Thursday Thirteen - #17

I LOVE classic movies, especially musicals! My favorites are from the late 30's to early 60's...when Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Danny Kaye, Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers and other 'greats' were popular.

With that said...here are 13 classics that I love...

1. Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House: * "Sophisticated New Yorkers Jim and Muriel Blandings (Cary Grant and Myrna Loy) pack up their two girls and leave their jaded city life for a dreamy getaway in rural Connecticut. Trouble is, they don't know what they're in for. … As local tradesmen increase their work rates and try to cash in on the recent transplants, Grant's job as an advertising executive may be on the line if he can't think of a slogan to sell ham!"

This movie is so much fun to watch. It's a great funny movie for the whole family. We've watched it a few times and never tire of it. I personally love watching them fix up the house...especially since I've always wanted to be an architect!





2. You Were Never Lovlier: *"The incomparable Fred Astaire pairs up with the alluring Rita Hayworth for this delightful musical featuring the compositions of Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer. While in Buenos Aires, Robert (Astaire), a dancer, meets Maria (Hayworth), the daughter of a rich Argentinian entrepreneur, who won't let her sisters get married until she herself is betrothed. Features performances by Xavier Cugat and Miguelito Valdes."

There's nothing more fun than watching Fred Astaire on his feet!







3. Bells are Ringing: *"Judy Holliday reprises her Tony Award-winning role as a scatterbrained switchboard operator in Vincente Minnelli's musical comedy. The story centers on eavesdropping phone operator Ella (Holliday), who goes incognito to help her problem-plagued customers and eventually wins the heart of a handsome playwright (Dean Martin). Jean Stapleton and Eddie Foy Jr. also star. Extras include a featurette, musical number outtakes and the theatrical trailer."










4. Singin' in the Rain: *"Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor combine their talents in one of the best musicals ever made. When Hollywood attempts the transition from silent movies to talkies, matinee idol Kelly hopes to make the cut. Jean Hagen stands out as a silent-movie queen with a fingernails-on-a-blackboard voice. Musical fare includes "Good Morning," "Make 'Em Laugh" and the title tune."

Great classic...of course the scene where he's singing on the street while dancing is the best!







5. An Affair to Remember: *"Each already engaged to another, Nikkie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr) meet on an ocean liner and fall deeply in love. Tempting fate, they agree to meet at the Empire State Building in six months if they still feel the same way, but a tragic accident prevents their rendezvous, and the lovers' future takes an uncertain turn. This poignant and humorous love story was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Music."

Tearjerker!








6. Top Hat: *"This joyous Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical features an Irving Berlin score and the classic duet "Cheek to Cheek." Astaire stars as Jerry Travers, a singer-dancer who auditions some new moves for producer Horace Hardwick at his hotel. The beautiful Dale Tremont (Rogers) is staying downstairs and the wackiness begins when she mistakes Jerry for Horace in this romantic comedy that received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture."

Yet another classic Astaire movie you've got to see!








7. Forever Darling: *"After five years of marriage, Susan (Lucille Ball) and Lorenzo (Desi Arnaz) are drifting apart. So when he plans a camping trip to test a new insecticide he's developing, she vows to come along and keep him company. Little does Lorenzo know that Susan's guardian angel (James Mason) is tagging along, too. This offbeat romantic comedy hit theaters during the fifth season of "I Love Lucy," capitalizing on America's love affair with its stars."

I don't know what it is about this movie, but it's so much fun to watch. We bought the box set with this movie, "The Long Long Trailer" and "Too Many Girls". This is my favorite of the 3, but they're all very good, especially if you love Lucy!!





8.Daddy Long Legs: *"While visiting France as a goodwill ambassador, a third-generation American millionaire (Fred Astaire) meets a striking young woman (Leslie Caron) who was orphaned during World War II. Vowing to take care of her for the rest of her life, he anonymously funds her travel to the United States, where she attends a prestigious women's college. But all she knows of her mysterious benefactor is that he signs his checks "Daddy Long Legs."

Sweet movie...but kind of weird how a 50 yr. old man would fall in love with an 18 year old. That's the movies for ya!







9. An American in Paris: *"Opportunistic American artist Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) -- once a struggling painter -- lives in the City of Light enjoying the patronage of a well-heeled, amorous American gallery owner. Until, that is, he meets and falls desperately in love with a willowy French street urchin (Leslie Caron, in her big-screen debut) who happens to be engaged to Mulligan's best friend. Seven Academy Awards went to this tour-de-force movie musical."

My favorite part of this musical is the music itself...very upbeat and lively!! It's also fun to play. I've played it in a couple orchestras I've been in - on my flute.






10. White Christmas: *"Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play war buddies turned entertainers who fall for a pair of sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen). The boys follow the girls to a resort, which is owned by their former commanding officer, and he's in danger of losing the place. What better reason to stage a show than to keep the resort out of hock?"

LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie!!!!! It's one I never miss watching each year. My 2 favorite songs..."Sisters" (especially when the men sing it - too funny!) and "Snow"...when they sing it on the train on the way to Vermont.




11. Shall We Dance: *"Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers kick up their heels on an ocean liner in this musical. Ballet star Pete Peters (Astaire) is in love with celebrity Linda Keene (Rogers), and his infatuation leads him to set sail across the Atlantic. Unfortunately, he hardly knows her, but a little white lie results in everyone thinking the two stars are married. George and Ira Gershwin provide the musical score that includes "They Can't Take That Away from Me."

Their dance number on the rocking ship is great. Overall a fun movie for a cold lazy winter afternoon!







12. Royal Wedding: *"Brother-sister dance duo Tom and Ellen Bowen (Fred Astaire and Jane Powell) get the chance of a lifetime when they're booked for a London performance on the eve of Elizabeth II's nuptials. In the course of their journey, Ellen meets her match in Lord Brindale, and Tom finds romance with a British hoofer. Will love break up the act? Peter Lawford and Sarah Churchill also star in this classic 1950s musical comedy."

I've seen this movie a dozen times...it's a classic for sure. This is the movie Astaire did his famous ceiling dance in...where they rotated the set. Pretty impressive for the 50's!





13. Holiday Inn: *"Bing Crosby croons to the tune of the Oscar-winning "White Christmas" in Irving Berlin's love triangle romantic comedy. Tired of the bright lights of showbiz, Jim Hardy (Crosby) retires to the countryside to become a farmer. He converts the farm into the Holiday Inn, open only on holidays, then competes against his pal (Fred Astaire) for a singer-dancer's (Marjorie Reynolds) affection."

My favorite of ALL time!!!!! This movie is such a great movie since it covers every holiday, but Christmas time is the best time to watch it. I love the Inn and would LOVE to own and run something like that...I know, dream on! The new colorized version just came out and it's INCREDIBLE...very clear and crisp!!! My husband surprised me with it yesterday and I already watched it. They have extras on the DVD as well which show you how they colorized it. It's fascinating to see. I will be watching this movie over and over again, that's for sure!

The next time it's a cold rainy day and you don't feel like going anywhere, grab a hot cup of cocoa, and put on one of these classic movies. It'll warm your heart and let you escape from reality for just a little while!

A side note: There's a classic movie that I watched once and cannot for the life of me remember what it was or who was in it. All I remember is that the main characters worked in a music store selling instruments etc. It was probably in black/white. The new salesman fell in love with a woman who worked there and I believe he played the violin, but I'm not positive. The details are foggy to me but I would LOVE to see it again if I could figure out what the movie was called. If you have any ideas, let me know. Thanks!!


*All the summaries are from Netflix...any added comments are mine.

Thursday Thirteen #16

13 Ways to Annoy Your Parents

This was Lionel's idea, not mine. He is the one who came up with the list, not me! I take no responsibility for this list...but I do agree with them all, especially #4 and #11. My kids crack me up!! Gotta love 'em.

1. Chew with your mouth open when they say not to.
2. Belch really loud.
3. Keep saying "what?" when they say something to you.
4. Imitate them - a LOT, especially when they're on the phone.
5. Keep your room messy so they won't want to come in.
6. Don't do your school work.
7. Stay up late at night.
8. Talk to them when they're on the phone.
9. Pretend they can't hear you and talk to them loudly.
10. Take all their pens and pencils on their desk and don't return them.
11. When Mom and Dad hug and kiss, try to squeeze between them.
12. On short road trips, ask "are we there yet?" just like on long ones.
13. Use incorrect grammar when you talk.

(rather, Lionel, for this post!)

Thursday Thirteen #15

13 Things that stress me out!

I often wonder why I get worn out and run down. My doctor told me that the eczema I had on on my hands all winter was stressed induced, and the allergic reaction I have now (itching ALL over!) was probably due to the fact that my defenses are down. Hmm, think I need a break? Calgon...take me away! So...with that said, here are 13 reasons I'm stressed.

1. I've been caring for my Dad for a long time now, and even though he recently moved into a nursing home, the stress is still there!! It's a huge responsibility!!!! We are the only ones that visit him which is very sad...so the burden is quite heavy.

2. My grandmother (Dad's mother) is also alive - she turned 100 last month and I was told that she wasn't doing well. Just one more person under my care due to the fact that I'm the only family member around who seems to care. My Dad had Power of Attorney over her and now that he's in a home himself and I have POA over him, I am having to deal with her too. It's amazing how the rest of the family has abandoned her...very sad.

3. I'm the leader of a homeschool group. I love it, but it's a lot of work. I began the group over 6 years ago with a dear friend, and although there is now a board, my job is still full which keeps me busy. It's like a full time job!

4. I homeschool my children. Pure joy? Not all the time, but the rewards are priceless!!! I wouldn't trade it for anything...they're my world and I love them so much!

5. I need to lose weight. I have in the past and yet with the stresses, it makes it so much harder to keep it off. I don't even over eat like you'd think, I just eat the wrong things when I'm stressed out - which seems to be all the time.

6. Our dog, although he is now adjusting to our family, has taken a lot of work. He does bring joy into our home and we all adore him.

7. Bills. Enough said? With gas prices soaring up over $4. a gallon, it seems like going out to do activities with my kids is less feasible. Oil has gone sky high too, and now with summer coming, we will need to use our air conditioners, so the electric bills will skyrocket. Ugh! Does it ever end? My husband doesn't get a raise every time something else goes up in cost! God will provide for what we need though, we're counting on it and are depending fully on Him!

8. Sleep, or lack thereof. I don't sleep as well as I used to. When Dad lived with us I lost a LOT of sleep...but it's getting better a little at a time. He lived in our home but in a separate in-law we built onto our existing home. The few times I had to rush down to care for him after he either fell or had seizures were during the night or very early in the morning. I still think I hear him sometimes during the night...which is obviously my mind running in circles from the stress of when he was here.

9. Household responsibilities. Sometimes they are too much for me on top of all the other stuff I have to deal with. We try to keep our home fairly neat and tidy, but it's so hard. My husband is a huge blessing in the fact that he has taken on so much more than most husbands ever would! He not only is the sole bread winner in our home, but he also does all the outside yard work and then does a lot inside as well. He knows that my plate is full right now and he is helping to ease that burden. I love him SO much!

10. Friendships. I have several friends, but only three truly good friends who I am very thankful for (you know who you are!!!) I find it hard to maintain friends like I used to be able to. When I was younger I had a ton of friends, but now that my life is so busy, keeping the few good ones is enough. I hope to never lose contact with them, even if I ever move away. On the up-side...I have one dear cousin who is like a sister to me, only she lives too far away!!!! You're the best - and you know who you are too!! = ) Hopefully we'll be closer in a few years which brings me to my next one...

11. We want to move out of state. Things here are very expensive and life is so fast paced. We want a slower way of life, not only for us, but for our children. We would like to move so my husband could keep his current job, just in a different state, but we aren't sure that is possible. With the way the economy is, he could move and then lose his job is any people are laid off. That would be scary! We also can't move until my Dad passes away. Only God knows the plans He has for us, we just have to wait, but in the mean time it's hard...and stressful!!!

12. Violin. Lionel has been taking lessons from a wonderful teacher, but now we found out that the company where the teacher is hired out of, is closing. So...we're not sure if we will still have a teacher for him or not. The great part (besides the fact that he's an awesome teacher) is that he comes to the house to teach! He lives over an hour away, so we're not sure if he'll want to keep coming on his own, with gas prices and all. I hope so, otherwise it will be a HUGE let-down for Lionel, and for us. We will have to find someone else. I loved that his teacher was also a Christian and the recitals were wonderful.

13. Dance. Now that Lionel's teacher is iffy (is that a word?!?), we have decided to change dance schools for Sweet-Pea. Her dance studio, although professional, is not professional enough. We would like her to take from some place that shows their professionalism. She has even been discouraged about this current place, but not dance, so we need to find a good studio before her passion wears thin! She's been very passionate about dancing until recently, but we feel that it's not her, it's the studio she's at. Ugh...one more thing!

Through all of these trials and struggles, we look to God for answers, comfort and peace. We know that things happen for a reason, and that they are only for a season in our lives. A few verses that do give me comfort:

Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass."

Psalm 145:18-19 "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them."

Isa 40.28-31 "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

John 14.27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Rom 8.28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Thursday Thirteen #14

13 Scotland Castles I've been to:

I'm a bit hard pressed here tonight. I'm not feeling that great, so I'll post an easy Thursday Thirteen - one that doesn't require much thinking. I'm currently fighting a cold. It started with my allergies, but it developed into a bad head cold. Medicine helps, but not as much as time and rest, which is what I'm going to do after this post. Anyhow...

There are over 3,000 castles in Scotland. Wouldn't it be fun to try and visit them all...that's a trip in itself! Edward and I went to Scotland on our honeymoon many years ago, and we fell in love with so many of the castles we visited...some we even got to sleep in!
Here goes:

1. Castle Kennedy - favorite romantic spot in Scotland!

2. Glamis Castle


3. Culzean Castle


4. Floors Castle - Want to live here!!!!


5. Crathes Castle


6. Ardoe House - Slept here! Awesome place!!


7. Eileen Donan Castle


8. Urquhart Castle


9. Edinburgh Castle


10. Lockerbie Manor - Slept here (Had the place to ourselves!)


11. The Old Manor - Slept here


12. Loch Ness House - Slept here


13. Dunrobin Castle

Thursday Thirteen #13

13 of my favorite quotes from George Washington's book:

"RULES of CIVILITY & DECENT BEHAVIOUR in Company and Conversation"

This book was real. George Washington carried it with him in his coat pocket where ever he went. He exhibited notable manners throughout his life and practicing decent behaviour was at the top of his list! He wrote these down when he was just 14 years old. Oh boy...if only kids today would care so much about manners and decent behaviour at that young age it would be a different world!

Keep in mind that these were written around 1746, so they may sound silly to us in the 21st century! Ahh, that's why I love them so much!!! (The capital words are not my errors, that's how they're written).

1. When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.

2. Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Dressed.

3. Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs roll not the Eyes lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.

4. In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physician if you be not Knowing therein.

5. Wear not your Cloths, foul, ripped or Dusty but See they be Brushed once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.

6. Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking your Arms kick not the earth with R feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.

7. Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Asked & when desired do it briefly.

8. Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.

9. Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.

10. Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.

11. If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.

12. Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others.

13. When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence. Honor & obey your natural parents although they be poor.

Oh I absolutely love number 13, especially that last part..."although they be poor"! George did meal well in all his rules. He tried to be the best he could be when others were around. He tried to be honest, loyal, civil and respectful. Those rules, as out-dated as they may seem, are good enough to use today. I purchased a nice hard cover copy of the book and read them with my children. Yes, they giggle at most of them, but we try to re-word them so they're appropriate for today's time. Try it with your kids...here's a link to where you can read the entire list online.

Thursday Thirteen #12

13 of my favorite catalogs

I seem to get quite a few catalogs in the mail these days. Some I just look at and throw right in the trash, some I put away for another day and some I actually look forward to getting in the mail! Here are 13 catalogs I do enjoy getting....

1. CBD (Christian Book Distributors)
2. BBC America Shop
3. Foster and Smith
4. Home Science Tools
5. Museum Replicas Limited
6. Beautiful Feet Books
7. Timberdoodle
8. Vision Forum
9. Discount Dance Supply
10. Spillsbury
11. Plow & Hearth
12. American Girl
13. Scottish Lion Imports

Isn't it amazing how at Christmas time our mailboxes get bombarded by every catalog company on earth?!? I'm sure if it were Christmas time, I'd be sorting through hundreds of catalogs trying to figure out what my favorite ones were...but these I get year round. Got any favorites I forgot to mention?? List them here in the comments section, I'll have to check 'em out...in my spare time, that is!

Thursday Thirteen #11

13 of my favorite Bible verses

I wasn't easy choosing just 13 verses! There are SO many more that I love, but I managed to find 13 that are extra special to me. Here goes...

1. Philippians 4:6,7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

2. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

3. Proverbs 3:5,6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths."

4. Romans 8:38-39 -“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is Jesus Christ our Lord.”

5. Ephesians 2:10 -"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

6. Hebrews 12:1-3 -" Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sun that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

7. Ephesians 4:32 - "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

8. Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

9. Micah 6:8 - "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

10. 2 Corinthians 4:18: "We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

11. Isaiah 55: 8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, “declares the Lord. “as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

12. Philippians 4:8 - "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things."

13. Philippians 3:14 - "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Thursday Thirteen #10

13 wonderful memories I've made

The mind is extremely complicated...God created us with the ability to make decisions and think on our own. He also gave us the ability to remember things by using our senses. Smell, sight, sound, taste and touch all have an effect on the memories we make. My Dad is currently suffering from Alzheimer's Disease in the later stages, so I have been thinking quite a bit about the mind and how our memory is vital to our daily existence. I am thankful for the many wonderful memories I have stored away in my mind...hopefully I won't ever forget them. Here are just a few:

1. When I was young, my family and I were in a cottage where a plane crashed into it. The one part that sticks out in my mind though, was my Dad rushing up to the 2nd floor to save us girls (my sister and I). He didn't know that my Mom already rushed us outside the front door. When he realized we weren't up there, he attempted to come back down but couldn't - the stairs were already engulfed in flames. He had to jump out of the window of the 2nd floor, but before doing that, Dad thought enough to throw out my favorite stuffed animal!! I still have the little doggie today that Dad saved for me. It's something that he did for me that touched my heart like never before!!!

2. Giving birth to both of my children obviously is a big memory stored in my mind...not only the births but the pregnancies. I didn't have a normal pregnancy for either. With my son, I was given extra tests because we were told he would be born with DS. We knew God would bless us with a wonderful child even if he had DS, but it was still hard to handle. Fortunately though the doctors were all wrong and 'Lionel' was perfectly fine! My pregnancy with Sweet-Pea was difficult too - I was on bed rest for 90% of that pregnancy due to a blood clot. All went well though and she too was perfectly fine. We are truly blessed!!

3. My sister and I used to walk home from school together when we were older; we'd be home alone after school for a few hours before our parents came home from work. Well, we would often forget our house key, but that never stopped us! I wore barrettes back then (dork!) and I used them to pick the back door lock. It worked every time and to this day I am amazed that my folks never changed that lock! If a 14 year old could pick the lock...certainly a burgler could too!

4. I worked at Camp-of-the-Woods, a Christian camp (more like a family resort) for 10 summers of my life. I played the flute on the music staff. That place was like a 2nd home to me for a long time. My parents went up when I was just an infant, we never missed a summer! I also went to the girl's camp (an island in the middle of the lake) for 9 years prior to working on the mainland. Our own family has gone up many times, but it's too expensive now and has changed quite a bit. It's just not the same place it used to be, especially since the new crew took over. The old camp will always be in my heart!

5. My honeymoon in Scotland was and is one of my favorite memories! Of course my wedding day was incredible, but the first days of our marriage in Scotland were so much better than I could have ever imagined! We stayed in castles, drove all over the whole country visiting every romantic spot around, shopped in quaint little villages and even got the chance to look up some things about my heritage - my family comes from Scotland.

6. I was a short-term missionary down in South Africa at a conference Center just outside of Durban. I was there almost a year the first time, and then returned the next year for the summer. The experiences I had while there hold dear to my heart. It was hard being away from my family, but I met the most wonderful people who became my adopted family. They even brought me on vacation throughout the entire South African region! That's something I could never have done alone.

7. I rode on a mule down the Grand Canyon - yeah, pretty stupid huh? I was 18 at the time. I was on a trip across the country with 20 other students from my college (along with our professor). It was a summer program where we got to travel lots and at the same time, earn lots of college credits - not too bad 'eh? So, I rode "Harry" down to the bottom of the canyon. It was an awesome trip - I only wish I had a digital camera back then so I got better photos than I did. That was over 22 years ago! Wow.

8. My best friend and I (from early childhood) used to play together ALL the time. She lived on a dead-end street that was connected to my street, so we were very close. Not a day went by that we weren't playing together. When we hit our late elementary years I remember mixing cleaners in their bathroom to try and concoct the best bathroom cleaner ever. HOW DANGEROUS WAS THAT!?! Her parents had no idea, but we were using chemicals that I'm sure would implode if we weren't careful - it's a wonder we're alive today!

9. Playing Barbie dolls at home was one of my favorite past-times...I remember playing with them like it was yesterday! I had the dream home - complete with elevator, the camper, the airplane, the small one story house, the car, the bicycle and the 3 wheeler. Wow, was I spoiled or what?!? My sister had the exact same items too (minus the dream home which came out after she passed the Barbie phase). I still have a couple of the Barbie items from growing up, but they're falling apart. My daughter never got into Barbies like I did...she's into the American Girl dolls -something I'd have LOVED when I was young too!

10. I remember watching Abbot and Costello every Sunday morning after we got home from church. My parents would be making dinner (We always the 'big' meal of the day for lunch on Sundays) and my sister and I would be laying on the floor of the living room watching TV...lazy kids! ha ha The only show that came in clear on our old black and white TV set was Abbot and Costello. In order for it to come in clear, we had to put the channel dial half way between the numbers...and even then the horizontal or vertical lines would jump now and then. Ahh...those were the days!

11. I remember spending lots of time with my moms parents - Gramma and PopPop. I loved them dearly and miss them so much now. My sister and I used to sleep over their house every once in a while. We'd eat Ritz crackers with grape jelly on them, bake scones, learn to sew (I never really did learn though which I regret! My Gramma was the best seamstress around!!!), and play. We'd play darts in their basement, help Gramma hang the laundry outside on the line, play volleyball over the clean wet laundry (which she wasn't crazy about) and then hike in the woods behind their house. PopPop loved doing puzzles, so we would help him. They always had a western TV show playing, and they took us everywhere! One fond memory was when my Gramma would be down in her basement working on the laundry. She had an old marble topped table down there with a large pull-out chalkboard on it. I would sit for hours and just write and draw pictures on it. Gramma would usually be ironing or cleaning up. She was amazing!!!

12. My Dad was a draftsman - he worked as a tool designer for a major corporation. He was really good at his job and he loved doing it. He would often bring work home to do on his drafting table. When he wasn't there, I would sit at it and play with all his templates, his slide-rule and his fun erasers - the kind you pull the paper tab and it unravels. Those were SO cool! They also made wax pencils the same way. Well, I always wanted to be an architect, so using that table and pretending was a lot of fun for me. Unfortunately I never pursued my dream job though. Everyone told me that back then architect jobs weren't for women...I should have never listened to them!

13. One last memory was from nursery school. I loved going each day and remember not only the building, but my teacher and the other kids in my class - unbelievable huh? I remember the sandbox building out back, the playground, and also the large building blocks that you could build an entire club house out of - which I did. One boy kept knocking it down, and I remember getting in trouble because I hit him one day. He knocked it down one too many times. The teacher also scolded him, but I never got over the fact that he kept bothering me. My parents took a photo of me beside the house on the last day of school there. I still have that photo and I still get mad at that boy for teasing me and destroying my club house. ha ha I know...it's been almost 40 years...get over it. ha ha

Well, that's it in a nutshell...13 memories that are stored in my mind and heart. There are so many more, but this list is long enough! If you ever get the chance...take the time to write them all down, one day when you're old and gray and in a nursing home, maybe your children can read them all to you and help you remember fond memories from the past!

Thursday Thirteen #9

13 Homeschool Curriculum Favorites

I admit it, I'm a book-o-holic! I love books of all styles, but lately homeschool books really peek my interest. Since we began homeschooling almost 9 years ago, we have acquired quite a large library full of books. Here are some of my most favorites...all curriculum books that we have used over the years.

1. The Prairie Primer by Margie Gray/Cadron Creek
2. Galloping the Globe by Pettit & Mullins/Geography Matters
3. Cantering the Country by Pettit & Mullins/Geography Matters
4. First Reader by Phyllis Schlafly
5. Exploring Creation Series by Jeannie Fulbright/Apologia
6. WriteShop by Kim Kautzer and Debbie Oldar
7. Sing, Spell, Read & Write
8. Medieval Renn. & Reformation Times by Beautiful Feet
9. Spelling Power by Beverly Adams-Gordon
10. Saxon Algebra 1 by Saxon Publishers
11. Words on the Vine by Claudia Vurnakes
12. Character Sketches by Bill Gothard/Inst. in Basic Life Principles
13. Apologia General Science & Physical Science

Thursday Thirteen #8

13 Things I love about our new dog

Our 15 month old dog, Cody, is more of a rescue dog than just a new dog we purchased...he was pretty much neglected where he came from. He was left outside all day long and didn't get much, if any, human interaction. We are giving him a warm loving home. We hope and pray that he will feel like he's an important part of our family. We love him already!!! What do we love about him?

1. He's adorable
2. He doesn't make my allergies go crazy!
3. His coloring - more like a golden retriever than a poodle
4. His big eyes
5. The cute paw prints he makes out in the snow
6. He makes my children happy
7. His big fluffy tail
8. He doesn't bark - not yet anyhow ha ha
9. When you pet him he just lays there and enjoys it
10. He is slowly realizing that our home is 'safe' for him
11. When he tilts his head, he looks so cute & innocent looking
12. He lays down in front of our food pantry, causing us not to eat as much since we don't want to bother him - that's a good thing! ha ha
13. He is giving our children a sense of responsibility!

Thursday Thirteen #7

13 of my favorite movies

I love watching movies, especially when snuggling up on the couch with my hubby, a warm blanket, and a hot cup of tea! I do enjoy movies of all styles, but my favorites are period movies, suspense/thriller movies, and of course the old stand-by, romance movies. It won't be easy picking 'just' 13, but here are the ones that come to mind without too much thought...

1. Sense & Sensibility (as if you couldn't tell!!)
2. Becoming Jane
3. Return to Me
4. Pride & Prejudice
5. Amadeus
6. My Best Friend's Wedding
7. Anne of Green Gables 1 & 2 mainly
8. The Sound of Music
9. Miss Potter
10. Bourne Identity/Supremacy/Ultimatum
11. The Princess Diaries 1 & 2
12. The Net
13. The Queen