I leave next Friday on a long weekend away to visit family that I have not seen in around 5 years! Due to school and work schedules I have not had the chance to go along with my immediate family to see all my cousins and my grandma down in West Virginia (where I was born), so it will be wonderful to catch up with everyone. We are also going to Kentucky to visit my brother and his family at Fort Knox (he was just transferred there from Fort Drum). My niece is about to turn 5 and I have not seen her in a couple of years, so of course this will be great as well!
Beyond that, I plan to enjoy the sunshine and keep plugging away at my grad school classes. I am done with my MBA in December so the course work is intensifying and making free time something I will soon be without :).
My family is leaving tomorrow for our annual spring trip up the California Central Coast. This is our last trip as a family since my son is going off to college this fall. We will go again after he graduates, but it won't be the same. He'll be an adult and the dynamics will be different.
After this weekend the rest of this spring will be getting him out of high school and my daughter out of 8th grade.
To all moms with young kids: enjoy every second. It goes by fast!
Yes a lot of worrying for no reason. It was easier with my younger son because I had already been through it. They are so excited though. You just have to be excited for them and not let them see your anxiety or it will put a damper on their experience.
I was worse last week when I found out he'd been accepted to a college back east, but I'm coming to terms with it. I'm just sad he's going to be out of our daily lives.
Enjoy your trip with your son. I can imagine how ward it is to see him grown up, still your child but no longer a little boy. No matter how old he gets he'll always need his mom, make some special memories on this trip!
We are spending two weeks in California in June. My cousin is getting married in San Diego and we'll be attending that. We'll also visit my aunt, my dad and his family, my husbands brother, my husbands aunt and my husbands best friend. We plan on celebrating my kids birthday's (my son will be 5 and my daughter will be 8) and father's day (with my dad) while we are there. I'm hoping to make it to Knott's and the Wild Animal Park while we are there. We'll be driving from CO to CA and making a stop in Vegas, for a night or two, on our way there. I want to take the kids to Circus Circus. I'm really looking forward to taking two weeks off of work. I haven't had a real vacation in years!
I have MUCH gardening to do this year. All of the ice this year ruined most of my plants. I'm actually pretty excited to do something new and am definately looking forward to spending some time outdoors. My SIL is getting married this summer and I'm the MOH, so I am in serious need of a tan for the skimpy dresses she's picked out!
Daisy, your son is a year older than mine (and your daughter a year younger than one of mine.) I feel the same way about them leaving.
Our calendar is quickly filling up with parties and little trips and places we need to be for the spring. I am so looking forward to Easter and the time we will have together. We've been stretched and pulled a lot recently.
I think I may be working part-time in the summer. My job is tied to the school year so I have taken summers off since having children. Not sure yet.
We may take the kids south to see a potential "move-to" place. I would love to stay at a beach house on the Outer Banks as part of that trip. (Like the Gosselins?..maybe I can find that free one they stayed at!) Maybe we will run into eachother SamanthaNC?
Daisy, I remember being so sad and mine even stayed in the state. It was a rite of passage for all of us, they had mixed feelings about going away. It does get okay and you start to relax, there's perks after you get used to it. Besides missing them, I missed all the noise of their friends around.
Jenn, that sounds like a great trip!! A wedding, birthdays, Father's Day, Circus Circus? Could you pack anymore good times and celebrations in there?
I will be putting in a garden all next week. We used to have one all the time and had stopped for awhile. I started it again about 5/6 years ago I love the garden and it's nice for my parents. It does them a lot of good to have it to putter in. It was a happy moment when I checked out the soil last week. It's been worked enough to be nice and loose. It will be much easier this year. It's been nice to have my little one do the same things I did as a kid w/my parents. She always has two cherry tomatoes and a couple of pumpkins that are hers to care for and pick. We've had one cookout and a night of sitting around the fire. I'm yearning for those yummy fresh vegetables from the early harvests around here.
My mother is coming into town on Easter Sunday for a week. I should be happy she finely is coming to visit the grandchildren she hasn't seen in two years but it's stressful. My mother and I don't have the best of relationships so it's going to be interesting. I'm keeping an open mind and praying this trip will be good. Nina: I wish I loved gardening and now I have a house I may need to dig in the gardens too this spring. Someone has to do it!!
Spring activities....work, attend the musical my son is in this month, bake a ham, work, start the pain management clinic, have a CT scan, oh and did I mention work?
Daisy: I felt sad when my oldest went away to college - 2 hours away - but then I found myself not so sad when she would come home on break. I've been through it three times. The worst was when my baby stayed in North Jersey after graduation. That was the hardest because I realized he had grown up and didn't need his mommy anymore. Planning a baby shower for my oldest in two weeks and then will become a grandmom for the first time!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, MrsRef, a Grandma! You are going to love it!! There is no better feeling in the world. It is beyond all joy, it will awaken in you feelings you never even knew you had. 'So happy for you! Congratulations!
I can't commiserate with the college Moms, mine all stayed home, two went to colleges nearby, one went to Katherine Gibbs nearby, one is a nurse's aide in a Children's Hospital and didn't go to college at all, and another dropped out before he got his degree and works for a company installing cables for computers. They all seem happy with their choices and that's all that matters.
So far, no big plans for spring, although I may take my grandson to the shore if his allergies are bad again this year. Both my family and my husband's family decided we'll all go out for Easter (over thirty of us! My sister-in-law and I did the cooking for Thanksgiving but this time we'll eat out and come back to our house for dessert, much more relaxing). My husband has the green thumb in this family, I just supervise!
Yes, she is doing very well AND my son found a job. He started on Monday. He is moving into a new apartment on the day of the shower. Hectic but it is a good diversion for the shower - she thinks we are all helping with their move. God is Good!!!!!!
Mrs. Ref, let us know when you get your little grandbaby.
Mom--I, too, am having family over. My big planning excitement was reading in some magazine about how to grow grass in a container for your centerpiece. And then we planned on sticking some eggs in it. Well the grass still has a loooong way to go. My mom said she'll just dig up her sod if we need to ; )
I am soooooo annoyed about bad weather that knocks our satellite out!!!!
Also-- heard on my local FM station, "hey did you hear all the drama about J&K? Well they are DEFINITELY gearing up for a 5th season..." I don't know what this is based on at all or why they randomly brought it up. Just sayin.
Thanks for all the good wishes. I wish I could have a vegetable garden but absolutely nothing grows in my yard. We have a smallish yard and very big trees that provide nice shade but keep things from growing. We can't even get grass to actually grow. There is nothing like a fresh grown (Jersey) tomato but alas, I can't have any. We used to be part of a community garden which was really cool but they don't have one where we live now.
Spring is going to be filled with regular school work, but this summer I am going to Spain! It will be my first time out of North America, and I am soooo excited!
bigsis88 said... Spring is going to be filled with regular school work, but this summer I am going to Spain! It will be my first time out of North America, and I am soooo excited!
Tell us more! Where part of the country will be visiting? For how long? What do you have planned?
I am excited for you. Your first trip out of North America. That is awesome! I know you are a hard working college student. Time to reward yourself a bit.
My daughter (17) is going to Mexico for ten days in June as part of a school trip. I am excited for her as well.
That is pretty exciting! I have never been to Spain but would like to. Maybe you can write about your experiences and send in a post when you get back. I am sure it would be an interesting read.
Mrsref, I also have to add my congrats that your daughter is doing well and also about your son. How exciting that it's almost time for the baby!! Best wishes for all!
Bigis88, Spain sounds awesome, what made you chose Spain? Just curious. Have a great time!
To Bella Donna - you mentioned Pain Management Center and CT. I cringed reading your Post. I have been through surgery, Pain Management, epidural pain blocks, CTs, MRIs, you name it - been there. I'm finally in a Pain Management Center that has gotten a pretty good hold on my pain, with just a few break-throughs but it's manageable. I only get a few down days a month instead of weeks. I have spinal stenosis, neck and lower back - herniated discs, severe degeneration and expected to be wheel-chair bound within 5-10 years. But I refused to let the pain stop my life so I just get up and go as best that I can because there are so many that have it much worse than me!! Anyway - when I saw your post I wanted to let you know that I wish you the best and hope things work out and that the Pain Management Center can help you and that you find some relief. You just have to keep pushing and don't take any B.S. from the doctors. Sorry - didn't mean to go on and on. Back to Spring Plans - no big ones. My father is coming out from West-by-God Virginia for Easter, it's a long trip for him and he's been having heart problems so we really enjoy the time when he does get to Maryland. We have our annual Easter egg hunt which the adults enjoy more than the children, well almost! It's just great spending time with the family. I hope everyone here enjoys their plans and time with the family!! Happy Easter/Spring, Enjoy!!
Weed - sorry for what you are dealing with. My heart goes out to you.
Cincy Mom - I did the little grass seed pots years ago. They turned out really cute, but I think I started growing the seeds about a month out. I never thought about using them as a centerpiece. I used mine going down my front steps outside in clay pots. Afterward, I used each one as sod to fill in "puppy" holes in the yard! LOL!
The good news about Easter is my Mom offered to bring the ham - cold/sliced and warm in her yummy mixture of pineapple and cherry juices - YUM-O-RAMA! And, it seems everyone else is bringing a salad, quiche or casserole which will help my H and I out greatly. Now I'm just praying for good weather so we can set up the patio with extra seating for guests. I think we'll have close to 50 people at our house. Plus, we're going to have a little Easter egg hunt for all the kiddies. Since all the young ones are pretty much 4 and under - we use the plastic colored eggs and fill them with different items. Each kid then finds their "color." It works out really well. Last year my little one was still too young to "get it," but I think this year he will have a blast. We're also beginning at 11am and going into the afternoon. That way the kids who still nap can enjoy the whole day and the parents and adults can relax a bit after the kids go down for naps. Thank goodness we have extra bedrooms! LOL!
Weed and Bella Donna - stay strong and I'll remember you in prayer.
Mom, that ham sounds great, I've used the pineapple but I never thought of cherry. Good idea! I'm going to do a dinner on Saturday since we're going out on Easter Sunday, I was going to make lamb but now I think I'll steal your Mom's idea.
I am going to Toledo, which is about 30 minutes SE of Madrid, for 6 weeks. I'm going to be taking 2 3-credit classes, and we have about 5 scheduled trips around the country. The place we will be staying also offers cultural classes, so I'm still debating whether I should take Flamenco or a cooking class.
Nina Bell, I think I am going to start a travel blog, since I'm hoping to travel more before graduating. I will definitely write a post (or 2 or 3, lol) and share my experiences.
Merryway, I chose Spain because I am a Spanish major, and I want to eventually become a professor. I'm fluent, but the dialect they speak there is so different from what I've learned (they have a completely different verb conjugation that I have learned to read and write, but that isn't used in any other Spanish-speaking countries, so I don't use it in speech).
I'm so excited to get away, I haven't really been enjoying any of my classes this semester, so I'm just chugging along until school is out. It's one of those times where all of my classes are either University or major requirements, so they aren't necessarily things I'm interested in. Hopefully next semester is better, but at least I have the summer to look forward to!
The conversation about kids leaving the nest hits home for me, since I go to an out-of-state school now. I think my parents were sad to let me go, since I've always been the golden child, but I'm only an hour and a half from home, so it's not so bad. In May we have 5 graduations to celebrate. One of my sisters is graduating from high school, and the 3 youngest are graduating from 8th grade. On top of that my cousin (who's like my 7th sister) is graduating from high school as well. I guess I'll be spending the time I have before leaving for Spain planning graduation parties!
I wish I could plant a nice garden, but I think I'm an accidental plant killer. :-) Plus, my dad is so meticulous about the landscaping around our house that I doubt he'd let me touch his plants!
Bigsis88, Spain sounds wonderful. It's so great you are going. I am jealous.
Weed and Bella Donna, So sorry to hear that pain is a daily thing for you. I have RA and lived with pain for about 5 years until I tried the med. I am on right now. I woke up the next morning so improved I was shocked at first. I looked at my hands and feet and cried. I hadn't even realized how bad I was until it stopped hurting. MrsRef is right, God is good. I do hope that you find relief, too.
Eileen, How will you prepare the ham from Mom's ddescription? I need more info...what will you do?
Omg, the way you guys were talking, I thought this Sunday was Easter. I was so relieved it wasn't. I have been a ditz lately I just can't seem to get it together these last couple of weeks.
Weed, you remind me of a friend of mine who has RA, you are a tough cookie.
Best of luck to you Bella Donna, I hope it helps.
St., I'm so surprised you have RA. So very glad you found a treatment that worked.
Bigis88, I really look forward to hearing about your experiences over there. Flamenco or cooking? Those are fun choices.
I don't think it's that difficult, but I'll check with my Mom just to make sure. I think she pours a mixture of pineapple and cherry juices in a pan along with pineapple slices left in a circle on top. Maybe some brown sugar? Then puts it in the oven. I'll ask her tomorrow though - LOL! It's my favorite. I will never forget about 5 years ago we all went to my parents for Easter Sunday. I was craving the hot ham with pineapple. All of a sudden, she says "dinner is ready" - we line up towards the kitchen and NO HAM! For the first time in 50+ years, my mom did turkey for Easter. OMG. EVERYONE asked about the ham. I felt bad for my poor Mom. She will never do that again! LOL!
Another fun EAster thing that the women in my H family has been doing for years - they bring as many little potted garden flowers as there are women at the dinner. Nothing fancy. I keep mine in the little egg carton type containers they come in and place them in an Easter themed loot/party bag with Easter grass. It's nice because you come home with an assortment of annuals to put in your planters or garden beds!
Oh, I love the plant idea, Mom! And thanks for asking your Mom about the recipe. I'm no gourmet so the easier the better I say! That's what I always loved about a turkey or any kind of roast, throw them in the oven and pretty much forget about them! It's all the 'fixin's' that usually are time-consuming (and messy!). My family's not fussy though, thank goodness, and they don't expect much from me.
I hope you all have a great spring! I love reading about your Easter plans. Im not sure what my family is going to do, we always have a big meal but for the extended family Im not sure. I live in Canada and it snowed last night so its still undecided if they will be able to travel to my family's house. If not we have a big get together in the summer. :) Which is usually more fun because there is much more to do in the summer for the kids on the farm. :)
OK ya'll I need some help :). I leave this coming Friday for West Virginia and Kentucky (we leave early Friday and I come home the following Tuesday evening). I have one book already to read in the car (per Merryway's suggestiong I got "The Stranger Beside Me" and started reading it awhile ago, then got sidetracked by classes, so I will work on that).
My question is this: if you have limited space in a car (my dad is driving with my mom and one of my younger brothers in the car), what books or magazines would you bring? I plan to grab one more book and check out the latest magazines, but was curious if any of you had favorites for a road trip. It will be 10 plus hours each way as well as 5 hours to Kentucky from my Grandma's house.
(This is part of the reason why I have not made this trip in years-- it feels like we spend more time in the car than with our extended family!! My brother and sister in law are coming as well with my nephew, and I am riding home with them. I had planned to drive but we all agreed that since there was room in cars for me it was better for me to just help pay for gas and expenses instead of take a whole separate car just for myself.)
The Shack is a quick read, it's sad, it's weird, it's inspiring, it's thought-provoking, but it's not for everybody. I liked it a lot though, it's one of my new favorites. Whenever we travel I just pick up mindless magazines to read quick stories (People, Us, that type of thing).
Mom--I love the idea of serving cold ham and warm ham. Can you clarify the warm ham part. I get the mix of juices and pineapple. How long do you warm it and what do you do with it? Is the ham heated with it too?
I just got off the phone with my mom. She said she pre-warms the juices, fruit, brown sugar and a little butter. Then, layers the ham in a casserole dish and pours the warmed juices over it. She halves each cherry and places them, along with the pineapple circle slices on top. She recommends covering it and just placing it in a warm oven just prior to serving. Cooking it can dry up the ham.
Sounds easy shmeezy, doesn't it? It's delightful. I prefer hot ham over cold ham any day.
Are you able to read in the car? I can not. I get pretty sick actually. Wish I could. Watching movies is not an issue for me so I always bring along the portable DVD player. Also my IPOD.
Merryway,
I read The Stranger Bedside Me. Great read. My husband reads every Ann Rule book out there and I try to read as many as I have time for.
Lizabeth, I would be downloading or borrowing audio books. Something with earphones might come in handy on a long family trip. Reading in the car is not an option for me, blech.
Nina, Ann Rule is great isn't she? I was out of town the one time she did a signing that was sort-of nearby. I would have driven and stood in line to have her sign a book. I know she has some new books out there and I plan to get caught up this summer.
I read a whole bunch of Anne Rule books in the 90's. My husband's stepmother gave them to me. He had to ask her to stop giving me her books though because I would be terrified at night. The Staranger Beside Me is the best of them all. I could never read that stuff if I lived alone. Ugh! Right now, I am alone in the house, and it is dark, and the wind is howling...
I'm going to finish The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman which is only kid-scary. But first, I am turning on every light.
"Small Sacrifices." Diane Downs is one frightening woman. True story about a woman who shot her three children. If I remember right, two survived. Farrah Fawcett played Diane Downs in the movie.
Lizabeth, I just noticed your post asking for a book recommendation. Do you like history or historical fiction? I loved That Dark and Bloody River,by Allan W. Eckert. I think you'll be driving through some of areas mentioned in the book. It's about the struggle between the Native Americans and the settlers of the Ohio River Valley. I think it's a fair account of the clash between the two cultures. I loved it. It's not Jane Austen, though.
Small Sacrifices was a good movie. I didn't read the book. Diane Downs father is also scary. He has a website saying she didn't try to kill her kids. I haven't gone to it and Diane is in a prison here in Oregon. I don't remember when she's up for parole, neither this year or the next.
Re: Small Sacrifices and the Stranger Beside. I can't believe both of those people were able to escape. Diane Downs got out once and hid out for a couple of weeks. I remember she has to serve some time for that after she gets paroled (irc). Ted Bundy got away twice. Scary Scary.
OK ladies, you gone done it. You made me cry. Thank you for your kindness & well wishes.
I am really doped up right now, so I hope this all makes sense. The past few days have been awful. I have Meralgia Parasthetica, and found out Thursday that I also have bursitis in my right hip, arthritis in my back, Trigeminal Neuralgia AND Plantar Fasciitis. I'm 36 years old. I am too young for this crap.
So anyway, today was a nightmare. I was on my feet at work nonstop, literally, for 10 hours. I presently work in the food industry & there was a HUGE event today. By the time I got done, I was in so much pain from my lower back down to my feet that I couldn't stop crying. So I called my dr's office & was told to be seen in the ER. A shot of Toradol, Flexeral & 2 Lortab later, I was sent home. The pain wasn't gone, but it was more manageable. So I get my PJ's on & I notice I have hives all over my arms, chest & stomach. I call the ER & they tell me to take Benadryl, so I did & the hives are gone, but now I'm really dopey. Where the hives came from, no clue. I am allergic to morphine though, so they're figuring the Lortab.
So thank you ladies, because you made me feel good for the first time today. And I will keep those of you who suffer with pain in my thoughts & prayers as well.
Oh, Bella Donna, take care. I'm sorry you're having to deal with all that. You are too young! I'm three years older and definitely feel that the old body is breaking down (I have a bad knee - the cartilige has apparently deteriorated a bit). But I don't have anything chronic nor am I in constant pain. I really feel for those of you who are.
It certainly sounds like a nightmare. I have/had plantar fasciitis and a pretty painful case of it. The exercises helped immensely as well as some special insoles I purchased for my shoes. It comes back from time to time but never as bad as the first time I developed it when I was about your age.
I have been wanting to ask you about your screen name. There are quite a few meanings behind that.
Bella Donna, I am sorry for your suffering. That's horrible to be in pain all the time. I was in a car accident in my mid-20s that messed me up. I ended up being in a wheel-chair for about 1 ½ yrs. After my second back surgery, bursitis and arthritis started affecting my joints. By the third surgery, my back was strong enough for them to take all the metal out. I went through a lot of those nasty cortisone shots and had to try a bunch of diff meds. I have to have one more to repair some damage from falling down some icy steps a yr ago. I have to wait because my surgeon doesn't take my insurance. I know the days you are on your feet that long how it can burn and just rip you up. I hope the pain center helps and I wish you the best. It may take a while to find what works best for you, but hopefully your pain can be eased to make your life easier. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
I havent read the shack but I know ppl who have and LOVE it and some ppl who hated it and thought it was "blasphemous".
Nina- I wish I could read in the car too but it makes me sooooo sick.
Bella Donna- Sending lots of well wishes and prayers for you :)
Guin- I had to have 2 reconstructive knee surgeries in high school + a year and a half of PT. I hope you don't have to hoe that row! Cartilage issues can be annoying to say the least. Has your knee decided to randomly throw you onto the floor yet?
Haven't posted in the open discussion before but, my little guy's first bday is coming up on the 17th, he was 5 and a half weeks prem, and I was in the hospital from April 10th to the 21st, he was born on the 17th spent 5 days in a level III nursery then got transferred down to a level II nursery and stayed in the hospital for 19 days total. So since the anniversary is coming up, I'm getting emotional, tomorrow, the 6th is the anniversary of our last outing of 3, meaning my oldest, my hubby and I. In other news, my girl who is 2 and a half, had her very first sleepover at Tota (Grandma in Mohawk)'s house last night and it all went good, can't believe they are growing up so fast !
Thanks for all the tips on books and magazines- I will look into some of the suggestions and see how many I can get through! I have been downloading new music for my iPod (I just saw Seussical the Musical last night and got the soundtrack-- it is really cute, so I would highly recommend it!). The biggest issue I have is that my final project for the course I am in now in my MBA is due next Thursday (after my vacation). I plan to get as much done as I can this week, but I will need to get some work done over the long weekend as well. Part of me wants to just fast forward till December when I am done so that I can actually read books for fun instead of for a grade :). At the same time, it was my choice to go back to school so I am focusing on my degree while also attempting to take time and enjoy myself!
Nina, yes I can read in the car very easily-- I've never had issues with motion sickness. My mom gets car sick watching me read so she just rests and looks out the window. She has told me stories of traveling when she was a girl from North Carolina, where she grew up, to Nebraska. They went every summer to visit family and she had to just sit there the entire trip or else she would be sick. Not my idea of a good time, but when you are a kid you don't have much of a choice :).
Bella Donna, you are in my thoughts and prayers- please keep us updated.
Merryway, I had no idea you had gone through so much!! Thank you for sharing with us-- I hope that you are able to get your surgery ASAP.
jabbasmama, What a special birthday for your little one!! I'm sure you're emotional remembering all that. What an ordeal you both went through. I hope you you guys have a wonderful time.
I would also like to thank this board for not being one that makes fun of typos. Mine drive me crazy. I see that kind of thing all the time on other boards.
My best wishes to you, Bella Donna. I do hope you have a better spring soon. Congratulations to jabbasmama on a huge accomplishment! The first year...and not an easy start. happy Birthday. merrway, I didn't know you'd dealt with that either. I can't imagine a year in a wheelchair.
Btw, a lot of the bad pain stuff seems like a lifetime ago. I didn't want anyone to think I was still in that type of condition. My pain is manageable and I can do almost everything now excluding amusement rides. I just do have to do it slower and then rest the old bod.
Jabbasmama, happy first year to your little guy. My son was 2 days premie with no Nicu visit and I know it wasn't a hardship in that sense but I understand the waiting. I have severe(sp) anemia with other medical problems and I'm running on empty all the time. It's a pain but right now there is nothing I can do about it so I don't let it get to me and my Diabetes is stable so I'm happy about that one.
Everyone who's having health problems I feel your pain. It's been going on 2 years for me with no results to why I'm the way I am so the Doctor's pump me with medications to just band-aid the situation until they can figure me out.
Okay, I didn't want to get into my life story here but I just wanted to give my support.
I wish I could read in the car too but it makes me sooooo sick.
When I was growing up we didn't have a car - we lived in the city and pretty much took the bus everywhere. That may be why I had horrible bouts of carsickness whenever I rode in one. My early years are a blur of arriving at destinations with my mom having to clean vomit off of me. Yuck.
Now, I'm usually the driver when I'm in a car - I like that better! I do get a little sick on airplanes sometimes, especially if the ride is at all bumpy. I remmeber once flying down to LA and I was sitting next to my boss and towards the end of the flight I was feeling REALLY sick. All I could think was, "Don't throw up in front of the boss, don't throw up in front of the boss" - I made it, but it was a near thing!
I had to have 2 reconstructive knee surgeries in high school + a year and a half of PT. I hope you don't have to hoe that row! Cartilage issues can be annoying to say the least. Has your knee decided to randomly throw you onto the floor yet?
No, but it sounds delightful! Because I'm not clumsy enough on my own...
My knee doesn't sound nearly as bad as what you had to go through! It's more just the realization that the old body is breaking down. (I just flexed my knee and it's making the worst crunching noises. Ew. Though I remember the doctor telling me that her knees made noise too, so I guess it's not a huge indicator of anything. Just kind of gross.)
I really should find the sheet the doctor gave me with recommended exercises to do.
Jabbasmom, I missed your comment when I commented earlier, but happy birthday to your little guy!! My nephew was 6 weeks premature and turned one in December- he is a little smaller than his peers but has caught up and then some mentally and milestone-wise. I am so happy for you guys-- it has been amazing for us to see how much this little guy has brought to our lives. We never would have imagined he would have such a huge personality with such a little body!
Cincymom, I have made redskin potatoes before in the oven. We cut them into halves or quarters, then put them in a foil pouch with olive oil and seasonings like rosemary and some salt and pepper. Then, bake until tender. It was so wonderful and super easy. As much as I love mashed potatoes, sometimes roasting them is a nice change of pace :).
I have heard the Beverly Lewis books are great-- I will take a look!
I have no idea why I typed December for my nephew's birthday when it is actually October. My mind is just in Monday mode I suppose!! So, to correct myself, he was born in October (a week after my birthday in fact), not December.
Not to change topic, but Im wondering which is better: Google Account or Blogger Account? Or is there no difference, Im trying to create an ID but Im not sure which is better.
Well I think I figured it out, lol I dunno lets see if it shows me as having an account. I just fill in the Google/Blogger circle right? Ok well here it goes...
Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. I know from my experiences that I just can't let the pain and thoughts of the future ruin my "NOW" - if that makes sense. The pain is everyday- some worse, some better but I can't let it run my life. I wish everyone who has struggled with an illness and the pain to find help to get some relief and to have a strong family and friends for support because that is what's so important. If it weren't for my family and their support and comfort I don't know what I would do. Okay - enough of that, I just wanted to say thank you!! I enjoyed this weekend so much - the weather was perfect!! It seemed to go too fast, seems like I left work on Friday and blinked and it was Monday morning again!! Have you ever noticed that the clocks go so fast over the weekends and drag Monday - Friday.
Yes! I like to cut them into bite size pieces (skin on), toss in olive oil and a packet of french onion soup mix, roast them in the oven and they are divine.
I hate red potatoes. Not that anyone needs to care.
Jacelynn, is that a gerbera daisy in your avatar? I love those!
I'm not sure who came up with the poll idea, but I really like it! It's interesting to see how the answers split. I chose "fair-minded", which I'm sure some people will disagree with, but it's my vote!
Guin: I have no clue, lol I just googled images of spring awhile back and found it. :) I love it though, it helps me feel more spring like since the weather isn't cooperating.
Okay - I was sick of my little sock monkey avatar, so I decided to change mine! LOL! I remember when I first saw this illustration years ago via email. It still makes me laugh!
Does anybody here watch the Duggars? If so are you going to watch tonight?
I watch the Duggars, where Im from large families are the norm, although most don't have 18, lol. But I do like Michelle and Jim Bob and I am looking forward to tonight's episode.
Jacelynn, I just started watching the Duggars' show recently. It didn't really interest me before and I sort of disapproved of them for a couple of reasons. But, watching the show, they do appear to be pleasant people and a loving family, and it's a nice enough way to spend 1/2 hour. I'm looking forward to tonight's new episode.
Hey Jacelynn, I'll "watch" the Duggars with you. Did you watch they Hayes' Monday? I still don't find them very compelling, but they're nice. As someone here said, they don't have "it". They don't seem to be generating many comments anywhere.
We watch the Duggars too. I also have issues with them, but at least they are entertaining.
And going back upthread a bit, does anyone remember when Diane Downs was on Oprah? I'd like to see that again, but it doesn't seem to be available online. She was really something else.
I used to read Ann Rule a lot. Anyone who likes true crime books should be sure to read "In Cold Blood". It's the granddaddy of the genre.
I looked on my Oprah dvd set (it was a gift) and no Diane, but it does have Betty Broderick. Remember "her" movies, with Meredith Baxter Birney (I think there were 2)? Was there a book about her? I'm sure there must have been, but I don't remember reading it.
Well I just finished watching the Duggars new episode and it was pretty good. Poor grandpa Duggar, but at least they were willing to help him however they can.
Kikibee, yes I did watch the Hayes and I agree they seem like a nice family but there's just something thats not there.
I don't think they really needed to show Grandpa Duggar like that. To me, that's more invasive than toddlers on potties.
Those baby girls are sure cute. Poor Jordyn, at least she got to go to the hospital where it was warm.
"In Cold Blood" is one of the few books I've read more than once, many years ago. I'll have to put it on my pile of reading material. Truman Capote was so talented.
Re: Betty Broderick. She was portrayed differently in the book about her personality in the marriage. I can't remember the title. I always wonder if it would have turned out differently if she had been able to find an attorney to take on her husband. She became obsessed with the unfairness and angry that she had been left. She just couldn't let it go. All the signs were there, she had already become violent before she killed them.
Kikibee, I have never read In Cold Blood. In my younger years I had some impression it was a boring. I want to read it after I saw Capote. I was interested in the Harper Lee part of the movie. It's so hard to find anything out about her. “A day was twenty-four hours long but seemed longer.” is one of my fav quotes. To Kill A Mockingbird
When I see those type of movies on TV and/or someone gives me the books(Diane Downs, In Cold Blood,etc.) I feel compelled to watch and read, but then I try to forget them. I don't like thinking about people like that in the world. I was obsessed with Diane Downs for awhile, but it felt dark, so I stopped reading about her. My oldest daughter is obsessed now with Casey Anthony, she's tries telling me every detail of the case but I can't listen to it.
Jacelynn, I haven't watched the Duggars in so long now. They seemed like a nice family though from what I remember. I watched a little bit of the Hayes here and there, I liked what I saw, there's just something so endearing about them. But I don't watch that much Reality TV anymore, in fact, I don't watch that much TV anymore at all, I'm too busy on the computer!
I forgot to write about the Hayes. I've caught it a couple of times. I liked it and thought the kids were adorable. I love their family. The show itself didn't make me want to make sure I didn't miss it or catch up. I hope they grab an audience, I want them to make some money. I will watch it if I'm flipping channels and catch it. I had the Duggars on in the background, it's the first time since the last J&K I've turned on TLC. It seems they show is J&K all day. I noticed they were promoting the Hayes a lot, so maybe they will catch on and have some success.
I read In Cold Blood after seeing Capote as well. It was very good. Though it confirmed my suspicion that your chances of being murdered if you live in an isolated farmhouse are probably like, 1 in 2.
I liked the Duggar show tonight, though I agree that the shots of the grandfather were more invasive than any potty shots we've seen on J&K+8. As I said, I held some prejudices against the Duggars for some of their beliefs that don't mesh with mine. But they are so darn NICE. And they seem sincere in their niceness - before I watched the show, I accepted what I'd heard about Michelle as being sort of a Stepford wife. But she really does just seem to be a sincerely sweet person. It's almost strange to me how unneurotic the whole clan seems to be. I relate better to the neurotic Gosselins, that's for sure!
I agree, they could have done without the actual footage of Grandpa Duggar, but I still think its great that they were more than willing to help him however they could.
Any Harper Lee and Capote fans, read Mockingbird. It's an unauthorized biography of Harper Lee and I loved it. I finished it wondering if she wrote much of In Cold Blood.
Please understand I don't mean the classic To Kill a Mockingbird.!!
For the roasted poptatoes i nolive oil and french onion soup mix- bake at 375, it will take between 30- 45 mins- they are done when fork tender. The pieces should be about bite size :)PS i hate french onion soup but this is delicious.
lol my comments often have a lot of errors too! But I got the idea. :) I can't wait to try it, I would try it tonight but I already have meatballs and sweet and sour sauce in the slow cooker. :)
Kikibee said...I don't think they really needed to show Grandpa Duggar like that. To me, that's more invasive than toddlers on potties.
I completely agree. It was a little strange too how they just went about their business when he appeared to be close to dying. I understand, however, that in a family of 18 kids, you can't completely abandon your schedule.
Kikibee said...Those baby girls are sure cute. Poor Jordyn, at least she got to go to the hospital where it was warm.
I know. Poor thing. I have been noticing the younger girls, especially Johannah, lately. Even though I am not a fan of *all* "J" names, I think Johannah is a really pretty name. She is becoming quite the cutie. It's also cute the way the (slightly) older boys were correcting her!
Kikibee said...I don't think they really needed to show Grandpa Duggar like that. To me, that's more invasive than toddlers on potties.
I completely agree. It was a little strange too how they just went about their business when he appeared to be close to dying. I understand, however, that in a family of 18 kids, you can't completely abandon your schedule.
Kikibee said...Those baby girls are sure cute. Poor Jordyn, at least she got to go to the hospital where it was warm.
I know. Poor thing. I have been noticing the younger girls, especially Johannah, lately. Even though I am not a fan of *all* "J" names, I think Johannah is a really pretty name. She is becoming quite the cutie. It's also cute the way the (slightly) older boys were correcting her!
Thanks SamanthaNC for the cooking time/ temp. I enjoy cooking but until I follow all recipes by the book the first time I make them, then I play around with what I want to do the next time when I understand it better.
Denise said... "Any Harper Lee and Capote fans, read Mockingbird. It's an unauthorized biography of Harper Lee and I loved it. I finished it wondering if she wrote much of In Cold Blood."
I have read speculation that Truman wrote "To Kill a Mockingbird". Maybe they were both collaborations?
Anya, I was thinking that with all those people in the house someone could have been sitting with grandpa. It might not have seemed so bad if maybe one of the older kids had been with him. He just looked so pathetic, all alone and possibly comatose (or nearly so).
119 comments:
What is in store for you this spring? I am doing some digging and planting a garden.
Oh and I forgot to add, since I am a slug, I will fit right in. Also, I will make sure the holes I am digging will not be too big.
I leave next Friday on a long weekend away to visit family that I have not seen in around 5 years! Due to school and work schedules I have not had the chance to go along with my immediate family to see all my cousins and my grandma down in West Virginia (where I was born), so it will be wonderful to catch up with everyone. We are also going to Kentucky to visit my brother and his family at Fort Knox (he was just transferred there from Fort Drum). My niece is about to turn 5 and I have not seen her in a couple of years, so of course this will be great as well!
Beyond that, I plan to enjoy the sunshine and keep plugging away at my grad school classes. I am done with my MBA in December so the course work is intensifying and making free time something I will soon be without :).
My family is leaving tomorrow for our annual spring trip up the California Central Coast. This is our last trip as a family since my son is going off to college this fall. We will go again after he graduates, but it won't be the same. He'll be an adult and the dynamics will be different.
After this weekend the rest of this spring will be getting him out of high school and my daughter out of 8th grade.
To all moms with young kids: enjoy every second. It goes by fast!
Daisy,
It sure does. My youngest will graduate from college in May. I can't believe it.
Nina, did you have a hard time when your first went off to college? I'm having a difficult time with it. I so enjoyed his childhood.
Daisy,
Yes a lot of worrying for no reason. It was easier with my younger son because I had already been through it. They are so excited though. You just have to be excited for them and not let them see your anxiety or it will put a damper on their experience.
Thank you. I'll remember that advice.
I was worse last week when I found out he'd been accepted to a college back east, but I'm coming to terms with it. I'm just sad he's going to be out of our daily lives.
Daisy-
Enjoy your trip with your son. I can imagine how ward it is to see him grown up, still your child but no longer a little boy. No matter how old he gets he'll always need his mom, make some special memories on this trip!
Thank you Samantha! I really appreciate that. We will surely be making memories and I will be hiding them in my heart.
We are spending two weeks in California in June. My cousin is getting married in San Diego and we'll be attending that. We'll also visit my aunt, my dad and his family, my husbands brother, my husbands aunt and my husbands best friend. We plan on celebrating my kids birthday's (my son will be 5 and my daughter will be 8) and father's day (with my dad) while we are there. I'm hoping to make it to Knott's and the Wild Animal Park while we are there. We'll be driving from CO to CA and making a stop in Vegas, for a night or two, on our way there. I want to take the kids to Circus Circus. I'm really looking forward to taking two weeks off of work. I haven't had a real vacation in years!
I have MUCH gardening to do this year. All of the ice this year ruined most of my plants. I'm actually pretty excited to do something new and am definately looking forward to spending some time outdoors. My SIL is getting married this summer and I'm the MOH, so I am in serious need of a tan for the skimpy dresses she's picked out!
Daisy, your son is a year older than mine (and your daughter a year younger than one of mine.) I feel the same way about them leaving.
Our calendar is quickly filling up with parties and little trips and places we need to be for the spring. I am so looking forward to Easter and the time we will have together. We've been stretched and pulled a lot recently.
I think I may be working part-time in the summer. My job is tied to the school year so I have taken summers off since having children. Not sure yet.
We may take the kids south to see a potential "move-to" place. I would love to stay at a beach house on the Outer Banks as part of that trip. (Like the Gosselins?..maybe I can find that free one they stayed at!) Maybe we will run into eachother SamanthaNC?
Maybe we will Saint :)
Daisy, I remember being so sad and mine even stayed in the state. It was a rite of passage for all of us, they had mixed feelings about going away.
It does get okay and you start to relax, there's perks after you get used to it. Besides missing them, I missed all the noise of their friends around.
Jenn, that sounds like a great trip!! A wedding, birthdays, Father's Day, Circus Circus? Could you pack anymore good times and celebrations in there?
I will be putting in a garden all next week. We used to have one all the time and had stopped for awhile. I started it again about 5/6 years ago I love the garden and it's nice for my parents. It does them a lot of good to have it to putter in. It was a happy moment when I checked out the soil last week. It's been worked enough to be nice and loose. It will be much easier this year. It's been nice to have my little one do the same things I did as a kid w/my parents. She always has two cherry tomatoes and a couple of pumpkins that are hers to care for and pick.
We've had one cookout and a night of sitting around the fire. I'm yearning for those yummy fresh vegetables from the early harvests around here.
My mother is coming into town on Easter Sunday for a week. I should be happy she finely is coming to visit the grandchildren she hasn't seen in two years but it's stressful. My mother and I don't have the best of relationships so it's going to be interesting. I'm keeping an open mind and praying this trip will be good. Nina: I wish I loved gardening and now I have a house I may need to dig in the gardens too this spring. Someone has to do it!!
Spring activities....work, attend the musical my son is in this month, bake a ham, work, start the pain management clinic, have a CT scan, oh and did I mention work?
I would love to do some gardening though.
Daisy: I felt sad when my oldest went away to college - 2 hours away - but then I found myself not so sad when she would come home on break. I've been through it three times. The worst was when my baby stayed in North Jersey after graduation. That was the hardest because I realized he had grown up and didn't need his mommy anymore. Planning a baby shower for my oldest in two weeks and then will become a grandmom for the first time!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, MrsRef, a Grandma! You are going to love it!! There is no better feeling in the world. It is beyond all joy, it will awaken in you feelings you never even knew you had.
'So happy for you! Congratulations!
I can't commiserate with the college Moms, mine all stayed home, two went to colleges nearby, one went to Katherine Gibbs nearby, one is a nurse's aide in a Children's Hospital and didn't go to college at all, and another dropped out before he got his degree and works for a company installing cables for computers. They all seem happy with their choices and that's all that matters.
So far, no big plans for spring, although I may take my grandson to the shore if his allergies are bad again this year.
Both my family and my husband's family decided we'll all go out for Easter (over thirty of us! My sister-in-law and I did the cooking for Thanksgiving but this time we'll eat out and come back to our house for dessert, much more relaxing). My husband has the green thumb in this family, I just supervise!
Planning a baby shower for my oldest in two weeks and then will become a grandmom for the first time!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then your daughter is doing well? That's great news, Mrs Ref. Best wishes on an easy delivery and for her and grandchild #1.
Yes, she is doing very well AND my son found a job. He started on Monday. He is moving into a new apartment on the day of the shower. Hectic but it is a good diversion for the shower - she thinks we are all helping with their move. God is Good!!!!!!
Thats awesome MrsRef- so glad things are better!
Mrs Ref,
Great news and glad to hear things are going your way.
Congrats Mrsref! That's great news.
I'm still trying to figure out how in the heck I'm going to get the house together and host Easter for both families! What was I thinking? :-)
Mrs. Ref, let us know when you get your little grandbaby.
Mom--I, too, am having family over. My big planning excitement was reading in some magazine about how to grow grass in a container for your centerpiece. And then we planned on sticking some eggs in it. Well the grass still has a loooong way to go. My mom said she'll just dig up her sod if we need to ; )
I am soooooo annoyed about bad weather that knocks our satellite out!!!!
Also-- heard on my local FM station, "hey did you hear all the drama about J&K? Well they are DEFINITELY gearing up for a 5th season..." I don't know what this is based on at all or why they randomly brought it up. Just sayin.
Thanks for all the good wishes. I wish I could have a vegetable garden but absolutely nothing grows in my yard. We have a smallish yard and very big trees that provide nice shade but keep things from growing. We can't even get grass to actually grow. There is nothing like a fresh grown (Jersey) tomato but alas, I can't have any. We used to be part of a community garden which was really cool but they don't have one where we live now.
Spring is going to be filled with regular school work, but this summer I am going to Spain! It will be my first time out of North America, and I am soooo excited!
Mrs.Ref:
Joining the others in sending happy thoughts your way. So glad things are on the upswing for you and yours.
Spring is here you all!
bigsis88 said...
Spring is going to be filled with regular school work, but this summer I am going to Spain! It will be my first time out of North America, and I am soooo excited!
Tell us more! Where part of the country will be visiting? For how long? What do you have planned?
I am excited for you. Your first trip out of North America. That is awesome! I know you are a hard working college student. Time to reward yourself a bit.
My daughter (17) is going to Mexico for ten days in June as part of a school trip. I am excited for her as well.
Bigsis88
That is pretty exciting! I have never been to Spain but would like to. Maybe you can write about your experiences and send in a post when you get back. I am sure it would be an interesting read.
Mrsref, I also have to add my congrats that your daughter is doing well and also about your son. How exciting that it's almost time for the baby!! Best wishes for all!
Bigis88, Spain sounds awesome, what made you chose Spain? Just curious. Have a great time!
To Bella Donna - you mentioned Pain Management Center and CT. I cringed reading your Post. I have been through surgery, Pain Management, epidural pain blocks, CTs, MRIs, you name it - been there. I'm finally in a Pain Management Center that has gotten a pretty good hold on my pain, with just a few break-throughs but it's manageable. I only get a few down days a month instead of weeks. I have spinal stenosis, neck and lower back - herniated discs, severe degeneration and expected to be wheel-chair bound within 5-10 years. But I refused to let the pain stop my life so I just get up and go as best that I can because there are so many that have it much worse than me!! Anyway - when I saw your post I wanted to let you know that I wish you the best and hope things work out and that the Pain Management Center can help you and that you find some relief. You just have to keep pushing and don't take any B.S. from the doctors. Sorry - didn't mean to go on and on.
Back to Spring Plans - no big ones. My father is coming out from West-by-God Virginia for Easter, it's a long trip for him and he's been having heart problems so we really enjoy the time when he does get to Maryland. We have our annual Easter egg hunt which the adults enjoy more than the children, well almost! It's just great spending time with the family. I hope everyone here enjoys their plans and time with the family!! Happy Easter/Spring, Enjoy!!
Weed- I love your determination, I'm sorry you've had such difficulties, but your moxy is amazing!
Weed - sorry for what you are dealing with. My heart goes out to you.
Cincy Mom - I did the little grass seed pots years ago. They turned out really cute, but I think I started growing the seeds about a month out. I never thought about using them as a centerpiece. I used mine going down my front steps outside in clay pots. Afterward, I used each one as sod to fill in "puppy" holes in the yard! LOL!
The good news about Easter is my Mom offered to bring the ham - cold/sliced and warm in her yummy mixture of pineapple and cherry juices - YUM-O-RAMA! And, it seems everyone else is bringing a salad, quiche or casserole which will help my H and I out greatly. Now I'm just praying for good weather so we can set up the patio with extra seating for guests. I think we'll have close to 50 people at our house. Plus, we're going to have a little Easter egg hunt for all the kiddies. Since all the young ones are pretty much 4 and under - we use the plastic colored eggs and fill them with different items. Each kid then finds their "color." It works out really well. Last year my little one was still too young to "get it," but I think this year he will have a blast. We're also beginning at 11am and going into the afternoon. That way the kids who still nap can enjoy the whole day and the parents and adults can relax a bit after the kids go down for naps. Thank goodness we have extra bedrooms! LOL!
Weed and Bella Donna - stay strong and I'll remember you in prayer.
Mom, that ham sounds great, I've used the pineapple but I never thought of cherry. Good idea! I'm going to do a dinner on Saturday since we're going out on Easter Sunday, I was going to make lamb but now I think I'll steal your Mom's idea.
I am going to Toledo, which is about 30 minutes SE of Madrid, for 6 weeks. I'm going to be taking 2 3-credit classes, and we have about 5 scheduled trips around the country. The place we will be staying also offers cultural classes, so I'm still debating whether I should take Flamenco or a cooking class.
Nina Bell, I think I am going to start a travel blog, since I'm hoping to travel more before graduating. I will definitely write a post (or 2 or 3, lol) and share my experiences.
Merryway, I chose Spain because I am a Spanish major, and I want to eventually become a professor. I'm fluent, but the dialect they speak there is so different from what I've learned (they have a completely different verb conjugation that I have learned to read and write, but that isn't used in any other Spanish-speaking countries, so I don't use it in speech).
I'm so excited to get away, I haven't really been enjoying any of my classes this semester, so I'm just chugging along until school is out. It's one of those times where all of my classes are either University or major requirements, so they aren't necessarily things I'm interested in. Hopefully next semester is better, but at least I have the summer to look forward to!
The conversation about kids leaving the nest hits home for me, since I go to an out-of-state school now. I think my parents were sad to let me go, since I've always been the golden child, but I'm only an hour and a half from home, so it's not so bad. In May we have 5 graduations to celebrate. One of my sisters is graduating from high school, and the 3 youngest are graduating from 8th grade. On top of that my cousin (who's like my 7th sister) is graduating from high school as well. I guess I'll be spending the time I have before leaving for Spain planning graduation parties!
I wish I could plant a nice garden, but I think I'm an accidental plant killer. :-) Plus, my dad is so meticulous about the landscaping around our house that I doubt he'd let me touch his plants!
Bigsis88,
Spain sounds wonderful. It's so great you are going. I am jealous.
Weed and Bella Donna,
So sorry to hear that pain is a daily thing for you. I have RA and lived with pain for about 5 years until I tried the med. I am on right now. I woke up the next morning so improved I was shocked at first. I looked at my hands and feet and cried. I hadn't even realized how bad I was until it stopped hurting. MrsRef is right, God is good. I do hope that you find relief, too.
Eileen,
How will you prepare the ham from Mom's ddescription? I need more info...what will you do?
merryway said...
Jenn, that sounds like a great trip!! A wedding, birthdays, Father's Day, Circus Circus? Could you pack anymore good times and celebrations in there?
i don't think so, but we'll try!
Omg, the way you guys were talking, I thought this Sunday was Easter. I was so relieved it wasn't. I have been a ditz lately I just can't seem to get it together these last couple of weeks.
Weed, you remind me of a friend of mine who has RA, you are a tough cookie.
Best of luck to you Bella Donna, I hope it helps.
St., I'm so surprised you have RA. So very glad you found a treatment that worked.
Bigis88, I really look forward to hearing about your experiences over there. Flamenco or cooking? Those are fun choices.
Jacelyn, you're on another thread, but welcome.
Eileen -
I don't think it's that difficult, but I'll check with my Mom just to make sure. I think she pours a mixture of pineapple and cherry juices in a pan along with pineapple slices left in a circle on top. Maybe some brown sugar? Then puts it in the oven. I'll ask her tomorrow though - LOL! It's my favorite. I will never forget about 5 years ago we all went to my parents for Easter Sunday. I was craving the hot ham with pineapple. All of a sudden, she says "dinner is ready" - we line up towards the kitchen and NO HAM! For the first time in 50+ years, my mom did turkey for Easter. OMG. EVERYONE asked about the ham. I felt bad for my poor Mom. She will never do that again! LOL!
Another fun EAster thing that the women in my H family has been doing for years - they bring as many little potted garden flowers as there are women at the dinner. Nothing fancy. I keep mine in the little egg carton type containers they come in and place them in an Easter themed loot/party bag with Easter grass. It's nice because you come home with an assortment of annuals to put in your planters or garden beds!
Oh, I love the plant idea, Mom!
And thanks for asking your Mom about the recipe. I'm no gourmet so the easier the better I say! That's what I always loved about a turkey or any kind of roast, throw them in the oven and pretty much forget about them! It's all the 'fixin's' that usually are time-consuming (and messy!). My family's not fussy though, thank goodness, and they don't expect much from me.
Thanks merryway :)
I hope you all have a great spring! I love reading about your Easter plans. Im not sure what my family is going to do, we always have a big meal but for the extended family Im not sure. I live in Canada and it snowed last night so its still undecided if they will be able to travel to my family's house. If not we have a big get together in the summer. :) Which is usually more fun because there is much more to do in the summer for the kids on the farm. :)
OK ya'll I need some help :). I leave this coming Friday for West Virginia and Kentucky (we leave early Friday and I come home the following Tuesday evening). I have one book already to read in the car (per Merryway's suggestiong I got "The Stranger Beside Me" and started reading it awhile ago, then got sidetracked by classes, so I will work on that).
My question is this: if you have limited space in a car (my dad is driving with my mom and one of my younger brothers in the car), what books or magazines would you bring? I plan to grab one more book and check out the latest magazines, but was curious if any of you had favorites for a road trip. It will be 10 plus hours each way as well as 5 hours to Kentucky from my Grandma's house.
(This is part of the reason why I have not made this trip in years-- it feels like we spend more time in the car than with our extended family!! My brother and sister in law are coming as well with my nephew, and I am riding home with them. I had planned to drive but we all agreed that since there was room in cars for me it was better for me to just help pay for gas and expenses instead of take a whole separate car just for myself.)
Liza Beth-
Have a safe and fun trip!
T
The Shack is a quick read, it's sad, it's weird, it's inspiring, it's thought-provoking, but it's not for everybody. I liked it a lot though, it's one of my new favorites.
Whenever we travel I just pick up mindless magazines to read quick stories (People, Us, that type of thing).
Mom--I love the idea of serving cold ham and warm ham. Can you clarify the warm ham part. I get the mix of juices and pineapple. How long do you warm it and what do you do with it? Is the ham heated with it too?
I just got off the phone with my mom. She said she pre-warms the juices, fruit, brown sugar and a little butter. Then, layers the ham in a casserole dish and pours the warmed juices over it. She halves each cherry and places them, along with the pineapple circle slices on top. She recommends covering it and just placing it in a warm oven just prior to serving. Cooking it can dry up the ham.
Sounds easy shmeezy, doesn't it? It's delightful. I prefer hot ham over cold ham any day.
Oh, Mom, I'm the same way, I love warm ham, but I do not eat it cold. And thanks so much for calling your Mom, sounds easy and delicious!
Liz
Are you able to read in the car? I can not. I get pretty sick actually. Wish I could. Watching movies is not an issue for me so I always bring along the portable DVD player. Also my IPOD.
Merryway,
I read The Stranger Bedside Me. Great read. My husband reads every Ann Rule book out there and I try to read as many as I have time for.
Lizabeth, I would be downloading or borrowing audio books. Something with earphones might come in handy on a long family trip. Reading in the car is not an option for me, blech.
Nina, Ann Rule is great isn't she? I was out of town the one time she did a signing that was sort-of nearby. I would have driven and stood in line to have her sign a book. I know she has some new books out there and I plan to get caught up this summer.
I read a whole bunch of Anne Rule books in the 90's. My husband's stepmother gave them to me. He had to ask her to stop giving me her books though because I would be terrified at night. The Staranger Beside Me is the best of them all. I could never read that stuff if I lived alone. Ugh! Right now, I am alone in the house, and it is dark, and the wind is howling...
I'm going to finish The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman which is only kid-scary. But first, I am turning on every light.
"Small Sacrifices." Diane Downs is one frightening woman. True story about a woman who shot her three children. If I remember right, two survived. Farrah Fawcett played Diane Downs in the movie.
That is one book I will never forget.
Lizabeth,
I just noticed your post asking for a book recommendation. Do you like history or historical fiction? I loved That Dark and Bloody River, by Allan W. Eckert. I think you'll be driving through some of areas mentioned in the book. It's about the struggle between the Native Americans and the settlers of the Ohio River Valley. I think it's a fair account of the clash between the two cultures. I loved it. It's not Jane Austen, though.
Small Sacrifices was a good movie. I didn't read the book. Diane Downs father is also scary. He has a website saying she didn't try to kill her kids. I haven't gone to it and Diane is in a prison here in Oregon. I don't remember when she's up for parole, neither this year or the next.
Re: Small Sacrifices and the Stranger Beside.
I can't believe both of those people were able to escape. Diane Downs got out once and hid out for a couple of weeks. I remember she has to serve some time for that after she gets paroled (irc). Ted Bundy got away twice. Scary Scary.
OK ladies, you gone done it. You made me cry. Thank you for your kindness & well wishes.
I am really doped up right now, so I hope this all makes sense. The past few days have been awful. I have Meralgia Parasthetica, and found out Thursday that I also have bursitis in my right hip, arthritis in my back, Trigeminal Neuralgia AND Plantar Fasciitis. I'm 36 years old. I am too young for this crap.
So anyway, today was a nightmare. I was on my feet at work nonstop, literally, for 10 hours. I presently work in the food industry & there was a HUGE event today. By the time I got done, I was in so much pain from my lower back down to my feet that I couldn't stop crying. So I called my dr's office & was told to be seen in the ER. A shot of Toradol, Flexeral & 2 Lortab later, I was sent home. The pain wasn't gone, but it was more manageable. So I get my PJ's on & I notice I have hives all over my arms, chest & stomach. I call the ER & they tell me to take Benadryl, so I did & the hives are gone, but now I'm really dopey. Where the hives came from, no clue. I am allergic to morphine though, so they're figuring the Lortab.
So thank you ladies, because you made me feel good for the first time today. And I will keep those of you who suffer with pain in my thoughts & prayers as well.
Oh, Bella Donna, take care. I'm sorry you're having to deal with all that. You are too young! I'm three years older and definitely feel that the old body is breaking down (I have a bad knee - the cartilige has apparently deteriorated a bit). But I don't have anything chronic nor am I in constant pain. I really feel for those of you who are.
Bella Donna,
It certainly sounds like a nightmare. I have/had plantar fasciitis and a pretty painful case of it. The exercises helped immensely as well as some special insoles I purchased for my shoes. It comes back from time to time but never as bad as the first time I developed it when I was about your age.
I have been wanting to ask you about your screen name. There are quite a few meanings behind that.
Bella Donna,
I am sorry for your suffering. That's horrible to be in pain all the time. I was in a car accident in my mid-20s that messed me up. I ended up being in a wheel-chair for about 1 ½ yrs. After my second back surgery, bursitis and arthritis started affecting my joints. By the third surgery, my back was strong enough for them to take all the metal out. I went through a lot of those nasty cortisone shots and had to try a bunch of diff meds. I have to have one more to repair some damage from falling down some icy steps a yr ago. I have to wait because my surgeon doesn't take my insurance. I know the days you are on your feet that long how it can burn and just rip you up. I hope the pain center helps and I wish you the best. It may take a while to find what works best for you, but hopefully your pain can be eased to make your life easier. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Eileen-
I havent read the shack but I know ppl who have and LOVE it and some ppl who hated it and thought it was "blasphemous".
Nina-
I wish I could read in the car too but it makes me sooooo sick.
Bella Donna-
Sending lots of well wishes and prayers for you :)
Guin-
I had to have 2 reconstructive knee surgeries in high school + a year and a half of PT. I hope you don't have to hoe that row! Cartilage issues can be annoying to say the least. Has your knee decided to randomly throw you onto the floor yet?
Bella Donna--you are too young indeed for all the pain and suffering you went through. My prayers are also for you.
Mrs. Ref--so glad things have turned around for you and your family! That is great news. Well wishes and can't wait to hear about the grandbaby.
Haven't posted in the open discussion before but, my little guy's first bday is coming up on the 17th, he was 5 and a half weeks prem, and I was in the hospital from April 10th to the 21st, he was born on the 17th spent 5 days in a level III nursery then got transferred down to a level II nursery and stayed in the hospital for 19 days total. So since the anniversary is coming up, I'm getting emotional, tomorrow, the 6th is the anniversary of our last outing of 3, meaning my oldest, my hubby and I. In other news, my girl who is 2 and a half, had her very first sleepover at Tota (Grandma in Mohawk)'s house last night and it all went good, can't believe they are growing up so fast !
Thanks for all the tips on books and magazines- I will look into some of the suggestions and see how many I can get through! I have been downloading new music for my iPod (I just saw Seussical the Musical last night and got the soundtrack-- it is really cute, so I would highly recommend it!). The biggest issue I have is that my final project for the course I am in now in my MBA is due next Thursday (after my vacation). I plan to get as much done as I can this week, but I will need to get some work done over the long weekend as well. Part of me wants to just fast forward till December when I am done so that I can actually read books for fun instead of for a grade :). At the same time, it was my choice to go back to school so I am focusing on my degree while also attempting to take time and enjoy myself!
Nina, yes I can read in the car very easily-- I've never had issues with motion sickness. My mom gets car sick watching me read so she just rests and looks out the window. She has told me stories of traveling when she was a girl from North Carolina, where she grew up, to Nebraska. They went every summer to visit family and she had to just sit there the entire trip or else she would be sick. Not my idea of a good time, but when you are a kid you don't have much of a choice :).
Bella Donna, you are in my thoughts and prayers- please keep us updated.
Merryway, I had no idea you had gone through so much!! Thank you for sharing with us-- I hope that you are able to get your surgery ASAP.
jabbasmama, What a special birthday for your little one!! I'm sure you're emotional remembering all that. What an ordeal you both went through. I hope you you guys have a wonderful time.
I would also like to thank this board for not being one that makes fun of typos. Mine drive me crazy. I see that kind of thing all the time on other boards.
Hope everyone's having a great day!
jabbasmamma,
A year ago you had your hands full. That must have been a very stressful time. You must still have your hands full. Your two are very close in age.
My best wishes to you, Bella Donna. I do hope you have a better spring soon. Congratulations to jabbasmama on a huge accomplishment! The first year...and not an easy start. happy Birthday. merrway, I didn't know you'd dealt with that either. I can't imagine a year in a wheelchair.
Sorry for all the pain and suffering so many of you have had to go through, and are still dealing with. My thoughts and prayers.
Also, many good wishes to you, jabbasmama, and your family.
Enjoy your special day!
I wish you all a wealth of support. And it's nice you have each other here.
Btw, a lot of the bad pain stuff seems like a lifetime ago. I didn't want anyone to think I was still in that type of condition. My pain is manageable and I can do almost everything now excluding amusement rides. I just do have to do it slower and then rest the old bod.
Jabbasmama, happy first year to your little guy. My son was 2 days premie with no Nicu visit and I know it wasn't a hardship in that sense but I understand the waiting. I have severe(sp) anemia with other medical problems and I'm running on empty all the time. It's a pain but right now there is nothing I can do about it so I don't let it get to me and my Diabetes is stable so I'm happy about that one.
Everyone who's having health problems I feel your pain. It's been going on 2 years for me with no results to why I'm the way I am so the Doctor's pump me with medications to just band-aid the situation until they can figure me out.
Okay, I didn't want to get into my life story here but I just wanted to give my support.
I wish I could read in the car too but it makes me sooooo sick.
When I was growing up we didn't have a car - we lived in the city and pretty much took the bus everywhere. That may be why I had horrible bouts of carsickness whenever I rode in one. My early years are a blur of arriving at destinations with my mom having to clean vomit off of me. Yuck.
Now, I'm usually the driver when I'm in a car - I like that better! I do get a little sick on airplanes sometimes, especially if the ride is at all bumpy. I remmeber once flying down to LA and I was sitting next to my boss and towards the end of the flight I was feeling REALLY sick. All I could think was, "Don't throw up in front of the boss, don't throw up in front of the boss" - I made it, but it was a near thing!
I had to have 2 reconstructive knee surgeries in high school + a year and a half of PT. I hope you don't have to hoe that row! Cartilage issues can be annoying to say the least. Has your knee decided to randomly throw you onto the floor yet?
No, but it sounds delightful! Because I'm not clumsy enough on my own...
My knee doesn't sound nearly as bad as what you had to go through! It's more just the realization that the old body is breaking down. (I just flexed my knee and it's making the worst crunching noises. Ew. Though I remember the doctor telling me that her knees made noise too, so I guess it's not a huge indicator of anything. Just kind of gross.)
I really should find the sheet the doctor gave me with recommended exercises to do.
jabbasmama, happy birthday to your son!
Sorry for the pain, all and any with it!
Mom--thanks sooooo much for what I'm going to call "the ham juice" recipe! Thank your mom, too. I am going to serve cold sliced and the warm ham now!
Anyone with a suggestion for roasted redskin potatoes?
Liza Beth--some other good reads are all the Amish books by that one lady Beverly Lewis.
Does anyone have those fancy new reading book electronic device thingamajigs?
Jabbasmom, I missed your comment when I commented earlier, but happy birthday to your little guy!! My nephew was 6 weeks premature and turned one in December- he is a little smaller than his peers but has caught up and then some mentally and milestone-wise. I am so happy for you guys-- it has been amazing for us to see how much this little guy has brought to our lives. We never would have imagined he would have such a huge personality with such a little body!
Cincymom, I have made redskin potatoes before in the oven. We cut them into halves or quarters, then put them in a foil pouch with olive oil and seasonings like rosemary and some salt and pepper. Then, bake until tender. It was so wonderful and super easy. As much as I love mashed potatoes, sometimes roasting them is a nice change of pace :).
I have heard the Beverly Lewis books are great-- I will take a look!
I have no idea why I typed December for my nephew's birthday when it is actually October. My mind is just in Monday mode I suppose!! So, to correct myself, he was born in October (a week after my birthday in fact), not December.
Not to change topic, but Im wondering which is better: Google Account or Blogger Account? Or is there no difference, Im trying to create an ID but Im not sure which is better.
Well I think I figured it out, lol I dunno lets see if it shows me as having an account. I just fill in the Google/Blogger circle right? Ok well here it goes...
Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. I know from my experiences that I just can't let the pain and thoughts of the future ruin my "NOW" - if that makes sense. The pain is everyday- some worse, some better but I can't let it run my life. I wish everyone who has struggled with an illness and the pain to find help to get some relief and to have a strong family and friends for support because that is what's so important. If it weren't for my family and their support and comfort I don't know what I would do.
Okay - enough of that, I just wanted to say thank you!!
I enjoyed this weekend so much - the weather was perfect!! It seemed to go too fast, seems like I left work on Friday and blinked and it was Monday morning again!! Have you ever noticed that the clocks go so fast over the weekends and drag Monday - Friday.
YAY! It worked! lol, maybe Im not as internet/computer challenged as I thought. :)
Jacelynn
Love your avatar. It wasn't that hard, was it?
Thanks Nina Bell, nope it wasn't, lol Im not sure why I thought it was a hard, complicated process??? But o well, its done now and it was soooo easy.
Jacelynn & Nina--I love your avatars! They are so peaceful and beautiful to look at.
Thanks, I like your too, very funny! :) I like Nina's as well. :)
Cincymom-
Yes! I like to cut them into bite size pieces (skin on), toss in olive oil and a packet of french onion soup mix, roast them in the oven and they are divine.
I hate red potatoes. Not that anyone needs to care.
Jacelynn, is that a gerbera daisy in your avatar? I love those!
I'm not sure who came up with the poll idea, but I really like it! It's interesting to see how the answers split. I chose "fair-minded", which I'm sure some people will disagree with, but it's my vote!
Guin: I have no clue, lol I just googled images of spring awhile back and found it. :) I love it though, it helps me feel more spring like since the weather isn't cooperating.
It's a Gerber daisy Guin!
Saint - I love me the peeps! Mmmmmm.
Okay - I was sick of my little sock monkey avatar, so I decided to change mine! LOL! I remember when I first saw this illustration years ago via email. It still makes me laugh!
Ok that is just too funny, Mom.
Good one, Mom.
LOL! thanks for the laugh Mom!
Does anybody here watch the Duggars? If so are you going to watch tonight?
I watch the Duggars, where Im from large families are the norm, although most don't have 18, lol. But I do like Michelle and Jim Bob and I am looking forward to tonight's episode.
Jacelynn, I just started watching the Duggars' show recently. It didn't really interest me before and I sort of disapproved of them for a couple of reasons. But, watching the show, they do appear to be pleasant people and a loving family, and it's a nice enough way to spend 1/2 hour. I'm looking forward to tonight's new episode.
I'm not a Duggar show fan, though I think younger boys are awfully cute.
The kids are cute, and they seem happy and well adjusted.
Hey Jacelynn, I'll "watch" the Duggars with you. Did you watch they Hayes' Monday? I still don't find them very compelling, but they're nice. As someone here said, they don't have "it". They don't seem to be generating many comments anywhere.
We watch the Duggars too. I also have issues with them, but at least they are entertaining.
And going back upthread a bit, does anyone remember when Diane Downs was on Oprah? I'd like to see that again, but it doesn't seem to be available online. She was really something else.
I used to read Ann Rule a lot. Anyone who likes true crime books should be sure to read "In Cold Blood". It's the granddaddy of the genre.
I remember Diane Downs on Oprah. I also read the book and saw the movie. Crazy stuff.
I looked on my Oprah dvd set
(it was a gift) and no Diane, but it does have Betty Broderick.
Remember "her" movies, with Meredith Baxter Birney (I think there were 2)? Was there a book about her? I'm sure there must have been, but I don't remember reading it.
I remember both the movies and I read the Diane Downs books. I saw a documentary about Betty B. too. She blamed the murders on her vicitms.
Well I just finished watching the Duggars new episode and it was pretty good. Poor grandpa Duggar, but at least they were willing to help him however they can.
Kikibee, yes I did watch the Hayes and I agree they seem like a nice family but there's just something thats not there.
Anyone who likes true crime books should be sure to read "In Cold Blood". It's the granddaddy of the genre.
I read it after seeing Capote. It's excellent. Good recommendation, Kikibee.
I don't think they really needed to show Grandpa Duggar like that.
To me, that's more invasive than toddlers on potties.
Those baby girls are sure cute.
Poor Jordyn, at least she got to go to the hospital where it was warm.
"In Cold Blood" is one of the few books I've read more than once, many years ago. I'll have to put it on my pile of reading material.
Truman Capote was so talented.
Re: Betty Broderick.
She was portrayed differently in the book about her personality in the marriage. I can't remember the title. I always wonder if it would have turned out differently if she had been able to find an attorney to take on her husband. She became obsessed with the unfairness and angry that she had been left. She just couldn't let it go. All the signs were there, she had already become violent before she killed them.
Kikibee, I have never read In Cold Blood. In my younger years I had some impression it was a boring. I want to read it after I saw Capote. I was interested in the Harper Lee part of the movie. It's so hard to find anything out about her. “A day was twenty-four hours long but seemed longer.” is one of my fav quotes. To Kill A Mockingbird
When I see those type of movies on TV and/or someone gives me the books(Diane Downs, In Cold Blood,etc.) I feel compelled to watch and read, but then I try to forget them. I don't like thinking about people like that in the world. I was obsessed with Diane Downs for awhile, but it felt dark, so I stopped reading about her. My oldest daughter is obsessed now with Casey Anthony, she's tries telling me every detail of the case but I can't listen to it.
Jacelynn, I haven't watched the Duggars in so long now. They seemed like a nice family though from what I remember.
I watched a little bit of the Hayes here and there, I liked what I saw, there's just something so endearing about them. But I don't watch that much Reality TV anymore, in fact, I don't watch that much TV anymore at all, I'm too busy on the computer!
I saw both of the lifetime movies - diane and betty!
I forgot to write about the Hayes. I've caught it a couple of times. I liked it and thought the kids were adorable. I love their family. The show itself didn't make me want to make sure I didn't miss it or catch up. I hope they grab an audience, I want them to make some money. I will watch it if I'm flipping channels and catch it. I had the Duggars on in the background, it's the first time since the last J&K I've turned on TLC. It seems they show is J&K all day. I noticed they were promoting the Hayes a lot, so maybe they will catch on and have some success.
Jacelynn said..
Kikibee, yes I did watch the Hayes and I agree they seem like a nice family but there's just something thats not there.
April 7, 2009 6:33 PM
Exactly!
I read In Cold Blood after seeing Capote as well. It was very good. Though it confirmed my suspicion that your chances of being murdered if you live in an isolated farmhouse are probably like, 1 in 2.
I liked the Duggar show tonight, though I agree that the shots of the grandfather were more invasive than any potty shots we've seen on J&K+8. As I said, I held some prejudices against the Duggars for some of their beliefs that don't mesh with mine. But they are so darn NICE. And they seem sincere in their niceness - before I watched the show, I accepted what I'd heard about Michelle as being sort of a Stepford wife. But she really does just seem to be a sincerely sweet person. It's almost strange to me how unneurotic the whole clan seems to be. I relate better to the neurotic Gosselins, that's for sure!
I agree, they could have done without the actual footage of Grandpa Duggar, but I still think its great that they were more than willing to help him however they could.
Thx for the potato recipes. I need specific temps and cooking times though, cause I'm a little helpless.
Please!!!!
Any Harper Lee and Capote fans, read Mockingbird. It's an unauthorized biography of Harper Lee and I loved it.
I finished it wondering if she wrote much of In Cold Blood.
Please understand I don't mean the classic To Kill a Mockingbird.!!
cincymom-
For the roasted poptatoes i nolive oil and french onion soup mix- bake at 375, it will take between 30- 45 mins- they are done when fork tender. The pieces should be about bite size :)PS i hate french onion soup but this is delicious.
SamanthaNC, That sounds delicious, Im going to have to try it sometime.
Jacelynn -
I just noticed all my typos haha- that's "in olive oil"- just enought to coat.
lol my comments often have a lot of errors too! But I got the idea. :) I can't wait to try it, I would try it tonight but I already have meatballs and sweet and sour sauce in the slow cooker. :)
Denise said...Any Harper Lee and Capote fans, read Mockingbird. It's an unauthorized biography of Harper Lee and I loved it.
Thanks, Denise. Biographies of writers are one of my very favorite book genres. I have a huge bio of Virginia Woolf that I want to tackle soon.
Harper Lee is so reclusive from my understanding. It sounds like this is a compelling read, however. I will definitely check it out. Thanks.
Kikibee said...I don't think they really needed to show Grandpa Duggar like that. To me, that's more invasive than toddlers on potties.
I completely agree. It was a little strange too how they just went about their business when he appeared to be close to dying. I understand, however, that in a family of 18 kids, you can't completely abandon your schedule.
Kikibee said...Those baby girls are sure cute. Poor Jordyn, at least she got to go to the hospital where it was warm.
I know. Poor thing. I have been noticing the younger girls, especially Johannah, lately. Even though I am not a fan of *all* "J" names, I think Johannah is a really pretty name. She is becoming quite the cutie. It's also cute the way the (slightly) older boys were correcting her!
Kikibee said...I don't think they really needed to show Grandpa Duggar like that. To me, that's more invasive than toddlers on potties.
I completely agree. It was a little strange too how they just went about their business when he appeared to be close to dying. I understand, however, that in a family of 18 kids, you can't completely abandon your schedule.
Kikibee said...Those baby girls are sure cute. Poor Jordyn, at least she got to go to the hospital where it was warm.
I know. Poor thing. I have been noticing the younger girls, especially Johannah, lately. Even though I am not a fan of *all* "J" names, I think Johannah is a really pretty name. She is becoming quite the cutie. It's also cute the way the (slightly) older boys were correcting her!
Love the new egg photo on the front page....very cute. :)
Thanks SamanthaNC for the cooking time/ temp. I enjoy cooking but until I follow all recipes by the book the first time I make them, then I play around with what I want to do the next time when I understand it better.
Denise said...
"Any Harper Lee and Capote fans, read Mockingbird. It's an unauthorized biography of Harper Lee and I loved it.
I finished it wondering if she wrote much of In Cold Blood."
I have read speculation that Truman wrote "To Kill a Mockingbird". Maybe they were both collaborations?
Anya, I was thinking that with all those people in the house someone could have been sitting with grandpa. It might not have seemed so bad if maybe one of the older kids had been with him. He just looked so pathetic, all alone and possibly comatose (or nearly so).
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