Three Beautiful Things in Tennessee

Great school week, daffodils, room in my bathroom

2009-03-28T20:14:00.004-05:00

The girls all had a **great** week at school this week. I'm so proud and happy. So today, to celebrate, they spent a good part of the day at the creek, including a picnic lunch at the creek.
My daffodils look so happy today.
My husband finished fixing the problem with the chimney, and now the tools and supplies are out of my bathroom. Hooray!

Sweet 16, Day 2

2009-03-27T23:40:00.002-05:00

Michigan St. 67, Kansas 62
UNC 98, Gonzaga 77
Villanova 77, Duke 54 (yes, I know this game was yesterday, but I'm still smiling)

NCAA Basketball

2009-03-26T22:43:00.000-05:00

Villanova 77, Duke 54
Duke lost their basketball game and looked terrible
Did I mention that Duke is out of the NCAA basketball tournament? There is no group of people in this country that deserves it more than the nasty, ill-mannered, Yankee snobs at Duke.

Wordless Wednesday #63

2009-03-25T17:18:00.000-05:00

Blooming trees, cool breezes, working hard in school

2009-03-24T17:52:00.000-05:00

The pear trees are starting to lose their flowers now, but the redbud and the cherry trees are blooming now. So pretty.
The AC is broken in the math building, and it was hot as Hades in my classroom. But we went outside, and it worked. My students think I'm awesome, and they aren't even old enough to have hot flashes, so they didn't even fully appreciate the cool breezes.
All three girls are having another great week in school. With rain predicted later in the week, there should be plenty of time and water for creekin'.

Sunday music

2009-03-22T14:45:00.000-05:00

Offertory: "Toccata in A Major" by Paradisi
Choir Anthem: "Jesus, So Lowly" by Friedell
Closing Voluntary: "All Gloary, Laud, and Honor" by Paul Manz

Wordless Wednesday #62

2009-03-18T15:38:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T23:00:00.000-05:00

Growing up, my dad always wanted us to wear orange instead of green for St. Patrick's Day because we were Irish Protestants and not Catholics. It was difficult to buck against the peer-pressure for wearing green when I was younger, and it didn't help that I didn't own much orange. Orange is not my color. But as I get older, I find it easier to wear orange. So Daddy, for you, a very orange St. Patrick's Day at our house.

Now I always have something orange to wear because I have an orange ribbon to remind everyone about the importance of leukemia research.
My Dad's favorite dwarf, Doc, also wears orange for St. Patrick's Day
My youngest daughter's panda (whose name is Leo, after my dad) wears orange for St. Patrick's Day, too

P.S. My oldest went with a more traditional approach with her braces this month, but if you drink enough orange drink and eat enough orange jello, you can get your teeth and tongue to be orange.

St. Patrick's dinner, Kung Fu Panda, moving

2009-03-13T21:57:00.002-05:00

For supper we had Irish casserole (cabbage, potatoes and corned beef) with orange jello for desert---the beginning of our St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Kung Fu Panda
"I want to move it, move it" on the preview before the movie. That song really does make me want to move.

Scrapbook readiness, imagination, warmth

2009-03-12T21:43:00.000-05:00

In about 20 minutes, I got some serious cleaning done on my scrapbook table, and I'm ready to work.
I chalked up a personal best on Tetris today, finally going over 200,000 points. My mom says I have no imagination when it comes to Tetris, so I'm happy that I'm finally getting better. Maybe my imagination is improving.
Darin got the wood furnace going again after some trouble with the ventilation. I'm sitting beside the furnace, under my denim quilt, and enjoying the warmth.

Wordless Wednesday #61

2009-03-11T09:35:00.002-05:00

Perfect goldenrod eggs, nap, a real spring break

2009-03-10T19:30:00.000-05:00

Goldenrod eggs for lunch. With help from all three girls, it turned out as close to perfect as possible, and looked really lovely.
Time enough for a nap this afternoon
All caught up with work for clients. Now spring break will start in earnest!

New web designs, BoBerry biscuits, no teaching at Belmont this week

2009-03-09T21:20:00.001-05:00

A great meeting this morning with exit42designs to talk about my web course ideas.
BoBerry biscuits
First day of my spring break from Belmont

Sunday's hymns

2009-03-08T20:52:00.001-05:00

"On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand / All other ground is sinking sand."
"Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand, / Never foe can follow, never traitor stand; / Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, / Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there."
"Every joy or trial falleth from above, / Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love"

EarthFare

2009-03-07T20:40:00.002-06:00

Mom took us to EarthFare to shop for lunch and dinner. It's fun just to walk through and eat all the free samples. The best free samples were the pea pods and the homemade cheesecake.
Lunch: chicken and spinach sausage with creamy Gouda cheese
Dinner: shrimp with Mama's shrimp sauce and asparagus

New nephew/cousin

2009-03-06T15:31:00.000-06:00

No tears, spring air, driving skills

2009-03-05T20:36:00.000-06:00

I didn't make anyone cry during the test today.
We had beautiful weather for driving.
My oldest drove almost all the way to my mom's house today, even through Knoxville, while I slept most of the way.

Wordless Wednesday #60

2009-03-04T09:17:00.002-06:00

My blond girls, eating more chicken

2009-03-03T20:48:00.000-06:00

Watching the backseat-drama-queen karaoke on the way to Belmont
Being tricked by my two blonds, who switched clothes and glasses and usual seats in the car, and it took me a long time to notice the switch
Dinner at Chic-Fil-A

Warmth, Tuna Noodle Casserole, Richie Ashburn

2009-03-02T18:52:00.000-06:00

Finding out that even if the furnace isn't quite working, the heat pump keeps the house warm enough (at least for a couple of days until we get the exhaust problem worked out
Tuna Noodle casserole for supper---just like I used to make all the time when I was much younger (my brother remembers with regret), from the recipe from my grandma that she got from Mrs. Ashburn, whose son Richie Ashburn is in the Baseball Hall of Fame. How's that for 8 degrees of separation?
My favorite Richie Ashburn quote: "The kid doesn't chew tobacco, smoke, drink, curse or chase broads. I don't see how he can possibly make it."

European breakfast, new snow, communion

2009-03-01T15:35:00.000-06:00

Hot white chocolate to drink and chocolate cresents for breakfast
New snow that makes everything look clean and bright
Communion, to make our souls feel clean and bright

Slumber Party

2009-02-28T09:29:00.000-06:00

Daffofils, dark chocolate raspberry squares, movie night with my baby

2009-02-27T21:38:00.003-06:00

Darin planted the 200 daffodil bulbs that he bought for me for my birthday.
Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Raspberry Squares that Darin bought me for Valentines Day.
My baby finished school early enough today so that we can watch 1776 together this evening.

Beautiful weather, good quizzes, Qu'est-ce que c'est?

2009-02-26T21:20:00.001-06:00

Beautiful weather for driving into town, and no traffic problems at all.
Grading the take-home quizzes today was easy. Everyone did really well.
In my French lesson today, the woman said, "J'ai une question." And the man answered, "Qu'est-ce que c'est?" That's French for "I have a question" and "What is it?" It reminded me so much of my friend Joe that I kept laughing, and I had to play that part of the lesson over and over because I was laughing too much to really pay attention. I wonder if our DVD of Airplane has a French language track.

Lenten discipline, oboe and organ, "like a child at home"

2009-02-25T21:13:00.002-06:00

I've decided that for Lent, I'm going to give up alcohol and cigarettes. And since I don't smoke or drink, I've also decided that I'm going to be more faithful with my Bible study and with my blogging and email. I've been shutting myself off from the world the past few weeks, and it's time to come off the ash heap and prepare for Easter.
The choir sang two songs for the Ash Wednesday service tonight. Both of them were versions of the 23rd Psalm, and both of them were accompanied by keyboard and oboe. The organ and the oboe were really beautiful together.
The last part of the second song had the words, "Oh, may thy house be my abode and all my work be praise; There would I find a settled rest, while others come and go; No more a stranger nor a guest, but like a child at home." I really love that version of Psalm 23. I'm looking forward to the day when I will be like a child at home with my Lord and Savior.

A new addition to the family

2009-01-28T10:38:00.000-06:00

My brother
My sister (his incredible wife)
Their new baby boy

Chatting

2009-01-27T22:42:00.000-06:00

Chatting with my middlest during my office hours at Belmont. It had been a long time since we'd had a chance to chat.
Then I chatted with her again through Facebook while we were both in my office. I was having fun, but I was driving her crazy.
Discussing Herodotus with my baby girl after watching part of 300 together. History has a lot of interesting lessons for us today.

Prepared, great deal, just like riding a bike almost

2009-01-26T21:28:00.000-06:00

Feeling much more prepared for Belmont this week than I did the past two weeks.
Finding a great deal on a new battery for the old laptop.
Finally getting to drive the new Nissan, and not doing too badly for not driving a stick-shift in over three years.

Great Sunday music

2009-01-25T14:55:00.003-06:00

The girls did a great job this morning with their bell choir.
The girls did a great job singing this morning, too.
I learned that Sir Arthur Sullivan wrote the tune for "Lloyd-George Knew My Father."

Get Smart marathon

2009-01-24T17:44:00.002-06:00

"Would you believe . . . ?"
"Sorry about that, Chief."
"Missed it by that much."

Probability, warm toes, great parking space

2009-01-22T18:47:00.000-06:00

Probability Day at Belmont, and that means M&M's for everyone!
Warmer weather, so my toes weren't cold today during class and walking to class.
A great parking space.

Baby Reed, Baby Christopher, cute couple

2009-01-20T22:47:00.000-06:00

Baby Reed got a new heart yesterday, and the surgery went well, and he is doing well. We have been praying for him for many months, and we praise God for His faithfulness. We will continue to pray for the family who lost their baby and were generous enough to donate their baby's organs.
Baby Christopher and his mom (my sister Leigh Anne) are still doing well. She's not due until February, so every appointment where they don't induce is good.
Everything went smoothly for the inauguration. I enjoyed watching Barak and Michelle dance at the balls. They are very cute together.

Cardinal in the snow, the princess trio, another homeschool mom

2009-01-19T20:09:00.004-06:00

Through a light snow, I saw a male cardinal sitting in a snowy cedar tree. It was like looking at a Christmas card, just outside my living room window!
I finished the arrangement, and we had our first real practice, for a "princess" trio the girls are singing for the Valentines Banquet at church.
I had a great time today chatting with a college friend about homeschooling. It's good to find some support.

Great hymns, a big solo

2009-01-18T20:26:00.001-06:00

"All Hail the Power of Jesus Name" with the tune Diadem. I love that tune.
"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". I love that hymn.
A big bell solo during practice this evening.

Trying to stay warm

2009-01-17T18:32:00.001-06:00

Our wood stove
My jean quilt
Russian tea

Birthday Party Part II

2009-01-16T21:38:00.001-06:00

The second part of my baby's birthday present came today in the mail, with perfect timing. She wanted Season 1 of "Hogan's Heroes," and we had time today to watch several episodes.
Birthday day lunch part 2: My baby had requested pork, ham, and bacon for lunch. We had a ham roast with potatoes and carrots, and she settled for no bacon.
Root beer floats, purple cows and orange cows for desert

RC truck, ring tones, movie night

2009-01-15T20:14:00.001-06:00

My youngest wanted a remote control car for her birthday. She said she never had one when she was little, and she's right. So we bought her a RC Chevy pickup truck, and she spent a good bit of the day walking around and around the house following it. I had no idea it would be such a good exercise tool. She's happy that she can tell her friends that she got a truck for her birthday.
My oldest is testing the ring tones on her new phone. It reminds me of the time when Daddy was in the ICU, and there was this obnoxious family in the waiting room that was breaking all the rules, and my brother decided that we could be obnoxious without breaking any rules by testing the rings on his cell phone. Once we found the perfect obnoxious cell phone ring, he played the cell phone version of "Night on Bald Mountain" over and over. It was a stressful time for the family, but I remember that I laughed so hard with my brother that day that my sides hurt.
My middlest and I had time to watch several movies today including The Dark Night.

Wordless Wednesday #59

2009-01-14T17:57:00.006-06:00

Road test, new cell phone

2009-01-13T16:58:00.000-06:00

The look on the face of my oldest when she passed her road test.
The look on her face when she realized we finally let her have a cell phone.
The look on my middlest daughter's face when *she* realized that we finally let our oldest have a cell phone.

Sweet 15, good grades filed away correctly, shiny sinks with clear counter tops and hallways

2009-01-12T17:41:00.001-06:00

My oldest and I went up to Lebanon today to visit the library and to drive in the streets around the driver testing center for Wilson County. I was watching her drive, and thinking about how it was the last day before she would have her driver's license, and I wasn't sad. She has always been such a blessing in my life, and I realize that though this marks a huge milestone for her, she will continue to be a blessing. So I thought I would fall apart when she turned 16, but now I know that I'll be OK.
I needed to find the grade reports for our oldest daughter so that we get the good student discount on our car insurance. My husband doubted my ability to keep track of things, but it was not a problem.
The living room is a disaster and we still have all the Christmas decorations up (at the request of the birthday twins), but the rest of the house is looking really good. I'm really making an effort to keep it clean, and my husband is really making an effort to help me out. I'm not sure exactly how this happened because we didn't talk about it, but somehow I guess we both decided that we would take more time to keep the house clean.

Organ prelude, choir, almost full moon

2009-01-11T21:23:00.003-06:00

"How Firm a Foundation" for the organ prelude
Choir practice
Driving home tonight, the moon was behind the clouds, as we rounded the hill, the moon came out, too. Really breathtaking.

Hancock, epic saga, clean clothes

2009-01-10T21:27:00.001-06:00

I rented the Will Smith's movie Hancock. My youngest came downstairs thinking I was going to make her watch one of mom's boring history movies. She was excited when she realized it was something that she actually wanted to see.
My middlest child asked me to stop renting movies that are labeled as "an epic saga" or as "a visionary masterpiece." She has informed me that both phrases are just code words for "boring." (She was *not* referring to Hancock, by the way.)
Two loads of laundry done today!

Close call, no more Toby Mac, French pirates

2009-01-09T22:14:00.000-06:00

I made an appointment on-line for my oldest to take her driver's test, and we got the last appointment they had that day.
We finally figured out how to delete songs from the new iPod.
"Je suis peu enclin a acquiescer a votre requete. C'est «non»."

Macaroni and cheese, work, happy kitchen

2009-01-08T21:47:00.005-06:00

My baby cooked supper tonight to get back in practice for when I'm teaching again in another week.
I got lots of work done today for clients, and worksheets for Belmont.
It's been over a week since my husband thoroughly cleaned the kitchen, and thanks to both of us, the kitchen is still really, really clean. It makes me smile every time I walk into the kitchen.

Wordless Wednesday #58

2009-01-07T11:51:00.004-06:00

Three Kings Day, Aeschylus, FlyLady

2009-01-06T13:45:00.003-06:00

My husband made us a pound cake for Three Kings Day, and my oldest donated her prize from Three Kings Day in Luxembourg for the cake. My middlest daughter found the piece with the prize this year, and everyone was happy because my middlest daughter really needs a good year this year.
My baby girl is having a great day in school. She finished Aeschylus and is starting Plutarch without complaining.
Rediscovering FlyLady.com, and finding out that now she has a group on Yahoo, which works out well for me. It's been a week since my huband completely cleaned the kitchen, and it's still clean! Hooray for us!

Baked pasta, shopping, Christmas/New Years letter

2009-01-05T17:56:00.003-06:00

A new baked pasta dish with Italian sausage and pepperoni at Fazolli's
Shopping with the girls
Finished the Christmas letters this evening (even though the post office was already closed when I finished stuffing envelopes)

Epiphany Ring

2009-01-04T21:31:00.000-06:00

I joined the "rookie" bell choir at church, and tonight was our Epiphany Ring, a mass bell choir of 12 different choirs from 10 different church. We played four pieces together and a "solo" piece. I had a blast. It was so much fun!

"Carillon Christmas"
"Sing We Now of Christmas"
"On This Day the Earth Shall Ring"

Christmas letters, sidewalk chalk, French toast

2009-01-03T15:23:00.000-06:00

I finished my Christmas letter writing today. I should be able to get them to the post office on Monday.
The girls had a blast with their sidewalk chalk---all over the bridge. They are so insane, just like their mother!
Breakfast for lunch, including pain perdu

Movie Day

2009-01-02T13:20:00.000-06:00

It's a Wonderful Life
Flushed Away
Speed

College Bowl Day (Happy New Year!)

2009-01-01T22:10:00.001-06:00

Nebraska 26, Clemson 21 in the Gator Bowl
Iowa 31, South Carolina 10 in the Outback Bowl
Steve Spurrier is not as good a coach as he thinks he is

Great weather, Bo-berry biscuits, clean house

2008-12-31T16:51:00.000-06:00

Great weather for driving home
Lunch at Bojangles in Knoxville
My husband had been cleaning while we were at my mom's house. He cleaned out the space for the Nissan, cleaned out the space for the Toyota, cleaned up the kitchen counters, and cleaned up the family room in the basement. What an awesome coming-home present!

An Earth Fare lunch, Narnia movies, mac & cheese

2008-12-30T18:43:00.000-06:00

An awesome lunch today. Mom takes us with her to the Earth Fare where we pick out foods for lunch. Awesome!
My niece is an angel today while we watch the Narnia movies.
Mom's macaroni and cheese for supper.

Sleep, organizing, lasagna

2008-12-29T21:21:00.000-06:00

Sleeping in
Being able to help mom in her sewing room
Mom's lasagna for dinner

Worship, shopping, driving

2008-12-28T23:38:00.000-06:00

Worship at our church --- a great way to end 2008
Finding what I wanted while doing some last-minute shopping for my niece
Great weather for driving to my mom's house, and being able to relax while my oldest did most of the driving

Game Day

2008-12-26T13:17:00.000-06:00

Herd Your Horses
Apples to Apples: Bible Edition
Clue

Three Great Gifts

2008-12-25T10:35:00.000-06:00

My oldest daughter. She has a very sweet spirit, and is very sensitive to the people around her. She's absolutely brilliant, and incredibly creative in lots of different ways. She works so hard on her school work, and she enjoys everything: literature, Spanish, math, and computer programming. She's a joy to have in my life.
My middlest daughter. She can be very quiet, but one look can speak volumes. She's quick-witted and always thinking. She'll tell you that she's everyone's favorite. She works hard at anything she sets her mind to, but she also loves to play. After her school work is over, she loves to watch movies with me. She's a joy to have in my life.
My youngest daughter. She's fun-loving and playful, generally easy-going and cheerful, and loves to give hugs or just snuggle on the couch. She's very intelligent and has a contagious smile. She loves learning languages and math, especially if it means some one-on-one time with Mom. She's a joy to have in my life.

Christmas Eve Service

2008-12-24T21:30:00.000-06:00

Our family was asked to light the advent candles for the Christmas Eve service. We have our own advent wreath at our house, so we were really looking forward to this. My oldest and I both read. She did a great job. And the event even got my husband to come to church with us.
Choir call to worship: "Sing We Now of Christmas"
Organ postlude: "Good Christian Men, Rejoice"

Lessons and Carols Sunday (Third Sunday in Advent)

2008-12-14T13:01:00.000-06:00

"And the Glory of the Lord"
"Tomorrow Will be My Dancing Day"
"Carillon Christmas"

Wordless Friday

2008-12-12T15:24:00.000-06:00

Belmont final, Snow

2008-12-11T20:21:00.001-06:00

Another day of hanging out with the girls at Belmont while I gave a final. They are such good girls. I'm so proud of them.
So many good wishes from my students today. I really enjoyed teaching this group of students.
Snow! I don't care much for snow, especially when I have to drive in it, but the girls were so happy, that it made me happy, too. We put in my "Santa and Snow Songs" CD, and sang along to all the snow songs.

Hanging with the girls, finishing up the semester, easy commute

2008-12-09T23:15:00.004-06:00

Hanging out with my middlest and my youngest child at Belmont today
Finishing up my last day of new material this semester
An easy commute home

Second Sunday in Advent

2008-12-07T22:55:00.000-06:00

Angel and shepherd songs for the second Sunday in Advent
The children's choir is doing the musical "Miracle on Bethlehem Street". My girls did this same musical six or seven years ago, so seeing it again brought back lots of great memories.
A great choir practice tonight

First Sunday in Advent

2008-11-30T13:07:00.000-06:00

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"/"Let All Mortal Flesh"
"Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus"
"People Look East"

Christ the King Sunday

2008-11-23T14:11:00.000-06:00

"Prayer of Thanksgiving"
"Gigue" by Domenico Alberti
"Now Thank We All Our God"

My favorite Veteran's Day Musicals for movie night

2008-11-11T21:27:00.002-06:00

This is the Army (1943)
1776 (1972)
Joyeux Noël (2005)

Work completed, meat and potatoes, movie night

2008-11-10T22:23:00.000-06:00

I was able to finish all my grading for Belmont and all my client work this evening.
My husband took care of the cooking today so I could work. He made a really nice pork roast with carrots and potatoes.
My middlest and I got to have a movie night just the two of us.

Solo for my oldest, Christmas music, bell choir

2008-11-09T20:46:00.001-06:00

My oldest had a solo during in the morning service. She did a wonderful job! I'm so proud of her!
We sang a lot of Christmas music in choir practice. I feel like I'm really starting to get it. I love singing in this choir.
I had my first rehearsal with the bell choir. I really enjoyed it.

Sunrise and mist, warmth, Iowa football

2008-11-08T19:58:00.000-06:00

It's funny how much more I notice the sunrise now that it's earlier in the day. Today the sunrise was so beautiful. There was steam rising from the ponds and a mist in the mountains. And all the steam and mist was glowing purple in the early light. It took my breath away.
My husband ran the wood furnace last night. It was wonderful to wake up and be really toasting warm.
The University of Iowa football team was actually on television this afternoon because they were playing undefeated Penn State. It was nice to watch it instead of only listening over the internet. But the best part was that Iowa beat Penn State. Go Hawkeyes!!!

Appointment in town, lunch in town, fall colors

2008-11-07T17:45:00.003-06:00

My husband and I had an appointment today with a lawyer to talk about Darin's injuries from his motorcycle accident last month. It went really well, about as well as we could expect. We didn't sign with them, but they gave us lots of free advice.
My husband and I had a chance for lunch together and to talk, just the two of us. Except that we were on a time schedule, it almost seemed like a date.
The trees on the way into town and back were gorgeous!

Work done, no tears, 70 degrees in November

2008-11-06T21:04:00.000-06:00

I finished grading everything before the test today.
No one cried during the test today.
The weather today was beautiful, and my oldest enjoyed her day studying outside.

Wordless Wednesday #57

2008-11-05T17:55:00.000-06:00

Almost on time, candy for the girls, voting

2008-11-04T17:41:00.000-06:00

In spite of two major accidents on the way to work, I was still only 10 minutes late to Belmont.
One of my students brought some Halloween candy for my girls.
In spite of lots of people coming by my office hours, and really bad traffic on the way home, I still made it to the polls in time to vote.

Mama, grading done, hugs from the girls for quiche

2008-11-03T23:39:00.003-06:00

I got to talk to my mom on the phone today after I hadn't talked with her in a long time.
I finished grading quizzes for my college students.
The girls were very appreciative of the quiche I made for supper tonight, even if it didn't set exactly like it should have.

All Saints' Day Service

2008-11-02T13:25:00.000-06:00

"Sine Nomine" arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams
"How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place" from Brahms' Requiem.
The last hymn we sang was "Forward Through the Ages" to the tune of "Lloyd-George Knew my Father." All the music reminded me of my dad, but the last tune made me cry while I laughed.

Toasted marshmallows, good books, clean clothes

2008-11-01T23:32:00.000-05:00

Toasting miniature marshmallows over candles in the dining room on cold mornings like this morning.
Spent a good part of the afternoon/evening talking with my youngest about her latest reading, which has been mostly the Bible and C.S. Lewis books. It was nice to spend some quality time with her discussing books we both love.
Five loads of laundry washed and dried, in spite of the cold morning temperatures and limited daylight hours.

Laundry, blueberry cereal, Halloween tradition

2008-10-31T16:20:00.000-05:00

A great day for laundry, so I got tons done, including a large batch of sheets. (Tomorrow will be another great washing day, so I think I will try to get all the towels done, and the rest of the jeans.)
Blueberry Muffin Tops cereal for breakfast.
Our annual Halloween tradition: Arsenic and Old Lace with the girls after supper.

Comfy couch, beautiful driving weather, zombie movie

2008-10-30T21:27:00.001-05:00

New room for Spanish class, and I got to sit on the couch!
A beautiful day for driving into Belmont.
Tonight, my middlest and I watched Sean of the Dead. Our favorite movie about the zed-word.

Wordless Wednesday #56

2008-10-29T20:35:00.000-05:00

Awake for class, chatting, sushing

2008-10-28T23:17:00.001-05:00

After a weekend of getting more sleep, class today went much better than it did last Thursday when I was such an airhead. And to make it up to my classes, I brought in M&M's again. (Very statistical candy.)
After several weeks of not connecting, my middlest and I had a chance to chat today during my office hours at Belmont.
And then, my middlest and I spent the evening watching Madagascar. We think that I'm a lot like King Julian: "Shh! We're hiding. Be quiet everyone. That includes me. Shh! Who's making that noise? Oh, it's me again. . . ." We giggle every time we hear that line, and then I have to sush us. :-)

Warm slippers, friend, pizza buffet

2008-10-27T20:13:00.001-05:00

Warm slippers on a cold morning.
The girls and I worked at the youth group's pumpkin patch today. I had a chance to talk to a friend of mine from church. It's nice to feel connected.
To celebrate a new week of school and a new contract for my business, the girls and I ate out for supper. It was really nice not to have to cook after being out in the cold all afternoon.

Handbells, Christmas music, gasoline prices

2008-10-26T23:15:00.000-05:00

The girls played in the handbell choir again this morning: "Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above" by Jody W. Lindh
We sang over 30 minutes of Christmas music in adult choir practice this evening.
I payed $2.379/gal. for gasoline.

Zinnias, green grass, movie time

2008-10-25T17:10:00.000-05:00

We've had several hard frosts now, but I still have zinnias in the flower bed close to the house.
We had a nice gentle rain most of the day yesterday, and bright sunshine today that makes the grass almost glow green. I'm sure that the trees are happier, too.
My middlest and I had been wanting to watch the movie Chicago again for some time, and today we finally had the time.

Good week, graciousness, constant reading

2008-10-24T17:25:00.000-05:00

My in-laws left for home today, after a week of concerts and no big arguments. And my house is cleaner now than it was at this time last week.
I made a mistake about the research paper that my oldest has to write for school this year. Even though she was disappointed, she was so gracious about the whole thing. I love her sweet spirit.
I'm having trouble getting my youngest to stop reading so she can help around the house. It's not often that I don't have to nag her to work on school, so this is a nice break for me.

Graded tests, creative writing in Spanish, poker face

2008-10-23T20:57:00.000-05:00

I finished grading all the tests in just two days, even after going to the Opry show on Tuesday night. No one cried during the test or after I gave them back, so I will chalk this up to another successful test.
The oldest read a story that she wrote in Spanish to our Spanish teacher this evening. He had very little to correct in her grammar, and he said her pronunciation was excellent. (He's a native of Mexico.) I'm so proud of her!
Grandpa Ernie taught the girls to play poker this evening, and I could tell by the smile on the face of my middlest that she had more Monopoly money that Grandpa had.

Wordless Wednesday #55

2008-10-22T19:56:00.001-05:00

Tuesday Night at the Opry

2008-10-21T23:51:00.000-05:00

Luke Bryan
The Whites
Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys

Sleeping in, warm and breezy fall weather, the trio

2008-10-20T23:28:00.000-05:00

A chance to sleep in after a really busy day yesterday
Beautiful fall weather---just warm enough and breezy enough to hang out laundry, but still really feeling like fall
Listening to the girls sing trio music for their grandparents

Sunday music

2008-10-19T22:01:00.000-05:00

"Jacob's Ladder" played by the Youth Bell Choir
"Wings of the Dawn" by Linda A. Spencer sung by the High School Choir
"The Gift to Be Simple" sung by the Junior High School Choir

Cleanliness, Iowa football, Belmont's Christian Music Showcase

2008-10-18T23:10:00.002-05:00

My house is fairly clean after days of sorting through papers in the office, and some time spent in cleaning my room and bathroom.
Iowa won their football game and were even half-way impressive.
We drove into Belmont this evening for the Christian Music Showcase. I really enjoyed the show, and it was nice to finally see something inside the Curb Event Center that I've been hearing so much about.

Organization, more organization, and autumn weather

2008-10-17T22:14:00.000-05:00

A successful day of cleaning. I love it when I really make progress of not only getting the house cleaner, but also getting things organized and unpacked.
All my scrapbook supplies and tools are in the office on my scrapbook table, with space to work and everything organized.
Cooler temperatures and clear blue skies---perfect autumn weather today.

Gustar, Kit, rain

2008-10-16T18:58:00.000-05:00

Learning about "gustar" in Spanish class today, and being ahead of the rest of the class because of my music collection and learning about conjugating "gustar" from the song "Me Gusta Tu."
Playing our new "Kit Kittredge" CD for my students at Belmont.
Lots of much-needed rain.

Good report, pumpkin patch, employee of the week

2008-10-15T21:23:00.000-05:00

The girls got a very good report today from the dentist.
We had fun working at the pumpkin patch (raising money for the church youth choir trips) and seeing all the little kids get excited about seeing so many pumpkins.
I had a great check-out lady at the grocery store this evening. She was both friendly and efficient.

Alone time, supper time, school time

2008-10-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

Some time alone in the car, listening to good music and my French language lessons.
My baby girl made supper for us, which is usual for days I'm teaching, and very appreciated.
The girls worked hard at school today even though I was away.

Columbus, Charles de Gaulle, conquering my office

2008-10-13T23:04:00.005-05:00

In honor of Columbus Day, we had fried rice for lunch. And my husband made us a pound cake yesterday that we ate for desert.
The girls and I watched a documentary on Charles de Gaulle. I'm a bit ashamed to admit this, but after watching this movie, I feel that I understand the French mind much more than I ever did when I was living in Europe and working for a Frenchman. After learning about de Gaulle, I see why the French are so much like Texans. Yes, it's true.
I got a lot done for several clients and for the girls. Quizzes and tests are ready for my Belmont students for the coming week. However, I still need to sort through some papers and patch a bean bag chair before I can go to bed. I'd like to see either Columbus or de Gaulle juggle what I have to juggle. A mother's work is never done. :-)

Organ music, hash brown casserole, friends

2008-10-12T21:47:00.004-05:00

"Praise and Thanksgiving" by Dale Wood for the opening voluntary on the organ.
New-comers lunch today at church with lots of hash brown casserole.
My girls are all happy to have a full day a the church after a week of "friend withdrawal" while the county schools were on fall break.

Drying weather, clean kitchen, Iowa football

2008-10-11T16:53:00.001-05:00

Beautiful weather for finishing up the laundry and getting it hung up outside.
My husband cooked breakfast this morning, and he cleaned most of the kitchen while he was cooking. Awesome!!!
Iowa finally won a football game and did so decisively. My husband is always in a better mood when that happens. (However, he actually looked up the words to the Iowa Fight Song, and now he knows that I've been singing it wrong all the years. He's on a campaign to get me to change, but I think my words are better than the official words, so I'm hanging on to the old words. "We gonna fight, fight, fight for Iowa . . .")

Fall colors in the sun, laundry weather, a tall tale

2008-10-10T15:28:00.001-05:00

I really enjoyed watching the shadows of the clouds roll across the hills today. The leaves are orange and yellow mixed in with the cedars, and I love the way they shine when the sun hits them.
I got tons of laundry done and hung out to dry today. I love this weather: warm and breezy. And I love my washing machine. I did a load with at least a dozen pair of jeans in it.
My oldest and I had to make a quick run to the local market for cheese and some other necessities. It took us longer than we expected, so I made up a completely ridiculous story about a snapping turtle the size of a Mini Cooper that was blocking the road. I was raised on tall tales and fish stories, and I'm always happy when I can invent something that my dad would have been proud of.

Back to Belmont (after Fall Break and Debate 08)

2008-10-09T22:03:00.000-05:00

The fences were coming down at Belmont today after the debate, and finding a parking space was a piece of cake. My oldest came with to Belmont today because we came straight from Spanish class, so I explained to her how to walk downhill both ways from and to the car.
Today was "e-day" for my Belmont students. I love tell them about the mathematical constant "e" and about my freshman-year roommate Kathy from Texas. My oldest said that she loves to hear me tell stories and feels lucky that she gets to hear my stories more than once (unlike my Belmont students).
Each Belmont faculty and adjunct got a left-over press kit today. Inside a sort-of nice bag was some junk about the Nashville area, etc., but it also had some food from Tennessee (Goo-goo clusters and Moon Pies, just to name a few), some flower seeds, a nice long-sleeved t-shirt, and a thumb drive.

Rain, water in the creek, curled up on the couch

2008-10-08T16:06:00.002-05:00

Beautiful, steady rain all night long. This should help the trees as their leaves begin to change. I can already tell that the water table is better than last year because we've got some color to the leave already instead of just turning brown like last year.
The girls went down to the creek today and there was actually some water there ("almost half-way up our calves"). Not so much water as in the Spring, but a nice change of pace for an autumn school day.
And what's better on a raining day than being curled up on the couch? While the girls were at the creek, I spent the morning watching old movies (and working on X-12 runs for a client).