Oh happy day!! The couch has finally arrived!
We can plunk our butts! We can ring in the New Year seated in comfort - not smooshed together and/or perched with part of one butt cheek bearly grasping a sliver of cushion.
I ordered my couch on the internet from Carolinachair.com and I would do it again. I got exactly what I wanted, paid half the price, and didn't have to drive 100+ miles to find something I liked. I shopped one evening while wearing my fuzzy sweats and sipping on a Corona. My family shopped with me - gathered around the screen. We looked at couch styles and measured our space. We could see how much room this new piece would take up in our not so spacious family room. It was terrific. The fabric selection was simple. We wanted denim - nothing too dramatic here at LadyBug Crossing!
My extended family was skeptical... "How do you know if it is comfortable? How do you know if the color is "right"? Any hidden costs? What if it isn't what you wanted?" I was not worried.
When the couch was ready to ship, they sent me this picture! Can you even believe it?!?
The couch is here, it is comfortable, the fabric is perfect, and if you'd like to come by and sit a while, we'd love to have you!
LadyBug
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
1. Celebrate the New Year 2. Figure out how to get snowflakes to fall in my blog by next Christmas 3. Build an addition for the GrandBugs 4. Plan Little LadyBug's birthday celebration - This is her input - she's standing right here... 5. Develop many rolls of film 6. Sort the pictures 7. Catch up on the Scrapbooking 8. Do a Handbell Fundraiser for my Jr. High Handbells - we need 3 Octaves - that's about $7,500. Think we can raise that kind of money? 9. Watch another school year come to an end. This means I'll have two Middle School Students in my house. Oooh, I'm scared! 10. Celebrate the GrandBug's 50th Anniversary 11. Back to school shopping 12. Send the kids back to school - the same school for one year. 13. Get ready for Christmas and New Year's again... Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Petroville Uisce Lilybleu Squashed Toad Jennifer Jenny Barbara Chickadee Leanne Jane Caryn |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
The Dump
I went to the dump today.
This might not seem like a major thing to some of you, but I don't DO garbage. I don't pick up barrels. I don't unfold or even crush cardboard boxes. I don't sort plastic, cans or glass. I don't have time for that.
Mister Bug is obsessive about the garbage. He decides when it should go to the dump, how it should be sorted, and how it should be packed in the truck. I, personally, don't much care. In my world, if I can stuff one more thing in the barrel, it's not full.
He has been talking all week about how he was going to the dump TODAY. Before he left for work at "O Dark Hundred" this morning, Mister Bug told me that he would be home promptly at 1:30pm to go to the dump. He wanted to be sure that I would be home by then with the truck. He called me at 1:05pm to tell me that he was stuck at work and would go to the dump later because it was open until 7pm tonight. (I told you he was obsessed!!) Like I care when or if he ever goes to the dump!
He sounded tired and a little overwhelmed by his day. Then - OMG!! I felt it... a twinge of guilt. (I CAN do garbage. I just don't LIKE to do it.)
I took a deep breath. I made up my mind - a little too quickly, I think. I packed the truck and I went to the dump.
I got rid of all the wrappings, the boxes, the garbage, the bottles and the cans. I recycled. I tossed household trash. I watched the giant compactor crush my stuff. It was thrilling... (not thrilling enough to get me back there any time soon, though.)
Mister Bug was shocked by my selfless act.
As he should be...
We've been married a long time. I like to keep him on his toes.
LadyBug
This might not seem like a major thing to some of you, but I don't DO garbage. I don't pick up barrels. I don't unfold or even crush cardboard boxes. I don't sort plastic, cans or glass. I don't have time for that.
Mister Bug is obsessive about the garbage. He decides when it should go to the dump, how it should be sorted, and how it should be packed in the truck. I, personally, don't much care. In my world, if I can stuff one more thing in the barrel, it's not full.
He has been talking all week about how he was going to the dump TODAY. Before he left for work at "O Dark Hundred" this morning, Mister Bug told me that he would be home promptly at 1:30pm to go to the dump. He wanted to be sure that I would be home by then with the truck. He called me at 1:05pm to tell me that he was stuck at work and would go to the dump later because it was open until 7pm tonight. (I told you he was obsessed!!) Like I care when or if he ever goes to the dump!
He sounded tired and a little overwhelmed by his day. Then - OMG!! I felt it... a twinge of guilt. (I CAN do garbage. I just don't LIKE to do it.)
I took a deep breath. I made up my mind - a little too quickly, I think. I packed the truck and I went to the dump.
I got rid of all the wrappings, the boxes, the garbage, the bottles and the cans. I recycled. I tossed household trash. I watched the giant compactor crush my stuff. It was thrilling... (not thrilling enough to get me back there any time soon, though.)
Mister Bug was shocked by my selfless act.
As he should be...
We've been married a long time. I like to keep him on his toes.
LadyBug
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Always Call First
I wasted a ton of time today. Not that I have anything better to do, mind you. I could have stayed home and done laundry, made cookies, or even picked my nose. I am just plain annoyed... with myself and the business I went to find...
Ok - here's the deal. I need a shed for my lawn tractor and various other power tools. I saw an ad in the paper for a bunch of sheds - different sizes, different window and door options, different colors, etc. The ad was at least a 6 inch by 6 inch square ad. This is Not a tiny classified ad.
I get everyone up and moving early. I drop #1 Son off at basketball. I get the grandparents in gear. I stuff everyone into the car and take off. Grandpa is thrilled - this is guy shopping. We drive... 40 min later we are almost there.
I think I am going to a large shed manufacturer/distributor. I must be an idiot to think this!! Why would I think this? Could it be the ad size? Lesson #1 - Size of ad has nothing to do with size of business location. We turned around at least 3 times because we missed it. It is a teeny tiny house with teeny tiny numbers on a teeny tiny mailbox in a busy business district on a very busy street. Every other business around this teeny tiny house was a large business with signage and everything.
It gets better... The guy isn't there - heck, he isn't HOME!!! Aaargh!!!
What do I do next? I call him - light dawns late... Lesson #2 - Call first. I leave a message that says I will be in town for another hour and if he calls me before I head home, I will go back. One hour and 15 min. later he calls me. Too late! He says, "Uh, well, uh, I am usually here in the afternoon." I had a million thoughts running through my head like: Do only morons shop for sheds before noon? Can't I purchase shed in the morning? Is it illegal? My response was more on the lines of "Ummm OK." Maybe his ad should include his wacky hours!!!
We did see a couple of his sheds. They are very nice. I will probably get one, but I will call first.
Ok - here's the deal. I need a shed for my lawn tractor and various other power tools. I saw an ad in the paper for a bunch of sheds - different sizes, different window and door options, different colors, etc. The ad was at least a 6 inch by 6 inch square ad. This is Not a tiny classified ad.
I get everyone up and moving early. I drop #1 Son off at basketball. I get the grandparents in gear. I stuff everyone into the car and take off. Grandpa is thrilled - this is guy shopping. We drive... 40 min later we are almost there.
I think I am going to a large shed manufacturer/distributor. I must be an idiot to think this!! Why would I think this? Could it be the ad size? Lesson #1 - Size of ad has nothing to do with size of business location. We turned around at least 3 times because we missed it. It is a teeny tiny house with teeny tiny numbers on a teeny tiny mailbox in a busy business district on a very busy street. Every other business around this teeny tiny house was a large business with signage and everything.
It gets better... The guy isn't there - heck, he isn't HOME!!! Aaargh!!!
What do I do next? I call him - light dawns late... Lesson #2 - Call first. I leave a message that says I will be in town for another hour and if he calls me before I head home, I will go back. One hour and 15 min. later he calls me. Too late! He says, "Uh, well, uh, I am usually here in the afternoon." I had a million thoughts running through my head like: Do only morons shop for sheds before noon? Can't I purchase shed in the morning? Is it illegal? My response was more on the lines of "Ummm OK." Maybe his ad should include his wacky hours!!!
We did see a couple of his sheds. They are very nice. I will probably get one, but I will call first.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Just a quick note to let you all know that Santa arrived and left a bunch of presents. I guess we must have been pretty good this year. #1 Son is currently ensconced in his room building a Lego castle and a dinosaur thing. Little LadyBug is enjoying her new American Girl stuff.
Have a great day!
LadyBug
Just a quick note to let you all know that Santa arrived and left a bunch of presents. I guess we must have been pretty good this year. #1 Son is currently ensconced in his room building a Lego castle and a dinosaur thing. Little LadyBug is enjoying her new American Girl stuff.
Have a great day!
LadyBug
Saturday, December 24, 2005
We had an Open House at LadyBug Crossing last night. We even had a few real live lady bugs flittering around!
We served ham rolls, sushi, kielbasa, MisterBug's famous chili, and a bunch of other yummy items. If you are feeling a hungry in your tummy, please drop on by for leftovers. We'll fix you up a ham roll - lickety split!
MommaK dropped by with her family. We always have fun with them! Little LadyBug had a marvelous time playing with the girls, as she enjoys their company immensely.
LadyBug's parents met many of the neighbors and church friends. The 'rents tell me that they still want to join us here permanently, so I guess they weren't frightened off. The people here in our little town are a really fun, highly educated, eclectic bunch! The LadyBug could hear the Mister laughing most of the evening, and can only imagine the stories and jokes that were swapped.
Tonight is our Christmas Eve service. The children are both participating - Little LadyBug is reading as well as playing trumpet and handbells. #1 Son is an acolyte - we thought he might get to sit with the family, but... He also has a reading. We keep them busy!! LadyBug will be busy ringing handbells - I love to ring on Christmas Eve. I haven't done it in years!
MisterBug's family hails from the great white North. His family's tradition is Reveillon. They go to church at midnight. When they arrive home, Santa has already been there and they stay up all night eating and opening presents. We won't be staying up all night, but we will stay up late enough to place the "Joyeux Noel Phone Call". LadyBug still likes to open her presents in the AM.
It is an evening of quiet aniticipation...
Enjoy!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
LadyBug
Friday, December 23, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
1. Remembering the real reason for Christmas - Baby Jesus' birthday. We do our advent wreath as a family every Sunday before bed. It is a peaceful time. 2. Spending time with family - I like to spend time with my grandparents and my parents. We have fun telling stories, reading books, and just hanging out. 3. Eating all the yummy foods we don't usually make - I love all kinds of munchies and my Gram makes the best munchies! 4. Presents - getting and giving 5. Being in the pageant - I was an angel again this year, but it was still fun. 6. Playing the trumpet at church - I am learning my music and will be ready to play on Christmas Eve. 7. Reading my favorite Christmas books - We have a huge basket filled with our Christmas books. I like to sit on our comfy couch and read them. 8. Stockings - hanging and opening them to find all sorts of treats 9. Christmas music - We listen to the all Christmas radio station starting the day after Thanksgiving. By the time Christmas gets here we know every word to every song! We love to sing along. We also like to play Christmas music on our piano. Little LadyBug enjoys the 12 Days of Christmas and #1 Son's favorite is Carol of the Bells. 10. School vacation - No explanation needed 11. Parties with friends - we usually visit many people during the season. We get to spend time and have fun. 12. Advent calendar - I get to open a little box on the calendar every day. Each little gift makes a part of a scene. When Christmas Eve arrives, the scene is complete. We use the same one every year, but I can never remember what's in each box. So, every year it is a surprise! 13. Making and leaving cookies for the Big Guy - I hope I can get Mommy off her butt - Christmas Eve is almost here and we still haven't made the cookies! We need to make the cookies so we can eat the rejects!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) Petroville Chickadee Running2ks Interstellar Lass Squashed Toad |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
4 More Days!
Christmas fever has struck here at LadyBug Crossing. The children are so excited they can barely control themselves. I thought as they got older it would get better, but I was mistaken.
We are waiting for a few more UPS and USPS boxes sent by family members. Some will need to be wrapped, so the wrapping paper and tape is at the ready. The children are getting more and more curious about the plethora of boxes under the tree. We have a rule - no touching packages before Christmas Day. It's sick - I know - but I love to watch them just sit and look and wonder. Little LadyBug accidentally knocked over a package yesterday. It was a long skinny rectangular box. I asked her who it was for - knowing quite well who it was for. She grinned a big grin and said, "Me...but I put it right back". I asked if she shook it. "Oh, no!! I wouldn't do that!" I smiled... I asked her if she had any guesses. "I have no idea!" I knew she had no idea. The shape of the box matches nothing on her list. Aren't I a sneaky mommy?
Enjoy the day!
LadyBug
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
It's Christmas!
The tree is up.
The stockings have been hung.
The cards have been sent.
I'll make the cookies this week - I promise...
LadyBug's parents are flying in today. Everyone is excited - especially the children.
#1 Son is so excited he can't sleep. How do I know this? I caught him at 9:30 last night playing his gameboy under the covers. If he had been reading, he wouldn't have been in trouble. He is currently living in fear of "COAL in the Stocking". I believe a little fear in life is a good thing. He may get some coal... LadyBug's sister got a tidbit of coal in the toe of her stocking one year... Do you think it will work for #1 Son? He wanted to skip his afterschool activity so he could get home to see the Grandparents. Alas, he will be staying for his activity - he made a commitment back in September. He doesn't know it yet, but we are meeting him for dinner at his favorite burger joint so that he can continue on to his final swim session of 2005. He gets his grandparents, his favorite food, and his Monday activities.
Little LadyBug is trying to convince me that she NEEDS to get out of school early - "could you pick me up on the way home from the airport". Hah! I think not. Nice try! She's taking the bus home. I told her that I would bring one of them with me to the bus stop to pick her up... Not exactly what she wanted, but it will do.
I have the last load of laundry ready to go. The house is ship-shape. As I look around in the quiet of the early morning, I know that organized chaos is just around the corner... I wouldn't have it any other way!!
Have a good day, everyone!
LadyBug
The stockings have been hung.
The cards have been sent.
I'll make the cookies this week - I promise...
LadyBug's parents are flying in today. Everyone is excited - especially the children.
#1 Son is so excited he can't sleep. How do I know this? I caught him at 9:30 last night playing his gameboy under the covers. If he had been reading, he wouldn't have been in trouble. He is currently living in fear of "COAL in the Stocking". I believe a little fear in life is a good thing. He may get some coal... LadyBug's sister got a tidbit of coal in the toe of her stocking one year... Do you think it will work for #1 Son? He wanted to skip his afterschool activity so he could get home to see the Grandparents. Alas, he will be staying for his activity - he made a commitment back in September. He doesn't know it yet, but we are meeting him for dinner at his favorite burger joint so that he can continue on to his final swim session of 2005. He gets his grandparents, his favorite food, and his Monday activities.
Little LadyBug is trying to convince me that she NEEDS to get out of school early - "could you pick me up on the way home from the airport". Hah! I think not. Nice try! She's taking the bus home. I told her that I would bring one of them with me to the bus stop to pick her up... Not exactly what she wanted, but it will do.
I have the last load of laundry ready to go. The house is ship-shape. As I look around in the quiet of the early morning, I know that organized chaos is just around the corner... I wouldn't have it any other way!!
Have a good day, everyone!
LadyBug
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Time's Up!
Help!!
I have less than one day left before our houseguests arrive!!
I'm not ready!
My slaves - oops-- I mean my children have vanished - they must know that I have a list of chores for each of them that rivals Santa's list in length.
My husband is on a cleaning binge. He loves to clean bathrooms! Thank God! He enjoys cleaning grout and making the tiles shine. He loves to make the toilets sparkle - even under the rim. I am so lucky. He cooks AND cleans bathrooms - who could ask for more?
My shower curtains are in the washer right this minute with enough hot water and bleach to clean Boston Harbor... I hope they come out white! My laundry pile - which yesterday was non-existant is now the size of Mount Everest. What happened? How many clothes can they wear? At least the room my guests will be staying in is all set - I did that yesterday. I just have to run the vaccuum and dust. I'd better get going!
Maybe I should ask Santa for a maid.
LadyBug
Saturday, December 17, 2005
The One Thing...
Did you ever have one thing you wanted to get for someone special, but cannot find it anywhere? I have one small item I have been looking for for at least 5 years. It is not a big deal item for anyone but this Little LadyBug of mine. "Guy" has been with the Little LadyBug since day 1. We have had many versions of "Guy" come through our home - but they were all identical - soft, snuggly, and white with a green felt hat and scarf. One year I couldn't him. That was the beginning of the long arduous search. I search for him wherever I go - all seasons - all temperatures. My family knows to "just buy him" if they find him. Every year he is on her Christmas list.
This year a catalog arrived and there he was on the back cover. See the picture on the right? Isn't he cute? I thought I had finally found "Guy"! I was thrilled! I was tickled pink! I was jumping around my house all by myself! I ordered him. The box arrived... I opened it to discover that this was not "Guy". They sent an impostor! He was not soft! He was not snuggly! His hat and scarf were not made of felt! I'll give them some credit - he was white. I was furious!! Now, I am normally a reasonably calm person, but I wasn't when I called them, gave them a piece of my mind, and informed them that they were guilty of false advertising. I made them return this "item" on their dime!
I continue to search. Someday, I will find "Guy". I will pay whatever they want (and I will purchase more than one). I will bring him home and he will be loved by a girl who has always loved snowmen.
LadyBug
This year a catalog arrived and there he was on the back cover. See the picture on the right? Isn't he cute? I thought I had finally found "Guy"! I was thrilled! I was tickled pink! I was jumping around my house all by myself! I ordered him. The box arrived... I opened it to discover that this was not "Guy". They sent an impostor! He was not soft! He was not snuggly! His hat and scarf were not made of felt! I'll give them some credit - he was white. I was furious!! Now, I am normally a reasonably calm person, but I wasn't when I called them, gave them a piece of my mind, and informed them that they were guilty of false advertising. I made them return this "item" on their dime!
I continue to search. Someday, I will find "Guy". I will pay whatever they want (and I will purchase more than one). I will bring him home and he will be loved by a girl who has always loved snowmen.
LadyBug
Thursday, December 15, 2005
1. Finish making a couple of presents.. if I don't get them done - no biggie... they were extras anyway. 2. Finish wrapping the last 3 gifts - I am soooo close!! 3. Write the cards - how many times can I sign my name?? 4. Address the cards - Oh, I've got to find that address book I misplaced... I wonder where it might be... I'll add that to my list... 5. Seal the envelopes - maybe an offspring will volunteer to help me with this... If I weren't so cheap, I'd buy cards with the self stick envelopes. 6. Mail the cards - ie: skate down the driveway and deposit in mailbox. 7. Do laundry - does it ever stop?? 8. Make cookies - nope never got that done last week. 9. Scrub the kitchen floor and the bathrooms - again. 10. Get the kids to the pageant rehearsal - providing that we can navigate the driveway by then... 11. Attend the pageant - this is one of my favorite things. The Little LadyBug is an angel again this year. When she received per part in the mail she simply groaned, "again.. I'm always an angel!" I replied, "at least you aren't a barnyard animal". She rolled her eyes at me and sighed. #1 Son is a wiseman - hah - a wiseacre maybe! 12. Retrieve one set of grandparents from the airport - we should be de-iced by Monday. 13. Prepare for our Open House next weekend... Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) Petroville Prairierose Chickadee Lisa S LazyDaisyLog squashedtoad running2ks PlumCrazy Raehan Holly |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Miss Dotty Gets A Gift
Our guinea pig, Miss Dotty, received her Christmas gift early. We couldn't wait to give it to her. Are we nuts? You think we could wait a week! Nope, nobody here at LadyBug Crossing could or would even DREAM of waiting. We gave her a Rollin' the Hay. Now, don't you go gettin' your knickers in a twist!! This is a G-rated site. It's a hay ball. She can eat her hay whenever she wants and she won't have stepped on it or pooped in it or anything. Good clean hay - I'm told there's nothing better if you are a guinea pig. This little hay ball makes her work for her hay. We need to challenge her and keep her mind active. Heaven forbid she get bored and spend her life lounging around her crate doing nothing...
She loves it!
It pays to be a pig at LadyBug Crossing!!
Miss Angel is waiting patiently for the big guy. She's so dainty.
On Christmas day at LadyBug Crossing, each animal gets their favorite treat. The cats get real tuna and Dotty will get some fruit. Do you give your pets presents at Christmas? Do you give them a special treat?
Mr. Marmadoo just wants his treats NOW!!
She loves it!
It pays to be a pig at LadyBug Crossing!!
Miss Angel is waiting patiently for the big guy. She's so dainty.
On Christmas day at LadyBug Crossing, each animal gets their favorite treat. The cats get real tuna and Dotty will get some fruit. Do you give your pets presents at Christmas? Do you give them a special treat?
Mr. Marmadoo just wants his treats NOW!!
Monday, December 12, 2005
The Countdown Begins!
We have one week before our Christmas guests arrive. As I look around my house, I see a million little things I need to do, about a hundred things I could do, a few that I should do, and a couple of things I just won't do. Maybe I won't turn the lights up and I'll use candles... I'm hoping that my dustbunnies are ignored, the trim painting I was supposed to get done last summer and didn't isn't too noticeable, and that my new sofa arrives. If the sofa arrives, the guests might be so enamored with an actual place to sit that much of our daily chaos may just go unnoticed. Do you think that your guests come to see your house or do they really come to see you?
LadyBug
Saturday, December 10, 2005
The Musical Update
Little LadyBug was invited to play her trumpet with the Brass Band on Christmas Eve. She just started playing the trumpet this summer and is very nervous about performing with a more "professional" group. We figure if all she does is hit the first note in every measure, she's doing well. Her practicing today sounds pretty good - I recognize some of it! I'll keep you posted on her progress.
#1 Son is auditioning for District Band. When the notice came home I asked "What is this? What do you have to do? Do you have to memorize a piece of music?" His answer was, "Nah! All you have to do is play some scales and sight read some music." Sounds easy, doesn't it? Fortunately, #1 Son is very good at both of these things. He doesn't seem to get nervous. He usually remains cool as a cucumber and plays quite well. I am the nervous nelly. Auditioning is such a subjective sport. He is not concerned in the least -- If he makes District - fine. If he doesn't make District - fine. He knows we will always consider him our #1 Sax player!
LadyBug is ready for her handbell performances. I enjoy directing, but ringing is so much more fun. I enjoy hearing the bells around me and feeling the heft of them in my hands. The bigger and the louder the bell, the happier I am. LadyBug likes to ring loud and often!! Ringing the bells at Christmas time is just the best!!
Thanks for stopping by today!
Have a lovely weekend.
LadyBug
#1 Son is auditioning for District Band. When the notice came home I asked "What is this? What do you have to do? Do you have to memorize a piece of music?" His answer was, "Nah! All you have to do is play some scales and sight read some music." Sounds easy, doesn't it? Fortunately, #1 Son is very good at both of these things. He doesn't seem to get nervous. He usually remains cool as a cucumber and plays quite well. I am the nervous nelly. Auditioning is such a subjective sport. He is not concerned in the least -- If he makes District - fine. If he doesn't make District - fine. He knows we will always consider him our #1 Sax player!
LadyBug is ready for her handbell performances. I enjoy directing, but ringing is so much more fun. I enjoy hearing the bells around me and feeling the heft of them in my hands. The bigger and the louder the bell, the happier I am. LadyBug likes to ring loud and often!! Ringing the bells at Christmas time is just the best!!
Thanks for stopping by today!
Have a lovely weekend.
LadyBug
Friday, December 09, 2005
Today is our anniversary!
The Head Bug and I have been married 16 years today. He is the sweetest guy I have ever known, and I love him with all my heart. He always does the little things that mean so much - makes me a cup of tea in the morning, brings me home a Peppermint Patty from the grocery store, is supportive of my endeavors, and cleans the toilets. I am truly blessed!
To celebrate this event, we purchased a new sofa for our family room. It's not the most romantic gift, but it is definitely practical. Our current couch seats 3 small butts. The new couch should seat at least 4 regular sized butts with room for a couple extra butts to perch. We are hoping it arrives before our Christmas guests do. We need to have a place for them to sit. Because I refuse to drive 50 miles to go to a furniture store, we purchased our couch on-line. The site got great reviews and was written up in the WSJ. I am hoping it is as good as it looked. As the Bug says "We shall see what we shall see".
The Head Bug did purchase a sweet gift for me. It was on my keyboard this morning where he knew I'd find it. He gave me a precious moments figurine of a ballerina. I love it!
We have another Snow Day today. The offspring are thrilled! We are considering baking some cookies. Maybe sugar cookies so they can decorate them. Little LadyBug is always up for decorating with icing and sprinkles. She likes the free samples and enjoys the creative outlet. #1 Son will decorate a cookie or two and then eat them. That's as much creativity I'll get out of him.
It will be another good day at LadyBug Crossing.
Thanks for dropping by! Take a cookie for the road...
Lady Bug
Thursday, December 08, 2005
1…. Handbell Ringing is a team sport. 2.... Handbells can be and are rung year round - not just at Christmas. 3.... Yesterday my Middle School Handbell Choir had a concert for their peers. They did a great job! 4.... I do not like to carry handbell equipment. 5.... Handbell equipment is really really heavy! I don't remember it being this heavy when I was younger... 6.... Handbells are made of bronze. 7.... Handbell ringers wear gloves to protect their hands - not to protect the bells. 8.... Handbell ringers who don't wear gloves have to polish the handbells. I always have to polish the bells... 9.... Handbell ringers who want to ring all the bells themselves are called Bell Hogs. I am one of those people. 10.. There are two foundries in the US that make handbells. Both are in PA. 11.. Many different types of people ring handbells. 12.. I wish I had a set of handbells for my class so that we didn't have to share. 13.... How many angels get their wings when a handbell choir plays? Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
I love Snow Days!
Yesterday was our first Snow Day of the year.
Most parents hate Snow Days right before Christmas, but I am worse than the kids - I love 'em! We snuggled up by the fire and watched the school closing list on TV. When I asked the offspring what they wanted to do for the day. They said they wanted to do their gingerbread house. Cool! One more Christmas Tradition knocked off the list and we aren't even into December's double digit days!!
I used to make the gingerbread house from scratch. I have matured. I go to the store and buy the kit. We proceeded to put our house together. Daughter Bug helped me with this part while #1 Son watched from afar. Did you know you are supposed to wait 30 minutes before attaching the roof to the sides? That's way too long. We don't wait well!
Piping the icing is usually a fiasco. This year, I splurged and got this decorator thing that squirts the icing out without any effort. No bag to squeeze. No icing everywhere. Nobody whining because they wanted the icing to come out one end of the bag and instead, it shot out the other into their hair. It was a very peaceful and amazingly clean icing adventure. The icing thing worked so well, that the children insisted they could do the whole house without my help. I love technology!
I hadn't had time to run out and supplement the candy that comes with the gingerbread house kit, so we used left over Easter and Halloween candy. We recycle - why waste perfectly good candy? We weren't going to eat it anyway, so why not glue it on a gingerbread house? I have to admit, I have never seen tootsie rolls or pastel lifesavers on a gingerbread house before, but they look pretty good. We probably have the only gingerbread house on the planet that doesn't have a candy cane on it somewhere!
A Snow Day isn't complete unless you go sledding. The offspring have new sleds this year. The sleds will work quite well as soon as we have enough snow to sled on. They worked ok but the grass poking through the snow slowed them down quite a bit. It is amazing how little snow needs to fall for them to cancel school. I love living in the South!
My favorite part of a snow day is nap time. The children don't nap. I do. I get to put my favorite show on TV and then sleep to it. Ahhh life is good!
Let it snow... Let it snow... Let it snow.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Welcome to Lady Bug Crossing!
Hello!
Come on in and relax. Put your feet up and stay a while.
The fire is hot and the cocoa is ready. We are glad to see you again!
Christmas is almost here. The advent wreath is lit. The presents have been purchased. The stockings have been hung. The tree is up. The candles are in the windows. All that is left is cookies, the letter, and the cards. I'm doing cookies later this week. I'm doing the cards sometime before Dec. 25th. The letter -- hmmm.... well, I'm skipping the letter. You can all read my blog to catch up!!
Let me update you on the offspring:
#1 Son: Middle School student, Sax and Piano player, Drama Club member, Swim Team afficionado, Cotillion participant
He is tall, dark, and handsome. Enjoys TV, video games, and friends. Hates homework and veggies.
#1 Son had his Holly Ball this past weekend. He danced his feet off, met a lot of nice kids, and was a hit with the girls. When I picked him up, I asked him how it was. His response "Ummm, it was OK." Hah! I thought... I saw him dancing with at least 4 girls in a minute and a half. He was one popular dude! I said, "So, did you have a good time? Did you dance alot?" He responded, "Uh, yup. Um, Mom, when's the next ball?" You tell me - Did he have a good time?
The Little LadyBug: Elementary student, Ballerina, Trumpet Piano and Handbell player. She enjoys snow, dancing, reading, and friends. Hates homework and late ballet rehearsals.
Little LadyBug had her ballet production of The Nutcracker this weekend. She danced 3 dances when she wasn't dancing Clara. She loved every minute of it. Many people came up to us after her performances and told us how graceful she is. I have spoken to her teacher at length about her not-so-graceful moments out of ballet. Her teacher assures me that a good dancer is graceful only in the studio and on the stage because there is nothing to bump into. I feel so much better!!
The Head Bug: He drives, he works, he cooks, he took up tennis again - he's great!!
The Lady Bug: She Jazzercises, she crafts, she does laundry, she teaches handbells - life is good!!
We made some changes in the yard in the last few weeks. We took down fencing. We removed a ton of chicken wire from the chicken coop area. We took down the rooster coop. We are tired!! We are doing all of this because construction on the addition is due to start in January and we want to be ready. We still have some plants to dig up and one more section of fencing to take down. We are getting there!!
Thanks for dropping by!
Do come see us again soon!
Lady Bug
Come on in and relax. Put your feet up and stay a while.
The fire is hot and the cocoa is ready. We are glad to see you again!
Christmas is almost here. The advent wreath is lit. The presents have been purchased. The stockings have been hung. The tree is up. The candles are in the windows. All that is left is cookies, the letter, and the cards. I'm doing cookies later this week. I'm doing the cards sometime before Dec. 25th. The letter -- hmmm.... well, I'm skipping the letter. You can all read my blog to catch up!!
Let me update you on the offspring:
#1 Son: Middle School student, Sax and Piano player, Drama Club member, Swim Team afficionado, Cotillion participant
He is tall, dark, and handsome. Enjoys TV, video games, and friends. Hates homework and veggies.
#1 Son had his Holly Ball this past weekend. He danced his feet off, met a lot of nice kids, and was a hit with the girls. When I picked him up, I asked him how it was. His response "Ummm, it was OK." Hah! I thought... I saw him dancing with at least 4 girls in a minute and a half. He was one popular dude! I said, "So, did you have a good time? Did you dance alot?" He responded, "Uh, yup. Um, Mom, when's the next ball?" You tell me - Did he have a good time?
The Little LadyBug: Elementary student, Ballerina, Trumpet Piano and Handbell player. She enjoys snow, dancing, reading, and friends. Hates homework and late ballet rehearsals.
Little LadyBug had her ballet production of The Nutcracker this weekend. She danced 3 dances when she wasn't dancing Clara. She loved every minute of it. Many people came up to us after her performances and told us how graceful she is. I have spoken to her teacher at length about her not-so-graceful moments out of ballet. Her teacher assures me that a good dancer is graceful only in the studio and on the stage because there is nothing to bump into. I feel so much better!!
The Head Bug: He drives, he works, he cooks, he took up tennis again - he's great!!
The Lady Bug: She Jazzercises, she crafts, she does laundry, she teaches handbells - life is good!!
We made some changes in the yard in the last few weeks. We took down fencing. We removed a ton of chicken wire from the chicken coop area. We took down the rooster coop. We are tired!! We are doing all of this because construction on the addition is due to start in January and we want to be ready. We still have some plants to dig up and one more section of fencing to take down. We are getting there!!
Thanks for dropping by!
Do come see us again soon!
Lady Bug
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