Monday, July 31, 2006

Abbie's Hair Present

Well, it finally happened. Abbie took scissors to her hair. Mom didn't have a cow but it was close. She always tells me she wants hair like Keaton (on the right in the picture) and I even had it cut once. I always wanted her to have LONG hair. You know, like all the other girls I envied growing up.

Here she is getting just what she wanted..... A haircut.



This is the cute cut now. It looks adorable. She doesn't look like a boy and they didn't have to layer everything. On her right side, there's still a weird chunk out of it but, she can have hairbows and barrettes.

Aren't we all striving for our children to have the things we never had. LONG hair isn't such a big thing, right? I want her to throw a ball, too.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

My Hair Past



Who is this little girl in the homemade dress? Did she know that the hair needed something?!? Did she cut her hair herself? Did she see braces in her future?

Yeah, that's me in about 1st grade. I'm not sure why my mom kept my hair so short. I didn't feel weird or ugly - so I guess it was okay. Later when people would tell me their childhood tales of LONG hair - I was envious. One of my college friends had hair down to her hiney. Her name was on her shorts because it it was covered on the back of her shirt. I always found this fascinating.

I think the haircut was called a pixie. When I was old enough to choose, I had a shag. Does that tell you anything?

Big Doins!

I've been waiting for awhile to give this announcement - there's a new speaking ministry in town! Yep, that's my Coffee Group. Some of us have been led to put ourselves "out there" and we're freaked out about it! We have booked Southern Hills for a Sneak Perk and we'll be speaking at ACU Lectureship in September!

Check out the site and come to either event. This is your personal invitation for Southern Hills on Tuesday, August 22. We'll have de-cafe at 6:45 and begin at 7:00.

Please feel free to ask any questions - I'm too excited to put everything in this post! Please pray for us and this ministry!

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Friendly Advice

Mom: Abbie, I have to go to the bathroom. Do you need to go?

Abbie: Just go in the pool. I do it all the time.

Mom: Abbie, we tinkle in the potty! Not in the pool!

Abbie: But I have on my swimsuit. (Apparently her swimsuit has magical properties.) It's not poopy. (Thank goodness)

Mom: We DON'T potty in the pool! Not pee-pee or poopy. Do you need to go now?

Abbie: No.

Always keep your mouth shut in the pool.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

In The Good Ole Summertime

Oh. My. Stars. Has anyone else opened a power bill and had a heart attack? Last month when our bill was over $400 I was initially embarrassed. I just KNEW people would think we were "running that air all the time!" My sweet hubby told me we were losing air somewhere in the house. For his birthday, my in-laws gave us storm doors. (They are lovely, thank you for asking.)

Well, I'm letting the secret out! TXU has raised the standard rate over 24 percent since last summer. In Texas that means that our "price to beat" has gone up over 24 percent! We haven't done anything wrong - the powerful energy providers have simply made it cost more to cool our homes. My friend, Tom, has been saying for months that in August people will have to choose to turn off their air or eat. I'm including a link for you to compare rates if you like.

Yes, we've switched providers. Yes, we have turned to air up to 77 all the time. It's down right warm in the kitchen at supper time. Yes, I've given up a wonderful pedicure. We haven't chosen air over food, yet, but I see lots of beans in our future.

Note to self: Buy Beano.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's Forty!



Well, it's finally happened - Jim is turning 40! That's the thing about marrying a younger man - you have to wait for him to catch up sometimes. Now my mother-in-law can't claim to be 39 anymore. Happy Birthday, Honey!

Interesting Tidbit: Jim is getting TP out of the tree that my Christian sisters put up there. This is an ongoing ministry for several of them to show love for one another....

Thursday, July 20, 2006

1956, A Very Good Year

Here are some of the cousins from my parent's 50th Anniversary Party. This is Steven, Abbie and Robert.
Here's Candace (behind the centerpiece,) Steven, Abbie, Robert, David and Kenny.

My parents celebrated 50 years on July 14 and we had a party on July 15. The grandkids dressed up in 50's style clothes and Kenny even got a flat-top. Both of the girls had on poodle skirts and looked so cute! You can't tell much from the pictures but the room was decorated nicely, too. We had mounted old pictures on the trellis and that was the most fun for us - talking about all the old pictures. One of the church members had created a CD-ROM with pictures that ran continuously and there was 50's music (but no dancing, of course!) I think my parents really enjoyed it - that made it all worthwhile.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Home Again, Home Again

Well, we're finally home from Alabama!! I hadn't told EVERYONE we were going just for safety. So..... if you've been checking here wondering "Where is Denise?!" I'm back. I shamelessly passed out my blog address in an attempt to increase my readership so maybe I'll have some new comments! There is so much to tell and write about it will take me several posts - be prepared or be afraid.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Promises

seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining
to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by
His own glory and excellence.
2 Peter 1:3

I love this promise. Our Father has already given us everything for life and godliness. Glory!

Thursday, July 13, 2006

I Been Tagged!

Nicole has tagged me! Yall know I'm like a little kid with her hand in the air saying "Pick me, pick me." My sweet friend did! We are now BFF!

3 things that scare me:
horror movies
my kids becoming teens
brussel sprouts

3 people that make me laugh:
Jim
Sarah
Judy

3 things that I love:
the wind
dark chocolate
sleeping under lots of covers

3 things I don't understand:
un-funny people
why I'm ALWAYS broke
how a computer works

3 things on my desk: (technically it's Jim's desk - I don't have a desk)
my water bottle
a sweet Beanie Baby that was in the crib with Kenny during his time in NICU It even has tape residue that was used to keep in an IV (click to see)
stacks of paper that needs to be filed!!

3 things I'm doing right now:
typing
thinking that I should go potty
laundry

3 things I want to do before I die:
go hiking in Big Bend country and New Mexico, too
see my grandchildren become God's people
learn to speak Spanish

3 things I can do:
smock - it takes away alot of tension for me
hang a spoon from my nose
sing songs from any era

3 things that describe my personality:
vivacious - I've heard this for YEARS
funny
over the top

3 things I can't do:
stay up all night - not even in college
sleep late
open the power bill - it's too painful

3 things I think that I should listen to:
the Father
my kids
birds singing

3 things I should NEVER listen to:
Howard Stern
the Devil (is that Howard Stern again?)
Entertainment Tonight - I want to get over these celebrity people

3 of my ABSOLUTE favorite foods:
fresh grilled salmon
tamales
fried green tomatoes

3 things that I 'd like to learn:
Spanish
quilting
all the minor prophets names and stories

3 beverages that I drink regularly:
coffee
water
Diet Coke with Lime

3 shows I watched as a kid:
Star Trek - I think he's dead, Jim
The Partridge Family - Keith was hot
Happy Days - the Fonz was too cool

I won't tag anyone else but several of you need a meme to entertain the rest of us! Jump in the water's fine!

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Reading is Fundamental, Part Dios

Big Mama says "Thanks for the blog love." She needs to know there are at least 15 people out there who really care!

I have been confronted with the idea that no one cares what happens in my life. On CBS's Sunday Morning they did a report on blogging. No one wants to read about your cat - so they say. Well, I don't have a cat but I do have a rather boring life. Maybe you're reading because you just can't look away....
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I've read my fiction and non-fiction in my continuing effort to improve myself. First, I read The Devil Wears Prada. This was a re-read for me - I wanted to read it again before the movie came out. This is really a funny book and if makes me laugh out loud in places. I've read a few reviews since the movie came out and it's not well-liked. Yes, the main character has no spine but I felt she was brain-washed into believing it was the only way to get along at her job. I know there have been jobs (and bosses) that I have suffered though thinking, "it's only a little bit longer." The book does have some adult language and drinking. Our main character doesn't have any time for any other inappropriate behaviors. Enjoyable read.
I then did see the movie ( with other chicks) and it's definitely a chick flick. The clothes are great and the main character actually gets a little something from her boss at the end.
Non-fiction. Tough one. I tried to make it though spme other book and, no, it didn't happen. The language was just too difficult. So, Singular Intimacies Becoming a Doctor at Bellevue by Danielle Ofri. This was recommended by a RN and the bloodiness didn't seem to bother her. There were parts that made me a little queasy.
"It was the only object in the room that wasn't stainless steel. When he pressed
a lever, there was a low buzzing sound and a trail of smoke wormed its way up
out of her belly. The acrid smell of singed flesh seeped into the air and the bleeding ceased."
That part was a little rough. This is a book of essays about the author's internship and residentacy and how it turned her into a doctor. It's nice to know that there are Drs. out there that struggle to learn their way. It was also good to learn to NEVER got to a teaching hospital in the month of July. I found the essays regarding death very compelling. I'll be writing more about that later. We all need to consider how we want to go onto be with the Lord. The writing is very good - read it!

Friday, July 07, 2006

Friday Fun Zone

Your Hillbilly Name Is...

Big Mama Rambler


In honor of my 100th post, let's play hillbilly name! Just follow the link to get your own hillbilly name then come back and post your name in the comments! If you haven't commented before - I'm looking for you!! You are a lurker and I wanna know you're there......

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Burn, Baby, Burn

Yes, it's the 4th of July and I'm at home. For many years the 4th was a day of work. We spent time in the heat, saw lots of money and talked some fireworks! My parents run a firework stand in Birmingham. Not in Bham but the county - firework stands are illegal in Bham. Of course, everyone shoots fireworks in Bham so they drive outta town to get them. Then again most everyone lives outta town in Bham so it's not a problem.

My family has had at least one stand for about 15 years. Some years there were 2 and as many as 4 - one year I even ran one! Let's just say - there's an entire culture there that our family chooses to exploit. We have trailers that have been cleaned out and lots of fireworks put into them. My dad always said that you can't sell from an empty cart so we had lots of fireworks. (He's getting more right now I'm sure!)

My parents consider it worth their time; although, I'm pretty sure my mom is about ready to hand in her Crazy Bill's t-shirt.

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Okay, one story. A few years ago, Jim and I were both working with mom and dad on the 4th. It's customary to shoot a few at the end of the evening and Jim usually does the honors. We had shot a few and Jim left them out to make sure they wouldn't burn. My husband grew up in West Texas so outdoor fire safety is second nature to him. Someone else threw them into the dumpster (full of broken boxes) and they began to smolder. Jim's truck was parked right next to the dumpster and so was my car. We jumped in and moved those babies and here came the fire department (good news - the fire department is about 200 yards away.) No flames, just some smoke and lots of water.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Shoo, Fly

We have lots of flies at our house. Nothing to do about it - they come in every time the doors open. Now, I have a knack for killing flies, if I do say so myself! I can usually kill them with one whack of the swatter. My children are so impressed with my swatting talent! Practice, practice, practice.

Needless to say, they attempt to emulate their insect-murdering mom. Kenny will carry around the swatter - he watches and swats but rarely makes his mark. Abbie hasn't requested the hot pink swatter. She seems content to allow me to do the job for her. But this morning we had a change in the Waldrop household. Abbie killed one on her own!! My daughter has never been so proud of herself! It was flying around her donut (yes, I bought donuts this morning) and she was tired of it! She got the little bugger! She's told us a few times like a guy reliving his favorite football play. Perhaps it's a girl thing.....

Friday, June 30, 2006

Friday Fun Zone

Wal-Mart announced that they will soon be offering customers a new discount item: Wal-Mart's own brand of wine. "There is a market for inexpensive wine", said Kathy Micken, professor of marketing. She went on to say: "But the right name and presentation is important."

Customer surveys have been conducted to determine the most attractive name for the Wal-Mart brand.

The top 10 surveyed names in order of popularity are:
10. Chateau Traileur Parc
9. White Trashfindel
8. Big Red Gulp
7. World Championship Riesling
6. NASCARbernet
5. Chef Boyardeaux
4. Peanut Noir
3. I Can't Believe It's Not Vinegar!
2. Grape Expectations
1. Nasti Spumante

The beauty of Wal-Mart wine is that it can be served with either white meat (Possum) or red meat (Squirrel). It will also be available in convenient 6-packs (aluminum cans or plastic bottles) or in 24-can cases. It will be presented in the same coolers and next to the beverages of choice that Wal-Mart's customers are already familiar with.

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This was sent to me and I loved it! Most of you know how much I HATE WAL-MART! I usually end up going there and I wanna kick myself every time....

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Bout Blogging

I often have people ask me about my blogging. I thought it was time to share some of my secrets.

  1. I use Bloglines! I started Bloglines awhile back and it has made blogging so much easier and quicker! I list all the blogs I'm currently reading and they are highlighted when the blog as a new post. I don't have to open a blog page only to discover that the same post is there from last week. You can read the post on bloglines page or open up the blog page. I usually open the page - I like to read off of people's own templates. This also allows me to comment if I want to. It's free (Karene) and yall should all subscribe. I've included a bloglines button on the right side of my template so you can link it from there whenever you're ready.
  2. I don't comment all the time. That's right - I'm one of those people. I may read a blog all the time and never comment. I may read yours and never write a comment. I love yall more than my luggage but time isn't always on my side.
  3. I write first. On the days that I know I'm writing a post - I write first. If an email has to go out, I write first. If I start with my blogs, then I may not have time to write. Write first.
  4. I blog early. Now, during the summer, I usually blog about 7:00 before the kids get up. I have a cup of coffee and I get up to refill and go potty. Yes, I do come back here to read during the day and the children generally follow me (I'm the Pipe Piper, follow me.) These I try to keep to snatches. Don't ask my kids if I'm on the computer all the time - I'm sure they think I am.
  5. I consider this a hobby. I happens to be a hobby that I share with lots of people and talk about alot but a hobby none the less. It puts a different perspective on it for me - I don't know how to explain it.
  6. I edit. This is important! I always reread my posts and edit. Add here, take away there, put in the word I forgot earlier, clarify sentences and attempt to have some grammatical structure. I check the spelling with spell check and go to Dictionary.com if I need to. I have read some non-editors and it can get to be too had to understand - take too long to read. I know it takes time but I know it makes a difference.

Those are my little tips. Please feel free to comment and add your own. None of us want our hobby to over take our lives!! Or do we? (cue scary laugh)

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Wordless Wednesday - Ahoy, Mateys!

For more Wordless Wednesday 5 minutes for mom

Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Tacky

Ahhh, the chicken story. I think that mama's have a responiblity to teach their children manners. Yes, even boys need to learn how to act in public. I taught one old boyfriend to cut his meat - he held the fork like he was jabbing the meat. It was sooo unattractive. I'm thinking he learned something from our time together.

So, we had the college kids over to our house on Sunday night for their weekly devo. I know a couple of the kids and it just seemed like the right thing to do. It did allow me to talk to the kids about how our house is just one more thing that God has entrusted to us. I made dessert pizza and lemonade. Very low-key.

During the serving of the homemade dessert, one guy asked for a fork. There were forks on the table (of course) but for some reason he needed one from the drawer. He proceeded to open a can of chicken and pour it into a plastic cup. This was taking place next to me so I questioned him regarding the gross chicken. He offered no apology why he would come into my home and not partake of my homemade dessert. Or that he would bring his own food. He gave no explanation of his (I guessed) health issues. Where I come from we call this no "home trainin." Apparently this is a normal occurrence for this guy - he even does this in Bible Class. That's just wrong....

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

A Book, A Wedding and Some Cars

Sorry I haven't written is sooo long but life is moving faster than I am! I have finished the book, Better Off Flipping the Switch on Technology. It was interesting. One of the author's main ideas is that our technology doesn't make our lives easier. We become slaves to the technology. The cost of it, the upkeep, the time it uses (as I sit at a computer and write it anyone who will read.) He also wrote about the fact that we have to run, walk, work out, to get the physical reward that plugging in takes away. It doesn't come from working outside so we have to use our "leisure" time to exercise. Some of us just get fat - he wrote about that, too. One of the most interesting observations (he thought) was the ability to think and converse while doing physical labor. He and his wife were in a small Amish community and the neighbors were share work. There were often times to think and share ideas while working on the farm.

Interesting, huh? Pretty good non-fiction read. Now on to a fiction!

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I also worked a wedding this weekend. There was plenty of bare skin but no tattoos. The weirdest thing (ok, one weird thing) were the carbon copy bridesmaids. They almost matched physically. There was one poor girl who didn't get the message about her toenails. Her's were red and everyone else's were French tip. HORROR!!! Do you think it showed in the pictures??!! Robot bridesmaids, scary.
The other particularly interesting (for my readers) was the groom's cake. It was a huge red and brown tomahawk - or so I thought. The lady putting the greenery around it told me was an axe. She says "They're lumberjacks." Oh, well that explains everything I wanted to say. The bride and groom didn't look like lumberjacks to me but what do I know. After staring at her for an entire minute she told me they went to Stephen Austin State University and that makes them lumberjacks. Finally I got it.
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Last night we went to see Cars. Yes, we're the last people you know to see the movie. We loved it. It was funny and I may finally "get" Nascar. I knew it was about waiting for a wreck but it seems there's something about the passing, too. One friend told us she was a little bored toward the end but we spent so much time going to the bathroom that it was broken up for us a little. Kenny, four times and Abbie, three - Jim counted.