The Queen B

My New Bloggy Home

2008-02-12T06:59:00.000-06:00

Whew. I'm glad the move is done. I will now be posting at: www.thequeenb.typepad.com.Please come visit my new palace!!

ROYAL SCREW UP

2008-02-06T00:56:00.000-06:00

Well, I've done it now. The Queen has royally messed up her Palace.Bear with me while I try to find someone smarter than me to put me back together.I've got a new post, but it seemed funnier on my pretty page...

Emergency Maneuver

2008-02-06T00:19:00.000-06:00

It has really been bothering me. The pain has grown in its intensity each day for about 2 weeks. I have tried to tell myself that it can't be as serious as it seems. However, yesterday I came to the realization that I cannot take it anymore. I called and scheduled an emergency procedure. So today, at 2:45 I have an appointment.I know it is going to hurt a little. I expect that. I thought it

Fake Spring

2008-02-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Oh, Friends. The weather? It is playing tricks on me.You see, it was 75 degrees yesterday. 75 glorious, sunny degrees.Tonight? There is a chance of snow with a windchill of 12.What is that about?So, now I am pretending that it is spring.I want to share a few wonderful new products I've found that are helping me enjoy this pseudo season.This new line of products from Williams-Sonoma is

They Once Were Lost and Still They're Lost

2008-02-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

Isn't it amazing how God unites two people in marriage who are so incredibly opposite?Isn't it?Isn't it amazing?The King goes on a yearly excursion to Colorado with a group of his buddies. They ski...oh, pardon me...they snowboard. (It must be a status thing. He's pretty adamant that I remember it is snowboarding.)Anyway, think Man Camp On Ice.He will be leaving tomorrow evening. Which began

Weekend Wonderfulness

2008-02-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

Nannie appreciates all the props she's gotten for her recipes. Unfortunately, she is mending from a little hand surgery and I hated to ask her to work. Well, really, when I called she was napping.So. You are stuck with me.This weekend I will be answering my first recipe request. I know. It is a memory in the making. Last weekend, Lisa asked if Nannie might have any recipes for baked cheesy

If The Winner Can't Fulfill Her Obligations...

2008-02-01T09:40:00.000-06:00

I had to post again today to make an official announcement: But first... Thank you SO much to each one who participated in my giveaway! It was so much fun to read the comments...I'm glad I wasn't choosing the winner based on need, because apparently, lots of y'all are in dire need--and I do mean dire need--of mixing bowls.And if any of you are looking to paint your kitchen...I'd say this color

"Snow" Day...

2008-02-01T00:24:00.000-06:00

This won't come as a shock to those of you from the South, but this was our Snow Day yesterday. No school. Don't you see the snow drifts? The blizzard conditions?From this point forward, I will be referring to the snow as "snow". Because, well, look at it.So, I thought I'd show you how this "Snow" Day was spent at The Palace.Heidi and Ruby really enjoyed their day playing in the "snow".(

If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say, Don't Say Anything At All

2008-01-31T06:08:00.000-06:00

We interrupt the regular Palace blogging experience to bring you a post about subject matter that may make you uncomfortable and that you care nothing about.I have a very important announcement to make: there are 10 days left until my fun begins. The NASCAR season is almost here. Woo Hoo! Stop judging me.I mean it.Stop.I am going to give you some background. I grew up in a sports lovin' family

QBBQ (Queen B's Beauty Quest)

2008-01-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

I really like beauty products. I used to hoard them. But then I decided to simplify. So now I just dream about hoarding them.From time to time, I've decided that I am going to select a particular beauty product category and see which products you prefer.Because I am out of things to blog about.And it will add new paraphernalia to my hoarding dreams.And I might find something more wonderful

What Ever Will I Wear?

2008-01-29T06:51:00.000-06:00

Lisa at Take 90 West has kindly honored me with this...Thank you, Lisa! I am so humbled that you would read my blog, much less think it is sometimes enjoyable.I know the big awards ceremony will be here before we know it, and I just don't know what to wear. I was kind of leaning this way But I'd have to get an essential area of my body lifted first. And get a collarbone transplant. What

Oh What Fun! It's a Giveaway!!!

2008-01-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks so much to Shannon at Bloggy Giveaways for hosting this fun carnival!This giveaway is for a new set of Multi-Colored Melamine Mixing Bowls from Williams-Sonoma. They are so pretty and colorful and will make this winter seem a bit brighter!!This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada. Please leave a single comment (duplicates will be deleted) on this post and a random winner

Weekend Wonderfulness

2008-01-26T00:02:00.000-06:00

I am back with Weekend Wonderfulness: The Nannie Edition - Part Deux.Last week, on The Nannie Edition - Part One:Nannie sent 4 fabulous recipes for your tasting pleasure and I selfishly distributed only 2. I had a little guilt about it. But not much. Considering the fact that the entire Palace has been down with The Evil Virus of Fever & Coughing, I think I made the right decision.So, here

I'll Quit Blogging About It When Everyone Gets Over It

2008-01-25T08:53:00.000-06:00

I am so totally aware that you are ready for my family to be well so I will QUIT ALREADY.I sort of feel that if I must suffer through it, then you all will suffer with me. Cause that's the kind of friend I am.The Princess' fever is hovering between 101 and 104. The King is coughing and whining about being cold ALL THE TIME. I am having stinkin' hot flashes and am burning up.So temperature

The More Things Change...

2008-01-24T00:01:00.000-06:00

My dad celebrated his birthday this week. Last night he brought over his new Ipod Nano for us to admire. But really he brought it over so we could show him how to use it. He studied it for a moment and then asked, “Where does the music come out? How do you hear it?” He is not that old. He should know better. Which reminded me… Of the time when I was in college and was test driving cars. I

Short & Not So Sweet

2008-01-23T00:12:00.000-06:00

This will be brief. The Princess is sick. We are headed to the doctor. The King is sick. He's to the grumpy stage. The person who said that you can easily transfer things from a pc to a mac is sick. Because you cannot. The Angel who cleans my house on occasion is sick. Because she doesn't want to "climb our hill with the icy conditions". And now I feel a little woozy due to the

The Necessities

2008-01-22T06:50:00.000-06:00

There are a few mandatory items that a Princess has to have in order to survive her new braces. In other Palace news: The new Apple computer has arrived. In view of the fact that neither The King nor I know anything about the Mac world, we are remedially switching our stuff.And The King is under the weather. Which makes for a really fun time of learning something new. With The Princess

We've Failed a Generation

2008-01-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

I had really not spent much time pondering the condtitions. And I feel some shame. How could I have let my daughter...no, her entire peer group, down? Why didn't I pass the torch? I don't think I even lit the torch. The torch of Roller Skating.Our family attended a birthday party for our sweet 6-year-old cousin this weekend. It was a skating party. At a Roller Rink. Wheels -N- Motion, to be exact

Weekend Wonderfulness

2008-01-19T08:34:00.000-06:00

When I need to cook something really yummy, I call Nannie. Not only is Nannie the best cook I know, but she reads cookbooks for entertainment. She knows all things food.So I called Nannie for this weekend's recipe. And she gave me 4. Now, if I was a giver, I would give you all 4 and you would be happy. But I am not.I could drag these 4 recipes out for a month and not have to think about what to

A Three Hour Tour...A Three Hour Tour

2008-01-18T08:06:00.000-06:00

Come sit right back and you'll hear a tale,A tale of a maddening trip.That started when I left my houseAnd the cars, they started to slip.Now Arkansas' not used to snow,We definitely don't do ice.The teensy bit that fell at dawn,Sent 'em spinning left and right.We left our house at 7 a.m.For the 30 minute drive.We arrived at school at 8:36With my patience somewhat tried.The radio declared the day

chutzpah

2008-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've mentioned that The King has his hard working little hands in many baskets. Well, one of his gigs is the business of washing cars. Tuesday morning at 6 AM-ish (not to be confused with Amish..:) some moron or group of morons took a sledgehammer to 2 of his car washes. That makes for a happy Tuesday at The Palace. And it begs the question...Who does that? Who decides to carry a sledgehammer to

Royal Mandate

2008-01-16T09:08:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry for the second post in, like, an hour, but important matters override blogging wisdom.The King has an issue. He has lost his mind and is considering purchasing the new as-yet-untested-or-reviewed Apple MacBook Air. He's, of course, never had an Apple. But he is "fed up with all these stupid error messages and freakin' viruses". Thus sayeth The King.My hope is that maybe some of you (

Not Happening

2008-01-16T08:02:00.000-06:00

Nope. 32 minutes of American Idol and I am done. Finished. Can't go on. Temptress the Middle Linebacker (serious...I'm not makin' fun) did me in. I got a stupid lump in my throat and so I quit.I almost quit after Uka. The poor fella has been in the USA for 3 years. He was trying to have a sweet moment about how he has saved himself for a special girl. I was buying it. Until he said he wants to

This TV Thing is Getting Old

2008-01-15T07:27:00.000-06:00

I am not a nutty TV viewer or anything, but this is ridiculous. I've no idea what to watch. I've got to confess...I tried The Office. I was a little bit lost. Maybe I need more background. OR maybe I'm just not funny.I've been surviving on reruns of Monk and Gilmore Girls. However, last night I watched Tales from the Underbelly and laughed more than once. It followed Dance Wars, which was also

My Tray Can Get Too Heavy

2008-01-14T00:07:00.000-06:00

I've mentioned The Power of a Positive Woman before. It is the book that my Bible Study group is doing this year. This week's chapter is on joy. Specifically, the joy that comes when our lives are in balance. I'm not sure that I know what a life in balance looks like, but I'm quite familiar with what a life out of balance looks like. The author makes a reference to how we can get too much on our

Weekend Wonderfulness

2008-01-12T09:37:00.000-06:00

Open and pour. Open and pour. That is all I feel like doing this weekend.This soup is great for a quick meal, but it is also good for company because you can double it or x4 it or whatever. It is a recipe where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Or maybe I said that wrong. I mean that it tastes better than it sounds. Mexican Minestrone1 pound ground beef2 cans minestrone soup2 cans

Wanted: Motivation

2008-01-11T08:12:00.000-06:00

Humor me.(To the tune of "O Christmas Tree")Oh Exercise, Oh ExerciseI hate it with a passion. Oh Exercise, Oh Exercise A must for health and fashion.I've tried to walk I've tried the gym I've done Pilates on a whim.Oh Exercise, Oh Exercise I hate it with a passion.Oh Exercise, Oh Exercise My body's quickly failing Oh Exercise, Oh Exercise I'm at the mirror wailing.All of a sudden things have

I Suppose I'd Have Made It 8 Years...

2008-01-10T00:10:00.000-06:00

The Confession:When everyone was living in fear of the Y2K disaster...I was pretty cool about it. Until I read some creepy book by a "reputable" Christian author that said we'd be living in a nuclear wasteland. (I wonder what happened to his career?)I became a little bit (totally) freaked out and bought a lot of tuna and water. And Saran Wrap. I don't know why I bought loads of Saran Wrap. But I

The Mother Load

2008-01-09T09:19:00.000-06:00

Thank you all for your motherly advice. I will be snorting sprays in my nose and blowing sprays out of my nose.I will go to the doctor. Maybe.Ok. Probably I won't go quite yet.I might stick gel up my nose but I'm not sure if I can do it.I will watch Samantha Who.I will watch The Office.I'm a little bit nervous about adding baking soda to the salt water going up my nose, but if you say so.I

As My (Throbbing) Mind Wanders

2008-01-08T07:22:00.000-06:00

I hate to whine (be nice and stop laughing), but I must tell you that I've had a pounding pain in my head for 3 days. Without any improvement. My brain cannot hold a thought for more than 2.4 seconds. So I think I'll just empty it and post all that is rattling around up there. Possibilites for the origin of my headache:It was 9 degrees last Wednesday and has been 73 degrees since Saturday.Guitar

I Do Not Heart Guitar Hero

2008-01-07T00:23:00.000-06:00

I have never been, nor will I ever be a video game player. With the exception of Frogger and Pitfall - the Atari versions - I stink at video games.The Princess received Guitar Hero for the Wii for Christmas and after trying 270 times to get it this weekend, I have officially quit making an attempt at playing. No more games for me. It is absolutely impossible for my eyes, left hand and right hand

Weekend Wonderfulness

2008-01-05T00:23:00.000-06:00

You know how sometimes you just can't make it another second unless you have cake? You don't?Oh. Well, me neither. But if I did feel that way, this one would always hit the spot. Hypothetically.It is great for breakfast, dessert, a snack or even lunch. Honey Bun Cake1 box yellow cake mix3/4 cup oil4 eggs8 oz. sour cream1 cup brown sugar1 T. cinnamon2 cups powdered sugar4 T. milk1 T.

Saving the Most Disturbed for Last

2008-01-04T09:07:00.000-06:00

I am aware that I've blogged way too much about the pets. But we've more pets than people at The Palace and they provide much of our entertainment and aggrivation.I've introduced you to Ruby, Chloe and Oliver. Meet Heidi. Heidi is part boxer, part lab and part maniac. She, literally, walked into The King's business almost 4 years ago. We took her to the pound to see if anyone claimed her, and

Lessons

2008-01-03T07:15:00.000-06:00

Not sure what in the world I was thinking posting a picture of my rump. That is not a sign of things to come in 2008. I beg your forgiveness.The painful defeat and travel of Tuesday set me back a few days, but I can't let the new year pass without reflecting on 2007 and looking forward to 2008.Bear with me. OR come back tomorrow when I'm not reflecting and pensive.2007 was a year that taught me a

I'd Like to Introduce You to My New Friend

2008-01-01T21:53:00.000-06:00

Her name is Under Armour. I admit it. I was so wrong. After sitting in the tundra of the Cotton Bowl for 4 hours, the Under Armor and I have become one flesh. I didn't even take it off for the 5 hour drive home. I may not take it off at all. I may wear it for the rest of my life. Which is good since it has embedded in every crevice of my being. That was too much, wasn't it? You want to know what

The Palace: Cotton Bowl Edition Part 2

2007-12-31T20:15:00.000-06:00

We survived American Girl. However, our day began with more boiling water and surviving that was, for a while, in question. I attempted to wash my hair in the sink thinking that perhaps sink boiling water is not as hot as shower boiling water. It is just as hot. I had to leave the majority of the shampoo in my hair because it burned my hands and scalp to try and rinse

The Palace: Cotton Bowl Edition

2007-12-31T00:15:00.000-06:00

I feel that I need to get a few random observations and issues out of my head so that I am able to continue with my long weekend in Dallas in peace. 1. The HOV lane actually stands for "hostage on vacation". My dear, sweet King accidentally managed our vehicle into the carpooling lane. On which no one else in the entire state of Texas was driving. He felt that he was driving on his own

High Cotton

2007-12-28T21:48:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow morning we are off to Dallas to cheer on the Razorbacks in the Cotton Bowl. I've taken down the Christmas decorations. I've thought about packing. I've some concerns that Oliver might destroy the house in our absence. This morning, The King was working at his desk when he noticed Oliver was perched on the very back of a chair. He felt as if Oliver looked back at him as if to say, "

Swap 'Til You Drop

2007-12-27T08:02:00.000-06:00

Due to the tattered condition of my unmentionables, I made a request to the Queen Mother for a small number of brand spanking new ones.She obliged. It is much appreciated by all residents of The Palace.She ordered an assortment from Victoria's Secret, and excluding one peculiar plaid collection, did very well.Victoria, on the other hand, experienced a little glitch. She was offering a pair of

30 Years in the Making

2007-12-26T10:01:00.000-06:00

Big news. Big.Since I was 4 years old, I have wanted this for Christmas. 30 years of waiting. This year, I finally got it. Apparently, if you blog about some way in which you were neglected as a child, your mother feels guilty and tries to right her wrong. Apparently.Thanks, mom. The Princess appreciates the delay.

The Reason

2007-12-25T07:15:00.000-06:00

For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of His government and peaceThere will be no end,Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T08:21:00.000-06:00

Sometimes there are no words.

Weekend Wonderfulness

2007-12-22T08:41:00.000-06:00

There are a few phrases that you will never hear spew from my mouth. One of which is, "This food is too sweet". Food can never be too sweet. Never.With that in mind, this is what we'll be eating Christmas morning. Caramel French Toast Bake(Make this the night before!!)1 c. brown sugar1/2 c. butter2 T. corn syrup12 slices bread6 eggs, beaten1 1/4 c. milk1 t. vanilla1/4 t. saltCombine sugar, butter

Nothing Says It's Christmas Break Like Getting Teeth Ripped From Your Head

2007-12-21T08:12:00.000-06:00

Being the great mom that I am, I scheduled The Princess a little teeth extraction for the first day of Christmas break. Back in October, we were informed of the possibility of orthodontia. We made the appointment and the orthodontist said he hardly ever puts braces on 10-year-olds. Except for when they have a problem that will get worse if they wait. Surprise, surprise...The Princess has a

But For Now We'll Go On Living Separate Lives

2007-12-20T08:55:00.000-06:00

It was asking too much. After a round of hissing, a few left jabs and one serious right hook--this is where they've settled.It was really just asking too much....And in other breaking cat news: At 3:27 a.m. as I slept on my side toward the edge of the bed with my face toward the wall, I was startled awake by 12 pounds of Oliver as he jumped up onto the bed and landed 100% on my head. You must

Shhh. I Don't Think They've Noticed...

2007-12-19T09:07:00.000-06:00

This must stay very, very quiet. I think Chloe and Oliver are (gulp) tolerating each other. I have just come in from running errands and look what I've found...I believe we have just witnessed a Christmas miracle.

The King and I

2007-12-18T07:02:00.000-06:00

Due to the most fabulous Christmas Open House known to mankind, I had other blogging obligations yesterday. However, I cannot let another day go by without telling The King how thankful I am for the past 13 years. Yesterday we celebrated our 13th anniversary. In some ways it seems like 46 years and in other ways it seems like we were just married. I am so blessed to be his wife. Our marriage is

Our Halls Are a Little Bit Decked

2007-12-17T09:07:00.000-06:00

I feel unworthy of participating in BooMama's Jolly Holiday Tradition.As a rule, The Palace is NOT a Christmas showplace. Far from it. The thought of putting it all out only to take it down a few weeks later has always overwhelmed me. I love our home as it is. A few years ago, I read a great book, Redeeming the Season, and it encouraged families to prioritize which Christmas traditions are most

Weekend Wonderfulness

2007-12-15T08:06:00.000-06:00

This may come as a shock to those of you who read this blog on occasion, but I love to cook.“Oh really?” you are thinking, “I thought you only liked to complain and make fun of stuff.”That is only during the week. On the weekend? I am a cooking fanatic.I have been meaning to share some great recipes, but The Palace has been supplying me with an abundance of irrelevant things on which I've needed

Wrapping It Up

2007-12-14T08:35:00.000-06:00

It is that time. Time to wrap the presents.Wrapping is not one of my gifts. (Ok, that was kinda funny. Wrapping? Gifts? I need to lay off the cocoa.) I generally have one end of my wrapping that is 9 inches too long and one end that has a 3 inch gap. I do realize that if I would scoot the package to the center of the paper that problem would be eliminated. But I don't. I have abolished all

The School of Togetherness

2007-12-13T06:50:00.000-06:00

I appreciate the sympathy passed my way for the agony of the train ride. It was much deserved, I must say.A few of you wanted to know more about the school which The Princess attends. If you were just being nice...sorry. The Princess is in the 4th grade at a University Model School in our area. This is our second year at this school. It is the school's fourth year. Our school currently goes

A Train Bound for Nowhere

2007-12-12T07:36:00.000-06:00

The Princess had a field trip on Monday to The Polar Express Christmas Train Ride. Our local train station offers a holiday train ride on an antique passenger train that boasts of hot cocoa and a reading of The Polar Express. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas. This particular train generally travels about 90 miles round trip. Students that had signed up for the excursion were supposed to

Oh No You Didn't

2007-12-11T06:28:00.000-06:00

Before I begin, let's think back to hunting season... You may recall that The King's Man Camp is loaded. We joked and laughed about their wireless internet and dishwasher. Well guess what? They now have a washer and dryer. For real.I find it ironic that The King only changed clothes once in 5 days, yet feels the need to be able to wash and dry his bed sheets. The best news that I've been given

Why Must Times Change?

2007-12-10T07:22:00.000-06:00

This is an embarrassing confession.I went to the local camera store a few weeks ago and asked for a camera with film.Not the big lens professional looking film camera. Rather, the little $25 camera where you just stick in a roll of film and take it to be developed and use the pictures that you want kind of film camera.I have been a scrapbooker. I love it. I have every moment of The Life of The

The Cost of Planning Ahead

2007-12-08T10:27:00.000-06:00

I am a very organized Christmas shopper. I have a spreadsheet on my computer with my budget for each person. I keep up with what we gave them last year-- and the past 5 before that. I order ahead. I finish before the rush begins.By and large, I am proud of it. (Except for when it is written. Then it seems especially dorky.) However, when all the work of my preparedness comes to its completion...I

Proof

2007-12-07T08:45:00.000-06:00

This just couldn't have come at a better time. To prove The King's aversion to Christmas decor, I will copy a letter left by the wonderful lady who cleans my house on occasion. We'll just call her Angel, for reasons that surely don't need an explanation.This is word for word (except for the king & queen stuff...we don't really make people call us that).Dear New Resident:I can only surmise by the

A Very Fun Phone Call

2007-12-06T07:23:00.000-06:00

I host a book club that meets once a month. It started with ladies from my church, but has grown to include friends of friends. We have such a great time. It has been a terrific way to meet new people.Our November selection was Be Sweet by Diann Hunt. It was a very fun read. We wanted a book during the holidays that was a total distraction from the madness. We got it! The coolest part about

This is Christmas

2007-12-05T08:37:00.000-06:00

Oh Happy Day!Though my love for The King grows stronger each day, his holiday spirit still reeks. He'll get there...on Christmas morning around 10. But his lack of enthusiasm allowed me to do....THIS! Just look at what The Queen Mother and PK whipped up yesterday. WOO HOO! The Palace is all about Christmas. Even Oliver is jazzed. Anybody want to venture a guess on how long it will take him to be

The Grinch Who Could Have Possibly Stolen Christmas

2007-12-04T09:46:00.000-06:00

My goodness. I am not sure if The King's parents beat him with Christmas tree branches as a small child or there was some other traumatic tinsel event, but he has some serious issues.His dislike for all things that would adorn The Palace has been accelerating over the past few years.He nixed the outside lights a few seasons ago. The festive glowing deer were history the next year. He actually

The Day That Will (and Did) Last Forever

2007-12-03T07:15:00.000-06:00

Let me preface by saying that if you are indeed lucky enough to score once-in-a-lifetime tickets to The Hannah Montana Concert Event, and the tickets say “No Cameras Allowed”, they don’t actually mean that cameras are not allowed. And, after you’ve been honest and not tried to sneak your camera into the arena but then you see that every other mother has, in fact, brought her camera and is

Did You Say Something? I'm Sorry. I Can't Hear You.

2007-12-01T22:13:00.000-06:00

Oh, to be young.Let's just say I'm feeling every one of my years.I'm pooped, but wanted to share a picture from The Hannah Montana Concert Event.We were fortunate enough to have seats on the floor thanks to The Queen Mother.During The Jonas Brothers' opening act, we found The Princess inching closer to the stage.Now...our seats weren't necessarily near the stage.By the time Hannah/Miley made it

Here We Go

2007-11-30T22:03:00.000-06:00

The weekend has finally arrived.The Princess can hardly contain herself.Saturday morning, we are heading to The Hannah Montana Concert Event.Oh my word.What were we thinking?Is there anyway to anticipate the squealing pitch of thousands of tweens?Did you see her on Oprah last week?Did you hear the squeals?Will my nerves be able to handle the madness?Will Billy Ray be there?Must I stand the entire

The Internal Clock of a Princess

2007-11-30T08:11:00.000-06:00

There are a few things in our week that never change. Church is on Sunday. Thursday is Trash Day. We must leave the house by 7:23 on school mornings to make it there on time.For two years it has been 7:23.Two years.Yesterday morning at 7:15, The Princess sat on my bed, fully dressed, eating a pop-tart and staring into space. She asked The King if he thought she was going to be ready on time

You Asked For It

2007-11-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Well really, you didn't ask.Kelly tagged me with the Seven Random Things meme. Since I am totally out of other blogging ideas, I think today is a great day to play!!Let me apologize in advance for boring you with things that you never cared to know.1. We had a pet pig in our house when I was in high school. Really, it was my mom's. Really, I totally hated him. His name was Hamlet. We had to get

Me vs. Mr. Scary

2007-11-28T08:16:00.000-06:00

The King, Princess and I had to run to The King's place of business late the other night. He needed to pick up something he had forgotten, so he pulled to the back of the building and dashed inside.He left the car running so that The Princess could continue watching her movie. You know it is considered child abuse in this day and age to not allow your children to watch ANIMATION at every possible

If I'd Wanted a Sauna, I'd Have Gone to a Sauna

2007-11-27T17:30:00.000-06:00

Can anyone tell me one good reason why A GYM would have their thermostat set at *82 degrees? If I recover from my heat stroke, I will blog tomorrow.*This would be an actual temperature of 82 degrees. I saw it with my own two eyes right before they rolled back in my head.

Baby Steps

2007-11-27T06:46:00.000-06:00

Ok. I get it. Small steps lead to clean cabinets.I followed your advice and tackled a little...which led to a little more.I cleaned out one entire cabinet. ONE ENTIRE CABINET!! Which then led to:a clean china cabineta clean entertainment centertwo clean chest of drawersfour clean random cabinetsand...I organized all my DVDs and CDs and put them in a holder-thing.But NO playroom!See the

Out of the Cabinet and Into the Dumpster

2007-11-26T07:26:00.000-06:00

I really don't like it when I get this way.I think I might have OCD. I am a neat freak, though I see no shame in that.The predicament that this disorder has currently placed me in is this: I cannot go another day without tackling the storage cabinets in my dining room.It has been building. I could see it coming. The holidays are officially here and I have to deal with the items in that cabinet.

The Princess and Her Castle

2007-11-24T20:28:00.000-06:00

The Princess has had a school assignment looming over me, I mean her, for a month. She is supposed to build a castle for Medieval Day at her school. There are really no rules to follow...just create the castle of her choice. Her grandfather helped her design this masterpiece on Thanksgiving Day.This would definitely be her choice of castle !!

I Do Believe We Did It

2007-11-23T18:07:00.001-06:00

Can I hear a Woo Pig Sooie, please??

The Red Loveseat Had a Great Fall

2007-11-23T06:45:00.000-06:00

I've been waiting for the happy ending.The Palace has been in need...ok, in want of a new couch and loveseat. Ours is 8 years old and has endured a growing child and cats. The occassional puking cats. Sorry. You just need to have all the particulars.The King has finally given the decree that I can purchase the furniture. The only stipulation is that I need to sell both gently used pieces to

Thankfulness

2007-11-22T05:46:00.000-06:00

Here's a cheery note: I've been dreading this holiday season just a bit. My extended family has gone through some changes during the year, and the holidays are going to be a little different. I have kind of been stuck thinking about how things have been in the past. I know, I know...nothing stays the same. I've just had a hard time accepting that. Today, though, I am thankful for a loving God

A Tale of Two Kitties

2007-11-21T08:32:00.000-06:00

I know that many of you will immediately stop reading when you see this is about cats. I know that cat lovers are in the minority. I won't pretend that I don't understand why. I get it. I totally get it.Thirteen years ago my very new and naive husband, The King, brought home two Himalayan kittens, Murphy and Chloe. Murphy was beautiful and Chloe was a freak of nature. As a small kitten, Chloe

This Year I'm Thankful For Not Traveling to the Grand Canyon

2007-11-20T08:24:00.000-06:00

Let me begin with a word to my in-laws: I am not dissing the concept of The Grand Canyon Adventure.Our Thanksgiving celebrations have been like those of most everyone else in America. We generally gather at my in-laws for a meal. We watch football. We play cards. We nap. Occassionally, we go to the movie. Normal Thanksgiving Day fare. I like it. I know what to expect. Not this year. About, I

If the Shoe Fits

2007-11-18T20:10:00.000-06:00

Whew. That was a weekend.I'd say I wrapped up about 75% of my Christmas shopping. My new goal is the end of November.I have one very important thing to share: NEVER sacrifice comfort for fashion when shopping. I had the brilliant idea of wearing the only pair of brown-not-flip-flop-and-look-good-with-jeans shoes that I own with my Friday outfit for shopping. The problem with this idea is that

E. F. Hutton

2007-11-16T08:41:00.000-06:00

Oh wow. When Rocks in My Dryer blogs, people listen. Thanks, Shannon for the sweet introduction! I cannot wait to get home from The Big City and read all the fun comments!! (Especially you NASCAR girls. We've got a lot to discuss.)Due to Technical Difficulties which I cannot spend any time thinking about for fear of ruining my day, I am sitting at Kinko's paying $0.20 a minute. This will be

A Shopping We Will Go

2007-11-15T05:45:00.000-06:00

I am off to the Big City for the weekend. The Princess and I are taking my mother-in-law on a little trip for her birthday. We are all hoping to knock out our Christmas shopping while we are there.That is not exactly true. My mother-in-law LOVES the morning after Thanksgiving. She is up and at 'em at 4 a.m. with Manhiem Steamroller blasting out of her car on her way to THE ULTIMATE DAY OF

Much Deserved Props

2007-11-15T00:04:00.000-06:00

A million thanks to Jules at Everyday Design for this fabulous blog makeover!She did an amazing job of taking my jumbled information and giving me just what I wanted...but never could have imagined! She is super fast and a bargain. I am very pleased. Thanks, Jules!A big thank you to Shannon for the recommendation.You girls rock!!

The Land of Man Camp

2007-11-14T09:16:00.000-06:00

The King and the male offspring of his family have a ritual on the first weekend of the hunting season. Let me correct myself...the male offspring plus Grandma. They participate in Man Camp. They, of course, refer to it as Deer Camp. (I can truthfully call it Man Camp because Grandma goes home at night to sleep in her own bed. Smart lady.)Man Camp appears to be a lot of eating, card-playing and

I'd Rather Have a Root Canal:UPDATED

2007-11-13T07:30:00.000-06:00

Today should be lots of fun.Thankfully, my day will begin with the Bible Study group I love. We will not only be discussing some great stuff...we are having lunch together afterwards. I am truly looking forward to a wonderful time.Pretty much, it goes downhill from there.I have recently joined a new gym. I'm not really excited about it. It is one of those things that I needed to do or I would

Here Comes Santa Claus

2007-11-12T07:30:00.000-06:00

Don't Try This at Home is having a fun Holiday Shopping Carnival that should help each of us knock out some Christmas shopping for those hard-to-buy-for people on our lists. Or, it will help us find things to add to our own wish lists!! (Note to friends and family: play dumb when you see this stuff again, in say, 6 weeks or so. Or, you could keep the surprise and stop reading. But I know none of

My Favorite Things

2007-11-10T10:35:00.000-06:00

The Princess has an assignment to research The Plague over the weekend. That should be a nice, uplifting task. She has been looking on the internet for things to read. She has been saving them to my Favorites. I now have these folders in my favorites: News, Shopping, Racing, Blogs and Black Death.

Code 1234...Stat!

2007-11-09T07:46:00.000-06:00

My dad checked into the hospital Wednesday night via the ER. He is having some tests run, but is hopefully ok. The King, Princess and I went to sit with him and keep him entertained. Yes, I said entertained. I know he didn't feel well, but we thought he should keep his mind off his troubles. Apparently the docs at this hospital go for the entertainment, as well. Dr. Whomever had this cool pager/

Sweet Smelling Stuff

2007-11-08T06:48:00.000-06:00

I am very particular about smells. Something happened in the midst of my pregnancy that triggered extraordinarily sensitive nasal receptors or something. It is like a veil of protection was removed from my poor nostrils. This is usually a really bad thing. Hamburger meat browning in a skillet often brings on fits of dry heaving (I'm sorry. It's true.) Passing a freshly killed skunk on the road...

Look...In the Sky

2007-11-07T07:08:00.000-06:00

We live in a notoriously "green" town. We have run off plenty of businesses for the sake of a tree. I am making no political statement. I am just saying.So...I'm driving down a major road in our town, and I see something looming in the sky. It seems to be at least a mile away. What is that? Could it be...? No. Jack and the Beanstalk?Was it there yesterday? How could I have missed it? Has it been

Making Plans

2007-11-06T07:05:00.000-06:00

I am a part of a wonderful Bible study group that meets once a week. We are reading Karol Ladd's book, The Power of a Positive Woman. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I heard the title. It sounded kind of new-age-ish. That whole "think -positive -thoughts -and -you'll-always- feel -happy" thing just doesn't jive with me. I was a little concerned that was the territory I was headed

My Closet Obsession

2007-11-05T10:23:00.000-06:00

I'm not really that obsessed. I think obsessed is too strong a word. I simply have a fondness for America's fastest growing sport.In celebration of that sport, I spent part of my weekend (with 300,000 other lunatics) in Dallas at the...are you ready?...Texas Motor Speedway. I dig NASCAR. There, I've said it. I love racing. I've been a closet fan for quite some time. I came out about the time that

The Haircut is Over

2007-11-03T16:45:00.001-05:00

The wait is over. The haircut is finished.Before I describe the outcome...I must digress.I don't feel that I have given adequate information about Johnny, the stylist. He has a bit of an Antonio Banderas look...not like, the gorgeous part, but more the hair part. He has a short kind of ponytail thing like that. There is definitely some resemblance.I am not sure how I missed it last time, but

The Eve of Big Doings

2007-11-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

I've got a major decision on my hands: Keep my hair on its intended path or alter its direction entirely. (A brief history: I am a salon hopper. I admit it. I confess. I have a very hard time staying committed to one stylist. I cannot go to anyone that I might have any personal association with or that anyone I know has any personal association with for fear of the inevitable insult. I will

Just Can't Get Enough

2007-11-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

I was thinking that perhaps today, the day after Halloween, would be a good time to reflect on my love of chocolate. Let me begin by noting that I absolutely understand that there are varying degrees of quality. For today's purposes we are focusing on the cheap stuff. Your basic candy bar.There has never been any one candy for which I exclude all others. Junior High centered on Reese's Cups. The

Buyers Remorse

2007-10-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

It is probably never a good idea to, you know,purchase a pet because you like the name of the breed. However, for some reason that no one in the palace seems to recall, we did. The valiant breed of the Schnoodle. We ordered Ruby from a website. There are two major problems with that: ordered Ruby and website. Should a loving family ever be ordering living creatures from the world wide web? Sight

It will only hurt for a minute

2007-10-30T04:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was delightful.My daughter, heretofore known as The Princess (you know, the Queen theme...), had a regularly scheduled teeth cleaning. No big deal. Never had a cavity (not to boast, but don't you think that speaks to excellent mom skills?) Gets a kick out of TVs in the ceiling. She approached the appointment with one teeny worry. Teeth pulling.Let me pause for a brief history of The

Out the window

2007-10-30T03:51:00.000-05:00

Ok. My family's modesty is officially gone. I am going to pretend that I will not mention names or embarrass my ten year old. I will vow to not share important matters. I will pledge that my husband will never be shamed. Whatever. I give it a week until I have probably done all of the above. And then some.My hesitation into the blogging world pretty much boils down to one thing...ok, two things: