Dear Santa, I'd love a Hawaii Chair.

In case you still don't know what to get Mom for Christmas.

Think she'd like these?

Tag. You're it.

Rebecca posted this on her blog, and I'm following suit. There are no instructions. Just comment on the words below!

Clothes: I used to enjoy clothes, but lately, I shop for clothes that hide things. It's all about hiding things.

Furniture: My couch is my friend.

Sweets: Also my friend.

City: Um, I don't know.

Drink: Diet Coke. Lots of Diet Coke.

Music: All of it.

TV: Depends on the day.

Film: Camera? Video? The film of baby slobber that's collecting on all my sons' toys?

Coffee: My best friend.

Now it's your turn!

Turkey Day desserts gone wild

Hopefully your Thanksgiving day dessert(s) looked better than these.

Devastating tragedy

I cannot believe things like this happen - Greed literally killing a person. Devastating.

30 questions

1. Where's the person who absolutely takes your breath away? Heaven.
2. What do you think of the last person you had a conversation with? His poop stinks!
3. What time did you go to sleep last night and why? 11pm because I had 800 things to do after smelly-poop went to bed at 10pm.
4. How is your heart lately? Warm.
5. What is your favorite kind of weather? Pure Fall.
6. Who would you trade lives with for a day? My dog.
7. Have you ever been in the newspaper? Probably.
8. Last baby you held? My favorite baby.
9. Ever made yourself cry to get out of trouble? I'm a girl. That's how we operate.
10. Are you single? Depends on who's asking.
11. Did the one person who hurt you most in your life apologize? Such a person doesn't exist.
12. Who was the last person that texted you? Probably Sara.
13. Do you get dressed up to go to work? Ha!
14. Have you ever worried that a ceiling fan would fall on top of you or something? No, but that reminds me that Lori's mom wouldn't let her tan, not because of skin cancer, but because the top of the booth might fall on top of her and kill her.
15. When did you last go to the beach? This is depressing me.
16. Are you someone who worries too often? Only about money. But I try to remember what the Notorious B.I.G. used to say, 'Mo money, 'Mo problems.
17. What does your hair look like today? I can't see it, but I imagine that the color is fabulous considering I have a kick-butt hair stylist.
18. Do you know anyone who drinks a lot? Unfortunately.
19. Are you in a good mood right now? Yes, but I'm exhausted.
20. Do you have a friend that knows everything or mostly everything about you? Absolutely - her name is Morgan.
21. Who were you with last night? My hubs and baby and friends from church.
22. What was the first thing you did this morning? Prayed that God would make the noises on the baby monitor go away.
23. Who was the first person you saw? My dog.
24. Did you kiss or hug anyone today? Hubs just kissed me on the forehead.
25. Who have you called today? No one, yet.
26. When's the last time you cried? Can't remember.
27. Would you take a bullet for anyone? My son.
28. What are you listening to right now? The garbage truck.
29. Do you like to cuddle? With Henry.
30. What was the highlight of your day so far? It's too early for highlights.

#2 & #3 refer to my son!

Now it's your turn!

I LOVE rap. I LOVE LeCrae.

Wanna participate?

Let me know if you want to participate in a book exchange. Basically, you send a book to a child, and then you send out six letters. Assuming your recipients participate, your child will eventually receive 36 books. Only email me if you are interested and willing to participate. 

If so, send me your mailing address. You can email me at alisonkhooper{at}gmail{dot}com.

I just sent out my book; we will see if Little Bear gets a few in return!

Brendan Foster is my hero.

You may have heard about Brendan Foster. He is an amazing spirit. I say "is" because his spirit is so alive.
Brendan Foster is my hero.

Thanksgiving 2006

I MUST share the story of my most memorable Thanksgiving to date: Thanksgiving 2006.

Two years ago my parents hosted Thanksgiving at their house. On the invite list was my immediate family, my Dad's extended family from Western Pennsylvania, my cousin's wife (my cousin is a firefighter and worked that day so he could not be there), and my then-boyfriend.

At the time, both my sister and I lived at home. I was going to grad school, and my sister was apartment shopping. Additionally, my parents have a weimaraner named Heidi, and my sister has a weimaraner named Hans. Heidi and Hans are part of the family. Most people are slightly offended by the way we treat our dogs - we allow them to beg from the dinner table, sleep in bed with us, and lounge on the furniture. But as my dad always says, "if you don't like my dogs then you can leave my house!"

This is important to note for two reasons: 1) Hans has a big role in this story, and 2) My dad's family from PA aren't big "dog" people.

About an hour before our guests were to arrive, my sister and I decided to hit up the grocery store for a couple of last minute items. My sister will tell you that she doesn't like "Thanksgiving food." She's a macaroni & cheese and pizza kind of gal, so dressing and cranberry sauce don't score too high on her list of yummy foods. We were going to the grocery store for mac-n-cheese.

After grabbing the final item and putting it in our grocery cart, we stopped by the in-store Starbuck's for coffees. While standing in line, my phone rang. I answered.

Mom: "You need to get home right away."

Me: "What's going on?"

Mom: "Hans has been hit by a car."

Me: "Are you serious? Okay, we're on our way." 

Click.

I looked at my sister. Hans is her life. That dog is her baby - honestly, she thinks breast-feeding is sort-of gross, but she would breast-feed that dog if she had to. I know that is a horrible visual, but it's the truth. 

So my sister is now looking at me like, "what's going on." I say to her, "we have to leave, now." She asks, "what's wrong?" I didn't have the heart to lie. As soon as I told her, she dropped everything - groceries, coffee - and started running to the car. I remember running behind her and watching her. She was trying to run but because she was in hysterics, she just sort-of shuffled out of the grocery store while making strange wailing noises.

We arrived home in record time (we only lived 2 miles from the grocery) and found my parents holding Hans. He was alert and on his feet, but his eyes were bloodshot and his tail was tucked, and he looked a bit beat up. Because our family from PA was on their way, I decided to stay back with my cousin's wife while my family took off with the dog to the puppy ER.

Soon after, our guests arrived. Because my mom had been in charge of the dinner, and because my mom was now at the puppy ER, my Great Aunt helped pull things together (even though she is ancient and not functioning so well). I can remember sitting at the table with my distant family and feeling sick to my stomach. I was so worried about the dog. And of course, my family from PA didn't understand. They are farmers, and they don't have relationships with animals as pets. I totally respect that, but they just didn't understand how badly I wanted them to leave so that I could be with my family and dog in that moment. 

After what seemed like forever, we received a phone call from my sister. Hans was going to be okay! He was going through a battery of tests to make sure that there was no internal bleeding, but he would survive. Now that everyone could relax a bit, my parents decided to leave my sister with Hans at the vet and come home to be with their guests. I decided to go to the vet to be with my sister.

It just so happened that my then-boyfriend (now husband) was on his way in town from his parents house to spend the rest of Thanksgiving with my family. Like a hero, he arrived just in time to pick up my sister, the puppy, and me from the vet. My then-boyfriend and I had only known each other a couple of months at that point, but I knew he was "it." He was so helpful during that difficult time, and even though he wasn't raised with pets like I was, he was willing to do whatever needed to be done for my family.

I will never forget that Thanksgiving. Thank God that Hans was okay, but he really gave us a scare. As it turns out, Hans was hit by a young man who was learning to drive. It was not the boy's fault at all. Hans darted into the street between two parked cars. The boy never even saw him coming. Fortunately this took place on a cul-de-sac thus the boy was driving slowly. I imagine that it really shook the boy up - can you imagine hitting a dog while you're learning to drive?!

Amen!

Thank you!

Thank you for reading Alidotes. 

As we approach 2009, I am working on updating my blogs to better reach my friends and readers. I don't anticipate that much will be different with Alidotes, but if that changes, you all will be the first to know!

In the meantime, thank you all so very much. I love this blog as it allows me to blurt out exactly what's going on with me in the moment, and many times, without a filter! Thanks for joining me on this wild ride.

Turkey wrestlin'!

This is what ThanksGIVING is all about!

Bringin' back the Soulja Boy

Don't ask me how I found this (honestly, I was looking up a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving). And this has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but I got such a kick out of it, that I HAD to post it! And if you know me, you know how much I LOVE this video.

Here she goes again.

Oh, Maxine.

THANKS for your support!

I won!

Not sure what earrings have to do with ole' fogies belly bumpin' - but, heck, I'll take 'em! Thanks Mrs. Fussypants!

Why?

A friend sent me these. They definitely make you think, Why?

• Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?
• Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
• Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
• Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'?
• If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
• How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

There were more, but these were my favorites.

How to Prepare a Turkey

A friend shared this with me. It provided me with a good chuckle.

How to Prepare a Turkey!

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.

John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder.

John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

It was a good weekend to be a Buckeye.

Unnecessary request fail

Shopping cart failure

Cute or Ugly?

You be the judge.

Rock on, Buckeyes!

GO BUCKEYES!

I'm sorry, but I had to post this!

I'm sorry, but this disturbed me.

Love ya, Sarah Palin, but pay better attention to your surroundings. And note to viewers, turkeys ARE HARMED in this video.

A very cold tradition.

Check out these crazy Buckeyes.

This video is from 2006, but every year it's the same wild party the Thursday before the big game. Go Bucks. Beat Michigan!

Go Bucks. Beat Michigan!

Beat the Blue!

Go Buckeyes!

USTREAM.TV

I have a friend who is obsessed with USTREAM.TV puppy cams (you know who you are). I have to admit, they are pretty darn cute.
Check it out, and let me know, are you addicted???

Think about it.

A friend sent me this quote. I LOVE it!

"People nowadays take time far more seriously than eternity." -Thomas Kelly

VOTE FOR ME!

VOTE FOR ME!

Come on, it's funny.

Some people are comparing the Motrin ad to this ad (in terms of it being offensive). I think this ad is hilarious. What's the big deal?

Motrin ad UPDATE!

Thanks for the query, Denise! Here is an update.

This made me chuckle

The facebook of Genesis.

A whole lot-of-fuss.

All the fuss over this ad has given me a headache. I need a Motrin.

*Thanks, Denise. Read this to better understand why the Motrin ad caused such a stir (and why it was pulled). It's quite amazing what can happen because of a bit of social networking (and never underestimate the power of a few angry moms!).

Another clip from Ellen

If you've never seen this before then you'll probably pee your pants. And if you've seen this before, you'll probably pee your pants. 

*and Sara, I could not find the rest of the Kitty video - I searched, and searched!

An inspiring family

A while back a friend introduced me to this blog. Blogger mom and her family are amazing. They moved into a less than desirable part of the city in order to serve the people of that community (per God's calling). Additionally, they are actively pursuing adoption of two little girls from Liberia (they have three children of their own). 

They parent uniquely and beautifully, and I admire them.

One of their goals is to educate their children about food and where it came from. They do the majority of their grocery shopping at farmer's markets with their children in tow.

I read this recent post and was inspired. I would love for my family to make the shift to eating mostly organic, local and homegrown foods.

This link directs you to their blog. I could not figure out how to link directly to the post. The post is "November 16, 2008."

These are my people.

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

So it begins

I have been blogging since February, but it was not until yesterday that I received my first negative comment following one of my posts. 

I have always asked people to be honest and express their opinions - that's the fun of the blogosphere. But until yesterday, I never experienced a negative response to one of my posts.

After first reading the comment, I felt my blood pressure rise and my heart begin to race. But I quickly realized that it was so cool! Someone actually read something that I had to say (although in this case it was a post of a letter from a third party), and my words caused them to actually "feel" something. I love it!

Unfortunately, the individual who commented did not leave their name or a link to their website. It's not a big deal, I simply find it interesting. I'm constantly dishin' out my two cents but I think there is something to be said about someone who posts an anonymous comment. Just a thought.

Oh, and how interesting that I have never received any negativity from my political posts or controversial posts regarding abortion, etc., but it was the post about de-stigmatizing self-mutilation that struck a chord with someone. Not sure what to make of that, but it's interesting.

So, ladies and gentlemen, I received my first negative post, and I can officially say that I am part of this crazy little world called the blogosphere!

And the winner is...

SNW!

SNW answered 3.5 questions correctly. A close second was auntmo with 3 questions answered correctly (yes, it was a tight race!).

So what are the answers?

Q1) Who did I label as a cougar in a previous post?

A1) Betty White! Remember this video clip? *auntmo, Sarah Palin was a good guess - she's a cougar for other reasons, though.

Q2) I have two tattoos, where is this one located on my body (none of my tattoos are in areas that would be hidden by undergarments)?

A2) My foot! That foot has seen a lot of action - that's the ankle that I recently broke.

Q3) Who lives here?

A3) Don't you all remember my BFF? She is the adorable owner of this lovely house in Cabot Cove. I seriously could watch Murder She Wrote all day.

Q4) Why would someone bake us this cake?

A4) This is where Sara received a 1/2 point. Yes, it was presented to us (technically to me) for a wedding-related event, but more specifically, it was the cake at my bridal shower hosted by my mom's best friend.

Q5) In a previous post, I discussed a book that I had recently rediscovered. What was that book?

A5) Blue Like Jazz! An absolute awesome book by the amazing Don Miller.

And, SNW, you will be getting a copy of that wonderful book. I know you are busy, but maybe Thanksgiving or Christmas break will allow you time to read it. I love it.

And because I love the earth and online auctions, I will be sending you a gently used copy that I purchase on eBay. Hopefully it arrives in your mailbox soon! Way to go!!!

Thanks for participating in my 100th post contest! It was fun while it lasted. Until next time . . .

Contest ends in 4 hours.

You are only 5 questions away from the grand prize...
Contest over!

Kitty!

Morgan, this one's for you!

100th post contest

Wanna participate in a contest? Check out the details!!!
Contest over!

Guess I won't be an astronaut when I grow up.

Send a message to Burton

This came from NAMI StigmaBusters:

The Burton Snowboard Company in Vermont, an international leader in the sport industry, recently unveiled its “Primo” line of snowboards, featuring graphic images of self-mutilation. NAMI is protesting the company’s insensitivity to public health concerns.

For people living with mental illnesses, self-injury unfortunately sometimes is a means of coping with severe emotional stress. Physical injury becomes a surrogate for emotional pain. The Burton images reinforce impulses toward such violence and essentially trivializes them.

Spectrum Youth & Family Services in Vermont , which provides housing and services to homeless, foster and at-risk youth, has protested the toxic snowboards by suspending its participation in Burton’s “Chill” program— which provides free snowboarding lessons to disadvantaged youth in cities around the country. Chill’s mission? “To build self-esteem.”

In a newspaper article , Spectrum’s executive director objected also to a Burton snowboard line that features Playboy models, which is being protested by other groups: “I think I have the right to get on a [chairlift] this winter with my 5-year-old and not have him subjected to any of these scenes…I think I have the right not to have my son ask me, ‘Daddy, why is there a picture of someone’s naked bottom on that snowboard? Why is there a picture of a bloody hand all over that snowboard?’”

Please send Burton a message:

• Primo snowboards are a public health hazard.
• Self-injury is not a sport. There is nothing athletic about self-mutilation.
• Graphic illustrations of bleeding fingers are insensitive and trivialize a symptom of mental illness.
• Be one of the good guys. Stop toxic marketing. Support mental health education instead.

Contact:

Mr. Laurent Potdevin, CEO
Burton Snowboard Company
80 Industrial Parkway
Burlington, VT 05401
info@burton.com.

StigmaBusters involved in youth-oriented programs are especially encouraged to contact Burton’s Chill Program to emphasize that the Primo line is a black-eye to the good the company tries to do. They are at risk of losing goodwill and credibility.

Katherine McConnell
Burton Snowboard Company
Director of Chill Program
katherinem@burton.com

100th post CONTEST

This is my 100th post on alidotes! Rock on!

So, I whipped up a little contest for my loyal readers.

CONTEST IS CLOSED!

I'll close the contest Monday evening at 5:30pm (eastern). 

To participate, leave a comment with your answers to the five questions listed below. I'll hide the comments until the contest ends on Monday. Not that any of my peeps would cheat, but if there was chocolate in the teacher's lounge, and no one else was in the teacher's lounge, I'd eat the chocolate.

Also, make sure your contact information is located somewhere on your blogger homepage. If you win, I need to be able to contact you!

Oh, and is there a prize? Yes, of course there is a prize! But I can't tell you what because that's part of the contest. Woohoo!

The winner will be the person to answer the most amount of questions correctly, and if there is a tie, the prize will go to the person who answered first.

Take it away!

1) Who did I label as a cougar in a previous post?

2) I have two tattoos, where is this one located on my body (none of my tattoos are in areas that would be hidden by undergarments)?

3) Who lives here?

4) Why would someone bake us this cake?

5) In a previous post, I discussed a book that I had recently rediscovered. What was that book?

Speaking to my heart

I stumbled upon this man's blog - very random considering he lives in Holland. Anywho, this post spoke to my heart. It says a lot about where I am coming from as a pro-life Obama supporter.

My new favorite picture

Whassup?

MoMo & Henry, Say Cheese!

Check out the MoMo & Henry photo shoot at Aunt MoMo's Corner!

GET YOUR PHOTO BOOK

You have the rest of today to redeem this coupon for a free photo book! Thanks, Oprah and Snapfish!

Girlfriend can walk.

That's right. This girl can walk. Sure, it ain't pretty (I sort of look like a girly Quasimodo), but I can get from point A to point B relying solely on my two feet! This girl is getting her life back. Hallelujah!

*To be exact, I am working with a physical therapist to get full range of motion back. She said that if I am a good patient, I will be back to jogging in 4-8 weeks! Praise the Lord!

Did you know? Leaves hurt fish!

Don't hurt the fish! The Ohio EPA is asking residents to keep leaves on their lawns and out of the storm drains: "When leaves pile in the street, rain can carry them into storm drains and ultimately into rivers and streams. Too many leaves in waterways causes algae to bloom, which in turn soaks up oxygen that fish need." It's recommended that residents bag leaves or rake them to the lawn above the curb where rain runoff will soak into the ground (thus allowing the lawn to eat up all the yummy nutrients). And if you don't have a good solution for all your leaves - start a compost! We live in a condo, and we built a small compost bin in our backyard. It's been a wonderful catch-all for a lot of our food waste. Plus, it is earth friendly!

Like, is Sarah Plain, like, going to run for president?

It's been just over one week since Senator McCain and Governor Palin lost their presidential bid, yet every time I turn on the T.V., I see Sarah Palin giving an interview. She's all over the place, and I'm very curious as to why. Is she really going to go for it in 2012? According to an interview that aired Monday on Fox News, Palin said, "I'm like, OK, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door." God love her for wanting to follow God's plan, but she's going to have to clean up her valley-girl lingo if anyone is going to listen to her in four years.

God is GOOD!

God is so good. I saw my doctor yesterday, and I expected to receive a script to begin extensive physical therapy on my ankle. I knew that I would be getting x-rays, but I was unsure what those x-rays would show. As it turns out, my visit with my amazing doctor (shout out to Dr. Baker) went better than I anticipated. 

My x-rays show that I am healing well. I saw my x-rays, and what I didn't know is that I have some serious hardware in my leg! On the inside of my ankle I have two substantial screws. On the outside, I have a large plate (4-5 inches long) screwed into the bone with six screws. Additionally I have one long screw that goes through the plate and is stabilizing the tear in my ligament. That screw will be removed in a month.

Dr. Baker said that I could switch to wearing a shoe (a real shoe!), and I can begin to put weight on my ankle! He said that I could walk, slowly, and he even gave me the thumbs up to hold and carry my son!!! That was the best news. Finally, he gave me the option of physical therapy. I told him that I would prefer PT so that I can learn exercises to do at home so he wrote me a script for two weeks of PT.

Wow! I really expected to be without the use of my leg for another couple of weeks. God is so good. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. And without the help of my family and Matt's family, I really don't know what we would have done. This experience has grown our family, and for that I am so grateful.

Thank you for your prayers.

It is my understanding that my Auntie is out of surgery. As far as I know, everything looks good. Thank you so much for your prayers.

Chance to win a darlin' necklace

Check it out!

Is it too late for me to be a Huxtable?

One week later.

1/20/09!

In rememberance

Thank you, thank you, thank you to ALL who have served our country and to ALL who have sacrificed their lives for my freedoms. 

And Lord, please protect those men and women who are currently fighting for our country. Amen.

Happy Birthday, Hubby!

Happy Birthday to the amazing man who I call my husband!

Matt and I were introduced by a mutual friend in June, 2006. We emailed for a couple of months before he finally called me. We didn't physically meet until October, 2006, and though it might not have been love-at-first-sight, it was close enough. In March, 2007, during Ohio State's Final Four game (we were watching the game at home), Matt asked me to marry him. Not wasting anytime, we were married in September - less than a year since first physically meeting each other. It has been a whirlwind - having added a puppy and baby to the mix - but it truly has been the most amazing couple of years of my life. Matt provides me with exactly what I need when I need it which is usually a sounding board or a calm and rational voice to my erratic and nonsensical moments (which are popping into our lives more and more since the birth of our young son).

Matt, I love you dearly, and I thank God for blessing me with the most loving husband and most tender father to my son.

*Niceties aside, I had to post this picture. I love it for many reasons but mainly because you often give me that face when I'm speakin' nonsense. I also can't get over how long you used to wear your "hair" - thank goodness for my sister!

will.i.am knows what he's talkin' 'bout

Guest Post

Check out Technology Meets Teen Drivers at Blog Mommas where I am a guest contributor!

Rachel & Ryan update

If you are interested in reading an update from Rachel & Ryan (see candlelight vigil), please see Kayleigh's blog. Continue to pray.

In memory of Hannah & Carly

Please join me in praying for Rachel and Ryan. In March, they lost their firstborn, Carly, at 3 months old. More recently they lost their second baby, Hannah, at 32 weeks gestation. A friend of theirs, also named Carly, has set up a candlelight vigil in honor and memory of these two precious babies. 

I light this candle to shine for babies Hannah & Carly. 

Please join me in saying a prayer for this family, and if you are called to light a candle, please take a picture and send to Carly at twenty_six_stars@hotmail.com. Please include your name and your location. These pictures will be passed on to Rachel and Ryan.

Interesting Commentary

This is interesting:

I saw this on CNN.com this morning, and it definitely got me thinking. Thought I'd share.

Scratch Back & My sister's pajamas

I'm trying something new. For those of you seasoned bloggers, you understand Google AdSense, and for those of you who don't understand Google AdSense, here's the quick and dirty: It's basically a way to make a very little bit of money by allowing advertisements on your site via Google. And when I say a very little bit, I mean pennies. 

So in an attempt to generate a bit more revenue, mainly for shoots and giggles, I'm trying Scratch Back. In short, Scratch Back is a tip jar with benefits. Check it out; it might be a good fit for your site.

And what does Scratch Back have to do with my sister's pajamas? Nothing. Nothing at all. But if you could have seen my sister in her pajamas today (since 2pm) then you would blog about it too. Because it was funny. I don't have a picture, and for that I am sorry. But even if I did have a picture, she would hunt me down with her $200 hair-cutting scissors and hurt me badly (those babies are sharp - she's been to the ER twice because of them!). Anyway, let me try to describe her oh-so-special look: light blue (with monkeys and moons) oversized, flannel nightgown; strange pant-legging-type things underneath oversized nightgown; black moccasin-ish slippers (though I think she wears them as real shoes also - that's another post in itself); and curly, frizzy, hot mess of a head of hair half pulled back in a ponytail because other half of her curly, frizzy mess won't fit in the ponytail. She was a beaut.

But hey, we had a lazy afternoon of surfin' the web, watching The Bodyguard, and eating enchilada casserole - and it was the best lazy Saturday that we have had in a long time!

And in her defense, she was up at the crack of dawn for work, so she had every right to throw her pajamas on at 2pm and lounge!

Go Hawks!

Though I am a bit bummed that Joe Pa won't see a perfect season (most likely at all in his lifetime), I am VERY excited for the Hawkeyes! No offense to the Hawks, but I can't believe that you all beat them and we didn't!

Remembering Heather Pick

Yesterday our community lost an amazing woman, 10TV news anchor, Heather Pick. 

According to the 10TV website:
"Heather died after a brave and public battle with breast cancer. Heather left us in her home surrounded by her family earlier today. Heather learned in 2004 that the disease she had beaten once in 1999 had returned. Through The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Heather participated in many breakthrough new treatments."
Heather, thank you for all that you did to bring awareness to the disease. I am praying for your family - both the Picks and your 10TV family.

I love this picture.

I love this picture. I love this picture.

Flashback Friday

A fellow blogger asked her readers this question, "Why blogging?" as part of her weekly posts to Flashback Friday. I thought I'd answer that question and participate in the carnival.

I began blogging shortly before the birth of our son. We have many friends and family who do not live nearby, and a blog was a solution for keeping everyone informed about our son's little life. My first and favorite blog is The Hoopers. It is my favorite because it is the story of our son, and he's my favorite story.

But as motherhood overcame me, I found myself experiencing moments of brain mush. Because I was not back at work and because I had fewer and fewer adult interactions, I decided to start another blog allowing me to use my brain again. That is when I came up with the idea for henry's treehouse. This blog had been a great way for me to remain current on issues that pertain to my life as a mom, educator, and mental health professional (I was a School Counselor before I had my son). 

And then I broke my ankle. Breaking my ankle confined me to my couch almost exclusively and that meant spending a lot of time on my computer. I decided to start another blog, alidotes, because I didn't know where else to blog about all my random thoughts and opinions. I couldn't use our family blog because a lot of times I would run my mouth about politics or fashion. I couldn't use henry's treehouse because the things that I had to say lacked the professionalism that I maintain in henry's treehouse. So alidotes has become my inner-monologue - ranting and raving about anything that hits a cord. 

Finally, my final blog (I know, it's rididulous) is non-maternal instincts. I started this blog because even after the other three blogs, I still had a lot to say about motherhood. I wanted to use my sarcastic voice to blabber about all that motherhood has offered. I LOVE motherhood, but it can be rough. And I enjoy sharing my experiences through sarcasm and cynicism merely for the fun of it. 

So that is my journey. It only began in February of this year, so I am considered a young blogger. But I love it. I love to blog, and I love the blogosphere. Who knows what will come of all my blogs, but for now, I will continue to punch away on my laptop whether or not anyone else is reading.

Michelle's election night dress

This is the Michelle Obama election night dress (Narciso Rodriguez runway version). I agree with Alyssa; it was an interesting choice.

Leave her alone.

It's no secret that I am not one of Sarah Palin's biggest fans, but can the media leave her and her family alone already?! Just let her return to Alaska in peace. Amen.

Thank you, Beth Moore.

For those of you who don't know Beth Moore, she is an incredible lady full of life and more importantly, Jesus. She recently had this to say on her blog, and I am grateful for her kind words. She speaks the truth.

I love this family.

Email from the President Elect

Alison -
I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.
We just made history.
And I don't want you to forget how we did it.
You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.
I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.
We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.
But I want to be very clear about one thing...
All of this happened because of you.
Thank you,
Barack

Go Bucks. Go Barack.

A couple of verses pertaining to this very important election day:

Each day is "according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." Ephesians 1:11

God "changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:21

Voting Adventures 2008

I just returned from exercising my right to vote, and I am extremely grateful to those who fought so hard to make voting a possibility for me.

Let me share a few highlights from my voting adventures today.

1) I was blessed by a friend who works at my polling place. She called me when the lines went down, and I was able to get over there and nearly walk right in.

2) It was a workout. From the parking lot, into the building, and around to the gym was good exercise for a girl on crutches! Now I stink.

3) I opted for a paper ballot. Originally I went in line for electronic voting, but after standing in line for several minutes, a man offered to let me sit and fill out a paper ballot. He didn't have to ask me twice.

4) In the few minutes that I was in line, I stood in front of two women. These women obviously knew each other because they were quite chatty. At first I wasn't bothered by them, but by the time I hobbled over to my paper ballot, I was ready to use my crutches in ways for which they were not intended. 

Though I only caught two parts of their conversation, that was enough. Let me break it down:

Part One 

Woman with gag-me-now perfume: "have you been to that one? It's just by Polaris. Darling baby clothes, and I don't even have babies anymore."

Woman with glittery sweater (it's 75 degrees today): "okay, I'll have to go. I've been looking for another baby boutique in that area. I just love shopping for babies."

Part Two 

Woman with gag-me-now perfume: "and they say not everyone can get proper and affordable healthcare, yeah, like maybe the ones who choose not to have it."

Woman with glittery sweater: "or the ones who can't afford it." 

Woman with gag-me-now-perfume: "we didn't have it the first year Rich was working up here and we spent $18,000 that year in healthcare. It was hard, but we did it because that's just what you have to do."

Woman with glittery sweater in obnoxiously sarcastic tone: "you know what you should have done is file bankruptcy and live on welfare and do that for however long you wanted to."

Woman with gag-me-now-perfume: "Oh, I know it, that just makes me so mad that people think that living off of our money is acceptable."

Yes, my friends, this was the conversation between Mrs. Nasty Perfume and Mrs. Sparkle Sweater behind me. My favorite part is when Perfume said that they spent $18,000 on healthcare one year - um, excuse me Nasty Perfume - that's not called AFFORDABLE! SINCE WHEN DID HEALTHCARE BECOME A LUXURY? So when a fatherless four-year-old is sick with a cold and the child can't get proper treatment because mom was recently laid off, and the cold develops into pneumonia, you mean to tell me that precious little child doesn't deserve the same healthcare experience as you just because you have more money??? Oh for the love of God. I couldn't get to my paper-ballot cubby fast enough.

But aside from Perfume and Sparkles, I had a wonderful voting experience. I voted today, and I voted with pride. Here are a couple of pictures from my voting adventures.

Excuse the picture of my ballot - I was in a dark cubby using my camera phone thus the picture quality is poor. And thanks to the young man who took my picture on my way out of the gymnasium. Though you gave me a strange look when I asked if you would take my picture, you agreed, and for that I am very appreciative.

Greg Oden knows what he's talkin' bout.

*Thanks Sara!

Compliments of a brilliant Artistic Director

I failed to mention that my darlin' new mom 'do was beautifully designed by my coloring-genius of a sister, Morgan Lynn!

Check this out.

Check out this opportunity to receive an autographed copy of:

To Walk on Fertile Ground.

It is a story of one woman's journey through infertility.

Love & Prayers to the friends and family of Madelyn Dunham

Praying that tomorrow will be a better day for you, Senator Obama.

In case you want to be like Michelle when you grow up.

Who has the time to do this sort of thing?

My new mom 'do

His & Hers

This picture was sent to me via a friend. 

It is the perfect illustration of my life.

Coolest sister ever

My sister is the coolest ever. Check out her most recent post.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Barack Obama: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for change! The chicken wanted change!

John McCain: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

Hillary Clinton: When I was first lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from day one that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.

George W. Bush: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

Dick Cheney: Where's my gun?

Bill Clinton: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of chicken?

Al Sharpton: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.

Anderson Cooper, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

Nancy Grace: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

Dr. Seuss: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

Ernest Hemingway: To die. In the rain. Alone.

Aristotle: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

Albert Einstein: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

Colonel Sanders: Did I miss one?

*I received this as a forward via email. There were a few more on the list; I selected my favorites from the list to share with you.

I love church.

Seriously, I love my church. We just returned from a church function that made me realize how blessed we are to be members of such an amazing church. The evening rocked. Our church rocks. Our friends rock. And God rules!

Quite the prank

Sarah Palin pranked!

Honestly, I tried to listen to this with an open mind, but there is no way that I would have carried on that entire time having not figured it out. There were too many giveaways - I'm really shocked that she didn't catch on.

This is my new favorite 2-minute video:

Shout out.

This is a shout out to my sister, Morgan, and dear friend, Sara. These two ladies ALWAYS remember little Henry's "birthdays." While not real birthdays, they never forget to email or call to say Happy X Month Birthday to my little man. These ladies adore my son, and for that I will forever be grateful.

*Today is my son's 7-month birthday.

*And if you think that my friend, Sara, should start up her own blog, raise your hand (visualize my hand halfway in the air - I'd put it all the way up, but I'm wearing a tank, and I haven't shaved in a few days).