Our Dining Room

I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner today for a dining room tour.  Here are a few pictures of our red dining room:

Finally!

Whatever shall I do???

Of course, I have big plans to clean up this house ~ everything from closets to garage.  Now will it really happen? That certainly remains to be seen.  In reality, there will be a lot of swimming.  Lots and lots of swimming.  I'm hoping there will also be some reading for all of us.  Several fun trips are coming up too, so we have lots to look forward to in the next couple of months. I was crazy enough to agree to a Dollywood trip yesterday on our first full day off.  I didn't even get to sleep late! So this morning, I rest....the resting will only last until lunch time because I need to vacuum, do a little laundry, and run some errands this afternoon.  One of my errands is to replenish my Love Spell since nobody has stepped up to be a supplier for me yet.  Tonight, Brian is making his winning recipe for a practice run, and we have some family coming over to taste his creation.  Yay for yummy food, family, fun, and REST!

Tales From The Nursing Home

Today was my first day back to school after Spring Break.  And it wasn't pretty.  At all. 

I got to bed last night a little late because I have some wild friends who shall only be referred to as MLBSG or S, L, & R.  Being the Mamaw that I am, 11:00 was certainly past my school night bedtime.  We had so much fun though, and it was totally worth it.

Unfortunately, I didn't sleep great and definitely have some sinus issues starting.  So I felt kinda puny-ish.  Also, I made a remarkable discovery today.  Apparently, ten days out of school is the exact amount of time it takes for first graders to forget every rule and procedure they ever knew. 

I had really great intentions of walking tonight, but I just went and talked myself right out of it.  I blamed it on my tiring, puny-ish day.  Then I decided that I definitely should stay in and rest up for my big night of television.  It's hard on a Mamaw to watch Dancing With The Stars and The Voice all in one night. 

Well, I reckon I better skedaddle since I'm no spring chicken, and I'm plum tuckered out.  I guess I'll just piddle the night away watchin' my stories. 

Goodnight. Sleep tight. Mamaw loves you.

I Always Keep My Promises

So I'm about to hit you with some riveting photos.

Last night, Parker and Claire spent the night with Nana, so Brian and I went to Chop House.  Brian LOVES Chop House with all of his heart.  We usually go about once a year for his birthday, so this non-birthday trip was extra special.  I like it, but I don't love it (kind of like dark chocolate).

So the first picture that I give you is this:

My salad

Picture number two:

My steak and baked potato

 Now before you get too excited, I should just tell you that it wasn't as good as it looks.  See that potato up there? It was (three words) Fab.U.Lous.  BUT:

My steak was a little weird.  It had a whacked out texture or something.  I didn't say a word though because I didn't want to ruin Brian's ultimate Chop House experience that he had going on.  Then all of a sudden he said, "This steak is a little different tonight.  The texture is strange and the flavor is a little off".

Yes! I knew it!

So he says they get one more chance, and if it's not-so-great again, then it's over.  He's already planning a break up.  Even though I just moderately like the place, I actually feel a little nervous for Chop House.  

Because we are party animals, we went to Barnes and Noble after dinner. 

Here is Brian's dessert: 

Two forks...but I didn't take a single bite

 This was my dessert:

Yummy!

That's all I have for you today.  Except that I accidentally squirted my "only thing that keeps me from being totally bald" conditioner onto my body loofah thingee.  So I'm afraid that the hair on my arms will suddenly grow in think and full.  Wonder if it would work on eyebrows?

Here's What's Happening On The Ranch...

I don't really live on a ranch. I just wanted to say that since Ree Drummond says it all the time on her cooking show, and maybe I wish I had a cooking show. Or maybe I just want a cowboy.  Can't you just see Brian Murray with chaps, boots, and a cowboy hat? Now that would be a show to see.  Fo Sho. (By the way, I talk about Pioneer Woman a lot on this here blog...she really should pay me.)

Let's play a little catch up, shall we?

1. I'm having some serious technical difficulties.  I've been mostly using my phone, Phoebe, to take pictures lately.  Unfortunately for me, Phoebe has decided that she will not under any circumstances let me transfer the pictures to the computer.  She has always cooperated in the past, so I have no idea why she's giving me such a hard time. "The lady doth protest too much, methinks" 

2. I haven't been able to update my other blog.  See number one.

3. I went to the doctor this week.  For a checkup.  You know, THE checkup.  Fun times.

4. When I called the number I've called for the last three months to find out when I needed to report for my next $11, here was the recording: "Jury panels A, B, & C, we are pleased to inform you that your jury service is over."  Hallelujah.  I was on Panel C in case you're wondering.  I'm pretty sure C stood for Crazy.  Why else would I be in that group? There were some other interesting folks in my group who fit the description quite nicely as well.

5. Tonight's pizza crust was the best yet.  I hesitate to bring it up because I know you HAVE to be sick to death of hearing about pizza crust.  I figure I've brought you this far, and in the words of Conway Twitty (may he rest in peace), "You've never been this far before, pum pum pum". 

6. If you don't love Conway Twitty and know his songs then get out of here.  Just kidding. Please don't go.

7. Hello Darlin' (See numbers five and six).

8. We had what I like to refer to as a bit of a dead fish situation.  You see, Claire had a dead fish.  Dead as a doornail.  Oh sweet Tara, you will be missed. It was really pitiful to see Tara on the pink rocks upside down with all of her beautiful pink color completely gone from her body.  In fact, it seemed as if Katie the frog was taking the news especially hard.  She kept sitting right beside her, and I was pretty sure I saw a little frog tear in her eye.  Until ~ Katie suddenly had Tara in her mouth.  I'm going to be keeping an eye on Katie from now on.  For all we know, it was cold-blooded murder right there in the fish tank.  The only eyewitness is Ella, the other pink fish.  She was swimming around so frantically that I can't yet determine if she is terrified by what she witnessed or nervous because she was an accomplice. 

9. My hair is dark brown.  Well, actually it's just a little darker than normal, but I tend to exaggerate just a little (in case you haven't noticed). I've been trying to let a little, tiny bit of what I think is my natural color sneak back in for the last few months.  Then my hair lady, the one who took off half my eyebrow last time, decided to speed up the process a little.  No pictures at this time. See number one.

10. I've been having ridiculous dreams.  I have always had lots of dreams that I remember, but last night's dream was just too hilarious not to share.  In this dream, it was my first day of high school.  I was in this humongous school, and my real-life high school friend Jason and I were frantically searching for our first class.  I ended up in this really large auditorium sitting next to my friend Staci.  Turns out, Staci was there for her daughter's wedding.  In my dream, her daughter was all grown up and had a totally different hair color.  It's also probably worth noting that Staci was wearing a wedding dress for her own daughter's wedding and sitting really far from the stage.  Then suddenly I realized we were at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.  The End. 

I think I'll stop with ten because I really think I've reached the limit on how much crazy you can handle at one time. 

Will You Please Join Me?

There has been a special called prayer meeting for today.  We will meet on my front steps promptly at 5:30 pm.  If you can't join us in body, please join us in spirit.

Brian is making another pizza crust, and I/he/that poor pizza crust need a lot of prayer.

FLOP

Last night's pizza crust was a flop.  An F.L.O.P. flop as my dad would have said.  So bad that we ended up ordering from Pizza Hut.  I should add that Brian has taken over this crust making si-u-a-she-on.  I started this whole mess back with Pioneer Woman's crust making, and now it's become a challenge (especially for Brian).  There have been videos watched, research conducted, reviews read, etc.  It's getting out of hand.  I seriously don't even care any more, but he will not back down.  Since Friday night is pizza night (see: tradition), we should have many more opportunities to get it right.  At this point, I'm honestly just wishing we could go back to my beloved Chef Boyardee.  I know that most people don't like it, but haters gonna hate.  It never let me down.

Bringing Down The House

It's Friday night!!! My first full week after two short weeks is complete! All I have to say is that all of this going to school five days a week is for the birds! Of course, it's way better than being sick and/or sitting in a courtroom for hours on end.  However, where is the snow???? I don't even need a big snowstorm.  Just a small threat of snow around here is enough to get us a snow day.  This teacher needs one.  Also, I know 18 first graders that could use one or eleven days too! Man alive, they are wild animals lately! At least it's been warm enough to go outside to play some.  Today we celebrated the birthday of good ol' Dr. Seuss.  It was fun until we were rudely interrupted with an early dismissal announcement because of tornado watches and warnings.  We still have a tornado watch so we are home having a dance party tonight.  I actually gave up a free ticket to see Brad Paisley and The Band Perry in Knoxville tonight.  I can promise you that Brad doesn't have anything on this dance party though.  We are bringing down the house. (Right now Brian is doing some kind of line dance to "Wagon Wheel" aka "Mama, Rock Me". Do you know that song? I love that little ditty).  We're just praying a tornado doesn't literally bring down the house! Y'all stay safe!

Reunited And It Feels So Good

My sweet Loretta is back.  Loretta the Laptop has been sick and at the doctor since Monday.  Five days is a long time for an addicted person like me.  Hello, my name if Michele, and it's been five days since I last logged on.  In the spirit of full disclosure, we do have another computer in this house.  I did use it a very few times, but I had to be a bit sneaky.  Somebody, who shall remain nameless, doesn't like me to use the desktop for facebook, blogs, pinterest, etc. because unnamed somebody uses it for work and doesn't want to take any chances.  Apparently, I am a true wildcat on the computer.  All of those mommy blogs and mason jar pins are just so dangerous.  (I should probably confess somebody's concerns might have something to do with the virus Loretta came down with earlier in the week ~ maybe he has a tiny bit of a case.)  Anyway, she's home. I can quit singing "Near...far...wherever you are...I believe that my heart will go on".

Why is it I can think of 92 things I want to blog about when I don't have access to Loretta? Then I forget them all.  I do have a few things I want to talk (write) about, so I'll be back soon.  I'm sure you're on the edge of your seats...

An Update of Sorts

 1. I finally got my Christmas cards addressed!

 2. All of the kids presents are wrapped and under the tree!

3. I still have quite a few presents to wrap, but that's ok.

4. This week is insane at school.  We have Christmas Around The World going on in first and second grade.   So that means Monday-Thursday I have a different group of kids every afternoon to teach all about Christmas in Australia.  Merry Christmas mates!

5. I was also CRAZZZZZZEEEEEEE enough to schedule elf day, reindeer day, Grinch day, party day, AND Polar Express day for this week. 

6. Oh, and we still have to cover all of the "regular" stuff too for math and literacy.

7. And a writing assessment

8. And first grade literacy night at school

9. I also have to make about thirty batches of cracker candy (that might be a slight exaggeration).

10. And food for the faculty luncheon.

11. And cookies for the Bible study cookie swap.  I decided to skip this one.

12. Sheldon the Elf has managed to move to a new location every night of December except one.  We still aren't sure why he stayed in the same spot for two days.  Some of the reasons being considered are:
           A. He can see a lot from way up there
           B. He was tired and needed to rest for the night
I'm sure it was one of those...

13. I'm looking forward to Christmas break! I'm sure I'll get all caught up on everything, my house will be spotless, and I'll blog every day. (insert sarcasm here)

14. Well, I'm off to make Grinch juice and attach little tags to green candy canes. Gotta go, buffalo!

Under Attack

"Thanksgiving is under attack!" I heard those words this morning after breakfast from my Brianaby.  He declared years ago, as in I hear this every year, that Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday.  I'm so very happy that he is thankful for all of his blessings.  I am too! It's just that in his "I am the spokesman for preserving the sanctity of Thanksgiving" campaign, he has also seemed to take it out on Christmas.  Now I get it...people are skipping over Thanksgiving more and more to move straight to Christmas.  I am NOT in favor of that at all.  It aggravates me too that stores and marketing campaigns "get their Christmas on" right after Halloween without even recognizing Thanksgiving at all.  It's truly a shame.

However, here is where we differ.  While I love Thanksgiving and all it represents, I think of the Thanksgiving season beginning on November 1 and ending on Thanksgiving Day.  Of course, I believe that Thanksgiving should be in our hearts and shown in our attitudes all year long too!  Thanksgiving Day, in my opinion, is the culmination of the Thanksgiving season.  Just like Christmas Day is the culmination of a month of Christmas celebration.  Brian disagrees and basically thinks that Thanksgiving begins the day before and continues all through the weekend.  I've tried to explain that I spend the WHOLE month of November teaching about Thanksgiving, making mind maps of turkeys, making tiny cornucopias and Pilgrim hats, comparing children from long ago with children today, making Venn Diagrams of wild turkeys and domestic turkeys, etc, etc, etc....you get the point.  By the time Thanksgiving Day comes and goes, I'm done.  By that point, I'm mostly just thankful that I don't have to look at another snood or wattle. 

Why does this matter you ask? BECAUSE EVERY STINKIN' YEAR WE DISAGREE ABOUT WHEN TO DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS.  The way I see it (and of course I'm right), no Christmas decorating shall occur on or before Thanksgiving Day. After that, all bets are off.  It just makes sense that we should decorate sometime during the rest of the weekend because we are already off of work/school not to mention the fact that Thanksgiving is OVER so why not?! If it doesn't get done during Thanksgiving weekend, AFTER THANKSGIVING DAY, then we will have to wait until the next weekend because we are generally just too tired and busy with activities/homework during the week.  That's a whole week I miss out on enjoying the Christmas tree! Plus it means that the earliest the tree can go up will be December 3.  That's two days late! It also totally screws up my advent calendar! AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

But apparently I am part of the "Thanksgiving is under attack" group, so every year I give in.  I let him have his way because I love him and I'm thankful for him.  Not to mention, I've learned through the years that when my husband feels strongly about something, there's just no use arguing. 

NO JOKE! As I was typing this, Brian just walked into the room and said the following:

"I think they ought to take the Johnny Depp version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and burn any master copies, confiscate every personal copy, launch them into space, and wipe every mention of it from the history of the world so that it never existed.  They've made the world a darker place by releasing that abomination on it.  They've desecrated the memory of a beautiful, perfect, innocent masterpiece that was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder."

Apparently, my husband has some opinions people and today is the day he has decided to share them.  Watch out!

She's Got Legs, And She Knows How To Use Them

It's a good thing I bought her when I did because she's obviously in high demand.  I'm talking about Myrtle the Giraffe of course.  I'm thinking maybe it's her long, skinny legs or maybe her beautiful long neck.

Somebody recently visited my blog from a google search for "home goods giraffe".  I feel sorry for the poor person when she undoubtedly did NOT receive the information that she was searching for in my Myrtle the Giraffe post of silliness.  I am quite curious though if she was actually in the market for an at least nine feet tall giraffe for her home. Where exactly do you put a giraffe that large in your home?

(Someone please tell me because I still have Myrtle out back in the yard under a tarp.  I'd love to bring her in for the winter.)

(The whole Myrtle experience was actually sparked from a blog that someone wrote about finding and purchasing a giant rooster.  It was hilarious, but I couldn't link to it because of some bad language.  Oh well...)

How Am I Supposed To Get Anything Done?