Bullet Blog Post

Since I haven't posted in a while and I don't have that much to say, I'm going to blog in bullet format. In no particular order

• We still have a gas shortage and lines in Charlotte.
• The economy concerns me, but I am learning that my security is in Jesus Christ and nowhere else.
• David has been in two golf tournaments over the last week or so. Last week he was in New Life 91.9's Golf Tournament. Yesterday the same group (Brad, David, Steve and Terry) WON Carmel Christian's Golf Tournament. Congratulations Gentlemen! (this is for you Leslie!).
• Matthews Matters turned out great! Our church had over 1100 people come out to help beautify the town of Matthews.
• I'm not exactly following a menu plan, but tonight for dinner I am making Shrimp Fried Rice (i.e. Shrimp I saute served over Trader Joe's Vegetable Fried Rice - we are gourmet here!)

I think that's it for now!

Let's Talk About Gas

From the title let me first say that I am not referring to the type of gas in my post earlier this week. I'm talking about the kind of gas that runs your vehicle!

On Tuesday I had half of a tank in the Van - but was by the Super Wal-Mart and just decided to fill up. I had no problem filling up. Fast forward to early Wednesday morning when I had an email from a friend asking me where she should be looking for gas. She had been looking on Tuesday and had not had any luck finding gas. This was the first I had heard of a shortage.

Well on Wednesday I headed to Blakeney and was shocked to see the line at the Texaco at the corner of Providence Road and Ardrey Kell. The line literally went from the gas station, onto Ardrey Kell Road, onto Providence Road. RIDICULOUS I say!

The Texaco at Blakeney had ONE pump working and there was a line for gas from that one pump.

Today David needed me to run a key to him at his Matthews Matters site (near Costco). So I delightfully and with great joy delivered the key to him this morning when I should have been at Bible Study. When I passed Costco, I discovered Costco was out of gas.

So today I have a little over a half of a tank - seriously people I have driven to the barber shop in Waxhaw and a multitude of other places this week! But David has a plan! He's going to wake up REALLY early in the morning - I'm guessing like 4 am - and he is going to be driving all over the area searching out gas for my van.

I never thought I would say that Gas is my love language!

Update 6 AM: David just called while waiting at a BP Station - where he is second in line at 6 am. He said there were bunches of people in line, but the pumps were not activated. While we were talking he said a Tanker truck arrived to save the day. Those things take some time to unload, but he's waiting.

Step Away from the Clippers

In my quest to become more domestic, I bought a set of hair clippers at Target today!

Since I have both children in school all day, I feel the need to learn things - sometimes things that are better left to the professionals. Anywhoo - my particular kit came with a cape and everything. This afternoon before football practice I took Jere outside to the driveway and decided to play barber.

David had just arrived home and was unloading and reloading his truck for Matthews Matters (which will be a post all in itself on Saturday!). When he realized what I was about to do I swear/promise I saw his eyes roll. Too bad I did not have my camera with me!

I started to use the clippers on Jere's head and I guess I wasn't holding them correctly, because nothing happened - i.e. no hair came off his head. So I went inside and loaded the clippers with the shortest one possible - it still wouldn't cut.

So David tried it - oh it worked all right. It took off some serious hair. I decided to switch clippers back to a longer one. Long story short - I BUTCHERED my child's hair. It looked pitiful.

David announced that there was no way he could go to school (or anywhere for that matter) with his hair looking like it did. He suggested I take him to the only place that he could think of that could rectify the horrible hair situation - the Waxhaw Barber Shop. I would link to the Barber Shop, but they are not technically savvy and do not have a website.

So into the van we go to the Waxhaw Barber shop - it took a while to get there due to the traffic and all. On the way there, Jere was saying how he could wear a hat tomorrow because tomorrow is Hat Day - it's Homecoming Week at their school. We walk in there and it's like a return to Mayberry. Everyone is talking about current affairs - Was it right for McCain to "suspend" his campaign? What will Obama do? Have you seen gas anywhere?

When Jere's turn comes up I explain to the barber what I did and everyone in the place starts laughing! Jere's shirt was covered in hair and the hair on his head was a complete mess. Of course, all's well that ends well - his hair is fixed, he made it to football practice and I don't think he is messed up for life because of this.

Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to try my barber skills on David!

Does He NOT Know Any Other Tricks?

What I'm about to share is not my proudest moment as a mom, but I'll share it for the sake of being real!

Jere's teacher uses stamps on a calendar to indicate whether the child behaved or not during a particular day. Today Jere did not have a stamp. I asked Jere why he did not have a stamp and he was very honest.

The Guidance Counselor visited Jere's class today and I guess she was talking about how everyone has something they are good at and everyone is good at different things. They went around the room and were supposed to tell what they were good at. Here's where it gets good.

Jere says he is good at AND DEMONSTRATES the arm under the other arm that makes a very bad sound. The sound sounds very much like a bodily function that I don't like AT.ALL.

Delightful.

Also, would the blogger whose child taught my child how to do this please comment! (I had forgotten until you reminded me - your child would be so proud!)

Happy Birthday Christy!

Christy is a special person. We met at a Sunday School Christmas Party the Christmas before our boys' were born - we were both expecting our first baby's and lived in the same area. After our boys' were born -two weeks apart- we would get together and let them "play" while we would visit. As our boys' friendship developed so did ours.

Our girls' are three weeks apart - and yes we planned it that way. (As much as these things can be planned). And our girls' are sweet friends as well. They were together all through pre-school from the toddler class through 4s. We like to stick together.

Christy is one of the most thoughtful, giving and selfless people I know. She would do anything for anyone at anytime. I love how laid back she is (and wish I could be more like her) and how patient she is with her children. She and Richard added a third child late last year and she makes having three look way to easy! I know it's not, but she makes it look that way.

So on Friday, Dawn (with Lexi), Sherri (w/Jason), Christy (w/Hannah) and I (all by myself thankyouverymuch) had lunch at Cheesecake Factory to celebrate Christy's birthday. We had a wonderful time and I could not believe how well-behaved all of the children were. They were delightful and we really enjoyed ourselves.

Hope you have a great day, Christy!

Martha I am Not

Is there some talent you wish you could do? Among other things, sewing and the creative arts are some things I wish I could do. But because I am not gifted in these areas choose to focus on things that I can do.

As a child, I grew up with a mother who could smock, sew, etc. But after my required semester of home economics I figured out that sewing was not for me. Lately, my mom has taken a renewed interest in such crafty things as quilting, making cards, and now this:

She turned a Hanes sweatshirt into a jacket for Caroline. And Caroline loves it!

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

For those of you who don't know, it's triple time here in the Queen City! When I found out the date for Triples, I was a bit concerned - I have Bible Study on Thursday Mornings at 9:30, promptly!

Thanks to my wonderful husband - who drove the children to school -, I was able to hit the Harris Teeter at 7 am! I made two trips and spent around $17.00 total. Here is a picture of my loot:

Included in these transactions were:

3 10 packs of Powerade (approx. $16)

5 Colgate Toothpastes

4 Jif Peanut Butters

2 Boxes of Gripz

Brown Sugar

3 Dukes Mayonnaise
Cheese-Its

Butter ($4.xx to send off for a rebate!)

Welch's Grape Jelly

3 Boxes of Dole's Mandarin Oranges

Minute Maid Juice Boxes

Several boxes of Success Rice

Several boxes of Zatarans Rice

4 Taco Seasoning Packets

6 Packages of Crescent Rolls

Lysol Cleaner

2 Nesquick Milk Drinks

2 Marie Callendar Dinners

And I made it to Bible Study on time!

Wanna See Our Trash?

Look at what is growing behind our garbage can!!

David thinks this all started when someone threw a grape tomato in the big trash can - only missed. The seeds sprung up a big ole tomato factory!

We have fresh grape tomatoes all the time. They are just beautiful. Here is a closeup of the tomatoes on the vine

Aren't they beautiful?

And quite money saving too, I might add- do you KNOW what a container of grape tomatoes will cost you at the Harris Teeter? Anywhere from $2.50 - $4.99 depending if they are on VIC special.

While the vast vines of grape tomatoes might not be the most pretty thing to look at, it's behind our trash can so who really looks there anyway?

Football Potpourri

The last several weekends we've had football games. While our team may not be that great (or really even good), it has been alot of fun!

Here is Jere #3 before the first game.

Somehow, I'm unable to narrate these pictures. The gist of these is this: Jere plays football, it's really hot. David is one of his coaches - it's really hot. Caroline likes to cheer for her brother!

And the last picture is at yesterday's game at Steele Creek - where we lost 46 -6, but had a great time doing so! David is wearing his coaching shirt. Doesn't he look all professional?

The man in green is David's dad. Jere was so excited to see him at his game!

PS- Yesterday we had to be at the field 1 1/2 hours prior to game time. When we got there, I thought I'd go grab some lunch so that I didn't have to eat something at the concessions stand (and sit in the hot sun for 1 1/2 hours). I called Melissa on her cell and drug her with me to the Cracker Barrel!!! There is one MINUTES from the Steele Creek fields. Too bad we don't play them more often!

Baptismal Blessings!

Today was a special day for our family - Jere was baptised this morning! Here he is before his baptism.

As a mom, it was a wonderful day; celebrating Jere's decision to follow Christ.

Following the service we had a celebration at our house! Because I knew yall would want to see some of the action, here is a picture of his cake -




Just a little something I whipped up this morning! (Not really, I ordered it from Edible Art - they make the best decorative cakes!)

In addition to cake and ice cream, we had a wonderful lunch consisting of:

Chicken Divan - what else?

Homemade Chicken Tenders (my mother-in-law made these - think Chic-fil-A nuggets on steroids)

Strawberry Pretzel Salad (my sister-in-law made this, I will be posting the recipe to the recipe blog soon)

Mashed Potatoes (not the Trader Joes kind)

Rice - some people don't care for Mashed Potatoes and I needed options

Green Beans

Mixed Vegetable Casserole

Green Salad - with Strawberries, Blue Cheese and Poppy Seed Dressing

Creamed Corn

Sister Schubert Rolls - my personal favorite. Yummy!

Here is Jere loving life hamming it up for the camera - It's just that he's so excited!





And because I did not get pictures of the adult tables prior to lunch, here are some after shots:


A friend of ours sent the great arrangement in the picture below. Aren't they lovely?


All in all it was a great day of celebrating the most important decision Jere will ever make!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:4

Menu for the Week

Here is the Menu plan for the week! A bit late, but better late than never!!

Monday - Country Fried Steak, Green Beans, Hash brown Casserole
Tuesday - Shrimp and Grits, Salad
Wednesday - Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken, Yellow Rice, Green Beans, Okra
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Grilled Chicken - we are having company so I need to get on planning this meal.

People, the Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken is Divine! David's plate did not even need to go in the dishwasher - he ate every single bit of it! And it was a hit with Jere and Caroline, too. I will be making this again soon!

Through the Years

Kristi gave me this idea and boy is it a fun one!

Have you ever wondered what you would have looked like in different decades? Well neither had I until I saw Kristi's post on this subject.

Here I am in 1972 (before I was even born):

I can remember this look:
This next one feels like just yesterday:

Isn't it interesting how much the styles change through each decade? I'm so thankful that there is One who never changes!

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Nursery Rhymin' with Caroline

Well school has been in session three weeks and Caroline has learned something really sweet. They've been learning about nursery rhymes. In addition to the traditional nursery rhymes they are learning some Christian ones. Take this one for example:

(These are Caroline's words/interpretation)

Jack be nimble
Jack be smart
Jack asked Jesus in his heart.

Yes, this is very sweet. Except when your daughter says a bad word instead of ask (rhymes with crass). Jack _ss Jesus in his heart.

Lovely. Just lovely.

Exciting Announcement

I'm not sure if it's my menu planning prowess or the exciting recipes I post, but regardless I've been invited to contribute to the blog - What's for Din-Din?. Thanks, Donna!

If you haven't visited this blog before, take a look at it for all kinds of dinner inspiration!

On my list to try:
Ranch Salsa Dip - a yummy sounding appetizer, Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken, Baked Spaghetti, and of course the previously mentioned Chicken Pot Pie.

Look for me there as soon as I figure out what recipe to post! (I posted an easy recipe that is an oldie yet a goody recipe).

Do you know about Trader Joes?

You might already know about the fantasticness that is Trader Joe's, but in case someone does not please let me introduce you to it!

From there website:
1. How is shopping at Trader Joe's different from what you may be used to in a supermarket?At Trader Joe's, you won't find a lot of branded items. Instead, you'll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe's label as well as everyday basics. We buy products we think are winners and that’ll find a following among our customers. Sometimes it's a product we intend to stock as long as it sells well; and sometimes we buy a product which is in limited supply, sell through it, and you won't find it again. It’s all part of the shopping adventure at Trader Joe's

Through friend's sharing their favorites and trial and error I have found some wonderful things at Trader Joe's. Some of the things we like include:
Their produce is good, but many times can be found cheaper at the produce stand. I do like their baby cucumbers. Their snack foods are much better for you than traditional snack foods. And their corn chips rock!

There are some wonderful things to be found in their frozen foods section. Kelley hooked me up with their balsamic vegetables. My family loves these!

Another thing to check out in the frozen food section is the Chicken Tempura - YUMMY! You simply bake it for 15-18 minutes and warm the sauce over the stove and it's ready. I pair this with vegetable fried rice and vegetable egg rolls for a really good Chinese Food dinner.

I buy their crab cakes, frozen vegetables and definitely check out all of the appetizers they have in stock. Great things to keep on hand for unexpected - or expected! - company!

My sister Catherine told me about -or did I tell her about?- their incredible frozen mashed potatoes. They are frozen in scoops. You just pour several scoops into a bowl and add water and microwave. I kid you not - these taste unbelievably homemade. Now, before everyone makes a mad dash to TJ's I should tell you that the mashed potatoes are a seasonal item and will not be back at TJ's until November. (Check your local store for exact dates)

Have you tried anything and loved it at Trader Joe's? Do share!