December December, a time to remember ...

Had a lovely holiday with mine and my hubby's families. - Lots of laughs, and smiles all round. - tired out now - hope the rest of this year and all of next goes as well as today :)

Trying out a new background for the season. - Still working on tweeking stuff here, although I haven't been on here much at all recently. Thanksgiving is always hard for me now that my Dad is no longer living. Thanksgiving was his last holiday with us. - I do look forward to Christmas however. With all it's lights and good cheer. It makes me happy. - Well guess I'll go for now and come back again another day. I'm dealing with some stuff that I'd rather not deal with right now, so I'm a bit out of sorts.
Take care all :|

Scaredy Cat

Well, we ended up going with LPS ( Littlest Pet Shop for those who don't already know ), for a halloween costume. It was a late choice, and the costume that you could actually buy included a dress - ( my kiddo hates dresses - blech ) - so we headed to the fabric store and bought some pink felt for the head tail and paws, and added it to a pair of pink sweatpants and a pink sweatshirt - ( the original store-bought costume showed the head as a hood, if you will - where the child's face is just below the character's face, and fastened with a ribbon under the child's chin - so we went with that idea ) - we used felt and acylic paint and some ribbon and lots of handstitching - turned out pretty cute - and my kiddo loved that folks liked it too - in her words - "I'm just so cute!" lol! Gotta love it!



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Blog collecting...

Well, I've found that I've got quite a "collection" of blogs if you will - that is following other people's blogs. I've checked out the blog o' the week page and also just radomly clicked on the "next blog" button. Ihave to say I have found lots of blogs that I like! - Many of wish I feel a connection to in some sort of way. either another homeschooler, artist, or mom either venting or giggling and sharing their lives. Funny isn't it, just how connected we all really are? Many of the same hopes, dreams fears, and celebrations... It really is nice to connect with others, and I really do appreciate all the inspiration others have shared. ;)

The Cat's Pajamas -

LOVED being with my Mom last night! We always have fun, and really enjoy each other's company. I really miss her so much, and spending time with her, so getting together is a treat. I needed to run a few errands before the weekend, so I called to see if she'd like to come with me. It was nice to have some time together and out of the house. I was able to find some of those spider web things that you stretch out over your hedges, etc., for decoration, and lights in the shape of a spider web. Also found needed pieces for costumes, so I'm happy about that :)
- Picked up a couple things for the nieghbor's cat too, as we seemed to have adopted him after his owner stopped letting him in the house via the kitty door because she thinks raccoons were getting in too. We'll probably bring him in on mischief night and halloween night, for his own safety, and also start letting him come in because the temps are just starting to dip down now. He's an awesome cat! - Couldn't be friendlier, lets you do anything to him, (which is great if you want to pick up the cat - which we do), and is always happy to see you. His name is Gabrielle, named after the angel, but he's galled "Gabby" for short. He's even getting along with our cat Mingh Tsu, who is an indoor cat, and is a female. - at least so far so good anyway >^.^<
Mom and I went to the double T diner for a bite to eat after our little shopping spree, not very good service, but the food was pretty good - thankfully the company made up for it all. ;)

Test results are back for latest homeschooling test - all 1's ( 1 = A ), YAY!
have to repeat the oral recorded part though, due to being a little too fast due to nerves - (we'll get there).

- Missing my Dad, missing my Mom ( never see her half as much as I thought I would now days ), missing home, missing going home. Thinking about Thanksgiving coming up - ( - what has become a dreaded holiday for me ). Hoping this year goes much better than the last few. Thinking maybe I can bring a nice green salad, and maybe some orderves, or h'orderves, or hors d' oeuvres - however you spell them, that's what I'm thinking I will make and contribute this year. - Something that doesn't have to be heated up, and something that's simple but nice.

We end up having two Thanksgivings - One on Thanksgiving day, ( usually here with Hubby's family ), and the other is usually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving ( at my parent's home - with a day inbetween for resting up ). I'll probably make a little something for my Hubby's family's Thanksgiving as his Mother usually makes most, if not all of the meal. The last few yers, this celebration has gotten harder and harder, but last year was the hardest year of all with my Dad no longer here with us. ....maybe I'll scout around a little on some of the blogs I follow here and steal ...er borrow.... some recipies - there are some REALLY great cooks out there!
I'm just hoping and praying for a peaceful Thanksgiving this year, and trying not to let things get stressful for me.

- I miss Thanksgiving with my family when I was little - now THAT was something I looked forward to! -



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Dyslexic -

From Dyslexic in America - Afraid of The Dark - audio blog by Leon Lewis Jr.

http://www.dyslexicinamerica.com/2010/10/afraid-of-dark.html


It's tricky being dyslexic. Most people don't get it. They don't understand dyslexia, or think it's simply flipping letters. - While some of it does include flipping letters, it's more complex than just that alone, and something that if you have it, you have to adapt to. I'm thankful that at least there is a name for it and it is actually acknowledged now days - ( back in my school days they always just said that I was "slow" ) - even if most schools still don't do anything about it to help their students. I'm also greatful for Calvert schools homeschooling, that they now have a special cirriculum just for those who are learning different called Verticy.


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Well, it all finally caught up with me.

Saturday, my Mom calls and needs to be taken to the hospital - she ended up going to "Righttime" (formerly "Nighttime Pediatrics"), to find out she had an infection, and is why whe was having feelings of hot and cold, and a very high fever, and so sore she could barely turn her head. - She seems to be doing better now. I need to call and check in on her later today.

- As for me, I had been up since 2am. on Saturday when my Mom called me for help to take her to be seen. My wonderful hubby initially took her, and I joined them in the waiting room after getting myself deacent to even go anywhere. I stayed and he went back home with our kiddo. It took a long time to be seen - (we even remarked that it may have been faster to actually have gone to the hosptial itself - can you imagine?! - but it really was that slow there!) - anyway, after my Mom was seen, I took her back home, and then my sil and I went out to get the antibiotic that was prescribed. I stayed for a while longer, and while my Mom was talking with her bestie on the phone, I visited with my brother. It was a really nice visit, which I really enjoyed, as I don't get to see or spend much time with my brother anymore. My sil and niece joined us after a while and we all had a nice time visiting - So nice in fact, that it was after midnight before I left. I checked in on Mom again before I left for home, and then got on the road. - So - all of that to say this - that I was up for 24 hours by the time I got back home and settled into bed. - SOOO - I ended up with one of my migraines that lasted all day - no matter how much of my meds I threw at it. - not fun :(

- I'm finally feeling better now. - Woke up sometime after 3am. and probably should have gone back to sleep but finally got hungry. - and if I don't eat something, I KNOW I will be down for the count again. - That's how I know I'm feeling better, is when I start feeling hungry again. So, some hot peppermint tea - to sooth what ails ya, and a buttered biscuit, and maybe some crackers with some nutella (haven't tried it before so we'll see), and I should be right as rain.

- which, by the way, it is going to be doing all week here - as the seasons have changed. ...


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New Post

Hmmm...tummy is really hurting today - not sure why. Ive had my gall bladder out for several months now, and havesn't had much trouble. But today, I swear it's almost as bad as that initial pain I had when my gall bladder was still in-tact. Maybe it was something I ate. - kinda hard to tell as well now, but Ihave had a couple - ok, a few, things, that I shouldn't have. So I guess my body is still able to tell me when I need to slow down and take it easy. ;)

Also have alot of stress still, over some things - ok, some people in my life. Have not heard from a friend who said they needed some time and would talk with me at a later date - three weeks later? Well, ok, I guess. - I do get tired and rather worn out by those who seem to have a philosophy of what's good for the goose is NOT good for the Gander - or that they don't need to treat others how they themselves want to be treated. - Told myself I wouldn't put up with all of that as much as I used to, ever since my Dad passed - but I'm finding I've fallen back into the rut. Of course give people the benifit of the doubt and treat others how I want to be treated, but all drama all the time, and me-me-me is too much for me. Life's too short to spend it on that. I want to live life, not get caught up in drama.


Need to re-establish that decision.

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Updating -

Hmmm trying to tweek this new blog o' mine - going ok so far. Found a really nice font that I like, and I think I like my new background for Fall as well - *trying it out anyway* ;) Really would love to fix my title pic, so that it says the title of my blog, "Never Run With Scissors" right on it. - I'll have to talk with my one friend who has helped me with all this technical stuff before - she's GREAT at it! (Hint-hint!) ;)
Raining here, so it won't be long before we have the cold weather for good, for the new season. - not sure I'm really looking forward to it. - hmmmm...maybe hibernation is a possibility?? ;)

why do I care?

* sigh* Well - I guess if we're all truthful with ourselves - we DO care. We care about people we love or like or care for, and what they think of us, and what they say to us, etc. - I guess we wouldn't care so much if we DIDN'T care for them! - but we do. - So we're vunerable. Vunerable to their mood swings, their frame of mind according to what might be going on in their own lives,....you know. And then when they're in that state they say and do things that downright hurt! And sometimes they don't even know it. - But sometimes - they do. Guess we have to take the good with the bad? - Just wish the bad didn't hurt so much.

I feel like writing, but I'm not sure what to write about - there's A LOT on my mind as of late. Seems I keep saying and doing the wrong thing - no matter what I say or do. ( how is that even possible you ask? - well, I am multi-talented after all, so it's not too much of a stretch I guess ) - *sigh* - Oh well

...yep the picture is of Cinderella, not Rapunzel - Couldn't find one I liked of Rapunzel this time, so I posted this Cinderella one by Maxfield Parrish *LOVE his work* :)


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Treated myself :)

Had to go to the grocery store - sometimes I like to go, and sometimes - well - I just dread it! - went last night and went down "the fun isle" as we like to call it - you know, the isle with all the toys and seasonal items you really don't NEED, but when you see them you WANT them? - yep, that isle. - Anyway, I was looking at cards,(needed to get some for Birthdays), and saw the table O' books - ( Q the clouds parting - AHHHHHH!!!! ) - so - I did as anyone who finds themselves in "the fun isle" would, and looked through the pile o' books they had there - and spotted a treasure for myself! - Art Smith's cookbook - " Back To The Family" - ( love him!) - and the bonus? - only 6 BUCKS!!!! yep! - ( and I just looked it up on-line and see it sells for $29.99 - AND - it's his latest book! YAY ME!! :D

Here's a link to Art Smith's website -
http://chefartsmith.net/cms/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

- And here's a link to a little write up about Art Smith's cookbook -
http://www.aeispeakers.com/speakerbooks.php?SpeakerID=1620


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with love -

I homeschool our youngest, and a recent art project of a portrait done in pencil and watercolor resulted in this beautiful gift - for me - of my Daddy, who recently passed away - because she knew how much I miss him <3

I have the best kiddo in the world! <3 <3

Catchin' up -

Found this today - it looks pretty good, (especially the handwriting books) - although we already have our curriculum (we're using Calvert/Verticy) -
- http://www.christianbook.com/homeschool?kw=homeschool300&event=PPCSRC&p=1149125&cm_mmc=Facebook-_-Homeschool-_-homeschool-_-300

Well, I see lots of blog udates posted today, so I guess I'd better get to readin' and catchin' up on all the latest! ;)

Raining ...

Well I guess it's officially Fall - well almost ( not according to the calender you understand, but the weather sure says so! )

It's raining a soft fine rain - has been all night and now into the day. I suspect it will rain all day today.

There's a nip in the air, and I've even had to pull out my flannel P.J.s the last two nights.

Not sure I like that it's turning into Fall or changing seasons at all. Summer goes by faster and faster each year here now - and nearly hot enough that you can't enjoy the outdoors. I hate being cold, and miss the leaves on the trees in the long winter.

Wish it would stay warmer, longer. I miss Summer already :(


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Eating bon-bons...

LOL! I joke about eating bon-bons most of the time - especially when someone makes some snide or back-handed remark about me being a stay at home Mom or that I Homeschool. - It's ok, I say, yep, I just sit around eating bon-bons all day!
Funny thing is, I actually am this early am. - I made some from a package, (yes, you too can make Bon-bons - lol!), and they are quite yummy! I think it's Betty Crocker (terrible I can't remember the name on the package), and its basically peanutbutter, coated in chocolate. mmmmmmmmmmmm! And the bonus? - I'm the only one here that either likes or can tolorate peanutbutter! (Hubby has a tummy that doesn't like peanutbutter anymore)
..... As My Dad used to say - that's ok, more for me! :D

tried -

Tried left and right by the enemy, it's been a rough few weeks - I heard this today and it helped - Hope it helps you too

Defeating temptations, and overcoming what the enemy throws at you -
Something helpful that I heard today -

http://www.oneplace.com/player/back-to-the-bible/to-defeat-temptation-let-the-spirit-do-it-131488.html

Fall-ing -

Would much rather it not be Fall that was on it's way, but Spring and back into Summer - LOVE seeing the green LIVE leaves on the trees - Yes, I know - the trees are not really dead - not technically anyway, but they look it - especially without any snow gracing their branches. *sigh* - it also means my deadline for homeschool is looming. We had to start in December because of taking kiddo out of school then. They did give us a month - in fact, they gave us an extention of a whole year due to my Dad passing away. I've stuck my head in the sand and lost track of time. - Not sure how I'm going to pull this off and get kiddo through by November, but we're determined - and we sure are going to celebrate when we get done!

Bored -

Hubby is asleep, kiddo is watching Scooby-Doo marathon ( pretty cool ), and my cuz has been and left - well sorta. - She's been hanging out for the rest of today with my sister-in-laws, visiting thier Grandmother in the hospital, and then she's swinging by the airport to pick up her husband and then drive back home. - Probably won't hear from her for a while - Didn't hear much from her while she was here. - She spent most of her time with my sis-in-laws - ( her actual cousins - technically, she's my cuz-in-law ), but that's ok, they don't get to see each other very often at all, and we did get to all go out Friday night, so that was nice. Went downtown and met up with a bunch of gals who were schoolmates with. A Ladies Night Out, that we all needed. - One gal drove all the way down from NJ. - a 2&1/2 hour dive she said. Also went through the hand me downs with my cuz and she took two bags - I know she will be able to use the new (new to her) pieces.

- So - back to normal I guess - if there is a normal that is.
Hoping to go to the beach with my Hubby and kiddo later and enjoy the yummy smelling lasagna in my oven for dinner - with some garlic bread, of course :)

Hand-me-downs

Well, I did manage to get through some of the clothes I needed too ( no laundry washed or dried though - that's now on the list for today ) - I mean the clothes I have accumulated over the years. - You know the ones...the high school sweatshirt with the schools mascot, or that special concert t-shirt, that you can't fit in anymore, but just can't part with, ( you know the ones ), , hand-me downs, that have been handed down to you, etc. - I have SOOOO many clothes now, between my Mom, my Mom's friend, my friend, my Aunt who passed away several years ago now, and pieces I've "inherited", as well as ones she gave me while living, - Things of my Dad's since he passed, and alot of my own junk, -er.. I mean clothes ;) LOTS to go through...and yes, I am sentimental, and also a confirmed pack-rat.

...Went through quite alot of it last night, ( that's what's in the upstairs bedroom that I needed to get straitened up for my soon to be house guests ), and was able to get one and half trashbags ( I have clear ones instead of putting them in actual white kitchen bags, although they work too ), for giving to my cousin, who has lost alot of weight and really needs some clothes that fit better now. - and what isn't used I'll be giving to either the local women's shelter, or the Salvation Army.

I have to admit, some of the peices I gave away, I really do like still - but - I know mama ain't gonna fit in those tiny sizes ever again! ...yeah, yeah, I'm like most women and I am loosing some wieght that I have gained over the years, ( and I actually have! ), but I KNOW I'll never be the size I was when I got married at 25. Ahhh those were the days - How come we never apprieciate how good we look at the time? - oh well - ( just being realistic ) - a new day, a new size, a new start with giving some loved peices to others who really do need them ....makes it easier ;)

...eat dessert first....

Getting ready for a Ladies Night Out with classmates - Hubby's younges sis is in town, and his cuz will be coming too. Should be fun, and I'm looking forward to it. Hey, they say life's too short, eat dessert first, right? ;)

Need to do some laundry today too, and get the beds upstairs ready for house guests. ( Hubby's cuz and her son will be staying with us, as she is also coming in from out of town )

Not sure what else is on the agenda for today. One of my friends asked me, "what's on the "fun" agenda for today?" - LOL! - Nothin, so far! ;D

Enchanted

Something close to my heart, and that I've been truly blessed by The Lord to be any part of, is The Enchanted Forest - The historical 55 year old children's park, that opened one month to the day after Disneyland, is the first paork of it's kind on the East Coast, and the very first park of it's kind to open as a non-segragated park in the entire United States. ....You only had to go once, to be "Enchanted". - My memories go way back to grade school field trips and family outings. I know it is party where i get my love for childrens books and art. In fact, I grew up and became an artist, and when I wanted to share the Enchantment of this beloved park with my own child, I sadly found out it had been closed down. - I started asking questions....making phone calls, scouring the internet, looking for answers. And as one question lead me to another, and one person led me to the next, several countly meetings, fan meetings, and desperate prayers later, it happened.... - A wonderful family who had also lived for generations in the area, just as the original owners of the park had, stepped forward. They made an offer with the current owners to bring the abandoned structures and figures and as many bits and pieces, form the original park, over to their family's petting farm. A popular place for the stroller and toddler set, and a known destination for school field trips too - it was the perfect match. Although, yes, bittersweet, as the term has come to be used frequently - it was a God-send! ....Calling to offer to help or be any part of it all, no matter how small, I started volunteering. ....now, as to date, I have been a part of a team effort to restore and bring back to life, the precious pieces that have been saved and brought over to the farm. Clark's Elioak Farm - "Where The Enchantment Never Ends"! ...Thank you Lord, I am truly blessed! - And thank you to The Harrison Family, who originally owned the park and wanted ALL children to be able to experience the Enchantment of their favorite Storybook Tales, Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes come to life! - And to The Clark Family, for saving the Enchantment for future generations to be inspired and to imagine, and to be encouraged to read, and to dream!
http://www.clarklandfarm.com/

stuck -

Ever have a great idea for something to blog about and then as SOON as you get on your blog your mind goes blank? - yeah, me too! ugh :(

Testing - testing

Well I knew that after going to the Joyce Meyer conference meeting that I would be tested - but right away??! - yep the "enemy" waits for no one. I was told by someone ( someone that I kinda figured wouldn't like her and not only that but pretty much anyone who had to do with Christianity ), that she was a "bully" and was a terrible person - ( of course, right? ) - we'll I struggled with that some, but I pretty quickly realised it was the "enemy at work - trying to put doubt in my head about Joyce Meyer and any sort of messages from God that she imparted. - Joyce says - you don't have to like me - it's ok with her, her main goal is to spread God's Word and His message. - Thank you Lord for reminding me of that. -

More progress???

Well kinda - I found some sites with free backgrounds, and picked one ( or two ) - not sure I like the total look of my new blog just yet, but I'm sure I'll get there ....eventually - LOL!
Getting ready for the Joyce Meyer conference tomorrow - packing things up to take with - like my Bible, a notebook, a couple pens, a jacket in case it gets a little chilly in the conference room, and a little money cause I'm SURE I'll find a book that I'd like to read of hers. I can only afford one right now, but hey, I hear she comes back to this same place every year, so who knows - I might get to go again sometime and pick up another book! :D - And my dear friend, whom I'm going to the convention with, has a set of Joyce Meyer's cd's and another one of her books that she said she'd give me when she's done with them! - SO sweet! ...well - guess I'd better get the rest of my things packed and ready to go and to get started with my day - later! ;)

Grrr!

Trying to fix my blog background - thought I had it figured out - but - the top of it is not changing over ....wt................?? >:(

It comes in threes.....

Well, maybe it's my age, or about the age of the the three folks I'm referring to - but just recently I found out that three people I know have all lost their fathers. So wierd, and so heartbreaking. I lost my own Dad almost two years ago now......still hurts like crazy


Here's something that helped me - and might help you too or someone that you may know who is going through loss - http://griefshare.org/

A day of renewal

So, I'm supposed to go with a close friend of mine and her wonderful hubby, to see Joyce Meyer this week - I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! - I really like her! - I know some folks don't, I think because she is right up-front with you - and comes across to some as brash and painfully truthful sometimes. I guess sometimes I feel like I need that. To hear the truth - or The Lord's truth rather. ( people can be so fake and spread lies - I know this first hand ). Some people also don't like her because she is a woman teaching The Word as opposed to a man teaching The Word. I believe that The Lord uses women to spread His message too - ( Remember the women that Jesus appeared to after he rose from the dead??) - Joyce Meyer speaks The Lord's truth, and speaks right to women, right to me. I started watching her on TV when I was flipping around the channels one day ( yes, "flipping around the channels - yes, I'm old, and remember when you had to get up out of your seat and change the channel manually by turning the ROUND DIAL that was on the TV! LOL! ) - Anyway, she cought my attention, and kept it. She was speaking right to me. I can't wait to go and hear her and hear what The Lord wants me to hear and to learn! - And I can't wait to go with my good friends!! I'm SO thankful for them! SO greatful to The Lord that they are in my life, and to have such true and good friends - friends that accept me for me. :)

http://www.joycemeyer.org/

New to blogger - well that is at least I think so....I think I may have tried blogging here once before, but with no success. I've just recently clicked on a link of a friend of a friend's blog, and the friend's blog too. ( not sure that that makes ANY sence AT ALL) ...anyway - thought I'd give this blogging site a go...............bear with me..and remember.....NEVER run with scissors!