Christine's Corner

Tornado

2011-07-01T13:26:00.012-04:00

This is a photo of the tornado forming, that touched down on my road in April. The tornado destroyed many homes. My place was not touched, I had someones roof and insulation in my yard. The tornado lifted off the ground about 3 houses down from mine.

This is a photo right in front of my house where you can see the tornado has lifted.

He's Growing Up

2011-07-01T08:21:00.006-04:00

I can't believe my little Brat is now a teenager! The years have gone by to fast. The other day, I watched the home videos of him as a toddler. I miss that little boy! It wont be long now before he's driving a car. The thought of him driving scares me to death! Hmmm that's funny, I'm fine with him flying a plane.... but not a car?

Where Has The Time Gone?

2011-03-22T12:04:00.002-04:00

Well its been over a year since I've blogged. My life had gotten hectic and alot going on. I was also getting alot of spam. Im ecited to be back and I will update you on my Brats and me.

Hollywood, Paris and Barcelona

2010-01-28T09:49:00.007-05:00

To be young wild and free. Adventurous Brat is off on her travels again. She travels at least every three months if not sooner. She never makes a real travel plan.. no not her; she just picks up and goes. Weeks before her travel adventure. I asked where she was going. She never knows honestly. Her plans were to go visit a friend in L.A. for a day or two. Then fly somewhere overseas. She's not sure where yet; but it wont be the UK (shes only been there six times last year) These are her travel plans...really! So where does she stay? Well she does this couch surfing thing, that's interesting, and Hostels. As a parent yea this worries me. I'm always a nervous wreck when she travels. During her travels, she keeps in touch via the internet. If I was young and able to travel, I would do it! I love all her travel stories and photos. My brat has met some interesting people. Adventurous Brat sent me some photos that i want to share with you. She is in Barcelona today. I'm still not sure when she is coming home.

The Long Meandering Road

2010-01-26T12:09:00.004-05:00

Tarzan absolutely does not get directions or important facts. A trait very typical of most men. There have been many times, Tarzan and I went somewhere new. As usual I will ask "Do you know how to get there?" "Do you know where we are going?" (important fact here)He will never admit we are lost or that he wasn't sure exactly just where we are suppose to be. This time his latest adventurous stunt has left me annoyed and feeling awkward.
Tarzan came home from work with sad news that one of his co-workers wife passed away. He informed me the viewing and funeral are tonight. Tarzan would like for us to attend. Of course we will attend; I do not know his co-worker and Tarzan...well he doesn't know his co worker very well. When we arrive at the very crowded funeral home. Tarzan asked me to sign the guest registry for us. I signed the registry and picked up the memory card. The parlor was crowded. many people were gathered around the woman laying in the casket. Tarzan and I made our way through the crowd smiling and shaking hands. Then Tarzan whispered "I don't recognise anyone" I asked him "You don't see any of your co-workers?" "No" he answered. I looked at the memory card and asked him "Tarzan what's his wife's name?" "I don't know" was his response. "well what is your co-workers last name?" I asked. "I cant remember" he whispered to me. At that point I marched out to the hall with Tarzan in tow. Once we were in the hall; Tarzan insisted we must find the funeral director. The director will give us the name of Mrs Body's husband. There we stood in the funeral directors office, explaining...no we don't know their names and maybe we are not at the right funeral home. The man told us he was just the assistant and doesn't have the information we seek. The man also informed us that the funeral director will arrive shortly and that down the corridor is another funeral (both deceased are women). He suggested we wander down there and would probably recognise someone. Oh but before we left the office Tarzan had to ask "Do you know if one of the women died of cancer?"....Oh please tell me this is just a dream and not really happening...

So we proceed down the corridor to the next funeral. Where a man thanked us for coming and suggested us to sign the guest registry. Once again I signed MR & MRS TARZAN HAVE ARRIVED and pick up a memory card! Tarzan and I walked around smiling and shaking hands. As I prey oh please nobody ask us a question; cause Tarzan will never admit we are lost and dear God I don't know what he would say! I looked at Tarzan and asked "do you see anyone?"
"no...just let me look"
"I don't see anyone...maybe we should go back to the first one" he said
"ok lets go" was my annoyed reply. Yes we walked back to the first funeral. Tarzan looked around, while i stood there holding two memory cards in my hand. I guess he didn't recognise anyone; because Tarzan suggested we return to the second funeral. So we did. we soon left, knowing we went to the wrong funeral.

Weekend Kitchen Remodel

2010-01-25T19:27:00.008-05:00

This past weekend, Tarzan and I redid the floor in our kitchen. This was not a planned project. Our tile floor has been cracking for awhile now. It was looking awful. You could actually pick up the pieces of tile like a puzzle! Our kitchen floor was sagging. Tarzan and his Dad crawled under the house and discovered the support beams were cut into for the plumbing. I have a fairly new home! Oh just so you know Tennessee has lack building codes. Therefore the beams had to have support added and I got a new floor! YES! I chose a brick color because I have no color in my kitchen. This is a wood laminate that snaps together. It is gorgeous and easy to clean. My kitchen looks bigger now and not like a dark hole in my house. lets see counters next and hmmm. Here are some photos of my new kitchen. excuse the mess on my counters.

Many of you know from reading older post that I make wine. Well I had (still do) alot of wine bottles stored everywhere. I was running out of storage. Tarzan made me some awesome wine racks above my cabinets for storage that holds over 100 bottles. They are empty bottles for now. However I do have 20 gallons almost ready for bottling. these are the pics of my wine racks.

Yes I Will Have A New Son!

2010-01-22T14:43:00.006-05:00

Many of us make New Years resolutions with the best intentions to keep them. Few of us follow through with our resolutions. I made my 2010 resolution before Christmas. See I took my son to the Dr. for a check up. When Executive Brat stepped on the scale for his weight my heart dropped. Now I knew he put on some weight. In the car ride home it was all I could think about. I know my Brat was thinking about it too. I glanced at him in the rear-view mirror. He simply looked sad. I kept thinking how did this happen. Of course I know how weight gain happens. Our life style changed when we moved to this small town. Before the move, we went hiking alot, played laser tag, bowling, karate and bike riding. This small town we live in just doesn't have much to offer for kids to do. Oh and I'm not hiking anywhere around here. It is not safe! If you didn't know; I live in Tennessee. The Bible Belt. Tennessee is the 2nd fattest state. Its the food that is eaten in Tennessee. On my sons school lunch menu for one day list this!

Breakfast: Chicken and Biscuit
Poptart and milk

Lunch: Salisbury Steak/Gravy
Mac and Cheese
Creamed Peas
Butter Roll
Fruit Cocktail
Choc. Cake

Wow after all that kids are also having big dinners!
Executive Brat is the smallest of his friends! His weight and BMI put him at risk for to many health problems to come. This just isn't acceptable for me. As a mother it is my job to care of him. I threw out all bad foods from my house. I bought and placed an exercise bike in my living room. The rule that applys here is "while playing xbox RIDE the bike!" Also to support his weight loss. I have put me and Tarzan on a diet too! Tarzan has made some complaints when I wont buy some high sugar products. I simply remind him to be an example. I can tell you that this was very hard in the beginning. However I want my Brat to be healthy and happy. He is doing a great job and has lost 9lbs so far. You know before we moved here I use to workout everyday. I watched what I ate and we were healthy. So I'm excited about our weight loss plan. I know we will all feel better. So that's my New Year Resolution!

Coupon Queen

2010-01-21T13:19:00.004-05:00

Susan Samtur has been showing us for years how much we can save money using coupons. Now its hard to believe that I can really walk into the grocery store and spend less than $20 for over $100's worth of products. I cut coupons in the past and I never walked out of the store with those type of savings! Im thinking if this really can be done; then Im gonna try harder. I know I can do this! Susan's first tip is to look at the weekly sales flyer; then plan your shopping by it. Also dont buy items because they are on sale or items you have a coupon for. Well this is easy enough. So all week I have been collecting coupons; free money! I could hardly wait for my flyer to come; I'm gonna make my list and go shopping and I will be the domestic goddess for the day! After going thru my flyer and picking only the items I would buy; I really am disapointed. The only sale items that I would buy was BEER! Im not kidding. Now I remember why this just does not work for me. With the price of food rising I need all the savings tips I can get! If you have good tips please let me know.

What A Man Must Know

2010-01-20T08:37:00.001-05:00

Be very careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears. The woman came out of a man's rib, not from his feet to be walked on, not from his head to be superior, but from his side to be equal! Under the arm to be protected, & next to the heart to be loved.

For all those men who say,'why buy the cow when you can get the milk free'. Here's an update for you! nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize its not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!!!!

20 Years Ago

2009-11-09T11:53:00.001-05:00

Twenty years ago, I lived in West Germany. I lived there for 4 years, even gave birth to one of my brats there. I have been to check point charlie. Went christmas shopping once in East Berlin. I left earlier in the year; before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today twenty years later... remember. I like this video, pay attention around 1:50 and after. Sorry You will have to turn my music off to hear the video.

Afternoon Tea

2009-11-05T13:18:00.004-05:00

This week we are to list five things that we have learned in life. This is what I have learned.

1. Never except less than you deserve.
2. learn to let go of negative relationships, these are the people who wont be there for you.
3. never judge strangers, people circumstances can change and do.
4. Decide how you want to live your life and do it!
5. Love and live passionately

This Moment

2009-11-04T17:57:00.003-05:00

This Moment...
I May never see tomorrow there's no written guarantee, and things that happened yesterday belong to history. I cannot predict the future, I cannot change the past. I have just the present moment, I must treat it as my last. I must use this moment wisely, for it soon will pass away, and be lost to me forever as part as yesterday.
I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet, be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life complete. The unkind things I do today, may never be undone, and the friendships that I fail to win, may nevermore be won. I may not have another chance, on bended knees to pray and thank God with humble heart, for giving me this day.

Thank all of you for your kindness. Everyone of you has helped me heal from the loss of my Dad. I added links on his memorial. These links are who my Dad was. Please visit the links to honor what was so important to my father. Thank you

Mourning, Grief and Emotional Support

2009-11-04T11:39:00.004-05:00

Have you ever read the poem in the upper right corner? I do believe in helping others when they need it. So yesterday I was talking to one of my followers, who is hurting from the loss of her child. My heart goes out to her and her family. I told her about the Find A Grave website. Many of you have lost a loved one and know the weight your heart bares. I too have felt that grief, that wouldn't go away. Yes it does get easier as time goes by; but it never goes away. When my father died, I was devastated see I was a Daddy's Girl. Now I must tell you about Find A Grave. Find A Grave website really helped me heal from the loss of my father. On the website, there are groups of people that have lost a loved one too. Through words, tokens, messages, and support of its members I'm thankful. There are people that add memorials from obituary's everyday. You may just find someone you know on that site. For those of you that are aware of Find A Grave or are a member please visit my father I would love to post the memorial link for my followers child, for you to visit as well. However that is her family and her business.

Sickening Morning

2009-11-03T14:24:00.003-05:00

I do feel much better today. I don't know if it is worse being sick or looking at the mess I have to clean up! Tarzan and Executive Brat obviously had a party while I was sick. They draped my windows with blankets and played war games. I know you could hear the battle outside our home. UGH...and the kitchen, they didn't clean up after themselves! That's aggravating. So this morning as I'm sitting drinking my coffee, I notice my cat Frankie. He has a mouse (I"M TERRIFIED OF MICE!!)and its not dead yet. I ask Tarzan to get it. Tarzan says let him play with it. What that's gross! Well my crazy cat flings this wore out mouse up in the air. I scream and that mouse landed on my kitchen table. I think I'm gonna burn the table now! Well Tarzan did get rid of the thing. I scrubbed and scrubbed the table.. but I cant even think about using it at least for awhile

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T15:22:00.004-04:00

I have been sick with the flu! I'll be back soon, I will try to pass the awards out tomorrow.

Come Fly With Me!

2009-10-26T09:41:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was Executive Brat's first flying lesson. He was so excited! I took about 20 pictures lol. He flew a C-172, that's a single engine plane. It seats four people. Tarzan and I declined to fly with him. Tarzan is scared of flying and I didn't want to make Executive Brat nervous! The big smile on my brats face was priceless for me! Executive Brat got his log book and his first half hour recorded! The price wasn't hateful, only $60 for half an hour. If he wants to continue that will cost me lol! What was I thinking? I could not believe that I cried! I did! I wasn't scared for him. I just realized my brat is growing up! I didn't even feel that emotion coming on, I want my big baby back.

Awards Ceremony

2009-10-26T08:03:00.006-04:00

Thank You! Thank You! Wow you really like me! I received 5 awards, I'm really touched and honored. I will pass these awards on in the next couple of days. I received the BEST BLOG AWARD from Robyn at Simply Delightful and Tanya at The Grab Bag. They have awesome blogs! The award rule pass on to 15 others.

I would like to pass this award on to:

I received the STRONG CUP OF COFFEE award for having a blog good enough to wake you up in the morning and keeping you going all day; from Richele at Under The Golden Apple Tree and from Citygirl Gone Country at My Crazy Life. They rock!

I need to give this award to 7 different blogs that I think are blogs that keep you going! Here are 7 blogs that I enjoying reading:

I received the HONEST SCRAP award from Kristin at Whole Lotta Mama, she has a great blog!

Here are the rules: 1) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me. 2) Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award. 3) Share "10 Honest Things" about myself. Here are "10 Honest Things" about myself:

1. I'm terrified of failure, therefore I'm really hard on myself.

2. I'm a history nerd! I love it! Dont ask me a question if your not into history
I wont stop talking.

3. I dont have collections (because thats to much stuff to dust) exception books.

4. my brats have me hooked on "farmville"

5. I keep trying to quit smoking! I hate it! chantix did not work.

6. Everyday I iron and make my bed by 5:30am I never sleep in!

7. I'm a list maker

8. I love the smell of bleached sheets and Chanel

9. I really want to wear a bikini again! must work harder!

10. I'm thinking about dyeing my hair red.

The seven blogs I am presenting this award to are:

A Big Baby

2009-10-23T14:22:00.005-04:00

Today I was reading Leah's post about her purchase of a new car seat. Boy that brought back lots of memories. Yeah I remember those days of lugging car seats, diaper bags and everything in my house around with me. I was one of those that carried everything I could possibly need. While reading her post, the first thing I thought of was Executive Brat. Let me tell you he was a big baby! At 7 months of age he weighed 32lbs, 32lbs! I had to order special shoes for him, because nobody carried his size! Oh back then my arms were in great shape! Ok back to car seats, imagine carrying this big Charlie Brown looking brat and bags to the car whew exhausting. Every time I would wrestle him into the car seat. He would kick, swing his arms and arch his back. The entire time he would scream I'm driving I'm driving. He wasn't even a year old! Sometimes those days were just exhausting! So my friends I know motherhood is exhausting and hard at times. Its alright cause you will look back and cherish all of it!

Friendship Friday

2009-10-23T13:45:00.003-04:00

Yep I'm declaring it Friendship Friday!
I didn't write this, but I'm sharing it with all of you. My online friends.

SCREEN FRIENDS!!.... by Miasartiff ........
My husband has finally gone to work My children have finished their play they've gone to bed their stories read Now it's my time of day. I've had one of those days you know what I mean so I sit back and relax and turn on my screen. I'll talk to all my friends who know just what to say to make my stresses go and my troubles fade away. My friends you're always there for me whenever I feel blue and though we've never met before I know our friendships true. And although we haven't been friends for long in this short time it seems we shared so many things already our hopes, our fears, our dreams. We come from different walks of life but we share a common bond and it's time to say that of all of you I've grown so very fond. So thank you friends for being there whenever I've needed you I know you're always there for me and you know I'm there for you.

Thoughts 4 Thursday

2009-10-22T14:21:00.004-04:00

email from my friend...
A friend sent this and I really do like it.......
This Country is not based on the Government who chose to take God out of everything....

But us the people who built this Nation.......

"One Nation Under God"

It's our voices that need to call out and be heard......

We need help.,we need God back in our Nation......Seriously.
Look Around.

Please pass this on.......Prayer does work!

Some folks passing through Texarkana last week noted signs in people's yards that said, "America, prayer is our only hope" with 2 Chron. 7:14 underneath. We certainly need God's help!

I have no idea who started this, but I certainly agree with this e-mail. I heard a preacher on TV who said if we pray for our nation that things will turn around.

After a day of contemplation and soul searching, I have decided to reach out to my friends and relatives and ask you to do something that has been troubling me for a long time.

Our nation is/has been on the slippery slope for a long time. If you look around you will find corruption, greed, moral decay, and a steady move away from the things that made us great. The principles upon which this nation was founded are no longer our backbone. However, we can reverse this trend.

2 Chron. 7:14 in God's word he states,
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves

and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I
will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their
Land."

I am convinced that we must pray for our nation and its leaders and ask for forgiveness. So, I ask you to join me in this plea to our Lord.

Would you please send this to people in your address book (send it to all of them); ask them to pray EVERY DAY.

If you do and they comply, we will lift up millions and millions of prayers a day to our Creator. He will hear us and in faith will answer.

Let me just add a quote from Ronald Reagan "If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." I truly believe this is why the United States of America is in the shape
we are in today. Most people have forgotten that we are one nation under God! Let us as Christians stand up and remind people
of this. ~ Have a blessed day!

Thursday Afternoon Tea

2009-10-22T10:45:00.003-04:00

Richele has invited me to her afternoon tea party. Would you like to join in? Link is on image above This afteroon let's make it really simple. Let's have fun getting to know each other with a questionaire.

1) What color is your toothbrush? pink and white

2) Name one person who made you smile today. Executive Brat

3) What is your favorite candy bar? Hershey Kisses

4) What is the last thing you said aloud? does singing count??

5) What is your favorite ice cream flavor? I dont like ice cream!

6) Ever go camping? I love camping.. I use to go every weekend during summer months.

7) Are you a cat person or a dog person? both I'm an animal lover

8) What was the last thing you ate? smoked gouda cheese really, I cant get enough of it lol

9) How long have you been blogging? Im a newbie! well here anyway, I have a friend who wanted to come us to come
over here and blog. They have quit and abandon me. Im having fun anyway!

10) What or who is your inspiration for your blog? I like meeting people and reading about their views, thoughts. My family and
well I just like to gab!!!

Well those are my answers!

What About Me Wednesday?

2009-10-21T15:09:00.006-04:00

Obsessions.. We all have them right? Well I most certainly do. I love Wine and Cheese. I love making my own wine. As far as cheese I put it on everything! There is a cheese farm close to my home. Sweetwater Valley Cheese Farm, they make cheese with no preservatives. You can watch them make it, I think they have about 1800 cows on the farm. Its a nice trip to visit and the best tasting cheese. The farm has been in their family for 5 generations. I probably go there three times a month.

Sweetwater Valley Cheese Farm

My other obsession is cemeteries. Now don't let me scare you away. I like walking the grounds of beautiful quite cemeteries. The ones with old big monuments. The stones that tell you a story or make you think wow. The video below is a beautiful cemetery. a peaceful place. There are some famous people buried at woodland, my father is also buried there. Not only will you see the headstones of some of the famous buried there but you may notice the angel from an earlier post of mine. Those are my obsessions

What He Wants!

2009-10-20T13:36:00.004-04:00

This week Executive Brat is on fall break. I have been so anxiously waiting for this week. I was planning on spending quality time with him. Yesterday he just wanted to play video games. I told him ok, but we are going to do things together this week! So today, Executive brat informed me that he knows what he wants me to do for him. I tell him sure its your vacation; whatever you want to do. He wants to take Flying Lessons this week! He is not even a teenager! Really Flying Lessons? Oh yes he has a plan. He is going to become a pilot and move to Australia.. He is very serious about this! Hm mm he can work the controllers really good on XBOX. I must be crazy I just called the airport we are going tomorrow. I told you he's spoiled.

Just some update info.

2009-10-20T08:01:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I posted awards. I'm not done giving some out. I had a problem with the inset link button, it would not work. I switched editors back and forth sometimes I couldn't even insert a photo. It really got me frustrated, I just had to quit. Now today google has an error! Has anyone else had these minor headache's!

Yes They Are Brats!!!

2009-10-19T13:09:00.005-04:00

Ok some of you have asked Why do you call your kids BRATS? Well that's simply because they are. I do use the term as an endearment. My brats are really good kids... now I do mean that. I really haven't had alot of problems with my kids (big breath...cross my fingers..knock on wood) I have always been asked how do you make them behave? Or have heard your children are so well behaved. For the most part they are. Now they are not angle's...Busy Brat had a campfire going in the middle of the basement once, I woke up at some awful hour to the sound of my fire alarm screaming and a house for of smoke! I would say he's a brat! Boss Brat once started a petition at school to start a drill team, she got alot of signatures and I got many calls from the school about how they couldn't fit this into their budget, and she would have to stop. (Well you try to stop her)Yep She's a brat! Adventurous Brat swore she told me about an invite of a sleep over at a new friends house after school. (she did not!) I couldn't find her; back then you had to wait 24 hours to file a missing person report. In the morning the police arrived to inform me a young girl had passed away last night from crossing I-75 on foot. I went to the morgue..that was awful. My Brat was gone all weekend and nobody claimed that girl in the morgue for almost a week. I did alot of second guessing of my visit to the morgue; I even made Tarzan go back to the morgue. Oh she's a BRAT! Now Executive Brat is much younger than his siblings and I promise you he is a spoiled brat

Awards Ceremony

2009-10-19T11:42:00.029-04:00

Wow I'm very honored. I have received two Awards this past weekend. I'm new at blogging and this touched my heart. I enjoy reading your blogs. Thank you for finding me and taking time to read my blog. Thank You Amy and Jen, both who by the way have AWESOME blogs

I received this Award from Amy at Where a Woman Shakes Her Tablecloth
I would like to pass this award on to all who have left me comments, thank you:

Adriana at Not Now Honey I Have A Headache
Dawn at Dawn's Ramblings
Dena at Thoughts By Dena
Diane at That's What I'm Here For...
HeartNiki at NOTEPAD CH@OS
Alisa at Faith Imagined
Lisa at All That and a Box of Rocks
Julie at Julie Gillies
Janie at Life Not Wasted Or Lost
Veronica at OF MICE AND raMEN
Theta Mom at Theta Mom
Susan at Family Formula
Secretia at Secret Story Time
Leah at Just Me
Deb at Anam Cara
Unstoppable Spirit at Unstoppable Spirit

I received this Award from Jen at This Moment In Time
I would like to pass this Award on to:

Steph at Memories and Mischief
Beverly at His Heart My Desire
Brianne at Mommys Time
Teresa at Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Jen at Jael Custom Design
Nancy at If Evolution Really Works...
Stina at Women and Mom
Flory at A Woman's Life Stages
Ida Red at Under the Golden Apple Tree
Alex at Techy Mom's Blog
Amy at Where a Woman Shakes her Tablecloth

Favorite 4 Friday

2009-10-16T16:28:00.004-04:00

I have always collected, poems, quotes and stories. I want to share this with you today.
This Moment...
I May never see tomorrow there's no written guarantee, and things that happened yesterday belong to history. I cannot predict the future, I cannot change the past. I have just the present moment, I must treat it as my last. I must use this moment wisely, for it soon will pass away, and be lost to me forever as part as yesterday.
I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet, be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life complete. The unkind things I do today, may never be undone, and the friendships that I fail to win, may nevermore be won. I may not have another chance, on bended knees to pray and thank God with humble heart, for giving me this day.
...unknown

Who Is This Women?

2009-10-15T20:39:00.006-04:00

Ok if you read this last night you will know, I made changes to it. (Changes..yep) I just felt I really opened the can of worms...I don't have a good relationship with my mother....Here is the writing Assignment this week from Moma Kat
Its all about your mom. The prompts I chose was "tell us the story of your birth and how I got my name". My mother is a simply a classy lady, the princess, the drama queen, self-centered. No! No! I didn't mean to say that! I'm sorry mom I'am...please don't hate me. But she is! If this beautiful lady was in process of telling me a story and just say for some reason...my hair caught fire! I would have to seek water (HELP); while all along she would follow me to the sink still telling her story. She would! So here it goes..The story of my birth. This is a true story. I was switched at birth well sorta of. Yes I'm telling the truth. It was always the funny story that my family told ha ha. See when I was born the doctors just knocked those women out..yep they felt no pain just got knocked out and woke up to a sweet baby! Those were the days.. Well mom woke up after my birth ready to receive her first born child. The nurses brought her a baby bearing my surname. Not me, but an African American baby. My mother changed this little babes diaper and cuddled that sweet baby. All along she believing something was not right chose to not say a word. Anyhow let's make this short. The African American mother knew I was not hers! True story honestly..there is an African American female about my age, somewhere telling the same story. How I got my name. Thank God for grandfathers..My mom had picked out the lovey name Geraldine Paulette...yeah yeah I know awful. Just what was she thinking?. I'm sorry for anyone bearing that name... My paternal grandpa came to the hospital with roses, chocolate and a teddy bear. Grandpa simply said "I like the name Christine" Oh he couldn't even bear having a granddaughter with that name! Thank you Thank you!, Mom just couldn't disappoint her new father-in-law.

Sometimes A Change Is Good...

2009-10-15T13:03:00.005-04:00

My Thoughts 4 Thursday
When I woke up this morning all I could think about was change. Change my living room, my flower bed, my kitchen. See I just get board when things stay the same. I really need a change! Oh maybe I'll change my hair or my makeup....I'll let you know of my changes...enjoy the photos of my place

A Day Well Spent....

2009-10-14T13:26:00.008-04:00

Today was a perfect fall day, you know when temperature is just right with a refreshing breeze! I enjoy being outside in the fall. Well Adventurous Brat and I decided to pick grapes today. So to the vineyard we went! We had so much fun laughing and sharing stories. That's what mother, daughter days are all about! We were so caught up in our good time that we picked 56lbs. of grapes. Yes I said 56lbs! those buckets were so heavy, I thought my arms would break off. Oh well we are going to be making wine together....this was a day well spent with my brat!...Yikes I
gotta work on my arms!
just a little windblown here!

Tarzan

2009-10-13T11:43:00.002-04:00

This past weekend, I was looking through my photo albums Searching for a certain photo to send to my mother. Well I know I spent hours looking through those albums. I love the memories of yesterday. The chores and Mr. were just gonna have to make do without me for awhile! Then I came across this photo, My Tarzan! So I have decided for the blog I will no longer call him Mr.; he will now be known as Tarzan. The story to this photo ...we were hiking and came along upon this huge vine hanging. It was obvious from looking at the ground, that people swung from it before. I encouraged Tarzan to give it a go. He would not! he swore someone would get hurt. There was a good 10 feet of space above the ground to swing above. I looked at him stunned I believed all this time he wasn't afraid of anything! Well I grabbed that vine and away I went. Then I just smiled at him. Of course after the fact that I proved it was safe away Tarzan went.

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-10-13T10:51:00.003-04:00

Wow,I received my first blog award; "One Lovely Blog Award" from Teresa. Thank you. I really appreciate it very much. Now I will be sending this on to some awesome people.

Funny Friday

2009-10-09T11:39:00.003-04:00

A mother is driving her little girl to her friend's house for a play date.

'Mommy,' the little girl asks, 'how old are you?'

'Honey, you are not supposed to ask a lady her age,' the mother replied. 'It's not polite.'

'OK', the little girl says,
'How much do you weigh?'

'Now really,' the mother
says,
'those are personal questions and are really none of your business.'

Undaunted, the little girl asks, 'Why did you and Daddy get a divorce?'

'That's enough questions, young lady! Honestly!'

The exasperated mother walks away as the two friends begin to play.

'My Mom won't tell me anything about her,' the little girl says to her friend.

'Well,' says the friend, 'all you need to do is look at her driver's license. It's like a report card, it has everything on
it.'

Later that night the little girl says to her mother, 'I know how old you are. You are 32.'

The mother is surprised and asks,
'How did you find that out?

'I also know that you weigh 130 pounds.'

The mother is past surprised and shocked now.

'How in Heaven's name did you find that out?'

'And,' the little girl says triumphantly, 'I know why you and daddy got a divorce..'

'Oh really?' the mother asks. 'Why?'

'Because you got an F in sex.'

5-Word Challenge

2009-10-07T11:53:00.002-04:00

This is the challenge; Someone sends you 5 words. You then write your thoughts about these words. I'll send you 5 words, just ask..

1) Family The most important people in my life! I believe you need them, like them or not, good times or bad times. My family is always the place I call home.
2) Christmas This one I have mixed emotions. As a child, I wasn't the one pleading to open presents early, That was my brother. As an adult, I'm horrible at gift giving, I don't know what I want..so how am I ever gonna know what someone may like as a gift!...JUST GIVE ME A SHOPPING LIST!...I do like the excitement of my kids...but every year when Christmas comes around; I just could not stand it! All the pressures of being in 4 places at once..well your gonna make someone mad!...that was usually Mom, oops sorry Mom. Now my Dad also died on Christmas day...so at this moment Christmas is tuff.
3) Traffic Well that depends on whose driving, if Mr is I just close my eyes and pray.
4) Winter I do not like winter. Its cold, gloomy and snow is only pretty on postcards! I don't like getting my feet in snow.
5) Television I don't watch it I just fall asleep.

What I Got

2009-10-06T13:52:00.001-04:00

Ok so another birthday has come...this time I'm not in the mood to celebrate. However I will go along with Mr's plans..We went to Olivers for dinner, had some wine and split a BIG slice of cheesecake..Then we went to the video store and bought 4 movies. The plan was to spend the evening in our bedroom...watching movies of course! Mr turned on the movie..snuggled up close to me...and I fell asleep within 10 minuets. I must be getting old!....So what did Mr give me as a gift? the Declaration Of Independence..The Bill Of Rights..The United States Constitution..yes I know I'm a nerd about History..and I really do like my gift. I framed all 3 documents and hung them on the wall!

She Works Hard For The Money!

2009-10-06T13:24:00.001-04:00

Yep thats my Adventurous Brat...hard at work!

The Answer

2009-08-06T12:24:00.002-04:00

Last week my neighbor brought to my attention that I had a huge hornets nest in one of my trees; and this should be taken care of immediately before someone gets swarmed!. The nest was big as a basketball and very active. Hmmm... I'm not mowing around that dangerous thing!!! I then informed MR he has a problem to tackle. MR got the spray out of the shed..I asked him will that kill the hornets? MR said not a problem. Me and Executive Brat went to our safety post inside. While we watch MR in action. Then MR got into the truck pulled up along side the huge nest. Sprayed the nest and rolled up the window! Don't worry there gone now MR assured me. So that's how its done. Well the next day I went to look at the nest...NO THERE NOT GONE...that's not how its done. Once again I told MR his plan didn't work and he would have to get rid of that huge nest. MR informed me; he has a secret plan. Dare I ask?

THIS IS THE ANSWER!!!!

Beautiful Angel

2009-08-04T15:06:00.001-04:00

Yes thats right Brat Boss is the beautiful angel...she's 5'4"..so how big is this angel????..I have an obsession for odd headstones... crazy huh! I love this one....see the angel is holding a rag in her hand...why would this beautiful angel hold an old rag!!!!...well see the tablet leaning against the cross is blank....the angel just wipe the slate clean....wow!The McMillan Angel, Asa McMillan (1797-1855)

Famously beautiful Italian marble angel standing before a large granite cross. The book is blank to signify a new beginning in death

Old Springboro, Hometown in my younger years

2009-08-04T12:55:00.000-04:00

Here are some historic sites from my hometown. It really is a beautiful village. Yes it was to small to be called a town when I lived there. Now you can find so much more about many places at http://www.hmdb.org/ Its the Historical Marker Database...have fun!Town Hall, Jail and Fire Station

Odd Fellows Hall

Tommy Miller House

Harry Pence House

Warner Bateman House, this was also one of my friends home.

Jeremiah Stansel House

Jack Decker House

Joseph Stanton House

M. & J. Wright General Merchandise

Jonah Thomas Shop

Edward Potts House
John Potts House

Clark Williams House

The Lyceum
Inscription. The fraternal order of the Knights of Pythias was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1864 as an organization dedicated to healing the wounds and hatred of the Civil War. The members of the local Springboro Lodge No. 574 built this meeting hall with a large upstairs room which was used for plays, Lyceum courses, church services, and graduation ceremonies for over 90 years
Springboro Area Underground Railroad
Yes This is in Ohio!
"Squatter's House"
Historic Marker

Where is home?

2009-08-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

I grew up in the country! On the outskirts of a small town, and I do mean small. We only had one stop light in the whole town. My family is from many counties of southeast Kentucky. Floyd County Kentucky is the best place around. You know I wanted to be a CITY GIRL!! I was gonna leave the country and never go back! Well I left. I have lived in many states and even overseas and couldn't wait to get back to the country, I was sick of the city! Nobody even knows their neighbors. I also believed my BRATS were missing out on good experiences of country living. Well It did take me years to get home...Home is in the Country....

I'm Here!

2009-08-04T10:09:00.000-04:00

Yes I really am doing this!!....Now I have been using social networks and forums, for awhile now. Ok to have a blog site???......why...who would even want to know about my ordinary life????......I'm just a wife and mother. Since I do have online friends doing this blog stuff...here it goes...... my attempt to work this site.....get ready for my random thoughts about my family and other ramblings..