Sunday, December 27, 2009

Family

I do have my very own family,they are a nice and loving family,
and nothing comes between us.
A lot of my family is in Heaven though, and with that said,
I want to brag a little on part of my husband's family.
They are the family on his mom's side.
Well, this really isn't bragging, I am going somewhere with it,
but so far my sermons are longwinded,
and takes a while to get there.


Let's start with this.
In the order they appear:
Uncle Ken, Mom-n-law Betty, Aunt Milly,
Uncle Frank, and Uncle Joe
The Krobs.
These 5 siblings are all so very different, chose different paths, and have different families.
But they are also very similar, they all know the meaning of family.
They all know that it is great to get together and spend time with one another.
Now that Grandma (who I very unfortunately never got to meet)
is with Jesus, Aunt Milly is the boss of the other 4.
She has been a very good friend to me.
I do admire all of these siblings though, each for their own reasons,
which, I will not go in to at this time!


Below here is a very small part of the next generation:
Cousin Tyler, Hubby Derrick, Cousin Jenny,
Cousin Frankie, and Cousin Joey.

Tyler is 1 of Uncle Ken's 3 children.
Derrick is one of Betty's 2.
Jenny is one of Uncle Joe's 3.
Frankie is one of Uncle Frank's 3.
And Joey is another one of Uncle Joe's 3.
None of Aunt Milly's 3 were present for the picture.
Now let me say this,I have 3 first cousins that I know, one first cousin, who I think will one day be around, but for now it has been a long long time since she has been seen, and another first cousin who passed away before my time. In the order they were mentioned they are: Jeannie, Denny, Danny, Jennifer, and baby Shana.

I have one brother and one sister., Rodney and Rhonda.

That's all folks!

And that's both sides of my family, and only one side of Derrick's even bigger family.

Now, moving right along.....

The Krobs very much will make you feel at home. Sometimes, and this is for real, I forget that I am married into this family.They all treat me just as though I have been here with them since the beginning. I did go to C.C.D. class with Tyler, one of the cousins pictured above, and we did go to middle school together, but I wasn't close to him, and I had never met the rest of his folks. As a matter of fact....I thought Tyler was a pretty big goofball...but he has been to war twice, and has my never-ending respect and appreciation.

So, they make me feel at home. They all honestly do. They all let me in on their stories and jokes, and share family memories with me. They are of Czech origin, and so far, any time I have wanted to know anything about that, they more than willingly share their culture and family heritage with me.

Which, by the way, if you know any of the older generations of my family, it's Indian....I promise! *Wink*

Anyway, almost shouting time of the sermon.

So, all of Derrick's aunts and uncles, and cousins, as well as his parents and sister all make me feel welcome. My family welcomes him too, but his family is so much bigger, therefore have more room for diversity.

Now, I belong to another family. A bigger family. The family of God.

Don't you think that Jesus wants us to love, include, and make welcome any and all of His family?!?!?

Yeah, I really think God used December 25, 2009 to show me that there really is a bigger picture.

It's not just about loving those people related to us by blood, it's about the people related to us by His blood.

Now that was good.

Go, ahead, shout on that one.

I said, it's those related to us by His blood.

That doesn't mean forget the others, I am just saying, there is more to it than blood relatives. In our family, no matter how or who they may be, blood is thicker than water. I could call any of them at any time and get anything I need. That's how they are. That's how I am. I can say whatever I want about them, but you better not!!!

But, Jesus loves all of His children equally, and He wants us to do the same.

So what they don't believe like you do,or dress like you do, or act like you do, or have the brains like you do, or lack there-of...hehe, or have the money you do....Jesus loves everyone. And the only difference between them and me is summed up in one word:

Grace.

That sure was a long story just for that one point. And it may mean nothing to anyone reading this, but it was a true, divine, revelation to me.

They will know we are Christians by our love.I want to make sure that I always remember to include everyone...Whatever you do to the least of these, my people, that you do to Me...and to always remember that I am no better than anyone else.

I am so glad that God showed me this.

I do have so much to thank Him for.



First things first...

In memory of Ruby D. Anderson
I still miss you her much.
I know Noah does too.
He does still ask about "my Ruby."
But I know that I know that I miss her.
I try to be strong for everyone else,
just like she would've done,
but it's hard when I am grieving myself still.
Aunt Ruby was so good to us.
Christmas time always makes me think, about a lot.
There are a lot of people that I miss,
and a lot of people who are still here that I am so thankful for.
I bet Christmas is great in Heaven for sure.
Jesus is so real, and I am so glad for that.
I love Him, and I am just so glad my Redeemer loved me first!
My Savior, my King, and my Friend!
I am so glad that the promises of God are "Yes!" and "Amen!"
And one of those promises is that we all have the opportunity to be in Heaven.
And I know it is too late on Earth,
and I know she cannot see or hear this...
there are no tears in Heaven, and this would for sure
make her cry...
but I do miss Aunt Ruby, and
I want us to be together in Heaven!
That's Aunt Ruby playing with Noah through the window of her house exactly one week before she went to be with Jesus.
That's the one I miss and love so much!


Saturday, December 19, 2009

Mission complete!

Today was the day we finally painted Buddy Boy's house!
Of course, I wanted purple polka dots and stripes,
but we (me being outnumbered by boys!)
decided on Camo!!!
This way, it can be a cool fort for Noah.
Luckily for us, Ace Hardware sells a
"Camo collection" of paint, made by BLP.

So, Derrick rolled the whole thing with brown,
while I did the trim,
and Noah was the job foreman!



Then I added the finishing touches of olive green and black.
Oh yeah, that's right, big bad me!!!


And, ta dah!
Buddy Boy's House!

Home Sweet Home!

I still have to get his name put on there,we are not sure yet how we want to do this. I may paint it, or order a nameplate thing. We'll see.

And we may actually get the roof shingled too.

But for now, quite liveable.


Thursday, December 17, 2009

An educated observation

Every other Thursday is payday!!!
Noah and I usually go up to the office to get Derrick's
paycheck, because he usually works too late
to get it himself.
So, I tell Noah we must go to "Daddy's Work" to get
"Daddy's Money!"
And we all know Daddy rarely sees this
"money" that I speak of.
Either way, this is our little ritual.
Today was different however.
Noah, being the educated little fellow that he is,
asked why don't we go get "Mommy's Money."
I tell him that Mommy doesn't really have
any money, that's why we go get Daddy's.
Noah said,
"If you go to work, Mom, then you can have money too...Good Grief!"
Well, well, well.
I guess I owe Daddy a great big thank you
for going to work,
and making that money!!!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Ho hum

Sorry blog! It's not that "things" haven't happened to blog about, I have just been too tired! After a bout with the flu, I am still not back to feeling like writing anything. Maybe later!!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

It's a story about....

A boy...


...and his dog...






...and the dog's almost finished house!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

It finally happened!

Fish River Trees!!!!
After lots of careful consideration and looking,
and after riding the train, and seeing Santa and two of his reindeer,
we finally found "the one!"
A 7 ft. tall beauty!
And Daddy and Noah sure did saw hard on it!

Finally they got her down!


And dragged her out!





And this is our finished product!
Merry Christmas!



Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

Ruby Anderson
Oct. 1, 1953-Aug. 29, 2009
And only one picture without makeup----haha.
Not the best pictures, but
this is it.
Thanksgiving 2007 at the Reeds.
Aunt Ruby,
I am very thankful I had you!
Love, T.



In loving memory

Rocky Givens
2009
Passed away at his home
Now he is Aunt Ruby's pet!!!
And I'm sure she's let him go free!
No more cages, Rocky, no more cages!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Bible College

I am officially finished with another semester of Bible College!!!
Next semester begins in January, so
I'm excited for a little break around the holidays!
But, I will miss my weekly visiting with my
"classmates" and teacher.
And I will really miss digging into the Word more,
and learning more and more about what this
"relationship"
is about.
Not religion, that's for sure!
The course I took this semester was
"Strategies of Spiritual Warfare,Part 1"
Next semester I'll take Part 2,
and I am very excited to learn more!
I am absolutely thankful for the opportunity to go
to the college, and for the knowledge I receive.
Super thankful.
I truly have so much to thank Him for!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Memories

I was just reading the blog of a friend of mine, and she posted a small list of memories that come with the fall season from her childhood that were very meaningful to her.

Her blog, along with the fact that
on November 3rd, my house was already half-way
decorated for Christmas,
has prompted me to make a small list of things
that I remember from my "early childhood"
as well as what I would love to create for Noah's
"early childhood," but the Christmas-time memories!


My childhood:
1. Mom (after working a million hours a week) making candies
and cookies just to put on platters and give away!
2. Watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

3. Decorating the garland and ornaments and stockings
on the fireplace mantel.

4. Putting up our "huge, massive" Christmas tree. (To me it was!)

5. Wrapping presents, and writing the nametags myself!
6. Mom playing Christmas music on the organ.
7. Listening to Christmas music in the car.

8. Remembering that Mom never fussed at me to "be careful"
or "sit down" or "your too little to help" or "please leave me alone."


Noah's childhood:

1. Please see the above list!



Thanks to both of my parents, but in particularly,
my momma, for some of the best Christmas memories ever,
and my whole life is full of wonderful memories like these.

I remember it all.

But, at this time of the year,
I chose to share the Christmas memories...my favorite!

Thanks mom.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Christmas comes earlier every year!

So, Wednesday November 3, 2009, The Derrick Givens Family officially began decorating the house for Christmas! Wow!
Noah was so excited when I opened "the closet"
in our spare bedroom...
which is the Alabama room.....
and "the closet" is where most of our Christmas stuff hangs out!
Anyway, Noah was very excited as we set up one of our Nativity Scenes,
our Fire Department Display,
always change all of the knick knacks
and pictures in my living room
to Christmas decorations.
Noah got so caught up in all of the "festivities"
that he blurted out,
"Oh boy Mom, It's Christmas Eve!"
Aye aye aye.
Why did I decide to do this so early again?!?!?!

Monday, November 2, 2009

I'm Still Here!!!

Mr. Noah turned 5!!!
And Mr. Anthony is now 1!!!

Hello Blog. I am still here!!! Barely! Between having the in-laws here for a month....which was really wonderful, I'm just worn out now....and having Derrick's Birthday and Noah's Birthday and Anthony's Birthday, and then I got sick for a week, I have been busy. I almost forgot what my house looked like until I got sick, then I stayed in bed for 5 days, and that helped me remember what the place looked like. I am very excited about the upcoming holidays. I asked D if I could go ahead and decorate for Christmas. When I was a little girl, we used to ride around and point and laugh at people who had decorations up early.....not any more! I am now wanting to put decorations up after Halloween rather than waiting until after Thanksgiving!!!
We'll see what happens.
I should be back to regular blogging now though!!!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Roll Tide Roll!

This past weekend, my husband and myself went to
the University of Alabama's Homecoming Football Game!!!
Noah stayed home with grandparents,
and just D and I made the 4 hour trip (No Elmo DVD in our ears!),
and had a blast.
It was cold, but awesome.
And a cousin of mine is going to school up there,
and she opened her apartment to us to come and go as we pleased!
That was very very nice of her!
And, Bama won!!!
Icing on the cake!!!!
RTR!




Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Happy Birthday Derrick!


HAPPY 39th BIRTHDAY DERRICK!

And Many More!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Old Forgotten Blog!!!

It's not that I have forgotten my blog....I just have no time for it all of a sudden! SO many things have happened, and I wouldn't have ever been able to blog it all. Noah was very sick with this awful cold/hives....yes, hives. And then Derrick's parents came down from TN way earlier than I expected, which is awesome, but time consuming!
We will have a very busy week this week.....
Derrick's birthday dinner tonight
Noah's open house at school Tuesday night
Bible College Wed. night...and Derrick turns 39 on Wednesday!!!
Thursday....nothing that I know of...yet.
Friday I am helping my in-laws with a yard sale
Saturday, my hubby and I will be in Tuscaloosa if you need us!
So, it will be very busy for us!!!
Just as the other weeks have been. And will continue to be probably!
I love and miss you blog!!! Hahaha.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

One month!

Absolutely not believing it has been one month since she left us!
And, she would've had a birthday on this Thursday.
Guess Jesus can make her a cake!!!
Or maybe her mom, or her grandma!!!
Just so ya'll get it right....she likes chocolate!!!
Aunt Ruby would have a fit if she knew I put this picture on the internet!
But I love it, and she's doesn't even know about it!!!
Hahaha.
The day this picture was taken, we were planning my parents'
25th Wedding Anniversary Party.
I got all kinds of old(er) pictures of my parents from Aunt Ruby.
They were so 80s. Wait, it was the 80s.
Anyway, I still love you Aunt Ruby.
And, everyone misses you greatly!!!
You'd be proud of how I am helping Phil with the Chowdren!!!
I love you Aunt Ruby!!!

Happy Birthday to my Mommy!

So, my mom's birthday was September 25, and we (my siblings, my dad, and myself)
decided it'd be great fun to surprise her with a party.
So we did, and it was!!!
My sister made a lasagna,
I made a cake,
and we had a blast.
We wanted to get mom something nice for her birthday.
And a while back, I asked her to sew something for me,
and she fussed that she'd have to do it by hand because her machine was broken.
It's right at 39 years old, and she called about having it repaired,
and it's $80.00 just for them to look at it, then whatever other costs came up.
So,
here is the proud owner of a brand new Singer!!!


Happy Birthday Mom!!!
From all of your children and grandchildren!
We love you!!!



Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Funny Monday!

After a busy day of grass cutting at MeMe and Poppy's, and
a busy day of cleaning around our house,
Noah says to me:
"Guess what Mom, today, Noah and Mama,
and Daddy Givens are going to the park! Oh Boy!!!"
He thought that would be a treat to me!!!
Then, after Daddy came home, we told him of this conversation.
I said, "Noah said Noah, Mama, and Daddy Givens are going to the park."
Noah then said, "And Jesus Givens!!!"
Hahahahahahah!

Another super funny thing that happened,
I made pork chops for supper on my George Foreman grill.
I haven't used the George Foreman in a while,
but I was ready for something different.
Derrick never really says anything is good or bad, he just eats it.
So, I had to ask, "Derrick, do you like this or not? Is this way better than fried?"
He said, "Not really, it tastes like shrimp!"
I said, "Don't you like shrimp?!?!"
He said, "Not pork chop shrimp!!!!"
Hahahahahaha!
I've got a house full of comedians!
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit
drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

My job titles!!!

Daughter of Jesus,
Keeper of my home,
Trophy wife,
Super-Mom,
Children's Teacher,
Bible College Student
and Secretary,
Prayer Warrior,
Baby-Sitter,
House-Cleaner,
Chow Sales-Lady (haha),
Official Family Chauffeur,
Musician,
Picture-Taker,
The Tide's Official Number One Fan,
Sweet Girl,
Friend of God,
Woman of Worth.

Friday, September 11, 2009

September 11


I will always remember the tragedy that struck our nation on September 11, 2001. I was in Chemistry class when one of our assistant principals came by and talked privately to our teacher for a minute, then told her to go ahead and turn the t.v. on so we could see it for our self. I, being a high school student who really didn't keep up with current events, did not understand the importance of what I was seeing. I was just happy we got out of our work for that day! All day. Every class room had the scenes playing, and replaying for the entire day. Our Trade Center Towers were up in flames. Now, especially as a fire fighter's wife, I definitely see the importance, and I definitely see the sacrifices made on that day. And, I wish I would have cared more at the time. I had no idea how that was going to affect me or the country I lived in, after all, that was in New York, not Alabama! The Saturday night after that, our football team played their game, and the band (which I was in) played a patriotic half-time show. I still hear people mention the time Robertsdale had the patriotic show. I played Yankee Doodle on my piccolo, along with another piccolo player and a snare drummer keeping the beat, and was and still am honored to have participated in that!


Also, all of these events remind me of past wars. A man who lives two doors down from me got in that Agent Orange stuff in Vietnam, and now he doesn't have a larynx, which means he cannot smell, swallow, or talk. He has a microphone he holds to his throat now anytime he needs to say anything. What a sacrifice!!! Two of my uncles were also in Vietnam, and I think at least one or two of my husband's uncles were too. One of my uncles worked on an aircraft carrier, he actually worked on the planes, but he stayed on the ship. The other one worked in the doctor's tent, like on MASH. Amazing. My grandfather proudly served in Korea. So did one of my husband's uncles. Derrick's uncle was even wounded while in Korea. Brave! One of Derrick's cousins has been to Iraq twice now too. I really have a whole new respect for anyone who has ever been to war. And I have a whole new respect for those who serve here in America. What a sacrifice and struggle. It's more than just a uniform. There's a person under that.


Same thing goes for firefighters and policemen. I think my husband is so brave for being a firefighter. He's had to see some unfortunate things. Bad wrecks, fires, deaths. He saw a baby who drowned. He heard a man repenting of his sins at a wreck, just to find out he died en route to the hospital. He was there to try and help my aunt too. He luckily hasn't had to rescue anyone from a burning building. He's been to lots of fires, but luckily no fatalities or rescues there. But, lots of men and women all across the nation and world do have to see these things. Way more than our town's volunteer dept. You volunteer to be a firefighter, everything else is mandatory! Derrick has a lot of degrees from the Alabama Fire College. He has taken the Basic EMT course at the University of South Alabama. I am so proud of him for all of this. It takes someone special to care about others' lives and homes as much as you do your own. He selflessly tries to help any way possible at every call. That's 110%, and that's brave! Thanks firefighters and police!!!


September 11, 2001, not forgotten!!!

A few things from Tennessee

First of all, the proper way to grow cantoloupe from seeds.
The seeds that came out of a very sweet cantoloupe!
The one growing on the rocking chair on the front porch
was my favorite!!!

Of course, the cantoloupe "bush" that is behind the swing
is really something too!!!


And, part of our Tennessee tradition includes Loretta Lynn's Kitchen.
It's not actually her kitchen, it's her restaurant!
And Derrick and I always get our picture taken on the front porch!



And last, but not least....those Bama Boys ready for kickoff!!!

Cousins Dakota, Noah, and Caleb!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Whom the Son sets free...

...is free indeed! It's time to remember how she lived, instead of thinking about how she died.
It is very hard to adapt this thinking, but it is best.
This whole experience has been eye opening for sure!
And on a lot of levels.
But it's time to let God be God.
I found a song that I like, and that is appropriate:
When I die, don't cry for me.
In my Father's arms I'll be.
The wounds of this world left on my soul,
Will all be healed and I'll be whole.
Sun and moon will be replaced,
With the light of Jesus's face.
And I will not be ashamed,
For my Savior knows my name.
It don't matter where you bury me,
I'll be home, and I'll be free!!!
It don't matter where I lay,
All of my tears will be washed away.
Gold and silver blind the eye,
Temporary riches lie.
Come and eat from Heaven's store,
Come and drink, and thirst no more.
So weep not for me, my friend,
When my time below does end.
For my life belongs to Him,
Who will raise the dead again!!!
~~~~All my tears- by Selah.~~~~
So, I know she's happy.
I know she's free.
I know she's got her crown.
I know she's got victory.
(That rhymed...maybe I could write a song!)
And as hard as this has been on my and our family,
I really am happy for her.
I have to "move on"... so to speak.
But it stinks knowing I can't call her.
I can't visit her.
No more stories from her.
No more stories to tell her.
But, I'll be o.k.
By and By.
She is in the Sweet Forever!
And one day, I will be too!
I still want to know what happened.
That would help give me peace about it all.
But until then,
I am counting on my Savior to give me peace,
and guidance.
I'll probably change some things,
Aunt Ruby was always telling me to
"be sweet."
Maybe I will......
she was.
In conclusion,
Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!!!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

From Aunt Ruby's Sweet Girl!




Ruby Darlene Reed Shumate Anderson

October 1, 1953-August 29, 2009

Aunt Ruby was more than my aunt. She was my best friend.

She was my second mom.

Not that mom isn't always there, and hasn't always been,

but this was a different kind of bond.

And, I did all sorts of fun things with Aunt Ruby in 24 years.

And, I did all sorts of ordinary things with her too!

When my mom had to work (which by the way makes her the best!),

Aunt Ruby would try to include me in the things she'd be doing

with her kids and grandkids.

She selflessly kept my child for a year and a half while I worked,

and many other times before and since then.
She was there to talk about important things,

she was there to talk about the weather.

She was always there.

Now she's not.

Now, she's in heaven.

She's with her parents, and her youngest daughter.

Aunts and uncles.

Friends and family.

And most of all...

She is with King Jesus!

Aunt Ruby has her victory!!!

She no longer knows pain, tears, or hurt.

She only knows happy, joy, and peace.

A peace that surpasses our understanding.

She no longer hurts physically.

She no longer has heartaches.

I have heartache right now.

This is going to be super hard to get through.

I am so happy for Aunt Ruby though.

She has her crown!!!

I did not have to watch her get old and feeble.

Her spirit and will to live never disappeared.

She was active until the end.

Sending e-mails and e-cards around 30 minutes before going to see the Lord.

And now, she is rejoicing with all the angels.

Times will be rough for me.

If it's this bad for me, I know her that her

children,

grandchildren,

great grand daughter,

brothers,

husband,

and all of her family and friends

will have worse days than me.

But, I am just trying hard to be strong.

And to celebrate her victory.

Did I mention she has a crown?!?!?!




Lord, Comforter, Alpha and Omega, Jehovah Jireh:

Thank You so very much for giving us Aunt Ruby.

She's more than any of us deserved.

She had no enemies on this earth,

Other than THE enemy, who stayed after her!

Thank You for the love she showed us.

That's the love You have had for her.

Thank You for her children and grandchildren.

Thank You for her husband.

I know that You do not mess up.

That You have a reason for everything that happens, for such a time is this.

Thank You for taking her from Glory to Glory to Glory!

Thank You for the promise of eternal life You have given us.

I know that Aunt Ruby will have eternal life and peace with You, Our Maker.

You know what You are doing, and I am trusting that.

Thank You for being my hiding place, and shelter.

Thank You for giving me and my family peace.

Father, thanks a million!!!

In JESUS name, Amen.



Aunt Ruby, I love you so very much. I will never forget all of our happy times,

nor will I forget the sad times. You were simply the best.

Your joy and smile were contagious.

And you had a smile even when you could have had a frown.

You never let anything or anyone defeat you!

I am so happy I got to know you.

I even thanked God for it!

You know we were close,

and you know what you meant to me!

I love you Aunt Ruby!


Love, Aunt Ruby's Sweet Girl!!!



Friday, August 28, 2009

It finally happened...

Noah wrung the chicken's neck!!!

What could it be?


Well, it's a Build-A-Bear box.
But, what's inside it is a long, long story!!!

There's nothing like getting a phone call from your husband on a Monday morning like this:
Me: Hello.
D: Hey. What are ya'll doing?
Me: Oh, nothing, just straightening up around here.
D: Well, I need you to come to me, I have a baby in the truck with me you need to come get!
Me: A baby?!?!?
D: Yep. A baby.
Me: Wait a minute, a baby what?
D: A baby squirrel!
Me: Okay, tell me where to meet you.
So, Noah and I met him with the Build-A-Bear box, and picked up the squirrel, and the adventure began!!!

The poor little guy was scared to death, but I do believe I was even

SCAREDER!!!

But, after Derrick came home and the neighbor loaned us a cage,things got better. Our neighbor actually has a friend who has had squirrels before as pets, so he was a lot of help.

When Noah and I first got the squirrel (name yet to be decided!) Derrick and I were discussing what squirrels might eat. Noah then answered:

Squirrels eat corn mom!

He knows this because Grammie has squirrel feeders at her house with corn cobs on them!Well, we couldn't hardly catch the crazy beast, let alone feed it.So, long story short, we finally found out he can eat out of a medicine dropper, and he likes....

Grapes!!!

My niece surprised me the most. She was not the least bit afraid of him.Aunt T on the other hand was a little skiddish at first, but I got over it!!!

We asked Noah what the squirrel's name is and he said, "Ho-Ho's sleigh!"

Derrick wants to name him Alvin (like Alvin and the chipmunks.)

Felicity (my neice) wants to name him Honey because of his hair color.

I'm still undecided!!!


Sunday, August 23, 2009

Vitejte v Ceske Republice



Our church's childrens' ministry had a fund-raiser after church today called, "A taste of the world." Everyone brings a dish from a different country, and for a donation of any amount, the people from the church get to eat a serving of food from each country, therefore getting "a taste of the world." Well, all of the easy countries were taken soon. America, Spain, Mexico, Italy, etc. so, I after careful consideration, picked the Czech Republic. (Czechoslavokia). My husband's family is from Czech. My mom's family is from Germany, but not enough that we cook their food. But, all of Derrick's family can speak and cook Czech. So, I e-mailed one of his aunts and asked her what she thought would be good. I ended up making Kolascky. They are little cookies that are filled with a fruit filling. I cut them in half so every one would have plenty (I only made about 50 of them). I was a little nervous at first, but I only brought a few home!!! I had people of all ages telling me how great they are. Even a little baby who just turned one was addicted!!! I owe a big thanks to Aunt Barb!!! THANKS! And, when she comes home....I'll be learning lots of other cool things to make! Since my husband's sister doesn't cook (literally), I'll have to carry on the Czech tradition for my mom-n-law. I thought it was really neat to be able to represent the country where they are from. I even had one lady make the comment, "Oh, Derrick's Czech....is that why he looks like that?!?!" I guess she was talking about his dark complexion, and maybe the dark brown eyes, but I told her that I didn't think that came from Czechoslavokia!!! All in all, the fundraiser turned out to be a success!!! Potato Dumplings and Houska, here I come. Aunt Barb and/or Jenny.....I'm coming your way too! Thanks one more time Aunt Barb!!!


Friday, August 21, 2009

An update on Noah's school week...

This was the first week that Noah went to school full days. He still only goes 3 days a week, but he stays until 2 pm instead of 11:15 am. What they do is after lunch, they all come back to the room and lay down for an hour, then they get up, have another snack, do one more activity, then come home.

Tuesday, she said Noah would not lay down at all....he didn't throw a fit or anything, surprisingly....but he just wouldn't lay down. He said, "Noah went to lunch, now Noah go home. Noah's mom comes." His teacher, Mrs. Jen, explained to him that he'd be staying longer at school, and not coming home after lunch anymore. So, she let him quietly sit and watch a movie.

Wednesday, he was the first one asleep, at 11:45 am (they typically lay down around noon), and the last one to wake up at 1:15 pm. Hahah!

Thursday, he didn't go to sleep, but he layed down real still and calm. That's good enough!

All week, he got all smiley faces on his little progress sheet she sends home.

This morning, I woke up, and Noah was standing by my bed saying, "Good morning Mom. Can I go to school today and see my teacher?!" So, all in all, he loves it!

Mrs. Jen says he's doing really good, and he is so smart and mature from the last time she taught him. He started in March 2008. He had her from March to May 2008. Back when he didn't talk at all, wasn't potty-trained, etc. She said he could go to regular preschool somewhere, that she thinks he'd do fine with typical peers, but I still think maybe not. And, I'm sorry, but Momma knows! But, I guess that was a compliment from her, and her saying he is one of the smartest kids she has ever had. That was nice.

Everyday, Noah comes home so excited, telling me all about his day. He shows me all of his work from school, and tells me all about what he is learning. He told me yesterday, "Mom, I work at school. I have to work!" Haha.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Couple of funnies

A couple of funny things I have heard lately!
  • Our pastor: "He who findeth a good wife findeth a good thing. He who findeth a bad wife, well, he's just found a thing!"
  • Me: "What are you watching Noah?"
  • Noah: "Mr. Roger's Hood."
  • Derrick: "Noah, do you want a knuckle sandwich?" (Playfully)
  • Noah: "Daddy, do you want a butter sandwich?"
  • Me: "Noah, it's time to lay down now, pick out the books you want me to read."
  • Noah: "No thanks Mom, you go read the books to Daddy now! I'll stay awake!"
  • Me: "Noah, you know it's time. Mom will read to you first then Daddy."
  • Noah: "Okay Mom, maybe, sometimes."

Chuck-E-Cheese

This past Monday, Noah and I had the honor of being treated to a day at
CHUCK-E-CHEESE!!!
Grammie (my mom) took us!!!
Noah had a blast, and between the three of us...
He won 700 tickets and a bag of cotton candy!
Plus he had a pizza!
We went in and I took a few pictures, then I said I'd go put my
camera up, because I didn't want it getting messed up.
Well, a while later...
Chuck-E-Cheese himself came out!
Noah ran right up to him and hugged him.
And Chuck-E-Cheese loved Noah too!
Chuck-E gave Noah five, a thumbs up, a hug,..........
and even played a basketball game with Noah!
Then Chuck-E-Cheese had to go see other boys and girls,
in the meantime, Noah went and put his money in the basketball
game again, and said, "Chuck-E-Cheese, I'm over here!"
It was priceless!
Thanks Grammie!!!
Here's a picture of Noah playing his favorite game!And here is his favorite part!
He and Grammie played the race car game!
And Noah's other favorite...the monster truck game!

Thanks again Grammie!