Saturday, December 27, 2008

Tennessee Coal Ash Slide DISASTER

A couple of article links that ALL should read. A recent environmental disaster in TN was flying low on the news radar until bloggers picked it up.

An environmental disaster has occurred in the SE region of the US (TN) . The damages caused by the Exxon Valdez oil spill pale in comparison to this recent even ( a coal ash slide) according to environmental experts. Sounds harmless enough but the material contains toxins at high levels and is covering a massive area . This is a huge disaster with potential repercussions for years to come.

Tennessee-coal-ash-slide

Tennessee-Coal-Ash-Slide 2

UDATE 12/28/2008

Friday, December 26, 2008

Happy Birthday Miss N!

8 years (and 1 day) ago I welcomed a darling, tiny baby girl into the world. She remained tiny but feisty and my dad coined the term "small but mighty". My petite Missy is intelligent, introspective and private. She can be predictable with some things but with others we are left scratching our heads.

We had a quiet, pleasant birthday celebration at home yesterday. We did not buy a cake in advance and for some reason my husband convinced me not to bake one. (Hey, my cakes are GOOD!). All of us settled for ice cream and cookies.

Today we celebrated by going to the mall and spending some of our gift cards. Miss N. spent $40 on Webkins and an eye mask. Ah, to be 8.... I am much more frugal and am looking for sale stickers that say at least 70% off.

When I was visiting my friend in the midwest, My DH took the girlies out to dinner at their favorite place, Red Robin. He took this picture from his camera phone.

Monday, December 22, 2008

What Cancer Cannot Do

I just returned from seeing my beloved friend Susan. Four other college roommates and I made the journey to the Midwest to spend time with and support Susan. It was a bittersweet weekend - full of warm memories, various exchanges of "what have you been doing", spending time with Susan and her family, fun, games, goofiness and dealing with the painful reality of why we were all there.

If you read earlier, Susan has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She has recently started Chemo and Radiation and at this point, despite being told of other potential outcomes, I am remaining stoically hopeful for the best. Several snapshots were taken and upon departure Susan presented us with a framed group photograph and following poem:

What Cancer Cannot Do
Author unknown
Cancer is so limited.
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A night filled with Drama

I am tired tonight.  I got home at 5:30pm.  By 5:45pm we were out the door and headed to Miss C's school for their production of Annie.  Dropped her off and then waited in line for 1/2 an hour.   At 6:30 the doors opened.  On the upside we got great seats - in the front and smack dab in the middle.  The play started at 7:00pm and lasted about an hour and a half.  After that it was time for dinner but I had no time to cook.  We headed to Wendy's and make it home around 8:45pm.  The entire ride we discussed how fabulous the play was (and it really was - I was pretty impressed that this was a middle school production).  I told Miss C. that drama was her forte.

We get home and the other drama started.  One was hungry.  Drama until her food was finished.  One of the kids meals was missing a toy.  Drama.  One of the frostys was bigger than the other.  Drama.  All were tired.  Drama. 

After all the drama it was time for bed - baths will have to wait until tomorrow night.  I started some laundry, straightened up and now I feel like I am about to collapse.  And no more drama - just zzz's.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Happy Holidays!


Happy Holidays
from Miss E. Miss C. and Miss N.!
2008

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Monday, December 15, 2008

today we baked

Time to bake again with Miss E. and Miss N. We made double batches of EVERYTHING. Although I intended for this to be fun we had a few accidents - Miss E. dropped a carton of eggs and Miss N. dropped both the mixer AND an entire bowl full of mixed batter. Miraculously all survived - the eggs were cracked but usable. The bowl dropped and slightly tipped but we were able to salvage the batter. The mixer still works fine. Miss C. was out and missed all of the fun.....

What did we bake?
- Waffles (yes again) - We replenished our supply and the freezer is now well stocked. This should tide us over for a week or two. These are SOOO much better than storebought frozen bagels. Plus 1 waffle does the trick for my kids. With the store bought ones, it takes 2 or 3 to satisfy their hungry tummies.

- Pizzelles - This was a work in progress. You can definitely tell which ones were the first in my batch and which ones were made after I got the swing of things. I froze a bunch - some for a pot luck at work later this week and a few more for when my parents come in next week. My dad loves these.

- And last but certainly not least, my famous Pumpkin Bread - Everyone loves this. My husband's boss kept harrassing him to have me bring in more so I have baked 4 batches this winter. I will post the recipe tomorrow. I have 2 that I use and both are fabu. Today I made a hybrid of both.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

potential, possibility, promise and progress

what are your plans are for 2009?  What will you do to improve your life - will it be busier? more organized? more relaxed? A new year brings promise.

OK - so here are mine.....
New Years resolutions are made as we look to enrich our lives. Alas, these are often quickly made and quickly forgotten (at least my resolutions are). The best thing about a resolution though is the hint of lasting change.

Any milestone gives you a great stepping stone to assess your life, look for area of improvement and do it - 2009 brings me the big "40" thus now is the time to stick with those plans and resolutions. Life is short! I want to do so many things! Of course I will to continue on my journey of going green. I will also keep looking for activities that both the girls and I enjoy to give us more quality time together.

Travel is on the agenda - I plan to make it home over the summer to spend time with my family. My 40th will be spent in Vegas.

The old "lose weight" and "quit smoking" are sure to make the list. (Realistically, I am not even going to attempt adding working out). I also want to try new things - learn how to cook new foods, take up soapmaking, volunteer at the food bank, decorate my home or write a book. I am very organized at home (to the point where things are color coded and labeled) but my days are very unorganized and chaotic. I want to streamline my life - take better notes, keep appointments, remember simple things. I also would LOVE to open an ETSY shop - selling my artwork, beadwork and craft of the day (I am fickle so this changes frequently). Designmom had a post on how to make your own vanilla extract and vanilla sugar. Of course I want to try that too.

This time next year I will be doing a pulse check. Hopefully some resolutions will be kept and shared. If not, there is always 2010 and 41.....

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Miss E.


Miss E., I am so glad you came into our lives. When I found out you were coming, I was embarrassingly less than thrilled. Not that we did not want you, just that we were not quite ready for you. After you were born, it took me longer to bond with you than with your sisters. I was overwhelmed with a HIGHLY active 7 year old and a toddler, not yet even 2. Slowly I realized that you were our biggest blessing - you completed our family and put a smile on our faces every day.

I love all of you girls equally, but you are the one that is most like me. You love reading, games, puzzles, cleaning, anything girlie and think you know the best way to do everything (even if you are wrong). Ah, yes, you are just like your mom. Routine, structure and the expected rule your life, but you can embrace change with a little convincing.

You may drive Miss N. and Miss C. crazy, but they love you too. Hey, it is your job to be an annoying little sister (x2!) As much as we are alike, you are first and foremost a daddy's girl. It is a bittersweet joy to see that you have him wrapped around your finger I am perched right up there with him.

Miss E., you crack us up with your expressions, responses, and musings on day to day life. When I need help around the house, you are the first to volunteer. When you have one piece of candy left, you offer it to whomever you are with. You rarely ask for anything and appreciate everything you are given. I hope life gives you as much as you give everyone else. Love you sweetie!

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