AzN8tive

Rough night

2012-01-23T12:12:00.001-06:00

I've been awake, off and on, since 2:15am this morning. Wondering if I can squeeze in a little nap this afternoon before Hubby and the boy get home. Maybe...

Storms, with tornado warnings, rolled through here between 2-3am. I'm thankful that we didn't lose power and could check to see where the storms were. Still...it's a little disconcerting to be awakened in the middle of the night to tornado sirens going off. We heard from our daughter at 4:50am to let us know that the sirens were going off in Jacksonville. She's fine, thank goodness!

Mind you, bad weather never used to bother me much. That is until April 27, 2011. I will never take severe weather warnings for granted again. Suffice it to say that losing power and not being able to keep an eye on the radar was nerve-wracking!!!

Thankfully, last night was nothing like that day in April here in No. Alabama. The same cannot be said for people living in Jefferson County. My thoughts and prayers are with those who were affected by last night's storms.

I'm hoping this isn't a precursor of our spring to come.

A new year, a new beginning, a new me...

2012-01-11T14:46:00.002-06:00

I've decided that instead of resolutions this year, I'm going to set goals for myself. Two of the most important goals I've set are to get back into shape and make healthier choices...everything in moderation. It's been way too long since I've felt really good and I'm ready to get back to that. Besides if I want to grow old with my husband, I NEED to do this...for me and for him.

Did you set any goals for yourself?

Here's to a successful, happy 2012!!!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.003-06:00

My favorite - Silent Night

2011-12-24T13:22:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas for Our House to Yours!

2011-12-24T13:19:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas from Sparkman High School Symphonic Bands

2011-12-14T09:37:00.000-06:00

Last night was my son's high school Christmas Concert. It was fantastic. It's amazing how much a great band director can bring out the best in their students and we have TWO of them!!!

My son is in the larger of the two bands performing. The beginning of the video features our Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion groups. They are perfecting their shows for the upcoming Indoor Competition season and wanted to give us all a little sneak peak.

Without further ado...here is Sparkman High School's Symphonic I & II Christmas Concert.

Merry Christmas!

Where has the time gone?

2011-12-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

It's December 10th already and only two weeks until Christmas! Guess I've just been that busy between subbing, band and life, in general.

We had a wonderful Christmas Party last night at our house. It's always great to get together with close friends. I suppose we could rename it Our Annual Chili Party because that's the main dish and everyone brings something to share. Oh, and I make my infamous rum cake...you know the one...the Bacardi recipe. I even cut back on the amount of rum in the glaze because, at full strength, it would put hair on your chest. It's always a hit and I should've sent some home with everyone because we still have 1/2 of it left.

But I have one question...

Why do we always end up hanging out in the kitchen?

Not that I mind...I just think it's interesting that it's where we all end up.

So, where do y'all hang out when you host parties?

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:27:00.000-06:00

We have so much to be thankful for this year...our family, health, home, surviving first semester of college. We hope that you're spending it with the ones who mean the most to you.

From our home to yours...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sparkman High School Marching Senators

2011-10-11T13:00:00.003-05:00

They are AWESOME!!!

Here are the results from our marching competitions last Saturday (10/8/11). Yes, I said competitions...we participated in TWO. Needless to say...it was a crazy, busy day, but so well worth it. The kids were AWESOME!

Dixie Pride Marching Classic (10/8/11)

1st Place Best in Class Band AAAA
1st Place Best in Class Drum Majors AAAA
1st Place Best in Class Percussion AAAA
1st Place Best in Class Color Guard AAAA
Challenge Cup Winner in Class AAAA (an average of all captions)
Dixie Pride Champions Band (All Divisions)
Dixie Pride Champions Drum Majors (All Divisions)
Dixie Pride Champions Percussion (All Divisions)
Dixie Pride Champions Color Guard (All Divisions)
Superior ratings in all categories including Drum Major, Color Guard, Percussion, Guard and Band.

Renaissance City Shoals Invitational Marching Competition (10/8/11)

1st Place Band, Percussion, Guard and Drum Major in Class AAAAA-2
Grand Champion Large Band Division
W.C. Handy Award (an average of all captions in all divisions)
Best Soloist Award: David Dickson
Superior ratings in all categories including Drum Major, Color Guard, Percussion, Guard and Band.

P.S. Yes, I'm just a wee bit biased.

Welcome Fall!

2011-09-24T10:47:00.003-05:00

My favorite season has finally arrived...

Crisp mornings and warm afternoons

FOOTBALL

Trees beginning to change

Chili/soup/stew in the crockpot

Life is good!

It's a little TOO quiet...

2011-09-19T10:24:00.002-05:00

around here.

Hubby's on travel, C is on her way back to JSU and S is at SHS.

The house is eerily quiet.

Well...except for the washing machine running in the background.

It's very rare for me to have a day where there isn't anything pressing that needs to be done. So, I'm going to take a 'me' day. Not sure what I'm going to do, but it will not include cleaning or yard work.

Maybe I'll nap or read...it'll be a good day for that since it's supposed to rain.

Maybe I'll watch a movie because heaven knows there's NOTHING good on daytime television.

Maybe I'll just cruise the interwebz (to quote my kids) for awhile.

Maybe I'll...

Whatever I choose to do, it'll be because I want to do it not because I have to.

Happy Monday, y'all!!!

No words necessary

2011-09-11T15:49:00.002-05:00

May we never forget

2011-09-11T09:57:00.003-05:00

God bless all those who sacrificed their lives to help others on that fateful day.

We will never forget!

Survived!

2011-08-30T15:17:00.002-05:00

Claire survived her first weekend on campus and first day of classes!

What a relief!!!

She said her Human Geography professor works with National Geographic. How cool is that?!

Her Honors English professor is a 'smart-ass' (his words, not hers) and reminds her of Don Knotts. Too funny!!!

Just have a few roommate issues to work out, but I think she's going to have a wonderful time at JSU.

Go Gamecocks!!!

T-minus 3 Days...

2011-08-23T12:13:00.005-05:00

'til we move Claire to JSU.

My dining room resembles a small storage unit.

...her dorm fridge is out in the garage.

I'm so excited for her and this new chapter in her life.

One more week...

2011-08-17T16:19:00.007-05:00

til we move Claire to Jacksonville State University.

She and I went today to get her ID, books and parking decal. It was a beautiful drive down...can't wait to see it in all it's Fall glory.

Now, where's that tissue box?!

*sniff

Back to School v.2011

2011-08-15T07:28:00.003-05:00

1st day of Junior year!

Scott and his 'new' car. He loves it! He was so excited to start the year, that he was ready 15 minutes early. I'm thrilled that he left early because school traffic in our community is a nightmare, especially these first couple of weeks.

Off he goes...

He made it to school safely. Whew!!! Now, I can relax and get on with my day.

Hope everyone has a FANTASTIC 2011-2012 school year!

I'm ready...

2011-07-31T21:49:00.001-05:00

for the next phase in my life!

Move in day is August 26th.

25 days and counting...

It's that time of year...

2011-07-28T12:00:00.002-05:00

gearing up for school (college and high school) and marching season.

Have I mentioned how big our band is this year???

We are marching 227 strong.

Thank goodness I'm only outfitting 181.

Funny thing is...F3 day (forms, fee and fittings) was this past Saturday and we had to send 15-ish freshmen home without being fitted for their marching uniforms.

Why, you ask?

I have plenty of uniforms, just not in the correct sizes. Many of the uniforms on hand are teeny tiny!

I placed an order in late May for 30 additional coats, bibbers and shakos with the hope that they would be here by our first game. The manufacturer always gives the worst case scenario, but receiving an order confirmation with an estimated delivery date of October 28th has me FREAKING OUT! I know that it's out of my control now, but really...October 28th...our marching season is over that weekend.

I'm praying that everything arrives within the first couple of games.

*sigh

Surviving F3 Day

2011-07-23T15:36:00.002-05:00

As most of you know, my youngest is a member of his high school's band (marching and concert). Today was what is known as F3 day (form, fees and fittings), where the students and their parents come to finalize their commitment to the SHS Band.

Let's suffice it to say that all went well until the freshmen came to be fitted for uniforms for marching season.

Both the Band Director and I knew that there would not be enough proper fitting uniforms for everyone. We ordered based on the incoming numbers and current size needs. The one thing we didn't plan on was how big, both size and number, the incoming freshmen class is.

Upon reviewing the order that I submitted in early June, we will have enough properly sized uniforms at some point this season. Unfortunately, the lead time for uniforms is a minimum 120 days. Based on previous experience, uniforms have come in well before our first game. I'm sincerely hoping and praying that this is the case this season as well. The issue at hand is the fact that I don't have control over when the orders are submitted after I send them to my 'contact'. My 'contact' hasn't been the most reliable lately and I'm starting to get very concerned whether or not my uniforms will be here when promised. As it is, the band's sashes MIGHT be here before Fall Break, which is October 17-21.

I was told the other day that last year went so smoothly and that all the parents were sufficiently impressed. I don't think it's going to be the same this year, especially since we had to send 15 students home without fitting them for uniforms.

My thinking is...the upperclassmen come first and then the freshmen. I had more than one parent get upset with me because of the way their child's uniform fit. I explained politely that the Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores have priority when it comes to uniforms and the freshmen take what's left. Many were not pleased, but that's the way it is. The freshmen parents also didn't want to hear that when the new uniforms come in the upperclassmen will be given first opportunity at them and they (freshmen) will be given what's left over. Sorry, but that's the way it is. Get over it. Another issue is parents who are HABITUALLY late for 'appointments' and then think it's okay to bitch about how their child has an ill-fitting uniform. Ummm...show up during your appointed time and you might receive a better fitting uniform.

I just needed to vent...it'll all work out. Right now, I and my team are just a little overwhelmed.

Time for a margarita!!!

Saying a Prayer!

2011-07-23T15:34:00.003-05:00

Offering up prayers and condolences to the families affected by the brutal attacks in Norway.

Unfortunately, it brings back BAD memories of September 11, 2001.

I sincerely hope the man who wreaked this havoc upon Norway gets what he deserves.

Let Freedom Ring!!!

2011-07-04T00:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, America!

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July!

Wait just a darn minute...

2011-07-03T15:51:00.002-05:00

it's July...

ALREADY!!!

It's been a little busy around here.

*Beach trip...much needed relaxation, just wish it could've been longer.

*College orientation with my daughter at Jacksonville State...and I didn't cry!

*Daughter had wisdom teeth removed...hmmm...wonder if it'll affect her GPA

*Vehicle shopping for son...very frustrating because we know what we want but are having difficulty finding it at a price we want to pay.

*Trying to get my to-do list whittled down...having a hard time getting motivated because I'd much rather laze about and read.

*Getting organized for upcoming marching season...Lordy, I'm crazy!

*Helping to get daughter organized to head off to school. I'm thinking care packages are a good thing.

*Attempting to squeeze in a little reading time...see above.

So...what have you been doing so far this summer?!

Serenity Prayer

2011-06-15T15:34:00.003-05:00

O God and Heavenly Father,
Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know the one from the other, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

- Reinhold Niebuhr

I find I keep coming back to this prayer over the last couple of months.

Why?

Because I'm a 'fixer'...I try to fix or make everything okay. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes, well...I'd be better off talking to a brick wall.

I've always been this way...the more I try to change that aspect of myself, the more I find myself 'fixing' things.

So, I'm working on the WISDOM part of the prayer because Lord knows I need to if I'm going to make it through the next months/years and then maybe the Serenity will follow.

School's out...

2011-05-26T12:58:00.001-05:00

for SUMMER!!!

And this is what I want to do!

Just...

2011-05-19T07:22:00.005-05:00

breathe...

I'm taking some time to relax and enjoy the upcoming weekend's events. We have company coming in for the girl's high school graduation.

I've been running non-stop this week.

How can I be busier when I'm not working than when I am?

I have a beach vacation coming up to look forward to. Can't wait to sink my toes into the sand!!!

BTW - Last Friday was my last day keeping the twins. While I'm going to miss them tremendously, I'm am thankful that my time is my own again.

Surviving, Pt. I

2011-05-03T15:54:00.004-05:00

This post is going to ramble a bit as I try to make more sense of what has happened since last Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Though, I think it'll be easier if I just do bullets because I haven't been able to think straight since then.

As most of you know, I live in No. Alabama, near Harvest where the track of a now-labeled EF5 tornado wreaked havoc. This area wasn't covered as extensively as the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham area.
Wednesday started off rough...tornado sirens and weather radios going off at 4:30am.
Schools were delayed 2 hours, only to have it close at 12:15pm.
Tornado sirens went off at 11:45am, keeping students/teachers at school until after 2:00pm.
Huddled in our laundry room were me, my two teenagers and the twin toddlers that I watch, while the television blared in the master bedroom across the house.
Power was lost at 12 noon
All we could hear was the wind and the hail hitting the house.
The wind sounded like a VERY large truck rumbling toward the house.
Then SILENCE...
So very thankful that I kept my two home because the principal at the high school wasn't letting any of the students that drive...drive home, so parents had to go pick them up.
My hubby made it home around 2:30pm after trying to navigate streets with downed trees and water, several inches deep, running across the low spots.
The twins mom was finally able to come get them around 3pm.
Nerves on edge
It all picked up again at 4pm and lasted until around 8pm.
Not sure when the tornado that created so much destruction in our area hit.
Went outside at ~8pm to survey the storm's fury.
Next door neighbor's yard was quite literally a lake.
Our driveway looked like a small stream with 4 inches of water flowing down into the street, which was full to the curbs.
Power was out, but we had no idea how bad the power situation was until the next day...

We are blessed that we have each other and roof over our heads.

More to come as it's very upsetting to think how close we came to losing everything and knowing that several our neighbors and friends just 4 miles north of us lost EVERYTHING.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a blessed Easter!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-04-22T06:41:00.003-05:00

22 years ago today, I married my best friend!

Still going strong...

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart! It just keeps getting better and better. Here's to many more anniversaries.

Surviving a day of storms...

2011-04-15T20:23:00.004-05:00

Wow! It's been quite a day here in the Rocket City.

Been storming since 5am!!! It finally let up about an hour ago.

Around 12:30, the Boy and I were watching a movie when we heard a hiss outside. After looking outside and not seeing anything, we decided that it was nothing. Well...at about 2:45p this afternoon, the kids and I were out on the patio and noticed this...

Apparently, the hiss we heard wasn't just nothing. We think lightning struck the grove of trees two doors over and knocked several large trees down and split several more. Very scary!!! The funny thing is that the family that lives in the house where these trees were knocked down didn't even notice the damage until it was pointed out to them. Thankfully, no one/property was injured/damaged. Though, there's going to be a lot of clean-up going on this weekend. Too bad none of us have wood-burning fireplaces.

The storm system that caused this damage is responsible for several tornadoes in Alabama, including one that struck near T-town. Hoping that all of the kids that went down for A-day this weekend are safe and sound. Thankfully, neither of my two were there. I'd be a nervous wreck.

Hope that things are quiet in your neck of the woods tonight and the rest of the weekend.

It Won't Be Like This For Long...

2011-04-05T09:07:00.003-05:00

I'm a big fan of Hootie and the Blowfish as well as Darius Rucker's solo stuff. So, I was quite surprised when I stumbled across this song last fall because it really hit home for me. I know that it may sound silly to some that a song can help one get through rough patches in their lives, but this one has sort of become an anthem (if you will) for me. To those who are closest to me will understand why. For those who aren't, just know that sometimes being a mom is the toughest job that you'll ever love...even if it drives you to the brink of insanity.

Without further ado...

I blinked and...

2011-03-28T08:15:00.002-05:00

March is almost over.

Where has the time gone?

Oh, I know...we've been busy with life.

It was my intention to take a step back, slow things down and enjoy these last few months with my daughter before she heads off to college. Well, I have enjoyed every minute, but it's gone by way too fast! We are making a campus visit this coming weekend, then there are the events for the graduating seniors coming up and then and then.

Well, you get the idea.

To be quite honest, I don't think we're going to be able to slow down until maybe July...only to have it gather steam for the upcoming school year.

My head is spinning.

Even with all of the craziness, I'm having a blast!

So...how's life in your neck of the woods?!

I'm ready to...

2011-03-05T12:21:00.003-06:00

start digging in the dirt.

Only it's pouring down rain. So, I'll get my gardening/plant source mags and start making my wishlist. Can't wait to get out there and get dirty!!!

What are you going to do on this rainy Saturday?

So Sorry...

2011-03-01T07:31:00.005-06:00

I've been a bit under the weather the last two weeks.

What started out as a cold turned into bronchitis. I think I'm on the mend, but I'm trying to take it easy because I really don't want to feel that bad again.

It is true what they say about chicken soup. I made a pot of homemade chicken soup the first weekend I was out of commission.

It's also really good when you add some rice and/or noodles to it, which I did for several lunches last week.

I'm really looking forward to feeling like myself and getting out to work in the yard because I think Spring is finally on her way in.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2011-02-14T07:39:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday...

2011-02-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

to me!

It keeps getting better...

2011-02-03T10:04:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, my daughter received notification that she'd been awarded a 4 year tuition and books scholarship to Jacksonville State.

Our acceptance letter of the scholarship award was put in the mail yesterday afternoon!

Yes!!!

***doing my Snoopy dance***

Big changes are coming and...

2011-01-31T14:14:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure that I'm completely ready for them.

You see...my husband and I are parents of a high school senior set to graduate on May 23, 2011. While I've known this time would come and have been dealing quite well with the progression of the school year, the one thing I thought I was ready for caught me by surprise.

What caught me by surprise? My reaction to my daughter receiving her acceptance letter to Jacksonville State University. I quite literally burst into tears when she opened the envelope and a JSU bumper sticker fell out. She didn't even have to read the letter...we knew that she'd been accepted. Then, she actually read the letter. C was running around the house, screaming and laughing and what am I doing??? Bawling my eyes out in the kitchen. As she's making the phone calls to Dad and all the grandparents, I'm speechless and even when I did try to speak, I burst into tears all over again. The whole time I'm thinking what's wrong with me...I should be laughing, screaming and running all over the house with my girl.

Don't get me wrong...I'm SOOOOO very excited for her and this new chapter in her life. I suppose it's a normal reaction. I just wasn't prepared for my reaction. Truthfully, I wasn't sure how I'd react. It's been a roller-coaster of emotions for me these last few days as I come to grips with the fact that my angel will be leaving home in 7 short months.

There is so much to do between now and then that I don't really know where to begin.

Suppose it's time to start my lists.

Bear with me these next several months as I document my family's adventures in preparing my eldest child for college.

Big changes are coming...

And I'm going to do my best to adapt to/with them.

Going out like it came in...

2011-01-31T09:38:00.003-06:00

January, that is.

The New Year started off warm and rainy, so it seems fitting for it to end the same way.

Just hope that February, which will also start off warm and rainy, doesn't have the snow like January did.

I'm going to enjoy the day by reading and surfing the net.

Happy Monday!!!

I could get used to this!!!

2011-01-29T13:16:00.000-06:00

Do you remember where you were when...,

2011-01-28T10:38:00.002-06:00

at 10:38am CST, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds into its mission?

I do...

As a senior, I was sitting in my Majority at 18 class at Burnsville Sr. High in Burnsville, MN. I remember a teacher coming into our classroom in tears...telling our teacher to turn on the television.

It's one of those events that forever stay with you. Like JFK and Bobby Kennedy's assassinations were for my parents and grandparents.

It's the reason that I hold my breathe and pray during each launch of a shuttle.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one event would shape my adult life. While I'm not working in the space industry, I am connected to it through my husband and his job. My husband works on the Internation Space Station Program, so we have an even more vested interest in the shuttle launches. That's what brought us to North Alabama in 1990. We've had the privilege of being VIP guests at KSC for the night launch of the first U.S. piece of the ISS in 1998. The shuttle program has been a vital part of the ISS program and I really hate to see them retire without a viable alternative in place.

May we always remember those who sacrificed their lives so that we may continue our space exploration.

Happy Birthday, Claire!!!

2011-01-18T00:52:00.001-06:00

18 years ago at 12:52am on a cold, rainy Monday, Richard and I welcomed a beautiful 7 pound 3 ounce little girl into the world. She has blessed us in more ways than we can count.

You have grown into a beautiful, talented, intelligent young woman!

Happy Birthday, Angel (aka Claire)!!! We love you more than words can say!!!

Starting the year off with a bang...potentially

2011-01-07T10:00:00.003-06:00

Don'tcha just love it when the weather people use 'Potential' in conjunction with major weather events.

I'm not sure what to think of the weather forecast for this upcoming weekend. While I love a good snow storm as much as the next person, I don't relish the thought of being snowbound for more than a day or two. I start to get cabin fever. It's for that very reason that I don't live where snow happens all the time. Been there...done that...don't want to do it again.

I can just imagine what the local school systems are thinking...to close/cancel school or not. Unfortunately for us, our school system did not build in any weather days. So...any days we miss will have to be made up at the end of the year or on Saturdays. Looking at the forecast for next week, if we get any measurable snow, we could be out all week.

My kids are hoping for snow and lots of it. For them, I hope we get it.

Here's to lots of snow, snowmen, snowball fights and hot chocolate!!!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Happy Birthday to...

2011-01-02T10:37:00.002-06:00

my handsome husband!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

Be sure to eat lot of black-eyed peas and collard greens!!!

Erring on the side of caution...

2010-12-16T09:07:00.003-06:00

That's what the local school systems did Tuesday evening when they announced that schools would be closing early Wednesday in anticipation of a snow/sleet/freezing rain event.

While I applaud them for their preemptive strike, I think it was a little over the top...this time. We didn't receive much, if any, snow/sleet/freezing rain yesterday. There have been occasions over this past year that warranted the school systems closing schools early and/or closing them altogether, but not this one.

I am thankful that they did err on the side of caution because I have a teenage driver that has never driven in icy conditions. I would've worried myself sick until she and her brother made it home safely.

It ended up being a win-win situation for us. The kids had a half day of school and we all took a nap yesterday afternoon because everyone knows that a damp, dreary day makes perfect sleeping weather.

Hallelujah Flash Mob

2010-12-07T09:22:00.004-06:00

This is really fantastic and a great way to start the holiday season!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

You're kidding...right?!

2010-11-30T13:17:00.001-06:00

Just saw this on our local NWS forecast...

This Afternoon:

Rain showers likely before 3pm, then a chance of rain showers, snow showers, and sleet. Cloudy, with a high near 57. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Oh my...

Newest Security Measures

2010-11-15T10:12:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure how I feel about the newest security measures being put into place at airports across the country.

In airports across the country, TSA is installing full-body scanners. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has been using them for the last year as a test program. However, over the course of the next few weeks, a total of 38 scanners will be put in place...much to the dismay of holiday travelers. Can you imagine traveling Thanksgiving weekend with children and having to do this? Ugh!!!

Anyway, these scanners are used to see through your clothing to make sure that you aren't trying to smuggle plastic explosives on your person onto the aircraft. Hmmm...not sure I really want a stranger to see all the intimate details of my body. TSA assures everyone that no one but the person behind the screen will view the scan and the machines don't have the capacity to save images. Still...is the TSA screening their employees for pedophiles and sex offenders?

TSA is giving travelers the option of a physical pat-down in lieu of the FBS. Hmmm...now instead of seeing through my clothes they're touching me in places no stranger should be allowed to do. Again, is the TSA screening their employees?

I understand the reasoning for all of this step-up in security, but when does it become an invasion of privacy. It has given me pause to consider whether or not I will be flying anymore.

My husband just returned from Moscow this past weekend and encountered the newest security measure put into place. He said that the biggest hassle was having to take EVERYTHING out of your pockets. There were no signs at the conveyors that scan your carry-ons that stated passengers needed to remove everything from their pockets, so it caused a back-up at the scanner. All of this adds 3-5 minutes to getting through security. While 3-5 minutes may not sound like much, multiply that by the thousands of travelers flying. Getting to the airport 2 hours before your flight will not be enough anymore. And heaven forbid if a passenger declines the FBS. The TSA agent yelled across the checkpoint for another agent to do a physical pat-down. How embarrassing!!!

I'll be watching to see what effect this new security measure has on the busiest travel weekend of the year.

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T10:00:00.002-06:00

Please take a moment Today (and every day) to thank and say a prayer for all of our veterans. It's because of their sacrifices that we enjoy our freedoms.

Ushanka

2010-11-06T16:35:00.004-05:00

In other words, the fur hats with ear flaps that Russians wear during the winter months. While it doesn't get nearly cold enough here in the Rocket City to wear one on a regular basis, I think these are cool hats.

I like this one:

I wonder if it'll be cold enough this winter to wear one...

Nah...I don't want to have a winter THAT cold!!!

Matryoshka

2010-11-06T16:18:00.004-05:00

I learned this week that this is the proper name of the Russian nesting dolls.

Why do I bring this up?

Well...my Hubby is currently in Moscow for the week. He was asked to bring one home. For the most part, the Matryoshkas are attractive.

Some are not.

Case in point...

However, this is a must have for the die-hard KISS fan's collection.

We'll see which ones he comes home with.

Make your Voice heard...

2010-11-02T09:53:00.004-05:00

Get out and vote today!

I survived...,(edited)

2010-10-18T09:29:00.011-05:00

by far, the busiest week of the season.

It was insanely busy!!!

Isn't he handsome!

I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to have the entire band's uniforms cleaned and returned before a competition AND having our sophomore ladies try on concert dresses so that they will be here before our Christmas concert. I did have help sorting and re-hanging all of the uniforms, otherwise I'd have been there until midnight. I'm so very thankful for my volunteers.

I still haven't fitted all the young ladies. This is despite sending multiple emails stating when and where I would be for fittings. I'm turning in the order on Monday, regardless if everyone has been fitted and they'll just have to order their dress directly from the company.

The highlight of the week was our Band's performance in the Hoover Invitational Marching Band Festival. Here is our entire performance:

The Band received all Superiors and received Best In Show for Drum Majors and Percussion! It was definitely a GREAT night and well worth all the craziness leading up to it.

Two more football games and one more competition, then the 2010 Marching Season will come to an end. It's been a wonderful season and I'm so proud of all of our kids, especially my sousaphone player!

Sparkman High School Band (10/1/10)

2010-10-04T15:45:00.001-05:00

The band has finished setting the show and it looks FANTASTIC!!! Can't wait to see it at competition in a couple of weeks.

Enjoy!

Sparkman High School Band (9/17/2010)

2010-09-19T12:15:00.002-05:00

Wanna go for a walk?

2010-09-19T12:11:00.000-05:00

Sparkman High School Band (09-03-2010)

2010-09-05T14:06:00.003-05:00

Our Band performing at half-time.

It's difficult to pick out my son during the show, even though he's a tuba player,so I had him sit with me and point himself out. All I can tell you is that for the last two songs, he is the tuba standing furthest out from the group on the 23rd yd line. It gives me chill bumps just watching them...they were fantastic!!!

Oh...we also won the game...38-17 over the Grissom Tigers!

Whirlwind Weekend

2010-09-01T09:38:00.002-05:00

It has taken me this long to recover from an incredibly busy weekend...it's Wednesday! Football Friday and Party Saturday

I managed to survive my first football game as band uniform chairperson. All my gloves arrived just in time to distribute to everyone prior to marching into the stadium. I'm still waiting on the drum majors' accessories...this irritates me since I ordered them more than a month ago. I've turned that particular issue over to my band director, in hopes that he can light a fire under whomever is responsible for completing my order. With the exception of a couple of freshmen forgetting their marching shoes, there were no major catastrophes. YEA!!!

This week is my first away game...I just need to make a list of everything that needs to go on the truck.

Much to my surprise...I am not stressed out. Guess I got all that out of my system preparing for F3 day. Whew!

On top of all of the band/football stuff, my husband and I planned/held a party for his co-workers. That turned out to be a HUGE success. Everyone came and had a wonderful time. I think the last two people left at 12:15am Sunday morning. We had pulled pork sandwiches with fixings and everyone brought a side-dish to share. Of course, we had way too much food. All in all, good food and good friends made for a wonderful evening.

I'm ready to do it all again this weekend.

Who's with me?!

Week in review...

2010-08-16T10:24:00.003-05:00

The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me.

Last Monday, a couple of big things happened. It was the first day back to school for my kids. It still hasn't sunk in that this is my oldest's last year of high school. All in all, it went quite well for both of my kids. It, also, was the day I learned that the wife of my husband's co-worker (who is also a friend) is missing and hasn't been heard from since the afternoon of Friday, August 6th. This distresses me very much. While I don't know all of the details (and I don't really want to), I am struggling to understand how one could leave and not say anything to anyone. Her husband and three boys (all of whom are grown and out of the house) are beside themselves with worry. All they want is just to know that she's okay.

Tuesday...my Dad traveled to Mesa to have another colonoscopy done. Nothing unusual in this except that this one was done at the 3 year mark instead of the 5 year mark. Apparently, a test of a polyp came back abnormal. Everything was okay this time, but I still worry. See...my dad had colon cancer in 1984 and, at the time, was given less than 5 years. He beat that by a long shot!!!

That same evening, Hubby and I went to a tasting for Maker's Mark 46. It wasn't what we expected it to be. I suppose we're spoiled since we were able to take part in the purchase of a single-barrel of JD. But...hey, who can say no to free food and beverages, right?!

For the most part, the rest of the week went smoothly. The kids finished their first week. Yay!!! Still no word on my missing friend.

Spoke to my parents, again on Friday evening. My dad let it slip that they were going back to Mesa on Monday (8/16) for a CT and PET scan because his doctor saw something in his bloodwork that she didn't like. Mom wasn't going to say anything until they got the results back because she didn't want to worry me. I'm glad that I know ahead of time, but it still doesn't make me worry any less. They probably won't have any results until mid-late week.

Saturday was family-time. Just the four of us...which hasn't happened since our beach trip in June. We had a great day...took the girl to order her cap/gown, had mexican for lunch, upgraded a game reserve for the boy, took a much-needed nap and spent the evening watching movies.

A very nice end to a rather crazy week.

First of one of the last

2010-08-09T09:30:00.003-05:00

Today, my kids went back to school.

It's the first day of my daughter's last year of high school. I'm not sure what to think of it. On the one hand, I'm super excited for her. Then again, I'm really sad because it means I only have a few more months with her before she's off on her own.

My son is a sophomore and is going to have a great year. He's in the band at the main campus. Yay!!!

My how time flies...

Can we say HOT?!?!

2010-08-02T16:39:00.003-05:00

Tonight Mostly Clear Lo 78 °F	Tuesday Isolated Tstms Hi 99 °F	Tuesday Night Mostly Clear Lo 78 °F	Wednesday Isolated Tstms Hi 100 °F	Wednesday Night Mostly Clear Lo 78 °F	Thursday Isolated Tstms Hi 97 °F	Thursday Night Chance Tstms Lo 77 °F	Friday Chance Tstms Hi 94 °F	Friday Night Slight Chc Tstms Lo 74 °F
This is getting ridiculous!!! I'm just thankful that Band Camp ended last Friday, so that the kids are not marching during the heat of the day. That's not to say it won't be hot during this week's practices, but they are in the late afternoon/early evening. I'm so ready for fall-like temperatures!

And there she goes...

2010-07-10T14:43:00.002-05:00

My girl and her 'new' car.

*sigh*

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T00:00:00.001-05:00

Peaceful

2010-07-01T12:49:00.006-05:00

My beautiful girl...

photo courtesy of Kristen Gerling

Band, band and more band...

2010-06-29T13:44:00.002-05:00

This will be my life from now until...

Well, until my son graduates from high school.

Don't get me wrong, I love volunteering for something that benefits the kids. I have taken on the band uniform chairperson position at my children's high school. The band has 200+ band members. Yes, I said TWO HUNDRED+ band members. That means there are 600+ uniform pieces (coats/pants/shakos) to keep track of. Thankfully, my predecessor did a fantastic job keeping track of everything.

Though, it's still going to be lots of work between now and the first game because the boosters decided to change the way the uniforms are inventoried. Thank goodness that I enjoy organizing stuff because I have A LOT of it to organize and iron. Once I get my system in place, things should run smoothly. It's just getting my system in place that's going to take some time. :)

So if I don't post as often as I usually do, you'll know why...I'm up to my ears in band uniform stuff.

New Recipes

2010-06-07T08:30:00.001-05:00

I added some new recipes to my cooking blog...check them out here.

Happy Birthday, Scottman!!!

2010-05-22T01:27:00.003-05:00

15 years ago at 1:27am, Richard and I welcomed a beautiful 9 pound 1 ounce little boy into the world. He's blessed us in more ways than I can count. Happy Birthday, Scottman!!! I love you more than words can say!!!

We're Not Gonna Take It!

2010-05-19T08:16:00.006-05:00

This is so appropriate for the end of the school year.

Enjoy!

Prom!

2010-05-08T19:50:00.007-05:00

Prom day has finally arrived. My daughter was on this year's prom committee and had a great time working on everything. I'm sure that all of the committee's hard work will have paid off tonight.

Getting ready...my daughter had a friend come to help her with her hair and makeup.

Don't they look wonderful!

I hope that they have a wonderful time tonight.

Busy, busy, busy

2010-05-06T08:52:00.003-05:00

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while, but it's been crazy busy around here.

Hoping to post some prom pictures this weekend. Everything is ready...thank goodness, as prom is Saturday.

More Dress Pictures

2010-04-19T17:47:00.002-05:00

It's Finished!

2010-04-19T12:29:00.006-05:00

I finished my very first formal dress. Last fall, my daughter asked me if I would make her prom dress. I was very hesitant because I'd never worked with taffeta nor had I made a formal dress. Then my competive streak kicked in and the project was started. I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out, especially since I found the fabric for less than $30 in Tennessee. Yay!

This picture shows the true color of the fabric.

Prom isn't for a few more weeks, but I promise to post pictures of my daughter in this dress.

Now, I can relax!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T09:10:00.002-05:00

Enough already!

2010-03-21T09:28:00.001-05:00

Dear local weather 'gurus',

It's officially Spring now, please stop forecasting rain/snow showers. Regular 'ole rain will do.

'Kay, thanks!

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree

2010-03-12T13:36:00.000-06:00

Back in January, I mentioned in a post that our neighbor's boys were playing out on the frozen neighborhood 'lake'. It was not thick enough for them to be out on it, so they earned the 'Darwin Award' for the week.

Well, this morning we had severe thunderstorms complete with marble-size hail roll through about 5:45am. Guess what?!? The 'Darwin Award' winners' mother was out RUNNING in it. Can we say STUPID?! Not only was it hailing, but it was also lightning like crazy.

Natural selection at work is all I can say!

Weekend

2010-03-05T09:44:00.002-06:00

It's finally Friday after a VERY long week.

It's supposed to be a gorgeous late winter/early spring weekend.

This is my agenda for the weekend:

*Open all the windows to air out the house (then dust mop all the pollen up, LOL)
*Finish painting the living room
*Get outside and enjoy the weather, maybe clean out a few flowerbeds
*Grill burgers...the boy has been asking for some grilled burgers
*Hmmm...and whatever else I can come up with

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. If the weather is nice where you are, get out and enjoy it!

I can relate

2010-02-24T09:43:00.002-06:00

This is how I felt being up on a ladder painting a wall with a 13' ceiling.

I don't know why...

2010-02-21T12:48:00.005-06:00

but I thought this was funny.

Or go here for a larger, easier to read version.

Spring is coming

2010-02-19T09:20:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, I saw a bluebird pair scouting out our bluebird houses.

Hopefully soon, I'll be hearing the crawdads as they emerge from their winter hiding places.

Yay!!!

Wishing

2010-02-15T15:57:00.003-06:00

Wishing I could turn back the clock and do some things differently.
These last several months have been very stressful for me. For several reasons, I cannot be specific.

Suffice it to say that the end of the current school year can't get here fast enough.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T08:46:00.002-06:00

It's the simple things that make me happy!

2010-02-13T16:45:00.007-06:00

Y'all,

I have a new washer/dryer set.

The previous set (GE/Hotpoint) was 19 years old. They had always been reliable up until a few months ago. Thankfully, I had been doing research on what I wanted to replace them with because Hubby and I had been nursing the dryer on for a couple of months, then the washing machine just QUIT! Guess all those years of doing laundry wore them out.

I'm so thrilled with my new set. It's sooooo very quiet and efficient. No more running the dryer twice just to make sure the clothes are dry. No more stinky washer in the summer time because I forgot to leave the lid open so it could air out. It will be interesting to see what kind of changes occur in our utility and water bills.

Laundry is a lot more fun with my new set!

It's happened again...

2010-02-13T15:04:00.004-06:00

for the 2nd Friday in a row, my city has been in the news for a senseless shooting. This time it took place at my alma mater, The University of Alabama - Huntsville.

Dr. Amy Bishop, assistant professor in the Biology department at The University of Alabama - Huntsville, shot 6 of her co-workers in a faculty meeting. Three were killed - Dr. Gopi Podila, Dr. Maria Ragland Davis and Dr. Adriel Johnson. Dr. Joseph Leahy, Stephanie Monticciolo and Dr. Luis Rogelio were wounded in the attack. Dr. Leahy and Ms. Monticciolo are in critical condition and Dr. Rogelio was in stable condition (as of 8am CST Saturday). All of them are being treated at a local hospital. Their families are in my prayers. I cannot begin to imagine how heartbroken they are.

Since yesterday afternoon, there has been a constant stream of information being put forth about Dr. Bishop. Here's what I've learned - She is married to UAH geneticist/researcher, James Anderson. Together, they have 4 children. The news reports state that her tenure had been denied months ago and that this upcoming semester would be her last at UA-Huntsville. In today's local paper, it's reported that she accidentally shot and killed her brother in December 1986 while cleaning a shotgun and she was released to her mother by the police chief. She was 20 years old at the time. The records from that arrest disappeared in 1987. Sounds kinda fishy, I'm just saying...

There are a lot of unanswered questions and in the days/weeks/months to come I'm sure that we'll be learning more than we ever wanted to know about Dr. Amy Bishop.

Senseless Tragedy

2010-02-06T08:45:00.003-06:00

Yesterday afternoon there was a shooting a neighborhood middle school. I'm still trying to come to terms with how it's possible that a child has access to a weapon and a loaded one at that. I believe that it's law (at least where I live) that guns and ammunition must be stored separately in locked storage devices. This may be very naive on my part, but it seems like common sense NOT to store them together.

It is my opinion that in today's society, adults (parents/school administration) are not stepping up to the plate when it comes to disciplining their children. Ultimately, parents are responsible for making sure that their children show respect and obey the authority of other adults when not at home. I have witnessed it first hand where a child gets in trouble at school and tells the assistant principal that he/she doesn't have to listen to the AP because they are not their mom/dad. Excuse me!?! Growing up if I spoke to another adult like that I knew that not only was I in trouble at school, but I was DEFINITELY in trouble at home. Most children, today, do not have that fear of repercussions (my two do because I've told them so). The only way we're going to solve this problem is for parents and school personnel to work together when it comes to disciplining children. To let them know that there are other ways to work out their differences that don't involve violence and possibly taking another's life.

I am praying for the shooting victim's family and classmates. Prayers are also being offered to the shooter and his family. I can't begin to imagine the pain/sorrow/guilt they must be experiencing.

It's a very sad situation.

Happy Birthday to...

2010-02-05T09:37:00.001-06:00

me!

Pluto is changing color...

2010-02-04T15:31:00.004-06:00

according to NASA and pictures taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. The pictures of Pluto were taken in 2002.

I think this is so cool! Though, it is kind of sad that Pluto was demoted from our 9th planet to a "dwarf planet" in 2006. I suppose I just don't understand NASA's definition of what constitutes a planet.

Ugh!

2010-02-03T13:19:00.003-06:00

You know...if it's gonna be this icky, we should at least get some decent snow!

Out with a bang...

2010-01-29T12:00:00.003-06:00

January is going out just like it came in with snow and ice, but not quite the bitter cold.

Wow!

2010-01-23T14:22:00.006-06:00

This is what spun up out of nowhere during Thursday afternoon rush hour. My daughter and I were sitting in the dentist's office when the storm first developed over Madison. At the time, it was producing very heavy rain and some penny-size hail. As the storm moved toward Huntsville proper, it became much stronger. The local television stations were so thrilled to have caught the storm/tornado on their camera network that they spent the better part of an hour Thursday evening talking about it. Although it did uproot a lot of very large trees and damage property, no one was seriously injured. A couple of teens were scared out of their wits when their truck was literally blown off the road and into a house by the tornado. I heard on Friday that the NWS believed it was an EF2 tornado. Scary!!!

I think all of us here were quiet surprised that we could have a tornado spin up in January, especially after we'd just spent the first 10 days of the month sub-freezing.

Kudos to whomever snapped this photo!

Mmmmm...Birthday Cupcakes!!!

2010-01-16T14:27:00.006-06:00

Not just any birthday cupcakes, either.

Gigi's Cupcakes!!!

I had heard from several friends that Gigi's Cupcakes are to die for. It doesn't matter which one you try, they are all good according to my friends. In honor of my daughter's upcoming 17th birthday, I thought we'd try one...or two...or three. My daughter chose "Apple Spice & Everything Nice," my son chose "Lemon Dream Supreme," and Hubby & I chose "Midnight Magic" (which was a triple chocolate creation). Yummmm!!! Consensus was unanimous - Gigi's Cupcakes are To Die For. May have to go back for either a Bailey's Irish Cream and/or Scarlett's Red Velvet.

Happy 17th birthday to my sweet daughter!!!

January Snow

2010-01-08T15:43:00.004-06:00

Brrr...

I think we may have gotten half an inch on the grassy areas. Definitely not the 1-3 inches the local weather gurus were calling for.

Our frozen lake...

Pretty, but not thick enough to walk on. Though, don't tell our neighbor's boys that because they won't listen.

Can anyone say "Darwin Awards?"

I didn't sign up for this...

2010-01-06T08:41:00.004-06:00

extremely cold weather, that is.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that Northern Alabama could be this cold. As a friend pointed out yesterday, Denver was warmer than we were. Ugh! I'm just thankful that we don't live in the upper Midwest because it has been FRIGID up there. Brrrrrr...

I suppose that we're due for this nasty cold as it's been 14 years since we've had a decent snow. In February 1996, we received eight inches of snow on top of 1/2" ice and were stuck at home for eight days. The local weather gurus are predicting anywhere from a dusting up to 3 inches of the white stuff. If it continues to stay this cold and we do get snow, it's gonna be around for several days.

So, here's to a decent snow and some hot chocolate. Now, where's my peppermint schnapps?!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T16:14:00.002-06:00

May 2010 be everything that you want it to be!

Do you remember Heatmiser?

2009-12-24T15:03:00.007-06:00

Well, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy has redone the song. I couldn't find a really good video of BBVD playing at the B.B. King Lounge, but I did find this. Thanks to Hubby's research, I have another "Christmas Music That Doesn't Suck" favorite.

Enjoy!!!

Merry Christmas...

2009-12-24T08:54:00.003-06:00

from our house to yours.

OMG - are these people for real?!

2009-12-18T20:39:00.001-06:00

My husband found this blog of stupid customer comments.

Beware it's addicting!

I'm continually amazed at how stupid people really are.

My favorite version of Silent Night

2009-12-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Emergency Appendectomy!

2009-12-17T06:21:00.004-06:00

That's how my husband and I spent our entire Wednesday.

He woke up in the middle of the night not feeling too well. Thinking it was food poisoning or just an upset tummy, he took some of the pink stuff. Well that didn't work, so then he drank a glass of milk. Much to Hubby's dismay, the milk didn't work either and as a last resort, he tried Alka Seltzer. That wonderful combination of things came back to haunt him and I found him hugging the porcelain throne.

Hubby looked so pitiful!

I asked him which doctor he wanted to see...doc-in-the-box or our family physician. He opted for the family physician, so off we went later that morning for the first of three visits to medical facilities. On our way to his appointment, I asked him to explain his symptoms (no, I'm not a nurse, but I play one on tv) and said to him "what do you want to bet that you have appendicitis?" His response was a roll of the eyes and "I sure hope not." After seeing our doctor, she recommended that Hubby have an abdominal MRI done to rule out appendicitis. Guess what the MRI doctor said...he was 99.9% sure that Hubby's pain and other uncomfortable symptoms were due to his appendix, so off we went to the hospital.

I'm still amazed at the fact that the hospital got him from preop-surgery-recovery-home in less than 5 hours. AND the staff at the hospital was/are FANTASTIC. We cannot say enough wonderful things about them.

Through all of this, I am blessed to have such wonderful friends. I'm so thankful for the one who allowed my teenagers to hang at her house, then brought them home, for everyone sent prayers and offers to help and for the dear girlfriend who brought me dinner because she knew that I hadn't eaten all day. I couldn't have made it without you!!!

BTW - Hubby was disappointed when the doctor told him that he couldn't have his appendix to take home because they were sending it out for pathology. Where in the world would I have put THAT thing.

Something to think about...

2009-12-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm really impressed with this song.

There is more to Christmas than just packages dressed in pretty ribbons and bows.