MarytheKaytheBlog

Pointer Hatchet Schoolroom linky dinks

Well, well, well.  What have we here?  

I do believe we have what is commonly called...A WEEKEND!!!!

(Imagine that I am doing a little jumpy dance over here.)

We have no big plans this weekend, which makes me vury vury happy.  We are about to head into our cuh-ray-zee busy summer mode, so a lazy weekend sounds heavenly!

You want some links?  I got some links.  Don't say I never gave you anything.

Word.

 

Honey, I changed my mind (again.)  THIS is what I want for Mother's Day.  A week would be nice.  (pretty pretty please?)

 

If you're not a mother, and sometimes you want to RUN AWAY rather than attend church on Mother's Day morning...I wish I could give you a hug right now.  I've been right there...and I am really sorry if Mother's Day is a sad day for you.  I don't even have the best words to say to you to make things all better.  Because, sometimes nothing can make it better.  Right?  Anyway, I just wanted to say that I will be thinking of you this weekend.  And if I know you, I'll even be saying a little prayer for you.

 

We don't have any plans to homeschool our daughters in high school, but this box of books for a high schooler totally fascinates me. I found myself mesmerized by some of the books. I want many of them FOR MYSELF--namely, The Visual History, Our Century in Pictures, and Made You Look.

 

I really LOVE seeing how different people organize. The painted pantry INSPIRES me to paint mine a fun color! Which space is your favorite? Also--Jen's colorful blog just makes me happy.

 

This Tim Hawkins clip about hand raising in church made me laugh HARD. Do you have hand raisers at your church? (Click here if you can't see the video below)

In closing, I leave you with 3 words..."Pointer, hatchet, schoolroom."

Hometown Pride, and Hometown People linky dinks

 I'm feeling a little bit nostalgic and homesick.  My hometown has been in the news a couple of times this week, and I just had to share about it!   Then, when my cousin posted a hilarious video of her husband, I just knew this would have to be a whole post dedicated to MY PEOPLE. 

Speaking of MY PEOPLE...I've recently gotten addicted to the show Friday Night Lights.  I've been hearing about it for ages, and when I saw that there were 5 (count 'em!) seasons on Netflix, I knew I'd get hooked.  One of the reasons I love the show is because the characters talk like my people, and the town of Dillon reminds me of my hometown just a little bit.  All in a very good--makes me miss my hometown--kind of way!

All right, good people, I give to you my hometown of El Dorado, Arkansas.  (Please hold you applause until the end...)

 

House eye candy alert!!  This story is about a house I grew up across the street from! For those in my hometown, this is the lovely old Breimo house.  How fun that a family friend, and amazing interior designer, now lives there!  I have seen first-hand some of the beautiful design of Andrea Brooks Interiors in my brother's house. 

 

Have you ever heard of a company that paid for an ENTIRE TOWN'S college tuitions? 

I've never been prouder of being from El Dorado, Arkansas, than in 2007, when Murphy Oil Corporation announced their $50 million scholarship program, which would pay for every El Dorado graduate's college tuition!  (Or apply the in-state tuition amount toward any private university of the student's choice).  A couple of days ago, President Clinton spoke to the 2012 Senior Class on their Academic Signing Day about The (AMAZING!!) El Dorado Promise.

Here's the story The Today Show produced about The El Dorado Promise:

 

 Can you IMAGINE what our country would look like if more companies invested like this in an entire generation of young people?

 

I thought I'd leave you all with a little giggle.  My FUNNY cousin videoed her husband coming out of anesthesia after kidney stone surgery.  She is my HERO for posting this.  However...after seeing this, my husband used his most serious voice and scrunched up eyebrows to tell me, "Don't EVER video me after surgery.  I mean it." 

But, honey, what if it's really REALLY funny????  Then, it's okay, right?

 

 My favorite parts:  Beef jerky for the first 80 hours...slushy water..."She sold me my stone"...the only-at-the-hospital cup and curtain...and thumping the IV at the very end.  Oh my word--just watch it--ALL of it is funny!!

 

Thanks for indulging me in my little nostalgic trip "back home" today. 

Happy weekend, everybody!  We've got BIG PLANS this weekend...which include running a 5K (WOO HOO!!!!), a kids' choir performance, and an off-the-charts Broadway musical on Sunday that I can HARDLY WAIT TO SEE!!!!  I'll tell you all about it on Monday.

What do you love about your own hometown?

No Man's Land has been redeemed...linky dinks

Happy weekend, lovely readers!  I hope you have fun and relaxing plans ahead.  If I weren't so doggone tired right now, I would go take pictures of my daughters' No Man's Land.  If you read yesterday's post, you saw some pretty messy pictures.  After much nagging, threatening, giving of consequences, and gnashing of teeth, both girls' rooms are sparkling clean!  Now, we all need to GO SOMEWHERE QUICKLY--before anything gets messed up!

Here are some fun links I've found recently.  Prop up your feet, nibble on some bon bons, and read on. 

 

Easter craft ALERT!  Wouldn't these paper mache eggs be fun to make with your kids?

Darling art prints that make me wish I were an artist...  I keep thinking I need to purchase Daisy and Rose for my two daughters.  What do you think?  Yes?

Want to try out the funky new hair colors--without any long-term commitment?  Brilliant--hair chalk!!  My daughter Rebecca would DIE to do this.  Hmm...shall I show her this article, or not???

If you have young children, Impress Your Kids is a wonderful blog resource!  Go there now and check it out!  You might recognize the author from her blog Oh Amanda.

Grammar nerds, unite!  20 common grammar mistakes (almost) everybody gets wrong...  What's your most common one?  "Farther" and "further" always trips me up.  If you're a REAL grammar nerd, the Comments are interesting to read.

 

That's IT.  I'm moving to LA--I mean, a SPRINKLES CUPCAKE ATM????  I am in.  I am way way way in!!!

 

Happy weekend, good people!  I love ya all as much as Oreo cookies and milk.  Really, I do!

What are your plans this weekend?  Has anyone started some Spring cleaning?

The Tooth Fairy is a little broke over here...Linky Dinks

You can see what we've been up to lately...  Sweet Sara Beth had to have 4 teeth pulled at the oral surgeon's.  She was SUCH a trooper!  She knew she was going to receive anesthesia, and she was really hoping she would act funny--like she's seen on YouTube videos.  She even asked her big sister to come along--so she could video her acting silly afterwards.

A girl after my own heart.  It's not about the PROCEDURE you're going to have done...it's about HOW FUNNY you'll be.   She'll be here all week, folks.

 

Here are some links I wanted to share with you good people...

 

 Man, I'm a real sucker for cool kitchen gadgets.  Picture the Recipe

 

What a wonderful craft idea!  Just in time for Valentine's Day!!  We are THAT Family

 

Mmm.  Super Bowl appetizer idea?  Pizza Monkey Bread appetizer  The Sweets Life

 

My sweet friend, The Hollywood Housewife, is telling her story of faith this week.  She is an AMAZING storyteller.  Please go check it out!   The Hollywood Housewife

 

Now, go ye forth and ENJOY the weekend!  I sure hope you have a chance to kick back and relax a little...Just don't forget the bon bons! 

What fun things do you have planned this weekend?

linky dinks

Woo hoo!  Happy weekend, everybody!  Does anyone have some fun plans?  I have lots of organizing planned.  I'm still working on cleaning out every closet and room.  Plus, we are getting ready for a HUGE indoor garage sale in a couple of weeks!  Ah, I sure do like getting RID of STUFF.  I am also looking forward to celebrating a dear friend's birthday this weekend!!  Girls' night!

Also, my nephew is having knee surgery today.  I sure would appreciate it if you'd say a little prayer for him.  I sure do love that boy! 

Okay, you wanna some linksa?  Here are some interesting things I've found around the world wide web recently...

 

Every time I visit Emily's Chatting at the Sky blog, I feel refreshed.  There's just something soothing and warm and deep in her words as they wash over me.  Her post about the eternal struggle was just what I needed to hear this week.

Speaking of Emily Freeman, have you heard about her new book Grace for the Good Girl?  Click here to read the first chapter and hear Emily talk about it!  WOW.  Seriously, doesn't Emily seem like the kind of girl you want to be best friends with?

 

Did you make an exercise more New Year's resolution?  Here is a list of 10 Best Foods and Drinks for Exercising.  Here's what I gleaned from the list...Mocha Frappes and gingerbread cookies!  No??

 

I've had cell phone covers on the brain...because my trusty Droid X really needs a cute cover.  I thought these Scrapbook Paper iPhone Covers were just adorable!!  Now, if I can just do that for my Droid...

 

In closing, I'd like to leave you with a little giggle.  I just betcha you cannot watch without giggling.  It's not possible. 

You're welcome.

 

 I sure hope everyone has a wahn-de-ful weekend!  See you good people back here next week.

What are you looking forward to this weekend?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...Linky Dinks

Mmm...A warm cup of cocoa with peppermint marshmallows.  Have you discovered peppermint marshmallows yet?  They really amp up the hot cocoa experience!  (Have I ever told you how MUCH I love sipping out of my red Fiesta mugs?  Love.)

 

Ooh!  Christmas Cheer: A Linky party full of appetizers!!!  My favorites?  Well, at least in the pictures--Jalapeno popper dip, Crack bread,  Emily's party bread, and cream cheese and crab wontons.  I'm seeing a theme here, and it's name is CHEESE.

And how about some more Christmas party inspiration?  A Linky party of desserts!!  Oh yes--come on, inspiration, show me what to make!   Life in Grace

 

Okay, STOP THE PRESSES.  This crockpot hot chocolate should be a mandatory accoutrement at all homes on Christmas day.  (Did I just say "accoutrement"?  Hmm, weird.)  Wouldn't it be lovely to be able to go into the kitchen all day on Christmas and just scoop upanother cup of homemade chocolatey goodness?  And wouldn't your kids think you were the best. mom. ever??    Mrs. Happy Homemaker

  

The Five Things I Learned from George Bailey made me smile, and sigh several times.  I mean, everything about It's a Wonderful Life makes me smile...but these 5 things make me smile even more.  Mark Spearman has begun writing for the Entertainment section of Pioneer Woman, and I have loved everything he has written.   The Pioneer Woman

 

BAM.  That's the sound of an AMAZING IDEA hitting me in the head.  Wow.  I realize this isn't Christmasy, but I just couldn't resist linking it up.  If you need a resume, READ THIS.  It makes me want to re-write my resume...even though the only job I'm hoping for right now is Oil Heiress.   Jon Acuff

 

This is such a cool idea for a live concert!  And--bonus!!!--Josh Wilson happens to be one of my FAVORITE musicians!

 

 

How about some Christmas present wrapping music?  No, no, no...not RAP music...WRAPPING music.

 

That's all, folks.  Now go hither and haveth a wonderful weekend...a wonderful life!  May your weekend days be merry and bright...May your Christmas party desserts turn out beautifully, may your once-a-year holiday outfits not feel too snug, and may your white elephant gifts be the HIT of the party!

Happy weekend, good people.  See you on Monday!

Speaking of white elephant gifts...what's the WORST/BEST one you've ever received??

Pre-Thanksgiving Linky Dinks

Well, would ya look at that--it's the WEEKEND!!  Here are a few links to entertain you, as you kick back and relax...

 

Man, Jamie's done it again.  Her words cut through the crap, and zing straight to the heart.  Here's one sentence that did just that for me in her post One Jesus, "But if you really want to get crazy, let's talk about what your average weeknight looks like, because the Sunday morning Jesus-fest bores me."    The Very Worst Missionary

 

Okay, okay, I know that I read People.com more than I read the national news.  So, when I say this, please understand that I don't have a very educated grasp.  But, the Occupy movements bug me.  I felt like Occupy Whatever put into words what it is that bugs me.   My Message to You

 

And...on a lighter note...because that's where I'd much rather reside *grin*...Organizer eye candy alert!!  Boxes, bins, and baskets-OH MY!   Delightful Order

 

Need some Thanksgiving inspiration?  How about a fun baking project with your kids?  This Puff Pastry Cornucopia would be darling on your Thanksgiving buffet!  This would be a  FUN and EASY Christmas decoration craft project to create over Thanksgiving weekend.  Love.    CleverlyInspired

 

I just LOVE checking out what's on peoples' Black Friday shopping lists.  I think I just added that immersion blender to my Christmas list...  What's on YOUR list?  Serenity Now

 

Another weekend craft idea?  Christmas ornament wreath - swoon.  I'd even like to make a smaller version, for gifts.    House of Hepworths

 

 That's all, folks.  I sure hope your weekend is wonderful.  I'll see you back here on Monday, when I have some Thanksgiving-ish fun planned!!

What were some interesting links that YOU'VE discovered this week?

It's Fall, Ya'll Linky Dinks

I don't know about the weather in your neck of the woods...but over here it's finally beginning to feel like FALL!!  Here are a couple of links to get you in the fallish kind of mood!

 

Any Pumpkin Spice Latte lovers out there?  How about making Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate at home?  Mmmm!

Need a little dessert to go with that drink?  How about Apple Croissants with a Caramel Drizzle?  While you're there, be sure to scroll down for LOTS of apple/caramel recipes with pictures!!

I thought this Halloween Candy Bark recipe looked FUN. 

Want some more fall inspiration?  How about some fall outdoor decorating inspiration?

Earlier this week, our weather here was gorgeous, and I just wanted to be OUTSIDE.  Wouldn't one of these outdoor games be fun?  ESPECIALLY the outdoor Scrabble.

 

Kleenex alert!  Just this week my oldest and I were talking about how sometimes she feels like she doesn't fit in...  How timely:  This post (by one of my favorite bloggers)--about how her son felt like "the weird one"--just about did me in. 

 

Hold on.  Stop the presses.  I know this is more of a late-summer kind of a thing...but someone just showed this video to me (thank you, Vicki B!!)...and I want to run out and buy some fresh ears of corn JUST to TRY THIS.  

Click on this link if you can't view the video below:  http://youtu.be/YnBF6bv4Oe4

 All right, then.  Go on, now.  It's weekend time!!!  Kick back and relax.  I'll see you good people back here on Monday!!  I sure hope I have something FUN to tell you... More on that later...

5Ks and 31 Days Linky Dinks

Okay, before we commence with the links, I need to get something out of the way.  I need all you praying people to say a little prayer for me this Saturday morning around 8 a.m.  Why, you ask?  BECAUSE I AM RUNNING MY FIRST-EVER 5-K!!!!!!!   Sorry about the yelling--I am just a little bit excited (and nervous).   Surely, with some extra prayers and all the training I've been doing, I'll be able to finish...   I'll be sure to post a very red-faced, very embarrassing sweaty picture on Monday and tell you all about it.   Don't forget to think about me and say a little prayer!!! 
(Shameless self-promotion part is now over)  *grin*

With that out of the way now, I'll start with the links.  I sure hope you check out some of these--I really LOVE several of them this week!!

 

Did you know that hundreds of blogs (over 700, to be exact!) this month are participating in The Nester's 31 Days of... challenge?  I have loved browsing and exploring through the fascinating and varied topics!  Call me shallow...but the home organization (like this and this) and fall fashion (loved this one! and this one) suck me in the easiest.  Which ones get your attention?

Oh my goodness gracious.  Even though it is part of the same 31 Days series, Edie's house gets her own paragraph.  Wow.  I could move into her house and not change one thing.  It is gorgeous--every little precious detail.  I know I've posted her house building process before--but, wow--look at it getting finished!  I betcha you can't look at just one post.  I betcha you'll be like me and look at every single one!

 

Okay, if you have time, this site is COOL, and even a little inspiring.  Take a step back in time...to the year of your birth...What was the world like then? 

 

Man gift alert!!!  Turn your old negatives into a cool lamp for less than $10.

 

Are these people OUT OF THEIR MIND CRAZY???  I can barely even LOOK at them...

 

Okay, that's enough links for today.  I don't want to crowd your feet-propped-up, relaxing-on-the-couch time.  Don't forget the you know what's!!!  (Do I even need to say it???)  *said in a whisper:* bon bons

What's in your weekend plan?

Italian Cream, a Birthday, and some Yummy Food Linky Dinks

Welcome to the weekend, dearest readers!!  I hope your weekend is filled with fun and relaxation.  Mine will be filled with family time celebrating my dad's birthday.  In fact, right now my kitchen is a DISASTER ZONE of dirty bowls and cake pans because of a pretty Italian Cream birthday cake.  It's too bad my (very disciplined) dad already told me he's only eating ONE PIECE of the birthday cake...because this may be my BEST-EVER Italian Cream cake.   Sorry the picture is a little blurry...  I was too tired to take a regular picture, and just snapped one with my phone.

You wanna some linksa?  Here'sa yousa go:

 I am always a sucker for a good crockpot recipe.  This one for Crockpot Chicken and Corn Enchiladas  grabbed me from the first picture.  WOW.

Speaking of food...do you know about Food Gawker?  Oh. My. Heavens.  Enter at your own risk--AMAZING food pictures ahead!  Click on the picture to see the recipe.

I thought these band-aids were hilarious.  And, of course, one cannot mention funny band-aids without mentioning bacon...

Want to meet the world's newest Pirate?  Also known as World's Cutest Pirate?  Go give your congratulations to the Hollywood Housewife.  Is it just me, or does she look FABULOUS for just having given birth?

 

Have you seen this?  With all the talk of the NASA satellite's fall to the Earth, I thought it was hilarious!

 

 

In closing, I offer you a little gift:  The gift of music.  I know I've mentioned 8 Tracks before.  But, this time, I offer you Music to Clean By.  So, go on--clean away!

(click play.  clean.  repeat, if necessary.)

Or...just prop up your feet, eat some bon bons, and start enjoying the weekend!