Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend
This weekend, all of Clint's sisters were in town. We went down to Corsicana to see them all on Saturday. Unfortunately, I forgot the camera, again! Basically, we hung out at the house. It was good to see Jill, Jared and Watson. They live in Nashville, TN and only come down a few times a year so this was a real treat. In July, Clint and I are planning a road trip up there so that should be lots of fun. Beth, Nick, Connor and Lillie were there also. They lived in El Paso but actually moved back to this area over Memorial Day Weekend. We are excited that they have moved closer. Kara, Keith and Annabelle were there. Annabelle is so precious. She spends most of her time eating or sleeping. Oh what a life! Monday we went to Waxahachie to see my family. My aunt Becky and Uncle Johnny had a huge cook out. Chad and Donnita's kids were sliding down this huge blow up slide with water sprayers on it. It looked like a lot of fun. They played on that thing all day. Justin, Kassie and Blair were there. It was good to see them and to hold Blair. She is so cute and so far has kept the blue eyes (Justin is the only one in the family with blue eyes). We got home around 4:30 and went and hung out at a friend's house and then Clint had a soccer game at 8:30. It was a pretty busy weekend but we thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the family. Hope everyone else had a great weekend too!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Book Blog and Some Random Stuff
Some of you may be aware that the new Harry Potter movie comes out in July. I cannot wait. I've been looking on the web for all the trailers they have released and it looks awesome! So anyway, that leads to my book which is Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I read it when it came out but I re-read it because I had forgotten a lot. It is such a good book. I love the whole series.
I also have been meaning to write about some of the funny things I have experienced while working at Calloway's. Calloway's is a nursery and is one of the nicer nurseries in Ft Worth. So it tends to attract a more "uppity" crowd. With that in mind, here are a few funny stories.
When I first started working there, a lady came in with three very dead shrubs. She told me how she had tried everything to revive them, but nothing had worked. I said that was fine and asked if she had her receipt. She pulls out this old carbon copy receipt from 1997. Yes, that's right. She had kept that receipt for 12 years! The plants had been just fine for about 11 1/2 of those years. I told her I would have to get my manager to approve the return. My manager asked her at what point she thought it was the plants fault and not Calloway's? I don't think the lady appreciated that. She got all her money back.
Another time, a lady came in and bought probably $150 worth of plants. After she paid, she began removing all the price tags off the plants. She told me, her husband didn't need to know how much they all cost.
At Calloway's, it isn't surprising to see BMW's, Lexus', Range Rovers' etc. out in the parking lot. In fact, there is usually at least one of those cars out there. The women come in with huge diamond rings, expensive clothes and huge hair. The men carry themselves with an air of importance. But they do not mind fighting you tooth and nail for $1 off of a purchase! "The sign says these are on sale for $3.48 and you charged me $4.59!" (This was an actual quote.) I guess that's why they have so much money, they are so mean to people, they end up getting whatever they want.
So anyway, I really enjoy Calloway's but I thought these were just some of the sillier things that have happened to me. Have a good week everybody!
I also have been meaning to write about some of the funny things I have experienced while working at Calloway's. Calloway's is a nursery and is one of the nicer nurseries in Ft Worth. So it tends to attract a more "uppity" crowd. With that in mind, here are a few funny stories.
When I first started working there, a lady came in with three very dead shrubs. She told me how she had tried everything to revive them, but nothing had worked. I said that was fine and asked if she had her receipt. She pulls out this old carbon copy receipt from 1997. Yes, that's right. She had kept that receipt for 12 years! The plants had been just fine for about 11 1/2 of those years. I told her I would have to get my manager to approve the return. My manager asked her at what point she thought it was the plants fault and not Calloway's? I don't think the lady appreciated that. She got all her money back.
Another time, a lady came in and bought probably $150 worth of plants. After she paid, she began removing all the price tags off the plants. She told me, her husband didn't need to know how much they all cost.
At Calloway's, it isn't surprising to see BMW's, Lexus', Range Rovers' etc. out in the parking lot. In fact, there is usually at least one of those cars out there. The women come in with huge diamond rings, expensive clothes and huge hair. The men carry themselves with an air of importance. But they do not mind fighting you tooth and nail for $1 off of a purchase! "The sign says these are on sale for $3.48 and you charged me $4.59!" (This was an actual quote.) I guess that's why they have so much money, they are so mean to people, they end up getting whatever they want.
So anyway, I really enjoy Calloway's but I thought these were just some of the sillier things that have happened to me. Have a good week everybody!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Superwoman
Mom has inspired me to try growing my own vegetables. I first started with 3 buckets (see the 2nd pic) but soon found that I would need something bigger so...This is the before pic, except I had already started (oops). So this is the closest thing I have to before.
This is in my backyard. You can't tell from this pic, but basically our entire yard is weeds. I was very encouraged though because I found earthworms, ladybugs, rolly pollys and spiders in the yard. (They are all pretty beneficial bugs to have around.) In the soil I also mixed some organic mushroom compost.
My babies! Okay, I know that sounds weird, but when I got these guys they were all pretty small and now they are really starting to grow. I have become pretty obsessive, worrying that bugs are eating the leaves, they aren't growing right, etc., etc. The 2 on the left are tomato and the right is a bell pepper plant. I will definitely post when I get a tomato (if the squirrels or birds don't get to it first.)
AFTER! I was really proud of myself for this. All I had was a shovel and spade to dig up all this earth. It's about a 4X4 area. You can just make out the 3 rows from the pic. Cherry has decided that she likes this area and has taken to stepping through it. In fact, if you look at the row to the right toward the top of the pic, you can see paw prints. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that... I just planted 3 okra seeds and it has been raining like crazy here this whole week so I'm hoping they will emerge soon. My future plans for the garden are: carrots, spinach, garlic, red potatoes and sweet potatoes. I really felt like superwoman after this. Even though Clint had to pull out some of his med school training and massage my neck the next day!
This is in my backyard. You can't tell from this pic, but basically our entire yard is weeds. I was very encouraged though because I found earthworms, ladybugs, rolly pollys and spiders in the yard. (They are all pretty beneficial bugs to have around.) In the soil I also mixed some organic mushroom compost.
My babies! Okay, I know that sounds weird, but when I got these guys they were all pretty small and now they are really starting to grow. I have become pretty obsessive, worrying that bugs are eating the leaves, they aren't growing right, etc., etc. The 2 on the left are tomato and the right is a bell pepper plant. I will definitely post when I get a tomato (if the squirrels or birds don't get to it first.)
AFTER! I was really proud of myself for this. All I had was a shovel and spade to dig up all this earth. It's about a 4X4 area. You can just make out the 3 rows from the pic. Cherry has decided that she likes this area and has taken to stepping through it. In fact, if you look at the row to the right toward the top of the pic, you can see paw prints. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that... I just planted 3 okra seeds and it has been raining like crazy here this whole week so I'm hoping they will emerge soon. My future plans for the garden are: carrots, spinach, garlic, red potatoes and sweet potatoes. I really felt like superwoman after this. Even though Clint had to pull out some of his med school training and massage my neck the next day!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
RCC 50th Anniversary
This weekend, Clint and I went to Robinson because Robinson C of C was having its 50th anniversary. I really didn't expect how cool it actually was. I know some who read this will not know who I am talking about so sorry about that. It was really neat to see Mike and Priscilla Jones, Zoe and Terry Rascoe, the Olivers, the Hunns, the Richardsons and their girls, etc. It was like a flash back the '90's and, for me, a much simpler time. I loved that Terry and Rob led singing, Dale and Mike preached, and Billy Joe led the closing prayer. I think for me, it showed how even though people who came today had maybe left on not the best terms, they came back for just one day. Billy Joe's prayer really said it all, that even though people are different, they still love one another. Sometimes the only thing we will have in common, is that we all love Jesus Christ. And sometimes, that's really all you will ever need to have in common.
I am so thankful to have gone to Robinson and when I really think about it, it has shaped a lot of who I am today. Rob's and my dad's passion for music, has made me passionate about music. The girls that I ran around with then have helped shaped me into the friend that I am now. My devotion to prayer comes from the Tuesday evenings at Rob's house doing Power of Prayer ( and all the gallons of cookie dough we consumed, thanks Becky) and the prayer time we had at Iron Springs and Trek. And my bible study time, that came from having two parents with worn, highlighted, written on bibles. I couldn't tell you what my hair looked like or what the styles were back in high school. But I can tell you who my friends were, whether that was the year we went on trek and some of the songs that we were singing in youth group. I will never forget going to San Antonio with Kayla, Krista, Jessica and Stephanie. Or going to Dallas with Kayla for Ann M. Martin's autograph. When it comes right down to it, family is more than blood. It's friends that have sat and cried with you, it's a group of people that saw you grow up and it's the people you haven't even met but that share your love and passion for Jesus Christ.
Today, during church, of course a few people mentioned dad. And we sang "There's a Stirring" for the last song so you can imagine it was a pretty emotional time. But I love the part of the song where it says " I will rise up". I thought of it in a different way today. There are times when a church is divided, friends get in fights, spouses cheat, family's walk out and people die. But as a Christian, we know we will have that time when God will raise us up and things will be okay. That's the hope we will always have. And that's the hope I felt today.
To those that read my blog, like Sallie, Kayla, Jenna, mom and anyone else who may happen upon this blog, thank you for being there for me growing up. You have helped shape me and have left your permanent mark on me. Thanks.
Thank you God, for the people you placed in my life then and now. Thank you for the experiences I have gone through and how that has made me who I am today. Please continue to put people in my life that challenge me and also help me.
I am so thankful to have gone to Robinson and when I really think about it, it has shaped a lot of who I am today. Rob's and my dad's passion for music, has made me passionate about music. The girls that I ran around with then have helped shaped me into the friend that I am now. My devotion to prayer comes from the Tuesday evenings at Rob's house doing Power of Prayer ( and all the gallons of cookie dough we consumed, thanks Becky) and the prayer time we had at Iron Springs and Trek. And my bible study time, that came from having two parents with worn, highlighted, written on bibles. I couldn't tell you what my hair looked like or what the styles were back in high school. But I can tell you who my friends were, whether that was the year we went on trek and some of the songs that we were singing in youth group. I will never forget going to San Antonio with Kayla, Krista, Jessica and Stephanie. Or going to Dallas with Kayla for Ann M. Martin's autograph. When it comes right down to it, family is more than blood. It's friends that have sat and cried with you, it's a group of people that saw you grow up and it's the people you haven't even met but that share your love and passion for Jesus Christ.
Today, during church, of course a few people mentioned dad. And we sang "There's a Stirring" for the last song so you can imagine it was a pretty emotional time. But I love the part of the song where it says " I will rise up". I thought of it in a different way today. There are times when a church is divided, friends get in fights, spouses cheat, family's walk out and people die. But as a Christian, we know we will have that time when God will raise us up and things will be okay. That's the hope we will always have. And that's the hope I felt today.
To those that read my blog, like Sallie, Kayla, Jenna, mom and anyone else who may happen upon this blog, thank you for being there for me growing up. You have helped shape me and have left your permanent mark on me. Thanks.
Thank you God, for the people you placed in my life then and now. Thank you for the experiences I have gone through and how that has made me who I am today. Please continue to put people in my life that challenge me and also help me.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Book Blog
Today I finished a book called "Animal, Vegetable Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver. She also wrote "Poisonwood Bible". In it she documents her family's lives for a year of eating only local food. In their case they were able to make alot of the food and also they went to the local farmers market and bought from some of their neighbors directly. The reason they did it was to 1)prove that they could 2) raise awareness for the need to return to producing our own food. She brought up a lot of good points.
1) There is 2700 calories per person per day being produced in this country. Most of it comes from corn and soybeans. With 700 extra calories per person, that means they have to sell it. If you go by BMIs of Americans, you can tell they are definitely selling it. ( To hear some disturbing things about this epidemic of corn, corn, corn, watch King Corn. It's a documentary about corn production in the US)
2) She talks about the idea that everyone feels that they have to buy food cheap. Her feeling is that since we are consuming it, we should know where it came from and what all is in it. Sometimes this means buying more expensive things rather than always trying to save a dollar here or a dime there. (This one is hard for me, especially since we are on such a tight budget, but I think she does make a good point.)
3) Americans have forgotten how to sit down at a nice dinner and just enjoy the food. To savor th flavors and the company. So many times we rush and dinner is just one more chore to get done. She points out that in many cultures (even ones where women work outside of the home) people still take their time in preparing and eating their dinner. (I had a professor in college actually talk about how terrible it is that college students don't take the time to sit at a dinner table and enjoy the food they have prepared. I thought it was kind of strange at the time. Now, I think I know what he was talking about.)
4) The funnest part of this book was that she spent a lot of time talking about different vegetables. When they are ripe, what they look like when they flower, different cooking methods and even how to make your own cheese. (Some of the cheeses actually look pretty easy.)
How has it changed me? Well, I decided that I would try to buy more things that are in season at the time. Also, I have tried to do this in the past, but I try to check labels more on produce. If it came from anywhere other than this continent, I don't buy. One time I found oranges from Australia. Wow. Also, I decided to be more devoted to our farmers market. Lacie and I went last week so I am hoping to make a return trip soon.
Yes, all this stuff is a bit hippy-ish. (Mom would be so proud :)) But, I do think it is true. Our country was started on people that grew their own food. Now, more and more small time farmers are being bought out by the big guys. Plus, I really don't like the idea that chemicals that can kill birds and grasshoppers are being sprayed on the food that goes into my body. It's a big problem and I'm sure with people like Barbara things will improve. I would recommend the book. Even if you don't care about the politics. If you like food and want to learn just about the food itself. This is a great book.
1) There is 2700 calories per person per day being produced in this country. Most of it comes from corn and soybeans. With 700 extra calories per person, that means they have to sell it. If you go by BMIs of Americans, you can tell they are definitely selling it. ( To hear some disturbing things about this epidemic of corn, corn, corn, watch King Corn. It's a documentary about corn production in the US)
2) She talks about the idea that everyone feels that they have to buy food cheap. Her feeling is that since we are consuming it, we should know where it came from and what all is in it. Sometimes this means buying more expensive things rather than always trying to save a dollar here or a dime there. (This one is hard for me, especially since we are on such a tight budget, but I think she does make a good point.)
3) Americans have forgotten how to sit down at a nice dinner and just enjoy the food. To savor th flavors and the company. So many times we rush and dinner is just one more chore to get done. She points out that in many cultures (even ones where women work outside of the home) people still take their time in preparing and eating their dinner. (I had a professor in college actually talk about how terrible it is that college students don't take the time to sit at a dinner table and enjoy the food they have prepared. I thought it was kind of strange at the time. Now, I think I know what he was talking about.)
4) The funnest part of this book was that she spent a lot of time talking about different vegetables. When they are ripe, what they look like when they flower, different cooking methods and even how to make your own cheese. (Some of the cheeses actually look pretty easy.)
How has it changed me? Well, I decided that I would try to buy more things that are in season at the time. Also, I have tried to do this in the past, but I try to check labels more on produce. If it came from anywhere other than this continent, I don't buy. One time I found oranges from Australia. Wow. Also, I decided to be more devoted to our farmers market. Lacie and I went last week so I am hoping to make a return trip soon.
Yes, all this stuff is a bit hippy-ish. (Mom would be so proud :)) But, I do think it is true. Our country was started on people that grew their own food. Now, more and more small time farmers are being bought out by the big guys. Plus, I really don't like the idea that chemicals that can kill birds and grasshoppers are being sprayed on the food that goes into my body. It's a big problem and I'm sure with people like Barbara things will improve. I would recommend the book. Even if you don't care about the politics. If you like food and want to learn just about the food itself. This is a great book.
Friday, April 17, 2009
A Few Rantings...
Okay, this post is going to be a downer because it's about a lot of things that have really been bugging me lately. Also, this one is political so if you don't agree or if you have heard otherwise feel free to comment so that I can also hear other viewpoints.
Yesterday I was listening to NPR and they were talking to a lady who is on Broadway but is also a voice-over on some adult cartoon show. She plays a Christian science teacher. The character displays her Christianity by putting a giant Christian slogan on a bumper sticker across her windshield so that "she can't see". The host of NPR and this woman than went on to say how ludacris and crazy it was that this woman was a Christian science teacher. Apparently, when you are a Christian, you don't believe in science. I mean, come on! How stupid do they think Christians are? Yes, we run around telling people that gravity is fake and the sun is a giant lamp. I am an intelligent person. And when something has been thoroughly researched and shown to be a viable probability, I will believe, unless it conflicts with the Bible. Just because I don't believe that life happened on the back of a crystal (yes, this is an actual theory) or that aliens came and put life on Earth (another actual theory) doesn't make me crazy. In fact, I think you have to be a bit crazy to believe in those theories. I also believe that my God knows more than any scientist sitting in some laboratory. And that makes me very happy. I usually like NPR but this story really upset me.
"Politically Correct" will be the end of us! Apparently, there was a video released in Pakistan of a Muslim woman being beaten. They could only show a snippet of the video on tv because it was so disturbing. The part I saw, they were holding her down, beating her with a stick, while she cried out in pain. So America, democracy, freedom, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, equal rights for all, a city on a hill. What did our president have to say about this?!?!......Well, apparently nothing. Not one word from the White House. What? Are you kidding me? They put this video out there on purpose and nothing????
Don't get me started on the bailout. One word for everybody: local. Bank local, buy local if you can. I'm doing the Dave Ramsey thing on this. I'm not participating in the recession. I'm not going to whine and fret. We got ourselves into this, we have learned some valuable lessons. While I think the car companies need help (in a different way than Government is doing it) the big banks can go belly up for all I care. It's called capitalism. They took advantage of people who couldn't pay their mortgage and now they are paying for it. If I took money from people and then complained when they started running out, I would be one sorry excuse for a human being. But for some reason, they are now going to take MY money that I worked for and give it to the poor billion dollar corporations? By the way, for those that didn't know. Guess who is buying all this debt that we are wracking up? China.
Yesterday I was listening to NPR and they were talking to a lady who is on Broadway but is also a voice-over on some adult cartoon show. She plays a Christian science teacher. The character displays her Christianity by putting a giant Christian slogan on a bumper sticker across her windshield so that "she can't see". The host of NPR and this woman than went on to say how ludacris and crazy it was that this woman was a Christian science teacher. Apparently, when you are a Christian, you don't believe in science. I mean, come on! How stupid do they think Christians are? Yes, we run around telling people that gravity is fake and the sun is a giant lamp. I am an intelligent person. And when something has been thoroughly researched and shown to be a viable probability, I will believe, unless it conflicts with the Bible. Just because I don't believe that life happened on the back of a crystal (yes, this is an actual theory) or that aliens came and put life on Earth (another actual theory) doesn't make me crazy. In fact, I think you have to be a bit crazy to believe in those theories. I also believe that my God knows more than any scientist sitting in some laboratory. And that makes me very happy. I usually like NPR but this story really upset me.
"Politically Correct" will be the end of us! Apparently, there was a video released in Pakistan of a Muslim woman being beaten. They could only show a snippet of the video on tv because it was so disturbing. The part I saw, they were holding her down, beating her with a stick, while she cried out in pain. So America, democracy, freedom, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, equal rights for all, a city on a hill. What did our president have to say about this?!?!......Well, apparently nothing. Not one word from the White House. What? Are you kidding me? They put this video out there on purpose and nothing????
Don't get me started on the bailout. One word for everybody: local. Bank local, buy local if you can. I'm doing the Dave Ramsey thing on this. I'm not participating in the recession. I'm not going to whine and fret. We got ourselves into this, we have learned some valuable lessons. While I think the car companies need help (in a different way than Government is doing it) the big banks can go belly up for all I care. It's called capitalism. They took advantage of people who couldn't pay their mortgage and now they are paying for it. If I took money from people and then complained when they started running out, I would be one sorry excuse for a human being. But for some reason, they are now going to take MY money that I worked for and give it to the poor billion dollar corporations? By the way, for those that didn't know. Guess who is buying all this debt that we are wracking up? China.
Annabelle Grace
On Monday, April 13, 2009, Annabelle Grace made her debut! This is Kara, Clint's sister, and Keith's first little one. Unfortunately, I got pretty sick the same day so I've got no pictures to share :( BUT I promise to post some as soon as we get to see them next. She was induced Sunday and ended up having a c-section but mom and baby are doing well now!
Today, Clint and I met grandma, papa, Beth, Connor and Lillie at El Fenix. Afterwards, papa and grandma had to go back home but Beth, the kids, and us went to the Museum of Nature and Science (I think that's what it's called) in Dallas. It was a lot of fun.
Connor making a huge bubble. There were two big pans with soap, water and these bubble "blowers" in them. It was really cool. It brought me back to 5th grade science class when my partner and I won some award for our science project- making giant bubbles.
This is not a good picture but I am so bad with this thing and trying to add, delete and move pics. Anyway, this shows the big pan they were in. Connor was about to attempt another large bubble.
Lillie and Connor playing in the giant "sandbox". They dug up dinosaur bones
using shovels and paintbrushes. The museum is really cool. They've got exhibits on the human body, communication, DNA and genetics, dinosaurs, and gravity.
Today, Clint and I met grandma, papa, Beth, Connor and Lillie at El Fenix. Afterwards, papa and grandma had to go back home but Beth, the kids, and us went to the Museum of Nature and Science (I think that's what it's called) in Dallas. It was a lot of fun.
Connor making a huge bubble. There were two big pans with soap, water and these bubble "blowers" in them. It was really cool. It brought me back to 5th grade science class when my partner and I won some award for our science project- making giant bubbles.
This is not a good picture but I am so bad with this thing and trying to add, delete and move pics. Anyway, this shows the big pan they were in. Connor was about to attempt another large bubble.
Lillie and Connor playing in the giant "sandbox". They dug up dinosaur bones
using shovels and paintbrushes. The museum is really cool. They've got exhibits on the human body, communication, DNA and genetics, dinosaurs, and gravity.
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