Sparkly Things

Carroll, Jimmy, my mom and I played interior decorators last Sunday. I've been wanting to decorate John's spare bedroom for awhile. We painted it (hired someone to paint it) a very sunny yellow but couldn't decide where to go from there. Then I had an apostrophe! Cottage Chic! I bought a antiqued chandelier and yellow/blue toile curtains (the ones with people and farm scenes on them). Most of the photos came out a little dark but we tried. The sheep painting was a birthday present from Martha and it now resides in the kitchen. I really like decorating that little brick house and when I'm finished I might mess it all up so I can do it again.

Quote of the Day: "Jim Halpert. Pros. Smart, cool, good looking. Remind you of anyone you know? Cons. Not a hard worker. I can spend all day on a project and he can finish the same project in a half an hour. So that should tell you something." -Michael Scott

Tired of being tired

This week has been a rough one. I can't quite put my finger on why it's been so strange. Maybe it's because it has started to sink in that I can't pick up the phone and call Martha whenever I want to. I have to wait for John to call before I can talk to him. I send them about a million emails each just to tell them little everyday stuff that happens. Most of it isn't worth telling but it's good therapy. John had a rough day earlier this week. He sent this photo because so many things went wrong during the actual mission he forgot to get any "action" shots. This is a "I just got back late from a mission and I don't feel like being happy," photo. I like this one just as much as the others so it doesn't matter to me.

Quote of the Day:
Holly: Can anyone think of things that are over-the-line time wasters?
Stanley: This meeting.
Andy: Heyo!
Michael Scott: Can't set 'em up like that.

Bonk!

We went and played at John's house last night. We needed a place where we could run and get dirty and not have to worry about the road. We may or may not have but definitely did play on a tractor. I'm not saying which one so the one that doesn't crank this morning...we didn't play on. Martha has been sending us regular updates and photos of baby Laurel. We have shown them to Noah. He usually says "Ok," and runs off to play. We bought a new train ($5) from the Dollar Geoweoweo. It looked pretty cool until we put the batteries in and turned it on. It scared all of us so bad Granddaddy had to turn it off. It runs about a million miles an hour and makes a creepy noise. Noah now stands in the hallway and looks at it but won't go in the room with it. Me either. You definitely get what you pay for. Before bedtime I tried to read him a book (every child needs culture right?). Something about Cowboy Sam. It was so boring I caught him watching the news.

Quote of the Day: "We found ourselves on the, less prepared side of things when Stanley had his-- when his heart went bezerk. And I knew exactly what to do but in a much more real sense I had no idea what to do. So I thought we should have a CPR training class. And... of course you can't get the practice dummy, unless the instructor comes along with it. Red Cross... racquet." -Michael Scott

Rule #1 - Broken

Noah came into the office today and said "where are the fish?" I had seamonkeys that all died but how do you tell a 2 year old his favorite thing in the office is dead. Then we were stuck on the fish subject. I remembered before Noah was born Martha told me to never ever ever buy him a fish or she would kill me. She was serious. But, she left the country. So, she's not the boss of me. Nemo lives at my house right now. I'm willing to share custody if Martha is.

Martha called and said they landed and are doing well. Then the phone cut off. I'll update as I can.

Quote of the Day: "If your parents never had children, chances are you won't either." -Dick Cavett

Growing and Growing and.....

My children are growing up. This is baby Frederic. I know you can hardly recognize him from the other video. He looks, well, exactly the same only slightly bigger. I love the barely there white dot on his nose. It will soon be time for him and his fuzzy brother to make a trip to the vet for some...cough...altering. But, that takes $$ and it'll have to wait a few more weeks. So, I'll just keep videoing and taking pictures. Maybe I should start scrap booking them. That's normal, right?

Quote of the Day:
Michael Scott: Let me just cut to the chase, Dwight. I want you to fall on your sword for me.
Dwight Schrute: Ohh not gonna happen. I did fall on my sword once. I was running with it in my belt. Won't happen again.

Tank

So, stupid blogger won't let me upload 2 videos to one post. Conspiracy. This is Tank my very cute kitten. He's getting bigger and bigger. I'm pretty sure his dad was a walrus. If you listen very closely you can hear John talking on my cell phone. I was multi-tasking. I'll put Frederic on later. Today is crazy at the office and I'm pretty sure I have some form of the plague. That comes with a sore throat right? AHHhhh!!!

p.s. Happy Fricken' Birthday Miranda!!!

Michael: Paaaaammmm!
Pam: What?
Michael Scott: Come here please.
Pam: Tell me before I come in there.
Michael Scott: I want you to rub butter on my foot.
Pam: No!
Michael Scott: Come here please, I have Country Crock.
Pam: No.

What A Mess

I went riding yesterday. It wasn't as easy as it sounds. I had to go run the horses out of the shed and then to the gate (that they have knocked down) and run them up to the barn. I was able to get a good look at Lilly when she was in the crossties. She was a complete mess! From her knees down on her front legs and her hocks down on her back legs she was swollen, red, and her hair was gone. She had terrible scabs and some bleeding also. When I checked her on Wednesday she was fine. Her nose also had some sunburn. I do have to keep sunscreen on her during the summer because she has pink skin and burns easily. But, her legs are a different matter. I know horses can get "scratches." Basically a fungus from the area they're living in being too wet. That's not the case in her pasture. Some white horses get are photosensitive and react badly to harsh sunlight. Could it be that? Maybe. Or, fire ants (pire ants: according to Noah. I haven't seen ANY fire ants in that pasture. WHAT IS GOING ON! I washed her with cold water and the swelling went down. I put medication all over her and then some face protection for flies and sunscreen. She looks ridiculous. I'll check her today if the weather isn't too bad. If she isn't improved I'm bringing her in the barn. She hates it but she doesn't have choice.

Quote of the Day: "In the Schrute family we believe in a five-fingered intervention. Awareness. Education. Control. Acceptance. And punching." -Dwight Schrute

The Skinny

I just bought another veil. It's my new favorite. I bought one several months ago but when I got it I just wasn't blown away. Then I found the very first one I had ever looked at on a website by accident. I snatched it up. I am so excited! It should be here hopefully by tomorrow. Maybe I can post it on the blog. I've already shown it to John so it won't matter. Also, John just shipped 2 chai sets and an Iraqi flag home. It's going to be a fun mail week. I know I've already posted this picture of John but I don't feel comfortable posting the pictures he has sent me on my blog. They have other soldiers and Iraqis in them and I want to make sure everyone stays safe. I survived the camping trip with Mike and his teen class at church. I had a good time. Nobody really slept much. I tried to in the bed of my truck on an air mattress. It's hard to sleep when people keep prank calling your phone from about 20 feet way. Ahhh, good times!

Glass

Carroll, I owe you a dollar. I didn't pay you enough for the cake plates...but I LOVE THEM! My mom thought the blue one was really cool. I haven't shown them to John yet (I guess I have now). I can't wait to use them. It does mean, however, that I'll have to cook something. Or maybe I'll just put candy in them. Hmmmmm, better idea. John's birthday is coming up Sep 23rd. I know it's early but I'll be getting a box together to send over if anyone wants to contribute. Ok, gotta go.

Quote of the Day: "I have a very important decision to make. We need a new copier. We need new chairs. And I need to figure out a way to keep this money without having everybody hate me." -Michael Scott

ALMOST LOST!

I reached down to check my necklace today and it was GONE! AHHH! The chain had come apart and the pendant was nowhere. Then the phone rang and delayed my search party attempts. But, I found it on the floor. Crisis averted. It's my favorite necklace and I would have been really sad. Plus, I didn't want to have to tell John that the first gift he gave me I flushed. Now I don't have to. In local news, I rode Lilly and Cole. It was pretty uneventful. I'm actually surprised I was able to catch Cole. He hasn't been ridden in weeks just because he runs from me. Plus, I'm not that dedicated. I usually just grab Scout instead and he's happy for the attention. John seems to be doing well. I wish he was doing nothing but I'll have to settle for close to nothing. I ate Taco Bell 2 days in a row. It's been a strange week and I felt like I needed it. That puts the "try on the bridal gown again" off for at least another week. We will start repairing some of the beading soon and then on to the alterations. I'm very excited!!

Dwight Schrute: Who stands to benefit from our downfall?
Jim Halpert: The Mob? Maybe NASA?
Dwight Schrute: Could be the mob. But then Dunder Mifflin would need to be a front for money laundering and there is little evidence of that.
Jim Halpert:Is there some evidence of that?

Stuff etc.

What is with the huge thunderstorm rolling through? I'm afraid to answer the phones here. Is is going to do this all day? I'm sending John a big box today the youth group at church got together. I went through it, and uh, it's pretty interesting stuff. We also added letters. Since I can't get him to read a book those will have to do. I have so much paperwork to do here at the office and an insurance auditor is coming tomorrow. Nothing is ready for him. At least I don't have to water trees at the barn today. One less thing. John, Noah has a lot of questions concerning farm equipment. It would be nice if you addressed some if not all of them. Martha resorted to making up words. It'll work for now but he's eventually going to find out his momma is full of it.

Michael Scott: Sir...! I placed a bunch of golden tickets into five seperate boxes and somehow they all ended up at Blue Cross. How did this happen?
Darryl: Were the boxes near each other?
Michael Scott: Irrelevant.
Darryl: I put three pallets on the truck to Blue Cross once a week. They use a lot of paper.
Michael Scott: Ok. I'm going to ask you something and I want you to be honest. What is a pallet.

FOR JOHN

Please distribute these appropriately. If you need Safety Patrol tips ask Martha. She was one in middle school. I can just see her with the little stop sign now.

Quote of the Day: "You've been granted level 3 security clearance. Don't get too excited, that's out of 20." -Dwight Schrute

sad

I just wish we showed this kind of respect for a fallen soldier.

The Elusive John

John has been out of contact for several days but Noah wanted to sing him a song yesterday in the car on the way to his house. I let the camera roll. Yes, I know it's an Airborne song and doesn't exactly apply to John but Noah doesn't know that. We went and played on some of the tractors at John's house also...shhhh...don't tell anyone. We hope to hear from John soon but we know this kind of thing can take awhile.
A lot is happening over there so please keep him in your prayers. We love you John!

Quote of the day: "The Michael Scott Paper Company is a dream that I've had...since lunch. And, I'm not giving up on it that easily." -Michael Scott

Frustrations!

I just got off the phone with Martha. She was in freak out mode and I can understand why. There is a lot going on in Washington that could have devastating effects on all of our lives and businesses. I would like to challenge everyone today to become more informed about some of the HUGE issues that we are facing.

Cap and Trade: "A cap-and-trade program is one in which a government or regulatory body first sets a limit or “cap” on the amount of environmental degradation or pollution permitted in a given area and then allows firms or individuals to trade permits or credits in order to meet the cap." -ecoagriculture.org

This foolishness is basically an extra tax on businesses that most businesses can't afford. Are you kidding me? They've been doing this kind of nonsense in Europe for awhile and finally the public seems to be waking up.

Universal Health Care: "Health care coverage for all eligible residents of a political region and often covers medical, dental and mental health care. These programs vary in their structure and funding mechanisms. Typically, most costs are met via a single-payer health care system or national health insurance, or else by compulsory regulated pluralist insurance (public, private or mutual) meeting certain regulated standards. Universal health care is implemented in all but one of the wealthy, industrialized countries, with the exception being the United States.[1][2] It is also provided in many developing countries and is the trend worldwide." -wikipedia

The White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was recently asked an interesting question,

Q The President actually told the AMA that "there are some countries where a single-payer system works pretty well." Do you know what countries he was referring to or what he was talking about?

MR. GIBBS: I don't know exactly the countries. I think you could -- I think if you talk to people in the countries that have those systems, they'd think their health care is pretty good.

Q Would you know specifically, though -- Canada, Britain --

MR. GIBBS: Canada, Britain, maybe France. I don't know the exact countries, but, again, I think -- I don't think the President is going way out on a limb that some people in other countries have a health care system that they like, just as Americans like the health care that they have.

Uh, Michael Scott answer. Please read up on what's going on with our country. I'm about to start firing off some very strongly worded letters to congressmen and whomever else has unfortunately provided the public with their email address. Please join me.

Rachael Out

Kitties and Stuff

Yes, this is a dorky video and my commentary is even worse. But, I wanted John to see his new babies. Carroll and I played this Saturday. We shopped and movied and ate. We had a really great time. I have fallen in love with the Homegoods store. We went down every single aisle AND I FOUND THIS....

It now belongs to me. I'm sure I'll drop and break it on the way to John's house. I'm sure John hopes I'll drop and break it on the way to his house. Joy and her friend from Texas came and played at the barn on Sunday. It is very good to have her home. Everybody pray that VBS will go well this week. Millions of children would be great. We'd settle for 20 however.

Quote of the Day: "Dwight hit a bear. He'll be here in a sec." -Michael Scott

BOX MAILED!

It took us about and hour last night to get everything together and labeled. Carroll, Mrs. Shirley, my mom and I got some stuff together to send to John and his guys. What I didn't eat we mailed to Iraq. It's some good stuff. Along with it we sent some items John requested. He constantly needs things like foot powder and I may or may not have sneaked some Lindor peanut butter things in there also. He'll get it just in time for it all to me squished and melted. But, we tried. I don't know about this whole converter box thing. If it rains it breaks up, if it's windy it breaks up, if it's sun shiny and a medium size bird flies over it breaks up. I miss old T.V.

Quote of the Day
Michael Scott:Our company is worth nothing. That's the difference between you and I. Business isn't about money to me, David. If tomorrow my company goes under I will just start another paper company. And then another and another and another. I have no shortage of company names.
David Wallace: Michael--
Michael Scott: That's one of 'em! Yes!

Converter Box

I stole John's converter box from his barn. I turned toward the TV Friday just in time to see it go off. Now I can get lots of really weird channels. I'm currently watching one of the dumbest alien movies ever made...no wait...it just got dumber. The picture posted today is of John doing something that he can't really tell you about. He is in an undisclosed location acting in a military way with nondescript people. Actually, It's not a really big deal. It was just some mission he had to run one night. I'm pretty sure he was humming while he was doing it and probably rolling on the ground some too. We are getting a box together for his 16-18 guys so if you want to contribute it would be great.
I just got of the phone with an irate man. Maybe I could ship him to Iraq. He sits in his house all day and worries about his drain flies. He could use some sunshine.

Quote of the Day: "You all took a life here today. You did. The life of the party." -Michael Scott

Let's Go Fishing

I've been wanting to post this for awhile. It is so much fun to watch Noah fish. He mostly reels them halfway in and runs around screaming that he caught one. Mike will put them in a buck of water so Noah can name them and then they turn them loose. So far all have survived. Even the one in this video. He names them all either Nemo or Dori. Go figure.

Quote of the Day: "No, Dwight. 'Respect.' R-E-S-PCEVEE-T. Find out what it means to me!" -Michael Scott

Hitting The Road

I WENT ON VACATION! We took off last Friday and went to the mountains. It was awesome. I slept, and slept, and read books, and went to weird little shops and bought stuff (note: the wooden bear). I was able to skype John for about 9 seconds before a storm came over the mountain. It was actually cold up there. I guess the weather hasn't realized that it's summer yet. Perfect! I have two new baby kittens now. I caught the brother to Frederic. The girl I met at the vet never called me back about taking him so I'm stuck with a FLUFFY orange and white kitten named Tank. Tragedy struck, however, this weekend. My uncle informed me that a black cat was run over in front of my house on Saturday night (he always gets stuck burying my poor cats). He buried it before it could be identified. I have 4 black cats. Well, 3 and a half. One is a stray that comes and goes. I had to do inventory on everybody and we narrowed it down to 2. It could be Jake (the stray) or Peri. We were doing so well with cats lately too. But, it's almost impossible to keep a cat from roaming. Peri was my feral inside cat that we had to kick out because he liked to spray inside. It makes me sad but I'm glad that I didn't have to call John and tell him his beloved Dump was roadkill.

Quote of the Day: "I want to clamp Michael's face in a George Foreman grill." -Jim Halpert