Kids in the 'hood are Brilliant

We all know there is no fun quite like Snow Fun...
Well here in the 'hood, we do it up right.
First, the conditions have to be perfect.
They were.
Thick layer of ice.
Followed by a nice cushy layer of damp snow.
Perfect slicker'n snot conditions for slidin' and sleddin'.

First, you outfit 'em up with high tech Slippin'-n-Slidin' gear.

The kind found at Target and Wal*Mart.

Then turn 'em loose in the streets.

Yes, that is his shoe pokin' through.

It was a fabulous idea...in my head.

You encourage them to be creative in their work.

If that isn't a Hood Snowgirl, then I need to close shop.

She's got her colors.

Her spiked bling.

Her flinty gaze,

a big caboose,

...and huge ta-tas.

Now with my Girl unknowingly enhancing them for me.

Thank you for that Sugar.

Your father is gonna be so proud of this post.

Gratuitous picture of my Baby.

He does not know he isn't a husky.

He thinks God created the white fluffy stuff just for him.

I was hoping to show you how absolutely gorgeous the ice was sparkling and shimmering in the sunlight. But alas, this picture does not give you the oooo ~ ahhhh feeling I was searching for.
Sorry.

No doubt this one of my baby, Olliver will though.

Okay, I'll stop! I can tell by his look and yours...

I snapped this right before we headed to The Hill.

Now, the saddest part of this post is I did not have my camera with me at The Hill. For if I did, you'd have to agree the kids in the 'hood, when left to their own devices, are brilliant and creative thinkers. Real problem solvers.

Not all the kiddos out sleddin' today had the great joy and privilege of owning a real sled, toboggan, disk or other snow vehicle.

So they got creative, solved the dilemma and provided for themselves.

Here's a short list of what I saw in action or deserted on The Hill today:

• The typical garbage can lids.
• Giant plastic sheeting.
• Standard Okie blue tarp. (Their Daddy'll miss that coverin' one of his cars in the yard...)
• Skateboards with no wheels.
• Ice chest lid.
• An ice chest.
• Laundry baskets galore.
• A gi-normous wok.
• Cardboard. (if you're moving, The Hill is your box source.)
• A cookie sheet.
• A plastic flexible cutting board.
• Metal flashing.
• A realtor sign. (I should have taken old JBF signs and hocked 'em for a buck a pop. Coulda made Sashi and I a coupla bucks!)
• A full size trash can.

And my two favorites...

1. A full size pickup truck bed liner. (It carried a whole block's worth of kiddos.)
2. And a Kiddie Pool. (It carried the whole fam damily. Including the dog.)

All in all it was a fabulous day.

We saw some spectacular crashes on the homemade jobbies.

The kids realized the whiny-hiney episode of owning only one serviceable sled at the moment was small and petty when they looked around and realized at least they had one. I was very proud of the way they eagerly shared theirs and experimented with the offered alternatives.

Oh, and their vocabulary was expanded today. Not in a good kinda expansion either. But hey! At least the poor neglected homeschoolers were socializing with their peers.

They came home sopping wet, freezing cold, red-faced and smiling from ear to ear.

I sure hope that wasn't our last Snow Day of the winter cause I'm hoping Taco Bandito (Sashi's lover) can hook the Shooter fam up with a truck bed liner for the next big snow.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: You missed it today Bubba! I know you wanted me to put their go-cart helmets on 'em...but Love, I already scar them by educating them at home. I just couldn't add Over Protective to the mix today...

Fact of the Day: Why is it significant that the first Roosevelt dime was issued on this day in 1946? Because in 1937 the then POTUS, who himself was afflicted with polio, asked his fellow Americans to each send him a dime for polio research, they did. He received 150,000 letters a day for months. He called the event The March of Dimes. On April 15, 1955, exactly ten years after Roosevelt's death, Dr. Jonas Salk announced his discovery of the first polio vaccine. Hence, when it came time to honor the late President, Congress chose the dime.

Crumb Snatcher Speak & upcoming interview

Boy Child, very matter of fact: "You know I'm only 10 and I've already dumped one girlfriend..."

Me, thinking: Oh maaaaan! And this from he who last week didn't think it was okay for any other male to touch his new wife's garter!

Me, asking: "Wwwow. Really? And who was that...?"

Boy Child, again very matter of fact: "I don't really know. I can't ever remember her name...it was so long ago. Like a lifetime."

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Oh Crud! I think we're (okay, I) am going to be in for big trouble with this one..."I've already dumped a girlfriend..."
Oh, and one more little thing. Would you be up for an interview? Like if people left questions in the comments or emailed them to me and I asked you and then posted the answers in a post kind of interview? You'd be cool with that? Fabulous! Okay, y'all - ask away!

One Fact a Day: Today is Oprah's 55th birthday! Yes. Five-five.

"Hello Principal Shooter? Yeah (fake cough), I need a sub today..."

I figure that's what I may need to do after Big Shooter's misplaced words of yesterday's post.

Silly man. He has no idea what is about to be set before him!

(This would be BS after, oh say 10 minutes, of teaching the Crumbs...)

My mom does.

And she won't do it again.

Be my substitute.

When Big Shooter came home from the little surgery in which they cut him in half and removed a cancer ridden organ and I was still fulfilling his fantasy of servant, I mean nurse, my very brave momma agreed to teach the Crumbs for me a couple days so they wouldn't get too far behind.

Picture of Brave Momma teaching the Crumbs

How'd that turn out?

Wellll, let me ask you what you were like when you walked into class and saw an easy target - a.k.a. a substitute teacher?

It went about this good:

I'm just pulling your leg. Well, about the easy target substitute part....

And now speaking of school, I have decided since a majority of my days are taken up with school I would like to share a little fact each day. Starting with today.

Where were you when...?

...this happened 23 years ago today?

I was a junior in Chemistry class. And I can hear President Reagan's words in my head to this day, "...when they slipped the surly bonds of this Earth and touched the face of God."

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Sorry to dampen your mood in the end Big Guy. I have another fact you might find enjoyable. Cause I think it's a guy thing? Yesterday (when I wanted to start a Fact a Day), Thomas Crapper, the guy who invented...well, you know, would have been 99 years old.

Errector muscles, goose bumps & public school...

When Big Shooter asked the kids what they'd learned in school the other day...
We, all three, enthusiastically explained we learned what causes goose bumps!
(Do you already know?)
There's a little, teeny-weeny, microscopic muscle at the base of each and every hair on your body. When a stimulus is applied (like temperature or fear) it contracts and pulls the hair erect into an upright position!
The muscle is called arrector pili.
Now at this point I could go down the road you think I am dying to go down...and the truth of it is, I am dying to bring up the fact that there are millions of teeny-weeny, microscopic muscles that sole job, when stimulated of course, is to cause millions of teeny-weeny erections...

But, I'm not. I am going to share the rest of the conversation with Big Shooter instead.

When we were all done enthusiastically explaining the reason for goose bumps, he looked at me questioningly and asked with amusement, "Are you serious? You didn't know that?"

"Uhhh, no. I didn't." (Did y'all? Am I alone in my ignorance?)

He looked at me and very seriously said, "I'm a little concerned...maybe they should go to public school."

So I am dying to know if you all knew about this most humorously named muscle that only needs a little stimulation to cause an erection?? Cause if you all do, he's right, they need to go elsewhere besides the kitchen table to be educated.

If you didn't know about the erector muscles (I love saying it), aren't you just the littlest bit curious to know how Big Shooter knows all about them?

Yeah, me too.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: I don't know what to say here Big Guy. I don't want the words teen-weeny or microscopic or erector muscle in your love note...so I am just going to be moseyin' on now...

It's THAT time again...

JBF - Just Between Friends.

Our sale is 9 weeks away.

So Saucy Sashi and I are meeting to get things done...often.

We had a breakfast meeting a little while back.

After about an hour or so, Girl and Boy Child had pretty much had enough.

Since I have no clue how to work the scanner and the pix are blurry, I'll translate below.

Girl Child leans around and slips a note on our table: "are you omost done?"

Sashi: "Yes! In a JBF kinda way! Love, Sashi"

Girl Child: "Hello Girl Child speaking. I'm glad I'm realy glad. I'm realy realy glad Love Girl Child"

But, apparently she didn't believe us, because When Boy Child asked what we'd said, she wrote this to him: "no, In a copl hours."

When the ticket came it was Boy Child's turn. He slipped me this note: "Do I have to pay?"

Me: "Yes! Use your good looks and charm."

Girl Child interrupted: "He berly has any. love Girl Child"

Love Note to my Big Shooter: I can berly believe it's omost time for another sale???

Mission Accomplished

We all remember former President Bush standing on the flight deck with the ginormous banner behind him - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. He faced years of ridicule for that. My question to you is this: Did he accomplish his personal mission to protect us on his watch? Did we not enjoy safety in our own country on his watch?

I am with the half of the U.S. who believes we must make the unpleasant choice, apply force when needed, sacrifice one to save all, if you will. I am mortified to find out the first change President Obama has signed into effect is the closing of Gitmo (with no clear and solid plan as to where the detainees are going. Some are going to be sent back to their countries, some to other countries, some into the U.S. Of course this is all tentative to a 30 day committee investigation???) That decision joined with these idealistic notions : "We intend to win this fight. We're going to win it on our terms, in a manner that is consistent with our values and our ideals," Obama declared, turning U.S. policy abruptly on just his second full day in office.

??? Our terms? Is he joking? When was the last time you heard an extremist say, "Before I blow myself up to kill as many of you infidels as I can so I can go visit my 70 virgins, I'd really be interested in your terms of this fight." Riiiight. And with "our values and ideals"???? There are so many grown men cleaning their britches out tonight...I am with them.

Call it what you want. It is bleeding heart, idealistic, naivety b.s.

Be prepared people, we are going to be attacked again.

No wonder he received the high praise and high campaign donations from the Arab nations. They must be licking their chops today. Salivating at their luck.

I may be in the minority, but I am thankful for Bush's resolve, his steadfast commitment to keeping my children safe, not matter the risk, ridicule, or crucifixion he faced. I knew he was willing to do whatever it took. And, I for one, appreciated that.

A friend of mine sent this link to me yesterday. It is a place to thank President Bush for his actions and protection of us right after and around 9/11. Here's the letter I left him:

To My Steadfast Commander In Chief,

I offer my sincerest gratitude for becoming a nation's unyielding shield. For enduring the enemy's painful arrows and at times the world's wrath. You were an exemplary shepard to your flock. You offered shelter in stormy weather. Water to our souls when they were withered with sorrow and worry. Sustenance when there seemed to be no more available. You never shied from the wolves. Always sought out the one missing and in need of protection. Ever mindful of us. Of our vulnerabilities.The price you paid for my continued freedom is immeasurable. And I am eternally grateful.

Your fellow American,

Straight Shooter

President George W. Bush walks the South Lawn Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, prior to departing the White House for the final time.


Former President George W. Bush glances out over the U.S. Capitol as he helicopters a final time to Andrews Air Force Base Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, following the Inauguration of President Barack Obama.


A folder addressed to "44," left by Former President George W. Bush for President Barack Obama, sits on the Resolute desk in the Oval Office Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: I love the new House Rule: Cuddling on the sofa for 15 minutes...NO MATTER WHAT is on the have to get done list. Cause you are correct, (yeees. I said correct and you in the same breath) nothin' is more important than gettin' us done. Thank you for reminding me. (I would go gag about this time in a normal Love Note, but I am actually very touched by Big Shooter's new insight.) Love you Big Guy.

"Uh...No officer, I don't know how fast I was going."

I am not exactly sure why he is smiling...

Those little slips of paper he is holding?

Why they'd be OHP Warnings.

2 of 'em.

2 days apart.

Yep.

One on the 16th

And...

One on the 18th.

Did I mention he got an actual speeding ticket a month before?

Oh, I didn't?

Well, he did.

And obviously, he didn't learn a thing from that experience.

I consider this a most embarrassing moment for him.

I don't think he does so much.

Maybe that's the whole problem.

Maybe a little razing or public ridicule will help drive the point home...?

Most likely that won't either. He'll just drive my daily visitor counter up while he obsessively checks the comments to see what you have to say about him.

So what say you to Lead Foot?

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Girl Child was right. At least the flashing lights were pretty at night...

Inauguration Day 2009

I was going to post about the Big Day, Shooter Style. But several things are keeping me from it.
First being that Girl Child begged me not to. She has "had all I can take of change today Mommy. Please, not another word about why I should be happy and proud... please. I just... am not." Second, I have too many angles to hit so I can't settle on just one. In fact, I could not stop thinking of titles all day to cover all the points I wanted to talk (make fun of, smile at, point out, moan over, basically gnash my teeth) about. Here are a few I could remember:



19 minutes of "Stormy weather and icy conditions ahead..." (seriously. I thought it would be fantastic. Out of the park. It's a main reason the Crumbs had to stop lessons and watch. But, nothing jumped out. No "Ask not what your country...", "...nothing to fear, but fear itself", or "I have a dream.")

The Dream became a Reality

Moving Day

Fumbled Oath

44th

The Fruit of Lincoln's Labor

New Residents at 1600

Obmania

2 Million Man March

We've Come a Long Way

Poor Ted

Here today, Gone this morning

Good-Bye Laura

New First Family

Engaged in two wars & financial dire straits and $160,000,000.00 of the taxpayers' $$ was spent on A Party for One... Nice change Dems.

Already Hoping for a Change

I Feel Sick

Frigid Stroll into History

On the serious side, I want what my wise FIL wants in this new POTUS, "Sweetie, I hope in 4 years I'll want to vote for him..."

Well said FIL. Me too.

I wish him well.

I hope he is successful in all he dreams and promises for this the Greatest Country in the World.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: I didn't tell you the rest of the story about your boy when it came to the "privates, goodies, garter mix-up". After Boy Child was reminded what a garter was he thought for a little bit and then asked, "Is that the little thing I'll sling-shot and other guys will catch it?" I responded affirmative. With a concerned expression he observed, "But...if it touched my wife...I really don't want other guys to touch it Mommy..."

Be still my heart. You're doing a great job with him Love. Thank you from his mother, sister, and his future wife and daughters.

Crumb Snatcher Speak

I know I teased you with a Big Shooter embarrassing moment today, but honestly, I am bushed and need some serious sleep. Depending on The Big Day today, I'll try to post it tomorrow.

Boy Child: "When I get married, do I really have to reach up and get my wife's private?"

Me thinking: "WHAT?!??? Where did this come from??? ...reach up and get her privates???" Then I realized what he meant and started to ask, "Do you mean..."

But before I could finish, Girl Child inquired: "... her goodies?"

After I could keep a straight face I asked them both: "Do you mean the little garter?"



Love Note to my Big Shooter: Just so you know, I didn't tell them what a garter was...they saw them on America's Funniest Videos...niiiice.

Change? I ain't seein' it so far...

It's been awhile since I stirred the pot, got a bee in my (or others') bonnet, or otherwise caused a ruckus with my opinions.

So here goes...

It was all about CHANGE. Wasn't it?

Well here's a change I, for one, would really like to see.

Treat the Office of the Presidency with respect, honor and humility... not a red carpeted Hollywood event.

I have been looking forward to walking through this inauguration celebration with the Crumb Snatchers. I love the fact the first big historical milestone they will remember forever is a very good one. We all have the big ones in our own lives. Where were you when Reagan was shot? Where were you on 9-11?

I am thrilled my kiddos' first will be, "Where were you the day the first black president was sworn in?"

I love the fact inauguration is like a week-long celebration of renewal. I love the feeling of cleaning house, starting fresh. (stay with me here, all you doubters) I love Washington D.C. and all it's trappings of pomp and circumstance. However, I have not been thrilled with the celebrations thus far...

Call me cranky, a kill-joy, boring, too traditional, whatever you must. I do not give a rat's ass what Bono Fido Lunatic, Sheryl Crows Non-Stop Liberalism, Tom no tHanks, or (bless his precious pea-picker I do truly love him) Tiger, George cLooney Bin, Usher, Denzel or any other celebrity has to say about the duties and responsibilities of the President of the United States. I really don't.

The last Prez we had who treated the White House like a Hollywood Hooter's turned it into a revolving door of self indulgence, celebrity entertainment and a Secret Service nightmare.

I so hope Elect does not continue on the path his planners seem to have him on...

I understand he has to give kudos, earned air time and credit to all the Hollywood Lefties who helped get him where he stands...I do.

But, I so hope he ends it there.

Please, please Mr. President-Elect do not allow Hollywood to move in with you on Tuesday. Cause, you know that other half of America that didn't want you? Well, we all feel the same about this issue and we are all watching to see what your first few decisions say about you and your loyalties.

Por Favor?

Love Note to my Big Shooter: You're suuuure it's okay to share your most embarrassing moment of the weekend with everyone tomorrow? Really sure? Cause, if you are...I'm sharing. And y'all, it has everything in common with Obama's CHANGE, and HOPE, and PROGRESSION, and ALTERNATIVES. Because I hope Big Shooter changes his progression or he will be livin' in alternative housing.

The post that was not to be...

I mentioned I was out of town?
I'm with Mamacita. (Sashi's momma.)
She's working me to the bone.
My day has run outta hours.
My Crumbs are vying for my attention.
My mind is focused on a bajillion things other than blogging.
And therefore the post that was to be, is no more.

Feel free to leave a comment about how this turn of events has ruined your day, you are crushed b/c you visit just so I can make your life worth while and meaningful, you don't know how you will possibly be able to go on...
Okay, so if not that, then just a friendly hello??

Love Note to my Big Shooter:
Sigh. I canNOT wait to see you...in just a few hours. Sigh. I've missed you.

Heroes in harm's way...

This is Ron.

He's a marine.

He is an American hero.

He is in extremely dangerous conditions.

These are his heroes.

His three most precious Gifts.

They miss him hourly.

They pray for his safety daily.

This is his heart.

Her name is Alycia.

She is not complete without him by her side.

She prays continuously for his safety.

When you think of your FREEDOM...

to go to the grocery store, talk on the phone, take the kids to a good school, watch your favorite tv show, come home from work safely, get a hug from the ones you missed today...

...say a prayer for his safety and all the other American heroes putting themselves in harm's way right now ... for you.

The Shooter family appreciates all you are doing Ron and fellow military brethren. We appreciate all the mommas who are making it work everyday while the other half of their heart is separated from them. We so appreciate the children who are holding it together in the midst of huge change and scary feelings of uncertainty.

We pray for you daily. All of you.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: This post made me think of you and your presence in our home. I cannot begin to tell you how important it is. How we look forward to seeing you walk in the door. How we count down the minutes until we get to giggle, hug and just be with you.

Visit Alycia at Where My Treasures Are...

I guess, because you can't know enough about Straight Shooter...

So I snagged this from my fellow Okie Blogger Jenni at One Thing. Why? Because I can use it to learn more about you Dear Reader! And because I am out of town and forgot my camera cable to upload some pix so as to help break up the constant stream of words, words, words!
Seriously, I would love if you'd share 5 or more about yourself when you get to the bottom.
If you think it looks fun (or effortless) feel free to copy it to yours and invite me over. I love to get to know you better!!

Just boldface the items that you HAVE done, and leave the rest normal….

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (does a layover count?)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (his name is Big Shooter...and it 's not $$$ I'm talkin' about)
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning (from my own cookin' none the less)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (did it to fly to Idaho...felt so bad when I came back I told my principal...she slapped my wrist and told me next time to use a personal day...I didn't know we had them)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29 Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community (click here to read about being called Chubby by the Amish)
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41 Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45 Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (do home movies count?)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60 Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67 Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (are they trying to make me cry?)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
89. Saved someone’s life (not to my knowledge)
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Now your job is to list 5 or more numbers in your comment so I can learn more about you Dearest Bloggy Friend!

Love Note to my Big Shooter: I think I know which to highlight for you...but, you never know, after 16 or 17 years of marriage (which ever it is...) maybe you'll still surprise me!

I broke a CHICK cardinal rule.

Once upon a time there was a Young Maiden and a Gallant Suitor.

They suited for 5 1/2 years.

Then they wedded.

Many blissful TINK years went by. (two income no kids)

Then one day the Young Maiden gave birth to the first Crumb Snatcher.

She was awakened from her pleasant dream world abruptly.

She noted her youth fading.

She noted her girth increasing.

And alas, she noted her memory lapsing.

This last fact was the most disheartening. For she wanted more than anything to remember all she had experienced with her Suitor...and of course, his spawn.

When ever fate would grant her an opportunity to celebrate with him, she grabbed it with both hands.

Their favorite celebrated day was the anniversary of their union.

They loved the season.

They loved the spirit that surrounds it.

They loved ditchin' the Crumbs.

One day, several weeks after their last celebration. The Maiden was pondering their union.

If one was spying on her thru the window pane, one would have seen first a look of puzzlement. Then astonishment. Then a full throttle belly laugh from deep within.

For when her Gallant Suitor came to see what she found humorous she asked, "How long, O Love of my Life, have we been blessed in this union?"

She laughed even more heartily when he replied with a flourish and exuberant flair, "Why 17 glorious years My Pet."

You see dear one, as she had lay earlier pondering her union, she realized they had celebrated their 17th Blessed Year...and they had only been bound for 16.

As she began to explain the fact to Suitor Man, he guffawed and snorted for he remembered they had celebrated their 16th the year before when in actuality it was the big 15 milestone instead!

The Suitor shook his head and with a dead serious face whispered these loving words, "Wuh-ow! Sure glad it wasn't me that screwed that one up!! Forgetting your own anniversary is like a huge cardinal sin isn't it?? Or at least a death wish..."

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Wow, times flies when you're havin' fun!!

Real Food...it's what's for dinner!

I just knew asking y'all if you had any ideas or suggestions you'd come thru...and you did!!

I totally forgot about sushi! (Thanks Shawna!) I can have every thing cut up in advance and make a quick roll for him. And the pad Thai (mild, very mild), rice vermicelli. (...and you didn't think you were helping Tracy!) The salmon! Oh, the blessed salmon! (Flea, he thinks you are a Goddess!)

The websites. Thank you, thank you. I have read all weekend. Without Shawna and Sheila I wouldn't have known there was a dedicated Gastroperisis Cookbook coming out soon! Without Willow I would have continued to space the fact I have the cookbook for kids with special food needs right in my cookbook drawer! Thanks for jogging my memory Girl!

FIL wrote a personal email to tell us about a possible surgery to implant a stomach pacemaker if Big Shooter's condition remains a chronic one. That told BS two things: 1. His dad did a bunch of research to understand his condition more thoroughly. (You don't find the surgical info without a little digging.) And 2. He's with us. Thank you my sweet Father-in-Law. You, once again, made his mouth form that touched, teary-eyed, cared for smile.

I so appreciate all your suggestions. It may seem like a small thing for you to make a suggestion...but, it is HUGE to me! I get so overwhelmed and bogged down I forget simple things like cooking the rice with / in broth. (Thanks for the reminder Sheila!)

Pat, my dear friend, you of all people know what this is like. (Her DS was allergic to everything. Every.Thing.) Thank you for reminding me and I would love to talk to his nutritionist here in town!!
Fringe Girl, I know it sounds impossible (and honestly Big Shooter's diet is a pain in the arse), but actually feeding the Crumbs and myself isn't too hard. It's when we throw BS's woes in the mix that I have to cook two meals. Which is only dinner during the week. And with a whole cookbook coming our way soon, two meals won't seem too bad. Someone suggested doubling the meals I do make and serving left overs or freezing them for those rushed, hurry-up and go times. Brilliant! And oh so easy!
Thank you! Thank you all!
We put all the names in an OU hat and had Boy Child draw out a name for the nylon carry-all that comes all folded up in a little bitty pouch. It was my hometown girl, Flea! Congrats. Can you please send me your address Girly??
We put Shawna and Sheila in the hat for the canvas bag since they each came back at least once to give us some more tips. Girl Child drew Sheila's name out. Congrats my friend. I'll be sending it soon with our annual New Year's letter.

Tomorrow I'll be sharing the Cardinal Girl Rule I broke...

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Well now. I hope it wasn't too bad being outed again. Cause Love, I'm gonna be cookin' up a storm for youuuu! I love you Skinny Minny!

Sawdust... It's what's for dinner.

I need some help. More specifically, I need some recipe ideas. I know I just lost a bunch of you right there. But if you like challenges, this is your game. I promise. If you can come up with a meal I can serve the two males (Girl Child can just suffer through and I will be thrilled to cook one meal at a time.) I will put your name in a drawing for one of these re-usable bags.

And if you come up with TWO (oh.my.word. I would be giddy with excitement!) recipes for the males to eat at once I'll put you in the drawing for this as well!

Here's why:

Big Shooter's eating woes: He has gastroparisis (stomach is paralyzed) so he can have no fiber. No fiber. Did you know there is fiber in coffee? He can eat very few veggies, IF they are cooked to mush. No salads. NO berries. No fruits... well, I can put a few fresh ones in front of him, IF I peel them first. And I'm not talking the ones you think of when you say peel here either, like grapes. NO legumes or nuts of any kind. NO seeds or grains of any kinds. No oats or brown rice. Basically, for the gastroparisis he can eat white enriched flour and white rice with a side of air. Now, here's where I always screw it up, since he had his gallbladder removed he cannot tolerate (that's my nice way of saying how his body reacts) ANY fats, oils or spice either. Whenever I hear of some scrumptious meal made of white enriched flour or nutritious white rice I jump right on it in hopes he will like it. What I always seem to forget about are the fats, oils and spices in it to jazz it up... Bad, bad wife.

Anyone see my dilemma?

Let's move on to Boy Child's allergies: He is allergic to soy, corn, wheat, and peanuts. Only four things. They just happen to be the four ingredients in every thing...

Now Girl Child is not allergic or ill. Her affliction is pickiness: NO meat. Okay, maybe a small nibble of a pork chop. Eggs? Occasionally, but mostly eeeh. Milk? In cereal, but for the most part, eeeh. Veggies? EEEEh, except a few raw carrots. Fruits? eeeh, except grapes and an occasional orange. Our rule is: You have to at least try a bite of what ever we serve. She does so without complaint. Then calmly gags. She doesn't make a big deal of it. She doesn't whine or complain that she is starving b/c she chose not to eat...and she is. This has completely caught me off guard. This is the child who orders tomato florentine soup and calamari for lunch, but won't finish a couple pieces of grilled chicken breast to save her life. What does she like? Any bread or pasta related food out there. She would eat her way out of an Olympic size pool if it was filled with simple sugar carbs like white bread or spaghetti. (She can't do wheat because it doesn't feel or look right.) I wonder at times if she has acquired this newish pickiness because of how much time, effort and thought I have to put into meals for the other two...

Anyway, there it is. Back when Big Shooter still had his gallbladder and before cancer, when he still had his kidney, and before his stomach just decided to stop working one day, it really was rather simple to feed Boy Child. Meat, veggies, oat breads, fruits, legumes, berries, nuts...healthy whole foods. Now? Not so easy for the momma. We three have gained tremendous amounts of weight eating what Daddy can tolerate and Boy Howdy, that has been BAD! So basically I cook two meals each night. I would so love to NOT HAVE TO DO THAT!

Okay, done whining! Thanks for your ideas. I know you all will come up with things I would never have thought of. That's why I am finally sharing.

Love Note to Big Shooter: Sorry I outed your health issues to the bloggy world again. But these are super smart and creative thinkers who visit here! They will be able to offer you something besides white rice and air. I just know it! I love you.

A Historical Moment, and all I could focus on was...

* 3 blue ties, 1 purplish & 1 red striped.

* Purplish? Hope that's not a Lewinski doo-dad.

* Only the two youngest have the little flag lapel. Wonder why?

* Senior looks like a very relaxed farmer/rancher shootin' the breeze with his hands in his pockets. Wonder if you can see the tell tale round shape of a can in his back pocket?

* Elect looks simply giddy. Or is that discomfort between the two Texans? I can't distinguish. Does W have Tex-Mex breath b/c Elect is leanin' towards Sr.?

* Jr., after 8 years, still cannot find it within to look comfortable in pictures. Why has someone not taken pity on the man and given him some pointers???? Reminds me of my grade school pictures, "Let your hands hang naturally at your sides." Yeah, right. They never look natural.

* Bill, what a weeny. (Sorry, that's always my first thought.) Then - Hmmm, why does he always have his hands on people? Jr., surprisingly, seems oblivious to his touch. (I know. It was said with tongue in cheek people. Don't bombard my inbox.)

* Why is Juh-immy seem so distant? Is it because Bill's trying to pull him closer? Are all the scary voices coming back? Or is he just that unbelievably uncomfortable without a hammer in his hand?

* I wonder if Elect will ever smoke in that room cause those draperies will be a !#$%@ to get the smell out of.

* And last, "Hey Crumbs, come take a look at a very cool picture..."

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Thank you for never wearing a purplish tie. I can't begin to convey my gratitude...

New Category called ~ Big Shooter Speak

Big Shooter telling me a story: "...and then I said, in my most self defecating voice, blah, blah, blah..."

Me: "...um Love, do you mean self deprecating??"



Love Note to Big Shooter: Hmmm...and to think you'd just been making fun of me not knowing what causes goose bumps... Silly, silly boy.

Pucker Up Straight Shooter

It seems my friend Jenni over at One Thing and Grueling Homeschooling thinks I may be deserving of a Lemon Award...

She thinks it originated with the ole "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" motto.

I cracked up because my initial reaction to a serving of lemons usually does not involve me whipping up a quenching batch of lemonade. No my friends. It is more like a whiny-hiney, extremely sour squirt down the throat that makes me look like I'm having a convulsion.

On the other hand, since Girl Child and I do love us some lemon pie and some lemon pudding and Lemonheads and even lemonade...I figured I'd better look a little deeper for Jen's sake and see if I could come up with some proverbial lemonade from 2008.

And wouldn't you know it? As soon as I started reminiscing about Big Shooter's trials and tribulations this past year the whole "Pooor me, Woebegone, Whiny-Hiney" line of crap soon gave way to overwhelming gratitude and extreme humbleness for my Maker.

With Him, through Him, because of Him we were able to turn cart loads of a certain yellow citrus into life lessons for ourselves and the Crumb Snatchers.

Here are a few things we found out about our family :

We possess ...

Incredible strength

Unshakable faith

Steadfast determination

We experienced...

Deepest humility

Undeniable power of prayer

True friendship

We came away with...

Unabashed devotion to each other.

So thank you Jenni! Thank you for making me stop and and re-evaluate our year, look at it through fresh eyes, different prospective, with a clean slate.

Now y'all know the drill. I pass it on to others so they can look for the positive in a yucky situation, write a post and then pass on the bloggy love. The problem is - I have to hold it to 10. Maybe it's me, but it seems everyone I read seems to always make bloggy-fodder lemonade out of icky circumstances. And usually, stinkin' hilarious lemonade at that! So I have enlisted Big Shooter's help in picking just 10. He's going to look at my extensive bookmarked list and do a kind of eeny-meeny-miney-moe thing for me. If you are not one of them and you are just dying to write your recipe for lemonade...by all means, consider yourself AWARDED!

Big Shooter is awarded this prestigious award, even though he doesn't have a blog...that we know of.

Soliloquy of She Just Had to Say It

Fringe Girl at The Domestic Fringe

Jessica at Farm Fresh

Marie at Losha's Hope

My friend at Happy Chaos

Bloggy Buddy at 6 Happy Hearts

Mama Belle at The Bayou Belles and Their Beau

Marcy at The Glamorous Life Association

My friend Queenie at The Queen B

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Drawin' a blank here...sorry. I guess it's just a plain ole, big mushy, gushy I love ya, Baby Cakes.

We are giving up TV.

Normally we are not a family of New Year's Resolutions. In fact, we've made a point of giving resolutions a wide berth. So I am not so sure what to call our family's choice of action this coming month. An early Lent maybe?
We're ditching the screens. No TV. No computer. No video games.
Okay, not totally ditchin'. But, it feels like it to the fam.
Big Shooter and I will be limited to 1 free hour a day. (So I can blog and check my e-mail.) And Crumb Snatchers will be allowed 1/2 hour daily.
I'm blaming it on Andrea of Sgt. and Mrs. Hub.
I love, love, love to visit her site and read about her fam. She's one of those people you instantly think of as a friend. She is an awesome momma. She is a thoughtful and loving wife. She is funny and honest. She is the kind of girl I wished lived next door. I am very impressed and encouraged by her. Therefore, I am always influenced by her. So one day when she casually mentioned they didn't have a TV, I became very intrigued. A few days later she explained and I was hooked. Line and sinker.
Go visit her. You'll be hooked. You'll wish she lived next door. Promise.
Anyway, I loved what she described. Dinner every night together at the table. Uninterrupted family time. Quiet one on one time with hubby in the evenings just for chit chat...or whatever.
She said if they need to watch something, they record it and watch it when the kids are asleep or they look it up online. I don't want to become a family of brainless scarecrows...
So we're trying it out for a month. We'll be starting it in a couple weeks.
I'll be letting you know how it's going.
First, I have to wrestle the remotes away from someone...

Note to my Big Shooter: Thanks for agreeing to this little experiment. Even if I did have to do a little arm twisting.

Post One Year Ago: If you give a kid a camera...