Thursday Thirteen #8

Oh, I really don't have time to do this, but I can't resist slipping in my T13. I'm flying out first thing in the morning to Tampa Bay, Florida to drive to Sarasota to attend a women's encounter weekend. I am looking forward to God doing some really great things in my life as well as others that will be there. My husband attended one for men back in the spring and it was really incredible. I'm a little ansy because I'm not a big fan of traveling sans a companion, but I know I'll be OK.

So right before I head downstairs to finish my stuff, I give you...

Thirteen things I did today while getting ready for my trip.

1. Took a short nap - that was early today. I knew last night's sleep wouldn't cut it.

2. Took a shower and washed my hair

3. Organized a one-woman search party for 52 library books.

4. Found all but three of them.

5. Taught three piano lessons.

6. Ate at Arby's with my family.

7. Did two loads of laundry (need to do one more before I go to bed)

8. Dropped off and picked up my son from football.

9. Went to the grocery store.

10. Talked to my mom on the phone.

11. Helped with homework.

12. Returned the aforementioned library books (and checked out more. I'm so bad!)

13. Cleaned my sons' bathroom, put away laundry, returned a call to a prospective student, picked up my son's medication, laid out the boys clothes for while I'm gone...

Get the idea? Due to my being gone, I'm going to have to forgo visiting anyone else's T13 or doing Friday's Feast this wekk. C'est la vie.

Notice "pack my suitcase" wasn't anywhere in there. I'd better head downstairs. Hope you have a terrific weekend! Looking forward to giving a good report from mine.

The First Day of School

OK. So the first day of school was almost a month ago now - August 27th. I have FINALLY gotten the pictures off of my camera and onto my computer so they are ready for your viewing pleasure.

You may exhale.

Josh leaves first. He's pretty hot stuff as an 8th grader this year. We were excited for him because this is the first time in about five years that he has gone to the same school the second year in a row. Between our public to homeschool to private Christian stints over the last several grades, he's had to make adjustments pretty regularly. I must say, though, that he's done extremely well. His average grades from last year were all A's and B's and he made lots of friends. He's gotten involved in the school's Bible club, is playing percussion in the band and is looking forward to trying out for the school play this year.

As you can see, Josh has grown a bit from last year. Since school has started, Josh has come to realize that he's not only the tallest kid in the 8th grade, but is taller than all but three of the teachers and administration as well!

Micah is in third grade this year. He thrilled to have some of his friends from last year's class in his class this year. I met with his teacher the week before school started just to let her know a little about what our family has experienced in the last few years and to touch base with her about his inattentive ADHD. She is an experienced teacher which set my mind at ease a bit. So far, he is doing great and really loving school.

Jacob was pretty sure at first that kindergarten was more fun than first grade. I think he's been won over, though, as he is learning a lot and really having a good time. He also has a lot of friends from last year in his class, which is nice. Jacob lost his first tooth a few days before school started, and his second last weekend. He's so cute, I could bite him!

The night before school started, we went to Friendly's to celebrate. We opted for the obnoxious 12 scoop, 6 topping sundae to share! It was so much fun and quite delicious.

Amazing Race won another Emmy!

Yea! One of my very favorite shows!

Flubber

I had some plans last night, but, unfortunately, they fell through. We all ended up at home with a blissfully open evening. After dinner, I decided that we should all watch one of the DVD's that I had gotten in the mail from blockbuster.com.

We watched the 1961 black and white version of the Absent-Minded Professor. When we sat down to start it, I realized that Micah and Jacob had never seen a black and white movie before. I had my doubts about how much they would really be into it because it's quite "dated", but they really enjoyed it -- Micah especially. Jacob did say halfway through that he enjoyed movies in color better, but overall, it was really fun for them -- us as well.

I dare you to give it a shot. Find an old black and white Disney flick and see what your family thinks!

Friday's Feast #6

Appetizer
When was the last time you visited a hospital?

The last time I visited was when my friend, Kate, had her baby, Jonas. That was in March. The last time I was IN the hospital was last June when I had my whole, stupid kidney stone episode!

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how ambitious are you?

Well, I guess it would depend on the situation. When it comes to a craft project, I can be pretty driven. If it's something I don't want to do, I have to really push myself! In the traditional meaning of the word "ambitious", I guess I'll go with a 6.

Salad
Make a sentence using the letters of a body part. (Example: (mouth) My other ukelele tings healthily.)

Everybody loves blessing our world!

Main Course
If you were to start a club, what would the subject matter be, and what would you name it?

I've tried to do this several times and it hasn't really taken off. I would love to have a weekly or biweekly time and place for women to gather and work on their individual craft projects while we hang out. I'm trying to think of a clever name, but I've got nothing!

I've also always thought it would fun to be in a book club.

Dessert
What color is the carpet/flooring in your home?

We are very blessed to have hardwood floors. They are in really good shape because they were covered with carpet for years. In the basement, we have dark blue carpet.

Join in the fun at Friday's Feast

On my honor...

The dynamics of siblings is an interesting thing.

Jacob is our youngest son. He's six.

When Joshua and Caleb were younger, I couldn't wait until they were old enough to start doing sports, school, story hour at the library... you name it. I'm finding with the younger "set" (AKA Micah and Jacob) that finding the activities that suit their tastes is a little more of a challenge. I don't know if we're just tired or what.

The other day, someone came to the boys' school to talk to all of the boys about scouting. Something clicked in Jacob. Now, mind you, my three other boys have all heard the same spiel and... nothing. We've never heard another word about Boy Scouts until now. Jacob would NOT stop talking about scouts. His words were, "It is WAY fun. You go camping and fishing and all kinds of stuff."

So after my lessons on Wednesday, Matt, Jacob and I headed off to the scouts open house at a local elementary school. After talking with some very nice parents, we got our little man all set up to join Pack 124 and become a Tiger Cub.

I'm looking forward to seeing how much Matt and Jacob enjoy their scouting times every Wednesday evening. I'm sure he'll be a great (not to mention adorable) little Tiger Cub!

Thursday Thirteen #7

I can't believe it's Thursday again already! I'm pretty wiped so I'll keep it relatively simple.

Thirteen of my favorite songs on my iPod
(in no particular order)

1. Put Your Records on - Corinne Bailey Rae

2. Still I Will Worship You - Willow Creek

3. Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson

4. All of Me - Selah

5. Dance Floor - Alton Lee and Dee

6. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiago? - Rockapella

7. Climbing Uphill (from The Last Five Years) - Sherie Rene Scott

8. My Tribute - Allan Lust (my dad)

9. How Deep is the Ocean - Kindred Sound (our quartet)

10. A Song for You - Elliott Yamin

11. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Eva Cassidy

12. Comfortable - Fleming and John

13. I Wanna Know Your Ways - Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ


Oh there are SO many more. I have over 2,000 songs on my iPod. I'll have to do this again.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Friday's Feast #5

I just got home from a Tastefully Simple party at my friend, Paula's, house. Though I ate almost all of the Go Go Asiago dip all by myself, I still have a little room left for...



Appetizer
Using only one word, how does grocery shopping make you feel?

Ummmm... Inspired

Soup
What is your favorite part about the season of Autumn?

Leaves, leaves, leaves... I LOVE the leaves changing colors. Our yard and street are so beautiful.

Salad
Have you ever had any bad experiences online?

Not really. I've had some frustrating bidding wars on eBay, but that's about it.

Main Course
Name three things that make you happy daily.

1. My husband - I enjoy him so much - his sense of humor, his smile, the way he works so hard. You name it, I like it about him!

2. My kids - if you don't know them, you're really missing out. They're the coolest!

3. Playing the piano - playing really relaxes me. I'm so thankful I get to make a living doing something that also brings me joy.

Dessert
What one household cleansing or organizing item would you not want to be without?

I'm a big fan of LOC cleaner. I like the way it cleans and smells

Join the fun at Friday's Feast.

Thursday Thirteen #6

*sigh*

I SO wish I had time to blog this week. Life is a bit upside down right now. They're working on our kitchen ceiling so the kitchen is a bit out of commission, my piano lesson schedule started full force this week, etc. etc. I've been a little touchy mentally and emotionally, too. Not sure why. Nevertheless, it's Thursday (thank goodness for Thursday or Friday or else I'd NEVER blog!).

Thirteen reasons I really like Thursdays

1. It's almost Friday - need I say more?

2. I have MOPS (first and third Thursdays of the month) - I have been involved in Mothers of Preschoolers for years -- probably since Josh was about two or so. For a long time, MOPS was my social life and friends base! To this day, women I've met here are among those that I consider some of my dearest friends. Anyway, this is a monumental year for me as far as MOPS is concerned. I am officially no longer eligible to go to MOPS (according to MOPS Intl. my kids are too old - youngest is in first grade). This year, though, I am honored that the St. John's MOPS group has asked me to still be involved as a Mentor Mom. How cool is that?

3. I finish up my teaching week - the last of my 27 students comes on Thursday afternoon. As much as I love to teach, it's nice to be done for the week.

4. It's Matt's day to get up early with Josh - I get a break on Tuesdays, too :-)

5. I get my AC Moore weekly specials email - hey, I'm easy!

6. Did I mention it's almost Friday?

7. The Office is on - ah, yes. And in just a few short weeks, they will all be brand new!

8. ER is on, too - yeah. I'm sticking with it until it's over.

9. It's trash night - now, if I took out the trash, this would probably not be on the list. But, alas, this is why God made 13-year-old boys! There is something quite refreshing about getting all of that stinky, nasty trash out of the house and onto the curb.

10. It's NOT Tuesday - Tuesdays are very busy and much too far from Friday. So there.

11. I was born on a Thursday - so no Thursday? No Katy! (OK. I used the internet to confirm this fact, but I was pretty sure!)

12. My mom is off work on Thursday - this means I can call her at my leisure. How lovely!

13. One day closer to the weekend, baby!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants