Doin' the Cyber Cha Cha (Ok so the title has nothing to do with the post...but it did have a nice ring to it.)

Hey Jana...WELCOME--Friend! My first new blog buddy. :) I'm no stranger to cyber-friends, however. I have been a part of an online message board for nearly 9 years. The women on that board are dear to me and we've 'been through' a lot together. They live all over the nation...even the world ( a couple are from Canada and Australia). There were times when everyone posted several times a day...and then times when there hasn't been a post for a couple weeks. But that doesn't change the fact that they have made an impact on my life. I have learned from them--learned about their lives and in turn learned about myself.

There is nothing I like better than learning new things and making new friends. This blogging world is amazing because of the networking possibilities. And I don't mean for business reasons I mean networking ideas, thoughts, inspirations, laughs, fears, rants, and frustrations.

The world seems a little smaller each time we find out that there are 'real' people out there. People that may or may not be the same as us--different races, religions, nationalities...but still in essence the same. They are still people...part of the human family. We share the basic human emotions of hope, love, friendship, worry, heartbreak, sorrow. Those feelings, though, instead of dividing us can unite us.

I love to say, 'I want to know what makes you tick'. The blessing comes when understanding is reached...we will not always agree on things, but that is a good thing. What a sad world it would be if we did not have our agency to think, and live as we choose. And what a wonderful place it is when we use that agency, while maybe not changing our minds, to understand the motives of our friends.

Ok...sorry to get all sentimental on you...

Insert*Group Hug* and everyone start singing 'It's a Small World After All."

(Just once through though as that song can really get on your nerves.)

P.S. Are there any other unknown cyber buddies out there? Not that I have any illusions that what I'm writing is so riveting that there should be...but IF there are you are welcome to join in the fun. :)

Congratulations Tim!

Tim received his Arrow of Light last night. The highest award available in Cub Scouts. I can't believe it but we are done with Cub Scouts for another 5 years.

Here Tim is walking down the path away from Cubs towards Boy Scouts.

All the Eagle Scouts in attendance were the steps for Tim.

Congratulations Tim! On to your Eagle!

Living on the wrong side of town

One Road...

Two Climate Zones...

Guess Which one is mine?

Bedtime Blues

The Clock Strikes Eight
The hour begins which we all hate.
Kid's ears get plugged and run around
My patience wears, I spiral down.

Pajama's lost--though here before
'They are not to be found I'm sure I'm sure!'
Have you looked or searched or even opened your door?
'On what am I stepping knee deep on this floor?'

Each tooth must be flossed and brushed
Each set of worries talked and hushed
Prayer's irritably flung at the ceiling
Mom's yells keep everyone reeling.

What happened to that peaceful scene
That fell upon us at 7:15?
No I'm wrong it was a zoo
and had been since a quarter to two.

Each day I try to better be
But alas the devil sinks claws in me
He shakes and shakes and doesn't let go
Until in me the tears do flow.

Finally to their peaceful beds
But the pillow nary touches their heads.
They got tucked in--but not for long
They come back out for a question or song.

At last asleep, so sweet in there
When time just past I was a bear.
Please help me to see the sweetness when
They are still awake to view me grin.

8 Things

Tagged by Sharon...
8 Favorite TV Shows
(Are there 8 shows I like??? Not sure.)
1. The Office (Hand's down #1--thank goodness for DVR)
2. Wings (in reruns)
3. Iron Chef America/Food Network Challenge/Alton Brown /Ace of Cakes
4. (Shhhhh don't tell anyone) American Idol (That's embarassing LOL)
5. Don't Forget the Lyrics
6. Curious George (Not so much for the watching value as the working value I get when its on--It's Ethan's fav! Once again thank goodness for DVR so we can watch it whenever)
7. Ummm racking my brain here...M*A*S*H
8. Seinfeld...I really can't think of anything else.

Things I did yesterday
1. Laundry (not enough)
2. Babysat 3 boys for my friend
3. Helped Tim make a catapult
4. Watched Tim's Basketball game
5. Traveled to my sister's house for a family party
6. Ate Peggy's famous egg rolls, and other yummy Chinese food for our late Chinese New Year Party.
7. Foound out I'm an Ox and Mike is a cock which ARE compatible *whew*
8. Listened to Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince on CD in the car.

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Maddox
2. Ruby River
3. Applebees
4. LaBeau's
5. Cafe Rio
6. The Olive Garden
7. Chilis
8. Pretty much anywhere because I'm not cooking.

8 Things I Wish For
1. SPRING
2. New Books
3. Happy Children
4. Vacation with my kids
5. Vacation without my kids ;)
6. Bread
7. To be a morning person
8. Photography Classes

8 People I Tag
1-8 IF there are 8 people reading this...the 8 people that want to do it. :)

More Bread Supplications

So it has come to my attention that my SIL ,who is a master chef in all areas, has been perfecting her bread recipes of late as well. (Where I cook, she creates, where I pull out rhodes dough rolls, she bakes to die for orange sticky rolls) It's like the difference between Kraft Macaroni and cheese and Food Network Star Penne Alfredo. Anyway, she's a really incredible cook and I love it when she brings food to our familiy get togethers...AND...she told me she would SHARE. SO...I am imploring her to bring it on with her recipes...I believe she has one for wheat bread, and artisan bread, and banana bread. (And the orange rolls of course) So BROOKE, for the sake of me and my bread baking buddies...do share please! :)

Attention Bread Baking Buddies

It has come to my attention that I have two friends that are on the path to creating the perfect loaf of bread. :) I don't know if you read each other's blogs, but if not, I feel the need to network for you.

Brenda--Marni

Check out these links...

Brenda's bread links
http://foodstorageandpreparedness.blogspot.com/search/label/Bread%20Recipes
I'm sure there were more but I can't find them.

Marni's bread links
http://stillswinging.blogspot.com/2009/01/bread.html
http://stillswinging.blogspot.com/2009/02/bread-making-progress.html


I do this with the full selfish intent that if you keep my mouth watering with awesome bread posts then I might actually get off my duff and make some...especially so I can teach Emily as she has been asking me to teach her how to make bread. (Wow what a run on sentence--deep breath)

So see...I knead you!