The Birthday Chick, A Dead Mouse Story, Tuesdays with Judith, Spending Time with RT, My Favorite Things RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE, Quotable Quotes and Pinterest Stuff (Ten Ways to Keep the Fun in Marriage)

Good Tuesday evening!

RANDOMNESS #1 - The Birthday Chick - The Chick turned 21 yesterday.

I am without words...

Except to say the last 21 years have been an adventure.

Not always easy...

Rarely predictable...

But always, ALWAYS, an adventure.

I am liking the young woman Roxie has become.

A lot.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Proverbs 31:25

This has been "her" verse for the past 21 years, and while it might not have fit her perfectly as a wee babe, I am happy to report, she is growing into "her" verse quite nicely.

Quite nicely, indeed.



RANDOMNESS #2 - A Dead Mouse Story - I bet I know what you are thinking.

"Belinda walked up into another pair of flowy pants, fell and landed on a mouse... thus, killing him... making him dead."

And you would be wrong!

I was at my grandmother's house one day last week, and I walked out onto her carport sometime during the visit and noticed a little mouse. He didn't look dead. In fact, he looked very much alive and he was in a runner's pose.

However, being very intuitive about such things...

And stomping, clapping and yelling, "HEY, HEY, LITTLE MOUSE! I NEED TO GET TO MY CAR AND YOU ARE BLOCKING THE ENTIRE PATH!" for several (nay, many) minutes, I correctly deduced he was, in fact, no longer a living rodent.

Fun fact for you...

I don't DO dead mice. It is not something I am known for, and it is certainly nothing I want to "overcome."

I am quite happy with my "I don't DO dead mice" status.

Proud, even.

Throughout the day, I went out onto the carport maybe three more times, and each and every time, the dead little mouse was still there.

That's when I went into Plan B mode and started yelling, "HEY, HEY, LITTLE KITTY! I GOTTA YUMMY SNACK FOR YA!" for several more (nay, many) minutes.

There is never a cat around when you need one.

As it was starting to get late in the day, I felt a good granddaughter would get rid of a dead mouse for her 96 year-old grandmother...

So I called my sister and my cousin.

We hang from the same family tree, but they are made of much stronger stock than The Enchanting Belinda...

And I am okay with that. It bothers me little, to not at all.

With no help forthcoming (I really didn't call Bev and Amy, by the way), I grabbed an old dustpan from the closet and scooped up the dead little fellow.

Yuck.

Double yuck.

My simple plan was to toss him out into the backyard, but because I failed to walk closer to the edge of the carport, my toss just threw him into the carport ceiling...

And back down onto the carport...

I went back inside MamMa's house to get a hit of caffeine (Pepsi, Baby) before trying again.

The second time was the charm...

Kinda.

I walked closer to the edge of the carport, but I still threw the dead mouse straight up into the carport ceiling.

I was certain he was going to land on my head, and I was just going to have a good ol'-fashioned come apart right then and there, but he fell at an angle about one foot in front of me...

Half on and half off the carport.

I realize, most people would have just kicked him off with the toe of their shoe, but I opted for the "knock-the-bowling-pins-down-by-throwing-the-bowling-ball-and-jumping-up-and-down-really-hard-to-try-and-make-the-floor-move" technique.

It has never worked in the bowling alley, but I kid you not, after 20 or so hard jumps on the concrete carport, the little dead mouse rolled off into the grass.

Once again, I know what you're thinking.

I could not possibly have jumped hard enough to shake a dead mouse off of a concrete carport.

Which means the mouse was probably not dead at all.

At the beginning of the story, he was quite possibly a very hard-sleeping little mouse...

And toward the middle and end of the story (where I launched him into the carport ceiling not once, but twice), he was a stunned and/or concussed little mouse.

I may never know...

And just between you and me...

I'm okay with that.

RANDOMNESS #3 - Tuesdays with Judith - There was only one pic of Judith this week, and Aunt Ro happened to be home.


Yeah.

I liked it, too.

RANDOMNESS #4 - Spending Time with RT


This is RT right before lunch. He was his usual super-cheerful self.

And then I put a spoonful of green peas in his little mouth.


Here.

Allow me to help you with the narrative.

"But Nana B. I thought you said you loved me."


"I thought we had a deal. Only bananas and sweet potatoes at your house. I feel so betrayed."


After three bites, I gave him the rest of his bottle...


And I let him lose the shirt for the rest of the day.

A naked baby is a happy baby.

I read that on a pillow once.

I think he forgave me!

RANDOMNESS #5 - My Favorite Things RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE - I just have a couple of things to add to my ever-growing list, so bear with me, please.

1. I am loving the Great British Baking Show on Netflix. My cousin told me about it, and I passed over it again and again and again. Little did I know, this is one of the greatest shows ever from PBS. In my mind, I have to put it in the same category as Sherlock Holmes AND the ever-popular Downton Abbey.

That comparison may be a little bit of a stretch, but not too much.

At the end of each and every show, I have an incredibly strong urge to whip up a batch of crisp biscuits OR a dessert which ends with spun sugar OR play with flavors like blackberry/chocolate, rhubarb/peach, vanilla/cardamom...

And raspberries!

Oh... my... goodness.

The Brits do love their raspberries.

And now, so do I!

2. Have you seen The Pioneer Woman magazine?

Have you?

The second one recently "dropped," and it is a feast for the eyes, I tell you.

And it has user-friendly info, too.

I mean, recipes and tasks the average person can actually make and do without having to sign up for a college course.

It isn't British, but it is absolutely lovely!

Quotable Quotes - In honor of The Chick and her birthday, today's quotes all have something to do with ADVENTURE.

"Spontaneity is the best kind of adventure.”

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain

"As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was about to happen.” Winnie the Pooh

Pinterest Stuff

Ten Ways to Keep Fun in Marriage

1. Never stop experiencing new things together.

When you go on that cruise, sign up for dance lessons. When you go on that beach vacation, rent some jet skis and take off.

2. Flirt. You know how to flirt, so do it.

3. Go on dates. Another one of my favorites. I love going to a quiet restaurant where we can talk. This is usually when we really catch up on what’s going on in each of our worlds.

4. If possible, go on mini vacations together. If your husband travels, and it’s feasible, go with him. We’re just now able to do that because our girls are older.

5. Go to a concert and dance. Get up and move yo’ body. This is so fun!

6. Go on a bike ride.

7. Watch a funny movie together. Laugh together!

8. Enroll for dance lessons together in your town.

9. Go on walks or long car rides together, especially when it’s nice outside.

10. Find some favorite shows on TV and watch them together. I love doing this with John. It’s kind of our thing, and we make a big deal out of watching them “together.”

NOTE FROM ENCHANTING BELINDA - You have probably seen this list many times before. If it doesn't inspire you to do anything else, at least let it inspire you to make your own list!

I'll be back in a few days with some 89-degree Autumnal Fun.

Yeah.

It doesn't sound like much "fun" to me either...

But we'll make the most of it!

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Spending Time with RT, An Entire Weekend with Judith AND Pinterest Stuff (Object Lesson - Gossip is Like Glitter)

Good Friday afternoon!

RANDOMNESS #1 - The above pic is in honor of Courtney's 26th birthday which happened this past week.

I bet you thought adults were no longer allowed in the Picture Topper of the Blog, didn't you?

Well, I just decided about four minutes ago to let adults appear in the Picture Topper during their Birthday Week...

AND if they are, by chance, in a pic with a grand-tot.

That seems fair to me!

RANDOMNESS #1 - Spending Time with RT - Little Man and I enjoyed a few hours together the other day. He is a scooting/crawling/about-to-get-into-everything machine...

And that's a very good thing.






He was literally trying to hide behind Hank, but when I didn't pop up over the top yelling, "Peek-A-Boo," right away, he had to show himself.

Eight-month olds and patience...

The two do not go hand in hand.

RANDOMNESS #2 - An Entire Weekend with Judith - We were able to keep Judith from Saturday night until Tuesday afternoon this past week, and one thing was made crystal clear to me...

Nana B is no longer 35.

She's not even 45.

Or 55, for that matter.

The energy in a two year-old body is, quite frankly, ridiculous...

And tiring...

And dare I say...

Exhausting!

But definitely fun.

Yeah.

Definitely fun.


Back in the day, Mike and I had a hard-and-fast-rule of NO JUMPING ON THE BEDS.

Technically, that particular rule is still in place.

Technically, just because Pop caved doesn't mean Nana B agreed with the decision to break the rule.

Technically, just because Nana B was taking pictures doesn't mean the rule will not apply next week...

Or the next.


Technically, I'm pretty sure Little Man will be breaking the same rule with Pop and Nana B in attendance in the very near future.

We have turned into such wimps...

With Pop being just a little wimpier than Nana B.






A little independence never looked so cute!

Pinterest Stuff

Gossip is Like Glitter

Glitter. I hear the word and I start quaking in my boots. Glitter is one of those things clearly invented by someone who just doesn't care about other's feelings. It is messy, annoying and downright disturbing when used in the wrong ways.

Last month, when our guidance counselor pulled out a bottle of it in our classroom I nearly fainted, no exaggeration necessary. I took a few cleansing breaths and clamped my mouth shut so I wouldn't scream out, "NNNOOOOOOOO!!!!"

She began her lesson, and it was pure genius. There is no way around it. It truly was genius with the glitter and all.

The lesson itself was all about rumors and gossip, and how when you spread them around, you cannot ever get them back.

Each table group was given a tiny pinch of glitter in one student's hands. Their job was to pass the glitter, every last speck of it, around the table in one minute. The rules were simple. You only had to keep the glitter in your hands.

The words EPIC FAIL have never been more true. Of course, there was glitter everywhere! Not only were students not able to get it off of their hands, but in the process of trying they got it on their desks, their clothes, in their hair, on the floor and pretty much everywhere else imaginable.

Then came the lesson portion. Our counselor asked the students to look around at all the glitter and talked about how the glitter is like a rumor or gossip. Once you begin to spread it, you can never really get it back.

Have truer words every been spoken than, "Gossip is like glitter?"

My students moved on with their day, glitter still everywhere, but somehow I didn't mind it too much. Who am I kidding? I most certainly did mind it, but I broke out the lint roller and all was well with the world!

NOTE FROM ENCHANTING BELINDA - In order to make this a very effective Object Lesson, pick and talk about any of the following verses:

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 16:28 - A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 11:13 - Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Proverbs 6:16-19 - There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Psalm 34:13 - Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Guys... Please have the most wonderful weekend you possibly can.

I will be back soon with this and that and more pics. Always more pics!

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

P.S. The Chick will be turning 21 in just a few days.

Here are a few pics from last year ON her actual birthday.


I may or may not have held this hug a little bit too long judging from The Chick's face.


But she forgave me, and danced her Dad and me down the hall to the elevator.




Twenty-one.

That is a ridiculously large number for the baby of the family.

Heavy, heavy sigh.

Spending Time with RT, Saturday with Josh's Fam, Blog Linkage, S'mores Crescent Rolls AND Pinterest Stuff (Fall Bucket List)

Good Wednesday morning!

RANDOMNESS #1 - Spending Time with RT - Nothing new here. Just more preciousness than the average person gets to experience... sometimes in a whole lifetime!

Enjoy!








I like a kid who just lets it all hang out.

Notice there is no sucking in of the stomach area.

I'm designing a new adult onesie...

"EMBRACE THE GIRTH!"

I may make an infant version, too.


And look at this pic.

Completely exposed thighs...

Dimples in knee AND elbow areas.

He owns it AND rocks it!

Which gives me an idea for yet another adult onesie...

"ROCK THOSE DIMPLES!"

I am currently taking orders...

RANDOMNESS #2 - Saturdays with Josh's Fam - Courtney asked me and Mike to come to Hartselle last Saturday evening to take a few couple pics of her and Josh.

So that is exactly what we did.

While Josh, Courtney and I were running around Hartselle, Pop took Judith to a nearby park to SWING.










No exposed thighs, girth or knee and elbow dimples here.

No, sir!

Well, on second glance I did spot a couple of cheek dimples...

Which are certainly acceptable and CUTE on adult-type people!

Sweet guys.


There is a new Zaxby's in Hartselle, so we headed over there to meet up with Pop and Judith after the photo shoot.


Judith is an "I want my chicken NOW" kind of Little Chick...

And in this picture, it showed.

Blog Linkage

1. Go to www.missionalmotherhood.com and read Donna Gaines' post entitled "No More Fear." Excellent, excellent read! Don't skip a word, please.

2. Also go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and read her post entitled, "Full Heart, Heavy Heart." At the end of the post she gives a list of organizations you can donate money to help with the clean up and rebuilding of parts of Texas and Louisiana after Hurricane Harvey's devastation.

S'mores Crescent Rolls

You will need the following:

1 can refrigerated crescent rolls (8 count)
1/4 cup Nutella
64 mini marshmallows
40 chocolate chips
2 graham crackers

1. Unroll crescent dough into triangles.

2. Top each with 1 teaspoon Nutella, 8 mini marshmallows, 5 chocolate chips and 1/4 graham cracker (broken into pieces).

3. Carefully roll dough into crescent shape, starting at the wide end and working your way to the point.

4. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Drizzle with remaining Nutella. (You may have to heat it slightly to make it the right consistency.)

I tried this the other night, and it was a pretty good little dessert. You'll want to eat it warm rather than cold, so I suggest you have it ready to pop into the oven when you sit down to dinner. By the time it comes out of the oven and you've finished dinner, it should be just right!

Pinterest Stuff

Fall Bucket List

1. Try a new soup recipe.

2. Decorate pumpkins.

3. Host a Thanksgiving dessert night.

4. Bake an apple pie.

5. Take a bubble bath.

6. Have s’mores by candlelight.

7. Take pictures in fall leaves.

8. Get a fall scented candle.

9. Enjoy a scenic fall drive.

10. Have a movie marathon

11. Make pumpkin pancakes.

12. Visit a farmers market.

13. Bundle up and grab a latte for a stroll.

14. Dress up for Halloween.

15. Start knitting a scarf.

NOTE FROM THE ENCHANTING BELINDA - Okay. There are a million Fall Bucket Lists out there, but this is a good one. Start with these 15 and add activities that fit your family. Make it your own, and see what you can cross off the list by the end of November! Have a great Wednesday. I'll be back in a few days with more simple stuff.

Take care.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda