Hello, F.O.T.E.s,
Things are going great here at The Fold. We're in near-daily contact with The Ram and counting down the time until he's home on leave. As you can imagine, we're all very excited.
Another piece of excitement was the Iraqi Elections. Now, don't fault me for being an unabashed flag-waver and don't call me naive...I know the elections weren't the magic pill that was going to make everything just peaches and cream in The Sand Box, but, my goodness! Some of those folks got to cast their first-ever ballot in an election with more than one "candidate"--and, to the best of my knowledge, none of the candidates in *this* election were liable to tie up and beat citizens who refused to vote for them. (Back in advertising class, that would have been called a "hard sell" ;-) I've got to admit, I had a few misty-eyed moments yesterday--watching Iraqi citizens proudly holding up their ink-stained fingers; Iraqi guardsmen dancing in the streets after having voted; and yes, hearing of the bravery of these desert-toughened people to just stand in line, knowing that at any minute someone could try to blow them up. I was touched by all that, and more, but the scene that most moved me was the 79 year old man, being supported by other men on either side of him, painstakingly picking his way a mile to the polling place to cast his vote. Do you realize how *easy* we have it here? Hop in the car, drive a mile or two, hop out probably a few feet from the polling place door...go in, maybe stand in line a few minutes, go into the machine, pull the curtain and push a few buttons. Our votes are then magically tallied by computer in a cozy building with lights, toilets and delivery pizza. Oh my. Would *we* basically crawl a mile to cast a vote? Also, did you see the pictures of the election workers, tallying by hand paper ballots by candlelight? Candlelight! Abe Lincoln would be proud! Fellow patriots, cherish our country! It ain't perfect, but it's ours!
Yes, it was an historic day yesterday. I'm proud to have had a "bit part" in it, having kissed The Ram goodbye a few months ago, so he could take *his* place in making history happen. I'm a proud Ewe.
Well, gotta run...the Lambies will be needing me soon. Y'all keep your wool dry!
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "Will Daddy be bringing my horse in a truck when he comes home? 'Cuz I've seen horses in trucks before, and they don't seem to mind." Musical, inquiring as to the mode of delivery of the horse she's praying for.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Saturday, January 29, 2005
One Last Soapbox Moment...
Ok...Indulge The Ewe once again. This is a lengthy article, but one of the best I've read in a while. I just feel compelled to share it...
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42462
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42462
Monday, January 24, 2005
Snap Shot of The Fold
Let's see, just for history's sake:
A week ago last Thursday, my fuel pump went out at Walmart. It was just about to blizzard again...temp dropping rapidly...I was glad we were at Walmart with heat and food and water and a toilet. The little things, you know. AAA called me a wrecker and MommyX3 came and rescued us. Finally got my van back this past Friday. I actually enjoyed the week without the van--living "off the land" (i.e. from the pantry and deep freeze). I got a lot of work done. The children had various projects going, so cabin fever never set in.
Saturday, two days ago: another rapid temp drop, accompanied by really weird weather. It began by spitting snow (as Mama would say). Actually, it looked more like itty bitty tiny hail. Then, the wind picked up and it started snowing more violently. A friend reported that visability went to zero while she was on the road. It snowed furiously for a while, then, as if Someone hit the switch, it stopped and the sun came out brightly. I looked for a "snowbow" but didn't see one. Eventually, the sun went back in and it started snowing again. Sunday, we stayed home from church, due to snowy/icy roads. Our church is two counties over, via back roads. We decided it best to stay put.
Today (Monday) we drove to a small community post office a few miles up the road and mailed the Ram a birthday box. I'm hoping it will make it Over the Pond by his birthday in the near future. The post mistress there was really nice and interested in our situation. I assured her we'd be seeing her frequently over the next year. I like those little post offices. Seems like the folks there have more time to deal with you and are more blessed with patience than people at the bigger p.o.'s. I know that's not always true, but I have had better service at those little shacks than at the marble edifices in town. You know, I'm liable to ask a "dumb" question, and I like folks to have some grace for this small-town girl.
Well, Tiny Tot has designs on my time and he assures me he can not wait another minute. The Ewe better run...Y'all keep your wool dry...
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "Mama, what does 'analyze' mean?" --4 year old Musical
A week ago last Thursday, my fuel pump went out at Walmart. It was just about to blizzard again...temp dropping rapidly...I was glad we were at Walmart with heat and food and water and a toilet. The little things, you know. AAA called me a wrecker and MommyX3 came and rescued us. Finally got my van back this past Friday. I actually enjoyed the week without the van--living "off the land" (i.e. from the pantry and deep freeze). I got a lot of work done. The children had various projects going, so cabin fever never set in.
Saturday, two days ago: another rapid temp drop, accompanied by really weird weather. It began by spitting snow (as Mama would say). Actually, it looked more like itty bitty tiny hail. Then, the wind picked up and it started snowing more violently. A friend reported that visability went to zero while she was on the road. It snowed furiously for a while, then, as if Someone hit the switch, it stopped and the sun came out brightly. I looked for a "snowbow" but didn't see one. Eventually, the sun went back in and it started snowing again. Sunday, we stayed home from church, due to snowy/icy roads. Our church is two counties over, via back roads. We decided it best to stay put.
Today (Monday) we drove to a small community post office a few miles up the road and mailed the Ram a birthday box. I'm hoping it will make it Over the Pond by his birthday in the near future. The post mistress there was really nice and interested in our situation. I assured her we'd be seeing her frequently over the next year. I like those little post offices. Seems like the folks there have more time to deal with you and are more blessed with patience than people at the bigger p.o.'s. I know that's not always true, but I have had better service at those little shacks than at the marble edifices in town. You know, I'm liable to ask a "dumb" question, and I like folks to have some grace for this small-town girl.
Well, Tiny Tot has designs on my time and he assures me he can not wait another minute. The Ewe better run...Y'all keep your wool dry...
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "Mama, what does 'analyze' mean?" --4 year old Musical
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Got My Rotten-Tomato Shield Up, a.k.a. Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
Hi, Friends.
I've known for a few weeks now that I needed to pen some words about Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Many churches observed it last week or will tomorrow. It makes my heart heavy to talk about, for I know my beliefs on the subject will anger some folks whom I think a lot of. For some reason, though, this year I feel compelled to share a bit of what I think. Those close to me have heard me ask before, "Are you 'pro-life' or just 'anti-abortion?'" I believe abortion is abhorrent. I also believe that the roots of it go back a lot farther than Roe v. Wade. I think abortion has been cultivated for decades in our society, with its disdain for children and basic disregard for the imperfect. Look up "Margaret Sanger." (Her group incubated the modern Planned Parenthood.) Though lauded today as something of the "mother of birth control," her views (if folks were aware of them) included sterilizing the "unfit" and basically killing off whole races...Shocking. Think, "Hitler." From what I've read of her thoughts, she blames pretty much all evil on children and the bearing of them. Now, for the tomato-dodging...if you're so inclined, the below is a link to a "food for thought" article. Be warned...if you poke around at that website too much, you'll most certainly find a lot that makes you mad and that you disagree with. I don't necessarily agree with all of it...it's an ever changing site with new stuff all the time, so no one would agree with everything. For now, I'm just encouraging you to read the one article. One of those, "things that make you go, 'hmmm...'"
Sorry this isn't one of those humorous glimpses of The Fold. Hope you will allow me this indulgence of my soapbox. The Lambies are always providing more fodder...just stay tuned.
Y'all keep your wool dry,
The Ewe
http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/article_1636.shtml
UPDATE as of Jan. 29:
Take a look at this link, too:
http://www.chroniclesmagazine.org/News/Check/NewsCJC012405.html
I've known for a few weeks now that I needed to pen some words about Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Many churches observed it last week or will tomorrow. It makes my heart heavy to talk about, for I know my beliefs on the subject will anger some folks whom I think a lot of. For some reason, though, this year I feel compelled to share a bit of what I think. Those close to me have heard me ask before, "Are you 'pro-life' or just 'anti-abortion?'" I believe abortion is abhorrent. I also believe that the roots of it go back a lot farther than Roe v. Wade. I think abortion has been cultivated for decades in our society, with its disdain for children and basic disregard for the imperfect. Look up "Margaret Sanger." (Her group incubated the modern Planned Parenthood.) Though lauded today as something of the "mother of birth control," her views (if folks were aware of them) included sterilizing the "unfit" and basically killing off whole races...Shocking. Think, "Hitler." From what I've read of her thoughts, she blames pretty much all evil on children and the bearing of them. Now, for the tomato-dodging...if you're so inclined, the below is a link to a "food for thought" article. Be warned...if you poke around at that website too much, you'll most certainly find a lot that makes you mad and that you disagree with. I don't necessarily agree with all of it...it's an ever changing site with new stuff all the time, so no one would agree with everything. For now, I'm just encouraging you to read the one article. One of those, "things that make you go, 'hmmm...'"
Sorry this isn't one of those humorous glimpses of The Fold. Hope you will allow me this indulgence of my soapbox. The Lambies are always providing more fodder...just stay tuned.
Y'all keep your wool dry,
The Ewe
http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/article_1636.shtml
UPDATE as of Jan. 29:
Take a look at this link, too:
http://www.chroniclesmagazine.org/News/Check/NewsCJC012405.html
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
The Little Mama that Could
Hello, F.O.T.E.s,
Well, The Ewe has accomplished a feat she's been in training for for years. Countless books on the subject, many conversations with veterans and 3 (count 'em) sewing machines later, I have finally sewed something!!! Wahoo!!! You see, The Ewe is afflicted with a horrible disease: perfectionism. I never wanted to start sewing anything if I didn't feel like I already knew exactly how to do it. And frankly, skills like sewing are not too impressive in the "hypothetical." Yes, for literal years, I've studied words like "selvage" and "grainline." I've read several books on the subject. I've perused the pattern books at the fabric store and even bought a few patterns. I've oogled prints and solids and flannels and knits and wovens and all manner of bolts of cloth at Hancock's. I've wandered longingly down the sewing machine aisle at the local discount store, thinking that if I only had a machine with an owner's manual (The Ewe *reads* instructions now!) I could sew. So, last Fall, I took a huge step. I bought a machine! GASP! What waste! I already had inherited 2!!! I just really felt that if I had a machine with a booklet I could study, I could figure out how to thread the thing. Well, to borrow a popular, yet quite annoying new catch phrase, buying that machine really took my seamstress training "to the next level." For months, I've practiced threading the machine--top thread and bobbin. I've studied the owner's manual on how to use the autothreader and bobbin and the 1 step buttonholer. I've stitched random blocks of fabric together. I've made tubes and turned them. I even bought polyfill. After months of these sewing calisthenics, at the urging and initiative of my dear friend, I went so far as to buy a pattern and a few yards of cloth. It seemed the time of my testing was near. I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...
Last Sat. night, I pulled that tissue out of the envelope and made the first tenuous snip into the pattern. Two nights later, Lovable wore her brand new, Mama-made nightgown. The hem isn't straight. I had put the neck facing on inside out and had to seam rip it off and restitch. There's a spot on one sleeve that's caught in the seam. And there isn't a button on it yet...BUT I did it! I sewed something. Victory is sweet. The confidence crisis is over! Well, not entirely, but well on the way.
..It was arduous. Tedious. Downright bullet-sweating scary, but I sewed. Seam after seam...I sewed. At midnight....I sewed...after breakfast....I sewed...I sewed and sewed until that gown was ready to don. Lovable was happy that Mama had made it, but not nearly as excited as I was.
I've got fabric now to make Musical a gown. With the success of Lovable's gown to spur me on, I know I can do it. I know I can...I know I can...I know I can...I know I can...
Well, friends, The Ewe must go. Feeding time here at The Fold, you know. Y'all keep your wool dry...
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "That smell we heard was the toaster going out..." The Ewe, explaining to the Lambs the source of a stench.
Well, The Ewe has accomplished a feat she's been in training for for years. Countless books on the subject, many conversations with veterans and 3 (count 'em) sewing machines later, I have finally sewed something!!! Wahoo!!! You see, The Ewe is afflicted with a horrible disease: perfectionism. I never wanted to start sewing anything if I didn't feel like I already knew exactly how to do it. And frankly, skills like sewing are not too impressive in the "hypothetical." Yes, for literal years, I've studied words like "selvage" and "grainline." I've read several books on the subject. I've perused the pattern books at the fabric store and even bought a few patterns. I've oogled prints and solids and flannels and knits and wovens and all manner of bolts of cloth at Hancock's. I've wandered longingly down the sewing machine aisle at the local discount store, thinking that if I only had a machine with an owner's manual (The Ewe *reads* instructions now!) I could sew. So, last Fall, I took a huge step. I bought a machine! GASP! What waste! I already had inherited 2!!! I just really felt that if I had a machine with a booklet I could study, I could figure out how to thread the thing. Well, to borrow a popular, yet quite annoying new catch phrase, buying that machine really took my seamstress training "to the next level." For months, I've practiced threading the machine--top thread and bobbin. I've studied the owner's manual on how to use the autothreader and bobbin and the 1 step buttonholer. I've stitched random blocks of fabric together. I've made tubes and turned them. I even bought polyfill. After months of these sewing calisthenics, at the urging and initiative of my dear friend, I went so far as to buy a pattern and a few yards of cloth. It seemed the time of my testing was near. I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...
Last Sat. night, I pulled that tissue out of the envelope and made the first tenuous snip into the pattern. Two nights later, Lovable wore her brand new, Mama-made nightgown. The hem isn't straight. I had put the neck facing on inside out and had to seam rip it off and restitch. There's a spot on one sleeve that's caught in the seam. And there isn't a button on it yet...BUT I did it! I sewed something. Victory is sweet. The confidence crisis is over! Well, not entirely, but well on the way.
..It was arduous. Tedious. Downright bullet-sweating scary, but I sewed. Seam after seam...I sewed. At midnight....I sewed...after breakfast....I sewed...I sewed and sewed until that gown was ready to don. Lovable was happy that Mama had made it, but not nearly as excited as I was.
I've got fabric now to make Musical a gown. With the success of Lovable's gown to spur me on, I know I can do it. I know I can...I know I can...I know I can...I know I can...
Well, friends, The Ewe must go. Feeding time here at The Fold, you know. Y'all keep your wool dry...
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "That smell we heard was the toaster going out..." The Ewe, explaining to the Lambs the source of a stench.
Turkeyrific Good Time
This is a true story...the names have been changed to protect the...umm...well, er....umm...those involved.
Lovable to her sisters: "Let's play turkey!!!!"
Musical: "YEAH!!!!!"
Carnival: "OK. Who fits on the table?"
That, F.O.T.E.s is the entry AND the quote of the day.
Lovable to her sisters: "Let's play turkey!!!!"
Musical: "YEAH!!!!!"
Carnival: "OK. Who fits on the table?"
That, F.O.T.E.s is the entry AND the quote of the day.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Strange Sighting
Hello, F.O.T.E.s! The Ewe apologizes for the lack of attention to the blog recently.
Well, I thought I'd share with you an odd appearance here at The Fold lately. My girls tell me that a squat little sprite visited them one night last week after I had tucked and prayed them into bed. They said she was wearing a red tulle tutu (yes, you read that right) and an angelic smile as she ballet-jumped into their room. They said she was doing dizzy, lopsided pirouttes and waving her arms around like a monkey. Her long, graying brown hair was flowing around her.
I should also tell you that both Carnival and Lovable had each lost teeth within the week and that particular night, they had scurried around dropping lost canines and incisors into Ziplocs--then stuffing the Ziplocs under their pillows. Yes, The Tooth Fairy exists here at The Fold.
The Old Gal had no trouble finding Lovable's tooth, but Carnival wanted to have a little fun at T.F.'s expense. Carnival had pushed her tooth way up under her pillow and T.F. was left with no option but to tickle the girl out of the way.
After depositing the standard dollar (inflation), the Round One grand jete'd out of the room with a flourish.
Last I saw her, The Tooth Fairy was in the bathroom, tugging the tutu off and stuffing it into the bathroom closet.
We did have some trouble with Musical that night. She was disappointed T.F. hadn't left her a dollar. I explained that The Tooth Fairy isn't running a charity and to get a dollar, you have to lose a tooth. She didn't like that plan and argued that it ought to count for something that she had just learned to blow a bubble with bubble gum. I assured her that, even though her name clearly defines her as the TOOTH fairy, I'd plead her case with T.F. and get back to her.
So, if you see a short little round lady in your children's room one night...CALL THE POLICE!!! This is a one-family only Tooth Fairy--but Walmart sells red tulle... WINK!
Well, must run...Y'all keep your wool dry!
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "Don't eat the BONE!!!!!!" (Musical, warning Tiny Tot to avoid the banana stem.)
Well, I thought I'd share with you an odd appearance here at The Fold lately. My girls tell me that a squat little sprite visited them one night last week after I had tucked and prayed them into bed. They said she was wearing a red tulle tutu (yes, you read that right) and an angelic smile as she ballet-jumped into their room. They said she was doing dizzy, lopsided pirouttes and waving her arms around like a monkey. Her long, graying brown hair was flowing around her.
I should also tell you that both Carnival and Lovable had each lost teeth within the week and that particular night, they had scurried around dropping lost canines and incisors into Ziplocs--then stuffing the Ziplocs under their pillows. Yes, The Tooth Fairy exists here at The Fold.
The Old Gal had no trouble finding Lovable's tooth, but Carnival wanted to have a little fun at T.F.'s expense. Carnival had pushed her tooth way up under her pillow and T.F. was left with no option but to tickle the girl out of the way.
After depositing the standard dollar (inflation), the Round One grand jete'd out of the room with a flourish.
Last I saw her, The Tooth Fairy was in the bathroom, tugging the tutu off and stuffing it into the bathroom closet.
We did have some trouble with Musical that night. She was disappointed T.F. hadn't left her a dollar. I explained that The Tooth Fairy isn't running a charity and to get a dollar, you have to lose a tooth. She didn't like that plan and argued that it ought to count for something that she had just learned to blow a bubble with bubble gum. I assured her that, even though her name clearly defines her as the TOOTH fairy, I'd plead her case with T.F. and get back to her.
So, if you see a short little round lady in your children's room one night...CALL THE POLICE!!! This is a one-family only Tooth Fairy--but Walmart sells red tulle... WINK!
Well, must run...Y'all keep your wool dry!
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "Don't eat the BONE!!!!!!" (Musical, warning Tiny Tot to avoid the banana stem.)
Sunday, December 26, 2004
This is Serious
Ok. This blizzard is not fun any more.
I'm now out of coffee creamer AND sugar.
I cannot live under these conditions.
We are now constructing snowshoes out of badminton racquets and duct tape.
Stay tuned...
The Ewe
I'm now out of coffee creamer AND sugar.
I cannot live under these conditions.
We are now constructing snowshoes out of badminton racquets and duct tape.
Stay tuned...
The Ewe
Friday, December 24, 2004
Dashing Through the Snow...
...or not. :-) Actually, we're sitting here having a great "Little House" Christmas. Tiny Tot's First Christmas has been a very, very, snowy, icy one. Definitely one for the books. I managed to get the van out of the snow-pit that had formed around it, but when I tried to go around a tiny curve in our driveway, the van started slipping toward the ditch. I took that as a sign we're supposed to stay put at least another day. We were supposed to go to The Ram's parents' house on Wed, but we're still here, on Friday--Christmas Eve. I absolutely refuse to be disappointed. We're having hilarious meals, "living off the land" (i.e. from the freezer and pantry). We have a lot of leftovers frozen in single servings that the Ram took with him to work. Everyone is getting something different for Christmas Eve dinner. LOL We'll be going to the GrandRams as soon as possible and until then we're being jolly. The Ram has called everyday from the Sandbox. I'm pinching myself with delight that we've gotten to talk with him so much. We had a wonderful visit with him Thanksgiving week, after which he flew out to Points Beyond. He is now established in his home-away-from-home and we're getting pictures via email. What a different looking place than here! We miss him terribly, but we're staying extra busy. Though it's sad to be separated at Christmas, we've taken advantage of the busyness of the season to keep our minds occupied. You know, the discipline of the mind is the hardest thing for me. It takes real energy to force yourself to dwell on things that are "true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute." (take a peek at Philippians 4:8-9) The hardest part is at the end of the day, when things are winding down and my soul longs to connect to its mate. It has often been that that is when the phone would ring, and the Ram would be on the line. Our Lord is very kind.
I've had some times that I've said, "Lord, remember! Remember You said You'd take care of us!" Ah, His grace is sufficient. The first night of our winter storm, with ice literally falling from the sky, Musical began coughing that awful, seal bark cough. I prayed everso fervently. "Lord, You know we couldn't get to the hospital if we had to. Please calm her cough." He did. That hasn't been the only instance where God has been my husband lately. There was also, "Lord, YOU know how to make this heater work. Please show me what to do." He did. It worked. I'm realizing how I take my husband for granted. I had to figure out how to change the light bulb in our overhead lights! LOL It wasn't the actual light bulb part, but rather the part where you take the glass cover off. Oh, and the dollhouse--we bought the girls a nice wooden dollhouse for Christmas. Assembly required. Sigh. Well, Carnival had that thing together in no time. What a gal.
Ah, I could go on, but Tiny Tot is needing his mama. Y'all keep your wool dry--and warm!
Have a Blessed Birthday Party for Jesus!
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "I'm dusting its tentacles!" Musical's response when I found her swatting at the ceiling fan with a feather duster.
I've had some times that I've said, "Lord, remember! Remember You said You'd take care of us!" Ah, His grace is sufficient. The first night of our winter storm, with ice literally falling from the sky, Musical began coughing that awful, seal bark cough. I prayed everso fervently. "Lord, You know we couldn't get to the hospital if we had to. Please calm her cough." He did. That hasn't been the only instance where God has been my husband lately. There was also, "Lord, YOU know how to make this heater work. Please show me what to do." He did. It worked. I'm realizing how I take my husband for granted. I had to figure out how to change the light bulb in our overhead lights! LOL It wasn't the actual light bulb part, but rather the part where you take the glass cover off. Oh, and the dollhouse--we bought the girls a nice wooden dollhouse for Christmas. Assembly required. Sigh. Well, Carnival had that thing together in no time. What a gal.
Ah, I could go on, but Tiny Tot is needing his mama. Y'all keep your wool dry--and warm!
Have a Blessed Birthday Party for Jesus!
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "I'm dusting its tentacles!" Musical's response when I found her swatting at the ceiling fan with a feather duster.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Hi and Bye (for a few days)
Hey, F.O.T.E.s! I know I've been AWOL for a bit--sorry I haven't updated. Just wanted to let you know The Flock will be going to see The Ram for Thanksgiving, so we'll be absent awhile. Also, Dear Friends, my email is being testy, so if you email and I don't email back--that's probably why. Or, if you email and get told I rejected it--that's also why. If you leave me a comment here, I'll try to email you from Points Unknown.
Have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving--and remember...we're thanking GOD, not the native Americans. ;-) (Who are wonderful people, they're just not God!)
:-)
Y'all keep your wool dry!
The Gonna-Go-See-My-Honey Ewe
Have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving--and remember...we're thanking GOD, not the native Americans. ;-) (Who are wonderful people, they're just not God!)
:-)
Y'all keep your wool dry!
The Gonna-Go-See-My-Honey Ewe
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Veterans' Day
Blessings, F.O.T.E.s!
I apologize for not posting in a while. There have again been complaints. :-) We're doing well and staying very busy.
I woke up this morning thinking about it being Veterans' Day and, as I have every Veterans' Day, thinking of my dad. He was on a battleship during the Korean War...(oops, I mean "Korean Conflict." No, it wasn't a war...even though Daddy was shot at and many troops killed. Sorry, sounds like war to me, no matter what the official title is.) Anyway, this year my mind also brought up the picture of my dear Ram. We have been soooo blessed so far to get to hear from him nearly every day he's been gone. We're only beginning to get a taste of what this separation means. I definitely have a more acute appreciation of the sacrifices made by military families from the beginning of our history as a nation. Our generation now ("Kids these days!!" LOL) really knows little of what it means to sacrifice. Generally, we're pretty bloated on the easy life. Food's plentiful and easy credit makes it "possible" for us to have the things our parents and grandparents had to work decades for. The "American Dream" is not so much a dream anymore, but something young families feel entitled to. Let's think hard about what our nation's founders went through to leave us this legacy we now enjoy. Just because it came easy to us, doesn't mean it was a "cheap gift." Let's take this day to reflect on the legacy our Veterans have made possible for us. Hey, and offer up a prayer for my friend, Mrs. K whose husband made the ultimate sacrifice almost exactly a year ago. This one year anniversary is tough on her. Regardless of your politics, realize that there are folks out there watching your back. Keeping you "covered." Who have "your six." You know...when I went to the market yesterday, I didn't worry about a car bomb detonating in the parking lot. Our troops are giving their all to see that I don't *have* to worry about that. Could it happen? You betcha. It happened 3 years ago in NYC. Am I more aware today of what goes on around me when I'm out and about? Surely. I'm a vigilant mama. BUT, I am thankful for the relative calm our country is blessed to enjoy. I know this is rather disjunct...look in my profile... it says "ra-ra-ramblings." :-) I will end this with a quote that I came across yesterday:
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral
and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who
has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own
personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made so and
kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
Y'all keep your wool dry and HUG A VETERAN today!!!
The Red-White-and Blue Ewe
I apologize for not posting in a while. There have again been complaints. :-) We're doing well and staying very busy.
I woke up this morning thinking about it being Veterans' Day and, as I have every Veterans' Day, thinking of my dad. He was on a battleship during the Korean War...(oops, I mean "Korean Conflict." No, it wasn't a war...even though Daddy was shot at and many troops killed. Sorry, sounds like war to me, no matter what the official title is.) Anyway, this year my mind also brought up the picture of my dear Ram. We have been soooo blessed so far to get to hear from him nearly every day he's been gone. We're only beginning to get a taste of what this separation means. I definitely have a more acute appreciation of the sacrifices made by military families from the beginning of our history as a nation. Our generation now ("Kids these days!!" LOL) really knows little of what it means to sacrifice. Generally, we're pretty bloated on the easy life. Food's plentiful and easy credit makes it "possible" for us to have the things our parents and grandparents had to work decades for. The "American Dream" is not so much a dream anymore, but something young families feel entitled to. Let's think hard about what our nation's founders went through to leave us this legacy we now enjoy. Just because it came easy to us, doesn't mean it was a "cheap gift." Let's take this day to reflect on the legacy our Veterans have made possible for us. Hey, and offer up a prayer for my friend, Mrs. K whose husband made the ultimate sacrifice almost exactly a year ago. This one year anniversary is tough on her. Regardless of your politics, realize that there are folks out there watching your back. Keeping you "covered." Who have "your six." You know...when I went to the market yesterday, I didn't worry about a car bomb detonating in the parking lot. Our troops are giving their all to see that I don't *have* to worry about that. Could it happen? You betcha. It happened 3 years ago in NYC. Am I more aware today of what goes on around me when I'm out and about? Surely. I'm a vigilant mama. BUT, I am thankful for the relative calm our country is blessed to enjoy. I know this is rather disjunct...look in my profile... it says "ra-ra-ramblings." :-) I will end this with a quote that I came across yesterday:
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral
and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who
has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own
personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made so and
kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
Y'all keep your wool dry and HUG A VETERAN today!!!
The Red-White-and Blue Ewe
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Bush vs. Kerry/Musical vs. Marsupial
The Plan: The Ewe and The Flock munch popcorn and watch t.v. on Election Night and discuss government, politics and social studies.
The Reality: The Ewe herds The Flock to the emergency room, squirting Germ-X every few minutes to ward off influenza and discussing how antibiotics work, what a "gurney" is what the term "nocturnal" means.
The Background: I, The Ewe, was cranking up the computer and television, readying The Flock for a night of election-return watching and education in the workings of government. The girls told me they were going out to feed Georgette. Next thing I know, there is fierce screaming coming from the front door. I growled, thinking the girls were providing the neighbors with a knock-down-drag-out bit of entertainment. I got my game face on and marched smartly into the front room, ready to "be angry to them." I found that they were not screeching at each other, rather at some Monster on the front porch. Lovable ran up to me, screaming, "Musical got bitten!! A 'possum bit Musical's toe!!!" I thought surely I was misunderstanding something. I joined the girls in their display of sheer panic. "WHAT?! How do you know it was a 'possum?!! Where is it?! What happened?!" ACKKK!!!! Carnival and Lovable began spilling out details, while Musical stood bleeding on the white linoleum, wailing. The rest of us were much too busy panicking to comfort her. (Poor thing. Eventually, while I was calling the e.r., Carnival loved on her.) Seems that Musical had stuck her foot into the Taj Mahal--a house the girls made of cardboard boxes for Georgette. Musical was playing with the cat and the cat (Georgette) bit her toe. Carnival whisked off the top of the Taj Mahal to administer some much-deserved corporal punishment to the cat, but discovered, "EGADS!" it was *not* Georgette, but a Georgette-sized opossum. In fact, at about that time, Georgette came padding around the corner to see what the hubbub was about. The story goes that the girls and the 'possum all wore the same shocked expression when the truth was suddenly learned. After the initial shrieking, Carnival and Lovable ran into the house, leaving the wounded Musical on the front porch to fend for her dazed and bleeding self. (Whatever happened to "never leave a man behind?") Finally, she got her wits about her enough to come inside. My understanding is that the 'possum was, at that point, still in the box, hissing at the confused cat. Anyway, the doctor on the phone said we should come in for antibiotics, at least. I'm embarrassed to admit that we didn't even clean the wound before we left. I try to be a well-prepared mother, periodically rehearsing what to do in case of choking, or bleeding or head injuries, but I had never rehearsed wild marsupial bites. You just can't anticipate everything, I guess.
Finally, we'd calmed down enough to begin movement toward the van. Problem was, it was parked in the back and the outside flood light had burned out. So, we had to find the flashlight, which was not in its assigned placed. It had been moved during a thunderstorm last week. Finally, I found it. Armed with both the flashlight and a broom to fend off the swarming throng of crazed opossums which was sure to be circling out there, we went forward in a moving huddle toward the van. I wished, at that time, that I'd listened closer to The Ram's descriptions of the proper way to move troops. Even without the proper technical knowledge, we made it to the van and began the drive to the hospital.
A few hundred yards down the road, I ran over a 'possum.
When we got to the hospital, I had to retell the story. I could tell the emergency room personnel were trying not to enjoy it too much, what with an injured tot standing right there and all. Two hours later, we left, with a prescription for an antibiotic in hand. Part of what took so long was that the doctor had to get in contact with "The Experts" regarding the chance of rabies in opossums in our county. Thank goodness, the consensus was that rabies in an opossum here was highly unlikely. As we left, a gentleman we had waited alongside in the e.r. waiting room advised Musical to look first before she stuck her foot in any more boxes. She agreed that that was a good idea.
By the time we got home, the election was done with, except for Ohio, which is still not official. I waited up until 1 a.m. for the word from the Buckeye State, then gave up and went to bed. Definitely not the election night I'd envisioned, but exciting, nonetheless.
Well, must run. Y'all keep your wool dry...and watch out where you stick your feet.
The Ewe
The Reality: The Ewe herds The Flock to the emergency room, squirting Germ-X every few minutes to ward off influenza and discussing how antibiotics work, what a "gurney" is what the term "nocturnal" means.
The Background: I, The Ewe, was cranking up the computer and television, readying The Flock for a night of election-return watching and education in the workings of government. The girls told me they were going out to feed Georgette. Next thing I know, there is fierce screaming coming from the front door. I growled, thinking the girls were providing the neighbors with a knock-down-drag-out bit of entertainment. I got my game face on and marched smartly into the front room, ready to "be angry to them." I found that they were not screeching at each other, rather at some Monster on the front porch. Lovable ran up to me, screaming, "Musical got bitten!! A 'possum bit Musical's toe!!!" I thought surely I was misunderstanding something. I joined the girls in their display of sheer panic. "WHAT?! How do you know it was a 'possum?!! Where is it?! What happened?!" ACKKK!!!! Carnival and Lovable began spilling out details, while Musical stood bleeding on the white linoleum, wailing. The rest of us were much too busy panicking to comfort her. (Poor thing. Eventually, while I was calling the e.r., Carnival loved on her.) Seems that Musical had stuck her foot into the Taj Mahal--a house the girls made of cardboard boxes for Georgette. Musical was playing with the cat and the cat (Georgette) bit her toe. Carnival whisked off the top of the Taj Mahal to administer some much-deserved corporal punishment to the cat, but discovered, "EGADS!" it was *not* Georgette, but a Georgette-sized opossum. In fact, at about that time, Georgette came padding around the corner to see what the hubbub was about. The story goes that the girls and the 'possum all wore the same shocked expression when the truth was suddenly learned. After the initial shrieking, Carnival and Lovable ran into the house, leaving the wounded Musical on the front porch to fend for her dazed and bleeding self. (Whatever happened to "never leave a man behind?") Finally, she got her wits about her enough to come inside. My understanding is that the 'possum was, at that point, still in the box, hissing at the confused cat. Anyway, the doctor on the phone said we should come in for antibiotics, at least. I'm embarrassed to admit that we didn't even clean the wound before we left. I try to be a well-prepared mother, periodically rehearsing what to do in case of choking, or bleeding or head injuries, but I had never rehearsed wild marsupial bites. You just can't anticipate everything, I guess.
Finally, we'd calmed down enough to begin movement toward the van. Problem was, it was parked in the back and the outside flood light had burned out. So, we had to find the flashlight, which was not in its assigned placed. It had been moved during a thunderstorm last week. Finally, I found it. Armed with both the flashlight and a broom to fend off the swarming throng of crazed opossums which was sure to be circling out there, we went forward in a moving huddle toward the van. I wished, at that time, that I'd listened closer to The Ram's descriptions of the proper way to move troops. Even without the proper technical knowledge, we made it to the van and began the drive to the hospital.
A few hundred yards down the road, I ran over a 'possum.
When we got to the hospital, I had to retell the story. I could tell the emergency room personnel were trying not to enjoy it too much, what with an injured tot standing right there and all. Two hours later, we left, with a prescription for an antibiotic in hand. Part of what took so long was that the doctor had to get in contact with "The Experts" regarding the chance of rabies in opossums in our county. Thank goodness, the consensus was that rabies in an opossum here was highly unlikely. As we left, a gentleman we had waited alongside in the e.r. waiting room advised Musical to look first before she stuck her foot in any more boxes. She agreed that that was a good idea.
By the time we got home, the election was done with, except for Ohio, which is still not official. I waited up until 1 a.m. for the word from the Buckeye State, then gave up and went to bed. Definitely not the election night I'd envisioned, but exciting, nonetheless.
Well, must run. Y'all keep your wool dry...and watch out where you stick your feet.
The Ewe
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Catchin' Up and G.I. Who?
Hello, F.O.T.E.'s! My, my, but it's been a while since I had the chance to post! Let me tell you the nutshell version:
After our "Wunnerful, wunnerful" dinner out with The Ram, he actually got to come home for a night, to gather his gear for mobilization. (He had been at "pre-mobilization" up to that point...I know, it's confusing...:-) After one night here, The Flock and I (sounds like a musical, eh?) took him up to Town Four-Hours-Away for his Mobilization Ceremony and the actual getting-on-the-bus. The first "night" in the hotel started at 2 a.m. when we arrived. We had wanted to leave here that night at 6 p.m. to arrive there at 10. BUT, we kept finding things that had to go, so The Ram would have to partially unpack, repack, reposition, etc. You know, packing those Army things is scientifically formulated, and, No, you can't just throw stuff in there any old way. If you leave Item X out, you've got to unpack down to where Item X's home is in the duffel. LOL So, anyway, we left much later than we meant to. We did make good time, though, as little bladders were sleeping. :-)
The next day, Carnival organized our hotel room, completely unpacking our suitcase and giving everything a home. I was so impressed. I don't generally use those drawers in hotel rooms--I imagine all sorts of unsavory things that could have been in there. But Carnival pointed out that I had brought the Lysol spray (ok, I know you're laughing at me) and that we could spray the drawers well before she put the clothes there. I had no reasonable argument against that AND I want to strongly encourage any little sprout of Organization that pops up, so I let her. You know what? It was soooo nice to have everyone's clothing separated out. Really helped in getting ready in the mornings...much better than digging through a suitcase full of 5 people's clothing. (You're still laughing.)
We enjoyed the evenings with The Ram there at Town Four-Hours-Away. We didn't expect to get to see him much, but we did have the nights with him. It was great. The Flock and I ate breakfast and lunch in the hotel room, then we all went out for dinner each night. Extravagant, yes, but well worth it.
The Ram's Mobilization Ceremony and the bus departure were emotional, but meaningful. Most of the tears had already been shed and it was very buoying to be surrounded with so many well-wishers. The Ram's parents had come to see him off, and it was great to be with them.
We returned home in the middle of the week and are attempting to re-organize life into some sort of routine. We were running errands yesterday, and when 3 p.m. rolled around, I panicked for a minute, thinking, "We've got to get home and get supper started!" Then I remembered The Ram wouldn't be coming at 4:30 and there was no need to rush home. Felt strange.
Now for "G.I. Who?"...During The Ram's packing, he came across a stack of B.D.U's ( some would call them "fatigues" or "cammies"). He carefully packed in each one until...HUH? There was one with someone else's name tape on it. I had just picked them all up from the cleaners and obviously a mistake had been made. We imagined Soldier X coming across a jacket with The Ram's name on it and his doing the same double take we did. So, we set the B.D.U. aside for me to return to the cleaners when we got home. So, I took it back yesterday. The clerk (who'd been somewhat rude with me when I dropped the uniforms off last week) was very apologetic and quick to "make things right." The Ram borrowed a line from Winnie the Pooh and said she was a "more humble Tigger." Soldier X was happy to get his jacket back, I'm sure. :-)
Well, I must close for now. Many, many things are screaming for attention. Keep us in your prayers and I'll pray for you, too.
Y'all keep your wool dry!
The Ewe
After our "Wunnerful, wunnerful" dinner out with The Ram, he actually got to come home for a night, to gather his gear for mobilization. (He had been at "pre-mobilization" up to that point...I know, it's confusing...:-) After one night here, The Flock and I (sounds like a musical, eh?) took him up to Town Four-Hours-Away for his Mobilization Ceremony and the actual getting-on-the-bus. The first "night" in the hotel started at 2 a.m. when we arrived. We had wanted to leave here that night at 6 p.m. to arrive there at 10. BUT, we kept finding things that had to go, so The Ram would have to partially unpack, repack, reposition, etc. You know, packing those Army things is scientifically formulated, and, No, you can't just throw stuff in there any old way. If you leave Item X out, you've got to unpack down to where Item X's home is in the duffel. LOL So, anyway, we left much later than we meant to. We did make good time, though, as little bladders were sleeping. :-)
The next day, Carnival organized our hotel room, completely unpacking our suitcase and giving everything a home. I was so impressed. I don't generally use those drawers in hotel rooms--I imagine all sorts of unsavory things that could have been in there. But Carnival pointed out that I had brought the Lysol spray (ok, I know you're laughing at me) and that we could spray the drawers well before she put the clothes there. I had no reasonable argument against that AND I want to strongly encourage any little sprout of Organization that pops up, so I let her. You know what? It was soooo nice to have everyone's clothing separated out. Really helped in getting ready in the mornings...much better than digging through a suitcase full of 5 people's clothing. (You're still laughing.)
We enjoyed the evenings with The Ram there at Town Four-Hours-Away. We didn't expect to get to see him much, but we did have the nights with him. It was great. The Flock and I ate breakfast and lunch in the hotel room, then we all went out for dinner each night. Extravagant, yes, but well worth it.
The Ram's Mobilization Ceremony and the bus departure were emotional, but meaningful. Most of the tears had already been shed and it was very buoying to be surrounded with so many well-wishers. The Ram's parents had come to see him off, and it was great to be with them.
We returned home in the middle of the week and are attempting to re-organize life into some sort of routine. We were running errands yesterday, and when 3 p.m. rolled around, I panicked for a minute, thinking, "We've got to get home and get supper started!" Then I remembered The Ram wouldn't be coming at 4:30 and there was no need to rush home. Felt strange.
Now for "G.I. Who?"...During The Ram's packing, he came across a stack of B.D.U's ( some would call them "fatigues" or "cammies"). He carefully packed in each one until...HUH? There was one with someone else's name tape on it. I had just picked them all up from the cleaners and obviously a mistake had been made. We imagined Soldier X coming across a jacket with The Ram's name on it and his doing the same double take we did. So, we set the B.D.U. aside for me to return to the cleaners when we got home. So, I took it back yesterday. The clerk (who'd been somewhat rude with me when I dropped the uniforms off last week) was very apologetic and quick to "make things right." The Ram borrowed a line from Winnie the Pooh and said she was a "more humble Tigger." Soldier X was happy to get his jacket back, I'm sure. :-)
Well, I must close for now. Many, many things are screaming for attention. Keep us in your prayers and I'll pray for you, too.
Y'all keep your wool dry!
The Ewe
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Wunnerful, Wunnerful
Hello F.O.T.E.s!
Had to tell you about a wonderful surprise we had last night. The dear Ram called about suppertime and invited us to come kidnap him for a while. So, we did! We went to eat at a local pizza place. It was sooo nice to get to have a meal with him. Everyone was all wags and licks. So much so that when I went to pay, the manager asked if he and I had just gotten married! She said we acted like newlyweds. (I wondered where she thought the 4 children all piled on him had come from. LOL ) Anyway, I had taken a few pictures of The Ram and Flock at the table, but when I explained to the manager that we had been apart for training and he was about to deploy, she insisted on having a little photo shoot there in the restaurant. A waitress took pictures of all of us so that I would get to be in the shot.
It's funny--that's the second time in a month that someone said we acted like newlyweds. The Ram pointed out that one doesn't get 4 children by being disagreeable. :-)
We had a giggle at dinner last night, provided by a rare source: The Ram. I had been concerned about a spot in Tiny Tot's mouth, near where his new upper teeth are trying to come in. The Ram looked in T.T.'s mouth and announced, "That's just where his teeth are exploding." !!!!!!
When I realized he'd meant "erupting," *I* exploded...with laughter. What a raucous bunch we were last night...and *all* without alcohol! LOL
Each moment with The Ram is so precious to us. All of you need to hug your honey today, alright? And if your honey's not there, find someone who *needs a hug* to give one.
Well, gotta run. Lambies are getting restless...
Y'all keep your wool dry,
The Ewe
Had to tell you about a wonderful surprise we had last night. The dear Ram called about suppertime and invited us to come kidnap him for a while. So, we did! We went to eat at a local pizza place. It was sooo nice to get to have a meal with him. Everyone was all wags and licks. So much so that when I went to pay, the manager asked if he and I had just gotten married! She said we acted like newlyweds. (I wondered where she thought the 4 children all piled on him had come from. LOL ) Anyway, I had taken a few pictures of The Ram and Flock at the table, but when I explained to the manager that we had been apart for training and he was about to deploy, she insisted on having a little photo shoot there in the restaurant. A waitress took pictures of all of us so that I would get to be in the shot.
It's funny--that's the second time in a month that someone said we acted like newlyweds. The Ram pointed out that one doesn't get 4 children by being disagreeable. :-)
We had a giggle at dinner last night, provided by a rare source: The Ram. I had been concerned about a spot in Tiny Tot's mouth, near where his new upper teeth are trying to come in. The Ram looked in T.T.'s mouth and announced, "That's just where his teeth are exploding." !!!!!!
When I realized he'd meant "erupting," *I* exploded...with laughter. What a raucous bunch we were last night...and *all* without alcohol! LOL
Each moment with The Ram is so precious to us. All of you need to hug your honey today, alright? And if your honey's not there, find someone who *needs a hug* to give one.
Well, gotta run. Lambies are getting restless...
Y'all keep your wool dry,
The Ewe
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Snapshot
Right now at Fort Ewe:
Tiny Tot is half asleep on my lap...no shirt on...He can nearly crawl these days...
Carnival is watching a show on PBS
Lovable is watching a show on PBS
Musical is watching a show on PBS
Yes, they're all watching a show on PBS...Even though the d.v.d. player upstairs is repeating the music of a disc they put on but didn't watch an hour ago.
Georgina continues to look larger...is it kittens or extra fur for winter?
The Ewe is tired out from errand running. We visited some thrift shops today in search of larger, warmer clothes for the Lambies. Stopped to take a picture of a favorite view on the way home. I plan to get a pic from that spot every season The Ram is gone, to share with him.
Have received a couple text messages from The Ram on my cell phone.
I'm looking forward to bed tonight...
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Quote of the Day: Women shouldn't have children after 35. Thirty-five children should be enough for anyone.
Tiny Tot is half asleep on my lap...no shirt on...He can nearly crawl these days...
Carnival is watching a show on PBS
Lovable is watching a show on PBS
Musical is watching a show on PBS
Yes, they're all watching a show on PBS...Even though the d.v.d. player upstairs is repeating the music of a disc they put on but didn't watch an hour ago.
Georgina continues to look larger...is it kittens or extra fur for winter?
The Ewe is tired out from errand running. We visited some thrift shops today in search of larger, warmer clothes for the Lambies. Stopped to take a picture of a favorite view on the way home. I plan to get a pic from that spot every season The Ram is gone, to share with him.
Have received a couple text messages from The Ram on my cell phone.
I'm looking forward to bed tonight...
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Quote of the Day: Women shouldn't have children after 35. Thirty-five children should be enough for anyone.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Chit Chat
Hello, Friends of The Ewe!
I've received several kind emails, wondering how The Flock is doing without The Ram here now. I can report that spirits are high and things are going great. We speak with The Ram frequently and have even gotten to see him a time or two. Email is working, as well.
We spent this past weekend going up to the Family Readiness Group meeting. It was great to have faces to put with the names I've been seeing on paper for the past few months. The Ram's parents went also, providing much-appreciated logistic support. :-) They ran herd so that I could attend the meeting. Tiny Tot has decided that he's definitely a "man's man" and spent most of his time with Grandpa. Grandma attended the briefings with me, which I also supremely appreciated.
We did return to a most unwelcome sight. Our poor kitty (Carnival's) was dead...run over by a car. We're left only with one cat now--Georgina, whom you may have read about in a previous issue of The Ewe's Gnus. There are hushed rumors abounding about the possibilities of some "Georgettes" on the way. With our loss of two cats in (what?) two months, we'd actually welcome some little felines around here. (What am I saying?! LOL) We'll know soon, I'm sure.
I wanted to tell you about a funny our Lovable provided a few weeks ago...Are you familiar with the credit card commercial on t.v. these days? The one where someone lacking social skills blurts out a really boneheaded comment, then the other person begins to get upset, then Person 1 diffuses all ill feelings with one phrase? Well...
The Ram and I were having quite a time getting the Lambies to settle in for bed. So, we decided the "divide and conquer" route might work. I took Lovable into the Girls' room and tried to begin praying with her. She was soooo wiggly. "Be still, Lovable." "OK" (wiggle, wiggle) REPEAT She could tell The Ewe was about to "have enough." My brows knitted and I opened my mouth to "be angry to her" (as Musical calls fussing at someone)...when Lovable blurted out loudly, "THANK YOU?" LOL Somehow, I managed to suppress my howling laughter long enough to pray with her, tuck her in and walk into my bedroom, where The Ram and I enjoyed a good belly laugh. Sigh. Cheap entertainment, eh?
Well, The Ewe must run. It's time to feed the Lambs. Hope all you F.O.T.E.s out there have a wonderful evening.
Y'all keep your wool dry,
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "A merry heart does good, like a medicine."
I've received several kind emails, wondering how The Flock is doing without The Ram here now. I can report that spirits are high and things are going great. We speak with The Ram frequently and have even gotten to see him a time or two. Email is working, as well.
We spent this past weekend going up to the Family Readiness Group meeting. It was great to have faces to put with the names I've been seeing on paper for the past few months. The Ram's parents went also, providing much-appreciated logistic support. :-) They ran herd so that I could attend the meeting. Tiny Tot has decided that he's definitely a "man's man" and spent most of his time with Grandpa. Grandma attended the briefings with me, which I also supremely appreciated.
We did return to a most unwelcome sight. Our poor kitty (Carnival's) was dead...run over by a car. We're left only with one cat now--Georgina, whom you may have read about in a previous issue of The Ewe's Gnus. There are hushed rumors abounding about the possibilities of some "Georgettes" on the way. With our loss of two cats in (what?) two months, we'd actually welcome some little felines around here. (What am I saying?! LOL) We'll know soon, I'm sure.
I wanted to tell you about a funny our Lovable provided a few weeks ago...Are you familiar with the credit card commercial on t.v. these days? The one where someone lacking social skills blurts out a really boneheaded comment, then the other person begins to get upset, then Person 1 diffuses all ill feelings with one phrase? Well...
The Ram and I were having quite a time getting the Lambies to settle in for bed. So, we decided the "divide and conquer" route might work. I took Lovable into the Girls' room and tried to begin praying with her. She was soooo wiggly. "Be still, Lovable." "OK" (wiggle, wiggle) REPEAT She could tell The Ewe was about to "have enough." My brows knitted and I opened my mouth to "be angry to her" (as Musical calls fussing at someone)...when Lovable blurted out loudly, "THANK YOU?" LOL Somehow, I managed to suppress my howling laughter long enough to pray with her, tuck her in and walk into my bedroom, where The Ram and I enjoyed a good belly laugh. Sigh. Cheap entertainment, eh?
Well, The Ewe must run. It's time to feed the Lambs. Hope all you F.O.T.E.s out there have a wonderful evening.
Y'all keep your wool dry,
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "A merry heart does good, like a medicine."
Thursday, October 14, 2004
G.O.M. and The Nice Tan Van
There once was a Nice Tan Van. It belonged to a Nice Family with four Lovely Children, who would never have spilled soda or water or juice in the floor and certainly never have drawn a picture of a little girl on the back of the seat in front of them. The Lovely Children never complained about sitting in the very back and they definitely would never argue with the others while riding in the Nice Tan Van. The four children were dearly, dearly loved.
One day, the Nice Tan Van caught a bug. It coughed and sputtered, but never quit running, such a loyal van it was. The Nice Family took the van to a mechanic. Several days later, the mechanic called the Daddy to pick up the van. When Daddy drove the van, it still coughed and sputtered. Mommy made a mad face. This had happened many times. Daddy tried to take the Nice Van to another mechanic, but the mechanic never showed up at his garage. What happened to that nice mechanic?
Finally, Daddy asked a Friendly Man at work to recommend a mechanic. The Friendly Man told Daddy where to take the Nice Van, but he told Daddy that the mechanic didn't have a phone. He also told Daddy that the mechanic only worked Monday through Wednesday. And only between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Daddy tried and tried to take the Nice Van to the mechanic, but he kept missing him. Each time Daddy would drive to the garage, the man wasn't there. Finally, Daddy went to the garage and the mechanic was there.
Daddy noticed that the garage was very, very clean--no oil stains anywhere. He also noticed that there were no other automobiles at the garage. (Mommy had noticed before then that the garage was in a rather deserted, dark, rough-looking part of town, but Mommy didn't say anything--she didn't want to be negative.) When Daddy went into the Very Tidy Garage, he found a very old mechanic. The mechanic seemed annoyed that Daddy had brought him a van to look at. Daddy noticed that the Grumpy Old Mechanic had very clean fingernails. Daddy felt a bit nervous. G.O.M. told Daddy that he went home at 3:30 each day. He told Daddy that he'd have the nice tan van ready at 3:00. When Daddy said, "Goodbye!" the G.O.M. just said, "Hmph." Daddy said the mechanic didn't seem very happy.
When Daddy returned to the garage that afternoon, the G.O.M. told him that the nice tan van wasn't ready. He told Daddy to come back the next day. So, the next day, at 3:25 p.m., Daddy went back to the Very Tidy Garage. The G.O.M. was not there!! The doors were locked, and the Nice Tan Van was locked behind a chainlink, barbed wire fence. Daddy made a mad face.
The next day, Daddy went back to the Very Tidy Garage. The G.O.M. was there. Daddy paid him for fixing the Nice Tan Van and told him, "Goodbye!" The Grumpy Old Mechanic just said, "Hmph."
Daddy took the Nice Tan Van back to Mommy and when she drove it, she smiled. The Nice Tan Van no longer coughed or sputtered! Hurray! It was fixed.
Mommy and Daddy decided that they would use the Grumpy Old Mechanic again.
The Moral of the Story: In the Land of Poor Service, the Grumpy Old Mechanic is King.
One day, the Nice Tan Van caught a bug. It coughed and sputtered, but never quit running, such a loyal van it was. The Nice Family took the van to a mechanic. Several days later, the mechanic called the Daddy to pick up the van. When Daddy drove the van, it still coughed and sputtered. Mommy made a mad face. This had happened many times. Daddy tried to take the Nice Van to another mechanic, but the mechanic never showed up at his garage. What happened to that nice mechanic?
Finally, Daddy asked a Friendly Man at work to recommend a mechanic. The Friendly Man told Daddy where to take the Nice Van, but he told Daddy that the mechanic didn't have a phone. He also told Daddy that the mechanic only worked Monday through Wednesday. And only between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Daddy tried and tried to take the Nice Van to the mechanic, but he kept missing him. Each time Daddy would drive to the garage, the man wasn't there. Finally, Daddy went to the garage and the mechanic was there.
Daddy noticed that the garage was very, very clean--no oil stains anywhere. He also noticed that there were no other automobiles at the garage. (Mommy had noticed before then that the garage was in a rather deserted, dark, rough-looking part of town, but Mommy didn't say anything--she didn't want to be negative.) When Daddy went into the Very Tidy Garage, he found a very old mechanic. The mechanic seemed annoyed that Daddy had brought him a van to look at. Daddy noticed that the Grumpy Old Mechanic had very clean fingernails. Daddy felt a bit nervous. G.O.M. told Daddy that he went home at 3:30 each day. He told Daddy that he'd have the nice tan van ready at 3:00. When Daddy said, "Goodbye!" the G.O.M. just said, "Hmph." Daddy said the mechanic didn't seem very happy.
When Daddy returned to the garage that afternoon, the G.O.M. told him that the nice tan van wasn't ready. He told Daddy to come back the next day. So, the next day, at 3:25 p.m., Daddy went back to the Very Tidy Garage. The G.O.M. was not there!! The doors were locked, and the Nice Tan Van was locked behind a chainlink, barbed wire fence. Daddy made a mad face.
The next day, Daddy went back to the Very Tidy Garage. The G.O.M. was there. Daddy paid him for fixing the Nice Tan Van and told him, "Goodbye!" The Grumpy Old Mechanic just said, "Hmph."
Daddy took the Nice Tan Van back to Mommy and when she drove it, she smiled. The Nice Tan Van no longer coughed or sputtered! Hurray! It was fixed.
Mommy and Daddy decided that they would use the Grumpy Old Mechanic again.
The Moral of the Story: In the Land of Poor Service, the Grumpy Old Mechanic is King.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
The Departure
vb
Well, Friends,The Ram has left. He slipped out in the middle of the night, kissing us all as we lay in bed. The tears were pretty much all gone by that point--it was the day before that we cried buckets. We spent his last day with us for a while running errands. My, did we run! A neat thing happened on the way home...It had been raining/drizzling all day, but on the way home the sun burst through, shining bright amidst all the clouds and misting rain. I looked all around, knowing there had to be a rainbow. I finally found it--a double rainbow--the brightest I've seen. We "oohed and ahhhed" and the Ram stopped the van for me to take a picture. You may think it's corny, but I kinda took that as a nod my way from God, a reminder of His presence and promise. A few nights before, on our way home from visiting relatives I was the only one awake (yes, *I* was driving ;-). I was just talking to God, pouring out my concerns and He whispered back, "Do you trust Me to be your husband for a while?" Whoa. "Yes, Lord." Though awfully sad to be away from my wonderful husband (The Ram), I'm excited to see how the Lord takes care of us. This will be quite an adventure, an OFG--Opportunity For Growth. Pray for us.Anyway, once we got home from all our running, The Ram made us all omelets. YUM! He had planned to make them for breakfast, but we just didn't have time. After our dinner of omelets, he began packing his bags. Carnival rolled shirts for him and we scouted out all his gear. The whole thing was very surreal. It reminded me of the night before our wedding--that "I'm sure this isn't *really* happening" feeling. But, it happened. We woke up as usual, the Lambies and I, and went on with our routine. The Ram called a couple times--a luxury that will not be possible in about a month. I got an email a while ago. The weather matches our mood around here today--damp and cloudy, but not overly unpleasant. I'm taking comfort in the rain...life goes on. The trees are still getting more vivid each day. Fall is my favorite season.Carnival has lunch ready, so The Ewe's going to sign off for now...I have so much to share from the last week, just no time right now to do it. Remind me to tell you about the G.O.M. (Grumpy Old Mechanic) sometime...Y'all keep your wool dry,The Ewe
Well, Friends,The Ram has left. He slipped out in the middle of the night, kissing us all as we lay in bed. The tears were pretty much all gone by that point--it was the day before that we cried buckets. We spent his last day with us for a while running errands. My, did we run! A neat thing happened on the way home...It had been raining/drizzling all day, but on the way home the sun burst through, shining bright amidst all the clouds and misting rain. I looked all around, knowing there had to be a rainbow. I finally found it--a double rainbow--the brightest I've seen. We "oohed and ahhhed" and the Ram stopped the van for me to take a picture. You may think it's corny, but I kinda took that as a nod my way from God, a reminder of His presence and promise. A few nights before, on our way home from visiting relatives I was the only one awake (yes, *I* was driving ;-). I was just talking to God, pouring out my concerns and He whispered back, "Do you trust Me to be your husband for a while?" Whoa. "Yes, Lord." Though awfully sad to be away from my wonderful husband (The Ram), I'm excited to see how the Lord takes care of us. This will be quite an adventure, an OFG--Opportunity For Growth. Pray for us.Anyway, once we got home from all our running, The Ram made us all omelets. YUM! He had planned to make them for breakfast, but we just didn't have time. After our dinner of omelets, he began packing his bags. Carnival rolled shirts for him and we scouted out all his gear. The whole thing was very surreal. It reminded me of the night before our wedding--that "I'm sure this isn't *really* happening" feeling. But, it happened. We woke up as usual, the Lambies and I, and went on with our routine. The Ram called a couple times--a luxury that will not be possible in about a month. I got an email a while ago. The weather matches our mood around here today--damp and cloudy, but not overly unpleasant. I'm taking comfort in the rain...life goes on. The trees are still getting more vivid each day. Fall is my favorite season.Carnival has lunch ready, so The Ewe's going to sign off for now...I have so much to share from the last week, just no time right now to do it. Remind me to tell you about the G.O.M. (Grumpy Old Mechanic) sometime...Y'all keep your wool dry,The Ewe
Thursday, October 07, 2004
I'm Tired, are Ewe?
Hi, Friends of the Ewe,
My wool's dragging this morning. Two of the four Lambies woke up sick last night--one after the other. First, Musical barked me awake with a frighteningly realistic impression of a seal. We finally got her settled back to sleep and me in my bed, when Lovable came padding into my room saying her ear hurt. I felt her, and she had fever. Got her settled in, and me back to bed--almost asleep...then... SPLATTERY--we all know what *that* was. Yup. Lovable threw up (emphasis on the "ewww"). So, at 3 a.m., the Ewe was mopping up the path to the bathroom, trying not to gag. You'd think after 4 children, the gag reflex and jumpy tummy would have left. Nope. Still have to fight it. At 5:30 (my usual wake up time) the sweet Ram came in and said to stay in bed and get some sleep. He's so sweet. He had to go to work, even though he'd been up with me tending the Lambs. So, 4 hours of sleep is going to have to be enough this time. :-) You know, even with all that, I feel so blessed to be here. I think I've got the most rewarding career in the world.
Well, I need to go. It's 9 a.m. and no one's had breakfast yet...gotta get busy
Y'all keep your wool dry,
The Ewe
My wool's dragging this morning. Two of the four Lambies woke up sick last night--one after the other. First, Musical barked me awake with a frighteningly realistic impression of a seal. We finally got her settled back to sleep and me in my bed, when Lovable came padding into my room saying her ear hurt. I felt her, and she had fever. Got her settled in, and me back to bed--almost asleep...then... SPLATTERY--we all know what *that* was. Yup. Lovable threw up (emphasis on the "ewww"). So, at 3 a.m., the Ewe was mopping up the path to the bathroom, trying not to gag. You'd think after 4 children, the gag reflex and jumpy tummy would have left. Nope. Still have to fight it. At 5:30 (my usual wake up time) the sweet Ram came in and said to stay in bed and get some sleep. He's so sweet. He had to go to work, even though he'd been up with me tending the Lambs. So, 4 hours of sleep is going to have to be enough this time. :-) You know, even with all that, I feel so blessed to be here. I think I've got the most rewarding career in the world.
Well, I need to go. It's 9 a.m. and no one's had breakfast yet...gotta get busy
Y'all keep your wool dry,
The Ewe
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Hornets, Lizards and Food, Oh My!!
Well, The Ewe has received a couple of complaints because I've haven't blogged in over a week...Well deserved rebukes! My apologies to you if you've been gracious enough to surf over here and there was nothing new. Suffice it to say that "Life on the farm [hasn't been] kinda laid back...Ain't much an ole country boy like me can't hack..." OK, so who knows that reference? C'mon...leave a comment--I know someone knows that song.
Anyway, I thought I'd tell you about our hornet saga. A few weeks ago (or was it months now?) the girls came running in, saying, "Mom! There's a bees' nest in the front bush!" After calling a couple wise ladies, we determined it was actually a hornets' nest. Ever wonder why so many athletic teams call themselves The Hornets? Well, I think it's because they're diligent and aggressive. :-) We were advised to stay clear of the nest until winter, when all the critters would be gone from it. Then, we could carefully cut it out of the bush and rid ourselves of it. So, we have gotten good at steering clear. There was a fright a couple of days ago, though, when the girls accidentally threw their basketball into *that* bush. You should have heard the thundering hooves as the girls came barrelling through the back door--pale faced with eyes wide. Evidently, the hornets were in no mood to play basketball. No one was hurt, but it was a good reminder to stay away. Then today, our poor Lawn Mower Man rang the bell and (also wide-eyed) said, "DID YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A HORNETS' NEST IN THIS BUSH?!?!" We had figured he knew about it, as he is more attentive to the goings-on in our yard than we are, but he hadn't noticed it until one of them *flew across the yard* and stung him on his punkin head. Poor guy. He had goose bumps like you get when you get stung (You get those, right?) I was afraid he might be allergic, but he assured me he wasn't. He was fine, but he said you'll definitely know it if you get stung by one. What alarmed me was that L.M.M. (Lawn Mower Man) wasn't even around the bush when it happened. I would have "shooed" him away if he'd gotten close. So, I'm on Hornet Watch now, directing the girls to the *back* yard. We're hoping the cats don't get curious. Ick.
Speaking of cats...I came upon Georgina the other day. She was acting strange, so I moved closer. She slunk farther. I moved closer. She slunk farther. Finally, I saw what had her so defensive. She was eating a lizard. It was still alive and whipping its tail around as it (the tail) stuck out of her mouth. Goodness! It hadn't been *that* long since we fed her! ;-) Anyway, down it went, still fighting back. What a cat.
We nearly (temporarily) invited Georgina into The Ram's bathroom the other day. I was in the living room with the girls when DH motioned me into the kitchen. He had that "I've-got-to-tell-you-something-you-don't-want-to-hear" look on his face. I hate that. He whispered into my ear, "There's a lizard in my bathroom, but it's very small and its tail is already missing." As if its size and amputation would make its presence less offensive. EEEEEKKKKK!!!!!!!!! It was difficult to not screech, but I did well. I kept my mouth shut. I climbed on top of the step stool. I made preparations to evacuate to the upstairs. The Ram cleaned his bathrooom, picking up the laundry, etc., but no lizard. We figured he got out the same way he'd come in. Later, when I needed something out of that bathroom, I gave in to my cowardly, deceiving tempation and asked Lovable to go get it. I stood on my stool and waited for the blood curdling scream. It never came, and Lovable appeared a few minutes later with the requested item. Shameless, I know, but I was nearly sure the lizard would *not* be there and since Lovable didn't know he'd *ever* been there, she would have no fear...And, moreover, the lizard wouldn't have hurt her anyway...and even MOREover, she *likes* lizards. How's that for rationalization? But read that last line again... SHE LIKES LIZARDS!!! See, no harm would have befallen her! I just don't like lizards! Ok...another topic...
One Friend of The Ewe asked for this recipe. It's from the First Family Fixin's cookbook from First Baptist Church, Martin, TN.
Mexican Skillet Spaghetti
1 lb ground beef 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
4 3/4 cups water 2 1/4 oz pkg. taco seasoning mix
2 T instant minced onion 1/2 t. salt
8 oz uncooked spaghetti shredded cheese
In 12-in skillet, brown ground beef and drain. Add tomato sauce, taco mix, water, instant minced onion and salt. Bring to boil. Add spaghetti. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until the spaghetti is tender, stirring frequently, 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle w/ cheese.
Well, I must run. Y'all keep your wool dry!
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "Ya take a *bad* boy, make him dig holes in the hot sun all day, and ya turn him into a *good* boy..."
Anyway, I thought I'd tell you about our hornet saga. A few weeks ago (or was it months now?) the girls came running in, saying, "Mom! There's a bees' nest in the front bush!" After calling a couple wise ladies, we determined it was actually a hornets' nest. Ever wonder why so many athletic teams call themselves The Hornets? Well, I think it's because they're diligent and aggressive. :-) We were advised to stay clear of the nest until winter, when all the critters would be gone from it. Then, we could carefully cut it out of the bush and rid ourselves of it. So, we have gotten good at steering clear. There was a fright a couple of days ago, though, when the girls accidentally threw their basketball into *that* bush. You should have heard the thundering hooves as the girls came barrelling through the back door--pale faced with eyes wide. Evidently, the hornets were in no mood to play basketball. No one was hurt, but it was a good reminder to stay away. Then today, our poor Lawn Mower Man rang the bell and (also wide-eyed) said, "DID YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A HORNETS' NEST IN THIS BUSH?!?!" We had figured he knew about it, as he is more attentive to the goings-on in our yard than we are, but he hadn't noticed it until one of them *flew across the yard* and stung him on his punkin head. Poor guy. He had goose bumps like you get when you get stung (You get those, right?) I was afraid he might be allergic, but he assured me he wasn't. He was fine, but he said you'll definitely know it if you get stung by one. What alarmed me was that L.M.M. (Lawn Mower Man) wasn't even around the bush when it happened. I would have "shooed" him away if he'd gotten close. So, I'm on Hornet Watch now, directing the girls to the *back* yard. We're hoping the cats don't get curious. Ick.
Speaking of cats...I came upon Georgina the other day. She was acting strange, so I moved closer. She slunk farther. I moved closer. She slunk farther. Finally, I saw what had her so defensive. She was eating a lizard. It was still alive and whipping its tail around as it (the tail) stuck out of her mouth. Goodness! It hadn't been *that* long since we fed her! ;-) Anyway, down it went, still fighting back. What a cat.
We nearly (temporarily) invited Georgina into The Ram's bathroom the other day. I was in the living room with the girls when DH motioned me into the kitchen. He had that "I've-got-to-tell-you-something-you-don't-want-to-hear" look on his face. I hate that. He whispered into my ear, "There's a lizard in my bathroom, but it's very small and its tail is already missing." As if its size and amputation would make its presence less offensive. EEEEEKKKKK!!!!!!!!! It was difficult to not screech, but I did well. I kept my mouth shut. I climbed on top of the step stool. I made preparations to evacuate to the upstairs. The Ram cleaned his bathrooom, picking up the laundry, etc., but no lizard. We figured he got out the same way he'd come in. Later, when I needed something out of that bathroom, I gave in to my cowardly, deceiving tempation and asked Lovable to go get it. I stood on my stool and waited for the blood curdling scream. It never came, and Lovable appeared a few minutes later with the requested item. Shameless, I know, but I was nearly sure the lizard would *not* be there and since Lovable didn't know he'd *ever* been there, she would have no fear...And, moreover, the lizard wouldn't have hurt her anyway...and even MOREover, she *likes* lizards. How's that for rationalization? But read that last line again... SHE LIKES LIZARDS!!! See, no harm would have befallen her! I just don't like lizards! Ok...another topic...
One Friend of The Ewe asked for this recipe. It's from the First Family Fixin's cookbook from First Baptist Church, Martin, TN.
Mexican Skillet Spaghetti
1 lb ground beef 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
4 3/4 cups water 2 1/4 oz pkg. taco seasoning mix
2 T instant minced onion 1/2 t. salt
8 oz uncooked spaghetti shredded cheese
In 12-in skillet, brown ground beef and drain. Add tomato sauce, taco mix, water, instant minced onion and salt. Bring to boil. Add spaghetti. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until the spaghetti is tender, stirring frequently, 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle w/ cheese.
Well, I must run. Y'all keep your wool dry!
The Ewe
Quote of the Day: "Ya take a *bad* boy, make him dig holes in the hot sun all day, and ya turn him into a *good* boy..."
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