Fear Factor

I don't get scared easily. For the last almost 28 years, this t-shirt has pretty much been my philosophy:

While I don't worry about staying alone, travelling alone, towing horse trailers, or teaching children, there are a few things that do frighten me:

• phone calls in the middle of the night
• icy roads
• needles
• the dentist (see above)
• possums in the barn
• 4th and inches
• kickers
• novice boat drivers

I was pretty impressed with myself recently when I decided to swim clear across the cove without the aid of a floatation device. There was some discussion when Shelly did it as to how far it actually is, but I'm sure it's at least a mile. Or maybe five. :)

And since I was over there, I decided to throw caution to the wind and jump off the high dock. I really didn't think it would be a big deal, but it's a LOT higher than it looks! Trust me. I had to think about it for a bit, and talk myself into it. Jennifer was there to offer encouragement, "Just jump Mom!" She also served as a witness, as it may never be repeated. At least not with an audience larger than one.

I'm sure my form was not as good as Andrew's, and I didn't even think about jumping off the railing like crazy Shelly, but I jumped. And I was feeling pretty brave. And proud.


So I'm feeling all brave, smug, and fearless when I walk into the laundry room to check the dryer and meet this guy.








Was I scared? You betcha! Did I scream? Blood curdlingly! Did I take this picture? Um, no. I didn't stick around that long.


And now, I would like to invite family and friends to join us at the lake for Labor Day weekend. I'm sure he'll be gone by then....


And I should add one more to the list:

• small flying rodents

So, what scares YOU?

Mug Shot

I read a recipe quite some time ago for a brownie in a mug, but had never tried it. Until now. I think it looked like it would be too easy and I might make it every day. Well, it is too easy. The only thing I can say about it is that it is better than making a pan of brownies to satisfy that chocolate craving. Because if you're like me, you end up eating the whole pan. Oh yeah, tell me you haven't done it.

Anyway, here's how you make it. Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in a 12 ounce coffee mug. You could also use vegetable oil.

Add 2 tablespoons water,

1/4 teaspoon vanilla (Haitian vanilla if you have it), and a dash of salt.

Whisk well. Don't you like my tiny little whisk? Perfect for this tiny little brownie.

Add 4 tablespoons sugar, 4 tablespoons flour,

and 2 tablespoons cocoa. Whisk well.

Microwave for 60 seconds. This is what it looks like going in.

And after one minute. The center should be slightly molten. Well duh, of course it should.

I had to add a scoop of ice cream to the warm, molten brownie. It was delicious.

So the next time you're needing a little chocolate fix but don't want to make an entire dessert, just remember, this can be yours in just over one minute. I think it would have been a great treat when my kids were little for after they were tucked in bed. Of course, for me, it seemed that just after I took a bite, one would call because he/she was hungry/thirsty/scared/not tired, and when I went to check, would immediately ask, "Mommy, what are you eating?" Busted.

God Bless Baby Gilliam

We had so much fun on Sunday when we hosted a baby shower for Jessica. Ruthann had it at her beautiful home, and Becky and I helped. It is so much fun for us to do a "project" together, and it always sends us on a little trip down memory lane. We do cherish those special times we shared together as young moms, whether the children remember them or not. But that will have to be a post for another day...

Since I was a hostess, I didn't get to take as many pictures as I would have liked. Jennifer came straight from church in Indy, and got there a little early to help out. This included enjoying a little Haleigh time. :)

We hung some onesies above the fireplace for decoration.

We served mint chip ice cream to go along with our favorite cookies from Where the Cookie Crumbles.

Jessica got so many nice things. I think they should be ready for a baby now!

Ruthann and Haleigh enjoyed watching her open her gifts.

These little overalls are just precious.

Jessica loved this little shirt that said "bean" on it, which is their nickname for the baby.

And they got lots of great books, so they can start reading right away.

Everyone was given a little bookmark to remind them to pray for Baby Gilliam.

Just a few of the presents on the dining room table.

A little blurry, but a cute picture of Grammy and Arden.

Erica, Jessica, and Elizabeth. I'm sure E and E will be lots of help to Jessica!

Jessica with Grandma Stewart and Grandma Gunn. Great Grandmas to the little one.

One thing for sure, this baby will be hittin' the road early and often. I guess you could say these (cute) boots are made for walkin' (or ridin')!

God Bless and Happy Trails!

Celebrate! (a little late)

We finally had a chance to celebrate a new house and a big birthday. Never mind that it was about seven months late! We started out with lunch at Cafe Patachou.

Jennifer and I had done a few errands before lunch, and she got a cool pink case for her brand new iPhone 4. She spent part of the day making connections on her new phone.

Jamalyn shows off her Patachou BLT. Very good! Our waiter, Pascal, was French, and reminded me of our infamous exchange student, Thomas.

I had the spinach salad. Jennifer shared some of the strawberries.

Next on the agenda was a stop at Foot Finesse for a relaxing massage. I have never had a massage before, so I didn't really know what to expect. The dim lights, quiet room, and beautiful music made it pretty easy to relax. It was a little less intimidating for me because you don't have to, um, disrobe. For those of you who have had a massage, what was your best (or worst) massage experience?

Jamalyn said she even fell asleep for a bit, and Jennifer said they did some pretty strong work on her shoulders.

Our next stop was for pedicures. Here are Jennifer and Jamalyn drying their toes while Jamalyn gives Jennifer dating advice. :)

And of course, it wouldn't be a celebration without dessert. Last stop was Rock Bottom where I had the Pub Glass Sundae. Yum-my! A great topping to a great day.

Say Cheese!

Darci had our friend Sarah take some photos of Matthew and Haleigh on Friday. They did them outside, in a nice grove of trees where we could take advantage of a little shade.

Matthew got to do a little posing first while Darci got Haleigh ready.

Sarah gave him a few instructions.

And Granny even let him pose with the autographed Drew Brees football!

Sweet Haleigh is ready... but it's a little hot out here!

It took everyone to try to get the photo set up. I didn't take too many pictures myself because we were all working to try to get them to smile. Now THAT would have been the picture!

Matthew was worn out! All that smiling was hard work.

He did save one little smile for me.

Cool New School

Matthew had his open house on Thursday at the brand new Arlington Elementary School. It is so exciting, and they will be the first 1st graders in the new school. Here he is all ready to go inside, find his classroom, and meet his teacher.

He found his desk, and his mommy filled out the papers while Darci and Haleigh watched.

He was already choosing some books from the book order form.

He showed his friend Emerson where his desk is.

And Matthew and Emerson posed for a picture. This could be trouble!

He met his teacher, Miss Lower.

We saw the computer lab,

the library,

and the cafeteria. It is so bright and cheery, with windows all along one side.

He had a cookie for a snack.

Darci and Haleigh tried out the cafeteria seats.

Matthew checked out the gym with Uncle Sam and Aunt Renae. Can you tell that the Arlington school color is purple?

We had a nice tour, and Matthew led his entourage around the school on our way out. He said he wouldn't be nervous on his first day because he has a map! He was carefully studying it, and wanted to mark all the rooms. I am sure he will have it in his backpack on Monday morning. He will probably be directing traffic!