Kathy's Kolloquy

Grandpa's Apron

2011-12-24T10:36:00.001-05:00

Grandpa’s Apron

Once as white as snow
Now stained with blood and sweat,
Butcher’s string for ties,
The hemline frayed like net.

Butcher’s hat crisply starched
High above his brow;
A proud workingman--
I can see him even now.

Grandpa was a butcher. I remember him coming home from work with his white butcher's hat. I'm sure he usually left his work apron at work, but he had a few at home that Grandma would sometimes wear when she cooked. I didn't realize until last Christmas that Mom had one of his aprons. Here's a picture of me modeling it.

Grandpa died when I was 9 years old, so I only have snapshots of memories of him -- the smell of chewing tobacco, the image of him sitting in his chair on Grandma's front porch, the gruff sound of his voice (never mean, just deep and kind of gravelly).

Mom doesn't collect or display lots of family mementos like that apron, so I was pleasantly surprised to see she had it. I was glad to have the opportunity to place that piece of family history over my neck and pose for posterity.

Next step: Find a picture of Grandpa in that apron . . .

Holidays Back Home

2011-12-17T14:18:00.003-05:00

It’s holidays back home,
Where time somehow stands still,
It’s holidays back home,
Where I go back to what is real.

When we get there Mom will say "You've gained a little weight."
But, bless my soul she’ll pile her cooking high upon my plate.

Dad will ask the umpteenth time, “When ya’ll gonna have kids?”
By the time the sun goes down, he’s snoring behind closed lids.

On the roads you’re sure to see gun racks on every truck,
The daily news is filled with color pics of “first-kill bucks.”

Cotton bales are piled up high and catfish fill the ponds,
Our family spends the afternoon picking up pecans.

Screen doors slam and cowbells ring as day turns into dusk,
Mom hollers for some help -- peas to shell and corn to husk.

After supper we take a walk and slap mosquitoes from our arms.
We watch the lights go out down the road at neighbors’ farms.

No matter where life takes me, no matter the heights I climb,
Back home is where I go when I need a quieter time.

It’s holidays back home
Where time somehow stands still,
It’s holidays back home
Where I go back to what is real.

Messy Bessie

2011-12-10T13:43:00.004-05:00

Rick came home to find that Bessie had gotten into the trash he accidentally left at the front door. I never saw any of it in real life since Rick had every bit cleaned up by the time I came home.

Bessie seems to be saying, "Who, me? This is the first I've seen of it."

Mom and Paul Visit!

2011-11-19T20:05:00.002-05:00

Family Trip to Niagara Falls

2011-10-22T16:34:00.002-04:00

Riches

2011-10-02T10:12:00.000-04:00

My belly's full,
My house is warm;
I am very rich.

My job's secure,
My friends are near.
I am very rich.

My husband holds
My heart and hand.
I am very rich.

My family loves
And cares for me.
I am very rich.

My God forgives
My sins and past.
I am very rich.

I don't deserve
The life I have.
Yet, I am very rich.

Let's Just Read!

2011-08-09T15:52:00.003-04:00

Why not read a book
(And talk about it, too),
And eliminate the need
For "read-and-then-go-do."

"Read, and then go write."
"Read, then take a quiz."
"Read, and make a diaroma."
. . . Let's just read! Gee whiz.

Garden Treats

2011-07-23T19:51:00.004-04:00

Rick and our friend Steve planted a small garden for the second year in a row. Rick and I used to not eat many vegetables, especially green ones, but somewhere along the way to middle-age, our taste buds changed. Now we look forward to treats from the garden!

Pictured in this post are some of the spoils: cabbage, cucumbers, squash, green beans, and peppers. We made fresh cabbage slaw, a squash-cabbage casserole (original recipe below), and sliced cucumbers with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing. Yum!

Cabbage and Squash Casserole

1 head of cabbage, washed and shredded
2 large yellow squash, peeled and sliced
1 yellow onion, chopped (or sliced depending on preference)
2 TBS Olive oil
½ stick butter, sliced into small pieces
1 cup of water
Salt, black pepper, and red pepper to taste
Breadcrumbs or Tortilla crumbs

Boil the cabbage in salted water for 20 minutes, then drain. While cabbage is boiling, grease large casserole dish with spray Pam and lay pieces of butter all around. Sauté onions in olive oil until almost caramelized. Place cooked cabbage, sliced squash, and sautéed onions on top of the butter. Add 1 cup of water, salt, and pepper. Stir mixture and spread evenly in casserole dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

©Kathy Mansfield

Home Study Visit #4

2011-06-17T21:11:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we had our 4th Home Study visit in our journey to adopting Elianna from China. Jamie was very kind and spent nearly two hours with us going over information, asking us questions, and answering our questions. Home study visits always make me nervous. I want the house to look neat and tidy. I want Bessie to be on her best behavior. I want the neighbors to act normal. I want the air conditioner to work. I want Rick not to say the wrong thing while attempting to be humorous (ask me sometime about his "concubine" comment with the home study office). All of the above happened last night, so that's good.

What I wasn't expecting was:
- being asked to press the button on the smoke detector to see if it beeped in order to show that it had good batteries in it (it did)
- Jamie opening the "first aid" drawer in one of our bathrooms to verify that first aid items were stored there (there were)

We still have to submit the completed home study report, along with our letters requesting extensions on our immigration paperwork and fingerprint renewals, before the first week of July. Tight turn-around since we will be out of state all next week. But, Jamie is taking good care of us, so I know we'll meet our deadline. It's simply nerve-wracking, though, until the paperwork actually arrives at the federal offices and we get our confirmations.

Live Long and Prosper!

2011-05-22T19:36:00.004-04:00

Rick and I attended the Star Trek exhibit at the Louisville Science Center this weekend, and discovered there are people WAY more geeky than we are.

Five Years and Counting

2011-03-27T22:08:00.001-04:00

Five years ago I felt a call
To go beyond the sea
To reach a little girl
Who was chosen just for me.

The paperwork began;
I felt certain in my call,
But soon the wheels of progress
Slowed down to just a crawl.

Why would God say, ”Go”
And then make the wait so long?
Is it Godly-discipline
For all that I’ve done wrong?

How can I have patience?
Will I persevere?
When will God deliver
What once was very clear?

Mrs. Mansfield Goes to Frankfort!

2011-02-22T19:49:00.008-05:00

KY State Capital Annex
February 22, 2011

Experiencing my first bill review at the Kentucky House of Representatives. I'm listening to discussion of bills up for consideration that relate to education. One of the bills concerns textbooks, so I'm here in case the legislators have questions about that particular bill. I'm sitting with Robin Chandler, a KDE Policy Advisor, Kevin Brown, KDE Legal Counsel and Associate Commissioner, and Rick, supportive husband extraordinaire (who is spending his time at the meeting reading his Kindle).

Listening to students share their bullying experiences in Kentucky schools -- all related to sexual orientation. A bill amendment is proposed to include consequences for bullying on school grounds even when school is not in session and at school-sponsored events.
This is only the second bill, and it has had lots of discussion. May not get to the textbook bill today.

Interesting to see legislators explain their votes before casting them. Also interesting to know that some might change their vote during full session.

I think the legislative process is the way to get your voice heard. The legislators have a lot of power, and I like the fact that even though some of the bills on the agenda won't be covered today (including my bill), the legislators have discussed at length and debated and played "devil's advocate" on the issue under consideration.

I'm glad to see current and former educators serving on the House Education Committee. They are able to provide valuable insight to the conversations.

Ten minutes left! Will the textbook bill make it to discussion before the 2:00 end time? Oh, the pressure!

We're on!

Well! The bill passed the committee even though I recommended that it not! I'm SO disappointed! And I think my nervousness showed. My colleagues and Rick said I did just fine, though.

One more new adventure afforded me by the Kentucky Department of Education!

Justice?

2011-02-13T19:31:00.002-05:00

Somehow I just have to think that justice was served when a man attending/promoting cockfights died from a wound he received from one of the birds that was armed with a blade.

My New Dr. Seuss Chucks!

2011-01-14T19:15:00.001-05:00

I have LOTS of Chucks, but these are my first Dr. Seuss ones. Got them for Christmas.

Kinect Fun!

2010-12-12T21:26:00.001-05:00

Rick got an X-Box Kinect for his birthday this year. While people are playing the game, random pictures are taken by the built in camera.

Create your own photo slideshow

KY Reading Journal Article

2010-11-11T21:24:00.002-05:00

Several Shelby County students were featured on the front and back covers of Kentucky Reading Journal’s fall issue. This professional periodical is published by the Kentucky Reading Association and highlights research and best practice in the area of literacy. The theme for the fall issue is “Creative Expression through Literacy, Literature, and Reading.” My article is the first one in the issue and highlights book clubs I facilitated at Simpsonville Elementary School between 2007 and 2009.

If you click the title of this blog post, you will see a blurb about it on the Shelby County Public Schools website.

Deacon Ordination: October 17, 2010

2010-10-17T21:45:00.002-04:00

Simpsonville Baptist Church

"Grilled Cheesus" Episode of Glee

2010-10-08T12:38:00.004-04:00

"Glee," an incredibly popular phenomenon, recently explored spirituality on the third episode of this season. When Glee club member/Quarterback, Finn, sees an image of Jesus in his grilled cheese sandwich, he starts praying to what he calls "Grilled Cheesus." The Glee Club members end up sharing their individual spiritual beliefs, including Christianity, Judaism, Atheism, and a few mash-ups of other belief systems, as they attempt to deal with the sudden heart attack of Kurt's father.

My first response was shock at the sacrilegious nature of the theme, but I quickly realized that the episode gave me important insight on the types of beliefs in our world today. I am surrounded each day with people who have similar beliefs to my own. How can I ever know how to engage with and respond to those whose beliefs aren't my own?

One important scene was between Finn and Emma, the school guidance counselor. She doesn't make fun of Finn's vision of Jesus in the grilled cheese. Instead, she gives sound advice about the way God communicates with us. She explains away the bizarre coincidences that Finn was inappropriately attributing to God after he prayed to the "Grilled Cheesus." As Emma says, "God works in all kinds of mysterious ways, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't spend a lot time trying to speak to us through sandwiches."

Meanwhile, Kurt (who happens to be gay) visits a church service with fellow Glee Club member Mercedes. Mercedes sings in the choir of the all black congregation. She asks the congregation to pray for Kurt's dad and for Kurt. She acknowledges that Kurt doesn't believe in God and prayer, but she says, "Life is too hard to go through alone, without something to hold on to and without something that's sacred." Kurt is noticeably moved by the love and compassion and acceptance shown to him by the members of the church. A lady sitting next to him grabs his hand and another smiles at him from across the aisle -- love and compassion Kurt often doesn't receive in the secular world he encounters each day at school.

One of the final scenes is incredibly touching. Cheerleading Coach Sue Sylvester is visiting her older sister in the assisted living home. Janie has Down Syndrome. When the girls were young, Sue would pray to God to make her older sister better. Sue turned her back on God because he didn't answer her prayers. The following dialogue takes place while they play checkers:

Sue:"Do you believe in God, Janie?"
Janie: "Do you?"
Sue: "No, I don't."
Janie: "Why not?"
Sue: "Because when we were little girls, you were perfect in my eyes (Janie grins big here), and I watched the world be cruel to you."
Janie: "God never make mistakes. That's what I believe."
(Sue becomes visibly emotional.)
Janie: "Do you want me to pray for you, Sue?"
Sue nods, "Yeah, that would be nice," and chokes up.

Kurt doesn't change his stance on God by the end of the episode, but he does acknowledge that prayer is good and that the prayers his friends have offered up are good. Even ever stubborn Sue Sylvester realizes that God may be more real than she ever thought.

I almost didn't watch this episode of Glee, but now I'm glad I did. I'm glad for the insight into the many ways that others in our society think about God and religion and prayer. I'm glad for the encouragement to reach out to those who are different than I am and to never hesitate to pray for those around me, even when they don't know I'm doing it.

For a synopsis of the episode, click on the title of this blog post.

Dr. Holliday at Summer Library Conference

2010-09-24T21:53:00.003-04:00

I'm a couple of months late in posting this, but I figured it's never too late to share important moments in the world of Kentucky school librarians. Kentucky's Commissioner of Education, Dr. Terry Holliday, spoke to school librarians from all across the state at one of our conferences in July. His encouraging words motivated us for the 2010-11 school year!

Click on the title of this post to go to TeacherTube to watch it.

And Dr. Holliday tweeted about it:

News Alert! 42 Year Old in Line for New Halo

2010-09-13T22:50:00.003-04:00

Well, the fifth part of the Halo saga video game is released tonight at midnight. And my 42 year old husband will be in line with a friend at the local GameStop to get the game he's had on reserve for nearly three weeks. And what's amazing is that guys in their 40s are one of the biggest demographics for video games like Halo!

I guess I can't make fun of him too much -- I was the one standing in line when the second Halo came out since Rick had to work that night . . .

Good times.

Confessions of a Tourettic Mind

2010-08-15T19:18:00.005-04:00

When I think about my friend Brian, I think about my early college years hanging out at the Baptist Student Union, double dating to see Journey in concert in Shreveport, spur of the moment camping, and laughing with someone who is wonderfully down to earth. In the pictures you see here, Brian is the one with red hair, a beard and a huge smile. One of the pictures is from that spur of the moment camping trip; the other is from a cookout at my parents' house in Louisiana before the big State Fair LA Tech vs. NLU game.

What doesn't come to mind when I think of Brian is Tourette's Syndrome. Because the group I hung out with never thought of Brian in terms of Tourette's, I naively assumed others didn't either. Unfortunately, Brian has encountered many, many folks throughout his life who have defined him and others by tics and shouts rather than by what's in their hearts.

Brian has begun a blog to express some of the frustrations he has experienced over the years dealing with others' reactions to his Tourette's. The blog is truthful, brutal, and eye-opening. If you have experienced Tourette's yourself or through a friend or family member, read Brian's blog.

(Click on the title of this post or on the link to the right under "Favorite blogs.")

Midnight Movie at 43?

2010-06-30T21:27:00.003-04:00

I've been going to midnight movie premieres for a very long time. But, I tell you what, once I hit 40 years old, I started rethinking that whole idea! For some reason, I continue to push myself to be one of the first to see the latest movies. I just HAD to see the latest in the Twilight Saga last night. Of course, now I'm smarter with age -- I've learned to at least take the next day off from work.

The pictures here are Erin, Matt, Rick, and me at the 12:41 a.m. showing of "Eclipse" at Tinseltown in Louisville. There were at least a few more folks our age at this one than at the midnight showings of the first two Twilight movies, but the majority of attenders were still teenage girls.

Happy 20 Year Anniversary!

2010-06-23T21:59:00.001-04:00

Scrapbooking design personalized with Smilebox

Super Hero Librarians!

2010-06-15T16:49:00.004-04:00

Laura Younkin and I donned super hero capes to share a presentation with school librarians from Jefferson County Public Schools. With the "Wonder Woman" TV theme playing in the background, of course.

Hobnobbing

2010-05-13T18:39:00.002-04:00

Karla and I (and several other friends from work) got to talk about education and health care and retirement with Lieutenant Governor Dan Mongiardo last week. He's running for U.S. Senate this year, so we were definitely interested in all of his comments. He seemed interested in what we had to say, too!

Happy Gotcha Day, Bessie!

2010-05-05T22:17:00.003-04:00

Today is the 12 year anniversary of Bessie Mae's adoption. I sure do love this smart, stubborn, loving puppy dog!

Frankfort Flood

2010-05-03T22:58:00.003-04:00

This picture shows the waterfront park area near my office building. I usually walk down the steps to the right and along a walking path. The watered covered area on the side of the trees closest to the front of the picture is normally a park area with picnic benches and a parking lot -- all completely submerged. If you look closely you can see the tip top of a park sign almost completely covered with flood waters.

New iPads!

2010-04-03T21:18:00.000-04:00

-- Post From My iPad

Location:Kentucky 1747,Jefferson Northeast,United States

Customer Service?

2010-04-03T18:14:00.002-04:00

Customer Service: _____ Publishers. Can I help you?

Me: Hi, my name is Kathy Mansfield, and I’m the textbook coordinator for the state of Kentucky. I noticed that our contact person from your company has retired, and I’d like to find out her replacement.

Customer Service: Which county?

Me: I’m the coordinator for the whole state, so I need to know the person who is the contact for your company for the whole state of Kentucky.

Customer Service: We don’t do things that way. What county?

Me: Well, we have lots of counties in Kentucky. I need to know the name of the person who handles the state contracts and bids so that I can get some information to him or her.

Customer Service: Ma’m, as I’ve said before, we don’t operate that way. You have to give me the name of a county. We have representatives for each county.

Me: I am the state textbook coordinator for Kentucky and represent all the counties in Kentucky.

Customer Service: Which county?

Me: The name of the previous person was ___________. Can you tell me who replaced her?

Customer Service: We do not have state representatives. We have reps for each county. Which county?

Me: Ummm, well, let’s see, I guess Jefferson County.

Customer Service: Elementary, middle, or high school?

Me: All grades. I am the state coordinator for all the textbooks for all the grades in the state of Kentucky.

Customer Service: We don’t operate that way. Elementary, middle, or high school?

Me: Ummm, I guess, high school?

Customer Service: The high school representative for Jefferson County is _____.

Me: Will he be able to give me the information I need for the state contracts and bids?

Customer Service: The high school representative for Jefferson County is _____.

Me: Okay, then.

Customer Service: Have a nice day.

Me: (heavy sigh)

Long Winter

2010-02-27T21:10:00.001-05:00

“The fiddle moaned a deep, rushing undertone and wild notes flickered high above it, rising until they thinned away in nothingness, only to come wailing back, the same notes but not quite the same, as if they had been changed while out of hearing.” (pp. 119-120) The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I love the imagery from this sentence. A fierce blizzard has arrived, and Pa knows the magnitude of their situation as they brace themselves for the rest of a long winter. The description of Pa’s fiddle playing conveys the mood of the setting – the deep, rushing winds and wild snow bursts that bring uneasiness to the family.

We’ve had a snowier than usual winter here in Simpsonville, Kentucky. A fellow school librarian today mentioned that his school has missed 30 days already this year due to inclement weather. Even with the cold, snow, and ice we’ve experienced this winter, it pales in comparison to what the Ingalls family and their fellow settlers experienced out on the prairie. How did they manage in such dire situations? As I read this book for the first time, I am reminded of how grateful I am to have a strong, warm house, hot and cold running water, and all the other wonderful amenities of modern life.

Louisiana Cookin'

2010-02-15T19:43:00.004-05:00

Rick has an article in the February/March 2010 issue of Louisiana Cookin' magazine. He wrote about smothered cooking in Louisiana. The article includes five recipes, including an original creation of Rick's.

More Snow!

2010-02-15T17:42:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Let it Snow!

2010-02-09T12:44:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Loving Laughter

2010-01-17T23:01:00.003-05:00

This picture reminds me of how much fun my friends are and how important laughter is. Thank you to all my wonderful friends and family who keep me laughing!

The NLT and Me

2009-12-21T19:09:00.001-05:00

Enter this contest from Tyndale Publishers by clicking HERE. Share your testimony about how the New Living Translation has impacted you, and you can win a prize!

Free Christmas Promotion From Tyndale Publishers

2009-12-18T23:09:00.004-05:00

Click HERE to get your free copy!

Christmas at the Governor's Mansion

2009-12-09T22:47:00.002-05:00

American Association of School Librarians Conference

2009-11-08T00:05:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Autumn in Kentucky

2009-10-31T17:37:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Daddy's Girl

2009-10-31T17:15:00.002-04:00

Bessie loves to ride in the truck with Rick. This is one of my favorite pictures of her out running errands with her Daddy.

Note: You'll see Rick's travel Tabasco bottles. He keeps Tabasco with him at all times for any food opportunities that come his way.

Book Contract!

2009-10-05T21:55:00.004-04:00

Rick signed his first book contract! He'll be writing a Bible reference book for Zondervan. Rick also has an article that will be published in the January issue of Louisiana Cooking.

I'm so proud of my writer husband!

Pitiful, Sad, Shameful, Scary (and a bit funny, too!)

2009-09-18T22:20:00.003-04:00

Off to the Big City

2009-09-12T20:48:00.004-04:00

When Rick visited my new office for the first time, we had to ride up the elevator to the 18th floor. As we rounded the corners to the elevators, Rick asked, "Which ones are the up elevators and which ones are the down elevators?"

I guess he's still standing there. I just walked away in embarrassment.

When Did We Lose Respect?

2009-09-05T17:38:00.004-04:00

I have been amazed and appalled at all the uproar concerning President Obama's upcoming televised message to school children. Here in my own county in Kentucky, parents have been notified that they can send a note to their child's teacher if they don't want their child to listen to the President of the United States speak. Is he going to talk about the War in Iraq? No. How to be a good democrat? No. The debate over the death penalty? No. He is going to challenge school children to do well in school and to set goals for themselves. Wow. How controversial!

When did respect for the office of President of the United States go out of style? When did the novelty of hearing the President speak to school children lose its charm? I have never agreed 100% with any President, but I have always respected the office of President of the United States, and I will instill that same respect in my children.

Prayer Life?

2009-08-25T20:39:00.001-04:00

I prayed to God each day;
I asked for many things:
"Bless my home, my job, my kids,
And help us live like kings."

I asked for help with money.
I asked for pain-free life.
I asked that as I go along
I never would see strife.

Then one day it hit me --
God has never said,
"Life is all carefree
And never filled with dread."

Instead the Bible says
That trials and grief will come,
And through those times we learn
All that God has truly done.

He gives me what I need
To tackle every foe;
He provides me strength and grace
To help me as I grow.

Now my prayers have changed --
Instead of "Give to me,"
I thank the Lord for life
And whatever it may bring.

It Takes a Village . . .

2009-08-01T15:47:00.003-04:00

It takes an entire village, or in this case neighborhood, to raise a basset hound. When Bessie decides she's tired, she just plops down wherever she is -- someone's yard, middle of the road -- it just doesn't matter to her. AND she absolutely won't get up until she's darn well ready. Picking her up is not an option, not only because she weighs in at 65 pounds, but also because she screams bloody murder if anyone tries to pick her up. I've learned over the past 11.5 years to just stand or sit and wait the whole ordeal out. I find that it's a great time to catch up on phone chats or solitaire.

This morning I took Bessie for a walk. I didn't realize it was quite so warm outside, and Bessie soon decided she was hot and tired. As we slowly crept up the sidewalk, our neighbor Anissa hollered out, "Looks like a VERY leisurely, slow walk today." She was probably worrying about Bessie dropping right there in front of her driveway since they were packing up to head out somewhere. I urged Bessie forward. Then, PLOP, down she went in Mrs. Bishop's front yard. Mrs. Bishop soon pulled up in her car and commented on the sad state of affairs. I apologized and said that she was tired. "No problem, as long as she doesn't poop in the yard, she can stay as long as she needs to," commented our accommodating neighbor.

After we sat in Mrs. Bishop's yard long enough for her brother to unpack the entire car of his belongings, one by one, for an extended stay, I decided to recruit Rick's help. The following text exchange occurred:

Kathy: Bessie's pooped.
Rick: Where?
Kathy: Behind Stephanie's house.
Rick: She pooped behind Stephanie's house?
Kathy: NO. She IS pooped. Won't move. Come help!

While we waited on Rick, I decided to try coaxing Bessie as best I could. "Let's go home and see Daddy!"; "Do you want a cookie?"; "I'll race you home!"

Soon, neighbor Stephanie ventured outside. "Looks like Bessie is down for the count," she laughed. Rick walked up. Still Bessie stayed motionless in the cool grassy shade of Mrs. Bishop's house. Rick began the usual litany: "Let's go home!"; "Do you want a cookie?" Bessie just blinked at him. We decided to play "Where's Mommy." This is one of Bessie's favorite games. Mommy (me) hides behind a tree or behind a fence and Rick says, "Where's Mommy?" Then Bessie runs to look for me. Neighbor Stephanie looked on with amusement as I hid behind successive trees and patio fences while Rick yelled over and over again, "Where's Mommy?"

Still, Bessie remained unmoved. Neighbor Stephanie chimed in, "Bessie, don't you want to go home?" (I'm sure she was not happy about the Mansfield clan just hanging outside her back door for the entire day). It was time for the big tease. "Bessie, do you want a peanut butter sandwich?" This is Bessie's all time favorite treat. Her head lifted up a bit. She raised her eyebrows. Then she placed her head back down on her paws and yawned. By now, other neighbors were looking out windows and through screened doors to see how long the ordeal would last. (Although most of he neighborhood is used to seeing this weekly spectacle.)

Finally, we pulled out the big guns. "Bessie? Do you want to go home and play the light game with Mommy?" (The light game is Bessie's favorite -- chasing a laser light through the house. She never tires of it, but I knew she was already worn out and didn't need to run anymore). Well, up she rose quick as lightning! Stephanie just laughed in amazement. Bessie came running towards me like she was a puppy. She never slowed down as she happily trotted home, tail wagging, knowing she had once again proven her abilities to be in charge of the humans.

I guess it doesn't take an entire village/neighborhood to raise a dog after all. It just takes the promise of a laser light chase at home.

I Got to Meet Governor Collins!

2009-07-24T17:21:00.003-04:00

Last night I had the honor of meeting former Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins. She was the first woman governor of Kentucky and is a Shelby County native. I teach in the same school system that she attended as a child. Our new high school has been named in her honor.

Vacation?

2009-07-18T21:26:00.004-04:00

Even when Rick and I go home to Louisiana for our annual summer week and a half vacation, we seem to take our Kentucky hobbies with us. For me, it's American Idol for the X-Box. For Rick, it's cast iron cooking/grilling. We are so predictable.

Louisiana Grocery Shopping

2009-07-10T19:36:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox invite

Preacher Rick!

2009-06-22T22:47:00.002-04:00

Rick did a great job giving the message at Simpsonville Baptist Church this past Sunday. One member said on her way out of the service, "I could have sat here another 3 hours and taken notes!"

I think he did a fabulous job.

Flirting With NLT

2009-06-16T19:48:00.002-04:00

Today the pastor flirted
With a little NLT.
It made the sermon real;
It spoke so much to me.

But then he shifted back
To old favorite: NIV.
The pastor ended up
Explaining words to me.

Why explain God's Word
When the explanation's here--
Waiting to be read
From NLT, the Truth made clear?

Adoption Update

2009-05-21T21:56:00.003-04:00

The CCAA (China Center for Adoption Affairs) has updated their website to reflect that dossiers logged-in through April 30, 2007 have been through the review process.

What does that mean? Well, it doesn't mean that anything has sped up in the process, but it does mean that our dossier has moved from the "Reviewing Room" to the "Matching Room." We were logged-in April 16, 2007. Since dossiers logged-in through April 30, 2007, are through with the review process, that includes us!

How long will we be in the "Matching Room?" No one knows for sure. It could be up to three years or more. Rick is always optimistic that the process will speed up, though.

In the "Review Room" is where dossiers are translated from English to Chinese and reviewed by China adoption workers. All the recommendation letters, doctor reports, financial info, and other details about our life are looked at for any discrepancies. If everything is in order, then the dossier moves to the "Matching Room." This is the place where China adoption workers match couples to children. Lots of variables go into this part of the process, and wait times are very hard to predict. Our friends who were logged-in 9 months before us aren't even close to a referral . . .

I'm just glad we've moved one step closer to Elianna.

Who's a Nerd?

2009-05-09T22:54:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday, Ted??

2009-04-29T19:59:00.003-04:00

For my 42nd birthday I expected my usual store bought, white cake, white icing, decorated birthday cake. I do so love them.

Ever the frugal economist, Rick found a good deal at the local market.

(sigh)

Easter, 2009

2009-04-12T20:46:00.001-04:00

42!

2009-04-10T10:14:00.002-04:00

Secret clues; A scavenger hunt--
The reward: A MacBook Air!
My forty-second birthday
Began with lots of flair!

I used to dread my aging--
The wrinkles, sags, and sores,
But now I treasure every day
And all God has in store.

I still have much to learn;
I still have lots to do.
I look forward to the day
When our family's three, not two.

I think about the future--
About who I will be:
Mom? Author? Teacher still?
How will God use me?

I'm Batgirl

2009-03-22T14:55:00.004-04:00

In my mind I'm Batgirl,
Fighting evil ways;
A cape and mask by night--
A librarian by day.

No one knows my secret;
I seem so mild and meek,
But once I don my suit,
It's criminals I seek.

By day I tell the children:
"Keep reading all those books!"
By night I prowl the streets
Looking for the crooks.

Why the secret life?
Why the nightly sprees?
It's the only way I know
To get my late book fees!

Parakeet?

2009-03-22T14:33:00.002-04:00

I heard the pastor say:
"God gave a parakeet--
To give us peace of mind
When we feel we have been beat."

I just don't understand
How a bird inside a cage
Can give me peace of mind
And turn my heart from rage.

My husband said: "Oh, no,
The word is paraclete."
So, now it's running shoes?
I get peace from my feet?

I think that they are both wrong,
I know my Bible reads,
"God gave a Counselor
To help us with our needs."

Again

2009-03-16T22:22:00.002-04:00

It's happening again--
Announcements all around:
"A baby's on the way!"
And then showers will abound.

It's happening again--
The questions naturally come:
"When's YOUR baby due?"
And I'm left feeling numb.

It's happening again--
Paperwork to renew:
Fingerprints, Home Studies,
And more money that is due.

It's happening again--
Depression, tears, and grief,
A longing for a child,
A pain beyond belief.

It's happening again--
Doubt invades my soul.
Are we doing what God wants
Or digging endless holes?

Lent

2009-03-16T22:09:00.002-04:00

I gave up Cokes for Lent
To avoid a sugar high,
But two weeks into it,
I'm starting to wonder why!

The pounds aren't melting off.
I crave my sweet caffeine.
And in a time of stress,
I turn really, really mean.

I guess the purpose was
To turn to God instead.
Instead of guzzling Cokes,
By Him should I be fed.

This sacrifice for me
Has one goal--one intent:
Trade a craving for God's word;
That's the reason I do Lent.

Third Times the Charm?

2009-03-02T19:40:00.002-05:00

For the third time in almost three years, we are updating our fingerprints for our China adoption. Hopefully this time will see us through to the end!

Identify Theft Has Never Been Easier

2009-02-21T15:29:00.002-05:00

Today while sitting at Panera Bread restaurant with Rick, a woman about 20 years old at a nearby table was on the phone speaking quite loudly. She was talking to some store or business, and in the course of her conversation she said out loud (so that any table within 15 feet of her could hear) her full name, address, telephone number, credit card number, and credit card expiration number! And folks wonder how identify theft can happen so easily. Gee whiz! I kept telling Rick that I was going to write down everything she said and then go shopping on the internet to teach her a lesson. However, Rick said that would get me arrested rather than teach her a lesson. My Plan B was to lean across my table, less than 10 feet from her table, and mention that I was able to hear everything she said and that anyone around her would be able to write down and access her accounts. Rick said this would be inappropriate. Thank goodness for Rick's tactfulness. I probably would have been slapped.

Rick is Chili Champ!

2009-02-08T21:09:00.002-05:00

For the third consecutive year, Rick has won the Simpsonville Baptist Church Chili Cook-Off! He has a super secret recipe, and it's only one of about two different chili recipes I'll even eat. The other recipe happens to be Rick's, too. Go figure.

Bessie Tackles the Ice

2009-01-27T19:06:00.001-05:00

Rambo Librarians

2009-01-26T10:52:00.002-05:00

As an elementary school librarian, I find the story below absurd. The paperwork, manpower, etc. to arrest and process the woman mentioned below would cost way more than the $13.95 book. This was justice taken too far. At my school, I don't even charge overdue fines. I charge for lost books. I certainly don't turn parents over to collection agencies if they don't pay for lost books. I even offer payment plans and reduced costs for those for whom it would be a struggle to pay. In the few cases where parents do not acknowledge my correspondence, their children simply lose borrowing privileges. I think a better course of action would have been to take away her borrowing privileges from all public libraries in her state of residence until the book was paid for.

Unreturned library book leads to woman's arrest

Published: Jan 24, 2009

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) - An Iowa woman has been arrested because she failed to return a library book.

Thirty-nine-year-old Shelly Koontz was arrested Thursday night on a fifth-degree theft charge. She is accused of keeping "The Freedom Writers Diary," which she checked out from the public library in nearby Jesup in April.

Police say the book - which is about a high school teacher's effort to inspire students to write - is valued at $13.95.

Court records show library employees tried repeatedly to contact Koontz by phone and mail. A police officer even visited her home last September.

Officials at the Buchanan County jail say Koontz was released after posting $250 bond. No telephone listing for Koontz could be found in the Independence area.

___

Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazetteonline.com/
AP Mobile News Network. © 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Movies I've Seen This Past Week

2009-01-04T00:15:00.001-05:00

On My Nightstand This Month (December, 2008)

2008-12-24T10:23:00.001-05:00

Rick Turns 41 Today!

2008-11-29T12:37:00.003-05:00

Rick's quote: "The good news is that 40 is the new 30. The bad news is 41 is only the new 40."

Kathy's Movies This Week

2008-11-28T23:36:00.003-05:00

On My Nightstand This Month

2008-11-28T23:24:00.004-05:00

Trick or Treating with Bessie

2008-10-31T17:36:00.002-04:00

Best Guest Speaker Ever!

2008-10-07T18:24:00.002-04:00

Middle-Aged?

2008-10-06T13:08:00.002-04:00

I went to the doctor yesterday,
And said, "I'm in a poorly way!
My muscles and joints ache and ache,
I sleep all day; at night I'm awake."

"I think my hair is growing thin,
After a walk, I ice my shins.
My lower back has gotten sore,
I need to rest more and more."

My doctor calmly looked at me,
And said with all sincerity,
"My diagnosis might leave you stunned--
It's all because you're FORTY-ONE!"

18 Years, and They Still Look the Same!

2008-09-21T22:36:00.002-04:00

Rick and I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee for a seminar Rick is leading for Accordance Bible Software. We hooked up with some old college buddies for dinner -- Cordell and Michelle Emery. We hadn't seen them for almost 18 years, but they looked just like they did back then! Well, except that Cordell was missing his trademark mustache. I've re-discovered, through Facebook, quite a few folks from back in our mid-1980s college days at the Louisiana Tech Baptist Student Union. We started plans with Cordell and Michelle to get a semi-reunion together of folks who live near the Nashville area. I can't wait to see all of our "old" friends!

Library Flood!

2008-08-30T13:09:00.003-04:00

We had a big, big storm Friday evening in Shelby County. I got a phone call from my principal around 6:00, 30 minutes before I was to leave to go out of town for the Labor Day Weekend. She said she had bad news. Really bad news. I didn't believe that it was as bad as she said. Then I walked into the Library with Rick. The superintendent was right behind us. I broke down. It was awful. Absolutely awful. I in no way shape or form imagined the entire library covered in water. I must say, our new superintendent gives good, supportive hugs to employees who are hysterical.

Ode to NLT*

2008-08-18T21:34:00.003-04:00

I love the NLT;
Yes, that's the book for me.
No more saying "Thou" and "Thee,"
It renders speech realistically.

No more language hard to read;
Simple words are what I need.
No more wondering what God said
From ancient phrases long since dead.

When I read this book out loud,
The "a-ha!" moments leave me wowed!
The Psalms and verses that I hear
Are finally the Truth made clear.

*NLT = New Living Translation
(sung to the tune of "The B-i-b-l-e" -- an old VBS tune)

Back to School!

2008-08-16T16:23:00.004-04:00

I just finished my first full week of the new school year. Whew! I'm tired! My Jefferson County teacher buddies started this past Tuesday. What ever happened to school starting after Labor Day? But, I suppose we didn't get Fall Breaks and Spring Breaks back then. August 6 still seems so very early to start the school year, though.

As the Library Media Specialist, I work 4 weeks during the summer to complete inventories and ordering and processing, etc. This summer I ended up with 4 weeks off, and one of those weeks was spent in professional development training. I guess 3 weeks summer vacation isn't all that bad. But when the non-education system public comments on teachers having those "cushy three month breaks every summer" I just want to hit something!

And now that I'm on a roll, those same uninformed folks often make comments like, "It must be nice to leave work everyday at 3:00." Well, the students walk through our doors at 7:15 a.m. Our official workday ends at 3:00 (as does our pay), but when I leave school between 5:30 and 6:00 every evening, I leave behind several other teachers still working away. The school is abuzz most weekends, too, with staff members catching up on paperwork and planning. Teachers work long, long hours -- many work 50-60 hours each week. They get paid for only 190 days a year, for less than 8 hours a day. So, those extra weekend days and summer days and Fall Break days and time after the 3:00 bell rings are all "freebies." Oh, and in Kentucky, teachers do not pay into the social security system, so there's no social security check to help out after retirement.

So, this all begs the question, "Why would anyone do that?" Ask any teacher whose been teaching for the long haul, and he or she is bound to say, "I love kids. I love helping students become lifelong learners. It's what I was meant to do."

And me? I can't imagine doing much else. After 18 years of teaching elementary students (and a brief stint with middle schoolers -- yikes!), I know that I am doing what I was meant to do. Will I always be a teacher? I think in some way, shape, or form, yes. My job might not always be as an elementary library media specialist, but I know that my love of school and my love of learning will keep me tied to the field of education. And I am hard pressed to think of a worthier career choice.

Blueberry Stackers

2008-07-18T19:30:00.003-04:00

Last week we were home visiting family for our annual Summer trip to Louisiana. While at my in-laws, I offered to make supper. I fixed a Wild Rice Soup from my new Bisquick Cookbook. I decided we should have a dessert to go with it, and I quickly located a couple that looked good in the cookbook, but we didn't seem to have all the ingredients for any of the desserts I came across. Back home in LA at each of our folks' house, if you want to go to the grocery store, you have to make an extra trip to town, so I needed to use what was on hand. So, I decided to experiment. Now for those who don't know me well, I tend to be a rule follower most of the time, and that includes following recipes exactly as written. But desperate times call for desperate measures! Below is the recipe I ended up creating with what was in the house. I based it partly on one of the desserts in the Bisquick Cookbook. It turned out tasting pretty good!

Blueberry Stackers

1 package Pepperidge Farms Pastry Puff Sheets
1 package of fresh blueberries
8 oz. Cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream
vanilla or almond or lemon flavoring
confectioner’s sugar

Cut pastry sheets into 3x3 squares and cook according to package directions. Cool squares then separate into bottom and top halves.

Beat cream cheese with electric mixer on high speed until fluffy. Mix in sugar and a touch of flavoring. Beat whipping cream in chilled small bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Add confectioners sugar along the way for texture and taste. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.

Layer pastry sheet squares with cream sauce and blueberries. Make layers with at least 3 pastry squares, and top with cream cheese mixture and 5 or 6 blueberries. Makes lots of servings.

Home Study Update Completed!

2008-07-11T23:35:00.002-04:00

Our Adoption Home Study was scheduled for an update this summer in order to renew our Immigration paperwork. Ashley, our Home Study social worker, stopped by for our interview and house walk-through last week. We also had to update all of our criminal background checks. Now we just continue to wait some more. This Home Study and Immigration paperwork will be good for another 18 months. Pictured here is Ashley with Rick and me on the day of our Home Study update in the room that will be Elianna's one day. Right now it's our Library.

Cooking in Cast Iron

2008-07-05T12:00:00.001-04:00

Rick and I started a new venture with some friends -- a website called "Cooking in Cast Iron." Cast Iron collecting and cooking has become somewhat of a hobby for Rick and me, so we decided to share our interest with other like-minded folks. Pictured here are some recent dishes we've made using some of our cast iron cookware. Click the title of this blog entry or go to http://www.cookingincastiron.com to read about how to season, care for, and use cast iron products. You will find links and discussions to other sites, too, as well as a photo gallery of cast iron items. Video podcasts will be available sometime in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to visit again later to learn more.

China Hope Chest

2008-06-20T19:41:00.004-04:00

It occurred to me back at Christmas when we were home with my Mom for the holidays that my hope chest from when I was in high school has an Asian motif. How appropriate that the hope we have for our daughter in China is represented in this family heirloom!

On My Nightstand This Month

2008-06-20T16:29:00.002-04:00

Old Friends

2008-06-17T22:11:00.003-04:00

Getting together with old friends is always relaxing and refreshing. This past weekend we reminisced with old friends from out of state, old friends with new babies, and old friends with new babies on the way. Rick patiently grilled in the rain (with Rob's umbrella saving the day). The kids entertained themselves playing X-Box while the adults oohed and ahhed over babies and caught up with the latest family news. See more pictures by clicking the title of this entry.

Camping Adventure #2

2008-06-08T23:21:00.003-04:00

Rick and I spent the weekend with friends camping on the hottest weekend so far this summer. Are we crazy? Bessie was glad to get back to her air-conditioned comforts of home, as were we. We had lots of fun, though, sitting around and visiting with our friends, grilling, make s'mores around the campfire, and sleeping with the cool breeze blowing through the tent at night.

Somehow Rick managed to escape all 80 of the pictures we took.

Another Mother's Day Spent Waiting

2008-05-11T21:29:00.002-04:00

Just over a year ago we were logged into the China database for adoption. At that time referral wait times were approximately 17 months from log in date. That would have meant traveling to pick up our Elianna in Fall, 2008. Since our log in date, wait times have increased dramatically. The earliest possible date right now to get a referral for Elianna is Summer, 2010, and traveling to China to pick her up in Fall, 2010. That's being on the generous side. Many believe the wait times will keep increasing. I pray everyday that those folks are wrong.

I turned 41 years old last month. Rick and I were married 18 years ago. We've battled infertility for 14 years. We started our process of adoption in 2006, when wait times were just over a year for a baby. I never dreamed that our new route to a baby would end up as another frustrating, long process.

So, once again, I skipped the Mother's Day service at church. Once again, I packed away some of Elianna's baby items so we can use the storage space for more immediate needs. Once again I updated my blog with news of longer wait times.

I'm tired of "once agains."

On My Nightstand this Month

2008-05-04T15:48:00.003-04:00

National Cornbread Festival

2008-04-28T19:01:00.003-04:00

Rick and I attended the National Cornbread Festival this past weekend in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee. 'Betcha didn't even know there was such a thing! The weather was perfect, and the crowds were manageable. Approximately 44,000 folks attended last year's festival. I don't know about this year's count. Ironically, I didn't even have any cornbread the whole time I was there! Rick had pinto beans and cornbread for lunch and bought a bag of cracklin' corn bread to take home. I feasted on real kettle corn made in a huge vat and stirred with a big wooden paddle. Mmm, mmm, good! Sure beats microwave popcorn.

There was lots of Bluegrass music to be had, including some impromptu jam sessions. Rick and I toured the Lodge Cast Iron factory and brought home 19 items. Yes, we do like our cast iron!

Click the title of this entry to see more pictures from the exciting festival!

One Year Mark of LID

2008-04-10T22:12:00.003-04:00

Today is the anniversary of our Log In Date (LID) with China. LID is the date when a waiting family's dossier is logged into the Chinese Database to wait for an adoption referral. At the time of our LID (April 10, 2007), the wait time for a referral was approximately 17 months from LID, which would have had us traveling to get Elianna in late Fall, 2008 (just 8 months from now!) The wait time now is close to three years, which would mean a travel date of approximately Summer, 2010, more than 2 years from now. Those wait times could increase even more, but our hope and prayer is that wait times will decrease, and we will travel to get our little girl sooner than later. She already has a Christmas stocking waiting for her!

This summer we will renew our home study, immigration paperwork, criminal background checks, etc. By the looks of things, we will have to renew everything at least one more time after that before we travel.

Hope

2008-04-07T16:25:00.003-04:00

Bessie is the most hopeful dog I know. Surprisingly, she only does this when Rick cooks, not when I do. Hmmm.

Bunny Cake

2008-03-30T15:37:00.003-04:00

Rick's Mom is famous for her "bunny cake" at Easter time. The last time we actually had any of the cake was Easter, 1991, back when we lived in Louisiana. This year, we were invited to have Easter dinner with some friends. When we were discussing meal plans, Rick announced, "Kathy can make a bunny cake!" Well, as most of my friends know, I'm not much of a baker. So, I was quite intimidated about the whole bunny cake idea, not to mention that the day before Easter was crazy with activity. I ended up baking the cakes (it takes 2 round cakes) at midnight for the next day. I must say, I was quite proud of the results. I've included a picture of the 1991 bunny cake that Rick's Mom made, along with a picture from Easter, 2008.

Snow Hits Simpsonville!

2008-03-08T19:18:00.002-05:00

My Hero: Bartleby the Scrivener?

2008-02-06T19:45:00.000-05:00

Why Bartleby? I love his one and only response to all requests: "I prefer not to." Those words do not seem to be in my vocabulary. But, oh how I wish they were! Not all the time—just SOME of the time. I must have some sort of need to please people, because I have lots of trouble saying, "No," even when saying "Yes" prevents me from taking care of my own needs. Bartleby's stubborn responses eventually led to his demise, but I'd be willing to experiment with a few "I prefer not to"s.

On My Nightstand This Month

2008-01-29T21:44:00.000-05:00

Three of these books I've actually already finished reading, so technically they aren't on my nightstand right now. But, all four of them have been part of my night-time reading ritual during the month of January. Two of them (Sheep and My Name is Sally Little Song) are nominees for the 2008 Kentucky Bluegrass Award. Island of the Blue Dolphins was one of Rick's favorite books as a child. He's been trying to get me to read it for 17 years! Simple Church is a great research book about the differences between simple and complex churches. I think much of the research and insights can be applied to schools, too.

I highly recommend all 4 titles.

Rick Hits the Big 4-0!

2007-12-31T06:15:00.000-05:00

Rick turned 40 a few weeks ago. To celebrate, I planned (with Kelland's help) a Halo 3 Surprise Party for Rick and 9 of his friends. After dinner with a group of friends at a local eatery, I drove Rick to the clubhouse of our subdivision where Kelland and Steve had already set up 3 separate screens with 3 controllers at each one to play Halo 3 til their heart's content (which usually translates to somewhere between midnight and 4 a.m.). Rick even had a Halo 3 birthday cake! The guys try to get together for large group tournaments about once a month or so. Must be some sort of "mid-life crisis" thing . . . (although Rick vehemently denies being anywhere NEAR midlife)!

Clark Wins Employee of the Year!

2007-12-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

My brother, Joel Clark Putman, won the Employee of the Year Award at his company in Louisiana. He's always been a hard worker, and I'm glad he was recognized for his accomplishments. Way to go Big Brother!

Mom's Famous Dressing

2007-12-28T17:45:00.000-05:00

My Mom's dressing is always the best ever, and I've never even attempted to learn how to make it. But this year, I decided to help Mom out and to write down the recipe for future use, too. There's a funny family story about Rick calling Mom one day from Kentucky the night before some potluck event we were going to attend. We had decided that Mom's dressing would be the perfect thing to take. When Mom answered the phone, Rick said, "Can I get your recipe for dressing? I want to make some for a potluck." Mom said, "Sure. About 3 months ahead of time, start saving leftover cornbread and put in the freezer." Rick just sighed and said "Nevermind." We bought a premade batch at Kroger instead.

Well, this year for Christmas, I watched and learned. Mom pulled out the leftover cornbread and crumbled it up while I stirred together all the other secret ingredients. Mmmm, mmm, good!

Right to the Point Movie Reviews #3

2007-11-23T21:55:00.001-05:00

Movies Reviewed
1. Love in the Time of Cholera
2. Enchanted
3. Beowulf

Theater Crowd
1. Love in the Time of Cholera -- 6 females, including me
2. Enchanted -- approximately 1/3 of the theater filled with a wide variety of movie goers
3. Beowulf -- full theater, more men than women, wearing bizarre glasses

Origin
1. Love in the Time of Cholera -- modern literary tome
2. Enchanted -- fairy tales
3. Beowulf -- ancient epic tale

Plot
1. Love in the Time of Cholera -- Boy falls in love with girl; Girl marries someone else; Boy waits more than 50 years for girl; Happy ending
2. Enchanted -- Boy falls in love with girl; Girl banished by evil stepmother; Boy and girl find true love; Happy ending
3. Beowulf -- Boy falls in love with queen; Boy battles various monsters; Boy wins queen; Unhappy ending

Quotes
1. Love in the Time of Cholera -- Dr. Urbino: "A man should have two wives: one to love and one to sew on his buttons."
2. Enchanted -- Robert: "You're not going to sing, are you?"
3. Beowulf -- Beowulf: "They say you have a monster. They say your lands are cursed. I am Beowulf, and I will kill your monster."

Recommendations
1. Love in the Time of Cholera -- girls only - definite chick flick
2. Enchanted -- great date movie; fun and lighthearted
3. Beowulf -- guys would see it again and again

Camping Adventure

2007-11-03T22:38:00.000-04:00

Rick and I headed out for a camping adventure with some of our friends. Our city-slicker friends stayed in fancy-shmancy campers while we roughed it in a tent. Despite the fact that I was sick throwing up the first night of camping, I had a wonderful time overall and can't wait to go back! My favorite part was sitting by the campfire late into the night telling funny stories. Good times.

Shop 'til You Drop!

2007-10-11T00:06:00.000-04:00

We're raising money to travel to China to get our daughter, Elianna Ruth. You can help out by shopping at my online store or by referring friends to the link to shop. Just click the title of this blog entry to take you there, or go to http://www.cafepress.com/kolloquy.

Thanks for your help!

Spooky Reading Night

2007-10-06T21:57:00.000-04:00

Approximately 500 people attended my school's third annual Spooky Reading Night last night. Author/Storyteller Roberta Simpson Brown was our featured guest. She is the author of seven books and has been a guest on numerous radio and television shows. This was her fourth visit to Simpsonville Elementary School to tell scary stories to our third, fourth, and fifth grade students. The Spooky Reading Night is a favorite event that our families look forward to each year in Wyatt's Woods behind the school. The girls in the picture are following along with one of Roberta's stories using a flashlight.