I Am My Own Easter Bunny

My granddaughter and I colored Easter eggs on Friday. She has become quite the pro, even making fancy designs with stickers. Then I let her fill the plastic eggs with candy and money. (This is working out well for us!) When we were getting ready for our Easter get together on Saturday, Toots asked if she could hide her own eggs. So, we let her. I reminded her to hide them well, but not so hard that she wouldn't be able to find them. When I checked up on her, she had many in clear view from 50 feet away, but that didn't bother her when she it was time to hunt. I'll have to remember this strategy next year.

Blame It on My Iphone

So I guess it has been a while since I have posted. Blame it on my new Iphone. I love it!! I can check facebook in the comfort of my loveseat. I can search the web for anything without sitting at the BIG computer. I just haven't ventured into my blog from my Iphone. I know it can be done, but you know me and technology. We aren't the best of friends. In fact, I don't think we should be in the same room because we don't get along. That being said, I love my Iphone. I do not have many apps installed. I'm sure I only use a tenth of it's potential. But then we only use a tenth of our brains. Guess I should learn to develop both of them. But not right now. You see, I'm going in the living room to watch tv. That will really develop my brain while I check in with my Iphone, my friend.

I Just Called to Say...

I'm excited to receive my new iphone 4g. Do I really need it? Maybe not, but after using my husband's, I really wanted it. I've had a few dropped calls and called a few people I didn't intend to call already. But I'm sure I will be able to figure it out before long.

Duct Tape and Faces Do Not Make Good Combinations

Our preacher had a very unusual sermon this past Sunday. We were featuring 30 of the ministries people can be involved with in our church. For example, I manned the booth for Diapers for Haiti, Gifts for the Nations, and CARES. We need help sewing, clipping threads, turning, and stacking the diapers that are sent to a birthing center in Haiti. Well, the minister had a lady from the congregation tape his mouth shut with duct tape to illustrate, well, I'm not sure what it meant. Anyway, he had balloons with the names of each of the ministries written on them. He ask the lady to juggle two, then three, then more. He eventually had the congregation try to keep the balloons going. His point was to show that the ministries are in need of people. It was a great sermon, very effective. Then he had a man rip off the tape! The preacher was stunned, speechless again. The tape ripped off part of his skin and sideburns. OUCH!

Bring On the Christmas Music, Just Hold the Twelve Days

While driving to an appointment, I decided to switch from the Christian radio station to one that is playing Christmas music 24 hours daily. I almost turned the dial back when I heard the first one--I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. I wasn't anticipating such frivolity in the music, but, it fits the genre. And before my short trip ended, I heard the ever-present, always annoying Twelve Days of Christmas. It was a rather ornate version with many liberties taken to change the style. I wondered how many different artists have recorded the song and in how many different styles of music. Then I was horror-struck with the fear that maybe the station would play all of them back to back to back. Oh, Christmas Hurry Fast.

Covered Bridge Festival, the Ultimate Yard Sale

Have you ever heard of the Covered Bridge Festival? Millions of people trek to Park County, Indiana, to attend the event. It is scattered throughout several little villages, all complete with covered bridges. On the off season, you would not venture into most of the places or even see them as you sped by. But during the festival, people flock from many states away to attend the fall event. Food, junk, junk food, antiques, crafts, junk, knick-knacks, junk, "I can't believe they are selling THAT", spices, food, very old antiques, glass dishes, ice cream, jewelry, shoes, clothing, Christmas decorations, junk, food, junk food, sweatshirts, t-shirts, recycled items, repurposed items, food, junk, socks, purses, signs, equipment, and food are all for sale. On a good day, you can fill you car with your purchases. On a lucky day, you can come home empty-handed. It all depends on how you look at it. I'm going today to see people, eat foods I don't normally eat, and look for that rare item, probably something repurposed that becomes my trophy.

Happy Birthday, Marty

Today is my husband's birthday! Yea! We are having a party for him today, as we did for him last night. (Sounds like he is a kid again.) You see, our children are busy and are not able to get together all at the same time. It's great to see them, but doubling the work is a little overkill. I simplified one part by not assembling the Oreo Ice Cream Cake. Instead of making it and freezing the dessert, I set out the ingredients, and let each one dip his or her own. Less work and better results!! The kids and I also enjoyed roasted marshmallows over the fire pit. We used those gigantic ones, the ones that are 4x the size of normal ones. I had chocolate squares that we broke apart and pushed inside the gooey mess. Yum! Come to think of it, I will enjoy the party all over again today!! Thanks, hubby, for your birthday.

Future Football Pros

Yesterday Hubby and I had the opportunity to go watch a football game. It was exciting with many great tackles and scores by both teams. The players looked so macho in their uniforms, especially those shoulder pads. The players ranged in age from 7-9 years old. Yes, we went to watch our grandson, D, play. He played guard or nose tackle, and he did his job very well. He stayed with his "man" until the whistle signaled the play over. The best part was how D hustled back to the line every time. He truly enjoyed every aspect of the game, but especially the hot dog and snow cone he won for his performance.

The State Fair Was Awesome!!

Hubby, Toots, and I attended the fair yesterday, and I will share. On the way we passed a cemetery that was advertising the old-fashioned Burma Shave way to buy one plot, get the second one free. Now we are all about saving money, but we were in a hurry to the fair so we didn't stop on this trip. Toots has been to the fair at least 5 years, and with her good memory, she knew what she wanted to do. During the 4 hours we walked 5 miles and sweat a lot. She didn't get to ride the elephants because I was not going to be the indulgent grandparent who allowed her grandchild to ride a seemingly calm elephant who might go berserk and cause damage. More importantly, the elephant stunk and we had to ride home in the car together. LOL Toots pet every animal that she was allowed to get close too, even the massive oxen. She stood under mist and fountains, put her hands in all the running water, and visited several bathrooms just because she could. (I took a picture of her balloon floating high above the bathroom stall.) We ate sensibly, but could have devoured the following, if we had the guts to try:

• deep fried butter
• deep fried Twinkie
• deep fried Pepsi (don't know how they do this one)
• pig in a pancake
• chocolate covered bacon
• ice cream sundae with chocolate fudge and bacon bits on top
• chocolate covered popcorn balls
• garbage burger (pulled pork and more)
• deep fried dill pickles
• deep fried vegetables (they are yuckyyyyy!)

I need to stop as I'm getting a little nauseous this early in the morning. But you need to go to the fair and enjoy every little part of it! I'm hoping to go back again this year.

How Hot Is Too Hot?

At 4:00 a.m. yesterday it was already 80 degrees with a promise of the high 90s. So for a change of pace, Toots, Papa, and I decided we would go to the movies instead of swimming. While Papa was driving us, the temperature gage registered 100 degrees!! With the air-conditioning in the car, it wasn't bad until we stepped out onto the black asphalt! I felt like a marshmallow in the middle of a campfire! The movie was good but the air was not that cool. On our way home, the temp reached 103 degrees!!! Now that is too hot!

Dance Recital

Went to my granddaughter's dance recital last night. She was pretty good for 5 years old and in 3 numbers. In one of the numbers, her partner who is about 11, jumps rope in tap shoes. Because Toots is just learning to jump the rope, for her turn, she twirls the rope in front of her body then makes it wrap around her waist. On the second twirl and wrap, she accidentally whacks herself in the face. Wish we had it on video. At least she didn't cry or run off the stage. Good job, Toots!

Forgot Breakfast

I'm up early as usual and suddenly realized that we didn't make plans for our annual Memorial Day breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We have been eating there for over 20 years. How could I have forgotten? My children and families sleep in so I can't call and make the plans now. By the time I can reach everyone, it will be too late to go to breakfast. Bummer. Hopefully we will all get together for our cookout tonight.

A Game to Legally Kick Someone

Toots came over last night after her soccer practice. She said, "Now you don't have to feel like you have to do this, but if you want to, you can come to my soccer game Sunday." Do you think she had help rehearsing this?? I have Beginner Bible Bowl practice in the Big City, so I won't be able to go. But I am sure there will be more opportunities to go.

The Museum

Went with Toots and my daughter to see the Children's Museum yesterday. The place is too big! Can't believe all the changes, remodeling, additions since the last time I was there. Can't remember how long since that was either. I really enjoyed the dinosaur area. At one point, a storm, complete with real fake lightening and thunder, rained on us. Well, it didn't really send drops, but it became suddenly cooler as if a storm had just passed. Throughout our time in the habitat, sounds of dinos roared across the enclosure. Toots had been actively playing and interacting for more than half an hour when all of a sudden, she turned to her mom and declared she was afraid. Guess she finally heard the sounds.

My Last Amen

I heard this song, My Last Amen, on the Christian radio this past week and became an instant fan. The youtube version, is from a live concert and has an awesome coronet solo at the beginning. It is not the best for vocals, but you can hear it here.

Monkey Gym

Picked up Toots from daycare so we could play outside in the warm weather. On the drive to my house she said she had been playing on the monkey gym at school.

Imagination in Overdrive

Our granddaughter, Toots, has a very active imagination. She told me the other evening that she and her parents were going on a long trip. It's a secret. It's far away, and I can't go, and she can't tell. It will be so much fun. She had me believing that they were planning this wonderful vacation until she said it would happen right after her 6:30 pm dance class.

Been Cubed

That is the name given to us by our son-in-law, D. He and H were with us when we went car shopping in Indy. We specifically were trying out the Cube by Nissan. I am pretty sure we have settled on a deal to buy one in red. Never owned a red car. I will have to be sure I keep it under the speed limit or it will become "Hello, officer, red." If all goes as planned, we will pick it up this Saturday. Hope it goes as planned! Pictures to follow.

Bad Boy

My granddaughter came in last night for a short visit after seeing her Mimi in Kokomo. Toots had on a pink tie-dyed baseball cap that was very cute only Toots had it on sideways. She came in the room with her arms folded and her lips pursed. She wouldn't speak for the longest time then finally asked me, "Do I look like I am tough?" Where did that cute little girl go? lol

Unwrapped Gifts Patiently Waiting

I forgot to wrap the gifts I bought for my students. Glad I remembered it late last night so I can do it before I go to school. Now if only I could remember where I put the plastic gift bags. I know I had enough between two purchases of bags. Now I'll have to wait until hubby gets up to help me find them. Hope I am not late for school.