Team Mitchell & Crew

For Friends Who Share Recipes

2010-03-01T20:12:00.001-05:00

Today I want to do a post about the best people in the entire world. People (particularly friends) who share recipes. I mean when someone eats something I have made and then feels compelled to ask me to share out the recipe, I feel so honored. I mean great! I mean, it's like no other feeling that I can use words to explain.

It may have something to do with the fact that I long to be a good cook. I like to bake over other areas of cooking, but if it is something I know will taste good....like Scott or I have had it before somewhere and liked it, I then love to cook = everything.

I felt compelled to write a post about friends who share recipes today. Today alone, I have haad two wonderful people share cookie recipes with me. They are girls from school. Laura teaches first grade and let me have the Snickerdoodle recipe of the cookies I have eaten on since 7:48 am. (They ~~purposely~~ accidentily got left behind after the Academic Team match the other day and provided great snacks during our crazy Monday meetings. The other recipe is from Amanda for her Molasses Sorghum Cookies. They have little pieces of rock sugar all over them...ohhhh yum. I even bought the raw rock sugar a few weeks ago anticipating getting this recipe in my hands. (On a side note...this was another baked treat I first tried during a Monday meeting. We eat alot at those meetings and I have 7 meetings a day.)

I can't count the number of other recipes I get from friends all around. Alyssa, Angie, Gayla, Becky, Jenn, all sorts. Most of my cooking ~~talent~~ knowledge has come from people I work with or parents who bring in treats to CME on snack day (I already said we eat a lot at work.) Both my colleagues and student parents have been generous with their recipes and to that my family salutes you! I hope you enjoy the recipes today!!! I made them for my small group tomorrow night at church...and am excited to see everyone's reactions! Enjoy.

Laura's Snickerdoodles

Preheat to 400

1 cup butter (soft)

1 ½ cup sugar

2 eggs

Mix these ingredients

Add and mix:

2 ¾ cup flour

2 teas. cream of tartar (it’s in the spice section)

1 teas. salt

1 teas. baking soda

In a separate little bowl mix:

2 T. sugar

2 teas cinnamon

Roll dough into little balls, then roll in cinnamon sugar.

Bake at 400 for 8-10 min. I usually bake mine for 9 min.

Amanda's Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons baking soda

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 cups shortening

2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup molasses

3/4 cup coarse sugar or granulated sugar

Directions

1. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds to soften. Gradually add the 2 cups granulated sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and molasses. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour mixture.

3. Shape dough into 2-inch balls using 1/4 cup dough. Roll balls in the 3/4 cup coarse or granulated sugar. Place about 2-1/2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until cookies are light brown and puffed. (Do not overbake or cookies will not be chewy.) Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Store in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Makes twenty-five (25) 4-inch cookies.

A parting photo of my very ugly, but very loved recipe box. Each recipe is written on some type of scrap note pad paper so that I might remember what is looks like when searching for recipe. i.e. pooh bear note pad = beef stew, white with green lines = chicken chili, etc. Isn't that the exact way you do it too?

A note from the box:

Dear Shawna's recipe sharing friends...

I love you!

Love Always,

The Ugly Recipe Box

I hit 100

2010-02-28T13:01:00.001-05:00

Over the course of 2 years, I have finally hit my 100th post. Not very good, I guess...but still - it's here. I think it might be fun to tell you 100 things about me via my 100th post. I've done that alittle bit lately on some of my last posts, so we'll just see how interesting I can become via my ramblings!

1. I am a first born April baby
1 little brother - Joe, 3 1/2 years younger
First word was no
Dad worked 3rd shift for as long as I can remember
I came home grouchy after school everyday in first grade
I learned phonics, my parents didn't
Lost my first tooth after eating a popscicle with gum in my mouth. Made my gum rock hard = out came the tooth
I learned to play tennis in 1st grade - took lessons
My first swimsuit was green - my current one is black
10. My bedroom was yellow growing up. I hate yellow walls now.
My neighborhood had a pool. I would walk there everyday with my brother in the summer.
My parents fought alot - so I rarely played at home.
I took horseback riding lessons in 4th grade
Learned fractions in a weekend, after I guessed on the pretest (and got them all correct)
My mom used to drop us off for sunday school and church from age 6 on. She would then go Christmas shopping
I had perfect attendance in sunday school for 9 years running.
My father moved out when I was 12. We moved from No. Ky to Maysville.
I hated middle school, but grew to love the people I met those yearly years.
I walked to my Mom's high school down the road after school everyday. I don't remember how my brother got there. Bus?
20. I helped the marching band as a flag changing girl in 7th and 8th grade. Getting to travel with the high schoolers only sped up my love of older boys.
Eventually, I was the field commander of that band.
I kept going to church in highschool, even when no one else in my family did.
I worked in the high school dark room as a sophomore and discovered my love of photography
I was editor in cheif of my junior year book
I was always known as A. Worthington's daughter growing up in the same town she did.
I passed my driving test first time
I have the best memories of my youth from church camps.
I have performed in 6 musicals = Velveteen Rabbit, Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, Brigadoon, Annie, and the Music Man.
I like watching high school basketball more than football, but love the atmosphere of both.
30. I went to four proms. Two with the same guy.
I like to choreograph dances and did for our dance team in highschool.
I dated the same guy all through highschool except during prom season. He never took me to prom.
I went to UK on a full scholarship. I dreamed of being a little fish in a big pond.
I joined a sorority to make my pond "a little bit" smaller.
I nearly failed out of school my first year of college. I was on academic probation because I didn't go to class. I graduated with a 3.45 four years later.
I met Scott my senior year in college. I had never dated anyone in college and really struggled with balancing friends, school and a relationship. I felt very guilty at the time for being happy.
I didn't wear heels until I met Scott.
I stopped going to church when Scott and I met. I had this illusion it had to be as a couple or nothing.
Scott and I were married in 2000.
40. I honeymooned in Jamaica.
I had Thai food, the first time on my honeymoon. I fell in love.
I will be interviewing for a teaching job this summer after teaching for 12 years with no initial interview.
I love to camp...at campgrounds
I've been to Europe 3 times. All on singing trips of 40 people. All with stacked iteneraries.
My favorite fruit are blueberries. I decided I liked both kiwi and pears in 2009.
I fell out of a raft, my second time white water rafting. Scared me to death.
I love musicals and symphonies.
I kept gaining weight past my freshman 15. More like my college 50.
In 2002, at 26 - I decided I didn't like how I looked and joined Weight Watchers.
50. I was thinner at my 10 years reunion than I was my senior year in high school. Only by about 10 pounds, but still.
I plan vacations that are scheduled down to the hour. I am working to stop doing that.
I knew I always wanted to be a mom and got pregnant quickly the first time. Took nearly 2 years the second time.
I was disappointed in having both an epidural and failing at breast feeding. I was depressed after my first pregnancy - but fought very hard to hide it.
After counselling before my second one, I realized it was no big deal and refused to beat myself up anymore.
I discovered coffee tasted good just after my 30th birthday. OMG.
Yogurt is my favorite food.
I wish my husband didn't work so much. I wish I didn't work so much.
I'd rather read than talk to people.
I use Google to ~~stalk~~ learn about people I used to know
60. I like the taste of high-end tequilla, but will pass on most other alcohols.
My house is cluttered, just like my classroom. Semi-straight most times, but full.
I started back to a new church while on maternity leave with Scotty. Me and 2 kids in the last pew, nervous and confused....but back.
I have no idea how to decorate. Hate the idea most times.
Used to love to move from place to place.....now I can't even envision it.
Watch way too much tv. I prefer reality television.
I have no idea how to tweet.
I want to be giving, but sometimes I feel selfish.
That said, I have no bed side manner.
I get sea sick very easily.
Halloween is my favorite holiday.
70. I always worry I am going to forget things. I still always forget things.
I wear shoes thaat are too small for my feet and I know it.
I love my yard but wish it had more trees.
My kids are far from what I imagined but more than I could have hoped for.
I always thought someone in my family would have red hair.
My grandfather is the person I admire most. I wish I would have told him when he was alive.
Scott's dad was someone I wish I had gotten to know even more. His sarcasm always made me laugh.
I am afraid my kids won't like broad types of music when they get older. Why is that a fear of mine?
I hate to wash dishes.
I dream of being organized. Like stay up at night and think about it.
80. I would like to be a foster parent.
I wanna go back and work at church camp again.
I drink way to much Diet Coke. But I don't smoke and rarely drink....so I rationalize it.
I would renew my vows with Scott if I had the money. This year is year #10.
I am always late. Even when I really really really try, something happens.
I wanna grow old on a porch swing. With lemon flavored sweet tea.
I hope Scotty is like Scott when he grows up. I like big guys that are sporty and can work with their hands. To me, Scott is the perfect guy.
I am saving to hire someone to landscape my yard. Like decorating,, I feel inadequate.
Scott wants hardwood in out house. That's great cause I want a new vacuum - one with a long hardwood hose attachment.
I hang all of my kids clothes together as outfits. It saves me time when getting everyone ready.
90.I am seeking khaki pants that are comfortable. Having a baby means my old ones fit weird.
I have forgiven the odd details of my childhood. They were sad to relive but shaped who I am and I am peaceful with it now.
I recommend counseling to anyone who is sad, lonely, worried, tense, high strung or confused. I thought I went because of stess. I learned that I was wrong.
I don't really want another child, but am not willing to make it official yet.
I want to cook as good as my grandmother and sister in law. I try but haven't convinced very many yet.
I am proud of my career. I think I've done some things pretty well.
I love my kids. Everytime I step back, I realize that somone is doing something right.
I am lucky to have found Scott. He's patient but persistent when he needs to be.
I have a pretty cool cat and dog. Low key. Present, but not in your face crazy.
100. I am more peaceful now than ever in my life. I am making some changes that will help me grow as a person by being less strung out. I have come to terms with things that made me unhappy. I am willing to pray and ask for help when I need it. I am surrounded by people who care about me and I them. I am a pretty lucky girl.

Happy #100.

Grunt, Point, Grunt.

2010-02-21T15:29:00.000-05:00

"You can't eat just cheerios," I said, as he stuffed the 15th handful into his mouth.

"Says who?" he grunted. Sounded more like a deep throated RAAAA.

Points, grunts, points, whines a long ooooooo, teeth barred while looking like he is either going to smile or scream, maybe even both.

"Try a banana." Head turns, teeth show. Fists slam.

Drops cheerio handful, dog runs over. Success for Brewtus.

Points,grunts, points.

Hands are empty of cheerios. Cry like movement with no sound and heaven knows, no tears.

"Yogurt?"

Nope. Push, turn, wriggle.

Oooooooooo - grunt - point.

16th handful - armed and ready.

Arms flail. Giggles as cheerios fly across kitchen. Brewtus scampers, beams and twitches in one fast movement. Boy screeches happy screetches.

"Eat something else, please."

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...................

Yes this too will pass. He'll eat something else someday and then 15 years from now, he'll eat me out house and home. This is just kinda funny right now.

Got Bored - Get Happy

2010-02-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

We've had a set of snow days this week where everyone in my house has been home. Since Scott's business is dependent on the weather more times than not, he is kinda slow during the colder months. Since I work in the school system, both Lainie and I have had days off of school until the roads improve.

Going anywhere has really been out of the question, in that I don't like to bundle people up and our driveway is a slick hill. Mustang wheels mean nothing to winter weather and I really have no where to go anyway.

So....what do you do when you are couped up inside. Here's a laundry list.

Read and read and read
Sudoku
Watch movies
Cook soup
Blog
Sleep
Read Facebook
Laundry Laundry Laundry
School work
Watch TV
Vacuum
Check email
Send email
Organize things
Play outside
Cook
Eat
Eat
Cook
Snuggle
Change dirty diapers
Take extra naps
(Notice exercise could have been on the list.....but alas, no)

So.....we are getting a little on the restless side.

Here's how Lainie and I amused ourselves for 3 hours today.

I am so proud of us.

We are big fans of Annie's Eats and she has an amazing sugar cookie recipe with a Royal Icing tutorial. I have used Royal Icing before on some of my cakes, but never really felt comfortable with it. I kept wanting to practice...so today we did! Love these!!! Enjoy!

The Flip Side

2010-02-17T14:16:00.001-05:00

So from my last post I sound a little on the dull side. I kinda think I am most times, depending on the group I am with. Sometimes however, I have the biggest list of things that I have done. I realize it's all relative and truly depends on who reading the post. I am going to take this one a different angle and let you count up how many things you have done from it - again....just to see how boring I am.

Things I have done...

Taken a cake decorating class
Seen the Mona Lisa
Snorkled in Jamaica
Used royal icing
Been an officer in a sorority
Gotten hired on the spot
Owned a guinea pig
Pierced my own ear
Stared at the David statue longer than was polite
Hit a dog in my car (dog lived)
Sung in Notre Dame
Been to a UK Bowl Game
Left my 2 yr with grandparents for 10 days
Ridden the coaster above New York New York Casino
Bought a car model for selfish reasons
Driven all night to Florida
Eaten caviar
Been in a car crash
Walked through New Orleans
Been to the top of the Eiffle Tower
Been a Maid of Honor
Mooned a trucker
Dated a fraternity boy
Kissed a minister - before he was officially clergy
Embarrassed myself in Target
Ridden in a gondola in Italy
Been accused of shoplifting in WalMart - by "entering" the store with tags on my clothes
Eaten sushi
Been to an SEC tournament
Paid a $100 bar tab
Baited my own hook
Driven a boat
Ridden a motorcycle
Shopped alone in Florencia
Gone on vacation with zero accomodations
Taken photography classes
Been a nanny - 4 years
Marched in the Walt Disey parade
Been drum major
Recieved scholarships for the viola
Been a camp counselor - 6 years
Had an epidural
Thrown out an entire wardrobe - "What Not to Wear" style
Worn hot pink hooker heels - to a rehearsal dinner
Been baptised
Serenaded someone
Admired someone from a far
Prayed for my salvation
Been on a competitive dance team
Taken Paxil
Participated in Greek Sing as a soloist
Displayed a piece of art
Been published as an author
Failed a class
Taken driver's ed
Won a high school tennis match
Purchased 7 pounds of powdered sugar
Had my heart broken
Been in a musical
Enrolled in counseling
Smoked
Been to a drag show
Chipped a tooth
Ridden the Amtrack
Been to traffic school
Picked blueberries
Finished a book I hated
Owned tailgating equipment
Felt like a great mom / lousy mom in the same day
Recieved a scholarship from Discover Card
Been in a Book Club
Been in a Girl's Night Out group
Considered running away
Played it safe by following in a friend's footsteps
Deliberately not answered a phone
Pulled over by a conservation officer
Procrastinated
Bit my lip when I wanted to scream
Made 300 little jellies in jars
Owned season basketball tickets
Lived on my own
Researched the temperament of a dog breed
Bought a new living room suit
Shot clay pigeons
Killed time just to kill it
Had braces
Fed a pelican
Heckled a comedian
Walked the train tracks
Worn a boy's class ring
Slept all day
Been camping
Planted a garden
Become a Dave Ramsey believer
Taken steps to join a small group at church
Thrown a surprise party
Surprised by a surprise party
Been lost in the woods
Gone to 4 proms
Been blessed with 2 children that act just like my husband and me
Married someone who is more passionate than I am
Surrounded myself with people that make me a better person

What about you? Let me see your lists.

I've Never....

2010-02-15T12:08:00.001-05:00

Things I've never done....

Seen Pulp Fiction
Been on a treadmill (until last week)
Been to California
Owned a convertible
Run longer than 5 minutes straight
Watched Lost
Baked a Quiche
Been arrested
Seen Sex In The City
Baked a Turkey
Lettered in a sport
Lit a firework
Painted a room in my house
Stripped wallpaper
Read Harry Potter
Had my eyebrows done
Been on a game show
Done my taxes
Bungee-jumped
Bought a new car
Picked out carpet
Been on a cruise
Roller-bladed
Bought a pair of jeans over $40
Watched an entire Nascar race
Worn cleats
Walked across a large bridge
Hunted for live animals
Owned a reptile
Thrown a drink at someone
Been in a study group
Had a coctail in NYC
Asked for an autograph
Been on a liquid diet
Tasted Red Bull
Not been a red head
Taken shots of Jaggermeister
Had engagement photo taken
Worn red lipstick
Lived outside of KY
Dated someone who wasn't causcasian
Gotten in a fist fight
Sung a solo at church
Used ProActive
Had an espresso
Thought of entering anyone in a pagaent
Smoked something illegal
Had a C-section
Eaten a sardine
Ridden in a police car
Tailgated for a pro team
Ice skated on a pond
Fried sausage
Gone hiking for fun
Decorated a room from scratch
Bought new baby furniture
Gotten a tattoo
Eaten an oyster
Had short hair
Cooked dinner for more than 15 people
Worn stilletos
Cooked a lobster
Donated blood
Stayed up all night

I know there's more. Some of these I still want to do. Others I am happy I've never done. What about you? What would YOU add to this list if it were yours?

S-

What have we done today?

2010-02-13T17:47:00.001-05:00

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

During:

After:

Car washes, First shoes for Scotty and Birthday Parties are what we have done today!!

Productivity feels soooo good :) Shawna

BFF's on a Date

2010-02-12T20:21:00.004-05:00

NOTE: Photos do not match the story.......

"So...do you think that he'll do this every Februrary?"

Those were Lainie's exact words tonight after "the boys" surprised us girls with a night of fine dining, exquisit drink and candelescence...Calmes style.

The boys cooked for me and Lainie.

Every been to the Melting Pot? We have....for "$40 snacks" according to Lainie, on a Momma / kids evening in December. Scott and I had been with couples a few times before that, but it is seriously a rare treat. Instead, tonight, Scott brought it to us.

We had 2 course fondue - extra sharp cheedar with apples, asiago bread and veggies, and turtle chocolate lovers for dessert - with bananas, strawberries, rice krispies and sugar cookies. For the main course, we had pan fried surf and turf, potatoes, broccolli and cauliflower and wine. Lainie had sparkling grape juice. We ate out of our wedding china and drank from the very few pieces of crystal we own from the wedding nearly 10 years ago.

With some easy jazz playing from the Pandora app on my Iphone (that's a whole other - Oh My Gah! I love it post!)...we had a great evening. The hubs even did the dishes. Seriously - Renaissance.

To that I say Happy Valentine luvs! You are very appreciated for standing beside me, taking care of us and pushing us on to brighter tomorrows. The kids and I love you very much!

Shawna

Happy Valentine's Day from Lainie and her K Valentine party day at school!

For you Ariana...

2010-02-11T20:43:00.014-05:00

I have promised photos for quite a while now.

Some photos of our last few months, maybe?

Cute ones with sticky things on our faces?

or.....

Ones that just make me holler with laughter.

Fun ones that warm the belly?

I promised them 10 months ago, but Ariana called me out on them today.

For you, Lainie's favorite pregnant Kindergarten teacher!

Came Home Tonight

2010-02-11T20:26:00.005-05:00

And the house was quiet. Dark. Lonely. It was totally empty and aside from a really barking dog, no sound of any kind was coming from it. My husband is gone and you can tell it the moment you pull up to the house.

He is in Maryland at the moment. Nothing exciting - well nothing that is unless you consider he is getting several hundred $$ for being there. So in that case, I'd say it's pretty exciting, all be it lonely here alone without him.

He has skills. Mad skills. And because of all of those skills, he is able to do many things...therefore having a variety of jobs. I laugh and tell people that I married a Renaissance man. When I laugh, it really is just to see if people believe me, because, yes I married a Renaissance man. He can cook, clean, build, design, figure, conquer and complete just about anything you set in front of him. Because he is so well rounded, tonight's endeavor is a testament to his "up for anything" personality. Tonight - he is the "wide load" guy.

That's not our truck, but you get the point.

Seriously. Of the dozen or so jobs the man has over the course of a year, this is one of the infrequent ones, but he follows trucks. 18 wheeler types. Across state lines. For money. He drives and talks on cb's and drives some more. Did I mention he gets paid. To drive. And to talk.

He's good at it too. He practices a lot when we are in town and whenever he runs errands for me. Drives and talks. But he usually doesn't cross state lines and I never pay him for driving / talking.

But today he is bringing home several hundreds for his 14 hr day. Not too bad. To that I say, may our house be quiet and our pockets be full. Come on home good buddy! 10-4....over and out. $$$$$$

Not Sure Why

2010-02-10T16:28:00.003-05:00

My laptop is here and I am back to the world of normalcy. Well, by normalcy, I mean normal for me. You know....not having to tote 2 kids and a dog past the kid gate, down the stairs and to the cold dark TV room that houses our very old, albeit working PC. I know I mentioned it in the last post...like three weeks ago, but the keys stick and so all of the writing I had been doing looked something like this....wouldn'tyouhateitifeverythingyoutypedlookedlikethis,iknowyouwould! YUK! The laptop is upstairs, in the kitchen, where my family is at the moment and I am happy!

As I celebrate the return of my mental share-out, I feel the need to prepare myself for the ways things truly are - or have been, the ways I am really feeling, whether they are good or bad. For the most part, everybody that reads my blog are either friends, family members or co-workers, so truthfully, I sometimes have to revise, edit and filter my thoughts to keep from hurting anyone or confusing someone more than I am. The oddest part is though, I have become addicted to my Google Reader account....darn you Jenn and I get to listen to the good, bad and the ugly of all of the bloggers that I follow. Not sure if it's a healthy thing or not, but they always seem to feel better that they were honest. I can see how this might make one feel good...ya know?

I'll start by first blog back as a get to know Shawna blog, how about that? If it interests you, maybe you'll keep reading. Hopefully, I too won't disappoint and this can continue for quite some time. I need a release here lately, and hopefully, this may be it.

Name: Shawna - named after a cute checkout girl at K-Mart. Ask my Dad.

Biases: Sloppy handwriting, barking dogs, capable people who insist on others doing things for them

My vices: Diet Coke, Reading, Sleeping.

Fears: Disappointing someone, not seeming perfect, fuzzy spiders, bloody gore scenes in movies

Private things people don't really know: I replay scenarios in my head hundreds of times to see if what I did was right, I'd rather hang out with one person I know really well than get to know hundreds and try to "network" with them, I prefer to do everything myself and then complain about it later.....so bad.

Things I like about me: I can cook (or at least make an effort at....some people might disagree), I try things just for the sake of saying I have, I can walk into situations and appear confident - focus on the word "appear". At least it's better than wigging out where people notice.

I love: My kids, My family, my hubs, little red cars, fountain diet cokes, John Grisham anything, clean garages and real friends.

I am glad to be back. I am hoping to start feeling better. I need to figure out who I am and what I want.....I hope you are ok with listening. *Wink*
Shawna

It's January and that's that

2010-01-19T20:29:00.006-05:00

It's nearly been a year. I'm embarrassed to say that it has nearly been a year since I have been on my blog. Many things have happened in the last year and in particular the last few months. Being a mom of two has really worked to make Scott and I stronger as a team. I started going to church (again) regularly this past year. We visit Crossroads Christian in Lexington and absolutely love it. Scott has been going with me some what over the last 6+ months and I am very proud of him for it. We each have a lot of soul searching and praying to do as we grow and change as parents and adults. I know lately when things have seemed the most uneasy, regular prayer is how I find help. We could all use a little peace in our lives and I decided thatwas where mine was going to come from.

I am addicted to Facebook. Seriously...it's on my phone and I look at stoplights on the way home. Not while the car is moving but still. Ugh.

We recieved a Wii for the holidays. Thanks mom and dad!!! Each day my skinny Wii gains weight right in front of my eyes as it reminds me that I am not 150 pounds. (Folks, I was 150 pounds in 8th grade....but alas, I AM 6 feet tall.) Anyway, my Wii is fat and I see it everyday. Quite the motivator.

And Scott had a major wreck over the holiday break. He is fine now, but for a while there, we were quite concerned for everyone involved. The truck was totaled and Scott was covered with major traumatic bruising. We have been in a weird state of shock for exactly a month now.

I have so many more things to talk about. My laptop is still broken, hence no blogging. My keyboard downstairs sticks. Hence no blogging. And I can't getpast the facebook on my phone. I'll be back, hopefully soon. I kinda miss this!

Thinking of you!

Shawna

My Sweetie...

2009-03-17T10:55:00.001-04:00

My boy...9 weeks old. More to come, ya'll! :)

What a Great Day

2009-02-20T14:41:00.003-05:00

Today Scotty and I visited the school where I work. I have been there 11 years and realized today, just how much I care about that building and the people in it, and how much I am cared for and thought of. Upon arriving, you could here people running and squealing that I was there. Now granted, they were squealing for the opportunity to hold a new baby, but some of that might have been cuz they were glad to see me. People went on and on about how cute he was and that they missed seeing me. Scotty got passed around all over the place from room to room and person to person. I even lost him at one point when Andrea disappeared into "Club Ed" with him. I had a chance to see my friends and to hear about their semester thus far.

I realize how fortunate I am to work at a place that not only do I look forward to being in, people are friendly and loving in a way that mirrors a sense of familyness. I turly have a sense of well-being with this school. Today I got to see people I have worked with for 11 years, people that have worked with 1-2 years, parents whom I met this year and families that have had a chain of siblings at CME since I started in 1998. Everyone of these people asked me about big Scott, Lainie, life as a Mom, etc. These are the poeple I am in Book Club with, spend hours at PD's with, go to game nights and girl's nights with and miss oobles and oobles in the summer. We are lucky to have people like this in our lives. I know many of these people follow me on here, so to each of you I say thank you. We are blessed to know you!!!

This is Love

2009-02-14T11:52:00.003-05:00

I woke up today to my three Valentine's cooking me breakfast. My family is fabulous and very considerate of me....particularly on holidays. Today's surprise were heart shaped pancakes. Scott bought Lainie a pancake mold when she was little and every so often, Lainie and Scott cook breakfast together and bring it to me. Today they included Scotty, as much as you can include an infant. Today was a nice treat. Although Scott had to work today, he is planning a surprise supper here at home. I have seen the remnants of strawberries and blueberries, steamed shrimp and baked potatoes that he might be using in tonight's dinner (all of which are on both mine and Lainie's top 10 favorite foods). I was also asked to play Cupid and find him our white tablecloth, cloth napkins and candles so that he can complete his surprise for all of us. (This makes sense, only I know where they are and all...) With a new little one and the economy the way it is, we are going to have an "at-home family Valentine's Day." Honestly, these are my favorite kind. To pass the while during the day today, Lainie and I have been watching musicals together (so far: The Sound of Music and Annie) and are cooking Valentine pinwheel cookies and snuggling with Scotty while reading prince and princess books together. This is love. Happy Valentine's Day!

The White Dial

2009-02-13T22:32:00.005-05:00

Update world!!! I found a pair of jeans! They are Levi's 512's from Dillards in a size 14 long. The 14 will do, because they fit, they are comfortable and hopefully, because of the smidge of Lycra in them will even fit fairly well when I succeed at making it back to an official 12 (or beyond - gasp!)

For my queasy readers...stop here.

Let's just say that I am attempting to feed the new boy the good old fashion way. I am breast feeding. It's a slow process, literally. He eats and eats, and snuggles, and sleeps and still wants more, meanwhile an hour and a half has passed during this process. Imagine doing this and when he finally finishes, it's time to start over. Needless to say, I borrowed a pump, a heavy duty one.

Thank you Lori! So for a month I have been pumping as often I can / remember / make myself / am sitting down long enough too. (For the up and going kind of a Mom, this can be tough.) I am smart enough not to start on level 5 because it pulls me at mach speed. But all this time, something still felt wrong, painful wrong. I just thought it was the whole process since I tried unsuccessfully with Lainie.

When I say wrong, I mean like toe curling wrong. Sometimes bleeding. Open flesh. Like really sore. So at this point, the original way took a long time and the fake way hurt. Aside from formula costing so much $$$, I still find myself in the grey zone for stopping all together.

So good news. While beginning the process today (did I mention you are supposed to do this anywhere from 8-12 times in the beginning to make it all roll right?) I notice this little white dial with raised lettering. The lettering is hard to read on the white dial, but it looks like the word MAX. Max? I don't really like that word when associated with my chest area. (Middle school tittie twisters come to mind.) I turn it down. The MAX suction turns to normal suction, then to (dare I say) GENTLE tugging. I wait. I wonder. It works! Ahhhh. This is doable.

Lesson to learn here: Experiment! Turn dials! Don't suffer! Ask someone!

Matter of Minutes

2009-02-10T13:57:00.003-05:00

After a stretch of morning cluster feedings, I finally broke away for a teeny-weeny bit of me time. By me time, I mean enough seconds to pee, grab a drink and perhaps even change my clothing from the night before. I wasn't asking for much, but still.
I set him down in the crib all drowsy and drunk-like. Men are so cute that way! As I stepped back he fell into what appeared to be a nap-like trance. I thought, "gold mine." And ran down the hall to take a shower (forget pee and snack!)
Lather, lather, shave, shave, rinse rinse...I wash, dry and dress with no noises coming from the babies room. All gracious, I might even press my luck and fold some laundry. Super quick I begin, only 1/8th of the way into it, he starts crying. Well screaming, actually.
I step in to soothe. Poor baby, I say. Continued screaming. Are you hungry again/still? Screaming and crying continue. Onto the living room comfy chair to eat. Off we go.
I take the bottle we were working on 21 minutes ago and put it to lips. Smacking lips, gnawing hands....appearing hungry. I set it in mouth. Trigger gag reflex (how?), he pushes it out and then pukes all across me. Hair, shoulder, shirt, pants, lap. (They were my cute yoga pants that I have to keep myself from wearing multiple days in a week....dag-gum and THEY WERE CLEAN! sniff sniff.)
He's wet, I'm wet and I'm now no longer clean. I clean him head to toe. I spot clean myself (including changing full set of clothes) and the day continues on from here.
My light grey Old Navy pants I'm now wearing are not as cute nor as comfortable...but hey....little man is no longer crying. Go us!!!

Real Men Wear Pink

2009-02-09T11:56:00.004-05:00

One of the best and somewhat "selfish" things I did with Lainie (although it can't be considered selfish if I realized it AFTER the fact) was to not find out Lainie's gender. So, when shower time rolled around 5+ years ago, I did not receive a bundle of pink items. Instead I received the greens, navy's, yellows, whites and cream colored versions of all of the popular baby items. My stroller, pack and play, clothes, etc.....all were very neutral, which was cool as it turns out when I went to have my second child. Still didn't find the gender on this one, so imagine our excitement when they announced that it was a boy. Here's where the selfish part kicks in. I could TOTALLY use everything from the first time around!! YIPPEE. No having to spend $$$ unless I so chose.

Now after Lainie was born, the pink started to flow - freely. i love pink. i love little girls (boys too, but I'm making a point.) Anyway, that's when we got blankets and bibs ad towels and stuff. I kept everything from the first time around, just knowing i could use it all again. Right?

RIGHT! See evidence below. All I can say is real men wear pink! why not? I don't have a s-load of money to spend (friends: do not look at this as a go get Scotty some blue request....we have lots), but why not incorporate what we have from the first time and build lil man some character? Even Scott agrees.....I just have to agree to go with *white, green, brown, yellow and BLUE* when i take him in public, that's all! Fair enough!

I Miss My Jeans

2009-02-08T22:04:00.002-05:00

I am simply sying to wear jeans again. I am well aware that it might be months to even years before I wear the jeans that are currently in my closet. You don't realize how "small" (I use that word loosely and within a relative context here) you are until you put on a few pounds...i.e. eat too much, have a baby, stop exercising....hell - pick a reason.

Anyway, I have been trying on my jeans since the first week Scotty was born. The first week, they would shimmy up my legs but when they get to my butt all just stops. That doesn't even take into account the new stomach I own. Now, I can wear them with the wonderful Bella Band Andrea lent me while I was prenant. There is just something scary about relying on lycra to keep you and all of the chub from busting out from the privacy of your clothing. I used it one day last week. It helped the urge, but it's not the same.

Ironically, I've never really even been a blue jean fan. I've always been too tall (did I know they sold Lee Riders in a Tall variety??...not until 2005.) I mention the Lee brand, because I am also a cheap-skate. Jenn turned me on to the jeans at Old Navy and The Gap when Julie and I realized on day in the copy room that all we owned were "mom jeans" and this was late 2006. Now, I want to be back in denim. After watching so many episodes of What Not To Wear, I'm seeing I need to lose the flare leg and go with the dark wash wide leg. So not only do I miss my jeans, my jeans are not even satisfactory anymore.

So it boils down to this.

Wanted

Jeans that fit Mom butt
Must be longs
Must be roomy all the way down the leg from the widest part of my body
Must be something smaller than a 14 (swore in 2002 that with Weight Watchers as my witness, I would be a 12 or smaller permanently.)
Must show up soon. Yoga pants are about to be scissored and Maternity pants are going out the window.
Contact: delusional Momma to 10lb. 3oz. boy born 4 weeks ago.

Please hurry!

Playing Doctor

2009-02-07T19:38:00.002-05:00

Well, not exactly. They were playing husband and wife.

Lainie and another little guy friend her age.
At first we hear nothing. Never a good sign when children are involved. We tip toe down the stairs to peek around the corner. Watching from a far, we see 2 little kids, spooning together on the couch downstairs. Arms intertwined, covered in a blanket. Then they roll over. She is now cradled in his arms, with this huge smile on her face. (Honestly, I hope Scott and I look that cute while sleeping, but still.) Then all of a sudden, she disappears under the cover. You can hear her say, come under here and kiss me. Then he disappears. Parents gasp. He says, loudly (and probably proudly), "Lainie, I can see your underwear." Uh, what?

Kids it's time to play upstairs. Two heads dart from under a blanket and catch us looking at them. "We like it down here better" (of course they do.) Nope it's community time, come on upstairs.

Meanwhile, Mom #1 (other mom) sits with kids while Mom #2 (me) searches internet for "is playing doctor / husband-wife as a preschooler normal?" on Google.

Apparently it is. Curiosity / pretending, etc. all part of the same deal. It is also very clearly time for the "that is and that is not appropriate" converstation to broaden its horizon a little bit further. Anybody wanna come over and help me lead this conversation. Anyone?

2009-02-06T17:00:00.003-05:00

I'm going to try to start this up again! Hope to not disappoint. A great many things have happened in the last 8 months, including the birth of hoss-man = Scotty Mitchell on 1/9. Lots of things to share out, so we'll start with today's wonderful event!!
Lainie got a bike for Christmas. It was the $29 "day after Thanksgiving special" from WalMart that BIL Rick nearly stomped people flat trying to get. It's a 20 in variety that's blue with white trim and little flowers.
It has training wheels that Scott and Rick put on the night before Christmas. That they put on too high after actually following the directions. For nearly a month, Lainie has tried to ride bikes the few warm days we've had and falls off ever 7 inches because the training wheels caused her to lean over too far.
Anyway, Scott fixed them last night, knowing that the weather was going to change this weekend. Thank you thank you Scott!
So today, Lainie and I loaded up the stroller and the bike in the white truck (my Mustang is on a break for a while. 2 kids in cute car appear kinda aquished at this time.) and headed over to the GRC track right at school's end. Lainie got to ride on a flat surface for over an hour. She was spooked a little by the 400 highschoolers that make their way across the track (highschool kids dress scary sometimes...ohhh), but otherwise, the new training wheel location worked perfectly. I was very proud of her and the balance she is working on. You never realize how many motions are involved in riding a bike, until you try to teach someone else how to do it. Beautiful day. Very proud of Lainie!!

Crazy Life

2008-09-06T11:46:00.000-04:00

Life rolls on....

So from one of the last posts, ya'll know about my little ER problem back in August. Since that post, I really just haven't felt up to writing anything, even though I am as healthy in the Pee Pee department as ever. Just this weird "time" issue sneaking back into my life, and frankly, here lately, I would just rather sleep.

So that's what I've been doing. A lot of it lately! I come in, cook supper, clean up, love the husband and the kid and finally hit a soft spot to land, just hoping to keep my eyes open long enough to read a page or two (did I mention anywhere that the Twilight book series WILL be the death of me?) But no....each night, I barely see 8:30 and I am snoring in whatever chair, recliner, bed, etc that I am on. It's pathetic. Hence, no blogging.

Being pregnant with no child(ren) was different the first time, or was it? Maybe this pregnancy is just different. Maybe I'm over 30 and quickly hitting that brick wall I've worried about. But regardless, I'm sleeping like it's going out of style, my husband is supporting me, Lainie still loves on me and the bills are getting paid. Not bad I say, Not bad!

Not Dead

2008-08-16T17:04:00.000-04:00

I am not dead. I will write soon. August is brutal! :)

UTC and ER in same day

2008-08-02T16:23:00.002-04:00

So the pathway to "you know where" is laid with good intentions....

I had intended to do several things with my Saturday today. Mow Grass (that's just a curse for me this summer), Buy Groceries, Mason's Lodge Picnic, Attending the Fair. Not so much.

It begins.........
I woke up at 7 this morning about to burst. I waddled to the bathroom and realized "it" was happening again.

"It" has been happening for about 5 days now. The inability (read "complete blockage") of the pee to exit my body. Gross. Painful. Generally subsides in about 30 min.

I walk around for about 30 min wasting time, reading a magazine, picking up the house thinking, "maybe now I can go."

Push, Grunt, Scream. Nothing.

Hours pass. Same story. More pain. No movements. Tight stomach (not the preferred type). Writhing on the bed. Push, Grunt, Scream. Nothing.

I am about to burst and can not move. Pain in numbers - 3 to sit still (like being on a long car trip with no exits); to push, grunt, scream on the toilet it's more like an 8. Not a 10.....I have been in labor before.

We send Lainie to MIL at 11:15 and go to Urgent Treatment with Scott. I am referred from there to the Clark County Emergency Room because UTC is so behind and I am soooooo full.

Clark Co. ER at noon. I'm checked in and waddled back to my room. Dr comes in with his series of questions (I am internally drowning in fluid at this point) and he asks "who is following your pregnancy?" I hear it as "who is the father of your pregnancy?" I turn to Scott and choke - "well, he is!" I look at the doctor. I look at Scott. I look back at the very confused doctor and Scott repeats - "who is following the pregnancy...not who is the father" Oh! Pee does weird things to the brain.

So medically speaking, the doctor staff decides to drain me and then run the tests in the lab. Drain me. Hmmm.

Let's just say I would rather be drained than push, grunt and scream on the toilet any day!

400 cc's is what the normal female bladder holds. I gave Clark Co. 1200 cc's. Officially I am not crazy, just really heavy on the urine count.

After 3 hours, I leave CCER. I have no infections, but I still have the blockage with a OB/GYN appt on Monday. They gave me some things to help with the blockage...but few of you love me well enough to hear those details. Let's just say it hurts to walk, I will not be leaving the house, but I feel much better.

Blue + Red = Purple

2008-07-30T16:25:00.007-04:00

Let's just say marrying a man from a rival high school and then living in that rival town has been a growing experience on my personality.

Some background. I am from Maysville. Although I moved there when I was 12, from Northern KY, I consider M-ville my hometown. My grandparents are from there. All my aunts and uncles live there (minus one or two). When people have weddings in my family, it is there. The church I belong to is there. My high school reunions are there. My parents are there. My hand prints in the wet cement at the flood wall downtown from June of 94 are there. That is my hometown.

I walk into Wal Mart and either smile huggingly to greet the person I haven't seen in a while or I quickly turn down the jam and jelly aisle to avoid someone I never want to see again. Oh - quit, you do it too! Maysville is my hometown. Mason County is my high school. I am a Royals fan. I bleed blue.

Yet, I live in Winchester. Home of GRC. Cardinals play ball here and they are red. My nieces play Clark Co. sports. My nephews play Clark County sports. I own t-shirts and pull overs that are red and black and white. I even painted the 6 x 6 foot cardinal in the GRC concession stand last summer. The kids ask me to their games. I go. I am a family member and I am faithful to the family. I wear red. I cheer and clap. I sit and mingle with the locals. I am a Cardinal during the day. I feel that I do pretty good. That is, until they play Mason Co. Then all bets are off.

Well now I am raising a new generation of Royal / Cardinal fans. Lainie has t-shirts from both teams. Paraphernalia that advertises both schools. Her messages from the Cards are much louder than the chanting for the Royals simply due to distance. She's young. She has no clue that she is a Rardnal. She seems oblivious to the fact that she is a Cardyal. Ah innocence of the young.

She just likes to cheer.

So here we are. At the crossroads. She is wearing red. Lots of it and looking majorly cute in it. She loved GRC's Cheerleading Camp this week and apparently they loved her. She got hats, and pictures and frames and t-shirts all week. It was adorable. She had a ball. She gets to go on the field with the "big girls" at the Sept. 26th game against Madison Central at GRC. (Dear heavens THANK YOU that it wasn't Mason Co.) My parents are coming. Scott's fam will be there. Go get 'em my little Royadinal. Great job this week!

PS: Did anyone else notice the dog ears? Only the cool kids could talk her into that!

Mitchell Favorite Things Vol III

2008-07-29T10:46:00.007-04:00

Yesterday it rained like crazy here. As Gayla, Jenn and I ran across the parking lot to the car at school (with cardboard boxes on our heads) I realized that my feetand legs were getting crazy wet! We were on our way to Qdoba up the street and the rain just wouldn't stop. That's when Gayla saw it. My Mitchell Favorite Things Vol III prompt.

My Golashes. My Rainboots. My oh so cute, keep your feet dry and warm, quit making fun of me cuz you know you want them too - kind a boots. And they were on another girl.

I went home that afternoon and pulled mine out of the closet just for good measure. They are black and white and have have some kind of fancy plaid pattern going on. (I am not a fashion interested person, so pardon my lackadaisical manner.)

Lainie has some too. Hers are green and have a frog face on them. She wears them with everything! Princess costumes, ballet tutus, sweats. Doesn't matter. She cried the other day because hers are getting too small. I silently cried too. I love them.

I was shopping for some today for her. Although the cheapies that I found did not come in her size, they did come in ours. They even had 11's. (Do I really need more boots?) Sha-yeah!!!

Here's the link if you want to join in on the rain boot fun! Don't be left behind!! There is nothing cuter than dry feet!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=495501

Best Summer Money Spent

2008-07-27T15:53:00.004-04:00

This has been the best $16 I have ever spent. One afternoon in mid June, Lainie and I both had considered going to the public pool. After we finished our errands around town, it had taken longer than I wanted it too. Ya kow, ya need a good 3 hours to make a good day at the pool and that day we had hit 1:00. Couple that with the 1 hour drive time home, we didn't want to be at the pool until Scott came home. There is something about my man with his "teacher wife" when we lay at the pool until he rolls home after a rough day at work. Fair enough. We try just try to leave by 3. (I am a genious, you can tell me later.)

Anyway, that day, it was already 1 PM and it was overcast outside. We were both disappointed. Therefore, we spent the same amount of money as a day or two at the pool and put it into our own version. It's deep enough for me to sit in and long enough for me to stick my legs out. Laiie enjoys it the most. Today she has been in there since before 1 o'clock. It's 4 now.

She lathered with sunscreen and having a ball. We are truly the lifestyle of the rich and the famous!

Then Ya Feel Better...

2008-07-26T14:48:00.004-04:00

I took the bull by the horns the last 30 min and actually made myself feel better!

Here's how!

I called Jenn. Just talking to someone about something other than milk and cereal made me feel like a grown up. A fun, cute, would love a margarita on the patio, grown up.

Read Alyssa's comment on last post. She is feeling like I am, so I know as soul sistas, we are not alone!

Hung my 4 year old upside down behind the couch in the den to get renegade ball and lazy "husband trash" thrown behind couch. Funniest part, was telling her to "stay there" while I ran and got the camera.

Much better!

Just .... Something.

2008-07-26T14:04:00.003-04:00

It's been a melacholy kind of a weekend here. Anybody else feeling it?

I mean it's summer for heaven's sake! Maybe that is why I'm feeling a little blue. I know I have to go back to work soon and I don't want too?

Scott has been working a lot lately and been away from the house. He's wrapping up SIL Vickie's total kitchen makeover the last two weekends. (I know I was totally gone one of those weekends,) but it seems he's been away for a while. Lainie and I made chocolate trip treats for him, Zach and Steve and took them to see the kitchen. Looks good for a newly painted, new floor, some cabiets in place, every large appliance drug into the living room kind of kitchen. They are making progress and that's what's important.

Maybe it's that I need payday to come desperately. I feel like I couldn't scrape up $2.00, even if I tried.

I'm just feeling lethagic. Kind of like a slug. That's so embarrassing to admit and even worse to visually imagine.....but I don't feel motivated to do much of anything. It's silly, unneccesary and ridiculous. I know, I know.

5 Question Quiz - Leave Comments

2008-07-24T19:45:00.000-04:00

1. Last thing you just did: ________________
2. Biggest accomplishment of the day: _______________
3. Best thing you've done this week: _______________
4. Age 15 years ago: ____________________
5. One thing you've done this week that you never saw yourself doing 15 years ago: _________

Shawna's Answers:
1. Picked up toys in Living Room
2. Priced garage full of items for kid's sale
3. Snuggled with Lainie more than normally
4. 17
5. Gave a dirty Guinea Pig a bath.

Oh-what we've become!

Answer yours in the comment section. Can't wait to see your #5.

I Get It, I GET IT! #@!

2008-07-24T14:05:00.004-04:00

Remember the very addicting, very obnoxious- albeit it very funny "Free Credit Report" kid with the bouncing head and the cool pirate suit on TV? He pulled me in today. We talked. I took the plunge. With him and the encouragement of my hero in the making, Dave Ramsey, I got a hold of my own credit report.

http://www.freecreditreport.com/ (sing as you will..)

I am pleased to announce that I am of little risk to the future creditors that may want to lend me money (they are knowing at the doors, we know!) I am higher than what is considered "good" but with what I am about to tell you, you will see why I am not considered "great."

First, the good parts. I have no car payment. I even have 2 cars in my name + plus the truck in Scott's. Dave would totally tell me to sell one of the cars to pay off remaining debt, but ahem....Dave, 2 kids cannot fit in a Mustang, only in the Mountaineer and I have no plans of ever selling that Mustang! Regardless of the brood of children I bring into the world. Selfish, immature, shameful. Yeah, all that. It's a stick shift and it's red and fast and makes me feel like I am not 32. (Nay-saying friends and family members...you get no comment for this part!) So, point one for me.

Next, since April, I have cut my debt in half and am almost to the end of Dave's baby step #1. To get $1,000 emergency fund. Now, I would totally be there already, but apparently you pay for babies now BEFORE they are born (versus the $300 check I wrote the last day at Central Baptist in 2003), which keeps me from bouncing across town for two months. So I sent Central Baptist $400 out of the emergency fund to pay for Tator Tot outright. No complaints by any means. My insurance is pretty good and for heaven's sakes, we're blessed with another Mitchell addition. No complaints at all. Just now my emergency fund needs a bit more fundage.

I also have all of my debt consolidated into 3 chunks. Our house (not part of the slashed by 1/2 figure), my bad habits credit card that is dwindling, and the "oh my graciousness, the washer and dryer did NOT die at the same time AGAIN" card from Sears that I used in January for said appliances. Again, pretty good.

Another good, I take almost 15% of my check and put it into a separate retirement account through AIG. I started this at 22 when dear sweet Kim L. at school introduced me to Randy the Retirement guy. I had no children, no house, no husband. I loaded it up. Luckily each month, I don't miss it, because I've never seen it. 10 years of that has done really well for me.

So the bad......

According to the report, I had 13 credit cards from college the year we bought our house. In 2000, I spent my summer canceling cards to be able to get the mortgage we deserved. How can grown adults prey on young naive students on campuses and spring break events the way they do with t-shirts and cups and junk?? Look at the mess. I swore I'd never do it again!

Here's the funny part...

I have 13 NEW credit cards since 2000. I am NOT even a college co-ed anymore. I know better! Not one of them has a balance on them. Granted some did...but they have long been paid off. Apparently, now I am a sucker for the save 15% today if you open a ____ credit card. OK! I think 15% of ? is better than 0% of ?, right? Gosh! When I really thought about it, I even remember signing up for two during football season because A. I needed a long sleeve shirt for that night game and $28 is insane at Commonwealth stadium (PS: I totally love that shirt!) and B. that UK blanket looks warm! I mean it was November!!!! So - they got me that way too!

So I now begin the quest of "call and cancel" to the delightfully polite card service members at the debt institutions. At least I can do that while sitting outside in the sun.

Dear Dave, (and Carol Fosson)

I promise I am listening and trying hard. I have 32 years of silliness under my belt and that is a lot of fat to trim. Please be patient. I will get there someday. I'm now off to call the creditors.

Sincerely,
Painfully Getting the Picture

Why Live So Far Away

2008-07-23T09:42:00.011-04:00

I often get asked why I continue to live in Winchester and make the hour long one-way commute everyday to go to work. Money is usually the first thing that comes to my head. $150,000 for a house doesn't go far in the city limits of Lexington, but it bought us an all brick home with almost an acre in Winchester.

The next thing that comes to mind is the fact I can go to WalMart and know no-one. I mean, I could talk about colleagues and students at the top of my voice (of course I would NEVER do that) in the middle of the pickle aisle and no one would be in the peanut butter section listening to me ready to tell someone else. No one related to my working world lives over here. It's lonely, but liberating.

But last night, I discovered (actually more like remembered) one of my favorite parts about living where I live. Has nothing to do with Winchester, nothing to do with Clark County, and very little to do with my house....it's something I did. Something I planted 8 summers ago and it is now amazing!

In the summer of 2000, I was planning my wedding and moving into said house preparing to be a newlywed. I was 24, Scott was 30 and we were both ready for the on-our-own style of life. One morning before the wedding, we went down to the Farmer's Market in Lex. I remember buying some tomatoes, squash and this cute little plant, they said would grown into a thorn less blackberry bush. OK. I love blackberries. I hate thorns. Perfect fit.

I brought it home and plated my $8.99 treasure. It stood 8 inches tall and had 4 leaves.

Summer #2: I got 4 berries off that silly vine. I knew I'd wasted my money.

Summers 3-7 I would stand and eat said berries straight from the vine and make it inside with 20 or so. Just enough to fling into some cereal. Lainie would also cover herself in berry juices and she double-fisted hers into her mouth.

And here we are at Summer #8. They exploded this year. Since Scott grew up without fences in his neighborhood (something about football fields and throwing passes with friends across yards) we only have one fence in our whole yard (it's chain link and our neighbor Al put it up between around his property before we moved in), it is filling up the whole section that faces our yard. Last night, we filled up half of a galvanized bucket with ripe berries, not to mention the hundreds we left on the vine until later in the week.

Lainie and I washed the berries, made a cobbler (OMG yum!), had a berry and Cool Whip snack, sprinkled them over our cereal and covered the others with Equal until later.

Cobbler recipe:

1 c water

2 c sugar, parted

1 - 2 c fresh berries

1 stick butter

1 c self rising flour
1 c milk

Bring water to a boil in saucepan. Add 1 c. sugar and stir until dissolved. Add berries. Simmer for 10 min. Melt butter in 9 x 13 pan in 350* oven. When melted, mix flour and remaining 1 c. sugar in large bowl. Slowly add milk to avoid clumping. Pour batter into 9x13 pan over butter. DO NOT STIR. Spoon berries into 9x13. DO NOT STIR. Gently pour hot berry syrup over 9x13. DO NOT STIR (stirring makes it all smear together. Cobblers should be many colors!)

Bake 30 min @ 350*

That alone - is one of the main reasons I will stay in this house until the number of people out numbers the bedrooms. After tater-tot, we're in trouble!

It was so SALTY!

2008-07-22T20:17:00.003-04:00

I'm sitting, my pictures are loaded, so I am totally on a roll to blog another post!

On Sunday, we three KY girls in DC took the big, bad, subway to King's Street in Alexandria, VA. Honestly, it is one of the cutest little towns I have ever been too. It looked like somewhere Ben Franklin would have just loved. There were little cobblestone streets, fish markets with beer and clams chilli in the ice, Christmas shops covered in white lights and grape vines. Ahh - so cute!

We ate a restaurant called the Chart House right on the Potomac River. Upon arriving, I noticed that the average person's bill was going to run us $31 to $50. Usually, I avoid meals like this unless the hus-band-o is footing the bill. This time, I was flying solo, so I knew I had to go easy!

Vickie and I opted for the salad bar. $15.99. Ok - I can do that. Fresh melon, sweet pieapple, real bleu cheese crumbles, me-ow!!!

I filled my plate and as I was about to walk away when Vickie and I noticed the same thing. Little, black, slimy, tiny, sitting beside the crackers. "Is that caviar?" we both whisper. We turn and look over our shoulders to see who is watching and if anyone is laughig at us "out of place kids."

It is.

Well, since trying caviar is on the my bucket list (if you have't seen Bucket List with Nicholson and Morgan Freeman - go and see) I knew what I had to do.

Tiny little spoonful, little crunchy cracker and a tandem 1-2-3 bite! Marcia took our picture.

It was salty. That's about all I noticed or bothered to concern myself with. Not good - not bad. Just salty. I can now cross ot off the list. The salad bar was fab. I liked the $1.99 mandarin oranges the best! Such a redneck.

Back from DC

2008-07-22T20:06:00.005-04:00

I landed in Cincinnati at 8 PM last night. I left for a girl's weekend to see my sister-in-law who is working for 3 weeks being trained for her new position with the Federal Government Social Security Department. Although we (I) didn't take many pictures, my feet and muscles feel like they are going to melt off my body. Vickie (my sil) and Marcie our friend that she works with who is also attending the training WORE ME OUT. I'm totally blaming the pregnancy. Maybe it's just that time is catching up with me. We visited the Vietnam Memorial, the World War II monument, the Smithsonian museums, Old Town Alexandria, China Town, the Capitol, and we logged 100,000 miles on the subway - all in 2 1/2 days. Whew. More is coming!

Check out Vickie's posts on her trip. She is missing KY in DC right now, so leave her a comment or two. She would love it! Means Mania

At the Pool

2008-07-18T17:04:00.002-04:00

Went to the pool today. I know - hate me. We (Lainie and I) went to Boonesborough's pool, since it is not only the closest, but the niceest pool that is nearby.

After a great surprise lunch with Daddy over a table full of chili dogs at Wanda's (don't laugh if you've never partaken! You wouldn't understand!) we were on our way. Blankets, towels, sunscreen, glasses, books, all set. I decided not to take any snacks because having concessions stand junk food every so often is what keeps me young and vibrant, so I was totally looking forward to some nachos and cheese for my 2:30 snack.

I put off the concessions stand for almost 3 hours. Frankly, I was very pruoud of both myself and Lainie for pushing the our willpower to the top and resisting the temptations.

When the time finally came, 3 hours into our visit, I was nearly panting. Lainie was close to busting from her skin. Nothing like a hot dog to get a 4 year old going buck wild!

They were out of hot dogs. I thought, no biggie, I'll share my nachos with Lainie. Alas, they were out of nachos. They were out of cheese. They were out of chips. Heaven help them if they are out of soda...and it d_ _ n well better be diet. Lucky little guy...diet was all they had. Are you kidding? I asked for a straw, but realized I had just pushed my luck. No straws. Good Lord.

This is the time I realize I was born with the power of "think it" but not equipped with the button that allows me to "say it." Lainie was crying and I am grinding my teeth, I am so upset for her and hungry to boot. I knew I wanted to ask for management, but I saw no one over the age of 'like' 21 - (said just like Paris Hilton) inside any "office" area and I just wasn't going to give any words to someone young and stupid....while I feel so fat and old. I knew I should have told Mr. Genius to high tail it to Wal Mart to buy some dag-gone hot dogs and some cheese to go with MY chips. I also realized that this is why God put certain people in my life and I should travel with them much more often. Like Jennifer. Like Gayla. Like Vickie. Like Angie. NONE of these people would have let this atrocity occur.....but ah. I am what I am....hungry and sun burnt and prego and tired. And just not a master of the verbal language...yet.

Maybe We Should Name It....Meatball!

2008-07-15T20:21:00.006-04:00

By far the funniest statements I have ever heard come out of the mouths of 4 year olds. They are like tiny comedians with no idea how humorous their take on everything really is.

For example:

Tonight's comment as we talked about all of the things we were going to need to teach the baby. Such as how to use sidewalk chalk and hit a tee-ball and blow bubbles and all the big stuff. "Yeah," Lainie says "and maybe we should name it Meatball, since we'll have to teach it how to cook too."

Or the other night as I planned my weekend get away to Washington D.C. I was telling Lainie about how I am getting to fly on my plane and she said, "O.K. Mommy. Don't forget to pack your para-hoot." Good idea Lainie. Always a good idea.

And my favorite one of all. About a week ago, I was going through my tubs of maternity clothes (thank you Andrea P. sharing yours!) since I have recently started exploding out of anything that might be considered my "normal" clothes. My whole living room floor was coated in clothes as I categorized them into Summer, Fall and Winter wear and 1st trimester, 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester appropriate. I was into this project for most of the night. Lainie comes bounding around the corer and announces to the entire house...."Good heavens Mommy, you have got alot of big, fat, tummy clothing!!!) I have NEVER and will NEVER use the words big, fat and tummy together....(nor will my husband.....) so where did this statement come from???? Tell me!!

A picture of the evening to make it all worthwhile.... Notice the teddy bear (or the insane bulge of the bear) stuffed in her tummy. Oh my!

Fishin' with the Fam

2008-07-14T19:48:00.004-04:00

This past weekend we went fishing at my Mom and Dad's. Lainie has been asking for a fishing trip for moths now and even after the deep sea fishing adventure Scott arranged for us in Fla, Lainie isisted she had to do it at Pappaw's with Pappaw. Fair enough.

My dad retired to this fishing dock with its own little house back when I was in college. I didn't understand its appeal until I spent a sunset there shortly there after. The house is kinda on the small side, but perfect for a retired auto engineer with a love of fish and motorcycles. Ironically, my mother then bought a house directly (like you can see it through the parting of the trees) across the lake. You have to call two houses to find one parent. My dad will lean out and say - "yep, her car's over there." Long story, even as entertaining as it is.

My favorite picture is the one from above. Scott, Dad and Lainie insisted that I post the 28 inch catfish. Lainie totally took credit from Dad for that one. All Scott caught were turtles. Such silly fish tales.

Feeling Lonely

2008-07-11T10:22:00.003-04:00

I'm lonely.

The house is quiet.

Lainie is gone until tomorrow.

I'm a bit sad.

It's amazing how much you miss Wonder Pets when they aren't blaring from the living room at 6:45 in the morning. It's weird how you are certain you would love just one day when milk isn't spilled on the floor - but then it isn't really true. Why does a "clean" hallway look so weird when you are used to a caravan of toys layering it's walls moments after you've straightened up? Sadness.

Scott and I even went out to supper with no children last night. We weren't rushed, had grown up conversations and ate all of the food on our plates without badgering someone else to do the same. When we were busy - we didn't notice we were down one (horrible I know.) But as soon as we got home and had complete control of the remote control, we both thought...this is odd. We have a "date" tonight as well. It's Scott's Wish Month....(that's another post entirely, mine was last month), so we're excited about being together again, but still. When you are used to a little body or bodies beside you 99.9% of the time, 0% feels disgustingly strange.

Maybe I'll go to a grown up lunch with friends. Yes - that's exactly what I'll do. See you Saturday Lainie!!!

It's True!

2008-07-10T21:10:00.003-04:00

It's totally true! There is a 12 week little fetus growing in my tummy right now!!! We have been trying for a little brother or sister for Lainie for a while now, so the Mitchell's would like to introduce you to Tater Tot Mitchell! It even appears that the baby is waving (look close!)

Since Scott and I don't find out the gender of our children (some crazy aggreement we made en route to a 8 hour destination prior to being married) we give our children ridiculous (although story appropriate) nicknames for them to carry in womb. Lainie was Punkin Seed, since my aunt called me Punkin when I was little. And now we introduce Tater Tot, the offspring of Scott, AKA our Big Spud! HA!

Our due date is January 16th, so come the holidays, I will be big, tired and swollen. Ah - Merry Christmas everyone!!! We can't wait!

Clean Out The Kid's Closets!

2008-07-10T10:41:00.002-04:00

Lainie's school (Julie McIntire Burgel's new school) is having a Consignment Sale and you are invited to both SHOP and SELL!! Tell your family and friends!

***Contact ME for a seller number and sell those unneeded / unwanted kid's items for CASH!***

Bluejay Boutique Consignment Sale Information
August 8th and 9th
Victory Hieghts Center
150 Maryland Avenue
Winchester, KY

The Consignment Sale will be held August 8th from 5 p.m. to 9p.m. and
August 9th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A special Friends and Family Sale will take place on Thursday, August 7th from 6 to 8 p.m. for anyone who will be helping with the Consignment Sale!

You may drop off your TAGGED items on Wednesday, August 6th from 10 to 1 or 4 to 7 at the Victory Heights Center, 150 Maryland Ave. in Winchester.

You will make 70% profit on your sales and the other 30% will be donated to the programs at the Victory Heights Center for Achievement.(There will be a $5 Advertisement fee charged to all sellers.)

Items Accepted:
Girls and Boys clothing in GREAT condition
children’s shoes—gently worn
Halloween costumes for children
Nursery Supplies and Maternity Clothing
Baby and Children’s Furniture (assembled)
Children’s Books in GREAT condition

Items NOT Accepted: Car Seats, Stuffed Animals, or Clothing that is stained, torn, or missing accessories

Tagging Items:
Please use a white index card pinned to clothing or taped to bags of shoes, bows, etc. The minimum price accepted is $2 and items must be priced in dollar increments…$2, $3, $5, etc. (If you have smaller items such as hair bows, bag them in values of at least $2.00). *contact us for a seller number

A copy of this flyer will be sent to you in the mail if you are interested!

2 Day Project

2008-07-03T11:29:00.003-04:00

So I got PhotoShop Elements 6 for my birthday in April. I have wanted this software for a long time, but knew that it would take a while to learn. In Clark Co. they even offer community ed classes on how it works. After the last two days of trying, discovering, trying again and surprising myself, I figure....I might need the course to narrow the amount of time I took on this project.

Anyway, I took Lori's family pictures in April. This particular picture I just loved. Julienne had on a purple dress sitting in a bed of violets. I wanted to take out everything but the purple.

Once I tried that...it made her skin tone look like dead flesh, so I gave her hair and skin a soft color by erasing the b+w by 25 pixels to expose the original color. Not bad for my first try. I'll keep you posted. Thanks Lori, you have beautiful children!!!

Summer Improvement

2008-07-02T10:39:00.002-04:00

So this week has been so much better already! My post about last week was certainly a fluke and just too much happening at once to digest!

The last few days have reminded me how blessed we are to have such great people in our lives. I feel like we have had a chance to to interact with all sorts of old and new aquaintances the last few days and I wanted to give a shout out about what we've all done together!

I've talked to Kate, Ann C, Mom, Dawn D, Edwina and Carol F on the phone this past week at pretty great lengths. Being that I'm not a huge phone talker, I did well, cuz we had lots to talk about!

Lainie and I have had play dates with Kara and Tripp, Heather, Olivia and Thomas, Ann, Allie and Ginnie, Mickey and Ian. It was awesome to just watch the kids play while catching up with some great friends.

We had a dinner party with Allyson and Eprem and Kellie and John on Saturday. That was fantastic!!! Good food, Good company - Great stuff!

I get a solo night out tonight for Apps @ Harry's patio with Alyssa, Jenn, Abby, Gayla, Sarabeth, Maria and Grant. Super pumped for that one!!!! Can't wait!

Friday, we're spending the day with Evan, Kate and Emma for the 4th of July celebrations downtown. We'll meet up in the AM and go until the kids wear down.

Saturday is Scott's family reunion in Frankfort. We will see the extended family and swim all day. His aunts are such awesome hostesses that we talk about this event all year!

Saturday night we're going to Andrea and Mike's cookout in Lexington. We are packing as much as possible into that day. Sadly we're having to miss cousin Bella's party, because we had committed to the others already. :(

Sunday is the annual Newman's July 4th party. It has a Mardi Gras theme this year. That party is always huge and super fun!! Scott gets to hang with Jonathan and Evan and Roger and Wayne and all the other man folk and their cigars, while the girls talk shop about pregnancies and kids and clothes and jobs and whatever! Can't wait!

Fun In Florida

2008-06-30T15:16:00.003-04:00

Indian Shores, Fla just north of Clearwater for 4 days. DisneyWorld Resort for 5 days. Beaches and Pools and Tans and Seafood and Cartoon characters!! It was wonderful! Shawna, Scott & Lainie

It Happens In Threes - My Butt

2008-06-27T14:47:00.009-04:00

What you say I haven't written in a while?

You say it's summer and life is grand for the non-working teacher?

You say that home ownership is everything happy and wonderful?

Lies - All Lies!!!

It's happens in threes. (or if you are me and my week it happens in fours and fives.)

Sunday - arrive home from Vacation. Air Conditioning registering 79*. It was colder outside at 9:30 at night. Part II: CHI hair straightener...dead.

Monday - call the AC man. Frozen unit. $98 to repair. Part II: Wealthy friend of Scott's gives Lainie a huge custom made Barbie Dream House and 4 garbage bags full of Barbie items. 4 hours go into organizing and donating non-keepable Barbie items. The run down: 1 house, 3 covertibles, 2 vans, 1 cruise ship, 1 pet land play store, 1 hospital, 2 kitchens, 16 Barbies, 5 Kens, 11 Skippers, 6 babies, 17 pets, gallon bag of shoes, gallon bags of Barbie brushes, and an entire garbage bag of Barbie clothing. My house puked pink.

Tuesday - Laundry from vaca still not started. Dishes in pile on sink....cuz dishwasher stopped. Laundry and tears started together.

Wednesday - Husband stayed home to keep said wife from looping the noose herself. Buy dishwasher, demand in stock availablity. Husband begins installation at noon. Six o clock comes and goes with a trip to Lowes and a fuming wife. $25 an hour my butt. He says it's me. Huh!

Thursday - Friend from high school drops by. Dishwasher now works. Laundry finishing. Actually break a sweat while cleaning and stashing and chucking prior to her arrival. House and Mommy pulled it off. Part II: Buy new hair starightener. $124. Does Dave Ramsey count that as an emergency? I did. Part III: Lost replacement park to attic latch. Attic door remains broken. Husband thinks it's hilarious!

Friday - Mow 1 acre of 2 week old grass. Oh discovery! 3 out of 4 tires on mower are flat. Drive to MIL to borrow hers. She's out of town and I can't find key. Call Tennessee. No service. Eat her Jalapeno cheese dip...the kind that says "serves 4." Yup. Drive back home to inflate said tires. Car too far away from building. Move car. Run over toy of Lainie's. Crying child. Pump flattest tire. Nothing happens. 30 mins more = nothing happens. Send husband a cursing text. He tells me to go to bed. HA! Nephew calls with news of key location. Drive back to MIL and get mower. Can't get it to budge. Call 16 yr old nephew again. Explain college degrees mean nothing in mowing world, so how do I get the tractor to drive. He describes parking brake. Oh! Stupid John Deere. Load tall red head and 4 yr old dressed as an Incredible on to tractor. Drive through Winchester looking like twit. No sidewalks exist between ours and MIL house. Mow grass. Run out of gas. Search for gas nozzle. Call nephew. He laughs. Under seat. Oh! Damn Deere. Start again. Looming rain. Mow near creek. Tire slips over edge. 100% stuck. Cuss loudly. Eat entire box of Kraft Mac and Cheese while watching 10 Years Younger on TLC.

Long Journeys

2008-06-23T10:03:00.003-04:00

We're home from Florida - officially at 9:30 last night. We drove the whole day from Disneyworld and only stopped 3 times. Our Garmin led us all the way home and even reported that we hit 117 miles an hour at one point. We love our Garmin, but that seems insane (yes we are speeders, but COME ON!) If you travel by car often and have never had a GPS...oh my my, put it on your Christmas list.

Stupid story...while we we're in the middle end of our trip, I was craving "good home cooking", i.e. green beans, carrots, etc. with no luck. If you want cooking like that at Disney, you will pay a pretty penny. So anyway, the 3 of us went out shopping and we punched in the Food listings to see what we could find. Nothing yummy. I then typed in "Cracker Barrel" into the Garmin. Ta-da!!! In 4.5 miles I would be able to eat my yum yum food! (Angie - quit laughing!) Thank you Garmin!

Speaking of journey's... I have 3 adoption blogs that I wanted to share out. Interestingly enough, they are three different stages of the process. Optimistically Waiting is my friend Jenn and her quest to bring Avery home. In Seeking Our Silas, Cara and Jason are meeting Silas this week! Finally, my newest found blog The Path To Lillie, is my long time friend from high school, Andrea and her single mom adventures with Lillie who joined her from China in July 2007. The last one will help give any adopting family strength to know that great things are awaiting, in God's time. Hope you enjoy!!! Please pray for these families and they share their love with others!

Better as a Blog than an Email

2008-06-12T14:53:00.002-04:00

I have been so bad! I promise my blogging will improve!

On the flip side...I have been reading and watching Dr. Phil like crazy! I LOVE THE SUMMER!!!

Better as a blog than an email.......from Carol F.

1. What is the time?
2:59 p.m. (almost time for Dr. Phil)
2. What is your full name?
Shawna Christine Worthington Mitchell
3. Of what are you most afraid?
Messing Up with anything
4. What is the most recent movie that you have seen in a theatre?
At the drive in - Indiana Jones...Crystal Skull. Not recommend:)
5. Place of birth?
Covington KY
6. Favorite food ?
Italian
7. What's your natural hair color ?
Red
8. Have you ever been to Alaska?
No - not yet
9. Ever been skinny dipping ?
yes
10. Love someone so much it made you cry?
Yes and sometimes I cried when I really didn't even love them. Long time ago.
11. Been in a car accident?
Yes
12. Croutons or bacon bits?
croutons
13. Favorite day of the week ?
Friday
14. Favorite restaurant?
Ruth's Chris
15. Favorite Flower?
Calla Lily
16. Favorite sport to watch?
On TV: basketball
Live: Hockey
17. Favorite drink ?
Strawberry Pink Lemonade
18. Favorite ice cream ?
Cookie Dough
19. Warner Brothers/Disney?
Disney
20. Ever been on a ship ?
On the river - yes
On an ocean cruise - no
On a gambling boat that took into "International Water" - YES and I hated it!
21. Do you get sea sick?
Yes - see #20
22. How many times did you fail your driver's test ?
0
23. Sleep or Eat?
Sleep
24. What do you do when you are bored ?
Fall asleep
25. What time is 'Bedtime ' ?
11:00 summer, 9:00 winter
26. Favorite Cable Channel?
Food Network and MTV
27. Eat inside or eat outside?
Outside
28. Favorite Movie?
Steel Magnolias
29. Favorite TV shows?
Super Nanny
30. Last person you went to lunch / dinner with?
Lunch today! Carol, Regina, Karen S., Karen M., Cindy, April.
31. Park or Zoo?
Zoo
32. What are your favorite colors?
Green
33. How many tattoos do you have ?
none
34. How many pets do you have ?
3: Dog - Brewtus, Cat - Winnie, Guinea Pig - Red
35. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Wasn't around then
36. What do you want to do before you die ?
Bungee Jump
37. Have you ever been to Hawaii
No
38. Have you been to countries outside the CANADA & the USA
yes - Europe in 94, 96 and 98. Jamaica in 00.
39. Weirdest thing to have happened in the last 2 weeks
2 job offers in one week.
#1: to be a PSA in Fayette Co (said no)
#2: to be a Curriculum Coach in Clark Co. (said no)
Weird week!
40. Time this survey ended 3:17

And where the hell is Dr. Phil? Who gives a rat's butt about golf? GOLF!!! UH!

Library Geek

2008-06-03T20:14:00.002-04:00

So I got Lainie a library card last week. She is sooo excited!! We go just about every week, always on Tuesday and almost always at 6:15 - 6:30 at night. Ironically this is the exact same time as craft night. Tonight was a guest speaker to kick off their summer reading program. It was Daily the Reading Pig all the way here from Bristol, Connecticut. Lainie was thrilled to a) be at the library; b) be checkingout library books and c) to do it all in the company of a black pot bellied pig. She asked if we could come back tomorrow. I am so proud!!

Very productive day today! Met with 1st grade beginning at 7 AM (who planned that start time by the way?), merged assessment details with K, touched base with Principal at 10 (she caught wind I was offered another job....of which I had already turned down...but still....she felt the need to recieve details, ate a delicioso lunch including lettuce wraps from Sal Good, more meetings, haircut with Lori (so much more excited now about my fro versus the triangle head I was sporting), manicure out of desperation - that and the toes were embarrassed by the fingers, met up with Scott, hotdogs for supper with Lainie (my little gas station princess) and library time with a pig!! It has been a super good day!!

Broccolli In My Teeth

2008-05-29T06:46:00.002-04:00

I had broccolli in my teeth throughout the whole baby shower and no one told me.

The three people I was sitting with have blog links on this page. "Somebody" & Her Boys?" And two girls with bunches of "Adventures" and a few "Going Ons." Hmmmmm.

I got back to my desk and realized it was there...and thought"Man...I have crummy (or blind) friends.

Me and my snaggle teeth sulked back home.

Dumb Stupid Phone

2008-05-28T16:22:00.000-04:00

So my phone is stupid!! As much as I love my phone, it is currently making me really mad.

I have a refurbished phone. Scott and I are big into refurbished things...I mean - why pay more for new? It's fixed - right? WRONG!!!

My little mousey on my blackberry jumps around. My buttons are sticking! My screen doed funny things!! It's nuts.I have now been on the phone for 45 minutes and all I've gotten is a completely erasaed phone. (and yes, I'm calling from work FCPS...pbslttttttttttt. (Bad rendition of raspberry in face!))

Oh I hate this!!! It says it is "scrubbing itself clean" with 77 minutes remaining!!!!! NUTS!!!

Clean Out That Stuff!!

2008-05-27T21:41:00.002-04:00

I love this time of year!! This is the time of year that I start thinking about cleaning out and purging and selling and getting rid of. I have been working since Christmas on prepping items for my 2008 Yard Sale this year with Kelly C. and the best piece of advice I recieved was from my SIL Vickie to tag the items as you put them INTO the box. Therefore, as I put new items away for holidays in December and birthdays in April I put prices on everything I didn't want to keep and then put all the piles in that back bedroom. That idea was genius!!!! One VERY FULL BEDROOM later....I have all of my items priced for our sale on the 5th of JUNE. Good job Team Mitchell!

I am also working on a committee at Lainie's school for the Victory Heights Kids Consignment Sale. Julie, Jenny, Allyson, Becky and I have met a few times and been working on the PR and advertisement end of the sale that will be held in August. This is being marketed as a "high end" sale similar to "Little Lambs" and "His Kids" sales in Lexington which will be a first for Winchester. If you would like to be a part of our Kids Sale, the details are EASY and we would love to give you a seller's number. Tell your friends!!!

Almonds and Toffee and Chocolate - Oh My!

2008-05-15T19:38:00.003-04:00

So I have eaten at least 20 of those little Hershey chocolate nugget bites in the last 24 hours and I could easily eat 20+ more. What is wrong with me? I mean....come on. I loose 70 lbs. 5 years ago and all I can think about lately is stuffing my face with insane chocolate luvin'? I like chocolate and all, but it is like something illegal is in those little suckers and all I can do is "hit the fix" before I start shaking all over again. Frankly, I blame Vivian. Vivian is the one who purchased them. She brought them to school, for us. She left them wide open on her desk. She offered them to again and again during our team meetings yesterday and mind you I am in all 6 of those bleepin things spanning close to 8 hours and then she is the one with the most quiet office and then was out of the building this afternoon and I used her office as a quiet work space for my melting headache, continuing to gorge myself on mountains of chocolate. (Have you had the toffee ones? Dear God help me!) As you can see....this chocolate issue is completely Vivian's fault. Thank you again for understanding.

Funny Picture Wednesday

2008-05-14T19:12:00.002-04:00

Everybody needs a FUNNY PICTURE WEDNESDAY every so often and today's the day! Taken December 26th, 2005. Lainie is 2 years old and mad as can be!

PS: Look how bad my yard looks!

I Am A Celebrity...Not Really....

2008-05-14T06:18:00.006-04:00

I had one of the best and most fun opportunities I have ever had while teaching, last night. I was asked, along with David P. (our Art teacher) to be the "Celebrity Servers" at the local Pizza place last night. It was fantastic!!!

We started our silly day out with a banter back and forth on the morning announcements to drive up some excitement. All day, kids were coming up to us and saying, we're coming to eat at CiCi's tonight, JUST to see you! It was so exciting to feel loved in such a silly way. We had a line out the door for over an hour and a half. 90% of those people were CME families. It was so neat!!!

I must say - it was some hard work. I wasn't there to look pretty. The manager was a fantastic man and very full of life. He'd holler at the customers coming in and encouraged us to yell funny things when the fresh pizzas came out. Being the attention hog that I am....I had a ball.

Scott and Lainie and David's family Amy and Caroline came out as well to support Mom and Dad behind the pizza line. David is convinced we got catapulted into SUPER PARENT status last night by our new role. Lainie just seemed confused.

I won't be leaving my day job anytime soon, but if I need a little cash in the coming future, I just might look towards a life of Pizza!

Very Favorite Things: Vol II

2008-05-13T16:47:00.003-04:00

So today will be a VERY FAVORITE THINGS post. Many of you enjoyed reading about the blanket that Scott, Lainie and I fight over in the Vol I post, so I thought i would let you in on another one of the Mitchell favorites!

I can't say that my Vol II favorite item is necessarily shared by both Scott and Lainie, but if it were to break (as it did in June 2007) my life (both professionally and pictorally) would come to a screeching halt.

Vol II's post is about my Seagate 6GB flashdrive. Love it. Adore it. Never ever ever leave my home without it. It is in my purse everyday, and I tear up if I can't find it. My motto is - Only make it once...fix as often as necessary. I REFUSE to retype / remake things that can be copy and pasted and refined. That is why I must always have my flashdrive at my fingertips.

My Seagate drive is shaped like a small flying saucer and plugs into my computers at home, at work and at school. It has 10 years of teaching on it and every photo I have every taken (minus November 2006 - June 2007 that died in the meltdown of '07 - see below.) I never got some of my data back...and some of my pictures are lost forever....but everything else is kept with me at all times, in my purse.

Last summer, it died on me. Many tears, panicky phone calls to Edwina and Jenn and $400 later....I was able to retrieve about 60% of the memory from it. Lesson learned - Gayla. I now back everything up on my external memory at home (which has saved my butt a time or two when I lost a file.) But never again, will my day go down the whole because I am "without" my data in some form or fashion! Neurotic..yes...lunatic...no....convenient...absolutely!

Clays Mill & The Legends

2008-05-12T22:10:00.005-04:00

Tonight was the annual end of the year Clays Mill Staff Celebration. It was kinda neat this year, because families were invited as well!!

We went to the Legend's game and had a catered supper at the Pepsi Party Deck. The barbeque was DE-LISH!

Lainie had a ball with her little CME colleague friends and it was nice to get to chat more with everyone outside of the school day. Thanks to everyone who came out!!!

This is Lainie with two of her Clays Mill staff member's kids that she doesn't see much anymore. Ian is above with Big L and Emma is below. She loves these friends and was sooooo glad they were there tonight!

The Mob Boss and Family

2008-05-12T22:06:00.004-04:00

For anyone wanting a glimpse into my regular Sunday supper with the inlaws, read my SIL's blog entitled - "Meet the Mob Boss."

I am also a part of this mob....so remember you pick on a Mitchell - you end up with a Mitchell thumpin!

Good post Vickie!!

YOU Wanna Work For Me????

2008-05-12T21:37:00.006-04:00

So we all know what my husband does for a living, right? I mean, he owns a contracting construction business and comes home covered in paint, dust and dirt - everyday. I don't just mean occasionally....I mean EVERYDAY!!! He's ill if he's not layered in dust particles!

SO my very physically working husband gave me the best Mother's Day present he could ever think of this past weekend. He devoted the entire weekend to the upkeep and preservation of our house. Not my neighbor's house, not my family's house, not even our rental property, but mine, all mine.

Lainie loved it! (As did I!) He painted the attic door, bought mulch, cooked breakfast, sanded the front door, bought new paint, mulched my yard, juiced up the trailer and hitch, cleaned the gutters, trimmed the trees, painted the front trim, fixed the bathroom ceiling, installed the sandbox cover and laid more sand. My house looks so good. Not too mention how important his time and efforts left me feeling. He is really a great husband! Hard working, dedicated, passionate, and driven....it's just that these great qualities often benefit other people (now granted TEAM MITCHELL gets the paycheck)....but sometimes it's nice for them to notice you too. Love you bud!

Good job Handy Manny and Helper Lainie!!! Thank you sooo much!

Momma's Day Weekend with 3 Generations

2008-05-10T18:56:00.003-04:00

So I haven't blogged in like forever! I know it! I'm bad and I apologize. My own Father is telling people in Maysville I have fallen off the planet because I have turned into such a bad blogging daughter. OK, so I'm back and I promise to be better!!

For Mother's Day weekend, my Mom arranged for Lainie and myself to join her in Carilisle KY for a Mother's Day tea. It was awesome! Lainie, Mom and I wore cute dresses and fancy purses and loaded up for an afternoon of Strawberry Kiwi Tea and Scones with White Chocolate dipped strawberries and benedictine sandwhiches. It was fabulous. Silly me forgot the camera, so no photos of that one, but thanks Mom for an aweseome afternoon!

Lainie brought me a beautiful Mommy's Day present from school this week. It is her silly little 4 year old face growing from a pot of silky grass. She was so proud of it on Friday when I finally got home. Truth be told, we are BOTH very proud of it. Love you girlie!! Thanks for makin me a Momma. :)

Not Scared of a Big Bad Snake

2008-04-22T20:57:00.008-04:00

For the record, my sister - in - law (Vickie) is a scardy cat and my daughter isn't.

Case in point....read about Vickie's snake here at Means Mania.

Notice me and Lainie with the new Monday Night snake right here....Found him just as I stood up with an arm full of weeds from the flower beds. I was eye level to his butt. (I just said snake butt on my blog! :)

We are sooo brave. It was the bee that drove my daughter inside and the bird flying kamikaze style that me me shriek earlier in the day! Such geeks!

Lainie is now taking pictures with my mammoth camera, which is why you can't see the snake here. She did frame the photo nicely, however!! I think I might be creating a monster.

Woes of Childhood

2008-04-15T18:18:00.005-04:00

Oh to be a four year old. Life can be so sad.

So I wake us this morning at 5 AM to my crying daughter who had a nightmare that someone was trying to break her doll. She didn't know the person, but they wanted her doll and she was sad.

20 min later as I was getting ready for work, Lainie comes in crying that she wants me to stay home. Crying. Clinging to my leg, crying.

At 8:30 today my cell phone rings and it is Scott with Lainie, heaving into the phone at how much she misses me. I tell her I love her and then nearly cry myself.

I pick her up and there is a note in her folder about her having a rough day. It was from Ms. Mary about how Lainie felt sad that she didn't have any girl friends in the class. One girl must have told her she didn't like her today / yesterday. Maybe that's where this sadness is coming from.

We came home and wrote notes to two girls in the class and invited them to play dates this Sunday afternoon. One little girl is the one that made Lainie sad. She seemed really excited about writing her the play date letter and even talked about all of the things they could do this weekend.

Life as a 4 year old can be so sad. Hopefully this will help!

Chopped Off

2008-04-14T19:51:00.003-04:00

OK - today was a first for me. We chopped it off...chopped it all off. I have never done that before to Lainie and really to myself either. Our hair that is. Lainie's is gone. GONE! I wanted easier and flowy and she gave me SHORT easier and flowy. Other than not being able to french braid hers, I absolutely love it. It will grow back, so all is good. It is super cute on her and she loves it!

Mine is actually longer than I want it. I am thinking about going up one more layer to the shortest one that curls by my chin and then stacking it in the back. That and get some funky chunky high and low lights put in to start the summer off right. (I need some paydays to occur before any of that can happen.) Scott will flip when I do something that drastic...but he'll live! Until then, I am getting used to the bobbed look. The long layers were just growing out all over the place and it just looked weird. So I decided to start all over. I really loved the style, so I think I might go back to it, but go a lot shorter. I am excited that I no longer freak out over the length / look of my hair. I know that it always grows back. :) It's hair for heavens sakes.

Kiddie Kapers Dance Recital

2008-04-13T09:33:00.009-04:00

Our Dance Recital with LFUCG's Kiddie Kapers was yesterday. Talk about cute. Almost 100 girls, many in tu-tus; spinning and smiling and coated in lip gloss and blush. I love dance recital time!!!

Lainie's piece was a tap dance number to It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want Too. She knew all the moves and even sang along with the words. Her class as a whole did fantastic! So did all of her friends on the stage with her, including Raylee, Allie and Cassidy. It was fun bring in the class with other teachers from school and their girls. :)

Kiddie Kapers is an excellent program for all of you in the Fayette Co. area. Kids 3 - 18 can dance and compete or just dance for performances with the program being very developmentally friendly and helpful! We drive home to get Lainie every week to bring her back into Lexington for dance on Wednesdays. It can be a bit of a headache, and I am soooo thankful to have Gran, Mom, Dad, Scott and Allison to help me rotate through the weeks of getting her picked up and dropped off at the Tates Creek Center. You all made this year so nice and allowed her to continue something she really enjoys!!!

I have pictures....but apparently Blogger doesn't like me right now. They'll come later!

Better Note - Babe Cam

2008-04-08T20:42:00.003-04:00

On a better note....my 32nd birthday was Sunday. To celebrate, Scott took me and Lainie out to eat and then to see the Lexington Horsemen Indoor Football team game.

While we were there.....I was showcased on the BABE CAM!!!

The Bam Cam!

I wasn't dancing, wasn't acting silly, nothing! (At UK football games I make EVERY attempt to get on the dance cam. It's never worked.) This time, I was just sitting and cheering and some cameraman picked me out of the crowd. ME! WOW!

32 years old and still a babe!

Best birthday present - ever!

Exercise Is Over Rated!

2008-04-08T20:24:00.002-04:00

See if you see a problem here!

Lainie, Brewtus and I went for a walk tonight. She rode in her car and I walked up ahead of her. At full throttle her car goes 5 miles an hour - that a pretty decent power walk speed. All was good until I realized:

It's starting to get dark and you're far away from home
The dog is getting tired and you're far away from home
Your chub is really sweaty and you're far away from home
Thy face is turning red and you're far a way from home
My breath is coming faster and you're far away from home
Only rolling hills are left and you're far away from home
You need to go to the bathroom and you're far away from home
I didn't bring a cell phone and you're far away from home
The pains are getting sharper and you're far away from home
Oh my gosh, please hurry up and you're far away from home
Newby exerciser is now running and you're far away from home
Panting, sweating, screaming, sprinting and you're far away from home
All the neighbors turn and gawk and you're far away from home
Scrunch your muscles while you waddle and you're far away from home
Yell at child to drive faster and you're far away from home
Child keeps asking "what's the matter?" and you're far away from home
Take a shortcut through the yards and you finally see your home
Leave car behind, make young child run - you are closer to your home
Large creek seperates you between - you and your home
Make said child run through creek and you dash toward your home
Leave crying child in the backyard of your bea-uu-ti-ful home
Burst into basement beg husband for help - thank you heaven, I am home
Get fussed at by husband that someone might steal "expensive" car - WHAT?! this is home?
Sprint upstairs - because no plumbing in basement - dumb and stupid home
Should have read a book - and JUST STAYED AT HOME!

Wedding August 5th, 2000

2008-04-04T11:01:00.011-04:00

So it's now 11 o'clock and I am STILL sitting! According to Scott, I should get and do something..HA what does he know? Blogging and pictures are something!

I promised the link and a few chubby wedding pictures. SO here you go TA DA! Eight years and a good dose of Weight Watchers can change the world! Lainie keeps asking me where she is...that is such a funny conversation to try and have with a 4 year old!

The link is http://www.shutterfly.com/

Click on projects and look for Photobooks. It is really easy and requires no new software. Good luck!

Look how little the kids were!

Kelsey was a Jr Bridesmaid and is now 17 (she was nine at the time.)

Zach is a sophomore in high school now abut was 8 when he was the ring bearer in 2000 (he cried when he couldn't wear his tux to second grade the next day.)

Kolbi was Lainie's age and is now 12 and a 6th grader at Clark Middle. They were so cute!

They're cute now...but in a teenage way! So I guess they are more cool than cute now. I am such the old aunt!

First Christian Church, Maysville, KY

All the girls with silly faces. From this photo there are now 6 little girls and two baby boys. Everyone is happily married and live all over the place! There are Ashley M and Ann are in No. KY, Ashley W. Dutrow is in Louisville, Angie, Christie and Erika are in Lexington and Adele lives in Ohio. Me, Kelsey and Kolbi are all still in Winchester!

Hope you enjoy! I can't wait to show everybody my new album!

No Money

2008-04-04T09:57:00.004-04:00

So here lately, money has been tight. I mean, life is going fine and all bills are paid for, but with the change in jobs (I mean from regular paychecks every two weeks to whenever the home owner thinks is a good time to give out money) it has changed the rhythm and routine Scott and I have gotten used to.

One thing we have really tried to do is to cut back on eating out. This one is good for all of us for a number of reasons aside from saving money. It has helped us keep homemade dinner time important. We are cutting back on processed foods. We are able to be at home to complete tasks and projects here and it's letting all of us try new recipes and foods and maybe loose a little weight along the way. So it's one way we are trying to help the team. Scott has even been eating lunches at home, which is completely foreign to him. All week long he has been eating the Vegetable Soup he made on Sunday. I am so proud of him for A. making and thus eating VEGETABLE soup and 2. coming home for lunch. So much better than the chili dogs at Wanda's Grocery that he loves!

Anyway, being limited on money now is no where near what it was like eight years ago when we got married. I remember planning our wedding and weighing so many options because we couldn't afford what we really wished we could get. Our wedding was amazing and gorgeous in every way. Not too bad for the budget we worked from...but the one regret I had was in regard to my pictures and the fact that we did not order an album. We ordered loose photos and they ended up just sending us the proofs (this was all before digital swept the nation.) So they jipped us and sent us our tiny little proofs that I them slipped into a little album from the engraving place.

Well last night......that all changed!!!

I discovered Shutterfly's Photobook section. I have now catapulted myself into the 21st digital century and made us a Wedding album. I scanned all of our photos (and they look amazing) and created a memory book for only $60! I am so pumped. (Good thing Scott is eating at home.....I'll use that money for my new book! HA! No....really, I'm asking for it for my birthday, silly!)

I'll post some links and wedding pics (ignore my chubby arms, that was 70 lbs. ago) in just a little bit!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-04-03T09:46:00.004-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Yesterday was a neat day. With the weather having been so nice, Scott actually came home early! (Shocking, I know!) We celebrated his birthday in the sunshine!

I made him his favorite meal - Filet Mignon, Green beans, Jumbo Baked Potatos and Fried Apples. When I went to the store on Sunday to gather the goods, I could not find Filets nor Beef Tenderloin anywhere in the meat section. So I asked the meat man about it. He said that many stores have stopped carrying the high end meats because so many people shoplift them. WHAT? How cold would that be? Yuk! Anyway, with one tenderloin costing upwards of $70, then they have taken them off the shelves. Apparently Winchester's other grocery (at first I was at Walmart and then at Kroger) agreed. I was able to find several teeny filets wrapped in bacon for $3.00 a piece, so I got four. They aren't the caliber of Scott's fav restaurant - the 19th hole, both looked like they'd do the trick.

As I cooked and Scott grilled (Normally, I am the 95% grillmaster, but I wasn't about to destroy these tiny things by multi-tasking so I asked Scott to keep guard. He's really better at it then I am, but typically I just go ahead and do it myself.) That gave me time to pour and enjoy a glass of wine outside while talking to Scott and watching Lainie on the swings. A glass of wine...ah man...on a Wednesday? Gosh, I'm cool! Scott even smoked a cigar. We are such "wanna be" rich people!

We then had Italian Creme Cake (homemade by moi') and ice cream. Lainie sang to Daddy and passed out presents. We even took a walk up to the next subdivision to share some with Scott's mom. Scott said it was a super birthday!

So let's recap: played in the yard, had a glass of wine, smoked cigar, took a walk, had help cooking, husband home early, ate cake? Wow!! Happy birthday Scott!

Mitchell Favorite Things II

2008-04-02T10:09:00.013-04:00

I absolutely love photography. I thought this might be an interesting time to share some of my recent favorites with you. This past Saturday, I took pictures at a wedding of a lady I work with. This is Vivian's and Gene's wedding from March 29th, 2008. It was a small wedding with only closest family and friends. I was only 6 or so feet from them at any one time. The set up made the photography very easy.

It was a nice event where I captured almost 700 shots of their event. I am a big believer in photojournalism that tells a story when shared later. By far it is the easiest style to capture and allows the photographer and the client the utmost freedom in movement and emotion. Posed pictures remove a significant portion of the emotion if not done correctly, so I only pose if it can't be avoided.

The key for me is to take a lot of pictures. Move, realign, compose the frame again and just shoot. The most intriguing pictures are often the ones you get by accident. Anticipation is also key, so generally I watch the event through the lens of the camera with the shutter already focused. That way when you "feel" something, you capture it. No missing the shots. I've often been told (by my husband mostly) that I miss the rest of the room because I'm concentrated on the subject(s) in my viewfinder, but I retort with...yeah, but I saw his eyes bubble with tears when she entered the room. Did you see that? His answer is usually no. I watch for the small stuff and then turn quickly back to the main event.

I hope you enjoy these few pictures. Vivian hasn't even seen them yet, since she is still on her honeymoon. I'll share more events in the future.

Book Club

2008-04-01T11:56:00.010-04:00

One of the best things I have started doing lately for myself is reading. I am surprised by how much i find myself getting lost in some of the books I have and also at how proud of myself I am for slowing down long enough to read a little. It has helped me relax, learn a little bit more and try something different.

With that, I also went out on a limb and joined a book club at school. There are about 13 people that I work with that are all lovers of reading and started a group after school once a month just after the holidays ended. Now, the first month...I didn't finish the book in time (apparently I didn't read the rules, so my homework wasn't done.) But I have kept up every other month. In fact, I've even gotten ahead when I can get a hold of the ext title that we are going into next. We rotate the hosting / food responsibilities throughout the group, so there is really no cost involved and it has let me get to know even more people that I teach beside everyday. Reading really is the age / gender neutralizer since several of these ladies are older than I am and I am the only one with a young child still in the house. Several girls are right out of school and some others are grandmothers.

My latest book is John Grisham's The Appeal. I've heard the ending is iffy...but it's it really well written when it comes to teaching you about the dirt and corruption of politics. Books that intrigue my curiosities about things I am apparently super naive in are the books I like the best. (i.e. Latest topics read: dirty politics, sex scandals, Coming of age in the Amish Community, Fundamentalist Mormon Brainwashing (Escape by C. Jessup...super! super! book), Lobotomies, Immigration pre-Depression era, Geishas, Life in Poverty) I'm telling you...I am WAY more naive than I thought, so non-fiction about stuff that is "surreal" to me, keeps me locked and focused.

I'm passing this love to Lainie, which is good too! Recently, she received the book Pinkalicious as a gift. In the book, the little girl turns pink from eating to many pink frosted cupcakes. Here's what my first day of Spring Break held.....baking and frosting pink cupcakes and dressing up in pink clothes to take photos. Lainie wants to send it to the author of the book and I think that is a super idea! Enjoy the photo!! We had a blast!!

PS - Brewtus licked several of the cupcakes clean as I turned around, so apparently he liked them too!

The TROPHY!

2008-04-01T11:46:00.002-04:00

The Trophy..The TROPHY! It has been all the buzz these past few days. Lainie recieved her first trophy. Typically, I have always been a bit cynical when it comes to every kid on the team getting a trophy. We grew up in the days whenonly the top and best kids got ribbons and medals, now they give em out everywhere....but now that I'm a Mom and I saw the sheer excitement on my child's face...I have been pulled to the other side!

We have had the trophy in the car, to our grandmother's, on the counter, in the mud, on the shelf, in our lap and almost within the bath water (Scott and I both nixed that one.)

She is pretty proud of her little girl "trophy with hair." (as she calls it)

T-ball is now over and was totally worth it!

New Discovery!

2008-03-31T15:37:00.002-04:00

The newest discovery at our house are the DVD rentals at McDonald's. They are so easy and SO cheap. For $1.00 you can choose from about 30 movies that they keep in the little red kiosk outside. Aside from standing in the cold (like I did on Saturday) and the rain (like I did today) it is totally worth the location and accessibility.

On Saturday, Scott and I rented the Simpson's movie. It was not what the hype made it out to be. However, for the $1 - it was certainly a bargain filled evening.

We have since rented Underdog, Enchanted and Holiday. Yep, 4 movies in 3 days. It MUST be Spring Break! Lainie is watching Enchanted right now. We saw Underdog last night. Cute, but silly. Great for kid movie night and I am going to watch Holiday after Lainie goes to sleep today.

Now I just have to remember to drive past a McDonalds again before 9 PM tomorrow night. That and resist the temptation of running inside for a large fry every time I am in the vicinity. No fry, no fry, no fry............

Must Ado About Everything!

2008-03-29T14:43:00.005-04:00

I'm totally here!! My blogging slid off for a bit with life and all getting in the way, but Spring Break has started...the sun is shining today, and I FEEL AWESOME!!! Woo-hoo!!

So.....many many things to share out in my life this past ad upcoming week.

#1 Egg Hunting

#2 MCHS Winning the State Title - go Royals!

#3 Both George Clooney and Presidet Clinton in M-ville this week

#4 Easter in Maysville

#5 Lainie's first trophy

#6 New photography purchases

#7 Neice Kolbi's birthday

#8 Spring Break List of to-do's!

#9 Plans for Scott's birthday on 4/2

#10 My own number 32 on April 6th.

So, the first thing I will leave you with are some fun easter Egg hut pictures from last weekend at home with the fam. It was so fun. Easter is my second favorite holiday (behind Halloween) and it is my Mother's all time favorite. She goes out more in the cooking department for this holiday than all others. I love the dying of the eggs part. In fact, I think we still do it because I like it so much....has nothing to do with Lainie! (That's not true!)

We got to see my my brother, Jessica, Mom, Dad and grandmother and then some friends from high school. We visited my home church which is always awesome! They are currently searching for a new minister at FCC Maysville, so I wish them all sortsof luck. (I miss that church!) It was a nice weekend....even with 98% of the town was in Lexington for the Boys basketball state tournament! Super job winning that one boys!

Some Good, Some Bad

2008-03-20T20:08:00.003-04:00

I am sad that Kentucky lost. I haven't been 100% tuned in this year with the team as I have been in year's past, but it hurts just the same.

Scott cooked supper tonight. What a great guy! He made us "breakfast." He can whip that stuff up faster than any meal I have ever seen him cook. Now mind you, the kitchen is a bloddy mess when he is finished (I mean literally standing puddles of ? on the counters,) but hey, I didn't have to cook, so what do I care? He loves cooking breakfast and is amazingly good at it too! We had cracked pepper grits (oh my goodness....his are the BEST), scrambled eggs with keilbasa, crispy bacon and biscuits. It was so yummy.

Today was a productive day. I actually crossed three major projects off my list today (uh - that NEVER happens and certainly not all at once.) I even had a good "working with the kids moment" today, which I loved. As the 5th graders wandered to the bathroom one by one the last hour of school (as they are notorious for doing) I made them answer levels and branches of government questions that refered to the large matrix poster I was putting up in the hallway beside the bathrooms. After asking 5 kids in 10 minutes, I eventually had over 20 kids "roaming" the halls, looking for me to question them on the Social Studies questions. At one point, I felt either the large pack of students or myself would get in trouble with some of their teachers down the hall! (Sorry Mr. D + Mr. S) Mrs. H and Mrs. P....you'd been proud...over 80% knew the answer to the questions. Good job ya'll!! It was funny and totally worth it!!

Truth Button

2008-03-19T15:41:00.002-04:00

All I need to say is - people need a light on their forehead that lights up when the Truth is spoken.

You look good in that color - Truth?
Momma, I'm sick - Truth?
Lainie are you really sick, or is it swim lessons? Sick Mom. - Truth?
I'll send you that file soon - Truth?
I'll take care of it. Don't worry about it. Truth?
This tastes good. Truth?
I'll be home by 5. Truth?

I love the rain. Truth? I wish it would stay grey and gross forever. Truth? I am desperate for a vacation in the sun. Truth? Aaaahhhkkkk!!

Special Visitors

2008-03-18T21:03:00.008-04:00

Lainie was so excited to get home today. She knew we were going to have special visitors tonight at her T-Ball game. My parents, Nannie and Pappaw were driving in from Maysville to come and see the game.

After a quick supper at Subway (I just love my "salad sandwich" as Lainie calls it - my Veggie Sub), we all headed over to the YMCA.

Lainie did a great job hitting and throwing. I was able to video tape her going around all of the bases, and Mom, Dad and I sat close enough that I could get batting shots of all of the kids on the team. I am thinking of printing these off and giving them to the Moms & Dads in the group. Maybe they will enjoy theirs as much as I love seeing Lainie's "action shots."

Tonight was also the first night I got to be the Cub's Team Mom. Dorky, I know....but I was excited! Lainie helped me pick out Strawberry & Kiwi Capri Suns (Low Cal even!). They were delish! She was tickled to have everyone take some of the special team juices that her Mommy brought. I couldn't help but smile. I kinda like being a team Mom. (I always knew I would - particularly for the INSIDE sports!) HA!!!!

Thanks again for coming Nannie and Pappaw!!

Hairdo Meltdown

2008-03-16T16:37:00.003-04:00

Lainie hates DOG EARS. Can you tell?

Truck in the Yard

2008-03-16T12:14:00.005-04:00

Today Lainie spent over an hour outside driving her car in the front yard. All - by - herself! I am loving the fact that she is old enough to venture out into the world on her own, but I still feel guilty that I am not right in the middle of her fun. I know you are supposed to "give them space" and I really do try (sometimes because I'm plain busy and sometimes due to forcing myself to leave her alone.) Today she wore treds through the grass with the circle after circle she made with her Ford F150 Monster Truck. (Can you tell which part of Santa Claus influenced that purchase?) We love you Daddy! Lainie and I can't wait until the Bluegrass Museum Remodeling Project is complete so Daddy can enjoy our afternoon rides too! Miss you Daddy!

Hard Core Wife!!!

2008-03-15T15:57:00.006-04:00

For all of you who have husbands who will eat anything you put in front of them, count yourself lucky! I however, do not have that husband.

Again...I will start by saying, "I love him. I really do." But honestly, he and I come from total opposite sides of the culinary counter.

Me: casseroles, vegetables, salads, new flavors!
Him: meat, potato, green beans, corn. That's it.

It has been a cooking adventure to say the least the last 10 years.

I always pick new recipes based on the ingredients. (Sure I eyeball it for taste intrigue, but bottomline...is what's in it.) If Scott will or has-ever eaten (and not choked) on the ingredients included, then I feel it is a safe endeavor. Google search engine has become a blessing when it comes to finding new recipes with particular ingredients included. And so it was Wed night.

I had chicken. I wanted FLAVOR. What to do? SO, I found this recipe for Taco Soup. Cold weather...yum! Beans, corn, beer broth, tomato sauce, chicken. easy and yummy sounding (Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup.)

So sure enough, who walks in while I am dumping the canned tomatoes onto the beans? Scott. Immediately his brow wrinkles and his nose flares. Why now? You've been downstairs for 2 hours and you now appear?

He asks, "What's that?" (My interpretation: "Oh gross!")
I say, "It's taco soup. It only has ingredients you eat."
He says, "Oh." Mind you the left side of his nose was crooked at the time. (My interpretation: "Ewwwww whine ewwwww whine whine ewwww."

So now I'm mad. I finish my crock pot agenda and stick it in the fridge for the morning. Scott and I then talk about the previous conversation of which he completely denies.

Fast forward 22 hours.

The crock pot smells delicious. Scott even admits he is afraid to eat it. I serve him a bowl just for spite. If he doesn't try it.......ah man!

He sniffs, he licks spoon, he catches my stare out of the corner of his eye. He takes a bite. He downs his first bowl.

He then asks for seconds. I sit with a smirk on my face and make him admit what he was thinking the night before. I was right. But he says that 10 years together has taught him to keep his mouth shut and make any attempt to "choke it down." Am I really that hard core?

2 BOWLS!!! The boy ate 2 bowls of the Ewww - yuk - whine soup. I however, loved it. I loved it from the get go. Let me know if you like it too!

Thank you Tire Angels!

2008-03-14T19:14:00.005-04:00

The most brilliant thing I have ever heard Scott quote from one of his former girlfriends (I was by-far the smartest!) is this: "Believe in Tire Angels and they shall protect you on the road."

He likes to tell stories of when his car either broke down, crashed, fell apart etc. is that she always told him it was the belief in the tire angels that helped the scenario be better than it could be. Ok, so fine...there are tire angels.

Well, today....Jennifer Cook and I can verify...there - are - tire - angels.

So, I'm in Winchester and I have been "cruising" on Low Fuel since I left work this morning. Thank goodness it's pay day, because my $15 a day of gas fill ups (yes...a day. I live in Winchester and drive a Mountaineer. It's insane, I know.) my $15 a day gas trip was depleted each and every afternoon. I should have put $30 - $45 in...but I had to "scrape" from multiple sources for the $15 on Wed and Thurs. Thank you payday!

Anyway, Low Fuel light and a low battery beeping phone later, I am talking to Jenn and I start to sputter. Sputter - go - sputter - go - sputter. I lose Jenn. I call her back, tell her my problem and she starts giggling. I, however, am screaming..oh please, please don't quit, please get me into the neighborhood! I even said "Jennifer, by God, YOU will bring me gas before I call my husband, (or my Brother in Law for that matter). They'll kill me. Please let me get to the neighborhood.

Sputter - go - sputter - go. I can see my street. (Jenn is laughing) Sputter - go - sputter. My house in the distance...that's good. It's raining and a hungry 4 year old is in the back, but I can see my house. (Jenn laughing hysterically at this point!) PLEASE! Sputter - go - Sputter - go - driveway - choke - dead. Jenn - holding herself laughing...HA...Jenn gone. WHAT? My car and my phone are now dead. Dead. Dead. I am in front of my house, out of gas with no phone. What the luck.

Well, it was the tire angels who helped me (quick note..and NOT Jenn Cook). Heavy sigh. Thank you tire angels. We are dry, safe and home. Guess Scott dated maybe one that was smarter than I give credit to. Jenn - glad you were along for the ride. I'll call ya later!

Reasons Why

2008-03-12T20:29:00.005-04:00

This has been such an exciting journey the last month or so. Funny how the whole blog experience at first was a humorous way to "see what talking to myself, outloud" would be like, but it has really been a surprising experience. Here's why!

1. Getting to know new people in a brand new way - like Sarah, Jenn, Alyssa, Maria, Gayla, Vickie and Liz. It has been neat peeking into your lives. Thanks for letting me lurk!
2. Getting to reconnect with friends I haven't talked to in a long time. Hello again to my old buds - Heather B. and Bode, Warrick and Hannah Clay in Louisville, Christi Y, and my long time bud - Lisa from high school. Some of these people I haven't seen for 4 or 5 years!
3. Calling my parents on the weekend to "recap" my week and them "recapping" it FOR ME since they have already seen the blog. At times, I have to stop and ask, "well what are we gonna talk about now?" But, we always find something!
4. And finally, having the opportunity to sit and do what I have needed to do for a long, long time. Reflect on the AWESOME blessings in my life and realize how excitingly lucky I am each and everday!! It certainly lifts the spirit when you think back to all the fun you are having!

Thanks again for making me smile everybody. Hope you are having a great week!

S, S & L

Life in the Land of Naps

2008-03-10T20:04:00.009-04:00

It's not that I don't believe in naps...I have just always thought I should be spending my time "else where" doing "efficient" get-it-done stuff. Sadly, I even fuss at the people in my life who are world reknown nappers (My mom when I was little, my brother the summer on Dale Dr., Kate and Erin - my college roommates, my husband when he is home, etc.) But here lately, I have been sucumbing (sp) to the evil that is procrasination and napping like crazy!

What is wrong with me?

Am I narcaleptic? (Lord I hope not!)

Am I overworked? (Yes - but we all are!)

Am I pregnant? (Oh - I would LOVE that!)

Am I lazy? (Probably...but who cares?!)

Am I realizing that naps are right up there with Christmas and sliced bread? (Ab-so-freakin-lutely!!)

Lainie gets long naps.....why not try it out. (But DO NOT tell my husband! I have given him quite the share of grief in 10 years)

On Saturday - I fell asleep while reading. I know Scott could smell it from the worksite - so he called and ir conviently "woke me up."

On Sunday, I fell asleep while folding laundry. Folding laundry...good heavens!!

Today, I fell asleep in St. Joe's Hospital parking lot for over an hour waiting on Allyson to deliver Lainie. I fell asleep IN MY CAR! yekk!

Well, I'm either narcaleptic, pregnant, lazy, or clued in. I sure would like to be pregnant...but we'll wait and see!

Until then - see ya after the nap!

Wuss Dog

2008-03-09T22:22:00.005-04:00

It snowed. Lainie loved it. Brewtus was not happy.

So all of our friends have these cute little dogs that romp through the snow and roll and run as fast as they can. Some are big, small, in between, black, white or brown. We have a dog. He is small. He is black. (So far...he is just like ya'll's dogs.) Except - he is a cold weather WIMP!

I love my dog. I really do. He's a Miniature Pinscher. He looks just like a tiny Doberman would. I truly love him. Truly. I love the fact that he can sleep for 22.5 hours a day and growl enough that will scare the bejeebees out of anyone. I love the fact he is a mere 11 lbs of weight and his name is Brewtus. I love the fact that he believes he is the Alpha Male of Calmes Blvd. But really, when it comes to cold weather "machismo" my dog does - not - have - it!

Case Point 1: We have to drag him to the door to go outside. Daily.

Case Point 2: He has no front teeth. None. He thinks he does and he "tries" to use them on people.

Case Point 3: He just stands in the snow looking at you....cussing at you in his little Min Pin way.

Case Point 4: He used to wear a doggie sweater...until he finally said - enough!

Case Point 5: He pooped on the side walk today. Stood there looked square at me...and pooped on our front porch walkway.

Enough said. I did NOT photography the poop. You're welcome!

Mitchell's Very Favorite Things - Vol. I

2008-03-08T14:59:00.004-05:00

Move over Oprah! We're starting our own - Very Favorite Things series!

For the last 2 years, we have owned one of our most "Mitchell's Very Favorite Things." It's a bit shallow and isn't doing a thing for either world peace or hunger, but it makes the Mitchell's happy just the same. It's an electric heated throw blanket. We keep it in the living room on the couch by the TV and we love it!

We love it so much that Lainie and I nearly fight over it. With her being small, I can usually convince her to scoot over enought hat she can sit on my lap under it. Otherwise, one of us ends up crying when we aren't able to use it, but both want it. We'll have to buy another when she gets larger I'm sure. Scott tries to be cool and pretend it's no big deal to him....but don't let him fool you. When he stays up late to watch TV...he is square underneath it and grinning ear to ear.

With it being so cold outside, and us feeling like we just want to crash and burn when we finally arrive home some nights....our mysical, magical blanket is there to wipe all the cares away and warm us up good and toasty! It is definitely one of the Mitchell's - Very Favorite Things!

A Good Little Snowy Day Laugh

2008-03-07T16:43:00.004-05:00

This is one of the funniest pictures I have ever taken.

So she'll kill me one day.

I hope you enjoy.

Be Safe and Warm!

Over Programmed

2008-03-06T19:56:00.005-05:00

Thank goodness I don't have to keep this pace up for long. It's only the 6th of March and already I am worn out by it. Why you ask? I have over programmed the Mitchell's. I am notorious for doing. It's a bad family trait....but still, I should know better.

It's true - Lainie is involved in to many things this month. We've been doing dance on Wednesdays all year, since September. (*Lainie is in black and pink above.) We started soccer in January on Saturdays, T-Ball on Tuesdays / Saturdays and now swimming lessons get into the mix. I am a nut...you can save your words.

Scott's calling. I'll be right back.

2 minutes and a huge grin later...............Lainie is TAKING A SHOWER - BY HERSELF!! Thank you Mr. Drew. This might be the turning of a new leaf for the Mitchell's. Now that unconditional supervised bath/play times might be a thing of the past, we have all sorts of time!! I know, I'm a nut!

She Went Under!!!

2008-03-05T20:21:00.007-05:00

on the board on her back under the water!

There is really nothing more to say!! SHE WENT UNDER!!!

Several Bribes + A Really Understanding Instructor = Child with WET head!

We're at the point of fewer tears and a dunk that was snuck in at the end, but it all still counts!!! Yeah Lainie!

Enjoy the photos!!!

Monday Night Surprise

2008-03-04T20:34:00.003-05:00

The last 24 hours have been really cool at the Mitchell household. Yesterday at about 3 PM, I was in a meeting at school and my cell phone rings. The name pops up and it says Joe. For those of you who know me, Joe is my 28 year old engaged younger brother who lives in Indiana. He never calls - by never, I mean...close to lunar eclipse regularities....never - ever - calls. He's gots lots goings on and Joe (nor myself) have ever been big time phone chatters...so it's really not weird that we go months without talking. We'll take through the night sometimes when we finally are together, just never on the phone. So immediatly, I see his number and I sense something is wrong. Why else would my "phone never rings" brother call me at 3 PM on a Monday.

Well! He was in town. He and Jessica are getting married in August of next year and took 2 days from school and work to check out reception sites. It was such a cool surprise. He called and wanted to come over and play with Lainie for the evening (and he wanted somewhere to stay...I mean he is the younger brother and all :), so they came to the house at about 8 last night. We talked and laughed and played with Lainie way past her bed time. Joe decided to check out what number he would be on the sleep number bed in our room (more info to follow in an upcoming post...) but until then, FYI: Scott is a 70 and I am a 55.) I think Joe was somewhere in the 60's. We talked for a long time last night.

Then today they went to additional sites, including Talon Winery, Keeneland, Lexington Center and Signature Club. After their appointments they joined the gang at Lainie's T-ball game #2 and afterwards we all went out for Chinese. It was a super cool night and a great surprise to start the week off. Lainie was sad to see them go. She becomes very attached to Jessica when she's here and looks forward to having a new aunt soon! Although Brewtus (our Min Pin) is excited their Jack Russell "Elvie" is back in the car, the rest of us will miss them!

Need to Swim ALL Year!

2008-03-03T20:36:00.003-05:00

Whoever wrote the unwritten rules regarding the timelyness of swim lessons, forgot to include it in the "new mom" handbook!!

When I was a child, you took swim lessons at the start of every summer. That's just the way it was. If you were scared of the water, your father threw you in and your mother complained from the sideline. I remember hating swim lessons at 3 years old in my kelly green swim suit (circa 1979), but I snapped out of it within a year or two and was on my way to swimming heaven.

Oh no...not my child. She is afraid of the water. She always has been - and I pray that it ends soon. It takes all of May, June, July and the first half of August for her to feel good in any kind of water, but sure enough, it's time to go back to school and "swimming" gets put on hold. I thought - easy enough, we'll just pick up where we left off late last summer - she jumped into someone's arms, blew bubbles, left go of my neck...ya know the major things. Nope!

We started swim lessons tonight at the High Street YMCA. Poor teacher, Mr. Drew. He had no idea what was coming for him when I introduced him to the smiling brunette named Lainie. I had pumped her up all week about toes in the water, momma on the wall, ice cream scoop hands...the whole bit. As soon as her butt hit the water, she clawed up his spine and made the tile walls of the Y vibrate with her screams. Not good.

If you are as new at this as I am, apparently, it is a good idea to keep the swim practicing up year round. Year Round? This was not in the mommy manual and it wasn't until our friend Andrea told me that she and her son make special visits to hotels with pools during the year just so he can practice. Allyson and Kelly have had the boys doing their lessons since January, so my sweet little anchor has more work to do in this area. Maybe next time, our back will get wet. I'll hold off on wanting wet hair until a later date.

Never Grow Up

2008-03-02T20:41:00.003-05:00

Here lately I feel like I am in this twilight zone of feeling like I either don't want to grow up or feel like I never am going to grow up. It's not a bad thing I guess, being that I like to think that I enjoy the smaller pleasures of life (nothing like a candy bar and a balloon to make me happy) but occasionally I wonder if something is just plain wrong with me.

Case Point #1: Friday night after ball practice, my family & I spent the evening watching movies and eating our own individual pint of ice cream. Mine - Ben + Jerry's: Cherry Garcia....same kind I liked when I was 12.

Case Point #2: The last movie I watched: Mary Poppins. Scott bought it because her knew I loved it! I know every word.

Case Point #3: I have always tried to be friendly to everyone I meet, even when they aren't nice to me. It's not realistic, and I often get hurt, but it's the truth.

Case Point #4: I cannot bring myself to throw out the old Halloween candy left from trick or treat and my Valentine bag from school is still on the counter. I never could throw that stuff away until months later.

Case Point #5: I'd rather play on the swings than go anywhere in grown-up world.

Case Point #6: I still like Pink clothing.

Case Point #7: I have only recently taken up "reading" and the love of coffee. And honestly, I feel weird liking these 'grown up' things.

Case Point #8: I still hate scary movies.

Case Point #9: I'd prefer happy meals or Dora yogurt or Applesauce cups to any other food in the world. Just ask the people I eat lunch with.

Case Point #10: I hate it when surprises are spoiled. Doesn't matter what it is.....never spoil a surprise if it's aimed at me.

So maybe my childish ways aren't too bad, but I struggle with a few. Particularly #3. Nice is nice, but I need to learn to speak my thoughts. Whether it's with strangers or non-strangers.....that part of my childhood gets hurt sometimes. Now ya know. :)

My Masterpiece

2008-03-01T20:11:00.005-05:00

So Cool! This week I am excited to say, we have pulled another would-be blogger into the world of blogging. My sister in law VICKIE is now hooked. You can read all about the her super husband Steve and my way cool nephew Zach on her new blog Means Mania! Welcome ya'll!

Well today was the day that I finally had it with Scott's hair. Poor guy runs so much that pinning him down for a haircut is difficult, especially in the winter when it is so cold outside. (Oh, did I mention that for the last 5 years, I have been Scott's personal hairdresser? Thanks to a Christmas present involving hair clippers and the choice to save money in this area!)

So, as you can see I took a before and after picture. Since the weather was so pretty today, he quickly agreed to take the stool outside on the patio and set up for hair cut time. I refuse to cut his hair inside - I have little hair issues as it is....and no mop nor vacuum can get those little things out of the house...so outside ONLY it is! Doesn't he look good!! He was loving the idea of the phot as you can tell!

Also today - I hung out with Tanya. Grant, Dawn, Bryan Q and Gayla with the CME kids at their District Academic Team match today, watched Lainie do an AWESOME job catching and throwing today at her 1st T-Ball game against the Yankees (no score is kept, but oh - my - goodness - 4 year old ball players are FUNNY!), and Lainie and I worked on batting and running in the backyard for over an hour. Actually I read a book and she set her tee up over and over practicing what the coaches are telling her. Daddy officially became an assistant coach last night when Coach Ballard asked him to help with outfield. (Scott is excited & Lainie LOVES it!) It's good bonding for both of them! And then lastly - I got a short nap today. That NEVER happens!!

Aside from Scott "pouring" the red pepper powder (instead of shaking) into tonight's chili, it has been a fantabolous day!!! See you soon!

Getting To Know Me

2008-02-27T15:30:00.003-05:00

Today Fayette County Schools are out on their 6th snow day of the year. I think this is a record (all except the crazy ice storm year in 2003) in the ten years I have worked for the county. Crazy Kentucky weather...and apparently, it's supposed to be in the 50's on Saturday.

During my day off - I did laundry, cleaned the kitchen, graded open response questions for the 5th grade team at school and read some magazines. I took a couple of quizzes today, which reminded me of my all time favorite church camp quiz from high school. It's so simple, you can almost make it up as you go! Perfect ice breaker for large groups.

Ask a _____ or _____ question and have the group decide between only the two options. One choice is on one side of the room, the other choice on the other side of the room. This is the basic idea -

Question ---- Shawna's answer

Coke or Pepsi - Pepsi
Ford or Chevy - Chevy (ignore my Mustang :)
Black Ink or Blue Ink - Black
Coffee or Tea - Coffee
Pie or Cake - Pie
Skim or 2% - 2%
Skirts or Dresses - Dresses
Country or Rap - Country
Fruit or Mint Flavor - Mint
Winter or Summer - Summer
Spring or Fall - Fall
Read or write - read
Swim or Lay out - Lay out
Roller Coaster or Roller "No - Way" Sir - Roller Coaster
Sports Player or Sports Spectator - Spectator
Dancer or Wall flower - Dancer
Disney or Pixar - Pixar
Sports Car or Mini Van - Sports Car
UK or UL - UK
Basketball or Football - Basketball
Eat or Diet - Eat
Piercings or Tattoos - Tattoos
Home or Away - Home
Couples Night or Group Night - Group Couples Night :)

OK - so I cheated on the last one. See if you can add more questions and spin this quiz into your own. More will follow later. :)

Colleagues Need A Hug!

2008-02-26T19:59:00.002-05:00

Today's post is for anyone that has ever or will ever work in the field of education. As someone who knew they were going to be a teacher from the time they could write, knew good and well that education would be the business I woukld retire from - I feel the need to send out a teacher hug! Educators really don't get the credit and pay they really deserve, and sometimes I feel like the only people who recognize that are others within the profession.

The demands of teachers and students are harder than they have ever been. The accountability is astronomical and you feel personal responsible when it doesn't go just so. (Just ask anyone at CME who worked on Learning Checks today.) You'd be a fool to think that someone went in it for the money, but sometimes - easpecially during the long winter months, teaching feels like an uphill climb.

So many, many, many thanks to all of you in our lives that touch the lives of other people....in a teaching / coaching way each and everyday!! You are the reason that we are all here!

To my Mom, my CME friends, my coaching colleagues, my college roommates, my mother-sister-brother-in-laws, the Ed Dept. at Georgetown and UK, my former teachers and anyone working with kids...thank you for everything you do. I hope my Lainie gets teachers just like you!

Reno and back - one week later!

2008-02-25T18:08:00.003-05:00

I'm BACK!!!

I know ya'll completely missed the meanderings of the red head and company. So much has occurred in the last week I hardly know where to begin!

#1 TRIP TO RENO

Amazing!! Relaxing! Fun! Full of good food - everything!!! We gambled, we slept, we played black jack, we slept, we watched movies, we slept, I ate crepes, he slept, we learned Sudoko, caught up on sleep (notice anything?). It was awesome.

While we were there, we visited the Lake Tahoe region. If you have never been there - GO!! Beautiful is all I can say. It was covered in 3 feet of snow and a new 3 feet were on their way during the weekend, but it looks like a Christmas post card. Snow hangs heavily from the trees, skiers walk past in their cute little hats and perfect looking sweaters. Oh - it's gorgeous. The lake is blue year round. I couldn't believe how pretty it was.

While we were there and aside from sleeping, the four of us (me, Scott, his Mom and his sister Vickie) ate out at a fancy-smancy restaurant our last night there. This was quite the adventure!

If you have never had a waiter tell you it was time to clean your palette, let me tell you....cleaning your palette tastes really good. Apparently, you take a pretty little "shot" glass on a stick, fill it with lemon sherbert (sorbet - I'm told) and then pour 2 oz. of Krystaal Champagne over it and sip it with a spoon.. (I am such a red neck, that I can't even spell Chris-tal - let alone know how "dirty" my own palette was!!) Oh my goodness - heavenly! I now am a fan of this Kristale stuff...at least until Scott told me how expensive the stuff is. (More than this teacher can afford!)

At the end came the dessert...AND....it traveled with it's own "cloud." Imagine beautiful truffles on a brass serving tray with dry ice beneath - f.a.n.c.y!!! They were yummy too!! See picture below.

The coolest part about this meal, is that my high rolling mother-in-law was able to pay for the meal with the comps she had been winning!! She got the whole meal comped! Unbelievable! Thanks Elaine!

#2 T-Ball when we returned home

This is my favorite part of the blog - but since I've gone on so long, I'll keep it the shortest. Lainie started in-door t-ball yesterday. She is on the Cubs team with the Winchester YMCA. Her coach is Coach Ballard. He is the son of one of Scott's old junior high football coaches.

I must say, that I was pretty tickled when Lainie at least knew which hand the glove went on, how to semi-hold a baseball bat and that the stick was called a tee. She knew which way to run and got the idea she should run after the ball. It's better then some of the little ones out with her. 4 year old chaos! Coach Ballard deserves a medal!! :) Coach Daddy looks pretty cool too!

Cool Parents

2008-02-18T19:40:00.004-05:00

Today we have a post with a triple threaded meaning. Cool Parents is today's title. Here are the reasons why.

#1: If you asked our child who are the coolest parents in the world, naturally she would say Momma and Daddy! (We hope at least!!) And I would even imagine that if she were a few years older and could actually articulate why we are cool parents, her pre-teen self would say - "Like duh Mom, I mean look at that trippin picture of me with the faux UGS and the very real (albeit outdated) IPOD in my hand at 4 years old. (See Exhibit A) I mean totally, ya'll rock!" To which we would bow and say - well naturally! We're pathetic, but we get it honest. Here's why -

#2: Shawna's parents are super cool. They look forward for like eons to whisk Lainie away for days at a time. Truly days at a time and always beg for more. If we were smarter we'd take them up on it more and have a few more couple's only weekends...but we do still love her. Even still, my parents will drive all the way from Maysville multiple times in a week just to help us with Lainie, never once complaining. So therefore - I too have cool parents! (oh yeah...and my Dad now reads my blog nightly...religiously...so brownie points there I imagine!)

#3 And finally Scott's parents are cool beans too! Before his Dad passed away in Otober 03 (We miss you Poppa!), he and Scott's mom were all over the place - from Vegas to Cancun. Half the time, they took anywhere from 1 to 12 of us with them. Scott and I have been to Nevada, California and Arizona with them and multiple times each year Elaine still takes parts to all of the gang to West Virginia, Tennessee, Florida and anywhere in between. She is still a jet setter and therefore makes the list as a cool parent!

So as you can see, Lainie, Scott and Me are incredibly lucky to have people like this in our lives = i.e. Cool Parents! I'm sure you do too!! Thanks guys!

PS: The IPOD is not Lainie's, it's mine :) We're cool...we're not insane.

As if?? (Oh, and it's free!)

2008-02-17T22:46:00.004-05:00

Scott won a FREE trip to Reno! Man I knew all those trips to Vegas would pay off one of these days!

And so, we are now packing!

So, did you know that you can't take cattle prods with you to your seat on an airplane? You can't take blow torches, flares, chlorine and / or my billie club. Now, before you become as anxiety ridden as I did at the thought of leaving these at home, there is some good news. Several of these items are things that you CAN pack into your checked luggage. Whew - that made me feel a whole lot better.

Luckily for my family, the most stressful part to our packing (besides not being able to take my brass knuckles,) was trying to figure out if my poor mother in law could take her cigarette lighter anywhere near the airport. You would think that that would be a quick yes / no on the prohibited items list, but it's not....there is actually an asterisk to more thoroughly confuse us white bread Americans and to frustrate my nicotene needy mother in law. Here's the link. If you can decifer it any better than I can, please advise. Otherwise, it might be smart to study up on what you will not be able to have in your lap during your sardine packed trip in coach!

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/prohibited_and_permitted_items_10-24-07.pdf

So, come Tuesday, Scott, my Mother In Law (Elaine / Gran), my sister in law (Vickie) and I are off to gamble in the fine state of Nevada as we cash in our free chartered trip to Reno. It was free!! Many thanks to my high rolling husband and his even higher rolling momma!! Did I mention the word free? Wish us luck cuz Lainie needs a new pair o' shoes!

Pictures Anyone?

2008-02-15T23:20:00.003-05:00

I am very excited about a new class coming up that several of us will be taking this Spring semester. It is a photography class. There are 4 different levels and most of us that are interested in the class need at least the 2 and beyond. Since my photography interests are at best a hobby that people occasionally pay for, I figure I better try and get at least a little better. At least, that is, before I take any more money from loving people (i.e. customers.) If anyone else is interested, let me know and we'll swap time and place information since the classes are helpat LCC.

Many thanks to the following families for letting me enjoy the people in your lives through the lens of my camera within the last year: (and thank you for trusting me enough to pay me for doing it) The Burgel Family, Taylor Family, Connelley Family, Vogler Family, Lindon Family, Mitchell Family, Hammons Family, Bailey Family, Hughes Family and Blair Family. Thank you again for giving me money to do what I most enjoy - capture your memories on film!

Also - many thanks to our fabulous friend Karen for inspiring me to write a post about my "our" love of photography. Can't wait for class to start girlfriend!

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T21:32:00.008-05:00

Isn't it funny that even when we don't expect much for Valentine's that really somewhere deep down we still kind of expect something for Valentine's Day?? It really is a little ironic the way our heart and mind tell us to be grown up and OK with the fact that "money is tight" or "our love is really all we need"...but way - deep - down, diamonds are really the things that move us most? I had hoped for the past 11.5 months that I too would be mature enough to move into the next generation of my life, but call me weak....I melted when I saw the small white box wrapped in a bow appear within his hand! I tried to be strong and resist the urge to beam all night long...but who can help it when he brings you jewelry. I mean really.

I think I am slowly working one over on my child as well. Sure enough, the boy surprised us both with little boxes from the jewelry store! I got the new Journey pendant with 6 diamonds growing larger each time and Lainie got a pair of monogrammed silver earrings. Good job mister!!! We love Daddy!

Check out my new culunary treats I pulled off for the fam too! Scott "invented" a better way to keep the chocolate from getting mushed on the plate under the strawberry, so we stuck shish-ka-bob sticks into a styrophoam Speedway cup and voila! A chocolate covered strawberry bouquet dryer! That and a cool open window worked perfectly. Brenda bought the ones I made for school for $20 and Scott and Lainie gobbled up the rest! Man I'm good!

Happy Valentines Everybody!!!

Slow Dancing with an Incredible

2008-02-13T11:37:00.003-05:00

So did you know that members of the Disney movie - The Incredibles, like to slow dance? It's true! They do. In particular they like to dance most on snow days when everyone is off from school.

My favorite girl in the world is my 4 year old daughter named Lainie. For over a year and a half now she has been infatuated with dress up and playing pretend. I mean everyday. e-v-e-r-y--d-a-y!! We walk in the house and off come the school clothes. We range from a princess to a super hero to a green M & M...all thanks to the loved ones in our lives that find Halloween costumes on sale dirt cheap!

So today it was again. I spent the morning slow dancing with Ms. Incredible. Our song you ask? Rainbow Connection care of Kermit the Frog from the Muppet Movie when all of us were younger. If you've never slow danced on a snow day.....we highly recommend it!

PS - I am now on my fourth dessert for the Goodies for Guatemala sale tomorrow at school. Thanks Alyssa for the Caramel Corn recipe....Ms. Incredible and I are making Valentine care packages for the Grandmas as well! Good heavens I LOVE SNOW DAYS!

Running Out of Time

2008-02-12T19:16:00.000-05:00

As if life as I know it hasn't been filled to the brim the last few years! Those of you that know me, know that I am somewhat of a busy body - throughouly enjoying projects, problem solving and usually the whirl of life in general. Ironically enough, I even surround myself with friends that are just the same as I am. Married, children (or with some on the way), time consuming careers, social events and friendships that keep life interesting etc.

Well.....I now have adopted a sub-cultural (I doubt that is the right phrase for it) group of friends (interestingly enough - they are normal and just like me when you hold them up to the light) who have turned me onto blogging! BLOGGING!! I mean really! For so long, I told myself - nope...ya ain't goin there. But ya'll did it....ya'll sucked me in!!

First off - I want everyone to know up front that I not an incredibly interesting person..outside of the normals. I mean, I'm a Mom (by far the best role I have ever been handed in the movie of life), I'm a wife to a self - made husband that I love, all be it that he is the hardest worker I have ever met (more explanations on that later), and a sister, daughter, in-law, and friend to some of the coolest people on the planet. I get up, I go to work, I grow with my colleagues, I drive home, I chat with my friends, I laugh with my family and I snuggle into bed. It really is everything I've ever wanted.

Well...by all definitions, I guess I am now a blogger...and so the journey begins!