Nerd

I'm a cooking nerd. I didn't realize this until last night. It was like something else in me was working and I didn't even notice what I was doing until John pointed it out. I had taken my pastry cloth out of the freezer to look at it. I unfolded it, checked it over, and put it back in the freezer. John stared at me. "Did you just get that out just to look at it?" he asked. Yep. It was true. I just wanted to take a look at it since I'd put it in the freezer. He laughed and laughed, thinking that I was cute. I kind of thought of it like business I should take care, preluminary work that should be done to ensure the best pastries (whenever I get around to making them). I guess I'm just a cooking nerd though.

Snow Play, er, I mean work

On the morning of December 7th, John slept soundly...until he heard the words "John, It's snowing." Within three minutes (the quickest I've ever seen him move in the morning), he was lacing up his boots to go outside and play. "This is serious business," he said in this picture.This lovely view greeted us as we stepped outside. And the snow continued falling for a good three hours after this.John was quick to not waste a minute. His first order of business: check out the snow. Snows good. Scond order of business: Create a snowman.

Even if this means having to "borrow" the snow off of other peoples cars and yards. *Note this is not OUR white SUV.

The job was rigorous and tiresome, but John was strong and continued to tenaciously work in the freezing weather.

While I, on the other hand, danced about in the falling snow and played with little snowflakes, letting them each take a turn riding on my nose!

Once again, John has to check the snow...still good.

John procedes to build his snowman, going to great lengths to bring his creation to life. *Note: not OUR yard.

And I, still on the other hand, rather play with the snow (and give rides to several snowflakes at once...daring, I know).

For a brief moment, John stops to give my snowflakes a ride..but then it was back to work.He diligently came home directly from class to continue his job. He would stop at nothing...The creation continues.

Ah! Finally, the baby is here! (Summer, this is the only baby we'll be having in a LONG while!)

Ho HO HO Merry Beshe

HI Mommy and Daddy!
I've been thinking about you guys...I miss you. I cannot wait to get home, sip on coffee and chat in front of the fire (or outside in front of the sun..since I hear it is warming up down there ;) I wanted you to BOTH know you have been on my mind and I look forward to seeing you. Much, much love! ME : )

chillin'

it's 29 degrees in baton rouge, folks!

The Dancer Cousin, Niece, Child

I wanted to share with you guys a few pics of Deder at her last performance. Isn't she lovely. The Glory of God reveals Himself in many ways. This is one. Mom

Does anyone remember?

I was just beginning to wonder if anyone remembered how to use this blog thing. Hooray! Sarah still knows.

(song running through my head) "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"!!!!!

I love baby snowflakes. They are so cute when they ride on my nose. I don't mind it being cold outside, because it means that the baby snowflakes can live. I try to rescue them out of the cold, but as soon as the heat comes rushing past me as I open the door to my office, they disappear. They are shy around the professor I work for..I don't blame them. They are not accustomed to her face, as they are becoming with mine.

tea time

to all who are about to study, give presentations, write papers, freak out:
i salute you.

just wanted everyone to know that i'm still alive, maybe.
by the time some of you read this, i may have gone under in a flood of paper. in that case, don't worry about me, i'm in a better place. summer, you can have the mac.

if you haven't already, you all should listen to some tunes at accuradio.

ya'll are in my prayers,
love & hugs

No no, I fixed it.

I fixed the room!
-suz

?!

is anyone excited yet?!?!?

the sb

I do what I can : ) Mom

Hey Sarah, I cleaned your room. I hope you don't mind. Mom ...oh, and I got you a new rug : )

things

things i can do since i live alone:
by sarah

1. play my keyboard at all hours of the day
2. store the ketchup in the refridgerator
3. wear clothes at my discretion
4. waste time taking pictures of myself
5. miss my family terribly :(
6. i need a hug.

Where has all the sanity gone...

Hi Family!!

We're barely surviving!!! John's turned into a caveman. Hmm. And, I think I'm turning into a crazy woman. I can't wait to see the deep south again...where I fit in..haha.























Love,

Thanksgiving Homecoming

I'm so excited about all our family (immediate and extended.....that means Wells -and Arnold- girls and all their friends and all their friends friends) coming home for the holidays. I can't wait for the "dinner table" to be full and overflowing with "family". What a rich man I am!

Speaking of "Holidays", my recommendation for the "family movie" this season is CARS. I purchased it the day it came out and we watched it as a [partial] family :( but we can't wait to "all" watch it together :) It's another classic! So, if you haven't seen it yet, wait for the family viewing.

I noticed when signing in to our Blog site that there is now an option to "upgrade". I suggest we don't do it yet because it might throw a kink in our fluid ability to edit our space. But if everyone thinks they're ready then we can try it. My suggestion only.

And lastly I leave you with a view out my shops door some time last week.....spurtty aint it!

d

Oh yeah...

Hey Laura and John. here is my hair cut...I forgot to put it up a while back. I love you guys!

what i do in my spare time

the lost jacket

i found the jacket mom and dad gave me for my birthday! rachel had it on the other night while i was in her room at montevallo and i said "where did you get that?!?" she told me she had found it in the room.
finally i'm reunited!

pictures

i just had this idea- everyone should post a picture of themselves that they feel best describes them. it would be fun to put those all into a collage. huh huh??


sb

It's been a while

So, I'm busy at work.. but distracted by thoughts of the fam. I thought I'd share with you what I did last week. I was responsible for researching current issues that are relevant for parents and writing a news release at their level so they can learn something. Here is a sample of one I did:

8. Parenting as a prevention for teen pregnancy

As a parent, you are the greatest influence on your child’s life. When it comes to teens’ values, there is no doubt that you still have the most impact on the way they choose to live their lives. In fact, research has proven that teens need just as much love, supervision, and support as three and four year olds do!

You can offer your child the best love and support by being actively involved in her life. Research shows that it is necessary for parents to talk to their teens about sexuality, but that talking is not effective unless the parents are active in their teen’s life.

--Understand your own values about sexuality and why you value those issues.
--Share openly, honestly, and often with your child from an early age about your feelings and thoughts.
--Listen thoughtfully to your teen’s feelings and concerns, and respect his views.
--Try to answer clearly and concisely the questions that your teen is asking. Avoid lecturing or threatening.
--Know your teen’s friends and their families.
--Support your teen’s interests and invest time in things she enjoys doing.

It is good to find a balance between monitoring and supervising your teen. Research indicates that careful awareness is necessary. However, overly strict monitoring actually causes more resistance to parents’ views, and puts the teen at greater risk of pregnancy. As you model examples of positive relationships with your spouse or partner, you can show your teen what a long-term love relationship is all about. The opportunity will likely come for helping him develop goals and plans for the future.

References:

Dworkin, J. (2003). A survival guide for parents of teenagers: I’m in love. I’m not gonna get pregnant. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Extension Service. Retrieved 10/12/06 from www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/familydevelopment/components/07938.pdf

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Retrieved 10/13/06 from
http://www.teenpregnancy.org/resources/reading/parentpower/5thingsparentsshouldknow.asp

The National Council on Family Relations. Retrieved 10/13/06 from http://www.ncfr.org/families/index.asp?tipid=30

Yep, so that is just a glimpse of some of the work I do. I really miss you guys and want to write more...but it will have to be when I'm not at work. If you want to know more about toilet training your child, teen internet safety, or the importance of touching your child than let me know.haha....I love you guys : )

fatness

it is true, i have finally obtained a pudgy middle. i don't know if it what was the ice cream every day or... the ice cream every day.
i'm really intrigued by it though. i keep touching my new fat, thinking about laura telling me once to "don't do that." then john telling me,"you go ahead and enjoy it!"
nevertheless, i'm starting up my running routine once again tomorrow.

sincerely,
bulging in baton rouge