I'm Back!!!!

It has been FOREVER since I've had an opportunity to post anything, but I've got a lot of cool stuff to share with you...... so, just to get my creative juices going and to figure out the new layout behind the scenes of my blog, here is a little diddy to wet your appetite!

I AM A BEAUTIFUL BOOGER, uh, I MEAN "BLOGGER"!

My loving teenage daughter, who is oh-so-bloggerish, has awarded me this most wonderful award. And, so in good faith and participation (and mainly because she will hound me until I do it), I am playing. Here goes:

THE RULES:
1) Thank the person who has so prestigiously awarded you.
"Oh, my dear eldest daughter, upon whom God has graciously blessed you with corkscrews emitting from your scalp, I do hereby express great gratitude....." http://www.basketballer4him.blogspot.com/
OK.... that's done.

2) Copy the award and paste it to your blog. Already done.

3) Tell the general public and whoever reads your blog 7 interesting things about yourself:
* When I was about 5 years old, I commenced to stick black electrician's tape up my nose, get it stuck, and be paraded around the doctor's office before being thrown into stark terror by a pair of 5-feet long pliers being crammed up my nasal cavity (OK.... so I threw in a little exaggeration just for good measure, but you get the point ~ it was devastating).
* I was once known as a rather talkative youngster (hard to believe, I know [tee-hee], but so was the case, especially in 7th grade science).
* I married my french horn tutor (bwahahahahaha!!!).
* I absolutely adore English grammar (much to my children's/student's chagrin!!!).
* I think I could live in another country in a heartbeat.
* I miss my mother (especially today- it's Mother's Day!!). : )
* The one and only time I had a pedicure (hey- I'm a homeschool mom who has neither the time nor the money to spend on extravagant feet), the odd little man who scrubbed all the dead skin off my was amazed that I had what seemed to be alligator skin on my heels (uh, yeah, I DID just share that on the web! And, no I'm NOT ashamed - I'm a barefoot freak!!!).

4) Tag (award) 3 wonderful bloggers.
Ok... here goes:
Charlotte at http://www.cmcphersonphotography.blogspot.com/
Michelle at http://www.doublewidedreamer.blogspot.com/
Tara at http://www.eastandwestkids.blogspot.com/

5) Contact your nominations and let them know they've won.... done. : )



Ok.... so more pics later to come. Stay tuned!

AT HOME IN NC

Two posts in two days! WOW! I'm on a roll!

I wanted to post something that my Daddy sent me, via e-mail. It is so true, rather you live in the beautiful Blue Ridge, or on the amazing East Coast. BTW, I think Michelle over at Doublewide Dreamer will love this.

ENJOY!

THINGS I LEARNED IN NORTH CAROLINA....

1) A possum is a flat animal that sleeps in the middle of the road.

2) There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 of them live in NC.

3) There are 10,000 types of spiders, and all 10,000 of them live in NC.

4) If it grows, it'll stick ya. If it crawls, it'll bite cha.

5) "Onced" and "Twiced" are words.

6) It is not a shopping cart, it's a buggy.

7) "Jaw-P?" means, "Did y'all go to the bathroom?"

8) People actually grow and eat okra.

9) "Fixinto" is one word.

10) There is no such thing as lunch. There is only dinner and then there is supper.

11) Iced tea is appropriate for all meals, and you start drinking it when you're two. We do like a little tea with our sugar.

12) Backwards and forwards means, "I know everythin' about you."

13) The word "jeet" is actually a phrase meaning, "Did you eat ?"

14) You don't have to wear a watch, because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you're done or it's too dark to see.

15) You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH em.

16) You measure distance in minutes.

17) You switch from heat to A/C in the same day.

18) All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.

19) You know what a "Dawg" is.

20) You carry jumper cables in your car - for your own car.

21) You only own five spices: salt, pepper, Texas Pete , Tabasco and ketchup.

22) The local papers cover national and international news on one page,but require 6 pages for local gossip and high school football.

23) You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.

24) You find 100 degrees "a bit warm."

25) You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas.

26) Going to Walmart is a favorite past time known as "goin' Walmartin" or "off to Wally World."

27) You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good hog killin' weather.

28) Fried catfish is the other white meat.

29) We don't need no dang Driver's Ed.. If our mama says we can drive, we can drive, dag-nabbit.

30) You understand these jokes.

MR. FASHION

Ben got a new shirt over the weekend. He HAD to wear it to church yesterday.

Joseph "spiked" his hair yesterday morning. Ben HAD to have his hair spiked for church.

Ben looked really cute. I HAD to take a picture. : )

Katie and Jackie got a new basketball over the weekend. It is made (sort of) out of a tire. It's really neat because it's made for outdoor use so that you don't wear the tread off of your "good" basketball. Well, oops, that's already been done. But, they really like the new ball anyway!

My boys taking their bikes for a spin.....

And this last photo is for Deane. Thanks for the cinnamon raisin bread, Miss Deane.

It got Ben's seal of approval!

HIATUS

I am contemplating a blog-hiatus. Now, before some of you go all crazy on me, let me explain......

I have not updated my Galyean's Gallery website since our move. Did you hear that?

SINCE OUR MOVE!!!!!!!

I know that we've been "busy", but that thing has got to get updated. So, in the midst of schooling the kids (which has been somewhat more slack than I'd like to admit), running to and fro for basketball in Fayetteville, getting in gear with our new church, and throwing myself at the mercy of my fit/nutrition-savvy neice, Lizzie, many things just have been put on hold. The website was one of the items that fell to the bottom of the list.

So, I have made myself a promise that I am going to give myself a little time for priorities in the next few weeks. Basketball will wind up with a trip to the NC State Finals in a few more practices, we're getting used to new responsibilities at the church, and the diet is in gear. So, time to turn to the website. I've got lots of new shots to upload and a little redesign is in order. I think I'm even going to put a hiatus on my facebook, too. That things takes up too much of my time!!!! So, maybe in a few weeks, you can check back in to find a new post and some new pictures. Otherwise, just assume that I'm editing away and filling my children's heads full of facts (most of which I hope will not be useless and my efforts futile!).

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME ------

'SADER BASKETBALL?

Well, technically, it's not Crusader Basketball.

But it was WITH the Fayetteville Homeschool Crusaders.

We had a "road trip" to Methodist College today to see some ladies' college bball.

Half time proved to be very entertaining as they had a little contest for the coaches who had brought their teams. It was a freethrow contest, and our homeschool coaches definitely made stage presence on the court as they were among the very best. Our Boys Varsity coach won the contest and the prize, too!

The photo below shows Coach Shanon getting ready to swish.....She is our JV Girls Coach, as well as an avid photographer.

Coach Josh helps Shanon out and attends Methodist College himself.



And this big fella is Coach Bill. He is the MS Girls coach, which means he gets to spend an awful lot of time with my two girls.
He and Jackie share a very special bond that she is proud of:
Both claim the same day in March as their birthdays.





I think anyone would recogize these two heads (especially one curly head) from the back without their names blasting out their identity from the rear.

Here are a few actions shots from the game, taken by KT.

Methodist Monarchs pretty much laid an old-fashioned "whoopin'" on the Mary Baldwin Fighting Squirrels (no, I did NOT make that up ~ that is really their name!).

But, everyone had very good sportsmanship, which really impressed me.

We took the girls to see the Virginia Tech Hokies last season. I think they, as well as myself and Bar, may just be getting this college basketball in our blood. Uh oh.

I have a friend who knows what sort of humor makes me burst out laughing right in front of my computer screen. Thanks for the laugh, Kim C.

P is for........

today's POST.

Amy, over at Hi, I'm Amy! gave me the letter, "P" to have a little fun with.

The object of this game, appropriately named "Alphabet Super Game", is to find 10 of your favorite things that start with the letter that your blogger (bloggess?) assigns you. So here we go:

1. Photography

Duh?!?!?! Does that surprise anyone? Although I wonder if it counts in phoenetics since "ph" is a phonogram for the "f" sound. Photography is so much fun, it's hard to count as "work" when I'm shooting. I'm just so thankful that God has given me this opportunity.....boy! I wish I could see things through the eye of my lens like I see them with the 2 lenses that he implanted in me.



2. Papas
My daddy definitely set an example for me in the line of what it means to be a "Papa". So, I have a pretty tough cut to make when it comes to this. The folks that measure up, well.... let's see. That would be my own Papa Jack, my kids' Papa Barry, and ummmmmmmm.... uh.........well, obviously my Heavenly Papa. He set the example. I just love how Papas interact with their kids. With their girls, they are sweet, gentle (well, most of the time), and so protective. With their boys, they are instructive, playful, and eventually "one of the guys".



3. Presents
Who doesn't like getting a present from time to time? I love 'em! I don't know if that's my "Love Language" or not, but it thrills me to get an unexpected gift - especially if it is wrapped oh-so-nice (no Daddy, I'm not talking about comic wrapping paper!). I like the bows, the curling ribbon, and beautiful paper. I almost like it better than what's inside. OOPS. I probably shouldn't have let that out. Now all I'll receive will be pretty EMPTY boxes.



4. Piano
After taking lessons most of my young life, just in the last 3-4 years have I truly begun to enjoy playing the piano. I like reading music, but have a real affection for just playing around with chords. I like adding my own flair and interpretation and had a really fun time, both spiritually speaking, when Barry and I played with Exitup. I guess that's one of the things I miss most about living in on the Parkway. Anyway, yeah - add piano that list.


5. Peanut Butter
Granted, now may not be the best time to be enjoying peanut butter in any sort of manner. But, that doesn't stop me from loving it. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches, Reese's Cups, Honeycrust, Grilled Peanut butter sandwiches (heavenly!), and on and on and on..... I love it ALL!


6. Parts of Speech
Yeah, nerdy. I can't help it. I have been so made fun of for loving Grammar. My kids think I'm the Grammar Queen, and they despise it. I love paragraphs, punctuation, participles, prepositions, ...... shall I go on? I didn't think so.


7. Pens
Specifically, colored ZIG pens. I was labeled anal-retentive in college for always color-coding my notes (especially in Humanities - that class was so confusing!). I continually carried around about 10 different colored pens so that I was always prepared. Believe it or not, those pens saved my rear on more than one occassion during a test (I could recall what my study notes looked like due to the colorful pages).


8. Paid
What a wonderful word. Need I explain more?


9. Paleontology Archeology
Where did that come from? I am absolutely thrilled with Creation Scientists and apologetics. I find it incredibly interesting, spiritual, and almost breath-taking when I realize how wonderful God created us, our world, and then He gives us little dibbles of proof scattered here and there all over the place.


10. My Peanuts
I know that I already mentioned peanut butter, but I'm speaking of another type of Peanut: KT Peanut, Jackie Peanut, Joseph Peanut, and Benjamin Peanut (maybe even Barry Peanut). They are the joy in my step and the smile on my face (and sometimes the burr in my fur)..... But, I love them all and am so thankful for them.


Now, if you think you'd like to participate, please send me a quick note, and I'll send you a letter.

BACK AT IT...WITH A LITTLE BREAK

Well, after months - literally: MONTHS - of moving around resettling, reshuffling, finding things, losing them, and finding them again, we are finally schooling again.

I have a few weeks of lessons laid out. Now, let's see if we can stay on schedule.

The photo below was actually at our "old" house here in Etown. There I had a school room. Here at White Lake, I have a school "closet". The closets in this house are very deep, so one of them houses our books, audios, books, crafts, and did I mention books? We are in and out of that one closet a gazillion times a day, but I think it will work for us.

Ben is majoring in playdough.

He is taking time out to include some extracurricular activities like spelling his name.

All by himself and holding the pen the right way, too!

Joseph has impeccable penmanship. This is a paper he was writing on the Nile River and it's occupants. Doesn't it look nice?

I wonder if the fact that I don't have many pictures of the girls schooling means anything? Hmmmmm..... those of you who know KT realize she typically has some sort of book attached to various body parts. As for Jackie, we have added piano to school for her this year, and she has really taken to it.

We also have P.E. class for those of you who wonder if my homeschooled children are well-rounded. ~wink~

We were all outside today in shorts and sleeveless shirts. Ben rode his "big boy" bicycle, KT and I walked the bassett, Jackie walked with Ben, and then Joe and Ben had some trampoline time.

There were other fitness efforts going on at our house today as well.

The new Wii Fit has been quite a hit, but things seem to be turning violent as I caught both of my daughters secretly videotaping me hoola-hooping on the Wii (and it was from the REAR!). NOT a pretty sight! If you can get a visual, try to picture me on this little white board, wildly swinging my hips rather unproportionately, sweat dripping off of my face (it really was), and crying up to the top of my lungs that death was imminent and pending.... Yeah, that was me. They even caught me collapsing in a heap on the floor afterwards, panting like a wild dog. But just you wait..... this Mama knows all about payback.

~evil grin and a mischievious snicker~

BARRY'S BATSUIT

A quick little photo for those of you "back home" that simply could not imagine Barry in a choir robe.

He looks quite debonair, doesn't he?

Deep contemplation....

SETTLING IN

I think that the kids are finally settling in to our new surroundings. Jackie is taking Lyrical Dance at the local fitness center. She loves her teacher, Ms. Leslie. Ms. Leslie is 58 years old, and therefore has her head screwed on right, therefore I LIKE HER (which may be more important!). ; o)

As a matter of fact, I was invited to join in the class last night during some of their moves. YEAH, RIGHT! I never was much of a dancer, but it seems to suit Jackie just fine. She has forever been twirling around the house, usually singing some type of opera or spiritual to the top of her lungs.

Benjamin also had a soccer game yesterday. He has definitely let go of both my hand and his thumb. He hops right in and loves to play. Yesterday, he was on the "orange" team.

It was kind of funny as he was the only boy on his team.... he didn't seem to mind (what male would?).
He did score (and I was sitting right behind the goal to get some great shots!). However, you can see from the reaction of the little girl to his left that she must have wanted to. Plus, the little girl with her fingers in her mouth to his right began crying profusely after Ben scored. She wasn't too fond of losing and "orange" always scoring.
Afterwards he was one happy little booger.


(this last photo courtesy of Joe---he did good, didn't he?!?!?)

I will try to get some photos next Monday of Joseph in his karate class and both KT and Jackie start basketball next week. In the meantime, KT is keeping me busy running to and from the library!

As far as house hunting is concerned, we have found 2 that we are deciding between. We like both, but 1 is at the lake and so obviously we have 2 girls pulling for that one. The other one is just down our street and Joe is pulling for that one because his new friend, Robby, lives just two houses down.

We'll keep you posted.

One Hundred Things About Michelle

So, I was reading a friend's blog the other day and she had this really cute link on the side that said, "100 Things About _______". I thought, "WOW! How neat! I wonder if I did that if my husband would learn anything?" So, in a neat twist of fate, the subject came up just last night. Somehow in the course of conversation, I asked him if he knew my favorite flower..... He guessed----wrong. Well, wrong in a sort of way. So, it was then I knew I had to do this. I would say that 99% Barry will know, but the remaining 1% I think I'll give him a quiz on. How much do you know? Easy to find out: there's only 100 questions, so take the number that you knew and that is your percentage (yeah, I've been teaching percentages at home, can you tell?). Let me hear from you....

1. I am a born-again Christian.
2. I was saved at the age of 7.
3. My dad was pastoring the church that I was saved at.
4. My dad baptized me.
5. My dad married me.
6. My dad's name, Jack, is not his legal name.
7. When I was young, I wanted to change my name.
8. I have known my husband for over 20 years.
9. I was drum major in high school.
10. I was drum major in college.
11. My husband is my very best friend.
12. People used to think my husband was my brother (YUCK!).
13. I homeschool our four children.
14. My middle name comes from my maternal grandmother.
15. I used to be horribly teased from my classmates (mainly the boys) about my middle name.
16. My middle name is Lucille.
17. The boys used to sing, "You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille..." as they circled around me.
18. I hated history in school.
19. History is my favorite subject to teacht o my kids.
20. I am a homeschool mom.
21. I love my job.
22. I love photography.
23. My mother is in Heaven.
24. My mother was the most unselfish person in my life.
25. I love to teach Bible (especially to women).
26. Memorizing is easy for me.
27. I don't like cats.28. I am a dog person.
29. I am allergic to horses and cats.
30. I love to play piano/keys.
31. I have been playing piano since I was 7.
32. I play french horn.
33. I play clarinet.
34. I met my husband when he was my private french horn instructor.
35. He tried (for a few weeks) to be only my instructor (that didn't work!).
36. I am the youngest of 4.
37. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother.
38. I was, and still am, spoiled by my siblings.
39. My siblings are 15, 13, and 10 years older than me, respectively.
40. I was an aunt at age 5.
41. I knew only one great grandparent in my life.
42. I have a very unique maiden name: Smith.
43. My favorite music is contemporary Christian, R&B/Soul/Jazz (Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra), and shag.
44. My favorite contemporary Christian artists are: Rich Mullins, Michael OBrien, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, and Newsong.
45. I love to listen to Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore.
46. I also like TD Jakes.
47. I played in a contemporary praise band, Exitup, until we moved to the flatlands.
48. My favorite color is yellow.
49. I like to write.
50. My fourth child grew in my heart, not under it.
51. I have traveled outside of the US 3
times.
52. I hear Guatemala calling my name everyday!
53. Adoption is one of things closest to my heart in the whole world.
54. The most important thing I experienced from our adoption experience was a small taste of God's love for us as His adopted children.
55. I have 3 straight-haired children and 1 who has enough curls for the whole state of NC!
56. My most favorite place in the whole world is the Outer Banks of NC.
57. I prefer living in either the mountains or on the coast, not inbetween!
58. I have coached softball, basketball, and even soccer (yeah, that last one was pretty funny!).
59. My favorite foods are salads.
60. I love sunny days.
61. Rainy days make me sad (and it could even be said that they make me grumpy!).
62. I don't think that I could live in London.
63. I like playing in orchestral bands, but don't really like listening to band music unless I am familiar with the piece.
64. I prefer brass over woodwind.
65. I only had morning sickness 1 time in all 3 of my pregnancies.
66. I prefer salty to sweet.
67. One of my favorite movies is, "The King and I".
68. My favorite actress is Julie Andrews.
69. My favorite actor is Antonio Banderas.
70. I like to do laundry.
71. I hate to dust.
72. My favorite subject in school was English (except for band).
73. Many people mistake me for hispanic or American indian.
74. My ancestry includes black Dutch and Cherokee.
75. My grandmother's name was "Fannie".
76. I prefer silver to yellow gold.
77. Reading is a favorite pastime (when I get the chance!).
78. Favorite books: Shepherding a Child's Heart, Millie Keith Series, and obviously the Bible.
79. I like Canon gear better than Nikon.
80. When I was little, I figured I'd grow up to be a teacher.
81. I just didn't think that teacher would be to my own kids.
82. At one point I wanted to be a horse jockey.
83. That was before I found out 1)allergic to horses, and 2)too tall.
84. My feet grew 1/2 size each time I was pregnant.
85. I tend to fall asleep while watching a movie.
86. My favorite flower is a zinnia.
87. Swedish Fish is my favorite candy.
88. I lived in the same place for the first 25 years of my life.
89. I don't like mini blinds.
90. I know that last one is weird... I like sheer curtains.
91. Hard wood floors are better than carpet.
92. Japanese food is my favorite, although I eat lots of Mexican.
93. I think video games are a waste of time (just ask my kids).
94. I like to hike.
95. I like to play ball even better.
96. My sister taught me to swim at the age of 6.
97. I nearly died trying to learn (OK... that's a little exaggerated, but that's what it felt like!).
98. I like reading blogs of people I've never met.
99. I am incredibly conservative in political realms.
100. I hope you read to the end of this as it took me a long time to think up. : o )

DAY ONE

Well, Day One of Ben and Mommy week has come and gone, and I don't have too much to show for it. The better part of the morning was spent working on Barry's resume and Statement of Faith for a new job. Then, Ben had a nap. Afterwards, he and I ran some errands and then --FINALLY!-- we did a few fun things. The first? Well, check out the photo below.....

Yep.... that's right. We ate at Long John's. Yes, I know it's "meat". Yes, I know it's greasy. Yes, I know it's full of artery-clogger. And yes, I also know that it tasted divine. Benjamin didn't quite think it was so wonderful as he only ate 3 fries and said, "I full!". That's my little health nut.

Then, we ventured over to Lowes and picked up some play sand and brought it home. Boy, was he excited! He played in it until it was too dark to see anything, so I am guessing that it will be the first thing that he mentions in the morning.

Below is a photo I wanted to post for fun. The sweet thing's name is Adeline and she is 3 months old. Her mom had me to photograph her on July 4. I would tell you when and how we worked this shot out, but that would be giving away all my secrets, wouldn't it? Besides, you wouldn't believe me anyway.

Adeline

So, As for tomorrow, check back in and see what all the hoopla was about for Ben and myself on Day Two.......

Role of Producer???

I spent a good deal of time today putting this little video together for a contest that KT has entered. As most of you know, she is an avid reader (although her younger 3 siblings are trying to catch up with her!!!!!). So, it was no surprise when she decided to enter a contest in which the grand prize was a free copy of every book the author publishes for the rest of his life PLUS a role as a character in a new series. The author? Bryan Davis. The book? "Beyond the Reflection's Edge". Today is the announcing of the winners. I'll post a little later to let you know how KT faired. Until then, check out http://www.dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/.

Also, I'll post a few pics of what I've been up to lately. I know that I haven't been updating my blog and I have friends and family breathing down my neck to get on with it! Check again tomorrow.......