Our Southern White Christmas 2010

Hello All!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas Day, I know I sure did!

Here in the South, there are lots of things that we have the privilege of taking part in, snow is not usually one of them. Today, us Southerners were in for a lovely suprise, and oh, did we revel.


We have 9-12 inches of snow on the ground. Yeah, you heard me.

We built snowmen, we went sledding, we skiied, we made snow-cream, we played with our dogs, and then we came inside and collapsed.

I pray that the rest of your holidays will be filled with love, joy, and peace, and that the New Year will be ushered in like never before!

XoLaura

Is It Here Already? {O Wow}

Really? Is it Christmas Eve so soon? Where did the time go? I can't seem to recall.

Lots of running around, party planning, seeing good friends, eating good food, and loving the Lord has completely consumed my year.

It's had an abnormal amount of ups and downs, tears, laughter, grey skies, and sunshine. I am thankful that through the tough times, my faith has become stronger, and I have realized how much of a ripple in His massive Ocean that I am. I am thankful that through all of my imperfections, misgivings, and inadequacies, He still chooses to call me Daughter. I am honored that I may call Him "Father", and be a vessel for His Kingdom. I pray that in all the days to come, I will serve Him with a passion that precedes my blemishes and the sin-struggles that I try to hide.


I hope and pray that all of you, my faithful readers (few as there may be), have a blessed and merry Christmas :)

With Love,

Laura Lee

Hopewell {Mighty Hunter} ...or so we hope.

With much gladness in my heart, I am here to announce that our hawk trapping days have come to a close! Welcome, Trinity Oaks Hopewell:

XoInSheerEcstasy

I Think I Will Be a Good Wife and Mom.

I know, that sounds slightly odd. But I really think I will be.

Let me explain.

For a long time, I thought about never getting married. I thought myself toooo self-centered, uncapable of performing the smallest wifely task, and all around a not-very-good person to make someone happy. And I didn't think I was pretty (this goes along with the story).

The other night, the Lord sat me down and had me make a list of all the things I was good at, and generally liked to do.

1. Ride horses

2. Organizing and decorating rooms

3. Photography

4. Culinary Arts

5. Putting together outfits

6. Organizing things in general

7. Clean (no joke...it's a nasty habit)


I couldn't get past seven, but He then proceeded to reassure me that I was good at several other things.....of which cannot come to my mind, but I must trust that He knows what He's talking about.

And then He had me write down things that I thought I was not good at or struggled with:

1. Math

2. Generally loving people

3. Math

4. Encouraging people

5. Having compassion on all of humanity

6. Writing

7. Being a good person

8. Science

9. Telling people about all of the good things the Lord has done for me

10. Making people laugh (I don't know where this fits into the equation, but at the time I thought it was important)

11. And, I just wasn't that pretty. A certain fact of life that I thought very important.


The Lord then told me that 1) I wasn't horrible at math, I just had more right-brain inclinations. 2) You love people, silly, just in your own way. 3) Why did you put math twice on your list? 4) You encourage people in things you think they are good at.....but then again, maybe we do need to work in this area a wee bit. 5) Are you kidding me? Do you remember when you left the grocery store crying the other day because you saw an elderly man paying with pennies that he counted out of a rusted Altoid can? 6) No, you are not Ernest Hemingway or King David when it comes to the gift of eloquence, but you have a knack with putting down what you are thinking onto paper, and that my dear, is quite good enough for me. 7) This again? I'm starting to see a pattern here... 8) See question #1 9) I think you do that more than you think you do. 10) Hah! 11) Do you think that I am capable of making something that is not beautiful? I formed you before anyone on this planet had the slightest inclination to think of you. I am beauty. Therefore, whatever My hand touches is beauty. You are beauty.

And then I realized, Oh! First of all, you shouldn't even be thinking about if you will be a good wife and mom, that's a long way off; and second, since you are thinking about it, let's just be realistic.

YOU'LL BE GREAT.

That's just the truth.

I think I'll be a great mom. And feed my children great food. And dress them in cute clothes. And they will always match.

(Humor me and go along with that last one. Reality, I'm sure, will hit me someday.)


I'm not quite certain why I decided to post this on here, but it reassured me of a whole lot.

Thanks for lending an ear :)


And for those of you who have any doubts yourselves, let me make one thing clear: YOU. ARE. AMAZING.

XoLou

Joy to the World

Christmas music playing. Decorations up. Coffee cake is baking. Cinnamon scented candles burning.

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine, the night when Christ was born;

O night, O Holy Night ,O night divine!

O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,

Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.

The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friends.

He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.

And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

With all our hearts we praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Love,

Lou

In Search of the Perfect Bird

As some of you may know, my dad is a licensed falconer, which means he has a license which permits him to trap, own, train, and hunt with the raptor of his choice (more or less). Sadly, we lost our female hawk this Summer due to heat exhaustion, so this trapping season finds us out scouting again!

Now, there are many laws and rules for falconers to abide by, seeing as falconry is a federally regulated sport. You may only trap immature birds because the mature birds are needed for mating. Although they are trying to change that law, it has not gone into effect yet. That law kept us from keeping a beautiful, massive, female red-tail hawk. Here are some pictures of our adventure:

Love,

Lou

Laura, I think I want to marry you.

"But Christopher, didn't you say that when you got a wife, you would make her sleep outside in a tree....naked?"

"Laura! I would NEVER do that to you! Just the others!"

"Oh...others? That makes me feel so much better."

"You look pretty today, Laura."

"Thank you, Bud."

XoSis

Chipotle Roast Chicken Tacos {Mexican Yummyness}

Spicy. Healthy. Gourmet. DELICIOSO!

Chipotle Roast Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (plus three sprigs)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (plus three sprigs)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (plus three sprigs)
• 4 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
• 1 5.5- to 6 pound roasting chicken, rinsed, patted dry
• 3 large onions, each cut into 8 wedges through root end, leaving root ends intact
• 15 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 cup (or more) organic chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 8 warm tortillas
• 1 avocado, halved, pitted, and thinly sliced

In small bowl mix butter, cilantro,

oregano,


and rosemary.

Add chipotle chiles and coriander.

Mix well with fork.

Like, really well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.

Place chicken, breast side up, in large roasting pan. Starting at neck end of chicken, slide fingers under skin to loosen, being careful to avoid tearing. Spread all but one tablespoon seasoned butter over breast meat and thigh meat under skin. Rub any butter remaining on fingers over outside of chicken.

Sprinkle main cavity of chicken with salt and pepper; place all herb sprigs in cavity. Tie legs together loosely.

Place onion wedges in large bowl. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon seasoned butter in small saucepan over low heat; pour over onion wedges and toss to coat.

Arrange onion wedges around chicken. Sprinkle onions and chicken with salt and pepper.

Roast chicken and onions for 30 minutes.

Peel garlic.

Scatter garlic cloves around chicken;

add 1/3 cup broth to roasting pan.

Continue to roast chicken until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 17o degrees F, basting occasionally with pan juices and ading more broth by 1/3 cupfuls as needed to maintain juices in roasting pan, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Remove roasting pan from oven. Tilt chicken, draining juices from cavity into pan. Transfer chicken, onions, and garlic to platter. Tent with foil to keep warm. Add 1/3 cup broth and wine to pan. Place over 2 burners and bring juices to boil, scraping up browned bits. Strain juices into bowl. Discard fat from top of juices.

Cut meat from chicken. Serve, making tacos with warm tortillas, chicken, onions, garlic, and avocado. (we added black beans, freshly grated cheese, and sour cream.) Drizzle tacos with pan juices.

Enjoy! We sure did :)

XoLou

Crème brûlée

When I was eight, my father took me to a spectacular gourmet French restaurant called The Pleasant Peasant. That day my life took a turn for the better.





The French Onion soup was divine, the chicken was to die for, but what I remember most was dessert.





Crème brûlée. The creme of the crop. It was love at first bite (I know, that phrase is highly overused).




This is the ultimate crème brûlée, the most classic of all French desserts. There are now many Americanized versions, but, in my opinion, this is the one and only, rich and delicious "burnt cream".





Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar


• 4 cups heavy cream


• 1 vanilla bean, split


• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar


• 6 large egg yolks

**Special Equipment: Shallow 8-10 ounce oval ramekins**

1. Spread the brown sugar on a small baking sheet. Place, uncovered, in a dry spot for at least 24 hours, our until the sugar is quite dry. Push through a fine sieve. Set aside.

2. Assemble the mise en place trays for this recipe.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

4. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the cream and vanilla bean over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until just warm.

5. In a bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg yolks. When well blended, whisk in the cream. Strain through fine sieve into a bowl.

6. Divide the mixture among 6 eight-ounce shallow oval ramekins. Place in a shallow roasting pan and add enough hot water to come halfway up the side of the ramekins. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The custards will still be soft; do not overbake.

7. Transfer the custards to wire racks to cool for at least 30 minutes.

8. Preheat the broiler.

9. Spoon the brown sugar into a fine sieve and sprinkle evenly over the tops of the custards. Broil for about 15 seconds to melt and burn the sugar topping. Watch cafefully to prevent charring. Serve immediately.

This will test your skills, make you question your insanity, and wonder where you came from.

May God be with you.

Okay, just kidding. It was extremely easy. :)

XoSousChef

The Gourmet Flame in My Soul Has Been Reignited.

I am making Crème Brûlée. For the first time I might add. Not that I haven't wanted to in the past or anything.....I've just been so busy.

I know. A pathetic excuse for killing my creativity. I know.

After succeeding in cooking the whole Thanksgiving dinner (that is a story for tomorrow) and that being a smashing success, my gourmet side has once again surfaced. No more excuses. I'm going to buckle down and challenge myself...and spend oogles of my hard earned money on fancy foods such as artichockes and oysters.

I'm quite something in the kitchen, if those of you reading didn't know that. I really love to cook. And I love for people to love to eat my food. If I was vain I might call it art, but I'm not vain.....hehe.

And since I'm not vain (major hehe) I might add that it's kind of one of those gifts that God has given me. Okay...maybe not a gift, but most definitely a passion....appreciation.....utter adoration.

If I don't succeed in burning down the house after all of this is done, I will promptly post the recipe. (it's quite simple, actually)

With Love,

XoJuliaChild

Thankful for the Little Things

I take many things for granted; especially the little, day-to-day things that one hardly notices. But last night, trying to think of all of the things in my life I'm thankful for, it was the small, unnoticed things that kept coming to my mind.

Like watching Dick Van Dyke late at night with my family.

Or falling asleep on my bed with no blanket on, and having Sarah come up and put a throw on me and rub my back.

Or going out on a crisp, Fall morning with Hannah to play tennis.

It's the little things for me. The things that make my world go round, are the things that I'm thankful for this year.

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." Psalm 100

XoThankful

I GOT A CAR!!!!!!!

I have prayed, and prayed, and prayed, and prayed, and PRAYED for about a year (okay, let's face it, I've been praying for a car since I was 10 lol)

And the Lord came through miraculously! Because let me tell ya, no human being could have brought in (and how) what He did :)



A 2000 shiny black Volvo S70.

It's bea-u-ti-ful. Like, I love it. Really. It's great.

It has prettyful tan leather interior. The seats are oh so comfy too.

I am on cloud nine at the moment.

Oh, and it gets 31 miles to the gallon. Oh yeah.

Pictures to follow :]

XoProudOwner

Hips Don't Lie.....or Maybe They Do.

My dog Elvis is an oddity, and when people first meet him they don't hesitate to tell me so. But the other day I heard a comment directed toward Elvis that I had never heard before.

This female visitor was watching as Elvis nonchalantly swaggered down the driveway without a care in the world, like he usually does around that time of day.

Female Visitor: That dog must be a girl.

Me: Actually, he's a boy. Why do you say so?

Female Visitor: That dog shakes his hips like I've never seen a woman do in my life. It MUST be a girl. Are you sure?

Me: Um........Welll....Let me check. Yep, I'm sure.

Apparently Elvis can shake his hips more than I can. That's okay though. I guess.

XoProudMama

The Amazing Thing About Grace.

Do any of you think of how even more wretched you would be without the Lord? I do.

I sin. A lot. And, sometimes I feel like I don't love the Lord because I sin so much. But then I have to think, God made us just the way we are. He made us human, fully knowing that we would sin and mess up every day.

But the other day I was being my normal self, judging the people of the bible and thinking, "How could the Jews NOT have seen who Jesus was?! I mean, come on! It was JESUS. They were so ignorant!"

And then the Lord kind of slapped me in the face and said, "Would you have believed my Son?"

.....

And the truth is? No. I wouldn't have. I would have been in the mob of Jews yelling to Pilot to release Barabas and crucify the blaspheming Jew from Nazareth.
I really would have.

I would have heard how Jesus said he was going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days and thought, "Dude, you're NUTS! Three days?!?! Do you know how long it took us to build this temple?!"

I would have been looking for an earthly king; one who walked around in fine garments and jewels. One who dwelled in a large palace, and had servants and riches we can't even imagine.

As humans, we take things SO literally. If the Son of God said that he was going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, we are so black and white that we can't even see that he means himself. (and when I say "we" I really mean "I")

So, I mourned for the fact that I knew what type of person I would have been, but then I rejoiced for the fact that it is ONLY by the saving Grace of God that I am who I am today.

I rejoiced for the fact that I am nothing without Him, and that I couldn't live a day without His guidance.

So now I have to go around thinking, "Don't mourn about the fact that if you lived in the 1800's you would have owned slaves and treated them like dirt (because I would have, I know myself), but find complete joy in the fact that God made you into the young lady you are. A girl who has so many flaws, and sins more times in a day than she can count, but a girl who loves the Lord with all of her heart, and a girl who desperately wants to show that love and grace to others."

I know I ramble, and can't put all my thoughts together logically, but this is my heart today; here for you to read, and contemplate.


XoSaved

Laura, I know a lot about guns, so let me tell you about it.

Yesterday morning as I was going to put something away in my parents room, I walked right into a gun-cleaning party. Christopher and Daddy were (aka, Christopher) in sheer ecstasy as they were running a cloth up and down the barrel of one of there many guns.


"What kind of gun is that?" I ask. My all-things-guy ignorance coming to the surface.

"Well Laura, I know a lot about guns, so let me tell you about it." Christopher sweetly says to me.
"This is a 22. You can shoot, squirrels, turtles, and small animals with it."
"This is a shotgun. It's different than a rifle where it shoots shotgun shells, and not bullets. Shotgun shells have teeny tiny tiny tiny bb's in them, and when you shoot them they spread out and hit the bird in different places."
"This here is a 17HMR. It's a rifle, and shoots bullets just like the 22. The 17HMR is used on rather large varmits, like groundhogs and porcupines."
"Laura, do you understand?"

O.O

"Yep, uhuh. I understand perfectly."

Not. (I didn't really say that. I wanted him to feel like he had taught me something and not confused me in a way that I can't even explain.)

Skip about 30 minutes into the future, when I am singing happily off key in the shower.

*knock knock* The door swings open and in marches Christopher.

I peep my head out of the shower curtain, and wipe the water from my eyes.
"Bud, I'm taking a shower."

"Laura, here is a shotgun shell!"

I look down to the tip of my nose where I now have a shotgun shell practically shoved up my left nostril.

"That's great Bud, but I'm taking a shower."

"Laura, do you remember what I told you about shotgun shells?"

"Christopher, I'm trying to take a shower."

"But Laura! Do you remember?"

"Christopher, do you not see that I'm taking a shower?"

"Laura, when you get out of the shower, I will show you my deer gun okay?"

"Christopher, if you don't get out of this bathroom right now I will run downstairs naked and throw all of your guns in the pond. Okay?

"You'll really like my deer gun, Laura."

"I'm sure I will."

XoLou

Since the Economy is Shot, I Now Have to Pay $1 for Every 8 Minutes I am Massaged, So Sayeth my Sister Sarah.

The economy is shot. People are losing their jobs. People are losing their homes. They no longer drive through McDonalds on every whim and desire they have for a scrumptious Big Mac. Oh no. My sister Sarah no longer charges $1 every 12 minutes she massages me. She now charges $1 every 8.


Do you feel my pain?

At the dinner table:

"Laura, the economy is shot. The only income I have is what I bring in from massaging you. (note this child is only 9.) I have to go up on pay. I can't go around with just a few quarters in my pocket at any given time. We live in a fallen world. I will now charge $1 for every 8 minutes I massage you. NO BUTS."

We live in a sick, sick world.

The End.

XoContemplatingExistence

{WINNER}

So, we put all the names in a hat (call me old fashioned if you will) and drew.


AND THE WINNER IS:








KIMMIE from Kimmie's Corner!!!

Congratulations, thank you so much for entering my giveaway!

You can email me with your contact information at:

antique[dot]beauty93[at]gmail[dot]com


Thank you to everyone who entered, I promise we will have another one of these very soon!

Have a Blessed Day!

XoLou

Giveaway Closed!

Alright Everyone, this giveaway is officially closed!

I am so happy that through this giveaway I have gotten to "meet" so many wonderful new girls!!
We will definitely have to do this again!

I will announce the winner of the Ecotools Intensive Hand Cream later today. :]


XoAntiqueBeauty

I. Got. A. Job.

PRAISE THE LORD!


I am so happy right now. I am no longer broke, nor will be the day after Christmas.
That's right world, Laura Lee Franklin got a job.

Who on earth would hire me you say? My momma's dear friend, Jenny, that's who. I now babysit (Rachel says that the word "nanny" reminds her of Julie Andrews. Go figure) and run her kids around a couple of days a week.

The pay is phenomenal, the boss is incredible, and the kids love to torture me and perform surgery. It's a fun time. Really.

I can now afford the lotion that I am giving to you.

Ain't I generous?

Now if I could only afford an education...

Laugh out loud, JUST KIDDING.

We all know "ain't" is a word.


Lovelovelove,

XoTheNanny


postscript- THE GIVEAWAY ENDS TOMORROW PEOPLE!

{Giveaway} *EVERYBODY SCREAM*

Hello friendsss, come a little closer.



Let me tell you something:



I absolutely wuv you.



So, therefore, I am going to have my first giveaway.



*SHOOP DA WOOP*



And this is no ordinary giveaway, oh no. This day, Friday, the day of our Lord November something 2010, I am giving away a bottle of Ecotools Intensive Hand Cream:::

I have extremely dry hands in the winter (if anyone of you just had the word "old woman" pop into your head, you are, from this moment forth, banished from my blog), and I have been leaving no stone unturned in my search for the perfect remedy. Let me tell you folks, here it is.
It's organic, it's natural, (is that the same thing?) it has jojoba oil in it (i'm guessing that's an important ingredient). I like the word jojoba. Jojoba. Jojoba. Jojoba.


It makes me giggle.


Anyway, here are the rules.


To enter the giveway you must:


1) If you aren't already following my blog, follow it for goodness sake.


2) Leave a comment telling me what your favorite part of winter is. There is no wrong answer. I will even accept "Mucking stalls".


3) If you want two extra entries, (as in, three total) post about my giveaway on your blog!



Ciao!


XoLouskyLou

***GIVEAWAY ENDS NOVEMBER 17th!!***

I Just Can't Kick the Caffeine Habit.

I have no will power. Coffee has once again taken over my life. It came swiftly one morning, like a theif in the night. Except, it was in the morning. BAM.


See, here's the thing. When I had my gallbladder problems, coffee was on the strict "GIRL DON'T YOU DARE DRINK THIS" list. Caffeine was HORRIBLE for my gallbladder, it completely sent me back to square one. But a few mornings ago after succeeding in getting only 4 hours of sleep, as I came groggily down the stairs, that sensuous aroma hit me over the head with a two by four. BOOM BABY. I had no choice but to give in. There was literally nothing I could do to stop it. NOTHING. Don't you judge me.

I poured myself a rather large mug full. Maybe that was the tiniest bit idiotic, but I wasn't thinking clearly (hence the urge for coffee). Thick, thick cream....lots of sugar (what can I say, I'M A CHILD). That first sip was a thing of wonder. Now, lets just imagine for a minute: 4 weeks sans coffee.

I can hear your sobs from my desk where I sit.

Ah, that first sip. Heavenly. Aromatic. Warming.

Second sip? I was passed out on the floor in sheer ecstasy.


Let me tell you something. IT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO ME.

NOT. ONE. THING.


I COULD HAVE BEEN DRINKING THIS STUFF FOR THE PAST 4 WEEKS.

I'm just sickened. Really I am.

But I'm not bitter. No I am not.

This has been a nice talk. We should chat more often.


XoLou

My Dream:

Just fyi: if someone decides to hijack my wedding like this just know that I will love you forever. The end.

Sigh....I Live a Good Life :)

Last night:

Great friends. Good Play. Laughing our heads off at random teenage jokes at Starbucks (oh to be 17)

I <3 Fall.

This Morning:

Steaming hot tea. Sharpie tye-dye t-shirts with the kiddos.

Lovely day :)

XoContent

My New Perspective on Life

10 Things That I'm Not Thankful For Enough

You know those rather big things in your life that you take for granted? Like the time when your little brother stands up for you? Or the fact that you grew up with parents who loved pets, and didn't mind them in the house? I think that during the midst of our everyday lives we forget to stop and reflect on the moments that make life so, so special. I know I do. It's so easy for me to get caught up in myself, and my selfish desires, and not be thankful for every little thing that God has placed in my life....

So here it is, 10 things that I am SO grateful for:

1. A God who knowingly made imperfect humans.

2. A daddy who's grace and love overflow, is not afraid to readily admit his mistakes and forgive you for yours. (who also puts up with you crying on top of your horse because you're on your period and are having cramps and are very very emotional....and are glaring at him. honestly, the list could go on and on)

3. A mom who prays for you, and understands what being hormonal is all about, seeing as she's going through pre-menopause herself. A mom who loves to eat chinese food and watch chick-flicks with you, and isn't afraid to tell you about all her mistakes in college.

4. A little sister named Hannah who loves to play cards with you, and still wants to snuggle with you even though you can be very very disagreeable sometimes.

5. A little sister named Sarah who loves Starbucks, and afternoon trips to Wal-Mart that cut into her precious naptime.

6. A sweet little brother who loves swinging on the swing and looking for shooting stars all the while listening to 'life is a highway' on his ipod.

7. A very tubby little welch corgi who sees no imperfection in you whatsoever, and gives you love nips on the back.

8. A horse named Ellie that shows you that you are far from perfect, and who helps you see that riding dressage can apply to life.

9. A friend named Tori who I can call and tell her that I love her, and that I think that she needs to come see me and she tells me that she doesn't have the gas money to do that right now, thank you. But she loves me anyway.

10. A friend named Rachel who's shoulder I can cry on and get snot on her shirt. A friend who has always been there when I needed her, even when I haven't. And a friend who never forgets to tell me that I'm beautiful.


XoThankful

Oh, How I Loved 5th Grade

"I cannot go to school today"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.

My mouth is wet, my throat is dry.
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox.

And there's one more - that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue,
It might be the instamatic flu.

I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke.
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in.

My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My toes are cold, my toes are numb,

I have a sliver in my thumb.

My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,

I think my hair is falling out.

My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,

There's a hole inside my ear.

I have a hangnail, and my heart is ...
What? What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is .............. Saturday?

G'bye, I'm going out to play!"

— Shel Silverstein

(For those of you who didn't love Shel Silverstein in 5th grade, I don't know if we can be friends anymore.)

I Heart Fall

Secretariat with the sister last night,

Apple cider and french toast this morning.

My life is now complete :)

Oh, here's an easy tip for apple cider:
Fill your percolator with all-spice and apple juice instead of coffee! It makes for some pretty fantastic cider!

XoLou