[Mara]

Hey Mom. There's no school. *bounces*

*love some more*

[Smaller]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

Mine too! [/panflute]

Are yours smarkling elephant style? [/whisper] I think mine are.

I don't know. Is it working? [/doe-eyed]

Well, um, no, I mean, no of course not.

You should enter a competition of sorts. Spleenish sorts, specifically.

I could enter a spleeny champeenship. I wonder what would happen if I would over work my spleen.

No. *groan*

But I bet I could if you would quit whispering all the time. *moves cot away from Rhymish*

*poke* Can I trade with you? I really want the red cot. The red cot is my favorite.[/spitty whisper]

Actual physical fighting? Involving actual anger?

Originally Posted by Small

I will answer for us both:

*shame*

That's good. Some boys shouldn't giggle because it just doesn't sound right. I would not want her to be married to someone gigglier than herself. And gentlemanly is good.

That's part of why it is a great giggle, because he doesn't toss it everwhere all the time.

Gentlemanly Story: At a very chilly local social event last fall I lent my jacket to a friend and then was wearing only a T-shirt at which point bassist insisted that I wear his hoodie for the rest of the evening. The end.

Yes. I am working on a photo layout and personal bio for Sophie. We are tiring of her and would really like to marry her off soon. Her constant charm is grating our nerves and she eats too many vegetables. Can hardly keep them in the house.

Yes, I see your problem. You'll need to make the veiwership somewhat exclusive though to ensure that the charming little cads don't get a chance.

Vindaloo Update:
February 23, 2007 (Which just so happens to be the 200th anniversary of the law passed in British Parliament making the slave trade, but not slave ownership, illegal.)
Mission accomplished. It's some spicy stuff, but really tasty. We now have no need for Vindaloo updates. It is the passing of a very, very, very short era.

HURRAH FOR TASTY VINDALOO!

Originally Posted by Small

There is a wrench, which I hate to throw in the works, but which must, from necessity be lobbed works-ward: he is one of those people who tends to be somewhat quiet, at least at first. The emergence of the real him is a gradual process, and if I recall correctly, Sophie is much the same; hence there could be problems right at first, or perhaps the similarity of personality will lead them to the conviction that they are kindred spirits.

The good thing here is that his somewhat shy person is polite, humoring and utterly charming.

There is a photo on his cousin, the other guitarist's wall, in which he looks very much like the pretty-boy villain in a Disney film, and one would be turned off by it, were it not for the fact that the guitarist reports that he hated what the photographer made him do with head-tosses and so forth to achieve the pose which has been recorded for posterity.

He needed to fling his head vigourously to one side, to be specific, in order to make his bangs fall attractively across his forehead and eyes. And yes, he was very annoyed with it all.


I think this post was somewhat nicer this morning when I first wrote it. Unfortunately when I hit 'Submit Reply' the internet experienced an error and I lost everything. *tired sigh*

I hope your weather is not being too horrid and that you are finding wonderful ways to stay cozy and happy.

Oh, and we have hot chocolate again! This morning I stumbled through the local grocery store and snagged a box of Swiss Miss off the shelf. With mini marshmallows, mind you. And not only that. *eyebrow wiggle* I remembered something you said about whipped cream in hot chocolate so I splurged and purchased a spiffy can of expensive extra creamy whipped cream. I also sprayed some in Smalls mouth after we came home. Those things are too much fun and also very spitty if you don't immediately know how to operate them.


I think I will take a nap at this point.

[Mara's Mom]

SNOW DAY!!!

Originally Posted by Mara

Mom, today there is a two hour delay at school, which means I am going to go sleep on the couch until you wake me up. *love*

Originally Posted by Mara

Hey Mom. There's no school. *bounces*

*love some more*

I know. *gigglebounce*

We are doing quite well wasting this day so far, aren't we? [/Bride magazine]

Originally Posted by hapa_angel

Well, when I am down to blog-checking maybe once or twice a week, a whole lot more than that tends to slip past...

I know how that is, Rachel. We are so glad that you pop in every once in awhile, though!

Hullo, Mrs. D. When ARE you getting a Wii? *nudge, nudge*

The answer to that most likely begins with N and ends in Ever. We are not a video game type family. But they sound like fascinating little machines. I have no idea their capabilities.

Or should I just make your Mii for you?

Can you do that? [/whisper]

Ohmygoodness, you guys have to see our Art and Rachel Miis. And Kepa's; it looks just like him! I'll have to link the console to a laptop and take a screenshot one of these days.

I would love to see them!

Originally Posted by Smaller

Are yours smarkling elephant style? [/whisper] I think mine are.

Yeah, but like gangsta elephants! [/whisper]

I could enter a spleeny champeenship. I wonder what would happen if I would over work my spleen.

Maybe it would go spastic. Or is that the colon? I'm getting parts mixed up.

*poke* Can I trade with you? I really want the red cot. The red cot is my favorite.[/spitty whisper]

Of course. [/tissue]

Gentlemanly Story: At a very chilly local social event last fall I lent my jacket to a friend and then was wearing only a T-shirt at which point bassist insisted that I wear his hoodie for the rest of the evening. The end.

Good call, Supercute Bassist. Now, would this fit in with your brother's modified version of chivalry?

What do you think of girls wearing boys' clothes? It seems there is a certain significance attached to it, outside of the above situation. Well, and sometimes in those situations actually.

For example, a girl wears a boy's hat while he's playing dodgeball. But he will only allow a "certain" girl to do that. And there is some significance in her eyes that he will let her be the one to wear it, but then she'll also wear hats belonging to other boys at random times. Yeah. What do you think about that? [/teen drama]

I think this post was somewhat nicer this morning when I first wrote it. Unfortunately when I hit 'Submit Reply' the internet experienced an error and I lost everything. *tired sigh*

I'm sorry. That is very frustrating. But just think, maybe those posts are in some kind of Post Heaven. And they are happy and free. I bet their pets are there to greet them.

I hope your weather is not being too horrid and that you are finding wonderful ways to stay cozy and happy.

We are. ICE CREAM!

Oh, and we have hot chocolate again! This morning I stumbled through the local grocery store and snagged a box of Swiss Miss off the shelf. With mini marshmallows, mind you. And not only that. *eyebrow wiggle* I remembered something you said about whipped cream in hot chocolate so I splurged and purchased a spiffy can of expensive extra creamy whipped cream. I also sprayed some in Smalls mouth after we came home. Those things are too much fun and also very spitty if you don't immediately know how to operate them.

Yay! Then all has been made right. And I have found that if you do happen to have a spitty experience with aerosol whipped cream, just smear it in your sweater with your hands and no one will be able to tell.

I think I will take a nap at this point.

I saw that you weren't feeling well yesterday. I hope your nap will help. *hug*
~*~

PICTURE TIME, KIDS!

1. I like to call this one "Finally".
2. My mom was contantly telling me to get my hair out of my face. The legacy continues.
3. A Sophie
4. Some snow
5. Some more snow

[Mara's Mom]

1. The neighbor's house
2. Some chicken
3. Some drummer from some band

[Godslilrosebud]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

Now. *straightens hair and settles in next to Rosebud* You must tell me three of your favorite things in the whole world. Is Chris Rice still one of them? Favorite things are not to be underestimated. Ever. Sometimes they give us just enough lift that we think we have wings for a moment. And we all need to fly at times. So, yes. Your three favorite things. Or more than three. Doesn't matter. You go first and then I'll go and maybe we can get others to join in. *clap*

Yes. Chris Rice is still a favorite. And HOW DID YOU KNOW I LOVE FlyLady????? Anyhow. Writing: poetry, fiction, lyrics, essays. Yes, I love writing. Reading. All the way. PURPLE. And GREEN. And roses, and rabbits, and chocolate, and web design. And a clean room, and a good piece of steak, and some cream sherry cake. [sings]These are a few of my favorite things![/sings] Horses, and butterflies, and a magazine arriving in the mail, and a new litter of rabbits, and a hug from my sister. An awesome new song, or one that makes me cry. A brand new CD, and a trip to the library. [Anne-ish]Snuggling up in the spare room bed.[/Anne-ish] Waking up early enough that no one else is up. A hot cup of cocoa. A raspberry-white-chocolate-biscotti-biscuit. A newborn baby. A bride. My darling favorite aunt. A really awesome graphic that I made myself. My name.



Mrs. D, which way should I spell my name?

[Small]

Ahem: this is going to be Epic. It isn't my fault either.

If you reply to it, you have my permission to leave things out, so it isn't Epic anymore.

Originally Posted by
Mara's Mom;2817633

Weather Update:
Iowa is no longer closed. But enter at your own risk. [/falling limbs]

Two winters hence when my family was travelling to Indiana for my cousin's voice recital, we drove through a small town in Indiana where a tree lay across a car in someone's driveway. I laughed a dark and mordant laugh, and felt bad for the owner.

Sophie and I were snuggled in my bed while she rummaged through my very small and unimpressive jewelry box. May I ask why it is so shocking that I would keep my toenail?!?

The shock was no doubt from the lack of gold plating.


Mr. D is a snow hero, conquering driveways and sidewalks of neighbors and church friends and pastors everywhere.

Listen up, young men. Your wife will adore you when you do things like this.

Listen up, young women. There is a time to snuggle and there is a time to share your husband.

That was just a very short life lesson for anyone interested. *laugh*

Duly noted; it is good to develop these habits before anyone cares. *chuckle*

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

Aren't you ever the sneaky one? *chuggle*

I am slyer than Stallone.

Oho! Modified in whose favor? *laugh*

Did you read my essay? *grin*

If not, you really must to at all grasp my position. Both essays. Your daughter has copies of both, I actually wrote them in response to a very-long phone conversation, or the sincere and good hearted, but unsportsmanlike actions of some young men recounted to me in the aforementioned c.

Are you really kneeling in your heart of hearts? *narrows eyes*

I was going to kiss your hand, but decided just kneeling was better. So one could say I probably am, in fact, I am now kneeling in all reality, and typing while I do.

The poor thing can't help it. She forgets to be clever and you can hardly hold that against her.

No, one can't. One is reminded of all the clever things she'd say, if only she remembered to say them. Oh, what might have been!

Hmm. But she would try to trick him by dressing down and turning off her sparkle. Is he the sort that would see through this test?

He would change into grungy clothing and take her outside to ride 4-wheeler, I think.

A good friend would protect his knees just in case.

Herein lies the main beauty of my way of life: I realized that I'll probably have to have knee replacement surgery some time in my life, anyway, so why not get it over with at age 9 and spend the rest of your days prancing on synthetic materials which are resistant to knife-wielding defeated rivals?

Here is a tip: Artichoke dip. [/traitor]

I will make a note of it, and now I'll reference a children's film apparently no one has seen:
"BOINGONIUM!"

Quite true. *haughty sniff*

If a waiter were to present me with a plate of vindaloo, I would scoff a bit, and ask to speak to his manager.

That could work. I committed an act of treason against pie today by purchasing pie crust. From a store. *nervous blink*

It is alright, Mrs. D. I sometimes do that, too. It may be the way of things in the midwest. We are a region of pie treasonists.

Baking chocolate? Chocolate chips? Chocolate syrup? *bites lip*

The chocolate syrup has recently run dry. Yesterday, Smaller purchased a package of hot chocolate, but it is hers, not the family's, and so I shrink from utilizing the fact that she can refuse me nothing if I ask with the right smile. She is also the only person on whom this works for me. It is one of my few talents that I can look 'cute' on command (so I've heard. I actually don't believe it, but I try.) but this still doesn't allow me to extract things from people.

Yet again, we are of similar mind.

Well, hallelujah. (and amen.)

You are correct, Great Day-Late Prophet. *laugh*

Anberlin's next hit song will be about me. *nods*

Yes, I would like to know the timing of this. It hasn't yet come up in my reading. Then again, my reading has been fairly light, relying mainly on internet sources. I would like to track down a reliable book on his life.

Is there one?

Oh, no worries there, Small. *smile*

Well, I never would've worried on that point, and never had, but "This morning I have a headache" and "Beer sampler" will run together in one's head quite easily.

Do you keep it in your jewelry box? [/whisper]

I ripped it off and threw it away. [/guy]

How strange! It also happens when one is tweaking their Netflix queue.

I think, for all my sneaky ways, I am not on par with iciness for pure stealth and nefariousness.

You don't happen to weep hot cocoa, do you? [/optimist]

I don't think I've cried in years, except in pain/cold so it's hard to tell.

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

SNOW DAY!!!

Our snow is melting, melting, melting into the dim and frosted past.

Good call, Supercute Bassist. Now, would this fit in with your brother's modified version of chivalry?

I don't think he's free-thinking in that area.

I still maintain that you should read my essays.

For example, a girl wears a boy's hat while he's playing dodgeball. But he will only allow a "certain" girl to do that. And there is some significance in her eyes that he will let her be the one to wear it, but then she'll also wear hats belonging to other boys at random times. Yeah. What do you think about that? [/teen drama]

I think, if the young man was upset and frustrated, I would discuss it with him, and then discuss it with the young lady, helping them sort out the difficulties of their relationship, because that is the sort of benevolent thing I tend to do for Young Love, and I would do it with a straight face, but if either of them looked up at the wrong moment, I might wink. And I would certainly chuckle to myself at some length, after all was made right with their world, and I might say to myself "Life is rummy, Corky old horse. Life is rummy."

I think that it's ludicrous for the girl to put anything significant in her gaze if the chap can't expect the same...*chuckles* fidelity, I think they might call it, from her. That said, I think one must ask if she would have worn any other blighter's hat at the moment she was wearing the first chap's hat, and whether or not she would object to him lending his hat to other young ladies at random times.

PICTURE TIME, KIDS!

YEAH!

1. I like to call this one "Finally".

I call it "Dang Cute".

2. My mom was contantly telling me to get my hair out of my face. The legacy continues.

Tradition is important.

3. A Sophie

This is the second time I've seen this photo. [/special]

4. Some snow

Ooh.

5. Some more snow

Some more 'ooh."

[MtlMom]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

1. The neighbor's house
2. Some chicken
3. Some drummer from some band

The neighbor's house looks like something off of a Currier and Ives plate.

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

SNOW DAY!!!

Is today also a snow day?

The answer to that most likely begins with N and ends in Ever. We are not a video game type family. But they sound like fascinating little machines. I have no idea their capabilities.

Same here. If we were to win the lottery tomorrow (which I think would require buying a ticket, which isn't going to happen) we still would not invest in a gaming system. Life is short.

What do you think of girls wearing boys' clothes? It seems there is a certain significance attached to it, outside of the above situation. Well, and sometimes in those situations actually.

For example, a girl wears a boy's hat while he's playing dodgeball. But he will only allow a "certain" girl to do that. And there is some significance in her eyes that he will let her be the one to wear it, but then she'll also wear hats belonging to other boys at random times. Yeah. What do you think about that? [/teen drama]

I think it's her hair conditioner.

PICTURE TIME, KIDS!

1. I like to call this one "Finally".

Look at the grin! Be careful, Carol - all the girls are going to want to wear his hat.

2. My mom was contantly telling me to get my hair out of my face. The legacy continues.

She has beautiful hair though!
I think I am blessed in this regard. Taylor can't stand to have her hair in her eyes.

3. A Sophie

Yay!

4. Some snow
5. Some more snow

I've shivering just looking at them. Do you have a fire in the fireplace?

Good morning!

[H.M. Murdock]

When did Mara start fixing her hair like that? Or am I just that out of the loop?


GUESS WHAT I DID TODAY.

[Mara's Mom]

Originally Posted by Godslilrosebud

Yes. Chris Rice is still a favorite. And HOW DID YOU KNOW I LOVE FlyLady????? Anyhow. Writing: poetry, fiction, lyrics, essays. Yes, I love writing. Reading. All the way. PURPLE. And GREEN. And roses, and rabbits, and chocolate, and web design. And a clean room, and a good piece of steak, and some cream sherry cake. [sings]These are a few of my favorite things![/sings] Horses, and butterflies, and a magazine arriving in the mail, and a new litter of rabbits, and a hug from my sister. An awesome new song, or one that makes me cry. A brand new CD, and a trip to the library. [Anne-ish]Snuggling up in the spare room bed.[/Anne-ish] Waking up early enough that no one else is up. A hot cup of cocoa. A raspberry-white-chocolate-biscotti-biscuit. A newborn baby. A bride. My darling favorite aunt. A really awesome graphic that I made myself. My name.

Great list, Rosebud! I will do my favorites later after replying. You have gotten us off to a good start, dear. *grin*

Look! I'm all pinky purple!

Mrs. D, which way should I spell my name?

I pronounce those two spellings different. Rachel is the normal way. Rachelle like 'ruh-shell'. So, I would say go with the one that is your actual name. *laugh*

Originally Posted by Small

Ahem: this is going to be Epic. It isn't my fault either.

Blame shifter. *wink*

If you reply to it, you have my permission to leave things out, so it isn't Epic anymore.

I hate doing that, but sometimes it is necessary.

Two winters hence when my family was travelling to Indiana for my cousin's voice recital, we drove through a small town in Indiana where a tree lay across a car in someone's driveway. I laughed a dark and mordant laugh, and felt bad for the owner.

I wonder if I have ever laughed mordantly.

Iowa has been declared an official disaster by our new governor. There are powerlines down everywhere. Poles snapped off in the wind with the weight of ice-covered lines. With more snow expected today and tomorrow.

The weather radio went off yesterday with "Civil Danger Warning" flashing. People were told to immediately call 911 if they had no power and no other place to go. They have been told, but they don't want to leave their homes. Sound familiar? *sigh*

The shock was no doubt from the lack of gold plating.

Ew. That is almost ickier than seeing it all painted pink.

I bet in some cultures they wear their toenails around their neck or something. Like a shark or boar tooth.

Duly noted; it is good to develop these habits before anyone cares. *chuckle*

That is a good plan.

Did you read my essay? *grin*

I have not. I should tell Mara to print it for me so that I don't have to sit at the computer even longer.

He would change into grungy clothing and take her outside to ride 4-wheeler, I think.

She would definitely be impressed with the latter. He would be wooing her without realizing it.

I have a story here that applies, but I'm not going to tell it. *snicker*

If a waiter were to present me with a plate of vindaloo, I would scoff a bit, and ask to speak to his manager.

Let's be clear here. Vindaloo is "out" in the way of updates, but very, very "in" if presented before you on a plate. Dig in, Small. Dig in.

The chocolate syrup has recently run dry. Yesterday, Smaller purchased a package of hot chocolate, but it is hers, not the family's, and so I shrink from utilizing the fact that she can refuse me nothing if I ask with the right smile. She is also the only person on whom this works for me. It is one of my few talents that I can look 'cute' on command (so I've heard. I actually don't believe it, but I try.) but this still doesn't allow me to extract things from people.

Hurrah on two counts. Hurrah for at least the mere existence of hot chocolate in your home and hurrah for your noble restraint.

Is there one?

Dory.

I ripped it off and threw it away. [/guy]

HA. I love the male spirit.

I don't think I've cried in years, except in pain/cold so it's hard to tell.

I don't quite know what that would be like. [/crier]

I think that it's ludicrous for the girl to put anything significant in her gaze if the chap can't expect the same...*chuckles* fidelity, I think they might call it, from her. That said, I think one must ask if she would have worn any other blighter's hat at the moment she was wearing the first chap's hat, and whether or not she would object to him lending his hat to other young ladies at random times.

*grin*

This is the second time I've seen this photo. [/special]

You are kind of on the inside track, aren't you? *laugh*

Originally Posted by MtlMom

The neighbor's house looks like something off of a Currier and Ives plate.

It does have that vibe, doesn't it? It doesn't look like a color photo, but it is.

Is today also a snow day?

Technically, every day is a snow day at this point, but, no, Tuesday was a normal day for us. As is today. We'll see about tomorrow. *watches sky*

Same here. If we were to win the lottery tomorrow (which I think would require buying a ticket, which isn't going to happen) we still would not invest in a gaming system. Life is short.

Aye. *nod*

I think it's her hair conditioner.

*chuckle*

I have found it fascinating working with youth. It's like a flood of memories, but seen through a different lens this time around. I was no different. Except for the permed hair and REM cassettes. [/80's]

Look at the grin! Be careful, Carol - all the girls are going to want to wear his hat.

They kind of already do...*shift*

I think I am blessed in this regard. Taylor can't stand to have her hair in her eyes.

That is very fortunate. To be fair, her hair isn't always in her face and in that particular shot it looks much more 'hang-y' than normal.

Good morning!

Good morning!!

Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock

When did Mara start fixing her hair like that? Or am I just that out of the loop?

Hm. I have no idea. It's been that way for a long time. She has naturally curly hair so it can look really different from one day to the next. WHY? DO YOU THINK SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH IT?!?

GUESS WHAT I DID TODAY.

Installed your car stereo? *makes scrunchy guessing face*

~*~

Okay, no. [/Em]

We are forcing Mancat to be an indoor cat now. He keeps getting hurt. *pounds gavel*

We had a wonderful Lenten reading this morning. It was about God's wrath. The author made an excellent point. That it would be flat out wrong for God to not be wrathful. It would be like God saying that He did not deserve all honor and glory, an endorsement of our sin by default. We should be in awe of His wrath as much as His mercy, because it points to how deserving He is of our love and obedience. His wrath was not eliminated by the loving act of the cross, but literally poured out on it. His wrath was not exchanged for, or cancelled out by, His mercy. It was poured out in its absolute fullness. His mercy allowed it to be poured out on His Son and away from us.

I am doing a horrible, rambling injustice to the reading. *blush*

I am going to be highlighting some hair this week. *flex*

I painted Mara's nails last night.

We've been perusing old copies of Bride magazine that we got free from the library.

Sophie has been designing clothes and wants to get a sewing machine (Mara does too) and buy some cheap clothes at Goodwill and deconstruct them and make them all kinds of cool that you can't buy anywhere unless you have thousands of dollars.

We are just getting all kinds of Girly over here. *laugh*

I need some inexpensive ideas for a main dish for 36 people. Quickly.

I need to go check on the cat.

Ciao.

[Smaller]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

Yeah, but like gangsta elephants! [/whisper]

Incredible. [/impressed] My smarkles might actually be more of a ballerina-hippo type, I think.[/whisper] I coloured one of those and sent it to Sarah sometime last month. *warmfuzzy*

Maybe it would go spastic. Or is that the colon? I'm getting parts mixed up.

Yeah, those vital organs are kind of hard to keep in order.

Of course. [/tissue]

Ohboy! Guess what, Mrs. D!? I have actually gotten the Smaller definition of a full night of sleep the last two nights. *bounce* The only bad thing about this is that when I'm half sick I tend to take alot of naps but when I have been sleeping alot at night I am sickeningly alert and can only flop about on the couches trying to fall asleep and feeling yucky.

I don't expect you're sleeping happily right now but one can always hope. *crossed fingers*

Good call, Supercute Bassist. Now, would this fit in with your brother's modified version of chivalry?

I think so. For one thing it doesn't make me dependant on him for my warmth in a general sense and also because I think he did it out of a genuinely sweet spirit and because he is naturally chivalrous, not because he has learned that chivalry is attractive or expected.

What do you think of girls wearing boys' clothes? It seems there is a certain significance attached to it, outside of the above situation. Well, and sometimes in those situations actually.

If a boy gives a girl something of his to wear it seems a bit like staking his claim. Or at least proclaiming his interest. The reason I wouldn't apply it to the above situation is because he let me wear it because I was cold and also because he is two years younger then me and stuff. *grin*

For example, a girl wears a boy's hat while he's playing dodgeball. But he will only allow a "certain" girl to do that. And there is some significance in her eyes that he will let her be the one to wear it, but then she'll also wear hats belonging to other boys at random times. Yeah. What do you think about that? [/teen drama]

It might have something to do with the fact that in a traditional sense boys fight for girls, not the opposite. For her to wear more then one boys hat at various points is, in essence, opening the competition. This could, of course, not be the case at all. The significance of her wearing his hat could also depend on whether he wants her to wear it or allows her to wear it.

We are. ICE CREAM!

YAY! What sorts of things do you put on your ice cream?

Yay! Then all has been made right. And I have found that if you do happen to have a spitty experience with aerosol whipped cream, just smear it in your sweater with your hands and no one will be able to tell.

Ooh. What a clever move.

Oh, and in regards to what Small said: In my defense I actually offered to let him drink some of it without him even smiling winningly at me.

I saw that you weren't feeling well yesterday. I hope your nap will help. *hug*

It did! I am feeling a bit better today. Thank you for your concern! *hug*

1. I like to call this one "Finally".

I agree with Small.

2. My mom was contantly telling me to get my hair out of my face. The legacy continues.

Aw. Rhymish has nice hair. My hair falls into my face alot too. [/scandalous]

3. A Sophie

Oooh. She is supercute!

2. Some chicken

Is this the chicken, Mrs. D? The Chicken!?!!!?! It looks so tasty. *happy*

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

Well, look at you, Elizabeth! How are you? You know, forever doesn't seem quite so long since you're here for a visit now.

Thank you. I am good. Growing up quite quickly, it seems, but doing well. I am trying to move to another country. We'll see how it goes.

I am well. We are healthy, we are warm despite the cold and we are aware of His hand in most things. Today I was temporarily snowbound with my family, went on a date with my daughters, took a nap with my husband, ate the last of the whipped cream, was delighted to find Jack Black in my livingroom and suffered death by lightsaber. Looking back, I'd say it's been a good day all in all. *grin*

Snowbound days are fun! We had half a day off a few weeks ago. My school never cancels, so it was exciting.

March is going to be plain old March. That is going to suit me just fine.

How about you?

I think March will be a good month, providing senioritis doesn't set in too badly. My semester has been going well. I have been busy, but not too stressed. It is absolutely fantastic, let me tell you.

What Lenten reading do you use? I have been using the Book of Common Prayer.

[Godslilrosebud]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

Great list, Rosebud! I will do my favorites later after replying. You have gotten us off to a good start, dear. *grin*

*grins*

Look! I'm all pinky purple!

I pronounce those two spellings different. Rachel is the normal way. Rachelle like 'ruh-shell'. So, I would say go with the one that is your actual name. *laugh*

Currently, my name is SPELLED Rachel. It's PRONOUNCED Rachelle. So what do I do?

[MtlMom]

Originally Posted by Mara's Mom

Iowa has been declared an official disaster by our new governor. There are powerlines down everywhere. Poles snapped off in the wind with the weight of ice-covered lines. With more snow expected today and tomorrow.

The weather radio went off yesterday with "Civil Danger Warning" flashing. People were told to immediately call 911 if they had no power and no other place to go. They have been told, but they don't want to leave their homes. Sound familiar? *sigh*

Yes, it's sad that people won't accept the help that is offered them.

Let's be clear here. Vindaloo is "out" in the way of updates, but very, very "in" if presented before you on a plate. Dig in, Small. Dig in.

I need to know why you would scoff at vindaloo, Small. Even a curry snubber like me would at least try it if it were placed before me. After all, it does have A LOT of garlic in it, so it can't be all bad.

HA. I love the male spirit.

Me too. Sometimes we females do tend to complicate things.

It does have that vibe, doesn't it? It doesn't look like a color photo, but it is.

When I showed it to Mr. M. he asked if it was a black and white photo. If you look closely you can tell that it isn't.

I have found it fascinating working with youth. It's like a flood of memories, but seen through a different lens this time around. I was no different. Except for the permed hair and REM cassettes. [/80's]

Yes, teenaged angst never changes. This is my advice to teens:
Never, ever declare someone of the opposite sex to decidedly "just a friend" or worse yet, "like a brother or sister". It makes it so much harder when you start to figure out that it is more than that.

They kind of already do...*shift*

Yeah. Well, good luck with that.

That is very fortunate. To be fair, her hair isn't always in her face and in that particular shot it looks much more 'hang-y' than normal.

She has think, beautiful hang-y hair though, as opposed to string-y hang-y hair, so it's okay.

We are forcing Mancat to be an indoor cat now. He keeps getting hurt. *pounds gavel*

Can't have injured kitties. How does he get hurt? It's really hard to turn an inside-out cat into an inside cat. Once they've had free roam, they want to prowl.

We had a wonderful Lenten reading this morning. It was about God's wrath. The author made an excellent point. That it would be flat out wrong for God to not be wrathful. It would be like God saying that He did not deserve all honor and glory, an endorsement of our sin by default. We should be in awe of His wrath as much as His mercy, because it points to how deserving He is of our love and obedience. His wrath was not eliminated by the loving act of the cross, but literally poured out on it. His wrath was not exchanged for, or cancelled out by, His mercy. It was poured out in its absolute fullness. His mercy allowed it to be poured out on His Son and away from us.

I am doing a horrible, rambling injustice to the reading. *blush*

The thing is, there is always a lesson in His wrath. If we disobey Him, he might put the crunch on us - but always because we needed it. Sometimes it's hard to see just how, but there is a reason, to be sure.

I am going to be highlighting some hair this week. *flex*

Your own or Mara's?

Sophie has been designing clothes and wants to get a sewing machine (Mara does too) and buy some cheap clothes at Goodwill and deconstruct them and make them all kinds of cool that you can't buy anywhere unless you have thousands of dollars.

I used to make a lot of my clothes. It's big fun, and you can make things that actually fit right.

I need some inexpensive ideas for a main dish for 36 people. Quickly.

Oven barbequed chicken. Please refer to the Costco frozen chicken thread.

I need to go check on the cat.

Ciao.

How is he doing?

[Mara's Mom]

Originally Posted by Smaller

Incredible. [/impressed] My smarkles might actually be more of a ballerina-hippo type, I think.[/whisper]

I have a Christmas ornament that is exactly as you've described. This is a true story. [/whisper]

Ohboy! Guess what, Mrs. D!? I have actually gotten the Smaller definition of a full night of sleep the last two nights. *bounce* The only bad thing about this is that when I'm half sick I tend to take alot of naps but when I have been sleeping alot at night I am sickeningly alert and can only flop about on the couches trying to fall asleep and feeling yucky.

Ugh. The dreaded Couch Flop. I hate that move. *kicks couch*

I don't expect you're sleeping happily right now but one can always hope. *crossed fingers*

We just can't ever seem to get it right, you and I. No. I am not sleeping happily right now. Maybe later? *wishes hard*

I think so. For one thing it doesn't make me dependant on him for my warmth in a general sense and also because I think he did it out of a genuinely sweet spirit and because he is naturally chivalrous, not because he has learned that chivalry is attractive or expected.

Perfect. It is as it should be.

If a boy gives a girl something of his to wear it seems a bit like staking his claim. Or at least proclaiming his interest.

Agreed.

The reason I wouldn't apply it to the above situation is because he let me wear it because I was cold and also because he is two years younger then me and stuff. *grin*

It absolutely does NOT apply at all.

It might have something to do with the fact that in a traditional sense boys fight for girls, not the opposite. For her to wear more then one boys hat at various points is, in essence, opening the competition. This could, of course, not be the case at all. The significance of her wearing his hat could also depend on whether he wants her to wear it or allows her to wear it.

Have you given this a lot of thought or does it just ooze out of you the way it oozes out of your brother? *laugh*

YAY! What sorts of things do you put on your ice cream?

I like ice cream that's already gunked up. If it's not gunked up, then my ultimate favorite is caramel and roasted, salted almonds. If I'm feeling nostalgic, then it's chocolate with Spanish peanuts. [/dad]

It did! I am feeling a bit better today. Thank you for your concern! *hug*

In the spirit of Small...SING, ALL YE NATIONS!

Ooooh. She is supercute!

Is it a likely match? *wiggles eyebrows*

She is even cuter in person. And quite a bit older looking actually.

Is this the chicken, Mrs. D? The Chicken!?!!!?! It looks so tasty. *happy*

YES. I posted it for you and stuff. *flop*

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

Thank you. I am good. Growing up quite quickly, it seems, but doing well. I am trying to move to another country. We'll see how it goes.

Ohmy! Which country would that be?

I think March will be a good month, providing senioritis doesn't set in too badly. My semester has been going well. I have been busy, but not too stressed. It is absolutely fantastic, let me tell you.

I don't remember where you currently attend. [/Dory]

What Lenten reading do you use? I have been using the Book of Common Prayer.

We are using a John Piper book. I enjoy his thoughts, but usually not his writing style. These are short so his writing style is not so noticeable.

Are you enjoying yours?

Originally Posted by Godslilrosebud

Currently, my name is SPELLED Rachel. It's PRONOUNCED Rachelle. So what do I do?

OK, well, that's confusing. *laugh* Personally, I would say go with Rachelle as long as your parents are fine with it.

It was terribly in fashion in the sixth grade to change the spelling of one's name. My friends Kim and Stephanie became Kym and Stefani. They also started calling their parents by their first names. *stare* I would spank Mara if she did that. I'M NOT LYING. *snicker*

Originally Posted by MtlMom

Yes, it's sad that people won't accept the help that is offered them.

I seriously hope that people have changed their minds. The forecast does not look so good and it's not worth losing your life over. Or the life of someone trying to rescue you.

Yes, teenaged angst never changes. This is my advice to teens:
Never, ever declare someone of the opposite sex to decidedly "just a friend" or worse yet, "like a brother or sister". It makes it so much harder when you start to figure out that it is more than that.

That is very interesting advice, Juna. I can't say I'd ever thought of that.

Mara and I have had discussions about her need to emphasize "like a brother". For her, I know it's a declaration to all who would want to read into her enjoyment or affection for a male friend. I think she feels safer that way. Even though it's really pointless in the end. *laugh*

Can't have injured kitties. How does he get hurt? It's really hard to turn an inside-out cat into an inside cat. Once they've had free roam, they want to prowl.

I think it is going to be horrible. Basically, I think that people aren't very nice to him. I think he has been mistreated. Of course there is the occasional cat fight and there are cars to contend with. But I think there are some not very nice people around.

His back leg is injured. AND Ian accidentally stepped on him this afternoon. So now he's REALLY injured. We have quarantined him with all of the essentials. We'll see how he is in the morning and go from there. He is sleeping peacefully at present. Poor thing.

The thing is, there is always a lesson in His wrath. If we disobey Him, he might put the crunch on us - but always because we needed it. Sometimes it's hard to see just how, but there is a reason, to be sure.

Wise words, friend.

Your own or Mara's?

Both girls. If they can decide what they want. Sophie has big plans and I have to keep reminding her that I'm in no way a professional.

~*~

This has not been done in a while. And it is a nice way to beat the blahs. Rosebud has given us a good start.

Favorite Things:
the Tooth Fairy
picking out paint colors
correctly recalling the appropriate scripture in a conversation
Thursday morning Bible study
dirty rice
fun mail
forgiveness
our Christmas ornaments
healthy kitties
Mara's music (you seriously need to go to her purevolume if you haven't ever or if you haven't been there lately)
Chocolate Porter
pretty dishes
polite children
Mr. D
lemons from California
having enough dollars
hotel rooms
a clean, sparkly Suburban

*love*

[BillSPrestonEsq]

Originally Posted by MtlMom

I need to know why you would scoff at vindaloo, Small. Even a curry snubber like me would at least try it if it were placed before me. After all, it does have A LOT of garlic in it, so it can't be all bad.

You snub curry?!? I live on curry. I eat curry by large ammounts, sweet curries, spicy curries, chicken curries, beef curries, tofu curries, etc.