Friday, January 30, 2009

Friday Fill-In

1. I'd really like 2 aspirin right now.
2. Damn it! is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.
3. Possession is 9/10ths of the law.
4. Who is Captain Jack Sparrow.
5. Marshmallows and fire go together like chocolate and graham crackers.
6. Bailey talks on and on.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to working in my craft area, tomorrow my plans include dance and religion clas for the girls and Kendall's first basketball game, and Sunday, I want to eat good food and watch the Super Bowl!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

5 Things

Last night as I was blog surfing (is that the correct term?), I came across an interview entry on Lee's blog. So, I asked her to "interview" me. She e-mailed me the questions the same night. I've been thinking about them all day and I'm ready to answer, so here I go. Thanks, Lee.

1. You have received an incredible gift: a kidney; what is the greatest gift you have ever bestowed upon anyone?

Of the 5 questions, this one has been the hardest to answer. Recently, I had the opportunity to give someone the gift of a Cricut die cutting machine. Most scrapbookers will know what I'm talking about. It was right before Christmas so the timing was perfect. The recipient was so happy-she had NO idea it was coming to her. That's the best gift to give and receive-totally random.

2. You run a busy household, what is one or two of your “go to” recipes that makes everyone happy – kids eat, quick to make, easy to clean?

This was the easiest of the questions. Chicken and noodles. It's nothing fancy-just brown some chicken tenderloins, add cream of chicken soup and a can of milk, boil noodles and call it dinner.

3. How would you like to be remembered? What is your legacy?

Another tough one. I want to be remembered as a good friend, wife and mother. I have tried really hard to be all 3 of these things. Most people tell me that I am very organized and thoughtful-there aren't too many dates I forget.

4. What is your favourite movie and why?

Another easy one. The Lion King. Yes, believe it or not a children's animated move is my favorite movie. I love the "lessons" that are in this movie-how we all belong to the "Circle of Life". That sometimes we just have to say "Hakuna Matata" and keep on moving. I have seen this movie so many times in the theater and on DVD. I traveled to NYC when I was 5 months pregnant to see it on Broadway and just last year I took my children to see it-and they love it just as much as I do.

5. What lessons has your work life taught you?

I have been a teacher for almost 20 years so I have experienced a lot both in and out of the classroom. I think the one thing that I have learned is that you should treat the children you teach as if they were your own. It took me a long time to learn that lesson.

Rules:And now the rules for this little meme…which is a challenging one by the way because you just don't know what's coming your way….If you want to participate:

1. Leave me a comment saying: "Interview me"
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

There's no day like a snow day

We have a snow day today. That should be a good thing, right? Normally, it would be cause for great joy but today's snow day means we are over our alloted 5 calamity days. We will now have to make up any days missed at the end of the school year.

Thanks to Hurricane Ike back in September, Ohio was hit with a massive windstorm that caused widespread power outages. Many school districts in Central Ohio had to use their days because they had no electricity. Our district used 4 out of our 5 days. My school used all 5 because we were still out on the day that most of the district went back. Then we were out on the Friday before the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday so that put the district at 5 days.

But with last night's snow and ice storm they cancelled school for today-that puts us over. Still haven't heard about tomorrow yet.

We can enjoy them now, but we will definitely pay for it later.

8:30- we'll be off again tomorrow. Heaven help me.

Monday, January 26, 2009

The bearer of bad news

On Friday, I had the unpleasant task of telling my husband that the son of one of his childhood friends had been killed-he was 20 years old. Unfortunately, the dad died almost 10 years ago. So, this was especially hard on him. I had a very difficult time deciding when to tell him because he was at work until midnight. I could either stay up and wait to tell him when he got home or on Saturday morning.

I sought advice from my friends on ScrapShare and with their help, I decided to wait up and tell him. He didn't believe me-denial. It became real when he read the obituary in the morning newspaper. He went to visit the family after work on Saturday and attended the funeral today.

I hate being the bearer of bad news.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Friday Fill in

1. Oh, I am so tired!
2. Personal changes, big and little.
3. During the inauguration , I cried.
4. Too much sleep; are you kidding me???
5. Right now I'd like to be taking a nap.
6. Pampered Chef food chopper is my favorite gadget.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to working on crafts, tomorrow my plans include taking the kids to a Reading Festival and Sunday, I want to relax!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

What a Day!!!


It's hard to put into words the feelings I had watching Barack Obama being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America.


Pride. Joy. Excitement. Hope.Fear.


All of those emotions were there as I witnessed one of the greatest days in American history. I thought of my children and what this means for their future. I thought of my parents and grandparents and the sacrifices they made for this day to happen. I thought of my husband who has felt the weight of being a black man in a white man's world.


He has a difficult job ahead of him-no doubt. But, for the first time in a long time-there's hope.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time


My dd is in her first year of Brownies and is able to sell cookies for the first time. And let me tell you, she is quite the salesperson. Her pitch is simple, "Hi, this Bailey. I was wondering if you would like to order Girl Scout cookies because I'm selling them." That's it. And it doesn't help that she's so darn cute-especially with her snaggle tooth smile! No wonder she has already sold almost 170 boxes!!! Her troop has asked each girl to sell 180 and I put her goal as 200. We have until Jan. 24th to take orders. I'll wait until last to order and then see what I can do to get her to 200. Who couldn't use more Thin Mints? What's your favorite Girl Scout cookie?

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Happy Founders Day


For 21 years I have been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Through my membership in Delta I have met some of the most talented, smart, dedicated women. I have been able to travel to Regional and National events while serving as committee member, committee chair and 2nd Vice President.


Today is our 96th birthday of the founding of my beloved sisterhood. To the 22 women who had the vision and courage to step out in faith to form our sisterhood. I thank you. To all of the women who have served in a leadership capacity moving us forward. I thank you. To the "big sisters" who saw in me the potential to live up to our virtues. I thank you. And to all my Delta sisters around the world-I love you.
I am proud to be a...DST!
History
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. The first public act performed by the Delta Founders involved their participation in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington D.C., March 1913. Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated in 1930.
Notable Deltas
This provides a glimpse of some of the people who helped mold a legacy to make Delta Sigma Theta a powerful force -- more than a sorority.

Sadie T. M. Alexander, Ph.D., 1st National President (1919-1923), was the nation's first woman to earn a Ph.D. in economics (1921). A distinguished attorney, she was among the founders of the National Bar Association (1925) and she was appointed to President Truman's Commission on Civil Rights (1945).
Brigadier General Hazel Johnson Brown, Ph.D., was the first African American woman general in the United States Army.
Alexa Canady, M.D., at age 26 became the first Black woman neurosurgeon in the United States. She specializes in pediatric neurosurgery.
Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman member of the U.S. Congress, was the first African American and first woman to run as a major party candidate for the presidency of the United States.
Ruby Dee Davis is an extraordinary actress with performance credits on stage, in film and on television. She has also written a collection of poetry.

Dorothy I. Height, Ph.D., 10th National President (1947-1956), was appointed by President Carter to the Presidential Commission on a National Agenda for the 1980s. She has served as president of the National Council of Negro Women for over 40 years.

Alexis Herman was the Secretary of Labor and a Cabinet Member in the administration of President William Clinton.
Barbara Jordan was the first African-American to serve in the U.S. congress from the South since reconstruction; first Black woman to preside over a state senate; and the first Black person to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.
Stephanie Tubbs-Jones was a Congresswoman in the United States House of Representatives for the 11th District of Ohio.


Monday, January 12, 2009

Weekend Update

It was a pretty busy weekend. We spent Friday at home since there was a snowstorm warning-but nothing came of it. Saturday I sent ds with his dad to get a much needed haircut while I dropped off my niece at dance and then wasted some time (and a little money) at Target with dd and Amber (her babydoll).

I dropped the kids off with my brother as I enjoyed a much needed manicure. It was a little pricey-$22 but I was desperate for one, so it was worth it. Of course after getting a manicure I didn't want to do any housework.

I spent the evening working on some scrapbook pages and altered crafts.

Sunday did not go as planned. I woke up feeling very lightheaded and a little sick so I stayed home from church and didn't attend my sorority meeting. I was able to get a few loads of laundry done but dh really helped out and even cooked dinner.

We have a busy week coming up: dance, basketball and Brownies. I don't think I was in this many activities when I was a kid!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Friday Fill In

1. It's January; and college football is over
2. Sleep is what I crave most right now.
3. Cork and wine go together like cheese and crackers.
4. Water is so nourishing.
5. Let us dare to love
6. Will you come and clean my home.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finally taking down my tree; tomorrow my plans include driving the kids to all of their activiteies and scrapbooking; and Sunday, I want to do nothing (like that's going to happen).

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

One Word

I snatched this from Brandi's Blog. You have to answer each question with just one word. Sounds easy enough. Truth is, it's harder than you think!

1. Where is your cell phone? hip
2. Significant other? Kioshi
3. Your hair? short
4. Your mother? strong
5. Your father? working
6. Your favorite thing? sleep
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your favorite drink? Lemonade
9. Your dream/goal? Move
10. The room you're in? office
11. Your hobby? scrapbooking
12. Your fear? fire
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Ohio
14. Where were you last night? Home
15. What you're not? tall
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? dishwasher
18. Where you grew up? Ohio
19. The last thing you did? Eat
20. What are you wearing? lipstick
21. Your TV? Off
22. Your pets? none
23. Your computer? on
24. Your life? blessed
25. Your mood? Hmph
26. Missing someone? no
27. Your car? Toyota
28. Something you're not wearing? coat
29. Favorite store? Target
30. Your summer? distant
31. Like someone? definitely
32. Your favorite color? red
33. When is the last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? yesterday

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Disappointed but not embarrassed

I have to admit. I was not very optimistic about the Buckeyes chances of beating Texas last night in the Fiesta Bowl. All I wanted was for us not to be embarrassed on national TV again. Well, I got my wish. We did lose the game, but it was actually a GAME this year. We were right in it until the last 16 seconds.

It will be a long winter here in Buckeye Nation with yet another bowl loss hanging over us but our guys did put up a good fight and we did beat Michigan(again), so it wasn't a bad season, just not what we were expecting.

How many days til the 2009 season starts?

Monday, January 5, 2009

Happy New Year!

I had trouble updating my blog over the break, so I apologize for that.

We had a wonderful Christmas. The kids were excited to find a Nintendo Wii video game under the tree this year. They played it a lot over the break. Kendall and Bailey have already achieved "pro" status on the bowling game. I am almost there-with their help of course.

I just came back from a wonderful weekend in Michigan (hey, that sounds like an oxy moron) scrapping and chatting with 19 awesome women from ScrapShare. We had a great time laughing and working on our albums.

It's just the first week of January but we already have a full year planned! I'm looking forward to at least 3 more scrapbooking retreats (March, September and October), Dance recital and a trip to the beach for the kids.

Here's to a great 2009!