Ellie

Ellie is my old lady, my sweetheart, my love. I picked her out as a pup. She was 3 weeks old when I picked her up and she talked to me. rrr rrr rrrrrrr, she was telling me all about it.

She was the most precious puppy. The perfect lab pup! I love her so much. She is 13 and a half.

Funny, today is my old dog, Ruger's birthday. We had him when I was a kid. He was an incredible dog. He would gladly let a robber in but he'd never let him out. He died my senior year of high school. I swear Ruger and Ellie are related somehow.





El, short for Ellie Sue (LSU, work with me people), is a love. She tolerates the kids and the younger pups. She will play ball until she falls over. She will tell you and the kids when it is time for bed. She is the alpha now that we lost Brook-Lyn. She took charge begrudgingly and with grace. She has done most things with grace. Her eyebrows tell epics stories and her tail can swipe any table of items. Her patience with us in general is great, but her jealousy is palatable. She hates others to get hugs and kisses unless she is involved. She can bark on command, but we forgot to teach her the command to stop.

She is truly a gift.

Photo 364

1/26 when pets got bad










I read a few weeks back about a girl who took a picture a day for the past 4 years. She prints them out and put them in albums... I decided to give ti a try. So, as not to bore my facebook friends, I will post here.

I started on January 20 (and even figured out my date on my camera was wrong a few days after)


1/20 My first photo, appropriately food based! Taco Truck and not bad, I say!








1/21 2011 Abita Strawberry is wonderful and ready in stores...









1/22 Matt Lane... such a precious face.









1/23 Jax in motion, ready to leap onto the forbidden counter - AGAIN!
















1/24 My beautiful, A!












1/25 Laughing with Abandon









1/26 Road Construction in BR














1/27 Gunnar waiting for Callie


















1/29 St. Louis Cathedral, NOLA











1/30 St Patrick's Church, NOLA

The Pan

My life is chronicled in the scars on a pan, which is an old lid to a roasting pan and not a pan at all. There are hundreds of scores on The Pan; each represents a golden memory to me. Each mark a moment in time, when my grandparents were still alive and loving me. Each nick a brand on my heart, a gauge in my soul. Each tally a batch of joy, happiness and a physical representation of the loves I have had and are lost to me, except for the precious memories I hold dear.

My grandparents made the holidays for me, for all of us, I think. We’d get up at o’dark thirty and drive in, my little sister touching me or looking at me or being just generally annoying. It was forever to get to Nannie and Poppie’s…. 4 hours. They’d wait for us. My cousins couldn’t open presents until we made it. I am sure there is still some resentment there. Christmas morning became easier when we moved to Louisiana. My aunt would call at the crack of dawn to make sure we were ready to go over to Nannie’s. How excellent to share the joy of Christmas with my family year in and year out, I miss this time.

My grandmother and grandfather would bake treats together when I was much younger. Nannie was dictatorial in her kitchen, ordering the ‘STIRRER” to continue stirring. Aside: Nannie, was dictatorial pretty much everywhere. Poppie would simply stir, but it was HIS hand holding The Spoon, stirring in The Pan. Poppie teasing and making jokes the whole time. Nan and Poppie taking a break from the cooking to enjoy their 4 o’clock cocktail of Haughton water, a low ball glass full of ice, vodka and a splash of water (just a good dollop).

They made all types of treats in The Pan and in their kitchen. The candies, cookies and treats were on a card table in the dining room. We’d steal goodies all weekend. All except the fudge; it was wrapped and walked out to the garage freezer and stacked in perfect rectangular battalions that Robbie and I would destroy ‘sneaking’ pieces. There is NO way to make a fudge packet wrap the same way twice, especially after Poppie wrapped them. I know now, they always knew we stole fudge. But, I don’t recall ever getting scolded for it. We got in more trouble with the rum balls for obvious reasons.

As the oldest grandchild, I remember the most. I feel sad that my baby cousin, Kasey, has so few of her own personal memories of my grandparents. But, we fill her head often. I fill her stomach each year with fudge, too. My uncle, Connie Mack was bequeathed The Pan after my Nannie passed away in 1993. He uses it all the time, just as it should be. (He does say it was the only think he was left by ‘that woman.’ He says it with love but if you knew Nannie, you giggle.) I was given The Pot and The Spoon previously used in the confection creations. Annually right before Thanksgiving, I am LOANED The Pan. The loan is for 1 month. I have wrapped it up as a Christmas gift to return it, just put in the pan drawer, I even put it in his truck once. The rule is two-fold: I MUST give The Pan back and I MUST deliver fudge!

This is such a bitter sweet labor. I can’t make the fudge in any other pot and the handle is falling off this old one. The Spoon is still great. But, The Pan will eventually be scored through. What will we do for fudge then? Each mark, score, tally and cut are images burned in my brain and in my heart. I am thankful for the times I had with Nannie and Poppie. I love them more each year that passes without them. I have two batches of fudge so far this year and as they did, I share with so many. It isn’t the same, but I know Nannie would be able to offer sage advice on how to improve the recipe. I keep listening, one day I will hear the whisper of her advice. Until that day and well, until next month, The Pan, The Pot and The Spoon are together for their annual fudge making. I hope you enjoy the fudge. It isn’t as good as theirs but it is my attempt at finding that remembrance and offering that joy to all.

Scrap, ETC - Win free spot to their event

I would LOVE to win a spot, and you would love to win a spot too (I promise). Especially if you live in the SouthEast and it wouldn’t be difficult for you to travel to the Atlanta area. We’ve been “challenged” to post about this great contest (and event) on our blogs, so here you go:

No April Fool’s Joke!!!
You can win a FREE space to the Event!
Five of you!

Yes, you read that right!

We are giving away FIVE spaces to the Scrap ETC event!

And we have FIVE ways you can win:

1. Post a comment on the blog.
2. Tell your friends to come and post a comment, and if they do, tell us that they referred you! Both of you will get a chance!
3. Post this contest on your blog—and post a link in the comments!
4. Post a link in the comments to anywhere else online that you have posted about this!
5. Post it on your facebook or twitter status—and let us know that you did!

We will draw the names Thursday morning,April 2nd!

Start posting NOW!



For updates and registration info:
ScrapETCEvent09
If you miss anything, don’t worry, you can check it out
at Scrap ETC.com

So there you go. And if you do post on the blog, mention me (so I have an extra chance to win-thanks!).

Luck o'the Irish to ya!

Hello, my name is Shannon and YES, I am Irish!

Tidbits:

1. The potato crop was traditionally planted in Ireland after March 17

2. Blue not green is the color originally associated with St Patrick. “St Patrick’s Blue” is used on Ireland's Presidential Standard or flag, while the Irish Guards sport a plume of St Patrick’s blue in their bearskins. The emphasis on green is thought to be linked to “wearing the Green”, a symbol from the 18th century on, of sympathy with Irish independence.

3. St Patrick is patron of fishermen in the Loire, where a legend associates him with a blackthorn bush. The saint is said to have slept beneath it, and when he awoke the next day, Christmas, the bush flowered, and was said to have continued to do so every Christmas until its destruction during the First World War.

4. A regiment of the Mexican army in the 1846 War between Mexico and America was named after St Patrick. Members of the Batellón de San Patricio included Afro-Americans freshly liberated from the slave plantations of the South, and the soldiers were granted Mexican citizenship afterwards.

5. The first St Patrick’s Day parade took place in 1737 in Boston, followed in 1762 by New York. George Washington allowed his soldiers a holiday on March 17, 1780 as “an act of solidarity with the Irish in their fight for independence.”

6. Until the 1970’s, all pubs were shut in Ireland on St Patrick’s Day, and the sole venue selling drink the annual dog show. Lenten fasting – and the obligation to abstain from meat – were lifted on the day, which most families would begin with Mass.

7. St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in Ireland and also in Monserrat "the Emerald Isle of the Carribean,” so called because it was settled in 1633 by Irish migrants from St Kitts.

8. According to legend, on the day of Judgement, while Christ judges all other nations, St Patrick will be the judge of the Irish.

9. Since 1962, tons of green dye are tipped on St Patrick’s Day into the Chicago river, although the quantity has reduced, for environmental reasons, from 100 to 40.

10. Should you wish to carry on celebrating St Patrick after March 17, in the United States, you might visit the four Shamrocks in the USA including Mount Gay-Shamrock, W.Va or the nine cities named Dublin, including Dublin, Ohio (the largest Dublin in the U.S.) and Dublin, Georgia.

We love good clean MUD

They love it - REALLY

One day I want to go and get some real pictures of the event. But, here are the few taken in Feb:

They began cleanish! (That is David Boykin with them)




Dainty Miss Priss



We do not have a picture of when Sam went for a swim. But, here is Daddy cleaning the bike after the dive. Sam, literally, was dog paddling in a huge puddle.



And my Favorite:

Why, YES, they are Blue Jeans!

Welcome to our 44th President

Welcome, Mr President.




'...all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness...'

'Greatness is never a gift.'

'... we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist...'

Quite right. Amazing and remarkable to behold:





'Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America.'

Blogs that tickle me

Cake Wrecks

Simply humors me.

They have great ones like this:


Poor kid, I hope his name isn't Finaly.


They also, have gorgeous creations, too!

You have a family now, you know.

Sam likes TV. I am sure many children do. But, sometimes.....

Yesterday morning I had turned on Sports Center, as is my norm. I did turn on the living room TV, however, which is not. We find that TV in the AM slows down the leave the house process with the kids.

Sam wanted to watch cartoons. I said, no. He wanted to argue. I noted that I did in fact own the TV. He, in all seriousness, turned to me and said, 'Mommy, you have a family now.' As if this meant, nothing was mine singularly at all. Good grief.

Pet 10 Commandments

Received this today from a friend. After seeing Marley and Me this past weekend, it make me actually weepy.


This is the only picture of our pups I have on my picasa site, so sorry for the quality. I took it thinking yin and yang.






1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when you speak to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember I have teeth and could easily crush the bones in your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.

10. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters.

New Year - 2009

I love Google images and here is a new one - Happy New Year to all....

Indignant

I meant to tell you. Tuesday we were going to buy our Christmas tree. We went with some family friends. So, the girls were all in one car: myself, my friend, Barbara, her daughter, Neely and Anna (the boys in another). We were going through the 'I'm starving ' routine. I told Anna and Neely if they were good we could all got to dinner after wards and if not, we just head home. Anna said, 'Mommy, why do you make me so indignant?' What? My 8-year old just accused me of making her indignant. I asked her if she knew what it meant and I will admit, she did. Barbara and I looked it up to make sure. I was thinking infuriated and incensed. Anna was thinking mad, angry and annoyed.

It makes her mad that I immediately accuse them of being bad even before they are. Seriously, I did not but that is her perception.

But, back to the main topic, she learned this word reading. But, she doesn't like to read. She wants to be smart like a friend of hers. I try and try to explain, she is, but would be even more so if she read more. We shall see. Perhaps her indignation at my chastisement will encourage her to read more.

Is it wrong to say, wow, that may be scary what she will pop out with then.

This is also the child who screams, 'Save the Frogs.' But that as they say is another story.

SNEAUX Day

A snow day in South Louisiana, it is true and it happened today - December 11, 2008.

We knew last night that it might snow. but, really, who ever thinks it will snow in S. Louisiana, seriously. But snow it did.





Lovely camellia




We got our first text around 6. My children have NEVER dressed more quickly or excitedly. They were out the door in less than 2 minutes, well, maybe 5. School wasn't officially canceled until 730 or so. I was already visiting Kasey to get a hair cut. Let's not mention the small tree that fell on Mack's truck while I was there (see below). Dixon took some excellent shots while I was gone (see above). I then abandoned him again to run and try and take a picture at the branch. Sadly, the weather was a bit more slushy and I didn't get a good shot. But, more of my travel story below.

Tree before:



Tree after:



I drove through Manchac Plantation to get off the main street.


Some beautiful homes covered in snow there. And, well, street signs, too.



On my leisurely drive, I came across Kip, he was a huge, sweet 90 lb chocolate lab. Kip had run right thought his shock collar fence. Luckily, he did have a tag on, so I called his dad, who came to pick him up. But, not before I decided chocolate labs are sweet as pie. Kip was soaking wet and LOVED the snow. He was running through all the lovely untouched lawns burrowing his nose and body, loving every moment. I am so lucky he had a collar or Dixon and I would not be speaking and we'd have ANOTHER dog!

Happy Holidays

If You Believe

While enjoying a few hours of quiet today, I flipped through the channel and found If You Believe. It was already 30 minutes in and very Christmasy. But, I love Ally Walker and who doesn't care about a highly stressed out editor nearing a breakdown, who needs help from her inner child.

Quote:

'It is what you say yes to that determines your life; the no's just lead nowhere.'

PSA

I'd no idea what it all meant. I know several years ago, Dad had a 7. I knwo that over a 4 is bad. Radiation later and he was better.

But, then 3 months ago, Mack found out his numbers were 264 - OMG.

Here you go:

PSA test results report the level of PSA detected in the blood. The test results are usually reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. In the past, most doctors considered PSA values below 4.0 ng/mL as normal. However, recent research found prostate cancer in men with PSA levels below 4.0 ng/mL (2). Many doctors are now using the following ranges with some variation:

* 0 to 2.5 ng/mL is low.
* 2.6 to 10 ng/mL is slightly to moderately elevated.
* 10 to 19.9 ng/mL is moderately elevated.
* 20 ng/mL or more is significantly elevated.



So, as you can see, 264 is very bad.

But, today good news. His new levels are in and they are at 21.88. Still significantly elevated but much improved. I am so happy!

I love you, Mack.

Gathering

Casey, it is a good picture!



The elders, shh, don't tell them


Transformers can transfix a man in 5 seconds or less.


Sam had, as usual, all the girls attention.


Mae-bug


Clare and Jezebel


Anna found a tree to climb


Mae


Sarah and John



Jezebel

I love the gatherings of the Cole's. They are such a wonderful time to catch up. It is a time I am reminded of how much I love each and every one. Sadly, not everyone was in town, but we had a great turn out.

Sam and Mae played well together. She bossed him around and he did her bidding, as it should be in her mind. Jezebel was precious and such a beauty. Next year she will be bossing around, too. I can't wait. Anna focused on tree climbing and playing with the new dog.

Food news: Dixon fried the turkeys, Becky smoked a ham (awesome), Mallorie made the roles and cookies, John brought some kind of pumpkin upside down thing, Paula made a killer pie, which would put you into sugar shock just by touching it, Sarah made the broccoli casserole and someone made the grape thing. We also took brownies (at Casey's request) and fudge.

Thank you all and I love you. Miss those who couldn't be there, you were sorely missed. We are truly blessed to have this family.

Happy Thanksgiving

I have a wonderful family, who love me. I have wonderful friends, who put up with silliness and crazies. We are healthy and strong. I am well and truly blessed.

Thankful, you betcha (that's for you RJ). I am thankful for all of these blessings and so many more.

The weather on this thanksgiving Day looks to be beautiful. A lovely gift for us all.

We will be catching up with the Cole Clan later this afternoon. Dixon is frying the turkey with Mack now. Mack even allowed me to borrow THE PAN. I made the first (never as good as the rest) batch of fudge this holiday season last night.

I will add pictures of the feast later. But for now, we use a Google image:

Sam's Birthday Bash

Sam wanted a movie party. He decided on Bolt in 3D. We made the invitations for him and he picked some friends from school and daycare. Sadly, there is no Bolt cake yet. But, Sam was game with a Hot Wheels cake.

I think the pictures will tell you... it was a wild party. Who knew little boys could be so loud and crazy. Well, to be honest, I knew about the crazy. I hazard to say he had a good time. Next time, I will take the crayons to draw and cars, although, I doubt the volume would decrease much. I wish I'd been able to get the group of them with their glasses on watching the movie - hysterical.


St. George Boys


Yes, there was lots of crawling under the furniture.


And much wrestling....


Before cake!





Amazing how quickly they can line up. Seriously, thank a teacher today!


Love those goofy glasses!

Bolt: [Looks around corner into an office at the animal shelter] There's a guard.
Rhino: [Starts walking into room] I'll snap his neck.