"unfortunately julie"

I saw this on Monique’s blog and decided to see what happens. I went to Google and typed in unfortunately julie. Monique didn’t have much fun, but mine were actually quite silly. Here were some of my entries…

Unfortunately Julie…

* was recently informed that most of the cats had been poisoned over a period of a few days. (Sorry Aunt Pam)

* lost her role when it was discovered that she had posed for Playboy magazine.

* was unable to resist her first love and slept with Hart.

* Andrews never sang it.

* and Meaghan are up for elimination this week, will they manage to dodge some votes?

* & Julia isn't entirely about Julia Child.

* has moved to the mainland, but we would like to thank her for what she has contributed to the company.

* is sometimes whiny, often self-indulgent infatuation with all things Julia is not so amusing.

Now that I’ve searched for unfortunately julie I have to admit that mine are goofy and funny. It didn’t take much time and some, if not all of you, will be familiar with what these are talking about. I think they are silly. I know my family will laugh at a few; maybe even try it themselves. :) Now, get back to whatever it is you were doing. LOL Talk soon!

why we love children: saturday comics

We need brightness here in Music City. It is cold, dreary, and wet. Here are some funnies to hopefully brighten your day as they have mine (thanks mom!). If this doesn't brighten your day, then go back to bed and forget about it.


1) NUDITY I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from the back seat, 'Mom, that lady isn't wearing a seat belt!'

2) OPINIONS On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, 'The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents.'

3) KETCHUP A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup out of the jar. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone. 'Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now. She's hitting the bottle.'

4) MORE NUDITY A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, 'What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before?'

5 ) POLICE # 1 While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary school, I was interrupted by a little girl about 6 years old. Looking up and down at my uniform, she asked, 'Are you a cop? Yes,' I answered and continued writing the report. 'My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?' 'Yes, that's right,' I told her. 'Well, then,' she said as she extended her foot toward me, 'would you please tie my shoe?'

6) POLICE # 2 It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Jake, was barking, and I saw a little boy staring in at me. 'Is that a dog you got back there?' he asked. 'It sure is,' I replied. Puzzled, the boy looked at me and then towards the back of the van. Finally he said, 'What'd he do?'

7) ELDERLY While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, 'The tooth fairy will never believe this!'

8) DRESS-UP A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, 'Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit.' 'And why not, darling?' 'You know that it always gives you a headache the next morning.'

9) DEATH While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, our minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently, his 5-year-old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased. The minister's son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his father always said: 'Glory be unto the Father, and unto the Son, and into the hole he goes.' (I want this line used at my funeral!)

10) SCHOOL A little girl had just finished her first week of school. 'I'm just wasting my time,' she said to her mother. 'I can't read, I can't write, and they won't let me talk!'

11) BIBLE A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. 'Mama, look what I found,' the boy called out. 'What have you got there, dear?' With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, 'I think it's Adam's underwear!'

Have a wonderful and funny Saturday!

The photo above is of Cameron at 9 months.

loooooong overdue (post)...and some funnies

I am 8 days overdue from posting our family fun-filled day getaway to the Tennessee Aquarium on Saturday, February 21st. There was ups and downs. There was crazy and calm moments. There was 'take me out back and shoot me' moments. There was sweaty moments (more of that later) and crappy moments (I can't even share this story with you). And lastly, there was moments we'll never forget and sadly I'd do this ALL over again! (Lord, what is wrong with me?)

First, a few things. Before starting this one-day road trip we had to drop my DH's truck off at Firestone for a diagnostic - it's acting funny. Then we needed to put oil in my car before making the 2-hour car drive so we stopped at the auto parts store to make a purchase. During our trip Cameron lost his pacifier in the back seat and Jose wasn't cooperating in finding it so DH almost turned the car around, but Jose changed his ways. We finally get to Chattanooga and by this time it was our lunch time. Chili's it was! We had a major episode there that we just cannot discuss, and if we did, I'd have to come to your state or country and kill you. (Not really, but lets assume so for my sake.)

Mommy to the rescue and we headed off to Wal-mart for a solution. Thankfully we had GPS and found one. And wouldn't you know, I found this awesome patchwork purse in the meanwhile and I just had to get it. (I bought that wooden bird as a souvenir from the aquarium and it was fitting for the occasion. I mean, after this trip I was a little coo-coo. You know 'one flew over the coo-coo's nest'.)

After purchasing our tickets we entered into the first building. Try to understand this, it was windy that day and a little chilly. We were herded in the doorway like a bunch of cows for one. Then we were forced to stand in front of a green screen and have our photo taken. My DH asked, "Do we have to?". My question exactly! If they had known what we just went through for the last 4 hours, and I wish you all could have known to the extent that we know), you would have felt the same way. This picture was horrible, but DH bought it anyway. I looked like a rock star with my hair over half the side of my face (wind blown) and my glasses didn't have enough time to go back to being glasses. I have the kind that tint with sunlight. Chris looked like he was on drugs. Jose looked "relieved" (can't tell you why), and Cameron looks like a deer in headlights.

Continuing on...Cameron had his first (of many I'm sure) meltdowns in front of the frolicking otters, among dozens of thrill seeking families. No offense, but while wrestling to get Cameron back in his seat I felt like Cameron was Travis the chimp that was shot by the police; only we didn't shoot him. No, we stuck a bottle in his mouth to shut him up...and it worked. Whew!!! It took me and DH 5 minutes to get that boy fastened into his stroller. We were sweating something terrible afterwards and our next stop ~~~ tropical world. Yay!!! (not)

Heading east through Tennessee is breathtaking. The mountains and hills are gorgeous and relatively it's an uphill drive a lot of the way. I took photos of us driving up the mountainside. Sorry for the dirty windshield, but the mountains were to0 nice to pass up.

Up, up, up we go!

There was still ice on these cliffs. It was so pretty! But watch out for falling rocks.

The most beautiful part about driving up is that it winds several times. It's just really lovely when the mountains break apart and there is open valleys. Just stunning!

Once at the top, there are several different signs. There is a 6% grade downhill and it is dangerous if you're not careful. Trucks have to be on the right side and they go really slow.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

The brown raised dirt on the side of the road is called a "Runaway Truck Ramp". No need to explain that one to you. Scary stuff.

Weeeeeeeeeee

Whew! Finally made it to the bottom and we're just about to downtown Chattanooga.

We had Chili's for lunch when we arrived in Chattanooga and this was the first time Cameron sat in a booster seat. He usually sits in a high chair. He had a great time in a big boy chair. Jose didn't have such a remarkable time at Chili's. I've promised him I wouldn't divulge his little mishap. (Just between you and me, it wasn't so 'little'--shh!)

In warmer weather the small rocks are filled with water and kids really enjoy trying to pass over them without getting wet...and of course, it never works. They get wet. Jose doesn't care though; he'll go dry or wet. Hey Mom!

DH: Jose, look! It's a meteor coming our way!
Jose: Nawwwwwwww! Hold me, Chris!
Dude in yellow back pack: Ugh, where?

Mr. Puffer fish - I was in love with this little guy!

ALL MY GUYS!

A view of the Tennessee River from the aquarium.

My big baby! The rocking chairs were made from recycled milk cartons.

These sting rays were so cool. I have never seen any sting ray like this. They were fresh water sting ray, and I didn't know they even existed. Learn something new everyday.

We didn't know this kid, but this giant butterfly landed on his head before he was leaving. I didn't like this. I scurried out the door. I don't want that Sasquatch of a butterfly landing on me. What if it spits? LOL

These little penguins were one of my highlights. I loved this exhibit. They were popping up everywhere and then leaping back into the water. It was freezing inside this place too. Duh!

JAWS anyone!?!?

Jose being Jose. He's such a Joker!

Since no flash was allowed, I had Jose turn his camera's red light on and then I took my picture with my camera. It's an octopus if you can't tell. Imagine that thing sucking on your face!!! OMG!

Yummy - wanna come home with us Mr. Crab?

I know this is difficult to see but there was no flash photography allowed and I wanted to obey the rules and not hurt the fishes. What I'm trying to photograph are the 5 tanks of hundreds of jellyfish inside these tank tubes. The tanks changed colors every few seconds and it was really fascinating. After I took this, I felt like I was in the movie Alien. It was a bit creepy actually...and I have a fear of water. (Ahh...where's my flame thrower, honey?)

WARNING!!! Excuse me???

I took this photo of the shark and the sting ray (photo below) while underneath the giant tank they were in. It was really really neat and a first experience for all of us.

This was the quietest they had been ALL day long.

C'mon...gimme a wet fishy kiss!

What does Cameron do best??? Climb obviously!

When we were leaving, outside was a horse drawn carriage with a Dalmation, of all things, purched up on the seat. It was really cute! They stirred quite the audience from the street.

Jellyfish video below...please click to start.

Thanks for putting up with me and my family and sticking around for ALL these photos. Believe me...I could have wasted even more of your time by posting all 150, but I'll let you get back to stitching and crafting. :D Wished you could have been there! LOL LOL LOL LOL (not)

interview

I received five interview questions from Michelle and here are my answers to them:

1. What is one lesson you've learned in your lifetime (or are trying to learn), that you'd like to pass on to others? It can’t be everybody else. This is a motto I heard as a child and continue to use now. I’ve already learned the lesson ~ my mother taught it to me. I always take full responsibility for my actions and words. I have no problems apologizing either. Most people blame others for their misfortunes or wrongdoings and it’s wrong and immoral. People need to be accountable for their actions no matter what the cost. Better to have a clean conscience than a guilty one.

2. What Chinese Zodiac sign were you born under, and do you think the description suits you? http://chinese.astrology.com/ The Chinese Zodiac says I’m the rabbit. I would say that the description given is only about 10% accurate. If you read the Sagittarius sign, that is more of an accurate description into my personality. The number one description given on the Chinese Zodiac that is entirely wrong is that we avoid confrontation and arguments and can be somewhat of a pushover. That is completely wrong!!! I am quite the opposite. I'll fight with anyone.

3. What was your favorite stitching project and why? My favorite project was the January through December Flip-its by Lizzie*Kate back in 2004-2005. Instead of stitching each month individually I combined all 12 months on one piece of linen to make a calendar. I have them stitched 3 months across, 4 rows down. This is my favorite because it was my first BIG project ever and I was proud of myself.

4. How has the election and inauguration of our new President affected you? Any thoughts on what you hope to see in the next four years? The inaugural process is a tradition in this country and is extremely fascinating to watch and experience – let that be known. I won't deny that this inauguration was historical - there's no doubt about it. However, I am not in support of Barack Obama and never will be. Do I hope he makes the right choices for our nation and for others? Of course, I do ~ I want nothing but the best, but I have no confidence that he will bc he wants to take this country into a direction we don't want to go in. He sees our world differently than I do and the things he wants to take place are wrong in my opinion. His views and direction are not what this country needs. I was numb while watching the events unfold and cried at times. I'm going to be sick the next four years.

5. What's in your Netflix queue (or movies you've been wanting to see)? I had to cancel my trial with Netflix and really didn’t want to. I can barely remember what was in queue at this point. I would like to see The Reader, Them, The Unborn, The Mummy 3, Jane Austen flicks, Dexter Season 3, and there are lots more, but they escape me at the moment.

Thanks for reading!

Today's stitching: Sarah's ABC Pincushion

Watching today: LOST; Death Race

bucket list

I saw this list on Michelle's blog and like her I love lists. I make lists for my daily chores and for anything else I can think of. I may have inherited this trait from my dad bc he's the exact same way ~ probably a little worse - lol. A list really helps me, it guides me towards a direction I might as well be lost without. I receive gratification when I'm able to cross off a "to-do" and onto the next item. I get a sense of accomplishment and then I have the desire to conquer the next endeavor. The list below is a little different, but it still is one to go by...consider it a sort of 'Bucket List' for me.

Things you’ve already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to - leave alone

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited Hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to Disney World
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited Paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (is this an option?)
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in Venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen Niagara Falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an Amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied (money can't satisfy)
38. seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen Old Faithful Geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited Africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theater
55. been in a movie
56. visited the Great Wall of China
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited Russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a check
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in Times Square
74. toured the Everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in London
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the Vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in Jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire Bible
86. visited the White House
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox (twice)
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the Alamo in person
96. taken a road trip
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee
100. met the love of your life

Conclusion: I haven't really "done" much with respect to adventure and travel. And I really don't need to. I've accomplished a lot in my young life and I honestly believe that being a mother, wife, daughter, friend and lover that these personalities are an accomplishment in themselves. It's a cliche' but it's true to the verse: Life isn't about the number of breaths you take; it's the moments that take your breath away. I don't judge my life by what I've done, but rather that the journey was worth every penny.

game of tag, anyone???

I have been tagged by Petra to share 6 things about my annoying little self. The rules are as follows:

Rule #1 ~ Link to the person that tagged you.
Rule #2 ~ Post the rules on your Blog.
Rule #3 ~ Write 6 random things about yourself.
Rule #4 ~ Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
Rule #5 ~ Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their Blog.
Rule #6 ~ Let the tagger know your entry is up.


This is going to be a lot harder than I thought it would be. I'm so much an open book that it's difficult to come up with things that people don't know. Some of these "things" most people know about me, but there might be some that aren't known.


Julie thing #1 ~ I can do an impression/call/sound of a wild turkey and it's dead on too.
Julie thing #2 ~ I'm almost a germophobe.
Julie thing #3 ~ I have 4 tattoos and my naval pierced (my tongue was pierced, but I removed it).
Julie thing #4 ~ I love a man in uniform; cops, firemen, military men - YUMMY!!!
Julie thing #5 ~ I still haven't had the film developed from my wedding...the wedding was 3 1/2 years ago. (oops)
Julie thing #6 ~ I can shoot and handle a gun.

I am now ordered (heehee) to tag 6 lovely people. Don't blame me, blame Petra! (just kidding Petra - hugs all around you, girl). I have carefully selected my chosen ones. Here is my list of women I'd like to see 6 things about:

Tanya
Carol
Nancy
Barbara
Betty
Mary Kathryn