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A tornado hit our sweet town at around 1:30 am this morning. Our family and home are okay, and as far as we can tell, all of our friends are okay, too. We are without power, so I'm tap tap tapping away on my wonderful smart phone. Very thankful for smart phones and Facebook tonight--as we've all been checking on one another.
Please pray for Branson, MO, today. Please pray for us as we all wake up in a few hours to see all the damage to our beloved little town.
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Here's my truth today: There are certain lightbulbs that absolutely drive me CRAZY. Well, I should be more specific. I cannot stand the light that certain lightbulbs cast--it's a very bright, very "blue" light.
Does anybody else out there know what I am talking about?
Please tell me I am not alone...
I believe these lightbulbs are called Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs (CFLs), and some people really love the bright light they emit.
But, to me--I cannot stand being in a room with that color of light. Light in my home should be golden--cast by good old fashioned lightbulbs. The crazy swirly lightbulbs drive me crazy, too...but I am slowly getting over my hatred of those. But, only because I hear that they are doing away with the old fashioned kind. I figure I'll save myself some future therapy if I go ahead and give in to the terrible swirly ones.
But, the blue light? Absolutely, definitely, wholeheartedly cannot stand it.
When CFLs first became popular, my sweet husband unknowingly replaced some of our overhead fixtures with them. He thought I was losing my mind when I started talking about the horrible "color" of those lights.
After months and months of marital counseling, he and I have come to an agreement: We don't use those nasty lightbulbs in rooms where I will be.
(Okay, I'm kidding about the lightbulb counseling. And I think my husband would rather have golden light than hear his lovely wife harping on the horrible color of those nasty lights!)
So, please tell me--do you notice the "color" of light in your home? What do you think of those crazy swirly lightbulbs?
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Before I show you my favorite dresses from the Oscars, I feel impressed to post a disclaimer.
Billy Crystal said it best in one of my favorite quotes of the night in his opening monologue: "We're here at the beautiful Chapter 11 Theater to celebrate a holiday tradition that not only creates memories for the ages, but breeds resentments that last a long time...Nothing takes the sting out of a recession like watching millionaires present each other with gold statues."
I realize we watch movies to escape reality for a moment, and live in the magical world on the big screen before us.
Much in the same way, we escape the Sunday night reality to live for a few hours in the magical designer dresses and jewels, and witty banter on the screen before us.
The older I get, the more I realize I prefer my reality. Oh don't get me wrong...I'd love to be able to pay off my home mortgage, and not to get a knot in my stomach when paying bills each month. Sometimes I'd love to have a stylist, and a trainer, and a personal assistant, and a maid. But, I'm guessing the magical moments and magical designer dresses on the television screen aren't all they're cracked up to be, either.
I have a strong suspicion those skinny actresses in their lovely designer dresses weren't munching on pizza and chips Sunday night, like my girlfriends and I were. Probably many of those girls ate a stick of celery, and were wearing a whole lot of spandex. Me? I was wearing sweat pants. In fact, my reality is a lot like those navy sweatpants I was wearing: Laid back and little bit slouchy, but completely comfortable and relaxed.
Oh, but don't think I'm on a soapbox here. Because guess where I was Sunday night? Sitting in front of the t.v.--watching the Oscars. And loving every moment of it. Feeling swept away by the creative montages, the hilarious jokes, the genius of Billy Crystal, and of course--the beautiful dresses!
So, let's get on with it! Here are some of my favorite dresses of the night...
Top pick, hands down:
Emma Stone in her stunning, yet simple red flowing dress. Simple hair, simple makeup: elegant! Her Presenter banter with Ben Stiller was hilarious! Love her!!!
And in no particular order, some of my other favorites...
Cameron Diaz
Kristin Wiig
Lara Spencer
Lea Thompson
Octavia Spencer
Maria Menounos
Natalie Portman, in her elegant 1954 Christian Dior gown
And, now, for MY OWN, very special Oscar Awards...
*drum roll, please*
Actress's waistline most likely to resemble my wrist...
(except my wrist may be a little pudgier)
The beautiful, the witty, the very skinny Kelly Ripa
Actress most likely to slip out of her dress...
(and not in a good way)
Honey, your bosoms are showing Jennifer Lopez
Actress most likely to play a super hero
(But, looked simply lovely when she removed her cape)
Presenting Super White Girl powered by celery sticks Gwyneth Paltrow
Actress whose hair weighed more than her dress
(Which, by the way, is stunning)
You won't recognize her when her hair's wet Esperanza Spalding
Actress's leg most likely to get chilly
Or...
Actress most likely showing off her right leg in every photo of the night
Makes me wonder what's wrong with her left leg Angelina Jolie
To be honest...I didn't even get to watch all of The Oscars this year. So, goodbye witty banter and beautiful dresses... Goodbye sweatshirt wearing friends hanging out, and goodbye pepperoni pizza. Back to reality... The reality that I'd promised to help my daughter type a paper and study for a grammar test.
A little escaping and a little magic is fun for a while.
But, reality is always there waiting for my safe return.
Did you escape reality last night?
Who were some of your Oscar Night favorites?
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You may want to wait to read this post when you have time to sit and think about it.
Because, the very nature of its depth may overwhelm your delicate sensibilities.
(Yeah, yo mama said you had delicate sensibilities.)
I have no idea whatsoever whatsoever I am saying.
But, I sure am enjoying myself.
Indubitably.
(Heck yeah, I had to look up the spelling of that word. In fact--PLEASE work this word into your vocabulary today!!! I'll give ya a quarter, if you do. But, you have to say it to me in person...at my house--and ONLY WHEN you are handing me some chocolate ice cream. Then, the quarter is totally yours.)
*ahem*
Back to the very serious nature of this post.
I'm gonna tell you some of my current t.v. show favorites.
And, then--you're gonna tell ME your current t.v. show favorites.
That, my dear friends, is called: Give and take.
1. Downton Abbey- Yes, yes, it's on PBS. What? You don't get that channel? Neither do I. But, I'm watching Season 1 on Netflix. Love, love, love it! I betcha $100 bucks Lord Grantham says "indubitably" at least once a day. Wonderful characters--both upstairs and down--that I'm either rooting for with all of my heart, or hating with all of my heart. (Yeah, I'm talking to YOU, Tom and Mrs. O'Brien)
2. The Firm- A t.v. show based on John Grisham's book? Yes, please! This show is filled with good people...as in these are my people, good people. Starring Josh Lucas and Juliette Lewis. I love that Mitch McDeere (Josh Lucas) is both Southern gentleman and scrappy lawyer, who will fight to protect his clients with good old fashioned justice and personal conviction.
3. Parenthood - Lauren Graham (you know--Lorelai, of the Gilmore girls) is what originally drew me to this show. But now--these people are my family. I hear the Season Finale is airing next week, and I'm already in mourning. Whatever will the Bravermans do without me all summer?
4. Pawn Stars - I'm pretty sure these fellas do NOT use the word "indubitably." At least, not on a daily basis like Lord Grantham. But, they are good ole boys anyway. And my husband will sit beside me on the couch and watch this...and sometimes bring me a bowl of ice cream, too. Which, I like to call a triple score. Couch, t.v., ice cream = successful evening. Plus, watching this show is nearly as good as reading a history textbook. You mark my words.
What about you?
What t.v. shows are you enjoying lately?
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This magazine came in the mail the other day. As soon as I saw the headline, I stopped dead in my tracks:
Am I passionate about my work?
You mean--my work here at home?
My job as a (dare I say it???) housewife, mom, and homeschool teacher?
"Well, of course I'm passionate about my job!" I say
I nodded my head, and walked around my house, I mean my workplace...
Why, JUST LOOK at all of my job perks!
(Also, don't forget how FANCY my workplace is...)
So, yes.
Yes, I am *passionate* about my job.
Although..."passionate" may not be the most accurate choice of words...
What do you think?
Are you *passionate* about your job?
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Happy President's Day! In honor of some of our greatest Presidents (and some of my own personal favorites) I thought it would be fun to celebrate--once again--with some TRIVIA and VIDEOS!!
(Want more? Check out last year's President's Day post!)
How much do you know about our Presidents? We'll find out in a minute, won't we? The more I learn about our early Presidents, the more they become my heroes! I want to teach our children about the character qualities of great men like Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson. I want our children to be inspired by their stories of perseverance, bravery, ingenuity, faith.
Start some great conversations about our Presidents with your kids at breakfast or dinner today--see how many of these answers they know!
President's Day Trivia
1. Who was the smallest—and lightest President, weighing only 100 lbs?
2. Who was the heaviest President, who ordered an enormous new bathtub for the White House after he got stuck in the existing one?
3. Which President took an early-morning skinny dip in the Potomac River most days?
4. Which 4 Presidents were assassinated?
5. Which musical President rose before dawn each day (as a boy) to spend 2 hours practicing the piano?
6. Which President, in earlier careers, worked as a fashion model and Yellowstone park ranger?
7. Who was the only President not affiliated with a political party?
8. Which President named Camp David after his grandson…David?
9. Who was the first President born in a hospital?
10. Which President's personal library of 6,000 books became the basis for the Library of Congress?
Resources to Share with your Family
1) Want your kids to learn the Presidents in order? This fun song not only teaches their names, but an interesting fact about each!
(Click here to view video of The Presidents Song)
2) How about an overview of George Washington's greatness? When you watch this Animated History of George Washington, be sure to listen for these key words: Courage...Character...Unanimously...Leadership
(Click here to view video on George Washington)
3) Watch Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (an excerpt) - Animated Hero Classics, Nest Family Entertainment - We have collected some of these faith-based videos/dvds for our daughters through the years, and they are wonderful! Why not WATCH some of these cartoons with your family today--to celebrate President's Day! Excerpts of the George Washington and Abraham Lincoln videos are posted on YouTube.
(Click here to watch Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address)
4) Hands-down, the best storyteller I have ever heard (besides my dad, of course!) is Jim Weiss. I had the pleasure of hearing him at a denim jumper convention tell stories about the first 5 presidents, and it was one of the best lessons in history I have EVER heard. He made early American history come ALIVE for me that day! I highly recommend any of his Greathall Productions, which are audiobooks he has recorded on cd. Or, download an mp3 about the fascinating life of Thomas Jefferson!
I hope you have a great day celebrating our nation's rich history!
Want MORE Presidential trivia? Have you checked out my post from last year's President's Day?
Who was YOUR favorite President? Why?
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I don't know about you, but I am oh-so-happy it's the weekend! It's a pretty relaxed weekend over here, which makes me even happier.
How about you? Do you have any fun weekend plans?
Okay, are you ready for the announcement of My Favorite Things Giveaway WINNER?
But, first--let's just review the LOOT about to be awarded:
I gotta be honest with ya...I really want to keep the scarf...and also the gummi bears. Okay, and the Amazon gift card. So, if the winner wants to donate any of those items to the MarytheKay Fund, please feel free to do so!
(You know I'm only kidding, right?)
(sort-of)
Oh, you want to know the WINNER, don't you?
Sorry.
So, without further ado, I have an important announcement to make...
May I please have a drum roll?
Congratulations, #7!!! I sure hope you enjoy some of my favorites!!
What? You want to know WHO #7 is, don't you?
Gosh, you're so picky.
Everybody knows #7 is Dawn. (Oh, didn't you know?) How funny that Dawn had just sent me a message last night, telling me she really wanted to win the scarf.
And, honest-to-goodness, Random.org chose her number.
And Random.org does not lie.
Congratulations, Dawn!! Please e-mail me to claim your LOOT!!!
Thank you, everybody, for joining in the fun! If I had a million dollars, I sure would LOVE to surprise you ALL with these favorite things...But, sadly, I do not have a million dollars... I really do love ya all dearly.
Now, go ye forth and ENJOY your WEEKEND!!! That's an order.
What are your weekend plans?
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Everybody's always talking about all the things on their bucket lists. And these things are always super inspirational or, you know, super impressive. Or something super.
People never say normal things they want to do...Like, "Someday, I want to empty the clothes basket at the foot of my bed, and find my clean underwear."
Or, "Before I die, I want my kids to quit fighting over silly little stuff that does not matter, and drives me crazy." Oh wait. I do say that already. Like every single day. Well...I mean...I would say that...if my darling daughters weren't absolutely perfect. But, I'm sure somebody must say that about their kids.
What I'm trying to say here is: Let's stop trying to be super and impressive. Let's be real about life. Let's start talking about all the stuff we DON'T want to do. Let's talk about the UNsuper stuff. Let's talk about how awful dog poop is, and how it really stinks to get a bladder infection. And how when you mash your finger in the door, you kick the door really hard and then your toe hurts, too.
Yeah, that's more like it. Please join me in making an UN-Bucket List: All the things I hope I NEVER do. Or, if you want to be fancy (I mean, super) like me--you can call it your "Kick the Bucket List."
(*clearing her throat*)
(*clearing her throat again. Didn't quite get it the first time*)
(*taking a quick sip of water*)
MarytheKay's Kick the Bucket List:
1. Sing a solo. Or, really, if I'm honest and don't care that I am about to sound like a real dud...I don't even want to sing karaoke--even in a group of people with cool dance moves, and hand motions.
2. Sky dive. Nope, no thank you. I'll leave that sport to you cool people.
3. Go backpacking across Europe, and stay in hostels. My idea of fun in Europe is staying in 5-star hotels. Having to sleep on my backpack so that it doesn't get stolen does NOT sound fun to me at all. I'd rather the doorman deliver my backpack to my suite, thank you very much. (Must begin saving green stamps soon.)
4. Be a contestant on Survivor...or any reality shows, for that matter. I don't like heights, I don't like eating bugs, I don't like wearing my skivvies on national television, I don't like drama, and I don't like other peoples' body odors.
5. Lose all my teeth. I kind of have a fear of falling forward on concrete, and my front teeth breaking--leaving lots of jaggedy edges. Ooohhh, that just gives me the shivers. Hurry--let's change the subject.
6. Become a bodybuilder. I'm sorry. I just don't get the fascination with overgrown, gigantic muscles, that frankly, look a little strange to me. Plus, all that baby oil just gives me the heebie jeebies. I hope none of those poor people ever fall down on the stage--cause they'd just skid right across that floor and off the stage.
7. Become a diabetic. Oh, dear Lord, I pray I don't become diabetic. I really, really, really love sugar. That's a really bad sign...isn't it??? I'd almost rather become a vegetarian. No, I wouldn't...Maybe I would...No, I wouldn't...Maybe I...Wait. What?
8. Explore Antarctica. Nah, I think I'll pass. I'd rather just watch a movie about it. As long as it's less than 12 minutes.
9. Re-take Trigonometry, and make an "A" this time. I just broke out into a cold sweat, and I'm about to hyperventilate. This would be a living nightmare. A mathmare.
10. Bungee jump off...anything.
Whew! I am glad to have all of that off my chest. I bet I just sound like a THRILLING person now, don't I???
Okay, okay. I must write a real bucket list soon--so you people don't think I'm a total dud. I really do like some semi-super and exciting things...as long as the exciting things don't include heights, math, vegetarianism, or jaggedy teeth.
What's on your NON-Bucket List?
Oh, and just so you know...this brilliant non-bucket list idea was the brilliant Mama Kat's, as part of her Weekly Writing Workshop. Please go check out the other brilliant bloggers' non-bucket lists. They ought to be fun!
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I don't know if you know this about me, but I am on several very important life-long searches.
I have searched high and low for the perfect apple pie. (And think I've found it.)
I have searched high and low for the perfect chocolate chip cookies.
And I have searched high and low for a pair of good-fitting jeans...that make me look ridiculously skinny. The jury's still out on that one... (Huh. Funny how this search is in direct opposition to the other 2 searches... Weird.)
This post is about what I think is my FAVORITE recipe for chocolate chip cookies. However, if you feel that YOU have the perfect chocolate chip cookie--I say BRING IT ON! But, I am going to need AT LEAST a DOZEN of your cookies in order to judge them. A cold glass of milk with them would be a nice touch, too.
I promise to judge fairly.
I NEVER discriminate against sweets, nor chocolate chips of any kind.
Now, please cue the harps and the soft drum roll...
Here is my (current) favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe:
Amy's Chocolate Chip Cookies
(This makes a HUGE batch. I usually cut this recipe in half, to make approximately 3 dozen. Or, many times I make the whole batch, but put a tray or two of the unbaked cookies into the freezer. Once the dough is completely frozen, I store them in a ziploc bag until ready to bake. Or...to be completely honest...until I eat them one-by-one, in a couple of days. Please see warning below for more information...)
Cream together:
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
Add into butter mixture:
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
Mix in separate bowl:
4 cups flour
5 cups ground oatmeal (grind dry oatmeal in blender or food processor, until powder texture)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
Slowly add dry flour mixture into butter/egg mixture, while mixing on medium continuously. Once everything is well-mixed together, hand-stir in 24 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 8 oz. grated Hershey bar (or 1 bag of mini milk chocolate chips.)
Drop golf ball size dough onto cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 9-12 minutes. Cookies should be golden brown. Let them sit on the cookie sheet for a minute or two before removing them to cool.
*Modification: Sometimes I add white chocolate chips, instead of chocolate--for my chocolate-allergic mom. The white chocolate chips are a wonderful substitution! YUM!
WARNING: This cookie dough is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE. I know you are not supposed to eat dough with raw eggs...so I'm just warning ya! There's just something about the oatmeal flour in this recipe that makes the dough extra delicious!
WHO wants to bring me a dozen chocolate chip cookies to be in a contest against mine? I promise I'll be fair...and really, really fat, I guess.
Now, I need to go repeat this phrase 27 times: "This is why I run. This is why I run. This is why I run. This is why I run. This is why I run. This is why I run........"
What life-long perfect recipe searches have YOU been on?
(Please tell me I am not alone!)
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Remember back in elementary school, when one of the Valentine games every year was to see how many words you can make from the words "Valentines Day?"
I always worked furiously on that game. Man, I scribbled word after word, amazed at my brilliance.
valiant, Dane, dainty, salve, veal, instead, salient, van, tiny, leaven...
And every stinking time, some kid would beat me. Usually by 10 words or more.
Those are some mighty groovy pants, girl! And...a...halter top over a turtleneck??
But, most of my Valentine's memories are really great ones. Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays...mostly because it comes right after my birthday. Growing up, our family celebrated holidays in a big way. My mom was just really great about that. I'm pretty sure that all of my birthday parties growing up had a heart theme...heart cake, pin the arrow on the heart, pass the heart, heart cups and plates... There were always Valentine treats on the table for my brother, sister, and me at breakfast. My dad always sent beautiful flowers to my mom for Valentines.
But, I know that not everyone has a birthday right before Valentine's. So, I'm sure not everyone has the same fond feelings toward the pink and red holiday. Maybe even some of you have some sad Valentine's memories...
Whatever the case, I sure hope that this Valentine's Day you remember the One who loves you most. The Valentine who never disappoints. The One who thinks you're beautifully made, and longs for a relationship with you. The Valentine who created romance, and warm fuzzy feelings, and candlelight, and roses. The only Valentine who loves you utterly, and completely, and forever.
That kind of love is hard to resist. When you stop and think about it.
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
What do you think about Valentine's Day?
What are your fun memories?
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