Talking ‘Bout My Girl

 

Last night we rolled her hair so today she would have “big curls” in her hair.

Yesterday I found her like this:

 

Guess what she was doing?  She was looking for the Camellia SEED that she had planted a few days ago.

She wanted to see if it was growing.  All righty.  (btw, we did not find the seed)

 

 

For Valentine’s Day, her teacher helped her 2nd grade class make a “Special” Valentine’s Book.

After the statement, “I find comfort and joy in mom and dad because….”  she wrote: “you are sweet and love me and kiss me goodnight, and tuck me in bed.  At morning you wake me to go to school and feed me at breakfast, too”.

 

There were also letters written from each student to each of their classmates. 

At the top of each letter was this,

“If a man is to have friends he must show himself to be friendly”… I can share my friendship with you because you are….

 

I thought you would enjoy some of the sentences written to my Princess from her classmates!  (The teacher must have told them to write “I have noticed” because it is a recurring theme.)

 

• You are smarter than me. You have fun ieds (ideas) then me
• I have noticed you are very good at PE, Math and Fonecs
• You are the most funniest person in America
• I have noticed that you like to do gynmatics and you like to eat fries alot.
• I have noticed that you are cute and funny and you follow the dress code and a ton of other things.
• I have noticed that you are a very good friend to all your classmats
• I have noticed you are relly relly pretty at school
• I will remember you because your fun!
• I love to play with you on the monkey bars.
• I like you cause you can write better than me and you run faster than me (from a boy)
• I like how you say good stuff in stead of bad stuff.
• I have noticed that you like laughing and  going outside and playing games
• I like your art it is really good and if you sell some I will be glad to by it when I am older cause I can not drive and you are too young to sell art
• I like you best of all even when you get in trouble
• You always aked (act?) funny
• I now you forget what Mrs. H told us but I never did make fun of you (from the boy who signed it “your old boyfriend”)
• I have noticed that you like to toot. Do you want to join my toot club.  ha ha ha. just kidding (written by Bad Leroy Brown of the class)

The bottom of each letter had written, “Thank you for being my friend.  Love,”

I’m glad to see even 7-8 year old kids like my daughter for the same reasons I love her….she’s pretty, smart, funny, fun, and a good friend.

 

I’m not sure if she had help with the last page or not, but it said this:

American Girl Doll: $80.00

Barbie Scooter:  $60.00

Shot Gun: $6000.00 (HUH?)

A Lifetime with My Family:  PRICELESS

 

Oh how I love MY GIRL!

(the future veterinarian—for now)

 

‘Fro Me to You --- Remember when

Dear 1987 Tammy,

REMEMBER WHEN:

1.) You had a mullet with slightly fluffy wings --- you know business in the front and PAR-TAY in the back?!

2.) You wore that gold serpentine chain you got for high school graduation everyday?

3.) You loved shirts with horizontal stripes?

4.) You were about a Size 4 and could actually get away with the horizontal strips?

5.) You wore your Swatch watch, complete with scratch protector?

6.) You wore tapered leg jeans and it didn’t make your midsection look bigger?

7.) You wore those Sebago shoes almost every day and with everything? (until your mom threw them away when visiting home because they were “nasty”)

8.) You went home with a friend for Halloween weekend and took this photo with her little sister:

Yea, I thought you forgot too.

Love,

2009 Tammy

For more photos that have never be put in a scrapbook, head on over to Kristen’s at We Are THAT Family for her Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You carnival. I love it and you will too!

What are you waiting for?? Go on….click HERE.

Wordless Wednesday -- Smile

I Spy **updated**

Does anyone else see what is wrong with this picture:

There are two of them, I haven’t found the other one yet.

My son…..he is funny….or aspires to be!

**UPDATE**

I told you there were two of them…..silly boy!

‘Fro Me to You – Wait! Never mind.

 

 

 

*Happy Dance*  The ‘Fro is back this week!!

 

This week I bring to you two photos I found while going through a drawer.  Which clearly fits into the carnival guidelines, because these photos have never graced the pages of a scrapbook!

 

I am still amazed how a complete memory comes back to me when I look at one photo.  Yet, I can’t tell you what I had for breakfast this morning.

 

These photos were taken when I was in high school.  We were visiting my dad for Christmas and, as usual, went to Yaya’s house for a visit.

At Yaya’s house was her dear helper, Rose.  Who also spent significant amounts of time helping out my mom at our house when my siblings and I were very young.  She and my mom watched As the World Turns together!

 

We had moved to another city and hadn’t seen Rose in a few years.  And since she was special to us, we wanted to get a photo of all of us together.

 

I would bet $20 these photos were taken with my handy dandy Disc Camera—go ahead, admit it, you had one too.

 

The only person left to take the pictures was Yaya.  I gave her the quick rundown of the camera and my siblings and I gathered around Rose for the photo.

 

Everyone was smiling and before it was too late, the first photo was taken:

 

Ummm, yea.  Notice I am talking. 

Because Yaya was holding the camera in front of her body and not up to her eye to see what she was taking a photo of.

I tried to interject that she needed to actually look through the viewer.

And before we knew it, she took one more photo:

 

 

And then she was done.   She handed my camera back to me and that was it.

I think she took two great photos of Rose! 

Too bad she cut off my sisters’ heads.  And my brother was also in the photo….well, not really.  His short little self was probably standing right in front of me and Rose, if I had to guess his location.

 

Based on her photo taking skills, Yaya was well ahead of her time for taking photos with a digital camera. 

 

Do you have photos like these that have never made it into a scrapbook?!  Well, get them out and join in the fun!

For more Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You fun, click HERE to join in Kristin’s Thursday blog carnival. 

My Funny Valentine

 

Hope everyone had a good Valentine’s Day weekend.    Mine was certainly interesting to say the least.

I have never been the Valentine’s kind of girl.  

Flowers are pretty but they die. 

My favorite jewelry are my wedding rings.

I always like a cute and funny card.

And then there’s chocolate….which changes my whole opinion of the special day.

 

The hubby and I don’t usually do anything special for V-Day.  Maybe a card, but certainly nothing big.

This year, the hubby decided to go big for the day.

Brace yourself for this…..especially those of you who REALLY know me.

 

I am almost embarrassed.  Yes, I AM.

 

We went and had a couples massage.  (Teresa, STOP laughing).

 

Two words for y’all:  AWK  WARD

 

I have had one massage in my life and let me tell you it was weird enough alone.

 

And to make it worse (for me), the hubby informed me in the car on the way to the Spa that our massagers would be a man and woman.

Hold up, I said!!  You mean to tell me some strange man is going to be rubbing on my muscles with oil?!  And some strange woman is going to be rubbing on your muscles with oil.

Uh huh.

It was too late to bail.  The money was paid and we were committed. 

Hans and Helga took us to our dark room where the massage tables were covered with rose petals…. which made me bust out into laughter.  I think I would have gone with chocolate, but nobody asked me. 

The music playing over head was Zamfir, if I’m not mistaken, and was accompanied by the sounds of trickling water.  Which had something other than a relaxing effect on me, if ya’ know what I mean!

Before I knew it, our hour was over with Hans and Helga and their magical oily hands.   (Thank goodness)

My favorite part:  the pretty dang hot towels Hans put on my back for the first half

Most awkward part:  besides the whole thing, was when Hans rubbed my EARS?!   How about the hubby informed me that Helga did NOT massage his ears.  Hmmmm….

 

It was nice surprise from the hubby but it certainly was different.  I can’t exactly say I would do it again tomorrow.

 

I told him next year just buy me something from Peterbrooke Chocolatier.  Because I certainly don’t feel awkward eating chocolate. 

Update

 

Thanks for coming back after a short blogging break.

I thought I would share updates on all the events that have occurred in my small world over the last couple of weeks.

 

First, take a look at this:

 

 

That is my sweet 93 year old Yaya sitting in her chair AT HER HOUSE!  (sorry, the quality is not great; my uncle took the photo with his cell phone)

She came home from the hospital this past Thursday after having her aortic valve replaced Jan. 23.  She has spent the past couple of weeks in the rehab hospital and finally got to go home.

She is still getting her strength built back up and currently has an around the clock helper from the rehab center. 

God is good!

 

Now for an update on our friends, the Rucker family, who lost their home almost two weeks ago.

This family has been blessed beyond measure by our church, friends, and even strangers. 

They are in the process of moving into a home in their own neighborhood while the insurance details and rebuilding process is worked out.

And tonight the dad, Scott, was ordained as a deacon in our church.  His testimony was amazing!

 

We were able to attend 2 of the 3 funerals scheduled last Wednesday.  Two Christian lives were celebrated which resulted in others coming to Christ!

 

My sister and her family are doing great after the break in at their home and they now have an alarm system installed.    Unfortunately the criminals have not been caught nor has any of their items been recovered. 

 

On a good note, I found out Friday that some friends of ours who have been trying to get pregnant are expecting their first baby this fall!!! 

 

We have survived a week that I referred to as The Storm.

Even though God’s plan in all of this is still not clear, I do know that His presence was here. 

Thank you to all my bloggy peeps for the sweet comments, e-mails and prayers over the last several days.

That’s what makes this community so special and why I am glad I am here. 

Now on with the show……

The Storm

 

That's where I think I am sitting right now.  Right smack dab in the middle of some giant storm.  Spawned by Satan himself.

And it is NOT fun.  My heart is heavy.

Last week our friend’s house burned.

Over the last few days we have had one friend die unexpectedly, another friend’s mother die, and one of my dear professors from anesthesia school lost her fight with myeloma.

And that was just Saturday and Sunday.

None of those people mentioned were over the age of 58.  Lives taken seemingly too soon, yet part of God’s plan.

Today my sister’s house was broken into and all of their electronic equipment was stolen— including my brother in law’s laptop with his work on his dissertation!

Thankfully, nobody was at home and her neighbor spotted the men, called the police and gave them a pretty good description of the idiots criminals and their car.  And they’ve put out the information to all the surrounding pawn shops.  

My husband just found out tonight (while at the funeral home) that one of our “old” friends is being worked up for a tumor in his brain!

 

I want throw my head back and scream like Charlie Brown after Lucy pulls the football away for the bazillionth time.

 

My thoughts are filled with prayers and my eyes with tears.

 

I cling to God’s Word in my heart:

 

“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, lean not on your own understanding;

  In ALL thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”    --Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

And I have a song in my head:

 

 

 

 

Faith Under Fire

 

 

 

This is a photo of one of our friend’s home that burned on Thursday night!

The home is a total loss. 

Praise the Lord the family was able to get out of the house safely.

Unfortunately the family pets did not.

This is one of those events that make you ask, “Why God?”.  Why this family? 

They are at church every time the doors are open and involved in EVERYTHING!  This Sunday, he will be ordained as a deacon.

Without going into details, they have endured much over the last 9 months.  And now this???

Bad things do happen to good people.  Even godly people.

This family has a faith that is strong.  And now they are having to endure yet another trial.  But they know our God is bigger than ANYTHING! 

How do they know?  Just look at the message He left them:

 

 

This is a hymnal found open amidst all the rubble.  Opened to page 20, “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”!

 

Coincidence?  I think NOT.

 

Please pray for the Rucker family as they praise God during this storm.  Especially for the children as they mourn the loss of their pets. 

They lost almost everything in the fire, but not their faith.  And it will see them through!

 

Sing praise to God Who reigns above, the God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.

‘Fro Me to You— That’s ShowBiz

The Who: Yours truly

The Year: about 1984

The Location: ShowBiz Pizza, bay-bee

The clothes: My favorite kelly green skirt, accompanied by a white polo shirt, accented by a pair of white leather Bass sandals, accessorized with one set of pinwheel deely-boppers and a helium balloon.

Nice, huh? I realize so many of you will be jealous of my good looks and fashion sense during my high school years. I cannot even address my ladylike pose.

What can I say other than that was Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You!

This photo has obviously never been in ANY scrapbook, but it did find a home on facebook.

For more photos that have never seen the light of any scrapbook page, click HERE to head on over to Kristen’s, the ‘Fro hostess with the mostest!!

Wordless Wednesday—Cleanliness

 

 

The Grand Hog

 

 

February 2,  the infamous Ground Hog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted there will be 6 more weeks of winter. *sigh*

Thanks to the Princess, this sweet little rodent will forever be known as the “Grand Hog” in the GRITS household.

The conversation when a little something like this 2 years ago in the back seat of my car:

 

Princess: “Mom, we learned about the Grand Hog today”

Me:  “The what??”

Princess:  “the GRAND hog”

Me:  “what is the GRAND hog???”

Princess:  “you know that animal that sees its shadow and we have 6 more days of Christmas”

Lego-Man:  “It’s not GRAND hog, it’s GROUND hog!!!  And it’s not 6 more days of Christmas, it’s 6 more months of winter!!”

 

Glad we’ve got someone in the family to keep us all straight. 

 

Oh, and I love this movie:

Tag Teamed

There's an unstoppable Meme going on in the wonderful world of facebook called "25 Random Things About Me".

I was tagged.

Fourteen times.

The pressure was on. And I was sick and tired of logging on every day and being tagged one more time.

I made my list.

I am sharing it with you.



1. During my lifetime I've attended 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 3 high schools, 1 community college, 1 liberal arts college and 2 major universities. Resulting in a BS in Chemistry, a BS in Nursing and a Master's in Nursing.

2. I always wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon but I didn't think I was smart enough to go to medical school. Now I realize I was, but glad I didn't.

3. I would rather cut the grass in the middle of July in Alabama than do all the other household chores.

4. Oprah Winfrey and I have something in common. No, it's not the amount of money in our bank accounts. Her thyroid doesn't work and mine doesn't either. Unfortunately for her she gained 20 pounds over the last year and me just 4. (and I'm working on it)

5. I have been crowned "Queen" twice in my lifetime. No it wasn't for beauty, but athletics. First at Shades Mountain Christian School I was the Sports Queen in 10th grade. And at Judson College I was crowned the Field Hockey Queen of 1989. So I expect bows and a curtsy from everyone.

6. When I was about 6 I took a class called "White Gloves and Party Manners". So I actually know how to act at the appropriate times. It also involved a fashion show where I wore an UGLY rust colored winter coat. What can I say, it was the 70's.

7. Believe it or not, I was very introverted until I went off to Judson College. My mother left me there without a car, and refused to come get me. I became class President my first two years. It was the best 4 years of my life.

8. I've climbed to the top of that dome with three people tagged in this note. Stupidest thing I have ever done in my entire life!

9. I have a terrible fear of flying in airplanes and I usually help land the plane with my feet! The longest flight I've been on was 14 hours to my brother's wedding in Japan. I took an Ambien at the beginning of the flight....slept for only 2 hours!

10. Despite my excessive athleticism during the first 25 years of my life....I am now over it! Although I do miss my hot legs and buns of steel.

11. My favorite comfort food is a peanut butter and marshmallow creme sandwich, with a stack of Pringles and a glass of ice cold milk. I was introduced to the fluffernutter sandwich at a spend the night party in 2nd grade.

12. I have never been to Greece. I hope to one day visit the "homeland" and see the small island of Skyros where my grandfather came from. And while I'm here, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" totally reminds me of my Greek family. OPA!

13. I am a bit of a neat freak. Call it Type-A, OCD behavior. Whatever. I have it. It's more in control at work than at home. I've learned to let a few things go at the house.

14. I don't like that I tend to let little things get to me. And I hate that I let it have the "ruin the rest of my day" effect on me. I am working on it.

15. I cannot sleep with socks on. Not even on the coldest day of winter.

16. I love the cute little Jonas Brothers. Probably as much as I loved Shaun Cassidy back in the day. And Nick is my favorite.

17. Creme Brulee is my favorite dessert ever. Followed closely by ice cream and chocolate chip cookies.

18. I have a blog on the Internet. It's a creative outlet and a place where family and friends keep up with us. I've met a lot of new "friends" through my blog and hope to meet many of them one day. Not bad for a girl who never made A's in English.

19. I want to take take cake decorating classes. So I can make cakes like Duff, of course.

20. Motion sickness has plagued me my entire life. I have thrown up in every one of my dad's cars, except the two he owns now. In all fairness I did warn him every time and he wouldn't pull over.

21. Jesus Christ came into my heart on October 18, 1979 at Shades Mountain Christian School. My 6th grade teacher, Mr. James, led me to the Lord.

22. I've never had a closer group of girlfriends than my friends I made at Judson College. I miss them and that kind of friendship dearly. And thanks to FB we all keep in touch a lot more!

23. I love that my son is a lot like me when I was growing up. He loves anything related to science and is tender-hearted and quite shy. He has the sweetest smile and I love to hear him laugh.

24. God has a sense of humor. He gave me a daughter. I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. I love that she sets goals and accomplishes them. She is beautiful and very funny. Her teacher says she spends a lot of time organizing her desk. I like that.

25. I am blessed with a wonderful husband who puts up with me despite my shortcomings. He loves the Lord and serves Him faithfully. I love Jim with all my heart and thank the Lord for him daily!