tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55702093450522860052024-03-12T16:55:13.866-07:00Kelley's PonderingsKelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-74650638504476211512010-09-13T14:36:00.000-07:002010-09-13T14:44:17.649-07:00Wow, how long has it been???I have been away from blogging for so long that I almost forgot I had one! Terrible, huh? However, I am back, thanks to my brother starting a blog on his new life in Croatia. I decided I needed to get back to blogging, although my entries will be nowhere near as adventurous as his!<br /><br />Matthew and I did make it to Europe this summer, though, and I want to thank everyone (again) who donated and participated in fundraisers to help make it happen. We had a wonderful time, although it was very rushed and whirlwind! Not to mention humid and sticky, with no air conditioning anywhere, or at least that's how it seemed. A few places had a/c, but not very many. It was glorious, though, and I cannot wait to return!<br /><br />Life right now is at its busiest - the boys are back in school, I am teaching at the college, playing piano for dance classes at the university, plus teaching private lessons and performing in a show. Although I love performing, I will be relieved when this run is over on October 10. It will be nice to have my evenings back. Andrew is very unhappy that I have to be away so much right now. It's kind of funny and pitiful. This is the first show I have done since May, so it isn't as if I have spent every evening away from home for the last four months instead of the last two weeks. But he is acting as if I've been away forever. Makes me sad. So I will be glad to stay home when the time comes.<br /><br />Gotta run now and teach a quick piano lesson, then I get to be home tonight! The theatre is dark on Mondays, so no show tonight! Woohoo!!<br /><br />Hopefully it won't be another year (!) before I return! Ciao for now!Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-19230361173971475032009-06-23T21:19:00.000-07:002009-06-23T21:30:26.081-07:00Italy, France and the Alps<object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/ac6fe424bb37f1e3"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="event_title" value="Help%20Matthew%20get%20to%20Europe%21"></param><param name="event_desc" value="a%20trip%20to%20Italy%2C%20France%20and%20the%20Alps"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/ac6fe424bb37f1e3" flashVars="event_title=Help%20Matthew%20get%20to%20Europe%21&event_desc=a%20trip%20to%20Italy%2C%20France%20and%20the%20Alps" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />We are doing some fundraising to help our son, Matthew, take an Education First Tour to Europe next summer! After telling him he could go, we had some difficulties and a pretty major crisis in our lives. However, he has been such a fabulous student and done such great work this year that we would still like for him to be able to take this trip. So, we are asking for sponsors! The trip breaks down into an approximate cost of $13 per hour. He will be touring Italy, France and the Alps, and it will be an incredible adventure for him. If you would like to sponsor Matthew, that would be an amazing and generous thing! <br /><br />Just to brag a bit on Matthew, he earned high honors this year - NATION wide! On his Benchmark exam, he scored the highest math score in the NATION for his grade! Also, he beat the national average time for taking a timed translation test in Spanish by almost half! National average time was 17 minutes, he did it in 9 minutes! Hopefully, you can see why we are so proud and want him to experience this trip.<br /><br />Thanks for reading this, if you did. Please pass it along to any of your friends who you think might like to help us out!Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-87901905393955818682009-06-16T09:30:00.000-07:002009-06-16T09:33:19.917-07:00Back at last!It has been a while! Truthfully, the last few months have been so crazy, busy, and crazy busy, that I sort of forgot I even had a blog! But things are starting to slow down for a while, which is both good and bad - more time at home, less money coming in. So, here I am...when I should be straightening up the clutter that has taken over my home.<div><br /></div><div>Here is my question for the day: when husband asks if I am in a bad mood and I tell him yes and the reason, why is it then that I feel better and HE gets in a bad mood?? Vicious cycle....</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-27235360982132747022009-04-12T06:29:00.000-07:002009-04-12T06:32:16.015-07:00Bye-bye, Bunny!I think this will be the last year for the Easter Bunny to visit our house. Dying eggs was fun, but the morning of Easter baskets was nothing but the boys complaining about what they got (or didn't get), what candy they don't like, or how another boy found more eggs. The Easter Bunny chose to hide eggs with coins in them rather than put them in the baskets, like Mrs. Easter Bunny wanted to do, and one boy basically found every egg that had money in it. More arguing and complaining.<br /><br />So, boys, hope you enjoy this last morning of Easter baskets. The Easter Bunny is retiring.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-53355624108477810242009-03-20T20:37:00.000-07:002009-03-20T20:45:40.741-07:00Oh, the irony!One of our twins, Andrew, is accident-prone. There is no way to sugarcoat it. He is an accident waiting to happen, at any moment, any SECOND. If my phone rings around lunchtime (which happens right around recess time at school!) and the caller ID shows the school, I can pretty much bet it is the school nurse calling with the details of Andrew's latest injury. More often than not, he is fine. Thankfully.<br /><br />Tonight, after dinner, we took a family walk. Andrew and Jacob chose to ride their bikes. Yes, they wore helmets. No, injury was not involved, although I know that is what you expect to read following my opening paragraph. Hopefully, you will see the irony that I saw when Andrew, riding lazy circles in the street, called back over his shoulder what he wanted to be when he grows up.<br /><br />A professional stunt man.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-40425889591972466722009-02-14T20:01:00.000-08:002009-02-14T20:18:13.173-08:00A Love Story - Our BeginningSince today is Valentine's Day, I thought I would post how my husband and I met.<br /><br />I was 13 years old, and it was Good Friday. My church youth group was meeting at our church, and then all going to a church member's lake house for a Good Friday service. Those of us who were already at the church were playing softball while we waited for everyone else to arrive. I was on third base, waiting to run home, and noticed a friend walking up with a strange boy I had never seen. I thought to myself that he was kinda cute, then finished the ball game.<br /><br />Our mutual friend introduced everyone to his best friend from high school. It was Gilbert - my unknown-to-me-at-the-time future husband! He was 16 at the time, and a sophomore in high school. He came along with us to the Good Friday service, and we got to chat and get to know each other a bit. He started attending our church the very next Sunday, and went every Sunday after that.<br /><br />For the next year or so, Gilbert followed me around like a sick puppy, obviously had a crush on me, and became one of my closest friends. He eventually asked me to a dance after a high school football game. I said yes, but I was so nervous that I made myself sick. After the football game, he had to take me home. I was young and oh, so nervous!!<br /><br />I think he tried to ask me out a few times after that, but my dad wouldn't let me go. Finally, his senior year of high school, he gave up and began dating someone else. He brought her to church a few times, and I quickly realized that I was very upset at this turn of events! I kept it to myself though. At least, for a while.<br /><br />Gilbert was (and is) highly intelligent, and received a Congressional appointment to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The day before he was scheduled to leave, our youth group all went to the lake. I worked up the courage to tell him, just as we were gathering up to go home, that I really liked him much more than a friend, and I was very sad to see him leave. I forget his exact words, but the gist was along the lines of - "You're telling me this NOW?!!"<br /><br />Right after he left for Colorado Springs, my parents divorced and we moved to Atlanta, GA. Gilbert and I had a long-distance telephone and letter relationship for about a year, at which point I moved back to Arkansas. He was home for the summer, and we finally went on our first real date. We went to the movies to see "Romancing the Stone." That movie has had a special place in our hearts ever since!<br /><br />Gilbert went back to the Air Force Academy for another year, then decided at that point that he didn't want a military life. He came home, finished his aviation degree at the university where I was beginning a music degree. Long story short, we dated for about 6 years, and were married in 1990. The rest is, as they say, history!<br /><br />And that is the story of our beginning. The beginning of our ongoing love story.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-86432055082632075442009-02-14T08:26:00.000-08:002009-02-14T08:30:51.098-08:00Truly - we are not alone.<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">There is a song that Michael Buble sings, one that I love. It makes me cry every time I hear it, but I listen anyway. The lyrics are so appropriate for our lives right now. Things are going wrong, and falling apart in certain aspects of our lives, but it has shown us that we are truly not alone. Not only do Gilbert and I have each other, but we have been reminded over and over that we are truly blessed with the love and support of friends and family.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Lost"<br /></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe it's over<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I watched the whole thing fall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I never saw the writing that was on the wall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If I'd only knew<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The days were slipping past<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That the good things never last<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That you were crying<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Summer turned to winter<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the snow it turned to rain<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the rain turned into tears upon your face<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hardly recognized the girl you are today<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And god I hope it's not too late<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's not too late<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Cause you are not alone<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm always there with you<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And we'll get lost together<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Till the light comes pouring through<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Cause when you feel like you're done<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the darkness has won<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Babe, you're not lost<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When your worlds crashing down<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And you can't bear the thought<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I said, babe, you're not lost<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life can show no mercy<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It can tear your soul apart<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It can make you feel like you've gone crazy<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But you're not<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Things have seem to changed<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's one thing that's still the same<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In my heart you have remained<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And we can fly fly fly away<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Cause you are not alone<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I am there with you<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And we'll get lost together<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Till the light comes pouring through<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Cause when you feel like you're done<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the darkness has won<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Babe, you're not lost<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When the worlds crashing down<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And you can not bear the cross<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I said, baby, you're not lost<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I said, baby, you're not lost<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I said, baby, you're not lost<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I said, baby, you're not lost<br /></div></span>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-3189985924042115892009-02-03T15:17:00.001-08:002009-02-03T15:20:49.550-08:00need continued prayersIf you follow this blog, you sort of know our story. Too complicated to elaborate, but today we got some more bad news, potentially devastating to what we thought was going to be an eventual return to my husband's job. So I am asking that if you pray, please keep our family in your prayers for the best possible outcome to this. And if you don't pray, please send us good karma, good thoughts, whatever positive energy you can.<div><br /></div><div>I am grateful for our friends and family. Love to you all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kelley</div><div><br /></div><div>And PS - if you know of a well-paying job that provides paid training, and benefits, let us know!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-54918121133319228382009-01-31T13:45:00.000-08:002009-01-31T13:50:44.896-08:00Getting TogetherTonight, we are having friends over for pizza and Mah Jongg. I will be late to the festivities, as I am doing a play right now. However, my part is over pretty early on, so I will be home by 9:15. So we decided to go ahead and have them over, especially because I won't have another free evening (besides Mondays) for the next few months.<div><br /></div><div>I don't get together with my friends often enough, and I wish I did! I have a million reasons: my house isn't clean, my house isn't big enough, our 'stuff' isn't fancy enough, the food isn't fancy enough, blah blah blah. I should just bless and release all of that nonsense, and make more good memories with my friends!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, if we are friends, consider yourself invited over! If you have kids, bring 'em along, and our kids can play while we chat or play a board game, or eat pizza, or whatever. If you don't have kids, just remember that I do, and prepare yourself for lots of rowdy fun, or come over later, after they are in bed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's get together!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-84517605029671006622009-01-27T11:26:00.000-08:002009-01-27T11:31:06.433-08:00Productivity Rocks!The boys were home from school today due to ice or, rather, the potential of it. It was nice to not have to get up at 6, or get everyone out the door in a rush, etc. We had a lazy morning of breakfast and Wii, but the twins got to arguing and fighting, and just wouldn't stop. So, we all know what happens next, right? HOUSEWORK!<div><br /></div><div>Everyone got busy straightening the clutter out of the living room, playroom, and the boys' room. They all worked well together, things got done, floors were vacuumed, and lo and behold, Jacob found his school agenda, which he has been missing for weeks! Yes, I could have looked for it and found it long before now, but I am tired of finding the things they misplace. Time for him to do it. Plus, he got a first-hand lesson on how keeping things picked up makes life easier!</div><div><br /></div><div>Woohoo, I love it when the whole family is productive! The kitchen and bathrooms are next!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-43608526788598043462009-01-26T06:01:00.000-08:002009-01-26T06:15:41.264-08:00Great siteI am a book lover! What's the fancy word for that, bibliophile? Anyhoo, that is me! And I don't have near enough time to read everything I want, if I plan to get any sleep, so there are stacks of books near my bed...my To Be Read pile. I love the library, but I invariably get a book, then don't get a chance to start it, or finish it, before it is due. Or I forget to take it back in time and rack up late fees. Which brings me to one of my favorite websites, and I wanted to make sure you know about it!<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://paperbackswap.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Paperbackswap</span></a> is a great way to get those books I am dying to read, and not spend loads of money. All I have to do is list books I am willing to part with, then I look for books I want. I build up credits when people want my books, and I can then use those credits to get books for myself (or my boys!). All I have to pay is the postage it costs to mail the books I have listed to people who have requested them. I love it! According to <a href="http://paperbackswap.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Paperbackswap</span></a>'s tally, I have saved $167 on books!</div><div><br /></div><div>So if you love to read like I do, are short on reading time, don't want to spend tons of money, and have some books you are willing to part with, then check out <a href="http://paperbackswap.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Paperbackswap</span></a>. You will love it!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-71183811589202868732009-01-24T19:45:00.000-08:002009-01-24T19:56:20.552-08:00Sometimes it's good to be a bother.This afternoon, we all went over to visit my husband's aunt. We haven't seen her in a while, since before Thanksgiving, I am sad to say. We live in the same city, and used to see her on a regular basis. She is a second grandmother to my boys. However, her husband died a few years ago, very unexpectedly, and she really went into a downward spiral of depression. She got very weak and ill, and I felt like the boys were just too rowdy to be around her. Obviously, she quit getting out, so she wasn't coming to our house, and we quit going to her house, because I didn't want to bother her. I was afraid the boys would be too much for her to handle. <div><br /></div><div>She has had more bad days than good over the past couple of years. She quit eating properly, started having seizures, had problems walking and started using a cane, you name it. She began having what I think were panic attacks, and would end up in the hospital overnight, only to be sent home the next day because there was really nothing to do for her. I think she also has a problem with alcohol and, frankly, I can sort of understand. Her world was shattered by her husband's death and now all these debilitating problems, what reason was there to not self-medicate? But it certainly hasn't helped her issues.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of late, she seems to be doing better, and today we called and asked if we could go over for a visit. Plus, we still hadn't given her our Christmas present for her, so we needed to do that. She said yes, and we had a great visit! She seemed to really love seeing the boys, and they were happy to see her, too. They were very well-behaved, and when they started to get a bit restless after 45 minutes or so, it was thankfully warm enough that they could go outside. I think it meant a lot to her to see the boys, and I think it really did her some good. I should have done it a while ago, but I plan to make it over to visit her at least once a month, hopefully every couple of weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am glad I bothered.</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-44720271555893886662009-01-23T11:02:00.000-08:002009-01-23T11:06:53.420-08:00Announcing....I am getting back to exercising! I went this morning for my first workout in forever, and made it through! I did the modified, beginner style, since it has been at least a year (more) since I did anything like that. And I only had to stop and rest once, when I got really lightheaded. Guess my heart isn't used to pumping that much blood! I am doing this with a friend, at her house, and we have a standing appointment Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. So if I don't show up, I am letting her down as well as myself. Besides, I know she will shame me and ride me mercilessly if I don't show! LOL<div><br /></div><div>I have announced this here and also on Facebook, so now I have to do it. Too many people know about it! All my friends out there, I need you to keep me honest. And I need to remember that this is not just about losing weight and looking better but, more importantly, about being healthier and stronger and feeling better!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-6624130196249716712009-01-20T10:04:00.001-08:002009-01-20T10:05:58.227-08:00Hmmm, just wondering....Is Barack Obama the first African American president, or is it more correct to say he is the first bi-racial president? Since his father was from Kenya and his mother was Caucasian, I tend toward the latter. Either way, he made history today!Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-77586102236631328622009-01-20T05:52:00.001-08:002009-01-20T06:02:45.527-08:00But it was his job!I happened to be in NYC on the subway with my brother when the US Airways plane went into the Hudson. What a freaky accident! And while I agree that while it might have seemed an amazing thing the pilot did, it was no "miracle on the Hudson." It was his job. He was excellent at his job that day. He deserves large kudos and congratulations, slaps on the back, all that, but I don't feel it was an incredible miracle sent from God. If you want to look at it that way, then who sent the poor geese? <div><br /></div><div>My husband is a pilot, and a good one, and I know that they are trained diligently and extensively for just this sort of situation. Pilots are trained to be level-headed and clear-thinking in just such an emergency. The US Airways pilot definitely deserves credit for remaining just that way, and being able to do his job.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't you wish the people running the drive-through window at McDonald's were so dedicated to their jobs?! Sorry, poor customer service and rude people running those windows are my pet peeve.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kudos, Captain.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-62376907838076682422009-01-20T05:27:00.001-08:002009-01-20T10:03:58.347-08:00Where were you when...?There are a number of events that make people ask, "Where were you when...?" I know where I was when Challenger exploded, when 9/11 happened, when Elvis Presley died (yes, I was young, but my Mom was a huge fan, so it trickled down to me!), and when OJ was found "not guilty." And now I will know where I was on January 20, 2009, the day our 43rd president, Barack Obama, was inaugurated. I am staying home today and watching it all on television, or listening to it on the radio.<div><br /></div><div>Just a tidbit. Many people think he will be our 44th president. It is just semantics, but technically, he will be the 43rd person to be president. We have had 43 presidencies, so this will be the 44th presidency, but Grover Cleveland was elected president twice, in nonconsecutive terms. That means that today marks 44 inaugurations, but only 43 different presidents. But I will still refer to him as the 44th president, as that is the majority thought. Just had to share that!<div><br /></div><div>Today is an historical day! This election, no matter the outcome, was going to be history-making. But I feel like there is an electricity in the air that I haven't felt in a long time. I pray that this will be a good thing for our country, our people, and our world.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-45324708847241892692009-01-19T07:38:00.000-08:002009-01-19T07:49:12.429-08:00ABC Game<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><div>I need something to blog, so here it is! I found this on a blog I read sometimes, and she said we should play the ABC game, so here it is!</div><div><br /></div>A. Attached or single? attached<br /><br />B. Best friend? Yes<br /><br />C. Cake or pie? It depends on my mood. I like both</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br />D. Dog or cat? If you know me, you know that I have a multitude of dogs, and 1 cat. I think I would say I am a dog person, though.<br /><br />E. Essential item? cell phone <br /><br />F. Favorite color? Royal blue, though green is a close second <br /><br />G. Gummy bears or worms? Neither. I do like Gummy Lifesavers, though!<br /><br />H. Hometown? I consider Malvern, Arkansas, to be my hometown. I was born in Memphis, but grew up in Malvern.<br /><br />I. Favorite indulgence? internet<br /><br />J. January or July? July <br /><br />K. Kids? Yes, I have three. : )<br /><br />L. Life isn’t complete without? My family and friends.<br /><br />M. Marriage date? October 6, 1990<br /><br />N. Number of brothers and sisters? 2 sisters, 2 brothers.<br /><br />O. Oranges or apples? Both<br /><br />P. Phobias? Nothing comes to mind right now.<br /><br />Q. Quote? "Bless it and release it!" My kids would say it should be, "Lose the attitude!"<br /><br />R. Reasons to smile? My kids and husband<br /><br />S. Season of choice? Fall<br /><br />T. Travel dreams? I love to travel and am game for anywhere. I have never been to Europe or Australia and would love to visit there.<br /><br />U. Unknown fact about me? I have a secret desire to be an avid scrapbooker. Own all the supplies, but have never done it!<br /><br />V. Vegetable? I like most vegetables, except for turnip greens.<br /><br />W. Worst habit? I can be verrrrrrrrrrrrry lazy.<br /><br />X. X-ray or ultrasound? I have never had an X-ray, and won't have another ultrasound, hopefully, since I don't plan to have more kids. So, I guess X-ray.<br /><br />Y. Your favorite restaurants? depends on the type of food<br /><br />Z. Zodiac sign? Leo<br /><br /></span></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-49641818753288702062009-01-18T18:38:00.001-08:002009-01-26T06:18:45.589-08:00Have you ever...<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; "><p>Saw this on a friend's blog and thought it seemed like fun, so I borrowed it. (Thanks, <a href="http://liz-ourblessedfamily.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Liz</span></a>!) I marked the ones I have done with an asterisk. </p><p><br /></p><p>Have you ever...</p><p>1. Started your own blog *</p><p>2. Slept under the stars*</p><p>3. Played in a band*</p><p>4. Visited Hawaii *</p><p>5. Watched a meteor shower*</p><p>6. Given more than you can afford to charity **</p><p>7. Been to Disneyland *</p><p>8. Climbed a mountain *</p><p>9. Held a praying mantis </p><p>10. Sang a solo* (ya think? lol)</p><p>11. Bungee jumped</p><p>12. Visited Paris</p><p>13. Watched a lightning storm *</p><p>14. Taught yourself an art from scratch*</p><p>15. Adopted a child</p><p>16. Had food poisoning*</p><p>17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty</p><p>18. Grown your own vegetables *</p><p>19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France</p><p>20. Slept on an overnight train</p><p>21. Had a pillow fight *</p><p>22. Hitch hiked</p><p>23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill*</p><p>24. Built a snow fort</p><p>25. Held a lamb</p><p>26. Gone skinny dipping*</p><p>27. Run a Marathon</p><p>28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice</p><p>29. Seen a total eclipse*</p><p>30. Watched a sunrise or sunset*</p><p>31. Hit a home run*</p><p>32. Been on a cruise*</p><p>33. Seen Niagara Falls in person</p><p>34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors *</p><p>35. Seen an Amish community</p><p>36. Taught yourself a new language*</p><p>37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied*</p><p>38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person</p><p>39. Gone rock climbing*</p><p>40. Seen Michelangelo’s David</p><p>41. Sung karaoke (I know, can you believe it?)</p><p>42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt</p><p>43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant*</p><p>44. Visited Africa</p><p>45. Walked on a beach by moonlight*</p><p>46. Been transported in an ambulance</p><p>47. Had your portrait painted</p><p>48. Gone deep sea fishing</p><p>49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person</p><p>50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris</p><p>51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling*</p><p>52. Kissed in the rain*</p><p>53. Played in the mud*</p><p>54. Gone to a drive-in theater*</p><p>55. Been in a movie</p><p>56. Visited the Great Wall of China</p><p>57. Started a business </p><p>58. Taken a martial arts class</p><p>59. Visited Russia</p><p>60. Served at a soup kitchen</p><p>61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies*</p><p>62. Gone whale watching*</p><p>63. Got flowers for no reason*</p><p>64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma*</p><p>65. Gone sky diving</p><p>66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp</p><p>67. Bounced a check*</p><p>68. Flown in a helicopter</p><p>69. Saved a favorite childhood toy*</p><p>70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial*</p><p>71. Eaten caviar*</p><p>72. Pieced a quilt*</p><p>73. Stood in Times Square*</p><p>74. Toured the Everglades</p><p>75. Been fired from a job</p><p>76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London</p><p>77. Broken a bone</p><p>78. Been on a speeding motorcycle</p><p>79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person*</p><p>80. Published a book</p><p>81. Visited the Vatican</p><p>82. Bought a brand new car*</p><p>83. Walked in Jerusalem</p><p>84. Had your picture in the newspaper*</p><p>85. Read the entire Bible</p><p>86. Visited the White House*</p><p>87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating *(does fishing count?)</p><p>88. Had chickenpox*</p><p>89. Saved someone’s life*</p><p>90. Sat on a jury</p><p>91. Met someone famous*</p><p>92. Joined a book club*</p><p>93. Lost a loved one*</p><p>94. Had a baby*</p><p>95. Seen the Alamo in person*</p><p>96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake</p><p>97. Been involved in a law suit</p><p>98. Owned a mobile phone*</p><p>99. Been stung by a bee*</p><p>100. Read an entire book in one day*</p><div><br /></div><div style="clear: both; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; "></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 87%; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; "></div></span>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-19882554571846926992009-01-18T13:37:00.001-08:002009-01-18T13:48:45.991-08:00It's been a while....Haven't been here in a while, for one reason or another. Busy holiday time, I was sick, preparing to make an audition cd, started rehearsals for the play I am doing, then off to NYC to audition for management, still doing the play, and on and on....<div><br /></div><div>Had a good time in NYC. Since I was singing, I didn't really do much other than rehearse with my accompanist and hang out quietly with my brother. I arrived on a Monday - it was so cold! I always say I am not going back to NYC in the winter, and it seems that is when I always end up there. Anyway, I rehearsed on Tuesday, and had the audition on Wednesday evening. It went well, I think, especially considering this is the first audition I have really done in over 10 years! I think they could tell I was sick though. It would have been hard to miss, considering my speaking voice sounded like my head was stuffed with cotton. Don't think my singing voice sounded that way, though. Anyway, even if nothing comes of it, at least I have dipped my toe back in the water, so to speak.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the audition I had dinner with three old friends whom I haven't seen in probably 10 years. One of them I last saw about 5 years ago, but only briefly. It was great to catch up! I stayed up far too late, and had more to drink in that one evening than I have probably had in the last two years. Got back to my brother's apartment at 3 a.m.! It has been years since I was up that late for partying. But it was a great evening with good friends. My head hurt the next day, though!</div><div><br /></div><div>We were going to see a show that night (Thursday) but everything we wanted to see was $120 a ticket and up! Ummm, no thanks. We just stayed in, ordered Chinese and watched TV. It was a nice quiet time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was glad to get home to my boys, all of them! It was nice to be back in my own bed, snuggled up to my sweet husband. The boys didn't seem that excited to see me, but they did all want to sit by me all evening. It was nice.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was also good to get back to the play I am doing. A friend subbed for me while I was gone (thanks, Nat!). I missed being away, and am enjoying being back. The nice thing about this play is that I am finished at the end of Act I and get to go home! Woohoo! I am home by 9:15 usually, while everyone else has to be there until 10:30.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, back to the daily "grind." I don't know if or when I might hear anything back from the audition, but I did it. I also got some new ideas for repertoire, so I plan to start working on that. Also, I want to do a recital in May, so I need to work on that, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Feels good to be home!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-64602496830848792432009-01-01T18:26:00.000-08:002009-01-05T05:45:48.822-08:00What did you do last year?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:13px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; "><p>Someone sent me this in an email, and I thought it was pretty good! So here are my answers:</p><p>1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?<br /></p><p>Visited Washington, D.C. Took all three boys horseback riding.</p><p>2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?<br />Didn't make any last year. This year my resolution is to nurture my friendships/relationships more, and try to get organized!<br /><br />3. Did anyone close to you give birth?<br />I got back in touch with a good friend from grad school, and she gave birth the month we saw each other for the first time in ten years!<br /><br />4. Did anyone close to you die?<br />No one extremely close, but a friend. Also, my husband's cousin's stepmother committed suicide. But I didn't know her.</p><p><br />5. What countries did you visit<br />Zero. Nada. I do live vicariously through my friend Rusty, who often travels to Europe, and my friend Tricia, who is moving to Japan (military).<br /><br />6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?<br />more date nights with Gilbert<br /><br />7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br />August 13th - the day I turned 40 and the day my husband faced his alcohol dependency. September 10th - the day my husband came home from 28-day rehab.<br /><br />8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br />Supporting my husband in his journey to sobriety, and not killing him when it meant he had to go on long-term unpaid medical leave. Just kidding. Sort of.<br /><br />9. What was your biggest failure?<br />The failure to finish wallpapering the bathroom. General failure to lose weight.<br /><br />10. Did you suffer illness or injury?<br />nothing major<br /><br />11. What was the best thing you bought?<br />Santa bought the boys a Wii. I have loved listening to them laugh over it, and we have had great fun playing as a family!<br /><br />12. Whose behavior merited celebration?<br />My husband's - he has finally faced his alcoholism and met the challenge with grace and commitment.<br /><br />13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br /><br />14. Where did most of your money go?</p><p>food for three growing boys!</p><p>15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?<br />Learning Ravel's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sheherazade</span> and singing it in PA while my brother danced.</p><p>16. What song will always remind you of 2008?</p><p>Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes</p><p>17. Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />a) happier or sadder? happier mostly<br />b) thinner or fatter? same, I think<br />c) richer or poorer? richer in the things that matter<br /><br />18. What do you wish you’d done more of?<br />exercised, eaten better, spent more time with friends</p><p>19. What do you wish you’d done less of?<br />wasted time surfing the internet and being a couch potato<br /><br />20. How did you spend Christmas?<br />playing with my boys and sort of nursing a sick (on the mend) husband<br /><br />21. Did you fall in love in 2008?<br />nope<br /></p><p>22. What was your favorite TV program?<br />The Starter Wife<br /><br />23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?<br />nope - but am hugely annoyed with a grouch neighbor<br /><br />24. What was the best book you read?<br />The Story of Edgar Sawtelle</p><p>25. What was your greatest musical discovery?<br />discovery? Sissel. Best musical gift was the new radio/cd player for my car.<br /><br />26. What did you want and get?<br />a new digital camera</p><p>27. What did you want and not get?<br />a new refrigerator. Okay, and a new master suite.<br /><br />28. What was your favorite film of this year?<br />The Duchess<br /><br />29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br />I turned 40. I had rehearsal. I cried a lot, for reasons other than turning 40.<br /><br />30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br />a vacation alone with Gilbert<br /><br />31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?<br />casual, trying to not be frumpy, housewife<br /><br />32. What kept you sane?<br />coffee, singing, friends<br /><br />33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br />Debra Messing; she is so talented! and I think she's gorgeous.<br /><br />34. What political issue stirred you the most?<br />People who voted based on race.<br /><br />35. Who did you miss?<br />my friends Tricia and Emory<br /><br />36. Who was the best new person you met?<br />my new accompanist, James<br /><br />37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.<br />Remember to take things one day at a time, and tell people you love them.<br /><br />38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.<br />(this answer is stolen)<br />"Will Not Be Moved" (Natalie Grant)<br /><br />I have been the wayward child<br />I have acted out<br />I have questioned Sovereignty<br />And had my share of doubt<br />And though sometimes my prayers feel like<br />They're bouncing off the sky<br />The hand I hold won't let me go<br />And is the reason why...<br /><br />I will stumble<br />I will fall down<br />But I will not be moved<br />I will make mistakes<br />I will face heartache<br />But I will not be moved<br />On Christ the Solid Rock I stand<br />All other ground is sinking sand<br />I will not be moved<br /><br />And I have kept the score<br />Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed<br />That I was far too gone<br />My brokenness helped me to see<br />It's grace I'm standing on<br /><br />And the chaos in my life<br />Has been a badge I've worn<br />Though I have been torn<br />I will not be moved</p><div><br /></div><div style="clear: both; "></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="margin-top: 0.75em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.1em; font: normal normal normal 78%/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4em; "></div></span>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-10333096618672198862008-12-31T20:21:00.000-08:002008-12-31T20:43:15.115-08:00Lights of Christmas<div>Last night, we went with my mother-in-law to a huge holiday light display. Took us about an hour to walk through it. My pictures won't do it justice, but I thought I would share anyway!<br /></div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the entryway:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiCO67-ulA7tpC6KX0RAqhFW8B2TMOG5CSEDpws1K819BWMSoYaHXWUDI6iHHZyjy_MDmHqbwV05gPitnjGyHq7zQrsIUBx0dG6fV9g_8Lw9sG9_98h6QbgCEW3uwpFcwd-RrP0GI6JiO/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+051.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiCO67-ulA7tpC6KX0RAqhFW8B2TMOG5CSEDpws1K819BWMSoYaHXWUDI6iHHZyjy_MDmHqbwV05gPitnjGyHq7zQrsIUBx0dG6fV9g_8Lw9sG9_98h6QbgCEW3uwpFcwd-RrP0GI6JiO/s320/Christmas+2008+051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286176808426076866" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The boys in front of a blue-lit tree. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30iwpauFXHCS-0AEXy31TjdJmobGiBT7L28EWpKjlNXrhZzQ0D-wzSy0dlRzo5BeqAX_U_3-1g3iKgV6rSGuQsEo0LPiQDFSfguwucqlfjb49RHCia2PAUYJrNB4UjAWq734dPg0WxaGV/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+056.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30iwpauFXHCS-0AEXy31TjdJmobGiBT7L28EWpKjlNXrhZzQ0D-wzSy0dlRzo5BeqAX_U_3-1g3iKgV6rSGuQsEo0LPiQDFSfguwucqlfjb49RHCia2PAUYJrNB4UjAWq734dPg0WxaGV/s320/Christmas+2008+056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286176827070234866" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Golden Koi and its reflection</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxETmUlxahpELRxHth_VVXj7Es6LEe_KvRi0t95MOMVyHiY22Gt9yhyphenhyphenanxiPco1DbhyphenhyphenmjRvXp3uIZRpHtmN8IT0qKIEq1qcL7dyN0LhR_8rvU0WfghnxTIiseiNcf7QB0VQT85XI4WYNtm/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+054.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxETmUlxahpELRxHth_VVXj7Es6LEe_KvRi0t95MOMVyHiY22Gt9yhyphenhyphenanxiPco1DbhyphenhyphenmjRvXp3uIZRpHtmN8IT0qKIEq1qcL7dyN0LhR_8rvU0WfghnxTIiseiNcf7QB0VQT85XI4WYNtm/s320/Christmas+2008+054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286176819001889634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty tree<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEMe43i1m0Z7_5hGeze4d9e4OX2ZbSbRMLxWXZg_LlwzaiKoWHOdswOuLu7ZnbRgTik2hhyphenhyphenzj9PKNd9lKeqc4NW6l90uQImwnU0AjVClyntyTzn9pJg1TuSwJJYD2j3gqBIPbzhnzVBLw/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+053.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEMe43i1m0Z7_5hGeze4d9e4OX2ZbSbRMLxWXZg_LlwzaiKoWHOdswOuLu7ZnbRgTik2hhyphenhyphenzj9PKNd9lKeqc4NW6l90uQImwnU0AjVClyntyTzn9pJg1TuSwJJYD2j3gqBIPbzhnzVBLw/s320/Christmas+2008+053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286176814971741474" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Close-up of boys in front of blue tree</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-onqATARBu1knG2DxIwc9hr25lBfeHH3vlp1MdsE1vUnfukAzh1znwMBpXx38FMoOzF7sXN1FbPo3repxfmG4IxlVQFE0iMoF2E5Y-pTpCOqfacnJZBdVgo4LKOkgotvsbVwh24Lo8EnM/s320/Christmas+2008+057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286176835437234226" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div>Chandeliers hanging in the trees:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8oMuv3sbHckaxwB6T3YnG4SZkWlRZfvGA6S_GYyWKEank_ItWMwR95MSRBeNvpuvfZXe6udfLRkQ0_UNzaXp7tNcomLXP97CxqXCL3uZnJkzTCD9uodUJR3FeY3nW8fZR3ewZaBFzlct/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+060.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8oMuv3sbHckaxwB6T3YnG4SZkWlRZfvGA6S_GYyWKEank_ItWMwR95MSRBeNvpuvfZXe6udfLRkQ0_UNzaXp7tNcomLXP97CxqXCL3uZnJkzTCD9uodUJR3FeY3nW8fZR3ewZaBFzlct/s320/Christmas+2008+060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286178514322207554" style="text-decoration: underline;cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vj1L5XX8WjiBi0ggz9_w2MShA1aEwJ8aLjIuZ1hyphenhyphendBhUgE6z2DvY3j4oZy-6elke0i9F9lyLsv8cmHLkV6WMiU_aUjFVAj9jjw_tuFyGiJlbW8nz2drKaB7aHz4EklKjPWw01Ke2x5JT/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+063.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vj1L5XX8WjiBi0ggz9_w2MShA1aEwJ8aLjIuZ1hyphenhyphendBhUgE6z2DvY3j4oZy-6elke0i9F9lyLsv8cmHLkV6WMiU_aUjFVAj9jjw_tuFyGiJlbW8nz2drKaB7aHz4EklKjPWw01Ke2x5JT/s320/Christmas+2008+063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286178526061669346" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSIdQokCD9DMO9xiFBcjM7qP2K3UW5rUiM-yxGZ9dLx9RF_dyQVDM8i-xNhnq928-Dj5rbb821yttGUatrip9xlKxSZHly0WGX1THnyh6AJq0Hc9JMMeP4-Jm9yFpvvnoRs9spFb_s-Ex/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+061.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSIdQokCD9DMO9xiFBcjM7qP2K3UW5rUiM-yxGZ9dLx9RF_dyQVDM8i-xNhnq928-Dj5rbb821yttGUatrip9xlKxSZHly0WGX1THnyh6AJq0Hc9JMMeP4-Jm9yFpvvnoRs9spFb_s-Ex/s320/Christmas+2008+061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286178517500317090" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4KBVqg56E-9UyxkDHF1BXdNKfDWC_XTWEIpK8l7_6eJOWs-iMIcgQiiBJ0jPd8FWnYaMMrCzF2jMnReFn0WEI3e30UpicCRiOkAfsh7plghCIQKp7vOmOAv2JF_K__cwbb-O9vMTHZkA/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+064.JPG"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4KBVqg56E-9UyxkDHF1BXdNKfDWC_XTWEIpK8l7_6eJOWs-iMIcgQiiBJ0jPd8FWnYaMMrCzF2jMnReFn0WEI3e30UpicCRiOkAfsh7plghCIQKp7vOmOAv2JF_K__cwbb-O9vMTHZkA/s320/Christmas+2008+064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286178534998696514" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Trees </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCGxQ-BKT8UWPHSdLmORjCmn437GP5nTHj5GvNR79f5sWp9UZiLz3TUHJmoRfG0H9GOAovQaokaffBXVS-b3o3ozk0zdCgQ3W0mnlYBc2nXvC-eqhbaJ0nRzWLU_Fgi9rfknbxP1Ca8s0/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+062.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCGxQ-BKT8UWPHSdLmORjCmn437GP5nTHj5GvNR79f5sWp9UZiLz3TUHJmoRfG0H9GOAovQaokaffBXVS-b3o3ozk0zdCgQ3W0mnlYBc2nXvC-eqhbaJ0nRzWLU_Fgi9rfknbxP1Ca8s0/s320/Christmas+2008+062.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286178522252654338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Arch</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity2rjMJlLXhXGwBzQltt6oN_qQYMkuyE4p4rlbWjuowDE_HHOY0Dzkj6GWGNLbBLesqeYx-a6FhbmhZC3Wdz-QcfWtn3GrV4akKgKil_1sybGWj5CJnbNhW-4OL89gVATInnhhpqkrLl_/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+065.JPG"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity2rjMJlLXhXGwBzQltt6oN_qQYMkuyE4p4rlbWjuowDE_HHOY0Dzkj6GWGNLbBLesqeYx-a6FhbmhZC3Wdz-QcfWtn3GrV4akKgKil_1sybGWj5CJnbNhW-4OL89gVATInnhhpqkrLl_/s320/Christmas+2008+065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286179922926049202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-60952686687367271012008-12-27T20:32:00.000-08:002008-12-31T20:20:34.839-08:00Good holiday memoriesWe had a great Christmas. Things began a little rocky when my husband began to feel ill on Christmas Eve, just when we were finishing up the last wrappings and getting the boys off to bed so Santa could visit. He was seriously ill, vomiting and diarrhea. My husband is pretty stoic usually, won't take an aspirin for a headache most times. He was having a rough time of it this time. I felt so bad for him. He ended up falling asleep in the recliner around 9:30 p.m. I just left him there when I went to bed around 1 a.m.<div><br /></div><div>However, before he fell asleep, Gilbert had managed to hook up the big Santa gift, a Wii, to the TV in the playroom. It's a small TV, but it is perfect for the boys to play games on and not take up my living room all the time! Anyway, Gilbert got the Wii ready for action, and then wrapped each of the three remotes separately (in wrapping paper not used for any other presents) and stuck them under the tree without tags. Then he fell asleep and I finished up wrapping his presents, did the stockings, and went to bed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gilbert came to our bed around 5 a.m., followed by Jacob at 5:30, who wanted to know if he could get up. I told him to go back to bed and wait until at least 6:30. What do you know, he did! I could hear him and his brothers talking, but they stayed in their beds until 6:30. Then did they hit the ground running!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, let the festivities begin! The boys began passing out presents, opening then, and having a good old time. They finally happened upon the three wrapped Wii remotes, and couldn't figure out whose presents they were because "they aren't tagged!" I suggested that since there were three identical presents, maybe - just maybe - they were intended for them! Aha! That made some sense, so they proceeded to unwrap them. Jacob got his open before his brothers and was excited at first, then confused. "A Wii remote? Why would Santa get us Wii remotes? We don't have a Wii!" I was biting my tongue to keep from laughing. They kept going on and on about how it would be a great gift, if they had a Wii. Finally, I think it sank in that this couldn't be all there was to it. Then they started looking around. One of them opened the door to the playroom, followed by his brothers close on his heels, and there it was, in all its glory. They yelled, hollered, jumped for joy, danced a jig and even hugged each other! Such wild excitement! And , of course, they set to playing immediately...and pretty much haven't stopped. It is fun to watch, and fun to play, too. Had to test it out, doncha know?!</div><div><br /></div><div>I got a new digital camera, which I wanted but didn't expect. Gilbert didn't get my gifts wrapped because he was sick (and because he waits until the last minute - see previous entry!). He felt badly about it, but id didn't bother me. It is just nice to get the presents! Haha!</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a great, relaxing day, playing on the Wii and just bumming around. Later that evening we went to my in-laws' for Christmas dinner, where we had good fellowship and conversation, the boys racked up on Barnes and Noble gift cards and movie passes, and where we ate some wonderful food. It is always good to be with family.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gilbert started feeling poorly again after we got home. Part of it was exhaustion, I think. We were all tired. The boys went straight to bed when we got home, and we followed soon after. I think everyone was sleeping by 10:00! A great ending to a great day, even though Gilbert was still puny. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some pictures of our day:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBCmFi3tN7_NWcXFTZTcFwE1YPLFT5vAKwyxNjDYaM6liNDwdY492p3M7FmDKLSZsDM9MeAvy3obsi2O5Fapm5umvPpgsbbEc8Hmcy_dSX2Ph9vIX6j7vJxo-77hu2StQSJJMLtiNw5VK/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+008.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBCmFi3tN7_NWcXFTZTcFwE1YPLFT5vAKwyxNjDYaM6liNDwdY492p3M7FmDKLSZsDM9MeAvy3obsi2O5Fapm5umvPpgsbbEc8Hmcy_dSX2Ph9vIX6j7vJxo-77hu2StQSJJMLtiNw5VK/s320/Christmas+2008+008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286174037498726802" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF2p82z-sW-A86mfX3z6Zzeu-OLIaWG-PIl59Y8Mt6aj4wOCqwdYCdLCNmnctXrKl1LhcQDh4gYpr1WFFhUyDPEjlog8KsvlTaLl3LbLVGl4SPtG18M0wRg302PKtZ9U-SAK8HGImH1aF/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+031.JPG"></a></div><div>Jacob, Matthew, Andrew</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF2p82z-sW-A86mfX3z6Zzeu-OLIaWG-PIl59Y8Mt6aj4wOCqwdYCdLCNmnctXrKl1LhcQDh4gYpr1WFFhUyDPEjlog8KsvlTaLl3LbLVGl4SPtG18M0wRg302PKtZ9U-SAK8HGImH1aF/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+031.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF2p82z-sW-A86mfX3z6Zzeu-OLIaWG-PIl59Y8Mt6aj4wOCqwdYCdLCNmnctXrKl1LhcQDh4gYpr1WFFhUyDPEjlog8KsvlTaLl3LbLVGl4SPtG18M0wRg302PKtZ9U-SAK8HGImH1aF/s320/Christmas+2008+031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286174045999226194" /></a><br /></div><div>handmade glass snowflake, created by Matthew</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8TGjRti4cfGpv_ZtzT_FzPMPJYjn-xWmlyoI5mj2aK6cKG-UxmY8VPpQ3Y3sEKHkSX1SOwLzKCw7IDQTqoMaoZkXAM0VXVf1FlwrVZv1uufzJwiI6GUEpBBxwS_S3CasGWqIS_Uvl0hD/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+013.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8TGjRti4cfGpv_ZtzT_FzPMPJYjn-xWmlyoI5mj2aK6cKG-UxmY8VPpQ3Y3sEKHkSX1SOwLzKCw7IDQTqoMaoZkXAM0VXVf1FlwrVZv1uufzJwiI6GUEpBBxwS_S3CasGWqIS_Uvl0hD/s320/Christmas+2008+013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286174040147201986" /></a><div>My guys, Christmas morning</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnsh3ybCSSF9zU5TvJmIKla8vxRscRSETTuaEe4Ue2GvB0XmnBbYLRgCRSZlX5T7QqwNuslVrdeZWnIwIm06C7ZzgylZ8N7gkazM35B4rbwK-S9vWmpMHSQUbAo7C5TBRs68RA9JyFi5i/s1600-h/Christmas+2008+023.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnsh3ybCSSF9zU5TvJmIKla8vxRscRSETTuaEe4Ue2GvB0XmnBbYLRgCRSZlX5T7QqwNuslVrdeZWnIwIm06C7ZzgylZ8N7gkazM35B4rbwK-S9vWmpMHSQUbAo7C5TBRs68RA9JyFi5i/s320/Christmas+2008+023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286174035765511698" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div>Realizing Santa brought them a Wii!!!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-86984158495387568192008-12-22T08:04:00.000-08:002008-12-22T08:08:06.683-08:00The Adrenalin JunkieThat is the only explanation. My husband must be an adrenalin junkie! Why else would he wait until 3 days before Christmas to BEGIN his shopping? Especially this year, when he has had more consecutive free time at home in the last three months than in the last three years? He left this morning to be out the whole day, shopping. Oh, and did I mention he is a big Scrooge when it comes to crowds, so he will most likely be in a dandy mood when he gets home! Well, I guess he is a grown man. He did this to himself (but he did it to me, too! lol) He just better not make me suffer for it when he gets home.<div><br /></div><div>That said, I love the bum.</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-46459542719330808472008-12-21T18:49:00.000-08:002008-12-22T08:09:31.173-08:00So proud!All of my boys are taking piano lessons, and tonight was the Christmas party/recital. It was at the piano teacher's house, fairly informal, lots of party, a little bit of recital. This was the first time for Andrew and Jacob to play in front of anyone but their teacher or our family. They did so well! Didn't seem the least bit nervous! Andrew played Silent Night, and Jacob played We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Jacob was last, and the teacher had everyone sing the second time he played it. <div><br /></div><div>Matthew played also. This wasn't his first recital, but he hasn't done one in about a year, maybe more, so he was nervous. At least that is what he said. You couldn't tell it by looking at him! He had to play first, and his piece was It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. He played beautifully!</div><div><br /></div><div>I sang, also. It was a family affair! All we needed was Gilbert performing, and it would have been the entire family. I sang a lovely piece by Leo Sowerby titled Little Jesus, Sweetly Sleep. It is one of my favorites. I have performed it for the past two or three years at this party. The piano teacher loves it, too. She also asked me to sing a song called Old Toy Trains. I accompanied myself on the autoharp, and sang it mostly for the boys. Roger Miller wrote it, and it is a sweet, sweet song. You should look it up on google or youtube sometime and give it a listen! I hope to make a Christmas cd next year, and maybe I will put it on there. Gotta figure out copyright stuff first.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the party was lovely, the food was great, the boys were fabulous, and we all had a wonderful time.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5570209345052286005.post-35327583701718044762008-12-15T18:57:00.000-08:002008-12-15T19:27:16.376-08:00Saved in the nick of timeLast night, I thought dinner was doomed for sure. Spiraling down into the abyss of grumpiness that was Matthew. He had an issue that he just would not let go - thought he was being treated unfairly. Short story, his brother did something he wasn't supposed to do, then Matthew thought he should be allowed to do it. Ummm, no. We didn't allow Jacob to do it, he just did it. And got scolded for it, by the way. So, hell-to-the-no, you cannot do it too!! UGH!<div><br /></div><div>But, lo and behold, all was saved in the nick of time! Andrew, with a mouth full of food, mumbled something that came out pretty much gobbledy-gook. Now, normally, he would have gotten the speech about talking with food in his mouth. But the mood was so dark already. Then Big Daddy, aka husband, chuckled. And repeated it back. Which made GrumpyPants, aka Matthew, giggle. I felt the mood lightening! So, of course, I have to go in for the kill, which meant telling stories of more incoherent speech, usually made by the boys at night while sleepwalking. They, having no memory of such things, thought this was hilarious. Oh, there was also the story of Husband and me waking up to find Matthew in our doorway, pretty much asleep, getting ready to pee. Thought he was in the bathroom, I guess! Anyway, riotous laughter and giggles was our dinner music for pretty much the rest of the meal. Hallelujah!</div><div><br /></div><div>At one point, things had quieted down a bit (everyone was tired from laughing), when I hear Andrew going on about something. Went sorta like this:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">"We ain't had nothing but maggoty bread for t'ree stinkin' days! Why can't we have some meat?!" </span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, Lord of the Rings rules at my house. For the next 15 minutes or so, Andrew, Jacob and Big Daddy recite every line in the scene from Two Towers where the Uruk-hai have kidnapped Pippin and Merry, and have stopped to rest. Some of the nasty guys want to eat the hobbits because</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">"We ain't had nothing but maggoty bread for t'ree stinkin' days! Why can't we have some meat?!" What about them, they're fresh!" "They are not for eating!"</span></span></span>....all the way to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">"Looks like meat's back on the menu, boys!"</span></span></span> (complete with accents)</div><div><br /></div><div>It was rather impressive, I must say. And entertaining. Did I mention there were accents? </div><div><br /></div><div>So yes, Virginia, dinner was saved. In the nick of time. And we made some really fun memories in the process!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04245985803564497882noreply@blogger.com3