Overflowing Bookshelf

I'm moving!

2009-08-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to say that I'm moving! Well...my blog is moving, I should say:) After much contemplation (and irritation with Blogger settings), I've created a page at WordPress. Many of my favorite blogs are on WP, and I've always found them very visually appealing, so I was curious to check out the features there. I went for a visit today, and was so impressed that I immediately created a

Grateful Sunday

2009-08-23T14:51:00.001-07:00

It's already arrived. Sunday has crept up on me again, making me wonder, "Where in the world did the weekend go???". *sigh* Another work week awaits, five more days until freedom. I like my job, truly I do, but lately I've just been soooo out of work mojo. I think it's a vacation after-effect. Just can't seem to get back in the swing of things. Now that I'm done whining, here's my list of

Simply Happy

2009-08-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

“Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.”- Charles Dudley Warner We've survived our first week back from vacation, and boy, was it a doozy. Not only did I have to tackle all the work waiting when I returned (in addition, of course, to this weeks work as well), but we had to get the kids ready to start back to school. You all know what that entails-- new clothes,

Dear So and So....

2009-08-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

My sweet bloggy friend Amanda--you can find her here at www.familyofshorts.blogspot.com (sorry, my stupid links aren't working again. I SO need a new computer). Anyway, Amanda has a wonderful weekly feature on her page called "Dear Someone" where you can write letters to anyone you feel may need a few choice words from you. Since I'm not smart enough to probably figure up how to link this onto

Wordless Wednesday: Well.. Kind of...

2009-08-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

I know this is technically supposed to be a "wordless" Wednesday post, but there's just so much I have to say. I have a zillion blog ideas running around in my head, creating havoc and crowding the things that I really need to be thinking about. Like school starting tomorrow, whether or not I set the coffee pot correctly to auto brew at six (ACK!) in the morning, whether Jalyn's underwear are

My Internal Overflowing Bookshelf

2009-08-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”- Paul SweeneyI'm having such a hard time lately focusing on what I'm reading when I'm reading it. I don't mean that I'm easily distracted by the kids, or the television, or the fact that dinner needed to be made, oh say, two hours ago. It's more like my brain is thinking, "Hey... I know

More Than I Can Chew?

2009-08-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

For those two, possibly three, of my readers who don't follow me on Facebook, and are thinking, "What in the world is this girl doing posting a blog? I thought she was going on vacation?", here's the update. My daughter has strep. We've decided to still go on the trip but are delaying our leaving by one day. The doctor said that after being on the antiobiotics for 24 hours, she should be feeling

At Least I Leave My Clothes On....

2009-08-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

I've realized lately that I only tend to write when I'm happy. This bothers me to a certain extent, since I don't want anyone to ever think that I sugarcoat my life. I certainly don't want to be one of those mommy bloggers who writes nothing but glowing things about her family and her clean house and her perfect four course meals every night... well, you get the drift. So here's a snapshot of

For My Husband

2009-08-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

Years ago, when we first started dating, I composed a list for Darrell of things that I loved about him. I've decided that today, our one year wedding anniversary, would be a might fine time to compose a new list. I'm sure that some of the things will remain the same (and I'm sure that some of them you just really wouldn't want to know:)). I'm also going to include some pictures of us throughout

It's Finally Here!

2009-08-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Finally... my vacation time has arrived!! I am officially off work until the 17th. Can I get a woot woot??! We have quite a few things going on during this time that I'm really excited about. First up: my soul sistah Renea and I have back to back birthdays (she is Aug. 12 and I'm the 13th), so every year we celebrate by having a joint birthday shindig. Nae and her hubby bought a beautiful new

Wordless Wednesday: Where We'll Be Next Week

2009-08-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Out of the Mouths of Babes (Part II)

2009-07-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

So --- my daughter comes up to me last night, put her hands on her hips and says (and I quote):"Hush, girl, shut your lips... do the Helen Keller and talk with your hips."Anyone recognize this?? Yes indeedy-- my daughter was quoting a song whose chorus is "Don't Trust a Ho".Niiiiiice. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. After all- we ARE pretty gangsta.Oh wait. That's me. My bad, homie.

Grateful Sunday

2009-07-19T19:05:00.001-07:00

After my totally self-indulgent post yesterday, I thought it would serve me well to put myself in check and list things I'm grateful for on this Sunday. Thus begins the perspective:1. I'm glad Jalyn is feeling better. She spent the majority of today throwing up (obviously had the same thing that Jaxen was plagued with last night), but as of about seven p.m., she bounced back to her normal self.

Great Expectations

2009-07-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I'm feeling really sorry for myself today. So let me preface this post by saying that whining, bitching and moping are about to occur, so if any of these offend you, you probably want to leave before reading any further. That being said...There is very little that displeases me more than my expectations not being met, for things to not go as I plan (in my head). I had such high

Wordy Wednesday: Summer Books of 2009

2009-07-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Since I've already contributed my Wordless Wednesday post for the day, I thought I would now share a Wordy Wednesday post. I have been reading a LOT lately... I mean, really, what else is there to do when it's so godforsaken hot that you sweat just sitting still? In front of a fan? With no clothes on? I won't bore you all with lengthy reviews of all the titles I've devoured lately ( at least

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

And yes. He is asleep.

Priceless

2009-07-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Cost of undergrad degree: $30,000.Cost of medical school: $100,000.Knowing that your dr. needs to write this on your knee, so they don't "accidentally" operate in the wrong place: Priceless.

I'm Melting!!

2009-07-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

I keep getting on here and starting a post...and then never finishing. I'm going to blame it on the heat. It's totally sucking the life out of me!! I can't even remember the last time it was under 100 degrees. The new forecast is that we may hit the 90s sometime next week. And I find it so incredibly sad that I'm excited about that!!!And in closing, I thought I'd give you all a giggle for the

Grateful Sunday

2009-07-05T19:20:00.001-07:00

Five Things I'm Grateful for on this Sunday:1. Cool summer evenings. We had a torrential downpour yesterday (yes, it resulted in the cancelling of most of our local fireworks shows. But no fear...they plan to release them next Friday, LOL. How's that for... Happy Tenth of July!), so today has been relatively cool compared to the last week. I'm enjoying sitting on the porch and NOT having

Random Thoughts Tuesday

2009-06-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time again!! Let the randomness begin! I'm typing this as I sit on the front porch watching the clouds roll in. YEAH for rain! Last week was in the 100's almost every day, so this rain is much much hoped for. Darrell has been planting grass in our front yard so we need some rain to help the little sprouts grow too. You should see the little jig he does everytime he sees new sprouts on

101: Resolutions: Revisited

2009-06-27T10:36:00.001-07:00

Where has this year gone?? It is already half way over. Next thing you know, Christmas will be upon us. *sigh* When you're young, time goes soooo slow. But as we all know, the older you get, the faster it gets. In honor of the halfway point of 2009, I've decided to revisit my New Years resolutions and see how I'm doing in meeting my "goals".Here are the things I resolved to try and do in 2009: (

Grateful Sunday: Five Things

2009-06-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

Five Things I'm Grateful for on this Sunday:1. Air conditioning. Lord have mercy.. it's a hot one!! And I don't mean that in a Randy Jackson/ great performance kind of way. I mean it in a sweat-is-rolling-down-my-back-as-I-sit-still kind of way.2. The grill. See above entry for why I am thankful to not have to turn on the oven this evening.3. John Mayer's Continuum album. It never ever

Random Tuesday Thoughts: On Marriage

2009-06-16T17:38:00.001-07:00

“Remember that a successful marriage depends on two things: (1) finding the right person and (2) being the right person”- unknownI've been thinking a lot lately about marriage. Our one year anniversary is swiftly approaching. Over the years, I've heard a lot of people say that the first year is the hardest. I never thought that would apply to us. I mean, really... we had been together almost

Journey Thru a Mom's Brain: Part 1

2009-06-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

Scene: Sitting down to type new blog post.Enter Brain: Oh, my...my laptop screen is really dirty. I should get up and get something to wipe it off with. But oh, look at my toe nails--ghetto, girlfriend!! It is June and you have yet to paint your toes once. That's so sad. (Sit down to paint toe nails). Yes, Jalyn, I'd be happy to paint yours as well. (Paints daughter's toenails). Thinks about how

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-05-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

"A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments, soccer games, romances, best friends, location of friend's houses, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams. A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house." - Unknown I've decided to hop back on the RTT train this week -- won't you come along for the ride? I write this as I sit here wondering

Notes from the Hall House

2009-05-24T08:30:00.001-07:00

"Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." - Sam KeenIt feels like it's been years since I've posted, although it's only been about two weeks. I only started this blog last August, but I feel so connected to it, to all of you, my dear, sweet readers. (All five of you.. you know who you are:) And you are sooo appreciated!). Summer fever has set in around here. I always write less

Musical Mondays: Love is a Mixtape

2009-05-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

"When we die, we will turn into songs, and we will hear each other and remember each other." — Rob Sheffield (Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time) I know, I know...for the few who may care... it has been a few weeks since I've posted a Musical Monday entry. It's certainly not for lack of finding great new music to listen to. I've actually been bombarded by new artists lately,

To My Mom Peeps!

2009-05-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my dear bloggy friends!! Hope you have a wonderful day-- you certainly deserve it:)Lots of love to you all!!

Dear Mr. Insurance Adjustor Man

2009-05-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Insurance Adjustor Man,Today, after a full week of waiting, we finally received a call from you. Thanks for taking time out of your day to speak with us. But I feel that I must clarify a few things about the way the situation went down. And just to make sure things are clear here, please don't think that I expected to hear good news. Our car was a 1995 with lots of miles, so I fully

Thunderstorms & Toes

2009-05-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

"It was getting dark so suddenly that Alice thought there must be a thunderstorm coming on. "What a thick black cloud that is!" she said."And how fast it comes! Why I do believe it's got wings!" Lewis Carroll- "Through the Looking Glass"Let the above quote serve as a reference as to 1) what the weather has been like around here lately and 2) what caused my dear husband to be in the center of a

Random Thoughts Tuesday: Hokey Pokey

2009-04-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Just sitting here watching American Idol. (I think I begin every RTT post that way.) Danny is fixing to start singing one of my favorite songs of all time, "Come Rain or Come Shine". I have sang this song to my husband for years and years. I don't know why i've never done it for a show??? Could someone who reads this PULEEZE remind me to sing it the next time I'm in the ASS?I guess I should

While You Were Blogging

2009-04-26T11:39:00.001-07:00

Here's what I've been up to while you were blogging, and I was... well... not blogging.Laundry. And when I say piles and piles... well, obviously I'm not exaggerating. I do laundry EVERY weekend, and since I wear the same five things over and over... this pile can not be blamed on me. How does this happen?? I place sole blame on my DH who owns more jeans at this point in time than I have owned in

Wordless Wednesday: What Happens When There Aren't Enough Guitars to Go Around

2009-04-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Random Tuesday Thoughts: I'm Not Even a Popstar

2009-04-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ryan said "Abdul drool" tonight on AI. I'm totally stealing that line. Don't know when or how I'm going to insert it into daily conversation, but I'll find a way.Went out Saturday night with the crew. And wowzer. I am WAY too old to partay like that. (BTW, I say that every single time I go out. That, and, "I will never drink again". You see how well that works out!). Started the night with a

River of Love, Take Me Away!

2009-04-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

After an insanely crazy day at the office, I am left sitting here fiending, lusting and craving a vacation. I've taken a few days off here and there (sick kids, dental surgery, random other necessary appointments), but I haven't taken any time for FUN things since last August when we went our honeymoon. Man, I loved that trip. We had such an amazing time. What I found so funny about it though is

She's (a) Country Backstage Bettie Waiting on the World to Change

2009-04-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

One of my dearest (and sadly, not nearest) bloggy friends, Sam, posted a fantastically fan-atic blog this week entitled "I'm Not a Stalker: I'm *Devoted*". You can check it out here. It is a wonderful tribute to all the men in the world that she is allowed to cheat on her husband with should she ever run into them at Wal-Mart, Costco, or other random location. Now, all us married folks have

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-04-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

I get so excited about blogging on Tuesdays-- it's means I can get out all this CRAP that is in my head!! So let the crap flow: I'm watching Idol. I've been an IdolWhore since the beginning days of Season 1. Kris Allen (or however you spell that extremely common, but difficult to spell name) is about to sing Falling Slowly. God, how I love this song! Ok.. it's over.. and I knew I was crushin'

Musical Mondays: Does That Make Me Crazy?

2009-04-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

"I'm worried that the person who thought up Muzak may be thinking up something else." Lily Tomlin I'm always intrigued by cover songs. I just wonder what it is about certain songs that have that power--that cross-genre, universal appeal-- that makes other artists want to record them? And even more importantly, how in the he** do they hear something so different from the

The Greatest Fall of All

2009-04-10T19:17:00.001-07:00

I have an obsession. Not unusual, really, for me. I have what some kindly call "a highly addictive personality", and what others call "crazy ass stalker" type attitude towards some things in my life. I'm not proud of it. It's not something I share with just anyone. I hope you realize that I trust you, my dear readers, to not judge me (or suddenly de-friend me) for this shortcoming. So (big breath

What Goes Around.....Comes Around

2009-04-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by my friend Kaye to participate in this kind of "Get To Know You Better" survey. And I admit it, I love these kinds of things. Surveys/ questionairres of any kind are always fun to me. Here's how this one works:1. Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.2. Tag several un-tagged people.Let

Musical Mondays

2009-04-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

"I was born in a boy's body...but there's a diva lurking within."Gregory DouglassI've decided to use Mondays to share my new favorite musical finds with the masses (or the 5 or so people who regularly read my blog:)). I am a self-proclaimed musicwhore. I spread my musical love around- country, pop, rock, Broadway, folk, hip-hop, rap... no discriminating here, I love it all. But I must admit

This is the kind of thing I think about.

2009-04-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is the kind of thing I think about during the day.When using an auto-flush toilet (oh so common in today's society), how do you handle the need for a "courtesy flush"? Since the toilet doesn't flush unless you physically lift up and move away from the commode, what are you supposed to do? Stand up (and pray that no one in the stall next to you sees you standing there with pants around your

I'm Goin' Green!

2009-04-02T19:01:00.001-07:00

I wish I could say that this post is a chronicle of my goals and action list of ways to become green (i.e. more environmentally conscious). But in reality, this is just a place for me to post pretty pictures of all the things I am currently lusting after that are in my favorite color of all colors--- green! I love grass green, lime green, sage green-- pretty much all shades (although I'm not a

My First Award!

2009-03-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

In a moment of extreme sweetness (or extreme ignorance... I'm not quite sure which, LOL), my girl Peggy over at Stir Crazy in the Suburbs has given me a Mom of the Year Award!!Isn't that awesome!!??? Unfortunately, I got really busy with...well, being a mom... and didn't see my award for a few days after she posted. (Sorry,Peggy !!) But the tardiness of my acknowledging her award definitely

Jaxen

2009-03-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Jaxen Caroll:You're six today. And for some reason, it's hit me harder than I ever expected. Something about the sound of saying "My son is six" just sounds so much more grown up than saying "My son is five". Maybe it's the two hands thing-- your age can no longer be demonstrated by holding up only one hand.It seems like just yesterday that I was being rushed into the OR for an emergency

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-03-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

It's that time again!! I was SuperMom today, if I do say so myself. After working what seemed to be one of the longest days in the history of long days, I took the kiddos to the park, then out to dinner (Long John Silver, for those who are interested- that's how we roll, matey.). To top of the evening, we spent almost two hours at a little carnival that is currently residing in the parking lot of

The Me Mosaic

2009-03-22T11:09:00.001-07:00

One of my very favorite things about blogging is all the neat sites & tools that I encounter via other blogger's pages. Things that I certainly would not have stumbled across on my own. Sweet Kathy over at 2Kids3Martinis (http://www.kathyriddle.blogspot.com/) posted a wonderful exercise in creating your own photomosaic using Flickr.It's very simple to do, and an enjoyable way to pass some time in

Just sayin'....

2009-03-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

I'd put out a lot more if you'd:scrub the bathtub (more than once every six months)...without me asking.surprise me by making dinner every now and then...without me asking.finish the many unfinished projects around our house...without me asking.help me with the daily household chores... i.e. laundry, dishes, vacuuming, etc... without me asking.not ASK me to put out every five seconds.not grumble

Wordless Wednesday: It's Tough Being a Kid

2009-03-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Random Thoughts Tuesday

2009-03-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here I go again, jumping on the Random Thoughts Tuesday train....* My neighbors across the street are cleaning their garage out and piling stuff on the curb. Do you think Jr. would notice if he came home and our garage was empty? I'm really tempted to ask the neighbors if they are for hire to do the same to our house.* I started to watch Chocolat today, and suddenly had the brilliant idea to

Seven Weeks, Twelve Days, Five Years

2009-03-15T09:43:00.001-07:00

About seven weeks after giving birth to my son, I became pregnant again. Yes, you read that correctly...seven weeks. Granted, I didnt know (or chose to accept) that I was pregnant till about two months after that, but it's hard to ignore the math when your second child is due the day after your firstborn's first birthday. To say that we were surprised would be the understatement of the year.

What I Did Today

2009-03-14T16:39:00.001-07:00

How My Day Begin:

Out of The Mouthes of Babes

2009-03-08T09:37:00.001-07:00

ShortMama over at Family of Shorts posted this great entry with questions you ask your kiddos to see what they really think of you. Of course, the results are quite interesting... (especially considering my kiddos are four and five:))1.What is something I always say to you?Jalyn: "Stop throwing and stop kicking"Jaxen: "To go play"2. What makes me happy?Jalyn: "When we're good and when we clean up

Wordless Wednesday: They're So Peaceful When They're Sleeping

2009-03-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2009-03-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this fun post (sorry that I can't remember exactly where I found it). I just couldn't resist... I love anything pertaining to pictures. Here's how it works:1. Go to your pictures folder or wherever your pictures are stored on your computer.2. Go to the 6th folder and pick the 6th picture.3. Post it and tell the story that goes with the picture.4. Tag 5 other people to do the

Yet Another Prime Example ......

2009-03-03T17:16:00.000-08:00

Last night I was feeling a little down in the dumps. You see, I had spent all weekend fixing up my blog. I chose a beautiful new background color, played around with the font style & size to make it easily readable for those blind folk like me. I added a bunch of new blogs that I love to my page in the hopes that others could discover their wonderful-ness (is that really a word??) as well. I

Everybody Poops

2009-03-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

Jaxen (in bathroom): "Mooommm! Did you hear that?"Mom (in living room on couch): "Hear what?"Jaxen: "That fart! It was like plbth.....(flip your tongue to envision sound). My butt was loud!!"Mom: (trying not to laugh and encourage bathroom humor) "No, Jaxen I didn't hear that."Jaxen: "Oh man, Mom.. now I'm gonna poop. Can you hear it?"Mom: (shaking with silent laughter) "No, son, I can't hear

Are you on the FB Train??

2009-03-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

I've been wondering lately if any of my blog friends are on facebook. I enjoy how interactive it is, and thought it would be a fun way to communicate with you girls that I so enjoy talking to via blogger. I personally have no problem laying my life out at your feet... I've already done that via my blog anyway!:) But I wondered if I found you on facebook and sent you a friend request, would you

Five Things

2009-03-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

The Five Things Meme: Name a CD or CDs you own that you think no one else on your friends list does.Deborah (aka Debbie) Gibson- Greatest Hits (including fantastic dance remixes)NKOTB- Greatest HitsWade Hayes- a country singer from OK who was pretty successful in the mid-1990'sName a book you own that you think no one else on your friends list does.Bitch Factor by Chris Rogers. It's the first

Remember When We Said Girl Please Don't Go....

2009-02-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been so excited that you just couldn't calm down? That you sweat profusely although you're clammy? Your heart rate is accelerated and you're shaking with adrenaline?That's me right now. Talk about having THE BEST DAY EVER!The first concert I ever went to was New Kids on the Block, January 19, 1990 at the Myriad Convention Center in Oklahoma City. I was literally in the nosebleed

Wordless Wednesday: I Haven't Really Changed That Much Over the Last Twenty Years

2009-02-18T19:46:00.001-08:00

Random Thoughts Tuesday

2009-02-17T16:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Sam, at myacuprunnethover.typepad.com, posted a fantastic meme today called Random Thoughts Tuesday (that she borrowed from a favorite blogger of hers... you know how the cycle works.). And let me tell you... THIS is an idea I can get behind. My blogs are so random anyway, but this is a nice reason to purposefully be random. So let the randomness begin!* I keep

Another (Sun)Day in the Life

2009-02-08T18:11:00.001-08:00

I'm a fan of Sundays. I admit it. My favorite day isn't Friday (although it is super cool to go to work knowing you don't have to go the next day... most of the time.) Or even Saturday (although getting to sleep in as late as the kids' will let me is awfully sweet.) But Sunday is the day that does it for me. This may seem weird and strange to many. So let me take a moment to justify this

And so it goes....

2009-02-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

Well, so much for my resolution to blog more in 2009;) I'm great at visiting all the blogs I follow-- even if I don't always comment, I've likely stopped by and read the new posts. But I am horrible, horrible, horrible about taking the time to type a few words of my own.So in an effort to remedy the fact that it has been three weeks since I last posted and to clear my head of miscellaneous crap

Notes from The Hall House- Part 1 (January 2009)

2009-01-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

The first two weeks of '09 have passed so quickly! Here are just a couple updates from the Hall House:JALYN:The kids have been cracking me up lately. Here's an excerpt from a recent conversation with my girl.Mom: Jalyn, tell me about your day at daycare.Jalyn: I played with ____ , she's my best friend. And I played with ____, he's my boyfriend.Mom: Jalyn, you shouldn't have a boyfriend-

Looking Forward

2009-01-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it's officially a new year. And here's to putting 2008 behind and looking forward to fantastic things in 2009! In support of my resolution to read more, here are some books that I'm really looking forward to in the new year.1. What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips- TBR 1/27/09. SEP is my very favorite romance author. I devour every book she releases, and since it is often two

It's a Brand New Year (Almost)

2008-12-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

I've never been big on resolutions. In fact, I can't really remember the last time I made any. They just always seemed like a surefire way to indicate to myself, yet again, how little self-discipline I have sometimes. But this year... it's going to be different. I swear. You believe me... right?So here it is, for those three (maybe four) people who will read this and help hold me

The Year Through My Ears

2008-12-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

My dear friend DeAnna posted a fantastic blog on her myspace page about the music that has carried her through 2008, so I've decided to steal her blog idea fair and square.Here we have it, in no particular order... the artists/album/songs that have shaped my 2008:1. Sharon Little- Sharon was the opening act at the Robert Plant/Allison Krauss show that I attended earlier this year. And WOW! What

2 Cute 2 B 4Gotten

2008-11-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

I've noticed a pattern with me over the past few years (ok... the last decade... I can be honest here). But first, let me preface this confession with a little info you may or may not know about me.As a "tween", I was supremely obsessed with New Kids on the Block. They were the first concert I ever attended, and I still have my huge scrapbook of clippings from Bop, Bopper, and Teen Beat

And she returns....

2008-10-26T07:31:00.001-07:00

Oh my Lordy... how time flies! It has been fo-evah since I've posted on here. For the three, maybe four, people who care where I've been, here's an update on the Hall House:)1. At the end of September, my electrician husband decided it was time to do some rewiring in our house. A project we had been putting off until it cooled down outside. I kid you not... the man looked at me and flat out

Four Things

2008-10-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by my girl Heather over at Stelliform (let's see if I did that link right..I'm still learning this stuff. Hope it doesn't take you to some crazy site, LOL) to complete this 4 Things Survey. Read on if you wish, but please go visit her site as well... it's wonderful.Four Places I Go Over and Over:1. Work... and after Heather's sudden work debacle last week, I have never been so

Always Be My Baby

2008-09-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I had one of "those moments" with Jalyn. Granted there are a ton of "those moments" in life, but this particular one really got to me.Here's the scoop:I had to take Sis to the doctor for her final (FINALLY!) shot required for school. Things had gotten a little off kilter with her shot records due to a dumba&& pediatrician who will not be named. That's a whole 'nother story.

That's just how my friends roll....

2008-09-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Surrounded by water cooler talk today, I kept hearing the word "concert" which of course led to me interrupting the co-workers' conversation by saying "What concert???". Turns out that Robert Plant and Allison Krauss were scheduled to perform a show in Houston tomorrow night, but due to lovely Hurricane Ike, the show could not go on. With their big hearts wide open and their bank accounts closed,

My Happy Place

2008-09-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

As anyone who read my self-absorbed, whiney blog from yesterday, you will know that I have been in a serious funk the past few days. So today I took my dear friend Heather's advice and searched out my happy place by implementing some of my favorite things in life into my day.Here's a couple things I did to make myself smile today:1. I wore my Grass perfume. GAP has recently reintroduced my all

Ants in My Pants

2008-09-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

I feel like I haven't blogged in a while, but in reality it has only been a few days. It probably feels that way cause I have been BORED OUT OF MY GODFORSAKEN MIND!!!!!!Ugh.I haven't written cause there simply has not been anything to report. Been home all weekend doing nothing except laundry, dishes, etc etc. We ventured out and went to a great bar-b-que place last night, but other than that,

Too Many Books, Too Little Time

2008-09-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've seen this on quite a few pages while browsing blogger recently and found it to be interesting. The idea is to see how many of the "classics" you've read. And before you ask, I have absolutely no idea who compiled this list or who deemed them classics. Although I would say I agree with that status for most of them.Here's the instructions:Check out the list. Bold those you have read. (You can

Tuesday Teaser

2008-09-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

While browsing random blogs yesterday (which I spend entirely too much time doing:)), I ran across a great meme entitled Teaser Tuesday. And yes, I am aware that it is now Wednesday...but hey, what can I say? I'm a little behind sometimes.Here's how it works. Open up the book you are currently reading to any random page and type two sentences from that page. The idea is share a tantalizing

The Right Road Home

2008-09-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today marks the seven year anniversary of when Darrell and I began dating. To this day, I'm still amazed at how the smallest decisions in life can create such a ripple effect so that you are forever touched by the outcome. My life as I know it began the day I walked into a little bar named Don Quixotes. I wonder what I would have said then if you had come up and told me that seven years from

The Time Has Come

2008-09-14T20:06:00.001-07:00

(Disclaimer #1: This is a very self-involved blog, so please proceed with caution.)It's time.I've been saying for YEARS that I want to cut off my hair, but now, I think the time has finally arrived. This may not seem like a monumental decision to anyone else, but let me tell you a few things about my hair and the thoughts going through my blonde-tressed brain.1. I have not had any type of short

True Conversation from the Hall House

2008-09-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

Mom: "Jaxen, your arms sure are starting to get a lot of hair on them."Jaxen: "Mom...that's not hair! It's cherry fur!"(Five year old brain translation: Cherry Fur = Peach Fuzz)Good stuff.

The Books that Bind

2008-09-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

The library. As a child, I spent a LOT of time at our local library. It was beautiful, cozy, and had the best children's librarian of all time, Mr. Dixon. The children's portion of our library was on the bottom level of a wonderful old building. So although it's not technically underground, it felt that way, which definitely added to appeal of the place.http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http

Why I Blog

2008-09-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

I just ran across a really intriguing meme over at http://www.callapidderdays.com/ . So I thought I would give it a whirl. I'm interested to hear everyone else's responses!!5 Ways Blogging Has Affected Me:1. Through blogging, I have met some really cool people. Although some of the blogs on my list are written by people that I actually know here in the real world, I have a few virtual buddies

A reesponse from the mostest smarterest man I knowed

2008-09-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here is my dad's reply to my last blog re: the letter my son's teacher sent home.Enjoy!!Subject: Condensation with JessicaI inn joyed your remakes about the teacher letter. Hear is my humorless response too it. LOL (lots of luck) 6 read sons she might have made that many miss steaks. This might be perfect spelling but I did not spell check it. LOL1. Did not have her glasses on2. Had a migrain

The First Letter Home: Or How NOT to Use a Spell Check Program

2008-09-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

I am saddened. Disheartened. And just plain frustrated.That being said... let me explain why.This evening I sat down to read the first letter that has been sent home from my son's kindergarten teacher. Let me now provide you with a few quotes:1. "Now they feel safe in their new surrounding and convertible with the adult in charge."2. "Using shoestring as away to accidentally pop others in the

Sometimes a girl just needs....

2008-08-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

1. A cute dress.2. Some killer boots.3. Dinner out... maybe for some red beans & rice.4. A little alcohol...maybe an extra, extra, EXTRA dirty martini...5. And a night out with a really hot boy.6. Or your crazy ass girlfriends.I really need to get out of the house.*sigh*

8 Sets of 7

2008-08-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by my girl Heather at Stelliform to answer this very intriguing survey. So here goes!7 Things I Plan to Do Before I Die:1. Become a grandmother (not till MUCH later in life, please!)2. Watch my kids graduate.3. Go to Tuscany & Ireland.4. Record a full-length cd of original material.5. Read my kids the entire Harry Potter series aloud.6. Own a house in the country with lots of

The Hardest Job in the World

2008-08-27T18:11:00.001-07:00

My babies started school last week. I guess that's really an oxymoron of a statement, since they are obviously no longer babies if they are in school. My oldest, Jaxen, is five and started kindergarten, while my daughter, Jalyn, age 4, started pre-k. Every morning I have taken them to school and guided them thru the cafeteria maze so that they can start their day with a full belly. I know it

Books on the Body

2008-08-23T20:25:00.001-07:00

I'm a big fan of tattoos. I personally have three, each with highly personal meanings to me that signify times in my life. My left shoulder blade has a piece of artwork drawn by Sarah McLachlan, my favorite singer/songwriter of all time. I stole it from the program of the very first Lilith Fair, which also marked one of the best days I ever spent with my deceased best friend, Ben. Next came the

The Big Day

2008-08-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

It's official. I'm now Jessica Hall. After thirty plus years of being a Kenney, it seems really weird to have a new last name! I've yet to receive the photos from our photographer, so the ones I'm sharing here have been stolen from various friends and family who posted them on myspace. Thanks, ladies:) Here are a couple random shots from throughout the day.The back of my elaborate hair do.

Recommendations?

2008-08-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I'm getting married this coming Friday. You may ask, "Why oh why is she writing a blog when there are SOOOO many things she needs to be doing?" Well that's simple... I just don't feel like doing them, LOL.So here's my dilemma. For our honeymoon, we have rented a secluded cabin. Hot tub on the back porch, hammock, short hike to the river... and you know what that means, right?

I've been tagged!!!

2008-08-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by 2 Kids... 3 Martinis to reveal some random facts about myself. Her post was freakin' hysterical.. you MUST go check it out!Here is my response:Random fact #1- I am deathly afraid of mice. It's much more than a general phobia... it truly puts me into a comatose state. Can't move cause I'm simply frozen with fear.Random fact #2- I love to watch America's Funniest Home Videos.

Certain Girls

2008-08-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading/ bawling my way through the ending of Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner. Certain Girls is a continuation of the story of Cannie, Peter and Joy, originally introduced to us in the bestseller Good In Bed. Although I enjoyed GiB, I thought that CG was the better of the two. Although Jennifer Weiner is considered "chick lit" and tends to get a lot of flack for that, I find

The Man in the Wheelchair

2008-07-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Every morning on our drive to the babysitter's house, we pass the new elementary school that is being built. This construction has been in process for well over a year and it has been fascinating to watch a huge empty field become a massive two story school, complete with sidewalks, grass and a parking lot. But what really catches my eye every day is the man in the wheelchair.The man in the

My First Meme

2008-07-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

To be honest, I'm still not entirely sure what "meme" means...but I'm willing to give it a try:) I borrowed this from "Bloggin' About Books"-- thanks!Do you remember how you developed a love of reading? I can't remember a time when I didn't love books and the act of reading. I know that I learned how to read while in first grade, but I had spent the years before that being read to and staring at

Surrendering

2008-07-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

I'm getting married in 12 days. Holy shit!Ok--now that that is out, I can continue. After almost 7 years together, two children, and a mortgage, Darrell (aka Jr.) and I are getting married 8.8.08. The planning is almost complete, I have just a few last things to buy. Tuxedos have been rented, honeymoon arrangements are made, and my dress is almost complete. (Shout out to my girl Heather!!)

What happens when your kids have way too many toys?

2008-07-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

They make a dress out of a Wal-mart sack instead.

And I'm finally here!

2008-07-26T16:55:00.001-07:00

Well, here I am... after weeks of browsing others blogs, I've finally created my own page. To be honest, I'm not certain it's because I have so much to say, but because I was frustrated by not being able to comment on other's blogs. :) Everytime I went to create a comment, I was a little irritated by the fact that I had to have a google e-mail account to start a blog. Now please understand that