First Day of School

Today is the first day of school here. All of the kids were ready to go back. It hasn't been a real nice summer as far as the weather goes.

Tween was the first one up and ready this morning. 8th Grade this year.

He was showered, ate breakfast and was ready almost an hour before the bus even comes. That is a brand new shirt he got yesterday. Yes, that is toothpaste on the front of his shirt...lol Poor kid. He tried to wipe it off, but he really wanted to wear that shirt.

Teen was slow getting out of bed, but he still made it in plenty of time:

Guess this is what high schooler's wear to school. That is a custom made shirt he got at Cedar Point this summer. It has his nickname on it. Teen is going into 11th Grade this year.

Finally Little S got up and got ready. He is excited about school. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully he is enough past his separation anxiety to go without trouble.

He sure looks happy doesn't he? First day of Kindergarten.

Have a great day!

Stacy

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen things about Compass Inn

This is where the boyz and I went when we visited my mum last weekend.
1. It is an original fully restored stagecoach stop built in 1799.


2. I learn something new every time I go there.



3. It is my one of my favorite historical sites to visit.

4. Do you know how we got the phrase "shotgun"? Back in the stage coach days you had 2 riders on the front seat - the driver who managed the horses and the other seat was called "shotgun" because they had to hold the shotgun to protect the stagecoach from animals and other humans.

I wish you could see Little S's face better in this pic. He just looks so happy and full of love.

5. The original Conestoga Wagon was set up with 6 horses. There are only 2 original sets left in the whole world. One set is in storage at the Smithsonian and the other is on display here.

6. To go along with this, if you look at the hitch on the bottom left you will see that it also has a saddle on it. Back in the day, people would hike from place to place. When a Conestoga wagon would come along, they would often pick up a hiker and they would sit in this seat. Therefore they were a "hitch hiker".

7. They ate of off lead plates and drank out of lead mugs back then. Many of them ended up dying of lead poisoning. Their biggest fear though was eating baked bread. They thought that it wasn't done in the middle and therefore you would get deathly sick eating it. This is when they started making toast.

8. They had a community cook house. The oven was called a BeeHive oven. You can see why from the shape of it below. The owner of the inn would get it all ready and cook all of her food for the week. Then when she was done, the neighbors and such would come over and cook their food. The oven would stay very hot for several days.

9. See that feather there resting on the oven? It had several uses. There is also a fireplace to the right. Once in a while the fire would crackle and some sparks would come out. The feather was used to brush them back into the fireplace. It also came in mighty handy as a fan on a hot day.

10. Below is a picture from the Blacksmith shop. See that red thing there. Back then they used oxen for as they did horse. Oxen do not have good balance. Therefore, they would walk the ox in between those two red arms and then they would put the strap under them and lift them slightly to steady them while they were being shooed.

11. Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite. This phrase also came from back in that time. The beds were made of rope and straw. Before you would go to sleep you would have to use a special toy to tighten the ropes (sleep tight). Also being that the beds were made of straw, there were a lot of critters living in the bed, especially lice and other bugs (don't let the bed bugs bite). Often if you didn't check in with bugs, you would check out with them.

12. The reason that we call a bar, a bar is due to the fact that when the proprietor back then thought his guest had enough to drink, he would close the alcohol in a room with bars. This is also how we got many of the terms used in the judiciary system. Back then judges would come to you. They would often sit behind the bars. When the council wanted to talk to the judge they would come up beside the bar (sidebar). And the protectors of the judge were the barristers.

13. I will leave you with my favorite picture from our visit that weekend:

Just looking at this picture makes me feel like I have stepped back in time. The weekend we went was living history weekend. It was really hot that day and some of the people scheduled didn't show up. But we still learned a lot. I hope that you learned a little something after reading this also.

Stacy

Wednesday Why

This post brought to you courtesy of the radio.

Last week one day I was listening to the radio and they gave some food facts that kind of shocked me. So I am going to ask you what you do and I want you to honestly answer the questions with what you do, not what you think is the right answer.

How long do you leave Pizza out and still eat it?

How long are leftovers in your fridge still good to eat? (Not how long do they stay in there - I know the record holder on that question.....lol.) In other words if you have leftover chicken dinner on Sunday, what day do you discard the leftovers?

Shocking answers on soon.

Stacy

Weekend Run Down

We had a really nice weekend here. Too bad it is now the end of the summer. It has not been a nice summer here at all. It was a cold, rainy mess for most of it. Just in the last 2 weeks has it gotten nice.

Saturday we just kind of hung out most of the day. Went to the pool for a little while, read a little and just relaxed.

Saturday night we went with our new neighbors (a nice young couple) to her dad's place for a bonfire. The kids had a blast. He has horses and they got to pet them and feed them grass and hay. There was also a playhouse with a slide that Little S really enjoyed. They had more food than you could fit on 2 picnic tables. Her dad also grows corn and made a hybrid of his own this year. It was so yummy. Sweet and tender and just popped off the cob into your mouth.

Sunday after church the boys went down to the pool to say goodbye to the final lifeguard. Our pool always closes a week before school starts since we mostly have college kids as the guards. Then we had a small impromptu picnic here. One of hubby's friends stopped over and the neighbors and her niece stopped over. We had drumsticks, baked potatoes and corn on the grill. And hubby made a cheesecake with cherry topping for dessert.

The guys played cornhole and the kids went for a bike ride. It was perfect weather. Not too hot and not too cold. The only bad thing was the mosquito's were out last night. Stinkin' bugs. I'll be itching for a week.

Hope you had as nice of a weekend.

Stacy

Answer

So I went to my mum's this weekend. We had a really nice time and I have a bunch of pics to share with you. However, I first have to answer yesterday's question.

I am currently driving a Kia Rondo:

I actually really like it. It is smaller than I am used to but it is a nice car and handles great with a ton of room inside.

But this is not my car. I drive a Chevy Venture like this:

I love my car but it has had many problems since we got it. Not mechanical mind you. It has been a great car that way.

Lets see, before we made the first payment a little old man hit the sliding passenger door.

Not long after that my husband nicked the corner with the tractor, just a small gash, not much to worry about.

Then my BIL was driving and he straddled a dead raccoon in the road. The raccoon was so big it cracked the front bumper on the passenger side.

My gram and the kids were in the car while I ran into the grocery store and someone pulled in and bumped the front end. Again just a nick, but still counts.

One year we went to a Fireworks display, parked the car and walked away. When we got back there was a car parked on top of my rear bumper.

Hubby pulled up too close to the sidewalk once and cracked the front corner from the raccoon even more and the other time hit one of those stupid poles at the gas station and dented the front.

Last fall I was again hit in the parking lot of the grocery store twice in the same month.

Did I mention that we bought this car brand spanking new in January of 03?

That brings us up to this weekend. While my mum, the kids and I were out my dad forgot that my car was in the driveway. He put his car in reverse, and promptly backed right into my car. Did I mention that he had the trailer hitch on his Tahoe when he did it? No? Hmmmm....wonder what kind of damage that would do? Let's see:

Kinda looks like this:

It might also do this:

I actually find it quiet amusing. It is just a car and no one got hurt. It can be fixed. The funniest part is that several years ago, my mum did the same thing to my sisters car. But there was no hitch involved and it was just a dent in the door.

Yes that hole went the whole way through to the interior. That is the speaker that you see peeking through. Needless to say, my dad had to put duct tape over the huge hole, cut the liner off around the tire so it wouldn't rub, and also duct tape the headlight in place so that I could drive home.

I was never so embarrassed to drive my car in my life! Remember I was on the other side of Pittsburgh and had to drive 2 hours home on the highway like that. And then drive it around town to get estimates and to the body shop.

So I am enjoying this neat little car while we have it and may actually consider it for our next car purchase.

BTW - My dad and I had the following conversation after "fixing" the car.

Him - You know I'm going to have to get you.

Me - Huh? Why?

Him - Cause you are going to write about this on your blog.

LOL - Guess I am in trouble now.... ;) Love you Mum & Tony!

Stacy

Wednesday Why?

Today's question will lead us into another post later.

What kind of car do you drive?

Why do you drive that particular car? Perhaps it is paid off, perhaps it fits your family size and style right now, or maybe it is your dream car.

Or maybe......

Can't wait for your answers.

Stacy

A Movie Review

I usually don't review movies. But I just can't stop thinking about this movie:

Synopsis from imdb.com:

Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old fire fighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside burning buildings, it's his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it's another story.

After a decade of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other. Yet as they prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's dad asks his son to try an experiment: The Love Dare.

While hoping The Love Dare has nothing to do with his parents' new found faith, Caleb commits to the challenge. But can he attempt to love his wife while avoiding God's love for him? Will he be able to demonstrate love over and over again to a person that's no longer receptive to his love? Or is this just another marriage destined to go up in smoke?

I first saw a little trailer for this movie on TLC's 18 Kids & Counting. Then my Mum talked about it and kept asking me if I had seen it. After that a dear friend of mine asked me if I had seen it after I told her about some issues that Hubby and I were going through.

I am so glad I watched this movie. I am so glad for all of those people that recommended it and all the subtle hints I received that I should watch it.

If you have not seen this movie - go, no run to the nearest video store and rent it.

After watching this movie I know (once again) that there isn't anything that Hubby and I can't work through. God is on our side. I guess I just needed a reminder.

One of the hardest things to do when you are mad, upset, hurt by, or disappointed in someone is to pray for them. But this is the most important thing you can do. I learned so much from this movie and think that anyone that is married and especially those struggling with the marriage should watch this movie and check out their website .

Stacy

An Answer & Five Quick Questions for Friday

First an answer to the tattoo post.

I really don't think I will ever get a tattoo, but for some reason I have been thinking a lot about it. This is what I would get:

Faith, Hope, Love

Just that simple, in a nice font, on the inside of my left wrist where it could be covered with a watch band if necessary. This is from 1 Corinthians 13:13 in case you are wondering. I might even consider making Love just a tiny bit larger than the other two. Read the full verse to find out why.


Now for the Five Quick Questions for Friday:

1. Coffee or Tea?
2. Comedy or Action Movie?
3. Bar Soap or Body Wash?
4. Cat or Dog?
5. Flip Flops of Thongs?

Just leave your preferences in a comment.

Have a great weekend!

Stacy

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things I see in my Shower

1. Pantene Shampoo
2. Dove Body Wash
3. Jamestown Soap Works Bar Soap
4. Pink Razor
5. Skintimate Shave Gel
6. Johnsons Baby Hair & Body Wash
7. Wash Cloth
8. Body Pouf
9. Soap Crayons
10. Noxema Pump
11. Plastic Cup
12. Toys
13. Body Lotion (a little trick I learned from my sweet friend Dory)

Can you guess from this list who shares the en-suite bathroom with us? lol

I think this is pretty normal stuff. Except for maybe the Noxema and the Lotion.

What odd things are in your shower?

Stacy

Wednesday Why

I haven't done this in quite some time, but thought of something I really want to know.

Do you have any tattoo's?

If so:
Where is it?
What is it?
Why did you get it or what is the meaning behind it?

If not:
Have you ever considered getting one?
What would you get?
Where would you get it?
What is the meaning behind it?


I never thought I would be the type that would want a tattoo, but lately I have been considering it. Want to guess what I would get and where?

Stacy

Worker's 23 Psalm

It truly amazes me that God always seems to give me the Bible verse or Daily Devotion that I need for that day. I have been having some issues at work lately and this was in my devotions this morning. Enjoy!

The Worker's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my boss, and I shall not want.

He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.

He reminds me to pray, before I speak in anger.

He restores my sanity.

He guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all I do.

Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mail, system failures, copier jams, back-ordered supplies, unrealistic deadlines, staff shortages, budget cutbacks, red tape, downsizing, gossiping co-workers and whining customers,

I won't give up, for You are with me.

Your presence, peace and power will see me through.

You raise me up, even when the boss fails to promote me.

You claim me as your own, even when the company threatens to let me go.

Your loyalty and love are better than a bonus check.

Your retirement plan beats any 401K, and when it's all said and done,

I'll be working for you a whole lot longer!


(Author unknown)


I hope you have a great day at work today.

Stacy

Nothing Much

We are finally getting our summer weather, now that summer is almost over. It has been really hot and humid here the last few days. It is nice coming home to a cool house. We have air at work, but it doesn't keep up well when it gets this hot.

Teen was gone at band camp all week last week. He left Sunday and returned Friday. Tween and Little S left Wednesday and went camping with Grandma Retta and Uncle John. I went up Friday night and stayed until Saturday afternoon. It was nice to get away and relax a bit. I love camping. Especially since we stay in a camper and not a tent. And we have a bathroom in the camper. Those of you that know me, know I couldn't if that weren't the case....lol

Saturday was the community picnic here at the apartments. We had a nice time. Every year one of the residents arranges everything and it always turns out nice. It started to rain this year just as we were finishing up.

Soccer starts tomorrow which means that fall is right around the corner. I love it.

Fall is my favorite time of the year.

Friday night football games. Jeans and a comfy sweatshirt. Crisp air. Colorful leaves. And that rotten apple, dying leaf smell in the air. Nothing beats it.

There is so much going on here right now I know I have been slacking and leaving a lot of story out here and there. As we start to get back into routines here, I should be able to blog more.

I have a few posts in mind so stop by again soon.

Stacy

Dilemma

So here is the deal. Most of you know about the problems at my church. If not go HERE and read about it. Needless to say the Pastor and several others were not happy that I was the one who wrote a letter (silly me signed my name and the District broke confidentiality and told him). Did I mention that several others wrote letters also, they just didn't sign their names.

The Pastor has no resigned and from what I understand, this has actually been in the works since November of last year. He had been planning to stay for a few more months but due to all of the problems he has decided to leave earlier.

So here is the dilemma. We have a Secret Sister program in my church and I have the Pastor's wife. I think she probably knows I have her. So this Sunday they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and the following they are having a Retirement party for them. Two parties back to back that I should probably get her something for.

I don't want their last few weeks here to be any more uncomfortable than they already are so do I get her something or just step back and let them go. I have to mention that there was a seperate issue with her altogether that I did not go into here, but she knows I was upset with her.

I want to do the right thing, but right now I am not sure what that is.

What would you do? Please leave your ideas or what you would do in the comments. If you have a question, let that there also and I will answer in the comment as well.

Thanks,
Stacy

Silly Man

Saturday hubby decided that we were going to have Taco Salads for dinner. When he decided this I was at the pool with Little S. So he came down and asked what we needed for the salads. He had gotten some ground beef out of the freezer already.

So we made a list together. Basic ingredients:

Lettuce
Tomatoes
Sour Cream
Chips
Salsa
Black Olives
Green Olives
Etc.


He gets home and unpacks everything. I notice that there aren't any green olives. He is sure he got them. So I look again.

This is what I see:

My husband is not an olive fan at all. He just figured that the color of the can was the type of olives inside. LOL

Of course when we laughed about it and I told him I was going to share this with all of you, he wasn't impressed. LOL

Have a great day!

Stacy

Facebook for Hubby

My husband is not a fan of computers. Seriously, he gets on every once in a while to check the sports scores or weather. That is about it.

Yesterday one of his friends was over just raving to him about FaceBook and MafiaWars and how he just has to join.

So today I set him up on Facebook. It is funny watching him try to figure it out. And it is hard for me to sit back and not just take over and do it for him. I am sure he will get the hang of it pretty quick. Especially once he gets addicted to one of those silly games. Not that I am addicted to Farmville or anything. ;)

I also set him up with email. Holy moly this is going to be a long week showing him all of this stuff. Teen isn't home to help out.

Stacy