she gives the air commands that determine when the jets will make their passes flying at each other at closing speeds of 1200 mph. She is the one that comes in upside down. She is only the second female pilot on the squadron and the first ever in the lead solo position. This is her second year on the squadron, first as lead solo.

Rock Collector thought that it was way cool that there was a girl pilot. She thinks that maybe she might want to be one when she grows up. Please pray for her parents.

*all photos courtesy of The United States Air Force

Literacy Killer

2008-08-21T09:55:00.002-05:00

August was shaping up to be a record month. By the 10th of the month, I had already read 5 books. They were mysteries set in places that interest me. They were pretty quick reads for me. I have books waiting to be read, but can't seem to get the one I am on finished.

Why?

I'm glad you asked. It is all because of the Olympics. Yes...the Olympics are not only cutting into my precious sleep, but also into my reading time. I usually read a little in the morning, and then some more in the evening. Well, guess when the Olympics are on. Yeah, in the evening and the Today show is in the morning. Since they are in Beijing, they have Olympic athletes on everyday. So I HAVE to watch, right? After the Today show, more coverage of the Games.

I have issues, I know.

Can I get some diving?

2008-08-19T09:47:00.002-05:00

I love to watch Olympic diving.

It comes on after midnight.

The kids started school yesterday.(photos to come)

Sleep is not as it should be to get up in time to get hubby and kids out the door.

Can we get some diving on in the morning or in primetime?

Please?

I won, I won, I won!

2008-08-08T09:15:00.003-05:00

Thank you to Straight Shooter for holding some cool contests recently. I was actually able to win one! Woo hoo!

I won a flag. A real live American flag to wave during the Olympics. Well, not live, but you know what I mean.

Skater said that we should say the Pledge of Allegiance with it as soon as it gets here. I can't think of a better way to start the flags new life here with us. I asked Straight Shooter if she and her kids could do the same before it leaves their house.

love the Olympics?

2008-08-06T13:03:00.005-05:00

I do!! I have loved watching the Olympics since I was a kid. Swimming(races or synchronized), diving, gymnastics (men's, women's, rhythmic, trampoline...love it all),shooting, track and field, softball...etc, etc, etc.

I love the opening ceremonies. Seeing all of those athletes in groups by country, the beauty of the ceremony itself, the lighting of the torch. I love all of that.

I love seeing the athletes cry like babies (while I am crying like a baby for them) when they come from behind or break a world record. Or cry in despair when they get their heart broken by realizing that their dream may not come true at these Games.

I love the sound of all the National Anthems and the colors of all of the flags. I cry with all of the medal winners...our countrymen or not.

There are so many stories that go along with the Olympic Games. For some great ones, head over to Straight Shooters blog and learn about some of the best athletes we have traveling to China to compete and represent our great land. Once there, you can click on the 08 Olympics label to read about all the athletes she has profiled.

have a great day

2008-08-01T09:05:00.000-05:00

Please remember faroutdad today as he is starting his new job. The people and work flow seem like a good fit. I hope he is happy there! He wore shorts today and fit right in. That is his kind of place.

i looked it up all by myself

2008-07-24T17:15:00.002-05:00

I have been wondering for a long time what exactly is a meme. I always forget to find out, but not today. I looked it up on wikipedia and got this definition from the wiktionary.

Noun
meme (plural memes)

1. (philosophy) Any unit of cultural information, such as a practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. Examples include thoughts, ideas, theories, practices, habits, songs, dances and moods and terms such as race, culture, and ethnicity.

2. (philosophy) A self-propagating unit of cultural evolution having a resemblance to the gene (the unit of genetics).

Now, don't you feel smarter knowing that? I sure do.

quiz-a-rama

2008-07-23T21:30:00.004-05:00

I am such a thief! I love bloggy quizzes. I visited one of my fave blogs and found a jackpot! Thanks Flea for the time suck, once again.

You Are Chinese Food

Exotic yet ordinary.

People think they've had enough of you, but they're back for more in an hour.

What Kind of Food Are You?

What Your Favorite Color Purple Says About You:

Intuitive --- Seeking --- Creative

Kind --- Self-Sacrificing --- Growth Oriented

Strong --- Very Wise --- Rare

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.

You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward.

Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.

All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

You Are an Espresso

At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic

At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung

You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping

Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

And last but not least...I feel this is not even a little bit me, but oh well...it was fun anyway.

You are Platform Sandals

Funky and urban

You've got a cutting edge style that everyone envies

A little bit downtown, a little bit euro, and whole lot of sexy!

What Kind of Sandal Are You?

So, those of you who know me, do any of these describe what you think of me? Let me know what the quizzed say about you?

Memory Meme

2008-07-22T12:18:00.002-05:00

I am still not sure what the word meme means. Someday I will have to wiki it. Anyway, one of my favorite bloggy gals, Flea, has posted a fun memory meme and I am stealing it. Well, I guess it isn't stealing when it's being given away.

Here are the rules. Easy, peasy, Japanesey.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

now... it's a done deal

2008-07-20T02:03:00.003-05:00

I sent my resume to several design firms here in faroutville, but there was one place in particular that I hoped would call because they do stunning work. As it turns out, they did call. Long-story-short, they offered me Senior Design and I accepted. August 1st is my first day.

I enjoyed flying solo (full-time freelance), but it will be nice to work with other designers.

btw..."I" in the above paragraphs is faroutdad...obviously to most of you I'm sure.

the fourth and more

2008-07-07T22:54:00.002-05:00

The kids last day of summer school was Thursday. They are excited to be out. I am so proud of skater and rock collector for sticking to summer school. They did well and made some new friends (we hosted students from other schools in our school). Their effort has paid off and they now have giftcards to spend. (The school PAYS them to go to summer school...can you imagine?)

We had a nice, uneventful Independence Day. The kids played in the sprinkler and rode their bikes for most of the day while I sat and read my book. faroutdad made his famous (around here anyway) apple cobbler crisp and a peach one for me. That evening, we made it to the square to watch the fireworks while eating watermelon and cantaloupe and drinking Kool-Aid. faroutdad caught some awesome photos of the fireworks. One of them is in the new header. There is another one on our other blog in the header.

I called and talked to S.S. (my step-mom) on Thursday, but I should put out in cyberspace too...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I love you and miss you guys.

Today, we got some great news on the job front. I will share more about it when I know more about it and when I can. It isn't a done deal yet, so keep us in your prayers.

I guess that is about it for our holiday weekend.

splash

2008-07-02T12:30:00.005-05:00

It pained me to do it. I got NO joy out of it. It was for the sake of art. Really. It was. Yup. Art.

Rock Collector

Skater

Shorty

meet the krazy kids

2008-06-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

Greetings

I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the out-of-this world people who will be appearing on this blog.

skater
He roller-blades and keeps his hair way too long. He longs for the day when he can skateboard like the pros.
rock collector
...a little known hobby of hers. She picks them up almost everywhere she goes. She keeps them in her treasure boxes.

professor
She will be one someday, I bet. Or at least hold up her end of the conversation with them. She is as smart and funny as she is cute.

shorty
She will only be that for a little while, but for now, we take advantage of it by putting things too high for her to reach. She is hilarious, stubborn, and independent... I wonder where she gets these attributes?

faroutdad
He is a great dad, great husband, great friend. If a great photo shows up on this blog, chances are excellent that he shot it. (But not this photo... I took this one) He is photographer, designer, and contributor for this and other endeavors.

faroutmom
She is a busy, crafty, family-loving, reader gal. She wishes she were a better writer for her blog friends. She will try to keep things interesting around here.

Training Wheels Begone!

2008-06-23T09:37:00.000-05:00

So, the rock collector has mastered riding her bike WITHOUT TRAINING WHEELS!

Congrats, girl! You rock.

It took all of 3 minutes (no joke) for her to get the hang of it.

welcome to the new blog space...

2008-06-14T01:01:00.001-05:00

Take your shoes off, and hang out if you like.

We decided to expand and reorganize our virtual footprint a little, and now I have my own "room" to paint however I like. :)

I'm starting from scratch (meaning, not pulling any of the old posts over) - great opportunity for fresh content! (making lemonade)

Anyway, many more posts to come. Thanks for visiting, and stay tuned!